JPH0816341A - Image output device and communication method for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To receive the status of a desired emulator at any emulator during its operation by using any arbitrary host interface on the side of a host computer. CONSTITUTION:Corresponding to the inquiry of status information from any host computer through the host interface of any one of a bidirectional centro-I/F part 108, RS 232C I/F part 109 and RS 442 I/F part 110 to any emulator, an I/F control part 105 parallelly returns the same status information of the correspondent emulator through the plural host interfaces designated for each emulator to the plural host computers.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image output having a plurality of bidirectional interfaces, and performing data communication with at least one host computer connected in parallel via each bidirectional interface. The present invention relates to a communication method of a device and an image output device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image output device, for example, a printer, has communicated with a host computer by using a bidirectional interface such as RS232C.

Also, the printer transmits the status of the printer itself (error status such as no paper, status such as printing / warming up, etc.) to the host computer as a status so that communication with the printer can be performed smoothly. It was working.

In a printer equipped with a plurality of emulations, only on the host interface occupied by the emulator operating at that time,
It was controlled so that it could receive the status information of the running emulator.

Also, in printers that support LCD messages in multiple languages and return messages in multiple languages to the host computer, the LCD
The language of the message or the reply message could be set by the operation panel or PDL command.

[0006]

However, since the conventional image output device is configured as described above, a host interface other than the host interface occupied by the emulator is used, and another emulator is used. Cannot receive the status information of the emulator currently in operation at any host interface.

Further, although the languages of the LCD message and the reply message are related to each other, there is a problem that each language must be set for each using the operation panel or PDL command.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the first to sixth inventions of the present invention is to provide at least one or more host interfaces and a plurality of emulators. In the image output device having the above-mentioned, by arbitrarily designating a plurality of host interface candidates for status return for each emulator, the host computer side uses an arbitrary host interface and the emulator desired while one of the emulators is operating. Status can be received, and by switching the reply message language to the host according to the language specification of the message to be displayed, the image output with excellent operability that can switch the display message and the reply message at the same time with less operation Device and image output device communication method It is to provide.

[0009]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, in an image output apparatus having a plurality of host interfaces and capable of communicating with a plurality of host computers, print data analysis processing is performed according to each emulation program. Multiple emulators and multiple arbitrary host interface candidates for returning a predetermined status in response to status information inquiries sent from any host computer via any host interface to each emulator. In response to a designation means for assigning designation and a status information inquiry from one of the host computers to one of the emulators via one of the host interfaces, a plurality of emulators designated for each emulator by the designating means are provided. And it has a communication means for replying in parallel to the corresponding emulator same status information a plurality of host computers through a strike interface.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in an image output apparatus having a plurality of host interfaces and capable of communicating with a host computer, a plurality of emulators for performing print data analysis processing according to each emulation program, Designating means for assigning and designating a plurality of arbitrary host interface candidates for each emulator in response to a status information inquiry to each emulator sent from any host computer via the host interface, In response to a status information inquiry from the host computer to any one of the emulators via any of the host interfaces, a pair of host interfaces designated for each emulator by the designating means are used to communicate with each other. The same status information emulator and has a communication means for replying in parallel to the host computer.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in an image output apparatus having a host interface and capable of communicating with a host computer by messages in a plurality of languages, a message display means and a predetermined message display means for displaying the message display means. A message memory for storing message data or a reply message to be returned to the host computer corresponding to a plurality of languages, a first language switching means for designating switching of the language of the message displayed on the message display means, and And a second language switching means for switching the language of the reply message returned to the host computer to the corresponding language based on the language designated to be switched by the first language switching means.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the message display means is configured to display a message on a liquid crystal display.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is a communication method for an image output apparatus, which has a plurality of emulators for analyzing print data according to each emulation program and has a plurality of host interfaces and is capable of communicating with a host computer. In allocating a plurality of arbitrary host interface candidates for each emulator for returning a predetermined status in response to a status information inquiry to each emulator sent from the host computer via any of the host interfaces, In response to a status information inquiry from the host computer to one of the emulators via one of the host interfaces, the corresponding emulator is sent via the multiple host interfaces assigned to each emulator. Those having a return step of returning in parallel to other identical status information the host computer.

A sixth invention according to the present invention is an image output apparatus having a plurality of emulators for analyzing print data according to each emulation program, having a plurality of host interfaces and capable of communicating with a plurality of host computers. In the communication method, a plurality of arbitrary host interface candidates for returning a predetermined status in response to a status information inquiry sent from any host computer to any emulator via any host interface is assigned to each emulator. Depending on the allocation process and the inquiry about the status information from any host computer to any emulator via any host interface, a plurality of host interfaces allocated to each emulator may be used. Those having a return step of returning in parallel to the corresponding emulator same status information a plurality of host computers through.

[0015]

In the first aspect of the invention, the communication means is designated for each emulator by the designation means in response to an inquiry about status information from any host computer to any emulator via any host interface. The same status information of the corresponding emulator is sent back to multiple host computers in parallel via multiple host interfaces, so that even if one of the emulators is operating, another host computer will The status of another emulator is inquired via the interface via the desired host interface, and the status corresponding to the inquiry is received.

According to the second aspect of the invention, a plurality of hosts are designated by the communication means for each emulator by the designation means in response to a status information inquiry from the host computer to any emulator via any host interface. The same status information of the corresponding emulator is sent back to the host computer in parallel via the interface, and even if one of the emulators is operating, the host computer can send another emulator via another host interface. Is inquired via the desired host interface, and the status corresponding to the inquiry is received.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the language for responding to the language of the reply message returned by the second language switching means to the host computer based on the language for the message display means which is designated to be switched by the first language switching means. To automate the reply message language switching operation associated with the display message language switching.

In the fourth aspect of the invention, the message display means displays the message in a liquid crystal according to each language.

In the fifth invention, an arbitrary host interface candidate for returning a predetermined status in response to a status information inquiry to each emulator sent from the host computer via any of the host interfaces is provided for each emulator. In response to a status information inquiry from the host computer to one of the emulators via any of the host interfaces, the same status of the corresponding emulator via the multiple host interfaces assigned to each emulator. Information is sent back to the host computer in parallel, and the host computer inquires about the status of other emulators via the other host interface or the inquiry via the desired host interface. To receive a status according to the suit.

In the sixth invention, an arbitrary host interface candidate for returning a predetermined status in response to a status information inquiry to each emulator sent from any host computer via any host interface is selected. Multiple emulators are assigned to each emulator, and in response to status information inquiries from any host computer from any host interface via any host interface, it is possible to respond via multiple host interfaces assigned to each emulator. The same status information of the emulator is sent in parallel to a plurality of host computers, and the other host computer sends the status of the other emulator via the other host interface to the desired host interface. Or contact us via the, to receive a status in response to the inquiry.

[0021]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Before describing the configuration of this embodiment, the configurations of a laser beam printer and an inkjet printer suitable for applying this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 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 an image output apparatus 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 (printer), which stores and stores print information (character codes, etc.), form information, macro commands, etc. supplied from an externally connected host computer. A corresponding character pattern, form pattern, or the like is created in accordance with the information, and an image is formed on a recording medium such as recording paper. 1501 is 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 the laser light 1504 emitted from the semiconductor laser 1503 according to the input video signal. The laser beam 1504 is a rotating polygon mirror 1505.
Then, the electrostatic drum 1506 is swung in the left-right direction to perform scanning exposure on the electrostatic drum 1506. As a result, an electrostatic latent image having 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 as this recording sheet, and the cut sheet recording sheet is stored in a sheet cassette 1508 mounted on the LBP 1500, and is taken into the apparatus by a sheet feeding roller 1509, a conveying roller 1510, and a conveying roller 1511, and electrostatically discharged. It is supplied to the drum 1506. Further, the LBP main body 1500 is provided with at least one or more card slots (not shown) so that an optional font card and a control card (emulation card) having a different language system can be connected in addition to the built-in font.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the control configuration of the image output 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 Save the print data supplied to the printer engine). 1705 is a printer engine.

In the image output device thus configured, input information is received from the host computer 100 described later via the bidirectional interface 1700.

The MPU 1701 is a host computer 10 which will be described later via the bidirectional interface 1700.
Communication processing with 0 is possible, and the DRAM 1703
Memory information and resource data regarding the ROM 170
Host computer 1 which will be described later with host print information in 2
00 can be notified.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining the control configuration of the image output system by the image output device and the host computer according to the present invention.

Here, a laser beam printer will be described as an example.

As long as the functions of the present invention are executed, a single device or a system composed of a plurality of devices is a system in which processing is performed via a network such as a LAN. However, it goes without saying that the present 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.

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 disk controller (DKC) 7 is an external memory 1 such as a hard disk (HD) or a floppy disk (FD) for storing a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, edit files, etc.
Control access with 1.

8 is a printer controller (PRTC)
With a predetermined bidirectional interface (interface)
It is connected to the printer 1500 via 21 and executes communication control processing with the printer 1500.

The CPU 1 executes the rasterizing process of the outline font in the display information RAM set in the RAM 2, 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 12 includes various devices connected to the system bus 15 based on a control program stored in the program ROM of the ROM 13 or a control program stored in the external memory 14. Access is collectively controlled, and an image signal as output information is output to the printing unit (printer engine) 17 connected via the printing unit interface 16.

The font ROM of the ROM 13 stores font data and the like used when generating the above output information, and the data ROM of the ROM 13 has a host computer in the case of a printer having no external memory 14 such as a hard disk. It stores the information used above. CP
The U12 is capable of performing communication processing with the host computer via the input unit 18, and is configured to be able to notify the host computer 3000 of information and the like in the printer.

Reference numeral 19 denotes a RAM which functions as a main memory, a work area, etc. of the CPU 12, and is constructed so that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown).

The RAM 19 has an output information expansion area,
Used for environment data storage area, NVRAM, etc. Access to the external memory 14 such as the hard disk (HD) or IC card described above is controlled by a disk controller (DKC) 20.

The external memory 14 is connected as an option, and includes font data, an emulation program,
Stores form data, etc. Further, the input unit 18 is provided with switches for operation and LED displays on the operation panel described above.

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.

Further, an NVRAM (not shown) may be provided to store printer mode setting information from the operation panel 1501. [Embodiment 1] FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining the control configuration of the image output apparatus showing the first embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, 100 is a host computer, 101 is a laser beam printer, 102 is a CPU that controls the laser beam printer 101, and 103 is a CPU 10.
A ROM that stores a control program executed by the printer 2, host print information, and the like, and a RAM 104 that temporarily stores various data.

An emulator unit 106 corresponding to the emulator 1 emulates each page description language. An emulator unit 107 corresponding to the emulator 2 emulates each page description language.

Reference numeral 105 denotes an I / F control unit, which is a bidirectional Centro I / F unit 108, RS232C I / F unit 109, RS4.
22 I / F unit 110
It activates the F section and controls which I / F section is used to send a message back to the host computer. In this embodiment, the I / F unit used for each emulator can be selected depending on the emulator.

The operation of the I / F control unit 105 can be specified by an operation panel (not shown) that can be set by the user or a printer command that can be specified by the host computer. Hereinafter, the correspondence between the present embodiment and each means of the first and second inventions and their functions will be described with reference to FIG.

The first aspect of the present invention is directed to a plurality of host interfaces (bidirectional Centro I / F section 108, RS232CI /
A plurality of host computers (one in the case of FIG. 4) equipped with the F section 109 and the RS422 I / F section 110 are connected to a plurality of host computers (not shown) to form a plurality of host interfaces (each bidirectional centro I / F section). 108, RS
232 CI / F unit 109 and RS422 I / F unit 110 are communicatively connected), and a plurality of emulators 106 and 107 that perform print data analysis processing according to each emulation program in an image output device that can communicate.
And a plurality of arbitrary host interface candidates for returning a predetermined status in response to a status information inquiry sent from any host computer to any emulator via any host interface is assigned to each emulator. Inquiry of status information to any emulator from any host computer through any one of the designation means (command panel designation from the operation panel (not shown) of the laser beam printer 101 in FIG. 4 or each host computer) and any host interface. Accordingly, the same status information of the corresponding emulators is returned in parallel to the plurality of host computers via the plurality of host interfaces designated for each emulator by the designating means. Communication means (depending on the function of the I / F control unit 105), and responding to a status information inquiry from any host computer to any emulator via any host interface, the I / F control unit Even if one of the emulators is in operation, 105 returns the same status information of the corresponding emulator in parallel to a plurality of host computers via a plurality of host interfaces designated for each emulator. , Another host computer inquires about the state of another emulator via another host interface via a desired host interface, and receives a status in response to the inquiry.

The second aspect of the present invention is to provide a plurality of host interfaces (bidirectional Centro I / F section 108, RS232CI /
In an image output device that includes an F unit 109 and an RS422 I / F unit 110) and can communicate with a host computer, a plurality of emulators 106 and 107 that perform print data analysis processing according to each emulation program and one of the host interfaces are used. Specifying means for assigning and specifying a plurality of arbitrary host interface candidates for returning a predetermined status in response to a status information inquiry sent from any one of the host computers to each emulator (laser beam in FIG. 4). (Specified by a command from an operation panel (not shown) of the printer 101 or each host computer)
And the same status of the corresponding emulator via a plurality of host interfaces designated for each emulator by the designating means in response to a status information inquiry from the host computer to the emulator via any host interface. A communication means (I / F control unit 105) for returning information to the host computer in parallel, and responding to a status information inquiry from the host computer to any emulator via any host interface. Then, the I / F control unit 105 sends different statuses (for example, printing status and error occurrence status) of different types in the same status information of the corresponding emulators through a plurality of host interfaces specified for each emulator. Even if one of the emulators is in operation, the host computer inquires about the status of the other emulator via the other host interface, or responds to the inquiry via the desired host interface. Receive the corresponding status.

Hereinafter, the first communication method of the image output apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing an embodiment of the first communication method of the image output apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (6) indicate each step.

First, the reply status I / F unit of the emulator unit 106 corresponding to the emulator 1 is selected (1). This selection is made by a command from the operation panel provided on the main body of the printing apparatus or the host computer. For example, the bidirectional Centro I / F unit 108 and the RS232C I / F unit 109 are selected for the emulator 1.

By this selection, the I / F control unit 105 displays the status information of the emulator 106 corresponding to the emulator 1 to the bidirectional Centro I / F unit 108 and the RS232C.
The I / F unit 109 is controlled to return the same message to the host computer 100 at the same time.

Next, the I / F part for the reply status of the emulator 107 corresponding to the emulator 2 is selected (2). This selection is made using the operation panel or a command from the host computer. For example, RS2 for emulator 107 corresponding to emulator 2
The 32C I / F unit 109 and the RS422 I / F unit 110 are selected.

By this selection, the I / F control unit 105 controls the status information of the emulator 2 to both the RS232C I / F unit 109 and the RS422 I / F unit 110 so that the same message is returned to the host computer 100 at the same time.

By the settings of the above steps (1) and (2), the host computer 100 is connected to the emulator 1 via the RS232C I / F unit 109.
06 and emulator 10 corresponding to emulator 2
Both status information items of No. 7 can be received.

Some of these status information are returned in response to an inquiry command from the host computer 100, and some of them are voluntarily transmitted from the laser beam printer 101 to the host computer 100.

This is because the host I / F and the emulator have a one-to-one relationship, but the host I / F and the emulator have a plural-to-many relationship. ) Can be returned to the host computer 100 more.

When the laser beam printer 101 receives from the host computer 100 an inquiry command for a status response regarding the emulator 106 corresponding to the emulator 1 (3), the bidirectional Centro I / F unit 108.
And status information regarding the emulator 1 is returned to the host computer 100 via both interface sections of the RS232C I / F section 109 (5).

When the laser beam printer 101 receives from the host computer 100 a status response inquiry command relating to the emulator section 107 corresponding to the emulator 2 (4), both interface sections of the RS232 CI / F section 109 and the RS422 I / F section 110. The status information regarding the emulator 2 is returned to the host computer 100 via (6).

Correspondence between the present embodiment and the respective steps of the fifth and sixth inventions and their actions will be described below with reference to FIGS.

A fifth aspect of the invention has a plurality of emulators 106 and 107 for analyzing print data according to each emulation program, and a plurality of host interfaces (bidirectional Centro I / F section 108, RS232CI).
/ F unit 109, RS422 I / F unit 110) and a communication method of an image output device capable of communicating with the host computer 100, in a status information inquiry to each emulator transmitted from the host computer via any of the host interfaces. A step of allocating a plurality of arbitrary host interface candidates for returning a predetermined status for each emulator according to the above (steps (1) and (2) in FIG. 5), and a host computer via one of the host interfaces. In response to a status information inquiry from any of the emulators, the same status information of the corresponding emulator is returned in parallel to the host computer via the multiple host interfaces assigned to each emulator. Step (Step of FIG. 5 (3),
(5) or steps (4) and (6)) are executed,
With the host computer 100 occupying the emulator 106, the host computer 100 inquires about the state of another emulator via another host interface, in this embodiment the emulator 107, via a desired host interface. Receive the status according to.

The sixth invention has a plurality of emulators 106 and 107 for analyzing print data according to each emulation program, and a plurality of host interfaces (bidirectional Centro I / F section 108, RS232CI).
/ F unit 109, RS422 I / F unit 110), and a communication method of an image output apparatus capable of communicating with the host computer 100 and a plurality of host computers (not shown), any host computer via any host interface. An assignment step (steps (1) and (2) in FIG. 5) of assigning a plurality of arbitrary host interface candidates for returning a predetermined status in response to a status information inquiry sent from each emulator. In response to a status information inquiry from one of the host computers to one of the emulators via one of the host interfaces, the same emulator of the corresponding emulator is sent through the plurality of host interfaces assigned to each emulator. The host computer 100 executes the reply step (steps (3) and (5) or steps (4) and (6) in FIG. 5) of returning the status information in parallel to a plurality of host computers, and the host computer 100 executes the emulator. While occupying 106, another host computer inquires about the state of another emulator, that is, emulator 107 in this embodiment, via another host interface, or a status corresponding to the inquiry. To receive.

The I / F control unit 105 may allocate one or more default I / F units for status response to each emulation.

This default is applied when not explicitly instructed by the user.

In this embodiment, two emulators, emulator 1 and emulator 2, have been described as an example, but it goes without saying that it is also possible to implement in three or more emulators.

Further, in this embodiment, the bidirectional I / F unit is the bidirectional Centro I / F unit 108, RS232CI / F.
The unit 109 and the RS422 I / F unit 110 have been described as examples, but the present invention is not limited to this. [Embodiment 2] In the image output apparatus having the functions described in the first embodiment of the present invention, the second embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram for explaining the control arrangement of the image output apparatus showing the second embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, 298 is a laser beam printer (main body), 299 is a host computer, 300 is a CPU that controls the laser beam printer 298, 301 is a ROM in which a program for controlling the laser beam printer 298 is stored, 302 Is a RAM, 303 is an operation panel unit formed of an LCD or key switch for displaying messages, etc., 304 is a message language on the LCD in the operation panel unit 303, such as English, Japanese, German, An LCD language switching unit that switches languages such as French.

The switching of the message language may be performed by using a key switch or the like on the operation panel unit 303, or may be performed by using a message language switching command transmitted from the host.

Reference numeral 305 denotes a reply message language switching unit for the host computer 299, which is a reply message language when returning printer status information to the host computer, for example, English, Japanese, German, French, Russian, Spain. It is for switching languages such as words. A host I / FI / O unit 306 communicates between the laser beam printer 298 and the host computer 299.

Correspondence between the present embodiment and each means of the third and fourth inventions and their functions will be described below with reference to FIG.

A third aspect of the present invention is an image output device having a host interface and capable of communicating with a host computer by messages in a plurality of languages, in which a message display means (operation panel section 303 in this embodiment).
And a message memory (stored in the RAM 301 in this embodiment) for storing predetermined message data displayed on the message display means or a reply message returned to the host computer in correspondence with a plurality of languages, and the message. First language switching means (L) for designating switching of the language of the message displayed on the display means
A CD language switching unit 304) and a second language switching unit (reply message language switching unit) for switching the language of the reply message returned to the host computer to the corresponding language based on the language designated by the first language switching unit. 305) and a reply message language switching unit 3 based on the language for the message display means switched and designated by the LCD language switching unit 304.
05 switches the language of the reply message returned to the host computer 299 to the corresponding language and automates the language switching operation of the reply message accompanying the display message language switching.

In a fourth invention, the message display means is L
Operation panel unit 30 having a CD display
The message is displayed in liquid crystal according to each language.

The second communication control method of the image output apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing an embodiment of the second communication control method of the image output apparatus according to the present invention.
Note that (1) and (2) indicate each step.

In FIGS. 6 and 7, the LCD language switching unit 304 switches the LCD message language according to an instruction from the switch key on the operation panel unit 303 (1). For example, switch from French to English. In response to step (1), the reply message language switching unit 305 switches the reply message (2).

In this case, the language that matches the language of the LCD message, that is, French is switched to English.

As a result, the language of the LCD message and the language of the reply message always match, and the environment setting relating to the message type is automated for the user, and the burden of user setting is reduced. In the present invention,
It goes without saying that there are no restrictions on the type of language.

[0081]

As described above, the first aspect of the present invention
According to the invention, a plurality of host interfaces whose communication means are designated for each emulator by the designation means in response to a status information inquiry from any host computer to any emulator via any host interface. Since the same status information of the corresponding emulator is sent back to multiple host computers in parallel via, the other host computers can send the same status information via other host interfaces even if one of the emulators is operating. It is possible to inquire the status of another emulator via a desired host interface and receive the status in response to the inquiry.

According to the second aspect of the invention, in response to a status information inquiry from the host computer to any of the emulators via any of the host interfaces, a plurality of communication means are designated by the designating means for each emulator. Since the same status information of the corresponding emulator is sent back to the host computer in parallel via the host interface, even if one of the emulators is operating, the host computer can send other emulators via another host interface. It is possible to inquire about different types of states of the emulator via a desired host interface and receive a status in response to the inquiry.

According to the third invention, the second language switching means responds to the language of the reply message returned to the host computer based on the language for the message display means which is designated to be switched by the first language switching means. Since the language is switched, the language switching operation of the reply message accompanying the display message language switching can be automated.

According to the fourth invention, the language of the reply message returned by the second language switching means to the host computer on the basis of the language for the message display means for liquid crystal display which is designated to be switched by the first language switching means. Is switched to the corresponding language, it is possible to automate the language switching operation of the reply message accompanying the display message language switching.

According to the fifth invention, an arbitrary host interface candidate for returning a predetermined status in response to a status information inquiry to each emulator sent from the host computer via any of the host interfaces is selected as each emulator. Multiple assignments for each emulator, in response to a status information inquiry from the host computer to any emulator via any of the host interfaces, the same emulator of the corresponding emulators is assigned via the multiple host interfaces assigned to each emulator. Status information is sent back to the host computer in parallel, so the host computer inquires the status of other emulators via the other host interface via the desired host interface. Ri, it is possible to receive a status in response to the inquiry.

According to the sixth invention, an arbitrary host interface candidate for returning a predetermined status in response to a status information inquiry to each emulator sent from any host computer via any host interface. Multiple assignments to each emulator, via any host interface, from any host computer to any emulator for status information inquiries, via multiple host interfaces assigned to each emulator Since the same status information of the corresponding emulator is returned in parallel to a plurality of host computers, another host computer can send the status of another emulator to the desired host interface via another host interface. Or query via the interface may receive a status corresponding to the inquiry.

Therefore, the host computer side can receive the desired emulator status while one of the emulators is operating by using an arbitrary host interface, and the reply message language to the host can be specified according to the language specification of the message to be displayed. By switching to the corresponding language, the display message and the reply message can be switched at the same time with a small number of operations.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an image output device to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the image output device shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of an image output system including an image output device and a host computer according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the image output apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of a first communication method of the image output device according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of an image output device showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a second communication method of the image output apparatus according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 100 Host Computer 101 Laser Beam Printer 102 CPU 103 ROM 104 RAM 105 I / F Control Unit 106 Emulator 107 Emulator 108 Bidirectional Centro I / F Unit 109 RS232 CI / F Unit 110 RS422 I / F Unit

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An image output apparatus having a plurality of host interfaces and capable of communicating with a plurality of host computers, wherein a plurality of emulators for analyzing print data according to each emulation program and any one of the host interfaces are used. Via any host interface, and a specifying means for assigning and specifying a plurality of arbitrary host interface candidates for returning a predetermined status in response to a status information inquiry sent from each host computer to each emulator. In response to a status information inquiry from any one of the host computers to any one of the emulators, the corresponding emulator is sent via a plurality of host interfaces specified for each emulator by the specifying means. An image output apparatus comprising: a communication unit that returns the same status information of the transmitter to a plurality of host computers in parallel. 2. An image output device comprising a plurality of host interfaces and capable of communicating with a host computer,
To return a predetermined status in response to a status information inquiry sent to multiple emulators that analyze print data according to each emulation program and each emulator sent from any host computer via any host interface. Of a plurality of arbitrary host interface candidates for each emulator, and in response to a status information inquiry from the host computer to any one of the emulators via any of the host interfaces, each of the emulators can be designated by the above-mentioned specifying means. And a communication means for returning the same status information of the corresponding emulators to the host computer in parallel via a plurality of host interfaces specified in 1. Power equipment. 3. An image output device having a host interface and capable of communicating with a plurality of host computers by a message based on a language, and a message display means and predetermined message data displayed on the message display means or a reply to the host computer. A message memory that stores reply messages corresponding to a plurality of languages, a first language switching unit that designates switching of the language of the message displayed on the message display unit, and a switching designation by the first language switching unit And a second language switching means for switching the language of the reply message returned to the host computer to the corresponding language based on the selected language. 4. The image output device according to claim 3, wherein the message display means displays a message on a liquid crystal display. 5. A communication method of an image output device, comprising a plurality of emulators for analyzing print data according to each emulation program, comprising a plurality of host interfaces and capable of communicating with a host computer,
An allocation step of allocating a plurality of arbitrary host interface candidates for each emulator for returning a predetermined status in response to a status information inquiry to each emulator sent from the host computer via any of the host interfaces; In response to a status information inquiry from the host computer to one of the emulators via the host interface, the same status information of the corresponding emulator is paralleled to the host computer via multiple host interfaces assigned to each emulator. A communication method of an image output device, comprising: 6. A communication method of an image output apparatus, comprising: a plurality of emulators for analyzing print data according to each emulation program; and a plurality of host interfaces, capable of communicating with a plurality of host computers. A step of allocating a plurality of arbitrary host interface candidates for each emulator for returning a predetermined status in response to a status information inquiry to each emulator sent from any of the host computers via the interface; In response to a status information inquiry from one of the host computers to one of the emulators via the interface, the corresponding emulator is sent via the multiple host interfaces assigned to each emulator. And a reply step of returning the same status information of the data to a plurality of host computers in parallel.