JPH09212318A - Printing controller and method for processing data in printing controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To usefully and effectively output the printing information of remaining pages by restricting the reoutput of a page which has been already normally outputted at the time of receiving the same printing information and restarting printing processing from a succeeding page. SOLUTION: A job name comparator 312 judges whether new job name information acquired from a printing job received from a host computer is the same as a job name stored in a job name storage device 313 or not. At the time of judging coincidence between both the job names, a CPU 317 controls the data processing start page of a printing job to be processed based upon the number of pages stored in a page storage device 314.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a print control apparatus for processing output information of a predetermined unit received from a host computer via a predetermined communication medium and a data processing method of the print control apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an output device of this type, for example, a printing control device for controlling a printing device, an operation in which a job is interrupted during printing of data of a plurality of pages (for example, it is impossible to cancel the job or continue printing). When the job transmission from the host computer is once stopped due to an error (such as an error in the printing device) from the host computer side or from the printing device side, job data being processed in the printing device and information about the job, etc. However, even if all the data is erased from the printing apparatus, or if the processed data remains, normal printing is not guaranteed, so the processed data can only be erased manually.

Therefore, when the same job is sent to the printing apparatus, the printing apparatus performs processing from the first page again,
Printing was started from the first page again. Here,
Job cancellation means stopping the transmission of a job from the host computer to the printing apparatus, and further erasing the received job data and information held in the printing apparatus.

[0004]

Since the conventional print control device for controlling the output device is constructed as described above,
Since the information of the job that has been finished once does not remain in the output device, if you send the same job again, it will output even the pages that have already been printed normally before the job was interrupted. The page is output twice, resulting in a waste of processing time and printing paper.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the first to eighth inventions of the present invention is to determine the output completion page state for print information to be received. By controlling the start page to be restarted and output, the print information received from the information processing device is generated into output data that can be output by the printing unit in page units, and is processed by an arbitrary page. If the same print information is received when the information processing device side or the printing device side instructs to cancel the print output, the re-output of the pages that have already been output normally is restricted and To provide a print control apparatus and a data processing method for the print control apparatus, which can restart the print processing from the page to be printed and output the print information of the remaining pages efficiently and efficiently. A.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, in a print control apparatus capable of receiving print information from an information processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, the print information is processed in page units. Processing means for generating output data that can be output from the printing unit, detection means for detecting a processing error of the print information by the processing means, and the print information when the detection means detects the processing error. Storage means for storing the identification information obtained from the page information and the page information already processed by the processing means, new identification information obtained from the print information received from the information processing device, and the storage information stored in the storage means. Determination means for determining whether or not the identification information is the same, and when the determination means determines that the new identification information and the identification information are the same, the storage means stores The control means controls the data processing start page of the print information to be data-processed by the processing means based on the stored page number, and relays the output data of the non-output page from the printing section. is there.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in a print control apparatus capable of receiving print information from an information processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, the print information is processed in page units and output from a printing unit. Processing means for generating possible output data, cancellation detection means for detecting a cancellation instruction of the processing of the print information by the processing means, and acquisition from the print information based on a detection result of the cancellation instruction by the cancellation detection means Storage means for storing the identification information and the page information already processed by the processing means, and the processing means has already processed the data based on the detection result of the cancellation instruction from the cancellation detection means and has been printed by the printing section. Transfer means for transferring the output data waiting to be transferred to the save memory, and the print information received from the information processing apparatus are acquired. Determination means for determining whether or not the regulation identification information and the identification information stored in the storage means are the same, and when the determination means determines that the new identification information and the identification information are the same, the evacuation is performed. First control means for obtaining the output data from the memory and causing the printing section to print, and based on the number of pages stored in the storage means after printing of the output data by the first control means is completed. Second processing means for controlling the data processing start page of the print information to be subjected to data processing by the processing means and relaying output data of the non-output page from the printing section is provided.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the save memory is provided on the information processing device side.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the save memory is provided on the print control apparatus main body side.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the save memory is a non-volatile memory medium.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the nonvolatile memory medium is a hard disk, a floppy disk,
It is composed of one of magneto-optical disks.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in a data processing method of a print control apparatus capable of receiving print information from an information processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, the print information is processed in page units. A processing step of generating output data that can be output from the printing unit, a detection step of detecting a generation processing error of the output data, and identification information and the processing acquired from the print information when the generation processing error is detected. Whether the holding step for holding the page information, which has already been data-processed by the means, in the storage medium, the new identification information acquired from the print information received from the information processing device, and the identification information held in the storage medium are the same. Based on the number of pages held in the storage medium when determining whether the new identification information and the identification information are the same Determines the data processing start page of the print information to be data processing, the output data not yet output page from the printing unit in which an output step of relay output.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in a data processing method of a print control device capable of receiving print information from an information processing device via a predetermined communication medium, the print information is processed in page units. A processing step of generating output data that can be output from the printing unit, a detection step of detecting a cancellation instruction of the processing of generating the output data, identification information acquired from the print information based on the cancellation instruction, and the processing means. A first holding step of holding the page information already processed by the first memory in the first memory, and a save memory for the non-output data which has already been data-processed based on the cancel instruction and is waiting to be transferred to the printing unit. Transfer step of transferring to the information processing apparatus, new identification information acquired from the print information received from the information processing apparatus, and the identification information stored in the first memory. And a step of determining whether the new identification information and the identification information are the same, and the first printing in which the unoutput data is acquired from the save memory and printed by the printing unit. After the process and the printing of the non-output data, the data processing start page of the print information to be data-processed is determined based on the number of pages stored in the first memory, And an output step of relaying output data.

[0014]

In the first invention, the determining means for determining whether or not the new identification information acquired from the print information received from the information processing apparatus and the identification information stored in the storage means are the same. When it is determined that the identification information and the identification information are the same, the control means controls the data processing start page of the print information to be processed by the processing means based on the number of pages stored in the storage means,
When printing the same print information, the pages that have already been printed normally are identified, and the print information that was interrupted due to an error during the printing process and that does not waste print information after the page that has not been output. It also enables efficient printing.

In the second aspect of the invention, based on the result of detection of the cancellation instruction from the cancellation detection means, the transfer means processes the output data which has already been processed by the processing means and is waiting to be transferred to the printing section. The determination means for determining whether or not the new identification information acquired from the print information received from the information processing apparatus and the identification information stored in the storage means are the same is transferred to the save memory. When it is determined that the information and the identification information are the same, the first control unit obtains the output data from the save memory and causes the printing unit to print, and after the printing is finished, the second control unit sets the When the processing unit controls the data processing start page of the print information to be data-processed based on the number of pages stored in the storage unit and prints the same print information, it has already been corrected. The print information that was canceled during the printing process, and the pages after the page that remains as unprinted, are printed while identifying the printed pages and the held pages to reduce the number of unprinted pages as much as possible. It makes it possible to print information efficiently.

In a third aspect of the invention, based on the detection result of the cancellation instruction from the cancellation detection means, the transfer means has already processed the data by the processing means, and outputs the output data waiting to be transferred to the printing section. Determining whether or not the new identification information acquired from the print information received from the information processing apparatus and the identification information stored in the storage unit are the same and transferred to the save memory of the information processing apparatus When the means determines that the new identification information and the identification information are the same, the first control means acquires the output data from the save memory on the side of the information processing apparatus and causes the printing section to print the print data, After the end, the second control unit controls the data processing start page of the print information to be data processed by the processing unit based on the number of pages stored in the storage unit, and the same. When printing the print information, the print information that was canceled during the print process is identified while identifying the pages that have already been printed normally and the pages that have been retained and reducing the number of pages that have not been output as much as possible. It is possible to efficiently print the print information after the page that remains as a non-output.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, based on the result of detection of the cancellation instruction from the cancellation detection means, the transfer means has already processed the data by the processing means and outputs the output data waiting to be transferred to the printing section. It is determined whether or not the new identification information acquired from the print information received from the information processing device and the identification information stored in the storage unit are the same, which are transferred to the save memory of the main body of the print control device. When the determination unit determines that the new identification information and the identification information are the same, the first control unit acquires the output data from the save memory on the print control apparatus main body side and causes the printing unit to print the output data. After the printing is completed, the second control unit controls the data processing start page of the print information to be processed by the processing unit based on the number of pages stored in the storage unit. , When printing the same print information,
It is the print information that was canceled during the printing process and identifies the pages that have already been printed normally and the pages that have been retained, and reduces the number of pages that have not been output as much as possible. It is possible to efficiently print the print information of.

In the fifth aspect of the present invention, the save memory stores the generated output data in a non-volatile manner, limits the loss of the saved output data, and enables print processing using the already generated output data. And

In a sixth invention, a hard disk,
A save memory consisting of either a floppy disk or magneto-optical disk stores the generated output data in a non-volatile manner, limits the loss of the saved output data, and prints using the already generated output data. Enable processing.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention, the print information is processed in page units to generate output data that can be output from a printing unit, and when a data processing error is detected during the generation of the output data, the printing is performed. The identification information obtained from the information and the page information already processed by the processing means are held in the storage medium, and when the print information is received from the information processing apparatus, the new identification information obtained from the received print information. And when it is determined that the identification information held in the storage medium is the same, the data processing start page of the print information to be data processed is determined based on the number of pages held in the storage medium, and the printing is performed. When the same print information is printed by relaying the output data of the unprinted page from the printer, the page that has already been printed normally is identified and the error is detected during the printing process. The printing information which is interrupted by chromatography, without wasting print information after the page that is the non-output, and makes it possible to efficiently print.

In the eighth invention, the print information is processed page by page to generate output data that can be output from the printing section, and when a cancel instruction of the output data generation processing is detected, the cancel instruction is issued. Based on the identification information acquired from the print information and the page information that has already been data-processed by the processing unit, the first memory is held, and the data is already processed based on the cancel instruction, When the print information is received from the information processing device in the state where the non-output data waiting to be transferred is transferred to the save memory, the new identification information acquired from the received print information and the new identification information are stored in the first memory. When it is determined that the identification information is the same, the non-output data is acquired from the save memory and printed by the printing unit, and After the printing of the force data is finished, the data processing start page of the print information to be data-processed is determined based on the number of pages stored in the first memory, and the output data of the non-output page is relay-output from the printing unit. Then, when printing the same print information, the pages that have already been printed normally and the held pages are identified, and the number of pages that have not been output is reduced as much as possible, while printing that was canceled during the printing process. It is possible to efficiently print the print information that is the information and is the page and subsequent pages that have not been output.

[0022]

【Example】

[First Embodiment] Before describing the configuration of the present embodiment, the configurations of a laser beam printer and an inkjet printer suitable for applying the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

Needless to say, the printer to which the present embodiment is applied is not limited to the laser beam printer and the ink jet printer, and may be a printer of another printing method.

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

In the figure, reference numeral 1000 denotes an LBP main body, which inputs and stores print information (character code, etc.), form information, macro commands, etc. supplied from an externally connected host computer, and stores these information. A corresponding character pattern, form pattern, or the like is created in accordance with the above, and an image is formed on a recording medium such as recording paper.
Reference numeral 1012 denotes an operation panel on which switches for operation and an LED display are arranged, and 1001 denotes an LBP main body 10
This is a printer control unit that controls the entire 00 and analyzes character information and the like supplied from the host computer.
The printer control unit 1001 mainly converts character information into a video signal of a corresponding character pattern and outputs the video signal to a laser driver 1002.

The laser driver 1002 is the semiconductor laser 1
003 is a circuit for driving a laser beam 1004 that is emitted from the semiconductor laser 1003 in accordance with an input video signal. Laser light 10
A rotary polygon mirror 1005 is swung in the left-right direction to scan and expose the electrostatic drum 1006. As a result, an electrostatic latent image having a character pattern is formed on the electrostatic drum 1006. This latent image is developed by a developing unit 1007 disposed around the electrostatic drum 1006,
Transferred to recording paper. A cut sheet is used as the recording paper, and the cut sheet recording paper is stored in a paper cassette 1008 mounted on the LBP 1000, taken into the apparatus by a paper feed roller 1009, a conveyance roller 1010, and a conveyance roller 1011, and electrostatically charged. It is supplied to the drum 1006.

Further, the LBP main body 1000 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 can be connected in addition to the built-in font. .

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of an output system to which the print control apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be applied. The same parts as those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals. A laser beam printer (FIG. 1) will be described as an example. Note that, as long as the functions of the present invention are executed, the present invention is applicable 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. It goes without saying that the invention can be applied.

In the figure, reference numeral 3000 denotes a host computer, which is an external memory 11 such as a hard disk, a floppy disk, a magneto-optical disk, and a program R in the ROM 3.
A CPU 1 is provided for executing document processing in which graphics, images, characters, tables (including spreadsheets, etc.) are mixed based on a document processing program stored in the OM, and each device connected to the system device 4 is a CPU 1. Has overall control.

The program ROM of the ROM 3
Stores a control program of the CPU 1 and the like.
The font ROM stores font data and the like used in the document processing, and the data ROM of the ROM 3 stores various data used in the document processing and the like.

Reference numeral 2 denotes a RAM whose capacity can be expanded as needed.
Then, it functions as a main memory, a work area, etc. of the CPU 1. A keyboard controller (KBC) 5 controls a key input from a keyboard (KB) 9 or a pointing device (not shown). 6 is a CRT controller (CR
The display of the CRT display (CRT) 10 is controlled by TC).

Reference numeral 7 denotes a memory controller (MC), which accesses the external memory 11 such as a hard disk (HD) or a floppy disk (FD) for storing a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, edit files and the like. Control. A print controller (PRTC) 8 is a printer 1000 via a predetermined bidirectional interface (interface) 21.
To perform communication control processing with the printer 1000.

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
Various registered windows are opened based on a command specified by a mouse cursor or the like (not shown) on the RT 10,
Perform various data processing.

In the printer 1000, a printer CPU 12 is a system based on a control program stored in a program ROM of the ROM 13 or a control program stored in an external memory 14 such as a hard disk, a floppy disk or a magneto-optical disk. Bus 15
Access to various devices connected to the printer is comprehensively controlled, and an image signal as output information is output to a printing unit (printer engine) 17 connected via a printing unit interface (I / F) 16.

The program RO of the ROM 13
In M, a control program of the CPU 12 as shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 and 6 is stored. The font ROM of the ROM 13 stores font data and the like used when the output information is generated. Further, the data ROM of the ROM 13 stores information and the like used on the host computer 3000 for the printer not having the external memory 14 such as a hard disk.

The CPU 12 can perform bidirectional communication processing with the host computer 3000 via the input unit 18, and can notify the host computer 3000 of information and the like in the printer 1000. 19 is C
R that functions as the main memory and work area of the PU 12
The AM 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 environmental data storage area, NVRAM, and the like. Access to the external memory 14 such as a hard disk (HD) or an IC card is controlled by a memory controller (MC) 20.

The external memory 14 is connected as an option, and includes font data, an emulation program,
Stores form data and the like. Reference numeral 18 denotes the above-mentioned operation panel 1012, on which switches for operation, LED indicators and the like are arranged.

The above-mentioned external memory 14 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 provided. It may be configured to be connectable. Further, an NVRAM (not shown) may be provided to store the printer mode setting information from the operation panel 1012.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of an output system to which the print control apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied.

In the figure, reference numeral 301 denotes a host computer, which prints via the bidirectional interface 320.
1 is communicable. A job storage device 302 stores data to be transmitted to the printing device 311. A CPU 303 executes a control program stored in the ROM 304 or various application programs loaded on the RAM 305, and controls internal I / O with a device connected to the internal bus. A display device (CRT) 306 displays input information from a keyboard or the like (not shown) or system status. An I / O interface 307 functions as a port for transmitting and receiving data via the bidirectional interface 320.

In the printing device 311, a job name storage device 313 stores the job name of a job sent from the host computer 301 when an error occurs and the job is interrupted.

Reference numeral 312 is a job name comparison device, which is the job name of the job sent from the host computer 301,
A comparison is made with the job name stored in the job name storage device 313. A page storage device 314 stores page information in which an error occurred during job transmission. An error detection device 315 detects an error that occurs in the printing device 311.

Correspondence between the present embodiment and each means of the first invention and its operation will be described below with reference to FIG.

A first aspect of the present invention is a print control device capable of receiving print information from an information processing device via a predetermined communication medium (two-way interface 320), wherein the print information is processed page by page to perform printing processing. (Processing means (CPU 317 stored in ROM 318 or R for generating output data that can be output from the printing unit 17 shown in FIG. 2)
And executes a control program loaded in the AM 319) and a detection unit (error detection device 315) for detecting a processing error of the print information by the processing unit.
When the detection unit detects the processing error, a storage unit (job name) that stores identification information (job name information) acquired from the print information and page information (number of pages) that the processing unit has already processed. Storage device 313,
Page storage device 314), new identification information (job name information) acquired from print information (print job) received from the information processing device (host computer 301), and the identification information (job name information) stored in the storage means ( (Job name information) is the same as the determination means (job name comparison device 312), and when the determination means determines that the new identification information and the identification information are the same, they are stored in the storage means. The control means controls the data processing start page of the print information to be processed by the processing means based on the number of pages, and relays the output data of the non-output page from the printing section (the CPU 317 is stored in the ROM 318). , Or executes the control program loaded in the RAM 319 to control), and receives from the host computer 301. When the job name comparison device 312 that determines whether the new job name information acquired from the print job to be executed and the job name stored in the job name storage device 313 are the same, CP
The U 317 controls the data processing start page of the print job to be data processed based on the number of pages stored in the page storage device 314, relays the output data of the unoutput page from the printing unit, and outputs the output data. It is possible to skip the page and print the print information from the unoutput page.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the first embodiment of the data processing method of the print control apparatus according to the present invention.
Note that (1) to (6) indicate each step.

First, the job stored in the job storage device 302 is transferred to the I / O of the host computer 301 side.
The I / O interface 31 on the side of the printing apparatus 311 via the interface 307, the bidirectional interface 320, etc.
6 receives (1).

Next, in the job name comparison device 312, the job name of the job received by the I / O interface 316 on the printing device side is compared with the job name stored in the job name storage device 313, and both jobs have the same job name. If it is determined that the job name is the same (2), that is, because it has already been printed up to the number of stored pages for the same job name due to some error. Then, the printed page to be described later is skipped (3).

Next, or if it is determined in step (2) that the job names are different, or if no job name is stored in the job name storage device 313, the process proceeds to step (4) and thereafter. It is judged whether the job is received / processed. If YES, the process is ended, and if NO,
While a job is being received, the error detection device 315 cannot continue printing, or an error that can continue but does not guarantee normal printing (for example, (Print Over Run (Pr
int Overrun)) is detected (5), if NO, the process returns to step (4), and if YES, the name of the job currently being processed is stored in the job name storage device 313 and an error message is displayed. The generated page information is stored in the page storage device 314 (6), and the process ends.

Here, the printing process is interrupted and the printing device 31
The user manually avoids the error 1 (for example, page protection is applied).

Next, with the job name stored in the job name storage device 313, the same job is received again from the host computer 301 (1), and the job name storage device 31 is received.
Job name and host computer 301 stored in 3
When the job name comparison apparatus 312 compares the job name received from the job name (2), the job name received this time is the same, so the printing apparatus outputs the page information in which the error occurred stored in the page storage apparatus 314. By recognizing, skip the process / print up to the previous page, that is, the number of pages that were normally printed before the error occurred (3), and print from the number of pages after the error occurred. . At this time, since the error has already been avoided, the printing continues normally, and when all the jobs received via the I / O interface 316 have been normally received / processed (4), the processing ends.

Correspondence between the present embodiment and each step of the seventh invention and its action will be described below with reference to FIG.

A seventh invention is a data processing method of a print control device capable of receiving print information from an information processing device (host computer 301) via a predetermined communication medium (bidirectional interface 320), and the print information is stored in the data processing method. A processing step (step (1) in FIG. 4) of processing data page by page to generate output data that can be output from the printing section, and a detection step of detecting an output data generation processing error (step (5 of FIG. 4)). )), And a holding step of holding the identification information acquired from the print information and the page information already processed by the processing means in the storage medium when the generation processing error is detected (step (6) in FIG. 4). And whether the new identification information acquired from the print information received from the information processing device is the same as the identification information held in the storage medium. Print information to be subjected to data processing based on the number of pages held in the storage medium when the determination step (step (2) in FIG. 4) and the new identification information and the identification information are determined to be the same. When the same print information is printed by executing the output step (step (3) in FIG. 4) of deciding the data processing start page and relaying the output data of the non-output page from the printing unit, It is possible to identify the pages that have already been printed normally, and to print the print information that was interrupted due to an error during the printing process and that has not been output, and that can be printed efficiently without waste. To do.

As a result, when an error that cannot restart the printing process occurs during the printing process, when a job retransmitted from the host computer 301 is received, it is discriminated whether it is the same job, and the job has already been output normally. By limiting the print processing of the page, that is, skipping without performing the print processing until the page in which the error occurred, and restarting the printing from the page in which the error occurred, the reprint processing time of the same job is shortened. In addition, it is possible to eliminate waste of printing and save printing resources.

[Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment, when an error that cannot restart the printing process occurs during the printing process, when the job retransmitted from the host computer 301 is received, the same job is detected. I explained how to identify whether or not to limit the print processing of pages that have already been normally output to shorten the reprint processing time of the same job, eliminate waste of printing, and save printing resources. When the same job is received after the data processing of a job is instructed to cancel the data processing from the operation panel (not shown) of the host computer or the main body of the printing device, the page normally output and the page already output Except the output data pages that were saved
The data processing may be controlled so as to print the remaining print information from the top of the net page to the last page. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of an output system to which the print control apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention is applied.

In the figure, reference numeral 501 is a host computer, which prints via a bidirectional interface 530.
1 is communicable. A job storage device 502 stores data to be transmitted to the printing device 511. A processed data storage device 503 stores data stored in a processed data storage device 517 of the printing device 511 described later.

A CPU 504 executes a control program stored in the ROM 505 or various application programs loaded in the RAM 506, and controls internal I / O with a device connected to the internal bus. . A display device (CRT) 507 displays input information from a keyboard (not shown) or the system status. An I / O interface 508 functions as a port for transmitting and receiving data via the bidirectional interface 530.

In the printing device 511, a job name storage device 513 stores the job name of the job being transmitted when the job is canceled while being transmitted from the host computer 501. A job name comparison device 512 compares the job name sent from the host computer 501 with the job name stored in the job name storage device 513.

Reference numeral 514 denotes a page storage device, which is page information (number of pages) for which the job is canceled while the job is being received.
Is stored. Reference numeral 515 denotes a job cancellation detecting device, which receives a job from the host computer 501 during reception.
Alternatively, it is detected that the job is canceled in the printing device 511. A job processing apparatus 516 processes a job received from the host computer 501.
That is, the job (data) received from the host computer 501 is expanded into a bitmap, and the expanded bitmap data is stored in the processed data storage device 517 (on the printing device 511 side).

The processed data storage device 503 on the host computer 501 side also stores the data stored in the processed data storage device 517 on the printing device 511 side.

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

A second aspect of the present invention is a print control apparatus capable of receiving print information from an information processing apparatus (host computer 501) via a predetermined communication medium (bidirectional interface 530). A processing unit (job processing device 516) that processes and generates output data that can be output from the printing unit, and a cancellation detection unit (job cancellation detection device 515) that detects an instruction to cancel the processing of the print information by the processing unit. A storage unit (job name storage device) that stores identification information (job name information) acquired from the print information based on a detection result of the cancellation instruction by the cancellation detection unit and page information that has already been data-processed by the processing unit. 513) and the processing means based on the detection result of the cancellation instruction from the cancellation detection means. The printing unit to the data processing (Fig. 2
The transfer unit (CPU 519 transfers the output data waiting to be transferred to the printing unit 17) to the save memory (processed data storage device 517) based on the transfer program loaded in the ROM 520 or the RAM 521. Processing) and determining means for determining whether or not the new identification information acquired from the print information received from the information processing device and the identification information stored in the storage device are the same (job name comparison device 512). And a first control unit (in the present embodiment, which obtains the output data from the save memory and causes the printing unit to print when the determination unit determines that the new identification information and the identification information are the same). Depending on the job processor 516, the CPU 519 is a ROM
520, or a configuration in which processing is performed based on a transfer program loaded in the RAM 521), and after the output data is printed by the first control unit,
Second control for controlling the data processing start page of the print information to be processed by the processing means based on the number of pages stored in the storage means, and relaying output data of the unoutput page from the printing unit Means (in this embodiment, depending on the job processing device 516, the CPU 519 is a ROM)
520 or a configuration in which processing is performed based on the transfer program loaded in the RAM 521) is provided, and the CPU 519 causes the job processing apparatus 516 to perform data processing based on the cancellation instruction detection result from the job cancellation detection apparatus 515. The output data that has been processed and is waiting to be transferred to the printing unit (printing unit 17 shown in FIG. 2) is transferred to the save memory, and the host computer 5
The job name comparison device 512, which determines whether the new job name information acquired from the print job received from 01 and the job name information stored in the job name storage device 513 are the same, is stored as the new job name information. When it is determined that the job name information is the same as the job name information, the job processing apparatus 516 acquires the output data from the save memory (processed data storage apparatus 503) and causes the printing unit 17 to print the job. The processing device 516 is the page storage device 51.
The data processing start page of the print information to be data-processed is controlled based on the number of pages stored in 4, and when the same print information is printed, the normally printed page and the held page are identified. Thus, it is possible to efficiently print the print information that is canceled during the printing process and that is the print information after the page that remains unoutput while reducing the number of pages that have not been output as much as possible.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the transfer means has already processed the data by the job processing device 516 based on the result of detection of the cancellation instruction from the job cancellation detection device 515, and is waiting for the transfer to the printing section 17. The data is transferred to the save memory (processed data storage device 503) on the host computer 501 side and stored in the job name storage device 513 and new job name information acquired from the print job received from the host computer 501. When the job name comparison unit that determines whether the job name information is the same as the job name information is the same, the job processing apparatus 516 reads the saved data (processed data storage apparatus 503) from the host computer 501 side. After the output data is acquired and printed by the printing unit 17, the job is Management apparatus 516 page store 51
The job processing apparatus 516 controls the data processing start page of the print job to be data-processed based on the number of pages stored in No. 4, and when the same print job is printed, the page that has already been normally printed and the retained page are retained. Identifying the existing pages and reducing the number of pages that have not been output as much as possible, while efficiently printing the print information that was canceled during the printing process and that remains after the pages that have not been output. Is possible.

In a fourth aspect of the present invention, the transfer means has already processed the data by the job processing device 516 based on the result of detection of the cancel instruction from the job cancellation detection device 515, and is waiting for transfer to the printing section 17. The data is transferred to the save memory (the processed data storage device 517 or a hard disk (not shown)) on the print control device main body side in the printing device 511, and the host computer 50
The job name comparison unit that determines whether the new job name information acquired from the print job received from the job information No. 1 and the job name information stored in the job name storage device 513 are the same In this case, the job processing device 516 acquires the output data from the save memory (processed data storage device 517) on the print control device main body side and causes the printing unit 17 to print the print data. Controls the data processing start page of the print job to be processed by the job processing device 516 based on the number of pages stored in the page storage device 514,
When printing the same print job, it identifies the pages that have already been printed normally and the pages that are held, and reduces the number of unprinted pages as much as possible, while using the print information that was canceled during the printing process. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently print the print information after the page that remains as a non-output.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the save memories (processed data storage devices 503 and 517) store the generated output data in a non-volatile manner to limit the disappearance of the saved output data so that the output data is already generated. Enables print processing using output data.

In a sixth aspect of the invention, a save memory composed of a hard disk, a floppy disk or a magneto-optical disk stores the generated output data in a non-volatile manner to limit the loss of the saved output data. It enables print processing using the output data already generated.

The data processing method of the print control apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing a second embodiment of the data processing method of the print control apparatus according to the present invention.
(1) to (8) indicate each step.

First, the job stored in the job storage device 502 is transferred to the I / O of the host computer 501 side.
I / O on the printer 511 side via the interface 508
The interface 518 receives (1). Next, in the job name comparison device 512, I / O on the printing device 511 side is displayed.
The CPU 519 judges whether the job names stored in the job name storage device 513 of the job received by the O interface 518 are the same (2), and the job names are different. If the determination is made, or if no job name is stored in the job name storage device 513, the process proceeds to step (5) and thereafter to continue receiving the job.

While the job is being received, the CPU 519 determines whether the job cancellation detecting device 515 has detected the cancellation of the job from the host computer 501 or in the printing device 511 (6), and detects the cancellation of the job. When the determination is made, the job name currently being processed and the page in which the job is canceled are stored in the job name storage device 513 and the page storage device 514, respectively (7).

Next, in the job processing device 516, the job has been processed, that is, the data that has been expanded into bitmap data but not printed is stored in the processed data storage device 517 (on the printing device 511 side). The processed data is stored in the printing device 51.
It is sent (8) to the I / O interface 508 on the host computer 501 side via the I / O interface 518 on the first side and stored in the processed data storage device 503 on the host computer 501 side.

At this time, since the job being received is canceled, after the processed data is stored in the processed data storage device 503 on the host computer 501 side, the processed data storage on the printing device 511 side is stored. The data stored in device 517 is erased.

Next, when the same job is received again from the host computer 501 with the job name stored in the job name storage device 513 (1), the job name storage device 5
Job name and host computer 50 stored in 13
1 and the job name received from the job name comparison device 512.
To determine whether the two job names are the same (2). In this case, since the job names are the same, first, the processed data storage device 5 on the host computer 501 side is processed.
03 is transmitted to the printing device 511 side via the I / O interface 508, and the processed data storage device on the printing device 511 side is transmitted via the I / O interface 518 on the printing device 511 side. 51
Store in 7. On the printing device 511 side, first, printing is performed using the data that has been developed into this bitmap (3).

As a result, at the time when the job is canceled, the page that has not been printed yet and is output to the bitmap data is output.

Next, the page stored in the page storage device 514 where the job cancellation has occurred is printed by the printing device 511.
The CPU 519 recognizes that the previous page, that is, the page that has been printed before the job cancellation occurs and the page that has been printed in step (3) are skipped (4) and the page where the job cancellation occurred Print.

Then, it is judged whether or not all the jobs received via the I / O interface 518 have been normally received / processed (5). If YES, the processing is ended, and if NO, the step (6) ) Proceed to the following.

Correspondence between this embodiment and each step of the eighth invention and its action will be described below with reference to FIG.

The eighth invention is a data processing method of a print control apparatus capable of receiving a print job from an information processing apparatus (host computer 501) via a predetermined communication medium (bidirectional interface 530), and the print information is stored in the data processing method. A processing step (step (1) in FIG. 6) of processing data page by page to generate output data that can be output from the printing section, and a detection step of detecting an instruction to cancel the generation processing of the output data (step of FIG. 6) (6)), and the identification information acquired from the print job based on the cancel instruction and the page information already processed by the processing unit are stored in the first memory (page storage device 514, job name storage device 51).
3) and the first holding step (step (7) in FIG. 6) to hold the non-output data that has already been data-processed based on the cancel instruction and is waiting to be transferred to the printing unit. A transfer step (step (8) in FIG. 6) for transferring to the processed data storage device 503) and new identification information and job name storage device 513 acquired from the print job received from the information processing device (host computer 501). The determination step (step (2) in FIG. 6) for determining whether the job name information stored in the same is the same as the job name information and the save memory when the new job name information and the job name information are determined to be the same. (Processed data storage device 5
03) to obtain the unoutput data from the printing unit 1
The first printing step (step (3) in FIG. 6) for printing on the No. 7 and the first printing step after the printing of the unoutput data is completed.
Determining the data processing start page of the print job to be data processed based on the number of pages stored in the memory of
When the same print job is printed by executing the output step (step (4) in FIG. 6) of relaying the output data of the non-output page from the printing unit 17, the page already printed normally and the hold The print information that is canceled during the printing process and that is the print information that remains after the page that has not been output is efficiently printed while reducing the number of pages that have not been output by identifying the pages that have been output. It is possible.

In this embodiment, the job storage device 50 in the host computer 501 stores the processed data, that is, the place where the data expanded in the bitmap is held.
Although the case where the number is 2 has been described, the processed data may be stored in a non-volatile storage medium such as a hard disk, a floppy disk, or a magneto-optical disk (not shown) connected to the print control apparatus side. .

As a result, when an instruction to cancel the printing process is issued during the printing process, the host computer 50
When a job retransmitted from 1 is received, it is discriminated whether it is the same job or not, and the print processing of the page that has already been normally output is restricted, and the output data that has already been generated but has not been printed is effectively used. By reducing the print processing of the remaining pages, that is, skipping up to the page where the cancellation occurred and the page of the output data that has already been generated without performing the printing processing, and restart printing from the remaining net page. By doing so, it is possible to shorten the reprint processing time for the same job, eliminate waste of printing, and save printing resources.

As described above, the storage medium storing the program codes of the software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or the apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MP) of the system or the apparatus is supplied.
It goes without saying that the object of the present invention is also achieved when U) reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

Examples of the storage medium for supplying the program code include a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, and C
DR, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, RO
M, EEPROM and the like can be used.

Further, when the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) And the like perform part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in the memory provided in the function expansion board inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, It goes without saying that the case where the CPU included in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs some or all of the actual processing and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is also included.

The present invention may be applied to a system constituted by a plurality of devices or to an apparatus constituted by a single 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 this case, by reading a storage medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention into the system or apparatus, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. .

Further, by downloading and reading out a program represented by software for achieving the present invention from a database on a network using a communication program, the system or apparatus can be
It is possible to enjoy the effects of the present invention.

According to each of the above-described embodiments, it is possible to avoid duplicate printing of a plurality of pages that have been normally printed, and it is possible to shorten the printing processing time and save printing paper. Also, when the same job is sent from the host computer to the printing device, pages that have been printed normally are automatically skipped on the printing device side. This has the effect of saving labor.

[0090]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the invention, the determination means for determining whether or not the new identification information acquired from the print information received from the information processing device and the identification information stored in the storage means are the new identification information. When it is determined that the identification information is the same, the control unit controls the data processing start page of the print information to be processed by the processing unit based on the number of pages stored in the storage unit, and the same printing is performed. When printing information, the pages that have already been printed normally are identified, and the print information that was interrupted due to an error during the printing process and that does not waste print information after the pages that have not been output and is efficient. It enables printing well.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the output data which has already been processed by the transfer means by the processing means on the basis of the cancellation instruction detection result from the cancellation detection means and which is waiting to be transferred to the printing section. Of the new identification information acquired from the print information received from the information processing apparatus and the identification information stored in the storage means are the same. When it is determined that the identification information and the identification information are the same, the first control unit acquires the output data from the save memory, causes the printing unit to print the output data, and after the printing is finished, the second control unit Based on the number of pages stored in the storage unit, when the processing unit controls the data processing start page of the print information to be data-processed and prints the same print information, it is already normal. The print information that was canceled during the printing process, and the pages that remain as unprinted pages are printed while identifying the printed pages and the retained pages to reduce the number of unprinted pages as much as possible. It makes it possible to print information efficiently.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the output data which has already been processed by the transfer means by the processing means on the basis of the cancellation instruction detection result from the cancellation detection means and is waiting to be transferred to the printing section. Is transferred to the save memory of the information processing apparatus, and it is determined whether the new identification information acquired from the print information received from the information processing apparatus and the identification information stored in the storage unit are the same. When the determination unit determines that the new identification information and the identification information are the same, the first control unit acquires the output data from the save memory on the information processing apparatus side and causes the printing unit to print the output data. After printing, the second control unit controls the data processing start page of the print information to be processed by the processing unit based on the number of pages stored in the storage unit, When printing the printing information, the printing information that was canceled during the printing process is identified while identifying the pages that have already been printed normally and the pages that are held and reducing the number of pages that have not been output as much as possible. It is possible to efficiently print the print information after the page that remains as a non-output.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the output data which the transfer means has already processed by the processing means based on the detection result of the cancellation instruction from the cancellation detection means and is waiting to be transferred to the printing section. Is transferred to the save memory of the print control apparatus main body, and it is determined whether the new identification information acquired from the print information received from the information processing apparatus and the identification information stored in the storage unit are the same. When the determination unit determines that the new identification information and the identification information are the same, the first control unit acquires the output data from the save memory on the print control apparatus main body side and causes the printing unit to print. After the printing is completed, the second control means controls the data processing start page of the print information to be processed by the processing means based on the number of pages stored in the storage means. When printing the same print information, the print information that was canceled during the print process is reduced while minimizing the number of pages that have not been output by identifying the pages that have already been printed normally and the pages that are held. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently print the print information after the page that remains as a non-output.

According to the fifth invention, the saved output data is stored in the save memory in a non-volatile manner, the loss of the saved output data is limited, and the printing process using the already created output data is performed. It is possible.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the save data composed of a hard disk, a floppy disk or a magneto-optical disk stores the generated output data in a non-volatile manner so that the saved output data can be erased. It is possible to limit the print processing using the already generated output data.

According to the seventh invention, the print information is processed page by page to generate output data that can be output from the printing unit, and when a data processing error is detected during the generation of the output data, The identification information acquired from the print information and the page information already processed by the processing means are held in a storage medium, and when the print information is received from the information processing device, a new identification acquired from the received print information. When it is determined that the information and the identification information held in the storage medium are the same, the data processing start page of the print information to be data processed is determined based on the number of pages held in the storage medium, Relay the output data of the unprinted page from the printing section, and when printing the same print information, identify the page that has already been printed normally,
It is possible to efficiently print the print information that has been interrupted due to an error during the print processing and is effective for printing the print information after the page that has not been output.

According to the eighth invention, the print information is processed page by page to generate output data that can be output from the printing unit, and when the cancel instruction of the generation processing of the output data is detected, the cancel instruction is issued. The identification information acquired from the print information based on the above and the page information that has already been data-processed by the processing unit are held in the first memory, and the data is already processed based on the cancel instruction, When the print information is received from the information processing device in a state where the non-output data waiting to be transferred is transferred to the save memory, the new identification information acquired from the received print information and the new identification information are stored in the first memory. When it is determined that the identification information is the same, the non-output data is acquired from the save memory and printed by the printing unit, and After printing the data, the data processing start page of the print information to be data processed is determined based on the number of pages stored in the first memory, and the output data of the non-output page is relay-output from the printing unit. ,
When printing the same print information, the print information that was canceled during the print process is reduced while minimizing the number of pages that have not been output by identifying the pages that have already been printed normally and the pages that are held. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently print the print information after the page that remains as a non-output.

Therefore, when the print processing is interrupted due to some error in any page in which the print information received from the information processing device is processed into output data that can be output by the printing unit in page units, and When the cancellation of the print output from the processor or printer is instructed, the re-output of the pages that have already been output normally is restricted, the print processing is restarted from the subsequent pages, and the remaining pages are printed. There is an effect that the print information can be efficiently output without waste.

[Brief description of drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of an output system to which the print control apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of an output system to which the print control apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a first embodiment of the data processing method of the print control apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of an output system to which a print control apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a second embodiment of the data processing method of the print control apparatus according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 301 Host Computer 302 Job Storage Device 303 CPU 304 ROM 305 RAM 306 CRT 307 I / O Interface 311 Printing Device 312 Job Name Comparison Device 313 Job Name Storage Device 314 Page Storage Device 315 Error Detection Device 316 I / O Interface 317 CPU 318 ROM 319 RAM

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A print control apparatus capable of receiving print information from an information processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, processing the print information page by page to generate output data that can be output from a printing unit. Means and detecting means for detecting a processing error of the print information by the processing means,
Storage means for storing the identification information acquired from the print information and the page information already processed by the processing means when the detection means detects the processing error;
Determination means for determining whether or not the new identification information acquired from the print information received from the information processing device and the identification information stored in the storage means are the same; When it is determined that the identification information is the same, the processing unit controls the data processing start page of the print information to be data-processed based on the number of pages stored in the storage unit, and the page not output from the printing unit. And a control means for relay-outputting the output data of the print control apparatus. 2. A print control apparatus capable of receiving print information from an information processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, processing the print information page by page to generate output data that can be output from a printing unit. Means, cancellation detection means for detecting a cancellation instruction of the processing of the print information by the processing means, identification information acquired from the print information based on the detection result of the cancellation instruction by the cancellation detection means, and the processing means Storage means for storing the page information that has already been data processed, and an output for which the processing means has already processed the data based on the detection result of the cancellation instruction from the cancellation detection means and is waiting to be transferred to the printing section. Transfer means for transferring data to the save memory, new identification information acquired from print information received from the information processing apparatus, and the storage means Determining unit that determines whether the identification information stored in the storage unit is the same, and if the determination unit determines that the new identification information and the identification information are the same, the output data is acquired from the save memory. First control means for causing the printing section to perform printing, and after the output data is printed by the first control means, the processing means processes the data based on the number of pages stored in the storage means. And a second control unit that controls a data processing start page of the print information to be output and relays output data of the non-output page from the printing unit. 3. The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the save memory is provided on the information processing apparatus side. 4. The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the save memory is provided on the print control apparatus main body side. 5. The print control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the save memory is a non-volatile memory medium. 6. The print control device according to claim 5, wherein the non-volatile memory medium is constituted by any one of a hard disk, a floppy disk, and a magneto-optical disk. 7. A data processing method for a print control apparatus capable of receiving print information from an information processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, wherein output data output from a printing unit by processing the print information in page units. And a detection step of detecting a generation processing error of the output data, identification information acquired from the print information when the generation processing error is detected, and page information already processed by the processing unit. A holding step of holding the storage medium in the storage medium, a determination step of determining whether or not the new identification information acquired from the print information received from the information processing apparatus and the identification information held in the storage medium are the same. When it is determined that the new identification information and the identification information are the same,
An output step of determining a data processing start page of print information to be data processed based on the number of pages held in the storage medium, and relaying output data of an unoutput page from the printing unit. A data processing method of a print control device characterized. 8. A data processing method for a print control apparatus capable of receiving print information from an information processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, wherein output data output from a printing unit by processing the print information in page units. A detection step of detecting a cancellation instruction of the output data generation processing, identification information acquired from the print information based on the cancellation instruction, and page information already processed by the processing means. First to be stored in the first memory
From the print information received from the information processing device, and the transfer step of transferring the non-output data that has already been data-processed based on the cancel instruction and is waiting to be transferred to the printing unit to the save memory. A determination step of determining whether or not the new identification information acquired and the identification information stored in the first memory are the same; and, when it is determined that the new identification information and the identification information are the same, the saving A first printing step in which the non-output data is acquired from the memory and printed by the printing unit; and after the printing of the non-output data is completed, data processing is performed based on the number of pages stored in the first memory. An output step of determining a data processing start page of print information to be printed and relaying output data of an unoutput page from the printing unit. Data processing method.