JPH09258922A - Information processor, information processing method and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To effectively use the information processor of a printer device incorporation type as a printer device by inputting printing information from the outside of an information processor and controlling whether inputted printing information is to be transferred to a printing means or inputted printing information is to be throughput. SOLUTION: CPU 104 as the information processor recognizes that the printing preparation of a printer engine 114 for printer I/F 110 is completed and the transfer request of printing data is given to CPU 104. When CPU 104 receives the transfer request, it develops printing data in RAM 108 and sequentially transmits them to a printer controller 109. Printing data which are transmitted to the printer controller 109 are transmitted to the printer engine 114 and printing is executed. Thus, CPU 104 of the printer device incorporating type can effectively be used as the printer device.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus having a printer built therein, an information processing method, and a storage medium storing a control program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an information processing apparatus is connected to an independent external printing apparatus via an interface for printing created / edited printing information, and outputs the printing information to the external printing apparatus for printing. Was configured to do.

However, in recent years, printing information has been created.
Many word processors and the like in which an information processing unit for editing and a printing device are stored in one housing have been announced.
Further, recently, an ultra-small information processing device such as a so-called notebook personal computer having a built-in printing device has been announced.

[0004]

In the information processing apparatus incorporating the above-mentioned conventional printing apparatus, the built-in printing apparatus is
Created by the information processing device main body from the purpose set
It was configured to print only the edited print information. Therefore, in order to input print information from the outside and print it by the built-in printing device, the information processing device is programmed as a printer server and connected to another information processing device via a network by RS-232C or the like. Therefore, it is difficult to construct an information processing system having a printing device at low cost.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an information processing apparatus and an information processing method capable of printing print information input from the outside by a built-in printing apparatus, and a recording medium storing a control program.

Further, according to the present invention, even if there is a request to print the print information input from another information processing apparatus to the built-in printing apparatus and a request to print the print information created by the information processing apparatus at the same time, either printing is performed. An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a recording medium that stores a control program that also satisfy the requirements.

Further, it is possible not only to judge the input information and print it out to the built-in printer, but also to pass the data from the external information device to the program of the information processing apparatus.
The information passed to this program can include print information passed to the printing means and information from a scanner or the like.

[0008]

In order to solve such a problem, an information processing apparatus of the present invention comprises a generating means for generating print information and a printing means for printing the print information generated by the generating means. An information processing apparatus, wherein input means for inputting print information from outside the information processing apparatus, and transfer print information input from the input means to the print means or spool the input print information. And a control means for controlling whether or not.

In order to solve such a problem, the information processing method of the present invention is an information processing apparatus including a generating means for generating print information and a printing means for printing the print information generated by the generating means. An information processing method,
The print information is input from the outside of the information processing apparatus, and it is controlled whether the print information input in the input step is transferred to the print unit or the input print information is spooled.

In order to solve such a problem, the storage medium of the present invention is used in an information processing apparatus equipped with a generating means for generating print information and a printing means for printing the print information generated by the generating means. A storage medium storing a control program to be input, wherein print information is input from outside the information processing device, the print information input in the input step is transferred to the print means, or the input print information is spooled. A control program for controlling whether to perform is stored.

[0011]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(First Embodiment) Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows the first to fifth embodiments of the present invention.
It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment. The information processing apparatus of each embodiment is a so-called notebook personal computer, and includes a lid unit having an LCD display device 101 and an information processing apparatus main body having a keyboard 102 and a printer device 103.

FIG. 2 is a hardware block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the information processing apparatus. The information processing device is a CPU
(Central Processing Unit) 104, Program ROM (Read Only Memory) 105, HD I / F (Hard Disk Interface) 106, HD (Hard Disk) 10
7, a RAM (random access memory) 108, a printer controller 109, a printer I / F 110, a serial I / F 111, an FD I / F (floppy disk interface) 112, a video I / F 113, and a keyboard controller 115. The respective elements are connected to each other via a data bus 116 and, if necessary, an address bus 117.

Further, the LCD display device 101 has a video I /
The printer engine 114 is connected to the Punta controller 109 and the keyboard 102 is connected to the keyboard controller 115 at F113.

The CPU 104 controls each part of the information processing device. The program ROM 105 stores programs for various controls such as an initialization program executed by the CPU 104. The HD I / F 106 reads various information stored in the HD 107 based on an instruction from the CPU 104.
The HD 107 stores various information such as a system program executed by the CPU 104 and the control programs shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 3, 7, 8, 10, 11, and 12. Further, the HD 107 primarily stores print information and print control information.

The RAM 108 temporarily stores the system program and the control program read from the HD 107 when executing control by the CPU 104, and the CP.
It functions as a print information expansion area when data is transferred from the U104 to the printer controller 109. The printer controller 109 controls the printing operation executed by the printer engine 114. The printer I / F 110 has a function of outputting print information created by an information processing device to the outside, and also includes an input circuit for inputting print information from the outside.

The serial I / F 111 is an "RS" for serially inputting and outputting signals of a computer in parallel format.
An interface such as "-232C" or "RS-422". The FD I / F 112 mediates exchange of information with a floppy disk (not shown). Video I / F1
Reference numeral 13 outputs image data for display to the LCD display device 101. The keyboard controller 115 controls the keyboard 102 to input various operation information.

Next, the operation of the information processing apparatus will be described. First, when a reset is input to the information processing device due to power-on or the like, the CPU 104 reads an initialization program from the program ROM 105, and the system stored in the HD 107 for the HD I / F 106 according to the initialization program. Instructions for reading the program and the above-mentioned control program are given.

The system program read from the HD 107 and the control program described above are stored in the RAM 108. The CPU 104 executes the system program stored in the RAM 108 to start up the operation system.

When a print command is input to the information processing device while the operating system is running, the CPU 104 expands the print data on the RAM 108 and sends the expanded data to the printer controller 109. The printer controller 109 sends the sent print data to the printer engine 114, and the printer engine 114 prints on print paper.

Next, the operation when the print data is output from the information processing device to the external printing device for printing will be described.

The CPU 104 requests the printer I / F 110 to confirm whether or not the printing preparation of the external printing device (not shown) is completed. Printer I / F 110
When it confirms that the external printer is ready to print, it sends a print data transfer request to the CPU 104. Upon receiving the transfer request, the CPU 104 outputs the print data as a print code to the external printing device via the printer I / F 110. The external printing device executes printing based on the received print code.

Next, with reference to FIG. 3 together with FIG. 2, the operation in the case of inputting print data from the outside and printing by the built-in printer will be described.

The flowchart shown in FIG. 3 shows the CPU 104 when the information processing apparatus inputs print data from another information processing apparatus (not shown) or the like and prints it by the built-in printer.
2 is a control program showing a schematic operation of.

The information processing apparatus includes a printer I / F 110.
Another information processing device (not shown) is connected via. When the input of the print data from the other connected information processing apparatus is detected, the printer I / F 110 causes the CPU 1
04 is notified that the printer I / F 110 cannot be used. The CPU 104 determines whether or not the notification is received from the printer I / F 110 (step S1). When the notification is received, the program being executed is temporarily stopped (step S2), and print data is sent to the printer I / F 110. Of the transfer permission is issued (step S3). Printer I / F
Upon receiving the print data transfer permission from the CPU 104, the transfer unit 110 transfers the print data input from the other information processing apparatus. The CPU 104 expands the transferred print data on the RAM 108 and sequentially sends it to the printer controller 109 (step S4). The print data sent to the printer controller 109 is sent to the printer engine 103 and printed on paper.

Next, referring to FIG. 4, the printer I when the print data input from the outside is transferred to the CPU 104.
The operation of / F110 will be described. FIG. 4 shows a printer I / F1
10 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of 10. FIG.

In the figure, the data bus 116 is connected to the D terminal of the output data clutch 206 and the Q terminal of the input data latch 210. 202 is the CPU 10
4 is a READ / WRITE signal that is output from the AND circuit 4 and is input to one input terminal of the AND circuit 211. 203 is C
The I / 0 ACCESS signal output from the PU 104 is input to the detection unit 204, the CK terminal of the output data latch 206, and the other input terminal of the AND circuit 211.

The Q terminal of the output data latch 206 is connected to the input side of the data output buffer 207, and the output side of the data output buffer 207 and the input data latch 2 are connected.
The D terminal of 10 is connected to the external data bus 208, and the output side of the AND circuit 211 is connected to the output enable (OE) terminal of the input data latch 210.

The detection unit 204 detects the transmission direction of the signal of the printer I / F 110. The STROBE 209 is input from the external information processing device and the CPU 1
04, a PORT BUSY signal 205 indicating the usage status of the printer I / F 110 is output. The detection unit 204 is also connected to the CK terminal of the input data latch 210 and the control side of the data output buffer 207.

When the print data is output to the outside via the printer I / F 110, the CPU 104 has the detecting unit 2
Check PORTBUSY 205 from 04 to confirm that print data is not input from the outside. Upon confirming that print data is not input from the outside, the CPU 104 outputs the output print data to the output data latch 206. CPU104 is I / 0 ACCE
When SS203 is output, the output data latch 206 latches the output print data. The detection unit 204 sets the data output buffer 207 to “valid” when outputting data from the printer I / F 110, and outputs print data via the external data bus 208.

Next, the operation when the printer I / F 110 transfers print data input from the outside to the data bus 116 will be described.

STROBE 20 is added to the printer I / F 110.
9 is input from the outside, the detection unit 204 determines that the print data is input from the external information processing device, sets the output buffer 207 to high impedance, and outputs the CPU 104.
PORT B to indicate print data input from outside to
The USY signal 205 is output and a latch pulse is output to the input data latch 210. When receiving the latch pulse, the input data latch 210 latches the print data input from the external data bus 208.

Both CPUs 104 are READ that are "true".
The / WRITE signal 202 and the I / 0 ACCESS signal 203 are sent to the printer I / F 110. These signals are sent to the logical product circuit 211, and the output enable (OE) signal is output from the logical product circuit 211 to the input data latch 210, and the input data latch 21 is output.
0 indicates the latched signal via the data bus 116 as C
Transfer to the PU 104.

Thereafter, as described above, the CPU 104 sends the print data to the printer engine 103 via the printer controller 109, and printing is performed.

As described above, according to the information processing apparatus of the first embodiment, another information processing apparatus is connected to the printer I / F 110, and print data from the connected other information processing apparatus. Printer input I / F1
Numeral 10 stops outputting print data to the outside, transfers the input print data to the original printer controller 109 controlled by the CPU 104, and prints by the built-in printer device, so that the information processing device does not rely on the network. Since the print data input from the outside can be printed, the information processing device with the built-in printer device can be effectively used as a printer device.

In particular, when the information processing device is an ultra-small information processing device such as a notebook personal computer, the information processing device can be used as a built-in battery-operated portable printer device. Can be extended.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment is the printer I / O in the first embodiment described above.
The F110 is provided with a print data input circuit, whereas the printer controller 309a is provided with a print data input circuit (not shown). Printer controller 30
A print data input line 309b is connected to 9a,
The printer I / F 310a has only a function of sending print data to an external printing device, and does not have a function of inputting print data from the outside. The other components are the same as those in the first embodiment, so the description thereof will be omitted.

The printer controller 309a has a function of selecting one of the print data input from the outside and the print data sent by the CPU 304 and outputting it to the printer engine 303. Print data input line 3
The print data sent from outside via 09b is input to the printer controller 309a, and the print data sent by the CPU 304 is printed by the printer engine 30.
3 is not performed, the printer controller 309a sends print data from the outside to the printer engine 303 to perform printing.

Also in this embodiment, the same effect as that of the above-described first embodiment can be obtained. Further, in the present embodiment,
Unlike the first embodiment, a printer I / F is required for each input and output, but there is an advantage that the CPU 304 can perform processing other than printing even during processing of print data from the outside.

As described above, according to the first embodiment,
Printer I / F 110 for outputting print information to the outside
Since the input circuit for inputting the print information from the outside is provided, the print information input from the outside can be printed by the built-in printing device.

Further, as described above, according to the first embodiment, the printer I / F 11 is externally operated by the detection unit 204.
When it is detected that the print information is input to 0, the output of the print information to the printer I / F 110 is prohibited according to the detection output of the detection unit 204, and the print information is input from the outside. The print information obtained from the printer engine 114
The print information input from the outside can be printed by the built-in printing device.

Further, as described above, according to the second embodiment, since the input circuit for inputting the print information is provided to the printer controller 309a for controlling the printing operation by the printer engine 314, the built-in printing device is used. The print information inputted from the outside can be printed, and the processing other than the printing can be performed by the information processing means even during the processing of the print data inputted from the outside.

However, the first and second embodiments described above
In the embodiment, when the print input from the other information device and the print output of the information processing device with the printer are not performed at the same time, either one of the print requests to the information processing device has to wait. There is.

In addition, since a device connected to an interface having one input / output function can be connected to only one device for a certain period of time, the program cannot operate unless the device accessed by the program is actually connected. is there.

Therefore, in the following third to fifth embodiments, a request to print the print information input from another information processing device to the built-in printing device and the print information created by the information processing device are printed. The operation of the information processing apparatus that satisfies both print requests even if there are simultaneous requests will be described.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of a control program according to a third embodiment of the present invention. These control programs are executed by the CPU 104 shown in FIG.

The hardware block diagram in the following third to fifth embodiments is the same as that in FIG. 2, and therefore its explanation is omitted.

The printer I / F 110, the printer controller 109, and the printer engine 114 are those described in FIG.

Other information devices or external printers or input devices 200 are connected via the printer I / F 110.

The print driver 120 is a program for controlling the acquisition of print information from the print manager 130 and the transfer of data to the printer controller 109 by a program on the RAM 108.

The printer I / F driver 140 is a program for controlling input / output of print information and other data via the printer I / F 110.

The printer I / F driver 140 includes a print input driver 141, a print external output driver 142, and a printer I / F driver initialization process (omitted in FIG. 6, the function is explained in FIG. 7).

Although not shown, the print input driver 141 performs printer I / F input interrupt processing, print input main driver and print input data processing (each processing will be described with reference to FIGS. 10, 11 and 12). Including. Printer I / F 110
The obtained data is collected in one unit and judged by the information set by the printer I / F device setting processing 170, and the collected information is sent to the print manager 130 or the input manager 160.

Although the print external output driver 142 is not shown, the printer I / F output interrupt process, the print output main driver and the print output data process (the above-mentioned three processes are omitted in FIG. Omitted because it is a function that can be inferred).

The print manager 130 controls print information by a program on the RAM 108, and concretely has the following functions 1 to 3.

1. The application program 150 and the print input driver 14 on the RAM 108 of this information device
Print information in response to the print request from the RAM 108 or H
Store in D107.

2. Depending on the state of the print output request, the printer driver 120 or the print external output driver 142 has a RAM.
The print information stored in 108 or HD 107 is passed. The print input driver 141 in the printer I / F driver 140
Or the printer external output driver 142 is enabled.
This is notified by the / F driver initialization process and the printer I / F device setting process of FIG.

3. Also, it is possible to have printout information of a plurality of units (jobs) at the same time, and manage the information.

The application program 150 is RA
A program such as a word processor or a spreadsheet that is read on the M108 and executed by the CPU 104.

The input manager 160 is the print input driver 1
The data passed from 41 is saved until there is an input / output request of the application program, and these input / output requests are dealt with. Specifically, it is the following 1-3.

1. The application program 150 and the print input driver 14 on the RAM 108 of this information device
The input information is sent to the RAM 108 or H
Spool to D107.

2. The input data saved in 1 is passed to the application program in response to the request of the application program.

3. Also, it can have input information of multiple units (jobs) at the same time, and manages them.

The printer I / F device setting processing 170 interactively sets with the user what device is connected to the printer I / F 110.

A case where the print information in the information processing apparatus is printed on the printer engine 114 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 6 and 2.

A CPU for fetching data from the printer I / F 110 when a print command is input to the information processing device while the operation system is running.
Various control programs (print input driver 141, print manager 13) of the present embodiment executed by 104
0) expands the print data on the RAM 108 or HD1
The print data and the print control information are repeatedly input and output to and from the printer 07, and the print information is sent to the printer controller 109 via the printer driver 120. Printer controller 1
09 is the printer engine 11
4 and the printer engine 114 prints on the printing paper.

Next, the operation of the CPU 10 for outputting the print data from the information processing device to the external printing device for printing.
4 and the print external output driver 142 executed on the RAM 108 will be described.

When the print manager 130 determines that the print output request is the external printer 200, the print manager 130 reads each logical unit (print information is stored as a file on the HD 107 for each job output unit), and further. The print information is passed to the print external output driver 142 in small units.

The print external output driver 142 is the printer I.
/ F110 is requested to confirm whether or not the printer 200 is ready for printing. Printer I / F
When the printer 110 confirms that the printer 200 is ready for printing, it issues a print data transfer request. When the print external output driver 142 receives the transfer request, it outputs the print data to the external printing device via the printer I / F 110 using the print information passed from the print manager 130 as a print code. The external printing device executes printing based on the received print code.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the printer I / F driver initialization process, which is one function of the printer I / F driver 140 and is executed by the CPU 104. Printer I
A program expanded on the initialization processing RAM 108 of the / F driver 140 is used as a power source O for a part of the OS of the information processing apparatus.
It operates as a print initialization process that is activated at N time or when a device is connected.

In step S10, the CPU 104 determines whether the printer I / F status is output or input. Printer I /
The F direction register is an output when an external printer is attached and an input when an external information device is attached. If it is input according to the above determination, step S11 is performed as C.
The PU 104 executes and if there is an output, branches to step S13.

In step S11, the CPU 104 fixes the direction register to the input. At this time, the identification data "I" of the print input is stored in the identification area A. Then, the process proceeds to step S14.

In step S13, the CPU 104 fixes the direction register at the output. At this time, the identification data “P” of the print output is stored in the identification area A. Then, the process proceeds to step S14.

In step 14, the CPU 104 process calls the printer I / F device setting process of FIG.

FIG. 8 shows a printer I / F device setting process 170.
The program is a program for executing processing for allowing the user to set what kind of device is connected to the printer I / F 110 in the flowchart of FIG. This process exists independently and is always instructed to be executed by the program or the user.

In step S20, the CPU 104 displays the contents of FIG. 9 on the display device 101, prompts the user to input, and obtains input data from the keyboard 102. If this data matches the data (input or output) obtained in FIG. 7 and is inconvenient, it is input again, and the input is executed until the data becomes appropriate.

In step S21, the CPU 104 stores the obtained data (1, 2 or 3 shown in FIG. 9) in the area B.

In step S22, the CPU 104 determines area B
Enables the appropriate driver depending on the contents of and informs the print manager what has been enabled. If the content of area B is 3, the print external output driver is enabled, and if it is 1 or 2, the print input driver is enabled.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the printer I / F input interrupt process, which is one function of the print input driver 141 and is executed by the CPU 104. Printer I / F
When print information is input from the outside via 100, the CPU
104 is a program (interrupt processing).

Step S50 is a process for waiting for output synchronization and synchronizing with step 31 of FIG. 10 described later. This determines whether the following interrupt processing can be started. Although not shown, it is an OS (Operating System) function in a general software synchronization process. However, if this step is passed, it cannot be passed unless step S41 is completed again.

In step S51, the CPU 104 acquires data from the printer I / F 110 and stores it in the work area buffer of the RAM 108.

Step S52 is a process of waiting for input synchronization and synchronizing with step 46 of FIG. 11 described later or step S30 of FIG. 10 described later. This notifies that processing of the data acquired by the interrupt processing can be started. As a result, the CPU 104 can execute the processing of steps S46 and S30 and thereafter. Although not shown, this is an OS (Operating Program) function in general software synchronization processing.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart of print input data processing, which is one function of the print input main driver 141 and is a subroutine of the print input main driver of FIG.
Is executed by

In step S40, the CPU 104 takes out the input data from the printer I / F 110 stored in step S51 from the work area of the RAM 108.

Step 41 is an output synchronization notification, and step S
Notify the output synchronization wait of 50. This allows the printer I
/ F input interrupt processing can be continued and step S50
Can move to the next step without waiting here.

In step S42, the CPU 104 determines the data (X "00") indicating whether the data acquired in step S40 is the end of the job. If the data is null data, this process ends. If it is not the end code, next step S43
Execute

In step S43, the CPU 104 stores the data acquired in step S40 in the L-buffer (256 bytes) for the print input driver. In step S44, the CPU 104 causes the L buffer to be full (stored data is 256
Byte) and it is not full, step S4
Move to 6. If it is full, step S45 is executed.

In step S45, the CPU 104 outputs the L buffer to a file and initializes the L buffer (the storage pointer is zero).

Step S46 waits for input synchronization. If the input synchronization notification of step S52 has been executed, this process passes and the process proceeds to step S40. However, if this step is passed, it cannot be passed unless step S52 is completed again.

FIG. 10 is a function of the print input driver 141 which is managed as a task of one unit processing of the OS mainly in the flowchart of the print input driver.
4 is executed.

Step S30 waits for input synchronization, and if the notification process of step S52 has been completed, this step is passed. However, if this step is passed, step S is performed again.
If 52 is not processed, it cannot pass.

In step S31, the CPU 104 initializes the L-buffer (sets the storage pointer to zero) and opens the input file.

In step S32, the CPU 104 calls the print input data processing routine of FIG.

In step S33, the CPU 104 determines whether the L buffer is full (stored data is 256 bytes), and if full, outputs the L buffer to a file and closes the file.

In step S34, the CPU 104 determines whether or not the print data is input based on the data set by the printer I / F device setting processing 170. If the print data is input, the process proceeds to step 35. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step 36.

In step 35, the CPU 104 requests the print manager 130 to start printing an input file, and proceeds to step 30.

In step S36, the input manager 160 is requested to save (spool) the input file, and then step 3
Move to 0.

Next, FIGS. 7, 8, 10, 11, and 1.
The operation of inputting print data from the outside and printing by the built-in printer engine 114 will be described with reference to FIG. In these figures, the information processing apparatus is the other information processing apparatus 20.
RAM by the CPU 104 when print data is input from 0 or the like and is printed by the built-in printer engine 114.
10 is a flow chart showing the operation of a print external output driver 142 and a printer I / F driver initialization processing program which operate on the printer 108.

The information processing apparatus includes a printer I / F 110.
Another information processing device (not shown) is connected via. When the printer I / F 110 detects an input from the other connected information processing apparatus, the printer I / F 110 has a hardware function of notifying the CP 104 of the input state of the printer I / F 110. This function activates the processing of FIGS. 7 and 12.

The printer I / F driver initialization processing of FIG. 7 detects whether the printer I / F 110 is in the input or output state, which is executed when the power of the information processing apparatus is turned on or when the device is connected, and sets the state appropriately. .

If the output state is set, the print external output driver 142 is validated. The printer I shown in FIG.
The / F device setting process is activated, and the user inputs 3.

In this state, if there is an input from the information processing device connected to another printer I / F 110, the printer I / F input interrupt process of FIG. 12, the print data process of FIG. 11 and the print input main driver of FIG. Printer I / F1
The data input to 10 is output to a file, the data in the file is sent to the printer controller 109 by the print manager 130 and the print driver 120, and the print data is sent to the printer engine 114.
Printed on paper.

Next, referring to FIG. 7, FIG. 8, FIG.
An operation when data is input from the outside and the data is stored (spooled) in the manager will be described with reference to FIG.
These figures show a print input driver 141 and a printer I / F driver initialization process which operate on the RAM 108 by the CPU 104 when the information processing apparatus inputs data from the other information processing apparatus 200 or the like and stores it in the built-in HD 107. It is a flow chart which shows operation of a program.

The information processing apparatus includes a printer I / F 110.
Another information processing device (not shown) is connected via. When the input from the other connected information processing device is detected, the printer I / F 110 has a hardware function of notifying the CPU 104 of the input state of the printer I / F 110. This function activates the processing of FIGS. 7 and 12.

The printer I / F driver initialization process shown in FIG. 7 is executed when the information processing apparatus is powered on.
It is detected whether the 110 is in the input or output state and the appropriate state is set.

If the input state is set, the print input driver 141 is validated. Further, the printer I / F of FIG.
The device setting process is activated, and the user inputs 2.

In this state, if there is an input from another information processing apparatus connected to another printer I / F 110, the printer I / F input interrupt processing of FIG. 12, the print data processing of FIG. 11 and the print input of FIG. Printer I / by main driver
The data input to F110 is output to a file, the data in the file is passed to the input manager 160, the file is saved (spooled), and the input / output request of the application program is waited.

As described above, the data fetched by the information processing apparatus via the printer I / F 110 is sent to the printer engine 103 via the printer controller 109 as print data by the above processing, and whether the printing is performed or the input data. It will be saved (spooled) in a file and will be waiting for input from the application.

As described above, according to the information processing apparatus of this embodiment, another information processing apparatus is connected to the printer I / F 110, and print data is input from the other connected information processing apparatus. Upon detection, output of print data from the printer I / F 110 to the outside is stopped.

Under the control of the CPU 104, the print data input by the operation of the various programs is transferred to the printer controller 109 and printed by the built-in printer device, so that it is input from the outside by the information processing device without relying on the network. Since the print data can be printed, the information processing device with the built-in printer device can be effectively used as the printer device. In addition, data from the outside is stored (spooled) in a file as input data and waits for processing (input or processing) from the application.

In particular, when the information processing device is an ultra-small information processing device such as a notebook personal computer, the information processing device can be used as a built-in battery-operated portable printer device. Can be extended.

(Fourth Embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the information processing apparatus of this embodiment, the print input driver 141 processes externally input data in one process (print input driver) in the above-described third embodiment, but in the fourth embodiment, each driver (print input driver) is processed. The print input driver 141 and the input driver 143) are dedicatedly provided.

To realize these, a processing step of activating the input driver 143 if an input device is set after step S14 of FIG. 7 is added.

Further, the input driver shares each processing of FIGS. 11 and 12 with the print input main driver. What exists as an input driver is only to change the input main driver with the following changes and the processing contents of step 22 in FIG.

The steps S34 and S35 in FIG.
Only the input main driver of 30, S31, S33, S33 and S36 is required. At this time, the print input main drivers are only S30, 31, 32, 33 and S35.

Further, in S22 of FIG. 8, if the content of B is 3, a print external output driver, if 1 is an input driver, 2
If so, enable the print input driver. ".

(Fifth Embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The information processing apparatus of the present embodiment is the printer I / F 1 in the above-described third embodiment.
While the input / output means is provided in accordance with the operation of 10, the dedicated print input I / F 110-B is provided and the print input driver is dedicated to it. Print input I / F 110
A print data input line is connected to -B, and the printer I / F 110-A has only a function of sending print data to an external printing device, and does not have a function of inputting print data from the outside.

The other components are the same as the third embodiment with the following modifications.

The printer I / F driver initialization shown in FIG. 7 can be divided into the initialization processing for each of the print input I / F 110-A and the printer I / F 110-B.

For the print input I / F 110-A, "Print input I / F 11 of processing only in steps S11 and S14 of FIG. 7 is performed.
0-A dedicated initialization.

A dedicated initialization process is performed for the printer I / F 110-B: "The printer I / F 110-B of the process of only step 13 in FIG. 7 and the print external output driver are unconditionally validated."

Further, "3. printer output" in FIG. 9 is not displayed.

The step 20 in FIG. 8 is only the input inspection according to FIG. It also enables the print input driver.

The print input I / F 110-B receives the print data input from the outside and the print data sent by the CPU 104, and the print input driver 1 described in the third embodiment.
41, print manager 130, print driver 12
0 and output to the printer engine 114 via the print controller 109. FIG. 15 replaces the printer I / F 110 of FIG. 2 with a printer I / F 110-B dedicated to external output and a print input I / F 11 dedicated to external input.
0-A is installed and the others are the same as those in FIG.

Also in the fourth and fifth embodiments, the same effect as in the third embodiment described above can be obtained. Furthermore, the fifth
In the embodiment of the present invention, unlike the third and fourth embodiments, since the printer I / F exists in each of the input and output, the CP
There is an advantage that the print output process can be performed while the U104 is processing the print data input from the outside.

As described above, according to the third to fifth embodiments, the print information can be spooled by receiving the print information from the external information device during the print processing of the print information generated by the information processing apparatus. That's a thing.

Further, not only printing information or input data from the outside can be printed but also input data of the application program can be used.

Also, while the information processing apparatus is outputting to the outside via the printer I / F, it is possible to receive the print information from the external information apparatus during the print processing of the print information generated by the other information processing and perform the print processing. Is.

Further, it is possible to validate logical input and output processing according to the number of physical input / output devices and process external input data as print processing or input data.

Further, an object of the present invention is to supply a recording medium having a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiment to a system or apparatus, and to make a computer (or CPU) of the system or apparatus.
It is needless to say that it is also achieved by reading the program code stored in the storage medium into the RAM 108 and executing it.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD
-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also the OS (operating system) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It is needless to say that this also includes a case where the above) performs a 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 in the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, It goes without saying that a case where the CPU or the like 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.

When the present invention is applied to the above-mentioned storage medium, the storage medium will store the program code corresponding to the above-mentioned flowcharts. Briefly, the memory shown in FIG. 16 or FIG. Each module shown in the map example will be stored in the storage medium.

That is, the storage medium storing the control means used in the information processing apparatus having the generating means for generating the print information and the printing means for printing the print information generated by the generating means is shown in FIG. As shown, at least the program code of each module of the "determination processing module", the "stop processing module", and the "print processing module" may be stored in the storage medium.

Here, the judgment processing module is a program module for judging whether or not the print information is inputted from the outside of the information processing apparatus. The stop processing module is a program module for stopping the processing being executed when it is determined that the print information is input from the outside. The print processing module is a program module for printing the input print information by the printing means.

FIG. 17 shows a storage medium storing a control program used in an information processing apparatus having a generating means for generating print information and a printing means for printing the print information generated by the generating means. As shown, at least the program code of each module of the “input processing module” and the “control processing module” may be stored in the storage medium.

Here, the input processing module is a program module for inputting print information from outside the information processing apparatus.

The control processing module is a program module for controlling whether to transfer the input print information to the printing means or spool the input print information.

[0140]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to print the print information inputted from the outside in the information processing device having the built-in printing device.

Further, as described above, according to the present invention, print information is input from the outside of the information processing apparatus and the print information input in the input step is transferred to the print means or the input print information is input. Can be controlled.

Further, as described above, according to the present invention, print information is input from the outside of the information processing apparatus, and the print information input in the input step is transferred to the print means or the input print is performed. A control program for controlling whether information is spooled can be supplied to the information processing device.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the outer appearance of an information processing apparatus according to each embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a hardware block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the device.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing control performed by a CPU of the same device.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printer I / F of the apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a hardware block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a software system block diagram of an information processing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing printer I / F driver initialization.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a printer I / F device setting process.

9 is a diagram showing contents displayed on the display device 101. FIG.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a print input main driver process.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing print input data processing.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing printer I / F input interrupt processing.

FIG. 13 is a software system block diagram of an information processing apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a software system block diagram of an information processing apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a hardware block diagram of an information processing device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a memory map of a storage medium that stores a control program according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a memory map of a storage medium that stores a control program according to the present invention.

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. An information processing apparatus comprising: a generation unit that generates print information; and a printing unit that prints the print information generated by the generation unit, for inputting print information from outside the information processing unit. An information processing apparatus, comprising: an input unit for controlling the print information input from the input unit; and a control unit for controlling whether to transfer the print information input from the input unit to the print unit or spool the input print information. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input unit inputs the print information from another information processing apparatus. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit spools the print information on a hard disk. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is a word processor with a built-in printer. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is a notebook personal computer with a built-in printer. 6. An information processing method in an information processing apparatus, comprising: a generation unit that generates print information and a printing unit that prints the print information generated by the generation unit. And controlling whether to transfer the print information input in the input step to the printing means or spool the input print information. 7. The information processing method according to claim 6, wherein in the input process, the print information is input from another information processing device. 8. The information processing method according to claim 6, wherein the control processing spools the print information on a hard disk. 9. The information processing method according to claim 6, wherein the information processing device is a word processor with a built-in printer. 10. The information processing method according to claim 6, wherein the information processing apparatus is a notebook personal computer with a built-in printer. 11. A storage medium for storing a control program used in an information processing apparatus, comprising: a generation unit that generates print information and a printing unit that prints the print information generated by the generation unit, It is characterized by storing a control program for inputting print information from the outside of the processing device and for controlling whether to transfer the print information input in the input step to the printing means or spool the input print information. Storage medium. 12. The storage medium according to claim 11, wherein the input processing inputs the print information from another information processing apparatus. 13. The storage medium according to claim 11, wherein the control processing spools the print information on a hard disk. 14. The storage medium according to claim 11, wherein the information processing device is a word processor with a built-in printer. 15. The storage medium according to claim 11, wherein the information processing device is a notebook personal computer with a built-in printer.