JPH08272549A - Device and method for recording - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide a printer system capable of avoiding such a state that power is left being consumed similarly to the time of recording output at the time of the interruption, etc., of the recording output by enabling duplex communication with a host computer so that the host computer can be informed of the state of a printer, and consequently, enabling to take a countermeasure against trouble even in the case where output is interrupted by a piece of paper or jam (paper clogging), etc. CONSTITUTION: The printer 1500 and a host computer 3000 are constituted so that the duplex communication can be executed by connecting them to each other through a communication medium 21. Then, when the printing output of the printer 1500 is interrupted, the host computer 3000 is requested to do processing, and in the case where an answer is not returned for a definite period of time, power consumption is reduced, and a system is turned into a standby state. Or in the case where the answer is not returned for a definite period of time, recording information is transmitted to another device connected through the communication medium so as to continue the printing output.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a recording apparatus and method which can be connected to a plurality of recording information supplying apparatuses via a communication medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a recording device for recording and outputting, such as a printing device, is a recording medium which outputs data such as documents by one-way communication from a host device such as a host computer to a printing device such as a printer. It is configured to print on paper or the like.

[0003]

However, in the conventional printing apparatus, the communication of data such as documents is only one-way from the host apparatus such as the host computer to the printing apparatus such as the printer, and the printer from the printing apparatus such as the opposite direction to the host. Communication with higher-level devices such as computers is not possible. Therefore, the status of a printing device such as a printer, for example, a piece of paper or JAM
A print interruption such as a paper jam is not communicated to a host device such as a host computer, and unless the user operates the printing device such as a printer to recover from it, unnecessary power is consumed. .

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a printing device such as a printer with a communication means from the printing device such as the printer to a host device such as a host computer.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and when the printing device such as a printer has the above-described two-way communication means and printing is interrupted due to paper shortage or JAM (paper jam), etc. It is an object of the present invention to reduce unnecessary power consumption when a host computer such as a host computer is requested to perform the above process and there is no response for a certain period of time.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and when the printing device such as a printer has the above-mentioned two-way communication means and the printing is interrupted due to a paper shortage or JAM (paper jam), etc. When the host computer such as the host computer is requested to perform the above process and there is no response for a certain period of time, the data is transmitted to other peripheral devices on the network to continue printing.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention has the following configuration.

That is, the recording apparatus is connectable to a plurality of recording information supplying apparatuses via a communication medium, and includes a bidirectional communication means for performing bidirectional communication between the recording apparatus and the plurality of recording information supplying apparatuses. It is characterized by

Further, for example, the interruption processing when the recording output in the apparatus is interrupted can be executed through the bidirectional communication means. Alternatively, when the bidirectional communication means requests the recording information supply device to perform processing when recording output is interrupted, and when there is no response for a certain period of time, interruption processing execution means means for reducing the power consumption and putting it in a standby state is provided. It is characterized by being provided. Further, for example, when the bidirectional communication unit requests the recording information supply device to perform processing when recording output is interrupted, and when there is no response for a certain period of time, recording is performed in another device connected via a communication medium. It is characterized by comprising a recording information transfer means for transmitting information and continuing recording output.

[0010]

With the above construction, since the bidirectional communication with the recording information supplying device is possible, the state of the recording device can be notified to the recording information supplying device. As a result, paper scraps and JAM
Even if the recording output is interrupted due to (paper jam), etc., it is possible to perform processing for it, and in the case of the recording output being interrupted, the same power consumption as at the time of recording output Can be avoided.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

Before describing the configuration of this embodiment, the configuration of a laser beam printer suitable for applying this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The printer to which the present embodiment is applied is not limited to the laser beam printer described below, and may be a printer of another printing method.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the structure of a first output device to which the present invention is applicable, for example, a case of a laser beam printer (hereinafter referred to as LBP).

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

Reference numeral 1501 denotes a switch for operation and L
An operation panel on which an ED display and the like are arranged.
Reference numeral 0 is a printer control unit for controlling the entire LBP main body 1500 and analyzing character information and the like supplied from the host computer. This printer control unit 1000
Mainly converts the 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 oscillated in the left-right direction by the rotating polygon mirror 1505 to scan and expose the electrostatic drum 1506. As a result, an electrostatic latent image having a character pattern is formed on the electrostatic drum 1506.

The latent image is developed by a developing unit arranged around the electrostatic drum 1506 and 1507, and then transferred to a recording paper. A cut sheet is used as the recording sheet, and the cut sheet recording sheet is stored in a sheet cassette 1508 mounted on the LBP 1500, and the sheet feeding roller 150
9 and the carrying roller 1510 and the carrying roller 1511 take in the apparatus and supply 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 system can be connected in addition to the built-in font. .

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the basic configuration of the printer control system showing an embodiment according to the present invention. Here, in case of LBP as a printer (Fig. 1)
Will be described as an example. It should be noted that the functions of the present invention can be applied to a single device, a system including a plurality of devices, and a system in which processing is performed via a network such as a LAN. .

In FIG. 2, 1500 is a printer and 30 is a printer.
Reference numeral 00 is a host computer, and the printer 1500 and the host computer 3000 are connected to each other via a network 21 capable of bidirectional communication.

In the host computer 3000, R
A CPU 1 for executing document processing in which graphics, images, characters, tables (including spreadsheets) and the like are mixed based on a document processing program or the like stored in the program ROM of the OM 3 is provided, and each is connected to the system bus 4. Device is CPU1
Is controlled comprehensively.

Further, the program ROM of the ROM 3
The ROM 3 stores a control program of the CPU 1 and the like.
The font ROM of FIG. 3 stores font data and the like used in the document processing, and the data ROM of ROM 3 stores various data used in the 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 a keyboard (KB) 9 and a pointing device (not shown).

A CRT controller (CRTC) 6 controls the display of a CRT display (CRT) 10. 7 is a memory controller (MC), which is used for boot programs, various applications, font data,
It controls access to the external memory 11 such as a hard disk (HD), a floppy disk (FD) or the like for storing user files, edit files and the like. Reference numeral 8 denotes a printer controller (PRTC), which is connected to the printer 1500 via a network (hereinafter referred to as “bidirectional I / F”) 21 capable of bidirectional communication.
And communication control processing with.

The CPU 1 executes, for example, an outline font rasterizing process to the display information RAM set on the RAM 2, and the W on the CRT 10 is executed.
It enables YSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get). Further, the CPU 1 opens various windows registered on the basis of commands designated by a mouse cursor (not shown) on the CRT 10 and executes various data processing.

In the printer 1500, reference numeral 12 is a printer CPU, and the system bus 15 is based on a control program stored in the program ROM of the ROM 13 or a control program stored in the external memory 14.
An image as output information is output to a printing section (printer engine) 17 connected through a printing section interface (hereinafter referred to as a printing section I / F) 16 by controlling access to various devices connected to the printer. Output a signal.

Further, the program ROM of the ROM 13
Stores a control program of the CPU 12 as shown in the flowchart of FIG. The font ROM of the ROM 13 stores font data or the like used when generating the output information, and the data ROM of the ROM 13 is a host in the case of a printer having no external memory 14 such as a hard disk (HD). It stores information used on the computer.

The CPU 12 can communicate with the host computer via the input unit 18 and can notify the host computer 3000 of information in the printer. Reference numeral 19 denotes a RAM that functions as a main memory, work area, etc. of the CPU 12, and is configured so that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown).

The RAM 19 is an output information expansion area,
Used for environment data storage area, NVRAM, etc. Access to the external memory 14 such as the above-mentioned hard disk (HD) or IC card is controlled by the memory controller (MC) 20. The external memory 14 is connected as an option and stores font data, emulation programs, form data and the like. Reference numeral 18 is a switch and LE for operating the operation panel described above.
D indicator is arranged.

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 option card and a plurality of external memories storing programs for interpreting printer control languages of different languages can be connected. It may be configured as follows. Furthermore, N not shown
It may have a VRAM and store the printer mode setting information from the operation panel 1501.

(First Embodiment) The structure and control of a portion for performing recording control peculiar to an embodiment of the present invention in a basic system using the printer control system having the above-described structure will be described in detail below. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the printer control system showing the first embodiment according to the present invention. The same parts as those in the block diagram of FIG. 2 are designated by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 22 is a paper feed cassette, which supplies recording paper as a storage medium. Reference numeral 23 is a fixing device, and 24 is a paper discharge unit. A sensor 25 is arranged in each unit, and is connected to the system bus 15 by a sensor unit I / F 26. A timer 27 is controlled by the CPU 12 via the system bus 15. 28 is NV
It is a RAM and stores each setting information in the embodiment of the present invention. A plurality of peripheral devices such as other recording devices are also connected to the bidirectional I / F 21. Although only one recording device is shown in FIG. 3 as a matter of course, the present embodiment is of course not limited to the above.

In the printer control system configured as described above, print information (character code, etc.), form information, macro commands, etc. are supplied from a host device such as a host computer 3000 which is a print information (recording information) supply device. It is assumed that when 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 that is a storage medium, a paper shortage or a JAM (paper jam) occurs and the printing is temporarily interrupted. . The processing of this embodiment in this case will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. 3 and the flowchart of FIG.

When paper runs out or JAM (paper jam) occurs, the paper feed cassette 22, the fixing device 23, and the paper discharge unit 24.
The respective statuses (states) are detected by the respective sensors 25 arranged in the etc., information is transmitted to the CPU 12 via the sensor unit I / F 26 and the system bus 15, and printing is performed under the control of the CPU 12 as shown in step S1. Is interrupted. In step S2, the input unit 18 indicates that printing has been interrupted.
From the host computer 30 via the bidirectional I / F 21
00 is transmitted.

Host computer 300 receiving this
In 0, the print interruption state is displayed on the CRT 10 so that the cause of the print interruption can be recognized as shown in step S3. For example, as in step S4, an outline drawing of the printer is drawn on the CRT 10, and when the paper is out, the paper feed cassette 22 is shown, and when it is JAM (paper jam), the fixing device 23 and the paper discharge unit 24 are shown. Thus, the user can easily identify the portion to be processed.

On the printer 1500 side, the operation unit 1
Is it out of paper on the panel (not shown) on 501?
LE (not shown) that indicates whether it is AM (paper jam), etc.
Flashes D etc.

Further, if the paper is out, the paper feed cassette 22
Slides, and if it is JAM (paper jam), it makes it easier for the user to handle such as opening the door.

When the information about the interruption of printing and its processing is transmitted from the input unit 18 to the host computer 3000 via the bidirectional I / F 21, the timer 27 in the printer 1500 starts time measurement in step S5. Then, in step S6, the host computer 3000
Monitor whether there is a response from (user).

In step S6, the host computer 30
If the set time has passed without any response from 00 (user), the printer 1500 proceeds to the process of step S8 via step S7.

On the other hand, when there is a response from the host computer 3000 (user) in step S6, that is, the user recognizes the print interruption and performs the processing, the printer 1500 receives a response via the bidirectional I / F 21. If so, the process proceeds to step S12, the set time of the timer 27 stored in the NVRAM 28 is measured, and the process by the user is awaited. Here, the set time can be changed by the user in addition to the preset time. Then, in step S13, it is checked whether or not the print interruption process is performed. If the print interruption process is performed here, the process ends.

In step S8, the CPU 12 causes the fixing device 2
3 or a device such as a laser unit (not shown) that is not necessary for printing operation is stopped or reduced to be in a standby state with reduced power consumption. The timer 27 described above is also used for setting the standby state in which the power consumption is reduced.
Similarly to the setting time of, the user can change the stop and reduction of the power supply in combination with the time setting. That is, for example, after 5 minutes, the power supply to the laser unit (not shown) is stopped, and after 5 minutes, the power supply to the fixing unit 23 is stopped.

Subsequently, in step S9, it is monitored whether or not the process for the print interruption by the user is performed in the standby state in which the power consumption is reduced. When the user process is performed, that is, when the paper is out, the paper is replenished in the paper feed cassette 22 and the paper feed cassette 22 is set again, or when the paper is jammed, the paper is removed and the door is opened again. When processing such as closing the
The process proceeds from step 9 to step S10, and the sensor 25 and the sensor unit I
This is transmitted from the / F26 to the CPU 12 via the system bus 15, power supply to the fixing device 23 and a laser unit (not shown) is restarted, and printing is restarted in step S11.

With the above-mentioned configuration and control, paper breaks and JAM
If printing is interrupted due to (paper jam), bidirectional I / F2
1 to the host computer 3000 (user), and if the processing is not performed even after the set time elapses, the power supply to the devices unnecessary for the printing operation is stopped or reduced. As a result, the power consumption can be reduced to a standby state.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described. Also in the second embodiment, the basic configuration has the configuration shown in FIG. 3 of the first embodiment described above. In the second embodiment, the bidirectional communication and control method for the host computer 3000 is partially different. The parts different from the first embodiment will be described below. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the control of the second embodiment according to the present invention. The second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the block diagram of FIG. 3 and the flowchart of FIG. In FIG. 5, FIG. 4 of the first embodiment described above.
The same step number is given to the same process as the process shown in, and the detailed description is omitted.

The second embodiment is characterized by the processing after the set time has elapsed, as compared with the first embodiment described above. In addition,
In describing the second embodiment, the host computer 3000 and the printer 1500 of FIG. 2 are connected via a bidirectional I / F, and also connected to a host device such as another host computer not shown and peripheral devices. Then, it is assumed that the network is configured and data can be transmitted and received.

In FIG. 5, after the printing in step S1 is interrupted, the timer 27 in steps 6 and S7
Is the same as in the first embodiment described above until the set time stored in the NVRAM 28 elapses. After the set time in step S7 has elapsed, the process of step S15 is executed in the second embodiment, and the bidirectional I / F 2 is input from the input unit 18.
A peripheral device such as a printer capable of printing on the network is searched for via the device 1. When searching for another printer on the network, the printer 1500 is installed in each printer on the network or in a printable peripheral device such as a fax machine or a copying machine in terms of paper size and amount of paper. It inquires about setting information such as fonts and communicates with the network via the bidirectional I / F 21. Next, the printer 1500 supplies the print information (character code or the like), the form information, the macro command, or the like from the input unit 18 to the peripheral device such as a printer capable of printing through the bidirectional I / F 21.

Further, to the effect that printing has been handed over to another printer or other peripheral device, in step S16, the apparatus waits until the printing interruption processing of its own apparatus is executed, and when the printing interruption processing is performed, the process proceeds to step S17. Then, in step S17, the printer 150 is input from the input unit 18 via the bidirectional I / F 21 together with information such as the position of the peripheral device such as the printer and the print end time.
0 to the host computer 3000 (user).

With the above-mentioned configuration and control, there is no paper or JAM.
If printing is interrupted due to (paper jam), bidirectional I / F2
Print information (character code, etc.), form information, macro commands, etc. are supplied to other printers and other peripheral devices on the network via 1 to continue printing. be able to.

As described above, according to each of the above-described embodiments, a process for bidirectional communication with a host device such as a host computer, a process when printing is interrupted by a paper jam JAM (paper jam), etc. A means for detecting the status (state) of a printing device such as a printer, a means for transmitting that effect to a higher-level device such as a host computer and requesting the user to perform processing, and the processing is facilitated when there is a response to the processing request. To prevent this, for example, if the paper runs out, a means such as sliding the paper feed cassette, a means for measuring a certain time after the printing is interrupted, and a device that is unnecessary when there is no response for a processing request for a certain time Means for stopping or reducing power supply to reduce power consumption, and means for transmitting document data to other peripheral devices on the network by bidirectional communication As a result, even if printing is interrupted due to paper shortage, JAM (paper jam), etc., the processing is not performed, and it is possible to avoid a state in which power is being consumed as in printing. There is.

Further, by being connected to a host device such as a host computer by a bidirectional I / F, the host computer (user) can recognize the status of the peripheral device such as a printer and can perform processing therefor. is there.

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

[0051]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to perform bidirectional communication with the recording information supply device, so that it is possible to inform the recording information supply device of the state of the recording device. As a result, even if the recording output is interrupted due to paper shortage or JAM (paper jam), it is possible to perform processing for it, and power is consumed in the same way as when recording output is interrupted. It is possible to avoid the situation of being left as it is.

[0052]

[Brief description of drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a basic configuration of a printer control system showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer control system showing an embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow of this embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow of a second embodiment according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 CPU 2 RAM 3 ROM 4 System Bus 5 Keyboard Controller (KBC) 6 CRT Controller (CRTC) 7 Memory Controller (MC) 8 Printer Controller (PRTC) 9 Keyboard 10 CRT 11 External Memory 12 CPU 13 ROM 14 External Memory 15 System Bus 16 printing unit I / F 17 printing unit (printer engine) 18 input unit 19 RAM 20 memory controller (MC) 21 bidirectional interface (bidirectional I / F) 22 paper feed cassette 23 fixing unit 24 paper ejection unit 25 sensor 26 sensor Interface (sensor I / F) 27 timer 28 NVRAM 1000 printer control unit 1500 laser beam printer (LBP) main body 1501 operation panel 1502 laser dry Over 1503 semiconductor laser 1504 laser beam 1505 rotary polygon mirror 1506 electrostatic drum 1507 developing unit 1508 sheet cassette 1509 paper feed roller 1510 transport roller 1511 transport roller 3000 host computer

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A recording device connectable to a plurality of recording information supply devices via a communication medium, comprising bidirectional communication means for performing bidirectional communication between the recording device and the plurality of recording information supply devices. A recording device characterized by the above. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the interruption processing when the recording output in the apparatus is interrupted can be executed through the two-way communication means. 3. A two-way communication means requests the recording information supply device to perform processing when recording output is interrupted, and when there is no response for a certain period of time, power consumption is reduced and standby processing is executed. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means. 4. The bidirectional communication means requests the recording information supply device to perform processing when recording output is interrupted, and when there is no response for a predetermined time, another device connected via a communication medium is requested. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising recording information transfer means for transmitting the recording information and continuing the recording output. 5. A recording method in a recording device connectable to a plurality of recording information supplying devices via a communication medium, comprising: exchanging recording information and print information between the recording device and the plurality of recording information supplying devices. A recording method characterized by two-way communication. 6. The recording method according to claim 5, wherein the interruption processing when the recording output in the apparatus is interrupted can be executed by using the two-way communication. 7. The bidirectional communication is used to request the recording information supply device to perform a process when recording output is interrupted, and when there is no response for a certain period of time, the power consumption is reduced to a standby state. The recording method according to claim 5. 8. A bidirectional communication is used to request the recording information supply device to perform processing when recording output is interrupted, and when no response is received for a certain period of time, recording is performed to another device connected via a communication medium. The recording method according to claim 5, wherein the information is transmitted and the recording output is continued.