JPH08101801A - Peripheral equipment and its communication mode processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To automatically put the peripheral equipment back into the previous communication of a two-way parallel is interface by referring to the two-way communication mode which is stored each time the power source is turned ON and controlling the setting of the communication mode. CONSTITUTION: The host interface controller 18 of a printer 1500 automatically sets the mode of a communication with a host computer 3000 by referring to a two-way communication mode extracted by a CPU 13 or a two-way communication mode stored in a specific area of a nonvolatile memory. Namely, the host interface controller refers to the two-way communication mode extracted by the CPU 13 or the last two-way communication mode stored in the nonvolatile memory 24 and automatically sets the mode of the communication with the host computer 3000 each time the power source is turned ON. Consequently, a data communication in the last or high-frequency communication mode can be restarted without data communication processing for the setting the mode of the communication with the host computer 3000.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a peripheral device for controlling registration and setting of a communication mode with a peripheral device such as a printer connected to a host computer through an interface device conforming to a predetermined bidirectional parallel interface, and a peripheral device. The present invention relates to a communication mode processing method for peripheral devices.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been proposed a communication control device for controlling communication with a peripheral device such as a printer connected to a host computer via an interface device conforming to a predetermined bidirectional parallel interface.

In this type of communication control device, in order to enter each communication mode of a predetermined communication protocol, for example, a bidirectional parallel interface as described in IEEE P1284, each time a negotiation is performed from the host computer. It was necessary to perform and transition to each mode.

[0004]

However, conventionally, after the power supply of the peripheral device is once turned off and then turned on again, the communication mode of the interface between the host computer and the peripheral device is initialized, so that the peripheral device is initialized. The communication mode on the side started up in the compatibility mode compatible with the conventional one.

That is, whatever the communication mode before the power is turned off, when the power is turned on again, the
There is a problem that the setting of the previous communication mode is not reflected because it is fixed to the idle mode.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the first to tenth inventions of the present invention is to store a set bidirectional communication mode and turn on the power. By controlling the setting of the communication mode with reference to the stored bidirectional communication mode for each, even when the power supply of the peripheral device side is temporarily cut off (OFF) and then turned on again (ON), the previous bidirectional parallel interface The communication mode can be automatically restored, and the user can save the trouble of setting the communication mode again from the host computer. Furthermore, the power of the peripheral device can be temporarily cut off (OF
Even when F) and then re-input (ON), from the usage status of the communication mode of the previous bidirectional parallel interface,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a peripheral device capable of automatically returning to the communication mode most frequently used and a communication mode processing method for the peripheral device.

[0007]

A first aspect of the present invention relates to a peripheral device for bidirectional communication with a host computer via a predetermined bidirectional parallel interface,
First mode storage means for storing the current bidirectional communication mode, second mode storage means for storing the bidirectional communication mode a predetermined number of times for each data communication with the host computer, and the second mode storage A mode extracting unit that extracts the most frequently used bidirectional communication mode stored in the unit each time the power is turned on, and the bidirectional communication mode extracted from the mode extracting unit or the first mode storage unit. And a communication control means for automatically setting the communication mode with the host computer with reference to the bidirectional communication mode.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in a peripheral device which performs bidirectional communication with a host computer via a predetermined bidirectional parallel interface, a first mode storage means for storing a current bidirectional communication mode. , A communication control means for automatically setting a communication mode with the host computer by referring to the bidirectional communication mode stored in the first mode storage means every time the power is turned on.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in a peripheral device which performs bidirectional communication with a host computer via a predetermined bidirectional parallel interface, the bidirectional communication mode is set a predetermined number of times for each data communication with the host computer. A second mode storing means for storing the minutes, and a mode extracting means for extracting the most frequently used bidirectional communication mode stored in the second mode storing means each time the power is turned on,
And a communication control unit for automatically setting a communication mode with the host computer with reference to the bidirectional communication mode extracted from the mode extracting unit.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, it is determined whether or not a bidirectional communication mode is stored in the first mode storage means to execute a predetermined data communication for setting a communication mode with a host computer. A communication mode determining means for determining permission / prohibition is provided.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, it is determined whether or not a bidirectional communication mode is stored in the second mode storage means to execute a predetermined data communication for setting a communication mode with a host computer. A communication mode determining means for determining permission / prohibition is provided.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the first mode storage means is composed of a non-volatile memory medium.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the second mode storage means comprises a non-volatile memory medium.

An eighth aspect of the present invention is a communication mode processing method for a peripheral device capable of bidirectional communication with a host computer via a predetermined bidirectional parallel interface, wherein the bidirectional communication mode is set every time the power is turned on. A determination step of determining whether or not the data is stored in the internal memory of the peripheral device, and a communication mode determination step of determining whether or not to execute predetermined data communication for setting the communication mode with the host computer based on the determination result. I have.

A ninth aspect of the present invention is a communication mode processing method for a peripheral device capable of bidirectional communication with a host computer through a predetermined bidirectional parallel interface, wherein the bidirectional communication mode is set every time the power is turned on. A determination step of determining whether or not it is stored in the internal memory of the peripheral device, and a mode setting step of setting the communication mode with the host computer according to the bidirectional communication mode stored in the internal memory of the peripheral device Is.

A tenth aspect of the present invention is a communication mode processing method for a peripheral device capable of bidirectional communication with a host computer through a predetermined bidirectional parallel interface, the bidirectional communication being performed a predetermined number of times each time the power is turned on. A determining step of determining whether or not the communication mode is stored in the internal memory of the peripheral device, and a bidirectional communication mode with a high frequency of use from a predetermined number of bidirectional communication modes stored in the internal memory of the peripheral device A mode extraction process for extracting
And a mode setting step of setting a communication mode with the host computer in accordance with the extracted bidirectional communication mode with high usage frequency.

[0017]

In the first invention, each time the power is turned on, the communication control means refers to the bidirectional communication mode extracted from the mode extracting means or the bidirectional communication mode stored in the first mode storing means. Automatically sets the communication mode with the host computer, and shifts to a state in which data communication in the previous or frequent communication mode can be resumed without performing data communication processing for determining the communication mode with the host computer. It is possible to do.

In the second invention, the communication control means refers to the bidirectional communication mode stored in the first mode storage means every time the power is turned on to automatically set the communication mode with the host computer, and the host computer It is possible to shift to a state in which the data communication in the previously set communication mode can be resumed without performing the data communication processing for determining the communication mode with.

In the third invention, the communication control means refers to the bidirectional communication mode extracted from the mode extracting means to automatically set the communication mode with the host computer to determine the communication mode with the host computer. It is possible to shift to a state in which data communication in a frequently used communication mode can be resumed without performing data communication processing for.

In the fourth invention, it is judged whether or not the bidirectional communication mode is stored in the first mode storing means, and the communication mode determining means determines predetermined data for setting the communication mode with the host computer. If you decide whether to execute communication and the previous communication mode is stored,
It is possible to eliminate the need for data communication processing for determining the communication mode with the host computer.

In the fifth invention, it is determined whether or not the bidirectional communication mode is stored in the second mode storing means, and the communication mode determining means determines the predetermined data for setting the communication mode with the host computer. It is possible to determine whether communication can be executed and to eliminate the need for a data communication process for determining a communication mode with a host computer when a communication mode that is frequently used is stored.

In the sixth invention, the first mode storage means can store the communication mode of the previous time or a predetermined number of times as a non-volatile memory medium regardless of whether the power is turned on or off.

In the seventh aspect of the invention, the second mode storage means can store the communication mode of the last time or a predetermined number of times as a non-volatile memory medium regardless of whether the power is turned on or off.

In the eighth invention, every time the power is turned on, it is determined whether the bidirectional communication mode is stored in the internal memory of the peripheral device, and the communication mode with the host computer is set based on the determination result. Therefore, it is possible to determine the communication mode for determining whether or not to execute a predetermined data communication, and to eliminate the need for the data communication process for determining the communication mode with the host computer, which is necessary every time the power is turned on.

In a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication mode processing method for a peripheral device capable of bidirectional communication with a host computer via a predetermined bidirectional parallel interface,
Each time the power is turned on, it is determined whether the bidirectional communication mode is stored in the internal memory of the peripheral device, and after the determination,
The communication mode with the host computer is set according to the bidirectional communication mode stored in the internal memory of the peripheral device, and data communication processing for determining the communication mode with the host computer, which is necessary every time the power is turned on, is performed. Instead, it is possible to shift to a state in which data communication is possible in the communication mode state set last time.

In a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the communication mode processing method for a peripheral device capable of bidirectional communication with a host computer via a predetermined bidirectional parallel interface, the bidirectional communication mode for a predetermined number of times is set every time the power is turned on. It is determined whether or not it is stored in the internal memory of the peripheral device, and after the determination, the frequently used bidirectional communication mode is extracted from the predetermined number of times of the bidirectional communication mode stored in the internal memory of the peripheral device. However, the communication mode with the host computer is set according to the extracted bidirectional communication mode with high frequency of use, and data communication processing for determining the communication mode with the host computer, which is necessary every time the power is turned on, is not performed. In addition, it is possible to shift to a state in which data communication is possible in a communication mode that is frequently used.

[0027]

【Example】

[First Embodiment] Before describing the configuration of the present embodiment, the configurations of a laser beam printer and an inkjet printer as peripheral devices suitable for applying the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. . Needless to say, the printer to which the present embodiment is applied is not limited to the laser beam printer and the inkjet printer, and may be a printer of another printing method.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the structure of a first peripheral device to which the present invention can be applied, for example, the case of a laser beam printer (LBP).

In the figure, reference numeral 1500 denotes an LBP main body, which inputs and stores print information (character code, etc.) supplied from an externally connected host computer, form information, macro commands and the like. A corresponding character pattern, form pattern, or the like is created according to the above, and an image is formed on a recording paper or the like that is a recording medium.

Reference numeral 1501 denotes a switch for operation and L
Operation panel with ED display etc., 1000 is L
A printer control unit for controlling the entire BP main body 1500 and analyzing character information and the like supplied from the host computer. The printer control unit 1000 mainly converts character information into a video signal of a corresponding character pattern and outputs it to the laser driver 1502. The laser driver 1502 is a circuit for driving the semiconductor laser 1503, and switches on / off a laser beam 1504 emitted from the semiconductor laser 1503 according to an input video signal.

The laser beam 1504 is oscillated in the left-right direction by the rotary polygon mirror 1505 to scan and expose the electrostatic drum 1506. As a result, an electrostatic latent image of a character pattern is formed on the electrostatic drum 1506. This latent image is developed by a developing unit 1507 arranged around the electrostatic drum 1506 and then transferred to a recording paper. A cut sheet is used for this recording paper, and the cut sheet recording paper is a paper cassette 1508 mounted on the LBP main body 1500.
And the paper feed roller 1509 and the transport roller 15
It is taken into the apparatus by 10 and the conveyance roller 1511 and is supplied to the electrostatic drum 1506.

The LBP main body 1500 is provided with at least one card slot (not shown) so that an optional font card and a control card (emulation card) having a different language can be connected in addition to the built-in font. .

FIG. 2 is an external view showing the configuration of a second peripheral device to which the present invention can be applied, for example, the case of an ink jet recording apparatus (IJRA).

In the figure, the carriage HC that engages with the spiral groove 5004 of the lead screw 5005 that rotates via the driving force transmission gears 5011 and 5009 in conjunction with the forward and reverse rotations of the drive motor 5013 is a pin (not shown). And is reciprocated in the directions of arrows a and b. An inkjet cartridge IJC is mounted on the carriage HC. A paper pressing plate 5002 presses the paper against the platen 5000 in the carriage movement direction. Reference numerals 5007 and 5008 denote photocouplers, which function as home position detecting means for confirming the presence of the carriage lever 5006 in this area and switching the rotation direction of the drive motor 5013. Reference numeral 5016 is a member for indicating a cap member 5022 for capping the entire surface of the recording head, and 5015 is a suction means for sucking the inside of the cap, which performs suction recovery of the recording head through the opening 5023 in the cap. A cleaning blade 5017 can be moved in the front-rear direction by a member 5019. 5018
Is a main body supporting plate which supports the above 5017 and 5019.
5012 is a lever for starting suction for suction recovery,
The cam 5020, which is engaged with the carriage, moves along with the movement of the cam 5020, and the driving force from the driving motor 5013 is controlled by a known transmission means such as clutch switching. 5003 is a carriage guide.

The capping, cleaning, and suction recovery are configured so that desired processing can be performed at their corresponding positions by the action of the lead screw 5005 when the carriage comes to the home position side area. It suffices if it is configured so as to perform the desired operation.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the control configuration of the second peripheral device shown in FIG.

In the figure, 1700 is an interface for inputting a recording signal, 1701 is an MPU, 1702 is a ROM for storing a control program executed by the MPU 1701 and host print information, and 1703 is a DRAM for storing various data (the above-mentioned recording signal and The recording data supplied to the head) is saved. A gate array 1704 controls the supply of output data to the recording head 1708, and includes an interface 1700, an MPU 1701, and a DRAM 17.
It also controls the transfer of data between 03. Reference numeral 1710 denotes a carrier motor for carrying the recording head 1708, and 17
Reference numeral 09 denotes a conveyance motor for conveying recording paper, 1705 denotes a head driver for driving the recording head, 1706 denotes a motor driver for driving the conveyance motor 1709, 17
A motor driver 07 drives the carrier motor 1710.

In the above-configured output device, when input information is input from the host computer 100, which will be described later, through the interface 1700, the input information is output between the gate array 1704 and the MPU 1701 for printing. Is converted to. Then, the motor drivers 1706 and 1707 are driven, and the recording head is driven according to the output information sent to the head driver 1705 to execute printing.

The MPU 1701 is an interface 1
Communication processing with the host computer 100 described later is possible via 700, and it is configured to be able to notify the host computer 100 described later of memory information and resource data regarding the DRAM 1703 and host print information in the ROM 1702.

The interface 1700 is an IEEE P1
The interface conforms to the regulations of 284,
It is configured to enable bidirectional parallel data communication with the host computer.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the control configuration of the peripheral device and the host computer shown in FIG.

Here, the laser beam printer shown in FIG. 1 will be described as an example. As long as the functions of the present invention are executed, the present invention can be applied to a single device, a system including a plurality of devices, or a system in which processing is performed via a network such as a LAN. It goes without saying that the invention can be applied.

In the figure, reference numeral 3000 denotes a host computer, which executes document processing in which graphics, images, characters, tables (including spreadsheets, etc.) are mixed based on a document processing program stored in the program ROM of the ROM 3. To do C
The CPU 1 is provided with the PU 1 and controls each device connected to the system device 4 as a whole.

The program ROM of the ROM 3
The ROM 3 stores a control program of the CPU 1 as shown in the flowcharts of FIGS.
The font ROM stores the font data used in the above document processing. A RAM 2 functions as a main memory and a work area of the CPU 1. A keyboard controller (KBC) 5 controls key inputs from the keyboard 9 and a pointing device (not shown).

6 is a CRT controller (CRTC),
Controls the display on the CRT display (CRT) 10.
A hard disk (HD) 12 stores a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, edit files, and the like. External memory 11
Access is controlled by the memory interface 7. A printer interface controller 8 is connected to the printer 1500 via a predetermined bidirectional interface (interface) 22, and the printer 1500
And communication control processing with.

The CPU 1 executes the rasterizing process of the outline font in the display information RAM set in the RAM 2, for example, and the W on the CRT 10 is executed.
It enables YSIWYG. Further, the CPU 1 is C
Open various windows registered based on commands designated by a mouse cursor (not shown) on the RT10,
Performs various data processing.

In the printer 1500, a printer CPU (CPU) 13 is a program RO in the ROM 14.
Access to various devices connected to the system bus 15 is comprehensively controlled based on a control program stored in M, and output to a printing unit (printer engine) 17 connected via a printing unit interface 16. An image signal is output as information. Further, the program ROM of the ROM 14 stores a control program of the CPU 13 as shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 and 7 described later.

The font ROM of the ROM 14 stores font data and the like used when generating the output information, and the data ROM of the ROM 14 has a host computer in the case of a printer having no external memory 23 such as a hard disk. It stores the information used above. CP
The U13 can perform communication processing with the host computer 3000 via the host interface controller 18, and can transfer information in the printer and the like to the host computer 3
000.

Reference numeral 19 denotes a RAM which functions as a main memory, a work area, etc. of the CPU 13, and is constructed so that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to the expansion port 21. The RAM 19
Is used for an output information expansion area, environment data storage area, and the like. The external memory 21 is optionally connected,
It stores font data, emulation programs, form data, etc. Reference numeral 1501 denotes the above-mentioned operation panel, on which switches for operation, an LED display and the like are arranged.

Further, the above-mentioned external memory is not limited to one, but at least one external memory is provided, and in addition to the built-in font, an optional font card and a plurality of external memories storing programs for interpreting printer control languages of different languages are connected. It may be configured to be capable. Furthermore NVR
An operation panel 150 having an AM (nonvolatile memory) 24
The printer mode setting information from 1 may be stored.

Correspondence between this embodiment and each means of the first to seventh inventions and their functions will be described below with reference to FIG.

The first invention is a host computer 300.
0 and a peripheral device that performs bidirectional communication via a predetermined bidirectional parallel interface 22 (in this embodiment, the printer 1
500), a first mode storage unit (a predetermined area of the non-volatile memory 24) for storing the current bidirectional communication mode, and a bidirectional communication mode for a predetermined number of times for each data communication with the host computer. Second mode storage means (predetermined area of the non-volatile memory 24);
Mode extracting means (by the CPU 13) that extracts the most frequently used bidirectional communication mode stored in the mode storing means each time the power is turned on, and the bidirectional communication mode extracted from the mode extracting means or the first mode. And a communication control unit (host interface controller 18) for automatically setting the communication mode with the host computer with reference to the bidirectional communication mode stored in the mode storage unit. By referring to the bidirectional communication mode extracted by the CPU 13 or the previous bidirectional communication mode stored in the non-volatile memory 24, the communication mode with the host computer 3000 is automatically set to determine the communication mode with the host computer. Previous or frequent communication without performing data communication processing for It makes it possible to migrate data communication over de in resumable state.

The second invention is a host computer 300.
0 and a peripheral device that performs bidirectional communication via a predetermined bidirectional parallel interface 22 (in this embodiment, the printer 1
At 50, a first storing current bidirectional communication mode
Mode storage means (predetermined area of the non-volatile memory 24)
And a communication control means (host interface controller 18) for automatically setting the communication mode with the host computer by referring to the bidirectional communication mode stored in the first mode storage means every time the power is turned on. The host interface controller 18 refers to the bidirectional communication mode stored in a predetermined area of the non-volatile memory 24 every time the power is turned on, and automatically sets the communication mode with the host computer 3000 to determine the communication mode with the host computer 3000. It is possible to shift to a state in which the data communication in the communication mode set last time can be restarted without performing the data communication processing for.

The third invention is a host computer 300.
0 and a predetermined bidirectional parallel interface 22 in a peripheral device that performs bidirectional communication, second mode storage means (nonvolatile memory) that stores the bidirectional communication mode a predetermined number of times for each data communication with the host computer. 24
Predetermined area), a mode extracting means (CPU 13) for extracting the most frequently used bidirectional communication mode stored in the second mode storing means each time the power is turned on, and the mode extracting means. Communication control means for automatically setting the communication mode with the host computer by referring to the bidirectional communication mode (host interface controller 1
8) and a host interface controller 18
Refers to the bidirectional communication mode extracted by the CPU 13 to automatically set the communication mode with the host computer 3000, and the data communication process for determining the communication mode with the host computer 3000 is not frequently performed, and the frequency is high. The data communication in the communication mode can be changed to a resumable state.

A fourth aspect of the present invention determines whether a bidirectional communication mode is stored in the first mode storage means (a predetermined area of the non-volatile memory 24) to set a communication mode with the host computer 3000. Is provided with communication mode determining means (host interface controller 18), and the host interface controller 18 determines whether the bidirectional communication mode is stored in a predetermined area of the non-volatile memory 24. Then, it is determined whether or not the predetermined data communication for setting the communication mode with the host computer 3000 can be executed, and when the previous communication mode is stored, the data communication for determining the communication mode with the host computer is performed. It is possible to eliminate processing.

The fifth aspect of the present invention is for setting the communication mode with the host computer 3000 by determining whether or not the bidirectional communication mode is stored in the second mode storage means (a predetermined area of the non-volatile memory 24). Communication mode determining means (host interface controller 18) for determining whether or not to execute the predetermined data communication is provided, and it is determined whether or not the bidirectional communication mode is stored in a predetermined area of the non-volatile memory 24, and the host interface is determined. The controller 18 determines whether or not to execute a predetermined data communication for setting the communication mode with the host computer 3000, and when a communication mode with a high frequency of use is stored, the controller 18 determines the communication mode with the host computer. It is possible to eliminate the need for data communication processing.

In a sixth aspect of the present invention, the first mode storage means (nonvolatile memory 24) can store the previous or a predetermined number of communication modes as a non-volatile memory medium regardless of whether the power is turned on or off. To do.

In a seventh aspect of the present invention, the second mode storage means (nonvolatile memory 24) can store a previous or a predetermined number of communication modes regardless of whether the power is turned on or off, as a nonvolatile memory medium (not shown). And The nonvolatile memory 24 is composed of an EEPROM.

The host computer 3000 having the above-described configuration and the IEEE P1284 (Standard Signalin)
g Method for a Bi-directional Parallel Peripheral
Interface for Personal Computers) will be described later when a peripheral device (printer 1500 or the like) having a bidirectional interface 22 conforming to the specification of a parallel interface capable of bidirectional data transfer mutually transfers data. The printer CPU 13 controls the printer CPU 13 to set the communication mode setting according to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 so as to set up the latest communication mode set immediately before and stored in the nonvolatile memory 24. In the example, the power of the printer) is turned off once
After the power is turned off, the peripheral device is automatically set to the same state as the communication mode of the bidirectional parallel interface 20 with the host computer 3000 before the power was turned off, and the bidirectional communication with the host computer is performed in the same communication mode as before. Communication becomes possible. [Embodiment 2] FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining the control configuration of a peripheral device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, which corresponds to, for example, the case of a control unit of a laser printer.

In the figure, 31 is a ROM for storing the printer control program, font data, device ID of IEEE 1284, etc., 32 is a RAM for storing the received data from the host computer and expanding the bitmap data, 33 Is a Non_VolatileMe that stores data for each setting of the printer.
memory (nonvolatile memory).

Reference numeral 34 is a Hard Disk device which stores various font data and format data. Reference numeral 35 is a CPU for controlling this control unit, 36 is an operation panel I / F unit, 37 is an operation panel, 38 is a double buffer used for transferring bitmap data read from the RAM at high speed, and 39 is a word. A serial / serial conversion unit that converts the data read in units or bytes into serial data, 40 is an I / F circuit with the printer engine, 41 is a printer engine, and 42 is a Host I / F unit, which includes the following functions. First, IEEE P1284
Arbitrati for controlling various protocols
on, RLEencode / d for handling compressed data
ecode section, register for setting various printers from the host computer, register for notifying the printer status to the host computer
er.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an embodiment of the first communication mode processing method for the peripheral device according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (12) indicate each step.

First, the power of peripheral equipment such as a printer is turned on.
Then, the control unit of the peripheral device is
It is searched whether the previous data communication mode is recorded in the nonvolatile memory in the controller (1). If the data relating to the data communication mode is not recorded, the system starts up in the Compatibility Mode (2). And Nego from the host computer
Tition is executed (3), and Set Up to the communication mode of each bidirectional parallel interface is performed (4).

On the other hand, in the search of step (1), the data related to the data communication mode is displayed as Printer Control.
If the data is recorded in the non-volatile memory in the controller, the data is referred to (5), and the peripheral device performs Set Up according to the data (6).

After the above procedure, the Nible Mod
e, Byte Mode, ECP (Extended)
Capabilities Port) Mode is switched to any mode (7).

After this, the peripheral equipment is the Printer C.
The current communication mode is recorded in the non-volatile memory in the controller (8). If the host computer and the peripheral device are laser printers, printing operations such as F
Data transfer of "orward or Reverse" is performed (9).

Then, it is judged whether or not the bidirectional data transfer is to be ended (10). If NO, that is, if the data communication is to be temporarily interrupted, the mode is shifted to the Forward Idle mode (11) and the data communication is ended. If Co
Return to the patability mode (12).

Then, for example, when the peripheral device is a laser printer, the user turns off the power of the printer after the printing work of one day is completed. Then, if the power of the printer is turned on again the next day, the processing from step (1) above is re-executed. [Third Embodiment] FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing an embodiment of a second communication mode processing method for a peripheral device according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (12) indicate each step.

First, when the power supply of the peripheral device is turned on, the control unit of the peripheral device is changed to the Printer Controller.
The non-volatile memory therein is searched to see if a plurality of data communication modes performed in the past are recorded (1). If the data regarding the past data communication mode is not recorded, the system starts up in the Compatibility Mode (2). And Ne from the host computer
Gotition is executed (3), and Set Up to the communication mode of each bidirectional parallel interface is performed (4).

On the other hand, in the search of step (1), the data regarding the data communication mode is displayed in the Printer Con
If it is recorded in the nonvolatile memory in the controller, the past plural times (n times) of data is referred to (5). At this time, the number of data to be referred to: n is configured so that the user can set an arbitrary value.
It is performed by a command from the host computer or by the user via an operation panel or the like.

Then, the peripheral device performs Set Up in the communication mode that is most frequently used (6).

After the above procedure, the Nibble Mod
e, Byte Mode, ECP (Extended)
Capabilities Port) Mode is switched to any mode (7). After this, the peripheral device records the current communication mode in the non-volatile memory in the Printer Controller (8). And
When the host computer and the peripheral device are laser printers, printing or forwarding
se data transfer is performed (9).

Then, it is judged whether or not the bidirectional data transfer is ended (10), and if NO, that is, if the data transfer is to be temporarily suspended (, Forward Id
The mode is changed to the le mode (11), and when the data transfer is ended, the mode is returned to the compatibility mode (1
2).

When the peripheral device is a laser printer, for example, the user turns off the power of the printer after the printing work for one day is completed. Then, if the power of the printer is turned on again the next day, the processing from step (1) above is re-executed.

Correspondence between the present embodiment and each means of the eighth to tenth inventions and their actions will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

An eighth aspect of the present invention is a communication mode processing method for a peripheral device capable of bidirectional communication with a host computer through a predetermined bidirectional parallel interface, wherein the bidirectional communication mode is set every time the power is turned on. Judgment step for judging whether or not it is stored in the internal memory of the peripheral device (step (1) in FIG. 6, step (1) in FIG. 7)
And a communication mode determining step (step (1) to step (2) or step (5) in FIG. 6) for determining whether or not to execute predetermined data communication for setting the communication mode with the host computer based on the determination result. Data communication for determining the communication mode with the host computer, which was necessary every time the power was turned on by executing the branching to the host computer and the branching to step (1) step (2) or step (5) in FIG. It is possible to eliminate processing.

A ninth invention according to the present invention is a communication mode processing method for a peripheral device capable of bidirectional communication with a host computer via a predetermined bidirectional parallel interface, wherein the bidirectional communication mode is set every time the power is turned on. The determination step (step (1) in FIG. 7) of determining whether the data is stored in the internal memory of the peripheral device and the communication mode with the host computer according to the bidirectional communication mode stored in the internal memory of the peripheral device are performed. The mode setting step (steps (5) and (6) in FIG. 7) to be set is executed to perform the data communication process for determining the communication mode with the host computer, which is necessary every time the power is turned on. It is possible to shift to the state where data communication is possible in the communication mode state set last time.

A tenth aspect of the present invention is, in a communication mode processing method for a peripheral device capable of bidirectional communication with a host computer through a predetermined bidirectional parallel interface, a predetermined number of times of bidirectional operation each time the power is turned on. A determination step (step (1) in FIG. 7) of determining whether the communication mode is stored in the internal memory of the peripheral device, and a predetermined number of bidirectional communication modes stored in the internal memory of the peripheral device. Mode extraction step (step (5) in FIG. 7) of extracting a two-way communication mode having a high frequency of use, and mode setting for setting a communication mode with the host computer in accordance with the extracted two-way communication mode of a high frequency of use Data for determining the communication mode with the host computer, which was necessary every time the power was turned on by executing the process (step (6) in FIG. 7). Without signal processing and makes it possible to shift to data communicable state with frequently used communication mode state.

The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of one device. Further, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to the case where it is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus.

In each of the above-described embodiments, a printer capable of communicating with the host computer via the bidirectional interface 22 has been described as an example of a peripheral device. However, a peripheral having the same specifications as those of the bidirectional interface 22 is used. The present invention can be applied to any device such as a scanner / printer.

Further, in the case of a peripheral device (printer) that processes print information from a plurality of host computers via a network, it is necessary to store and manage the latest set communication modes together with the information for identifying each host computer. It goes without saying that the communication mode with each host computer can be optimally set up.

According to each of the above-described embodiments, even after the power of the peripheral device is once turned off, the peripheral device is automatically set to the same state as the communication mode of the bidirectional parallel interface with the host computer before the power is turned off. And the two-way communication with the host computer is possible in the same communication mode as before.

[0083]

As described above, the first aspect of the present invention
According to the invention, the host computer refers to the bidirectional communication mode extracted from the mode extracting unit or the bidirectional communication mode stored in the first mode storing unit, each time the power is turned on. It is possible to automatically set the communication mode with and communicate with the host computer without performing the data communication process to determine the communication mode, and to be able to resume the data communication in the previous or frequent communication mode. And

According to the second invention, the communication control means is the first.
Since the communication mode with the host computer is automatically set by referring to the bidirectional communication mode stored in the mode storage means every time the power is turned on, the data communication process for determining the communication mode with the host computer is not performed. , It is possible to shift to a state in which the data communication in the previously set communication mode can be resumed.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the communication control means automatically sets the communication mode with the host computer by referring to the bidirectional communication mode extracted from the mode extracting means. It is possible to shift to a state in which data communication in a frequently used communication mode can be restarted without performing data communication processing for determination.

According to the fourth invention, it is determined whether or not the bidirectional communication mode is stored in the first mode storage means, and the communication mode determination means determines a predetermined value for setting the communication mode with the host computer. Since it is determined whether or not the data communication can be executed, the data communication process for determining the communication mode with the host computer can be eliminated when the previous communication mode is stored.

According to the fifth invention, it is determined whether or not the bidirectional communication mode is stored in the second mode storage means, and the communication mode determination means determines a predetermined value for setting the communication mode with the host computer. Since whether or not to execute data communication is determined, it is possible to eliminate the need for data communication processing for determining the communication mode with the host computer when a frequently used communication mode is stored.

According to the sixth aspect, since the first mode storage means is a non-volatile memory medium, it guarantees that the previous or a predetermined number of communication modes are stored regardless of whether the power is turned on or off. be able to.

According to the seventh invention, since the second mode storage means is a non-volatile memory medium, it guarantees that the previous or a predetermined number of communication modes are stored regardless of whether the power is turned on or off. be able to.

According to the eighth invention, every time the power is turned on, it is determined whether or not the bidirectional communication mode is stored in the internal memory of the peripheral device, and the communication mode setting with the host computer is set based on the determination result. Since the communication mode for deciding whether or not to execute the predetermined data communication for is determined, the data communication process for determining the communication mode with the host computer, which is necessary every time the power is turned on, can be eliminated.

According to the ninth aspect, it is determined whether or not the bidirectional communication mode is stored in the internal memory of the peripheral device every time the power is turned on, and after the determination, the bidirectional communication mode is stored in the internal memory of the peripheral device. Since the communication mode with the host computer is set according to the bidirectional communication mode that is set, the communication mode set last time is not performed without performing the data communication processing for determining the communication mode with the host computer, which was necessary each time the power was turned on. It is possible to shift to a state in which data communication in the state is possible.

According to the tenth invention, every time the power is turned on, it is determined whether or not a predetermined number of bidirectional communication modes are stored in the internal memory of the peripheral device, and after the determination, the internal state of the peripheral device is determined. Since the frequently used two-way communication mode is extracted from the predetermined number of two-way communication modes stored in the memory, the communication mode with the host computer is set according to the extracted frequently-used two-way communication mode. , Without performing the data communication processing for determining the communication mode with the host computer, which was required every time the power was turned on,
It is possible to shift to a state in which data communication is possible in a communication mode state that is frequently used.

Therefore, every time the power is turned on, data communication is performed between the host computer and the peripheral device for mode setting required when the host computer and the peripheral device start communication via the predetermined bidirectional parallel interface. It is possible to automatically return to the communication mode of the previous bidirectional parallel interface without having to do so, and to automatically return to the communication mode that is most frequently used among the communication modes of the previous bidirectional parallel interface.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a first peripheral device to which the invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is an external view showing a configuration of a second peripheral device to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of a second peripheral device shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of a peripheral device and a host computer shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of peripheral devices according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of a first communication mode processing method for a peripheral device according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of a second communication mode processing method for peripheral devices according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 CPU 3 ROM 13 printer CPU 14 ROM 22 bidirectional interface 24 non-volatile memory

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A peripheral device which performs bidirectional communication with a host computer via a predetermined bidirectional parallel interface, and first mode storage means for storing a current bidirectional communication mode, and data communication with the host computer. Second mode storage means for storing the bidirectional communication mode for each predetermined number of times, and mode extraction means for extracting the most frequently used bidirectional communication mode stored in the second mode storage means each time the power is turned on. And communication control means for automatically setting the communication mode with the host computer by referring to the bidirectional communication mode extracted from the mode extracting means or the bidirectional communication mode stored in the first mode storing means. Peripheral device characterized by having. 2. A peripheral device which performs bidirectional communication with a host computer through a predetermined bidirectional parallel interface, wherein the first mode storage means stores a current bidirectional communication mode, and the first mode storage means. And a communication control means for automatically setting the communication mode with the host computer by referring to the bidirectional communication mode stored in the table every time the power is turned on. 3. A peripheral device for performing bidirectional communication with a host computer via a predetermined bidirectional parallel interface, wherein a second mode storage for storing a bidirectional communication mode a predetermined number of times for each data communication with the host computer. Unit, a mode extracting unit that extracts the most frequently used bidirectional communication mode stored in the second mode storage unit every time the power is turned on, and the bidirectional communication mode extracted from the mode extracting unit. And a communication control means for automatically setting a communication mode with the host computer. 4. A communication mode determining means for determining whether or not a bidirectional communication mode is stored in the first mode storing means and determining whether or not predetermined data communication for setting a communication mode with a host computer can be executed. The peripheral device according to claim 1, further comprising: 5. A communication mode determination means for determining whether or not a bidirectional communication mode is stored in the second mode storage means and determining whether or not predetermined data communication for setting the communication mode with the host computer can be executed. The peripheral device according to claim 1, further comprising: 6. The peripheral device according to claim 1, wherein the first mode storage means is a non-volatile memory medium. 7. The peripheral device according to claim 1, wherein the second mode storage means is composed of a non-volatile memory medium. 8. A communication mode processing method for a peripheral device capable of bidirectional communication with a host computer via a predetermined bidirectional parallel interface, wherein the bidirectional communication mode is stored in an internal memory of the peripheral device each time the power is turned on. And a communication mode determining step for determining whether or not to execute predetermined data communication for setting a communication mode with the host computer based on the determination result. Communication mode processing method. 9. A communication mode processing method for a peripheral device capable of bidirectional communication with a host computer via a predetermined bidirectional parallel interface, wherein the bidirectional communication mode is stored in an internal memory of the peripheral device each time the power is turned on. Communication of the peripheral device, which comprises a determination step of determining whether or not there is a communication device, and a mode setting step of setting a communication mode with the host computer according to a bidirectional communication mode stored in the internal memory of the peripheral device. Mode processing method. 10. A communication mode processing method for a peripheral device capable of bi-directional communication with a host computer via a predetermined bi-directional parallel interface, wherein a predetermined number of bi-directional communication modes are set in the peripheral device every time the power is turned on. A determination step of determining whether or not it is stored in a memory, a mode extraction step of extracting a frequently used bidirectional communication mode from a predetermined number of bidirectional communication modes stored in the internal memory of the peripheral device, And a mode setting step of setting a communication mode with a host computer according to the extracted bidirectional communication mode with high usage frequency.