JPH09282121A - Network printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make a printer operate efficiently and to substantially shorten the total print wait time by providing a time-out switching control means which requests job switching by a job switching request means, a time-out time varying means which can freely vary its time-out time, etc. SOLUTION: When it is judged that there is a print job stacked on a hard disk of a file server, the file server is requested (job switching means) to perform switching to Queue of the stacked print job. Then when print data from a client are printed on a printer 4, its print request is stored temporarily by the print server in Queue on the hard disk in the reception order. If another client sets a time-cut time by transmission to the Queue on the hard disk earlier, process of the print request made by the client which is received in Queue on the hard disk earlier first.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a network printer connected to a plurality of clients via a network.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A network printer includes a print server (P / S) for connecting to a network such as a local area network (LAN), and is commonly used by various connecting devices connected to the network via this print server. It is a printer that can.

Specifically, this network is a common database that manages a plurality of terminal devices (clients) 1 and 2 that request printing as shown in FIG. 6 and print requests and print data from these clients 1 and 2. The file server (F / S) 3 and the above-mentioned print server 5 to which the printer 4 is connected are connected in a net-like manner via the communication line 6.

A hard disk (HD) 7 is connected to the file server 3, and when a print request is made from the clients 1 and 2, the hard disk 7 temporarily stores the print request together with print data. A storage area (job queue) is provided. Then, the operator of each of the clients 1 and 2 determines the priority order of printing when registering the printer 4 in this Queue. This registration and decision is made by the CRT provided in each client 1 and 2.
(Cathode Ray Tube) Display device 1a such as a display,
It is performed based on the information displayed on 2a.

In such a network, when the print data from the clients 1 and 2 is printed by the printer 4, the print requests from the clients are temporarily stored in the queue of the hard disk 7 by the file server 3 in the order of reception. C provided in the print server 5
The PU (Central Processing Unit) performs communication control as shown in FIG.

That is, the CPU first performs initial setting, and then searches the hard disk 7 of the file server (F / S) 3 for the queue in which the printer 4 is registered. At this time, if the Queue registered in the printer 4 is found, it is determined whether or not there is a print job (job sequence) in this Queue. Then, for example, if the print job is not found in the queue even after searching the search end count set to 20 times in the initial setting, the process returns to the query processing of the queue.

When a print job is found in the queue, the print processing is performed in order from the highest priority among the queues. That is, the print data of the Queue is received, transferred to the printer 4, and the print processing of the print job designated by the printer 4 is performed.

[0008]

However, in such a network printer, since the client operator himself / herself sets the priority order for printing, the priority order may be the same. . In this case, even though the priority order is set, the print processing is performed in the order of reception to the hard disk 7, and the effect of setting the priority order cannot be sufficiently exerted.

The priority can be set in the Queue
When the printer is registered to the printer, that is, only before printing any print data, once printing of print data of any client is started, other clients will wait until the print processing is completed. Could not be printed.

Therefore, there is a problem that a print wait occurs until the print processing of the previous client is completed, although the priority is set. In particular, if the previous print data is data including a bitmap, or if the amount of data is large and the number of prints is large and it takes several minutes to several tens of minutes to finish printing, the network printer is exclusively occupied during that time.

Therefore, the operating efficiency of the printer is rather deteriorated and the print waiting time may be increased.
That is, when the print data is small, it is more efficient to print it first, and it is possible to reduce the print waiting time of other clients. It was not possible to print the print data with a small amount of data concerning the client first.

Therefore, the present invention is intended to provide a network printer capable of operating the printer efficiently and substantially shortening the overall print waiting time.

[0013]

According to the present invention of claim 1, a plurality of clients that request printing and a file server that manages print data in response to the requests are connected to a network through a print server, In the network printer that prints the print data requested by the client, the print server is a job for registering the printer from the client and searching the file server for a print data job sequence in which the print processing priority is registered. A column search means, a priority determination means for determining the priority of the job sequence searched by the job sequence search means, a data input means for fetching the job sequence from the file server for each predetermined print data amount, and a priority determination The print data of the job string to be printed next by the means is the data of the job string currently being printed. When the data input means fetches the print data of the job string from the file server when it determines that the job string has the same or higher priority than the character data, the job string is temporarily printed to the client currently printing. Print processing hold confirmation means for confirming whether or not to hold,
When this print processing hold confirmation means confirms the hold of the print processing of the client which is currently printing, it requests the file server to temporarily hold the print processing of the current job row and switch to the next job row. Job switching requesting means, a timeout switching control means for forcibly requesting job switching by the job switching requesting means when there is no response to the print processing hold confirmation means within a preset timeout time, and this timeout time is freely set. A variable timeout time varying means is provided.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, a plurality of clients that request printing and a file server that manages print data in response to the requests are connected to a network through a print server, and there is a request from the client. In a network printer that prints print data, a print server registers the printer from a client, and a job string search unit that searches a file server for a job string of print data in which the priority order of print processing is registered, A priority determination unit that determines the priority of the job sequence retrieved by the job sequence retrieval unit, and a hold waiting time that can be suspended when a print request is made by another client after the print process is started by the request of one client. , Hold that can be set in advance before printing starts at the request of one client When the time setting means and the priority determination means determine that the print data of the job row to be printed next has the same or higher priority than the print data of the job row currently undergoing print processing, the next print is performed. When the print time of the print data of the job sequence to be performed is calculated and it is determined that the print time is shorter than the preset hold waiting time, the print process of the current job sequence is temporarily suspended and the next job sequence is executed. Job switching request means for requesting the file server to switch is provided.

[0015]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A case where a network printer according to a first embodiment of the present invention is connected to a network as shown in FIG. 6 will be described below with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, the same parts as those shown in FIG. 6 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a print server 5 according to the present embodiment. Reference numeral 11 is a CPU (central processing unit) which constitutes the main body of the control unit, and 12 is program data for the CPU 11 to control each unit. Stored ROM
(Read-only memory), 13 is a RAM provided with a parameter area and the like when the CPU 11 performs data processing
(Random access memory), 14 is RA in case of power failure
EEP (Elecrtic) that holds the parameter area of M13
An ally erasable programmable ROM, 16 is a parallel controller for connecting the printer 4, and 19 is a network interface controller for controlling the network interface 17 connected to the network 18. CPU11, ROM12, RAM13, EEP
The ROM 14, the parallel controller 16, and the network interface 19 are electrically connected to each other by a bus line 21 such as a data bus, a control bus, and an address bus.

In a network as shown in FIG. 6,
When the printer 4 prints print data from the clients 1 and 2, print requests from the clients are temporarily stored in the queue of the hard disk 7 by the file server 3 in the order of reception. When registering the printer 4 in this Queue, the operators of the clients 1 and 2 determine the priority order of printing by their own subjective judgment.

Based on this, C of the print server 5
PU11 performs communication control as shown in FIG. That is, the CPU 11 first performs initial setting in ST (step) 1. This initial setting may be performed at the time of initial setting of the network, for example. Specifically, for example, the number of times the printer 4 searches the registered Queue X = 0, Queue
The number N of times to end the search is set to N = 20, and the timeout time (TIO) is set (timeout time varying means).

The time-out time (TIO) can be freely set by the operator, but when it is not set, a default value (for example, 4) is set.
0). When the timeout time is set to the default value (eg 40), the unit time is 1
If it is seconds, it means that it is set to 40 seconds. This unit time is preset and may be one minute or one hour.

Next, in ST2, the queue in which the printer 4 is registered is searched from the hard disk 7 of the file server (F / S) 3 (job sequence searching means). At this time, when the registered Queue is found in the printer 4, it is determined in ST3 whether or not there is a print job in this Queue.

When it is judged that there is no print job, the number of times of query search X is incremented in ST4, and the number of times of query search X is equal to the number of search terminations N in step ST5.
To determine whether or not. At this time, when it is determined that X = N, the process returns to ST2, and when it is determined that X = N is not performed, the WAIT process is performed at ST6 and then ST3.
Return to the processing of.

When it is determined in ST3 that there is a print job in the queue, communication of print data for one packet is performed in ST7 (data input means). That is,
The print data is read from the file server 3, and the print data is taken in via the network interface 17 and the network controller 19.

Since the print data for one packet is related to the number of times another client is asked whether or not to interrupt, the data amount is set so that the print time does not become too long. For example, one page of print data is set.

Subsequently, in ST8, it is determined whether or not a print job still remains in the same queue. At this time, if it is determined that there are print jobs remaining, S
At T9, it is determined whether or not the priorities at the time of registering the printer in the queue are the same or higher (priority determining means).

At this time, if it is determined that the priorities are the same or higher, the print job switching confirmation display is performed in ST10 (print processing hold confirmation means). That is, the display shown in FIG. 2 is displayed on the display device of the client currently printing, and it is confirmed whether the interrupt printing of another client is performed or the current print job is continued. At this time, the remaining time until the current timeout, that is, the remaining count waiting time is also displayed to warn that the interrupt printing of other clients will be forced if no response is made within that time.

Then, in ST11, it is determined whether or not there is a response from the operator of the client currently printing. The response from the operator may be made by, for example, accepting an interrupt of another client by a predetermined key operation to switch the print job (YES) or by inputting to continue printing without switching (NO). .

At this time, within a predetermined unit time (for example, 1
If it is determined that there is no response from the operator of the client that is currently printing in (sec), the time-out time (TIO) is decremented in ST12. After that, TIO becomes the remaining count waiting time. Then S
At T13, it is determined whether or not the remaining count waiting time (TIO) ≦ 0, and the remaining count waiting time (TI
When it is determined that O) ≦ 0 is not satisfied, the process returns to ST10. At this time, the displayed count waiting time is reduced by one count.

When it is determined in ST13 that the remaining count waiting time (TIO) ≦ 0, the operator of the client that is currently printing determines that there is no response within the timeout time, and in ST14, the current count is forced. Queue
Switch the print job of the next queue to the print job of the next queue, and request the file server 3 to avoid the current print job on the stack of the hard disk 7 (timeout switching control means), and at ST15, TI
The default value is set to O and the process returns to ST7. As a result, the file server 3 switches the print job, stacks the current print job on the hard disk 7, and the print server 5 transfers the print data of the switched print job.

On the other hand, when it is determined in ST11 that there is a response from the operator of the client that is currently printing, it is determined in ST16 whether or not the response is for switching print jobs (YES). . When it is determined that the print job may be switched (YES), the process proceeds to ST14 and the print job is switched.

If it is judged in ST16 that the print job is not switched and the printing is continued (NO), the print job waiting for printing to be printed next is stacked in the hard disk 7 in ST17. Request to the file server 3 to avoid it
A default value is set in IO and the process returns to ST7. As a result, the printing process for one packet by the current print job is performed. Further, if it is determined in ST9 that the priorities at the time of printer registration in the queue are not the same and are lower than that, the processes of ST17 and ST18 are executed and the process returns to ST7.

If it is determined in ST8 that no print job remains in the same queue, it is determined in ST19 whether the final packet has been transferred. And
If it is determined that the last packet has not been transferred, ST
Returning to the processing of 7, when it is determined that the final packet has been transferred, the designated print job is printed by the printer 4 in ST20. That is, the print data fetched from the file server 3 is sent to the printer 4, and the printer 4 is caused to perform the print processing of the print data for one packet.

Next, in ST21, it is determined whether or not there are print jobs stacked in the hard disk 7 of the file server 3. At this time, if it is determined that there is no stacked print job, this communication control ends. When it is determined that there is a stacked print job, the file server (F / S) switches to the queue of the stacked print job in ST22.
3 (job switching requesting means), and the process returns to ST7. As a result, the file server 3 switches the queue, the print server 5 interrupts the current communication processing of the queue, and performs the communication processing of the print data of the next client.

In the embodiment of the present invention having such a configuration, when the print data from the clients 1 and 2 shown in FIG. 6 is printed by the printer 4, a print request from the client is temporarily sent to the file server. 3 is stored in the queue of the hard disk 7 in the order of reception. Then, the print server 5 searches for the queue in which the printer 4 is registered.

At this time, when the client 1 transmits to the queue of the hard disk 7 before the client 2 and sets the timeout time (TIO), if the print requests have the same priority, the hard disk is sent first. 7
The processing of the print request received by the client 1 is performed first. That is, the packet 1 of the queue of the client 1 from the hard disk 7 of the file server 3
The print data for the batch is transferred to the print server 5.

Then, this print data is transferred to the printer 4, and the printing process of the printer 4 is performed. At this time,
On the display device 1a of the client 1, a display for confirming whether to perform interrupt printing of another client or to continue the current print job and a remaining count waiting time are displayed. This display is performed every time one packet of print data is transmitted.

As a result, the operator of the client 1 can give the permission to print the print data of another client 2 first, even if the printing of the client 1 has not been completed. In addition, the remaining count waiting time (T
(IO) is counted down for each unit time, and if there is no response from the operator of the client 1 even when the remaining count waiting time is exhausted, that is, even after the timeout time elapses, the other clients 2 are forced to print. Print data first.

That is, the print job of the current queue is switched to the print job of the next queue, and the current print job is stacked on the hard disk 7 of the file server 3. Then client 2
After printing the print data of, the print job is switched to the queue print job of the client 1 stacked on the hard disk 7, and the remaining print processing is performed. It should be noted that while printing the print data of the client 1, the same processing as described above is performed when a print request is made from the client 2 having a higher priority than the client 1.

When the priority of the client 2 is lower than that of the client 1, the client 2 prints the queue after the print processing by the client 1 prints the print job. Job print processing is performed.

In this way, when confirming with the operator of the client 1 whether to continue the current print job or perform interrupt printing of another client 2, if the preset timeout time elapses without a response, the compulsion is forced. Since the interrupt print of the other client 2 is intentionally performed, even when the operator of the client 1 is not seated and the response of the print permission of the other client 2 cannot be performed, the other client 2 does not print. It becomes possible to print 2 in advance. As a result, the printer can be operated efficiently, and the overall print waiting time can be substantially shortened.

Further, since the operator of the client 1 can input the time-out time by the initial setting of the network or the like before printing, the operator of the client 1, for example, sets a default value according to the time when he wants to finish the printing process. The timeout time can be freely set with a longer value or a shorter value. This makes it possible to perform printing processing that meets the requirements of the operator.
The printer can be operated more efficiently, and the overall print waiting time can be substantially shortened.

Moreover, the print data communication process or print process is performed for each packet, that is, for each page, and the current print job is continued for the operator of the client 1 each time, or the interrupt print of another client 2 is performed. Since it is confirmed whether or not to perform the printing, for example, when the other client 2 waiting for the next printing has less print processing, or when the other client 2 waiting for the printing is allowed to print first, Even if the printing process of the queue currently being executed is not all completed, the operator of the client 1 can interrupt the printing process of the client 1 so that the printing of the other clients 2 can be performed first. Become.
Also by this, the printer can be operated efficiently, and the overall print waiting time can be substantially shortened.

Further, the operator of the client 1 is requested to continue the current print job or the other client 2
Since the remaining count waiting time (TIO) is also displayed when confirming whether to perform interrupt printing of, whether the response to the confirmation of interrupt printing is in time, for example, when the operator of the client 1 who has left his / her seat returns once It can be determined whether or not. As a result, it is possible to avoid switching jobs due to the passage of the timeout time.

Next, a case where the network printer according to the second embodiment of the present invention is connected to the network as shown in FIG. 6 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.
In the present embodiment, the same parts as those in the above embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The CPU 11 of the print server 5 in the present embodiment carries out communication control as shown in FIG. That is, the CPU 11 first performs initial setting in ST31.
This initial setting may be performed at the time of initial setting of the network, for example.

Specifically, for example, the number of times the printer 4 searches the registered Queue is set to X = 0 and the number of times to end the search of the Queue is set to N = 20, and the waiting time for waiting (R
WT) is set (holding waiting time setting means). This hold waiting time (RWT) is a time period during which interrupt processing from other clients can be permitted, and can be freely set by the operator. However, when not set, a default value (for example, 40) is set.

Since the following processes of ST32 to ST39 are the same as the processes of ST2 to ST9 shown in FIG. 3, detailed description thereof will be omitted, and the processes of ST39 and thereafter will be described next.
That is, if it is determined in ST39 that the priorities at the time of printer registration to Queue are the same or higher, in ST40, the waiting waiting time as shown in FIG. Display confirmation. It should be noted that this display may not be performed, or may be displayed on the display device of another client 2 which is going to perform print processing.

Next, at ST41, the print time (NJPT (D,
H)) is calculated, and this printing time (NJPT (D, H))
Is shorter than a preset waiting time (RWT). As a result, it is automatically determined whether to perform interrupt printing of another client or continue the current print job.

That is, the calculated printing time (NJPT
When it is determined that (D, H)) is longer than the hold waiting time (RWT), the process proceeds to ST42 and the current print job is continued. In step ST42, the file server 3 is requested to avoid the print job waiting for printing to be performed next in the stack of the hard disk 7. As a result, the printing process for one packet by the current print job is performed.

On the other hand, the printing time (NJPT (D, H)) calculated in ST41 is the holding waiting time (RWT).
If it is determined that the time is shorter, the process proceeds to ST43 and ST44, and interrupt printing of another client is performed.

That is, in ST43, the holding waiting time (R
The printing time (NJPT (D, H)) is subtracted from WT) and this is set as a new holding waiting time (RWT). Subsequently, in ST44, the print job of the current queue is switched to the print job of the next queue, and at the same time, the file server 3 is requested to avoid the current print job to the stack of the hard disk 7 (job switching request means). Return to processing. As a result, the file server 3 switches the print job and stacks the current print job on the hard disk 7,
The print server 5 transfers the print data of the switched print job.

Since the processing of ST45 to ST48 is the same as the processing of ST19 to ST22 shown in FIG. 3, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the embodiment of the present invention having such a configuration, when the print data from the clients 1 and 2 shown in FIG. 6 is printed by the printer 4, the print request from the client is temporarily sent to the file server. 3 is stored in the queue of the hard disk 7 in the order of reception. Then, the print server 5 searches for the queue in which the printer 4 is registered.

At this time, if the client 1 transmits to the queue of the hard disk 7 before the client 2 and sets the holding waiting time (RWT) to, for example, 40, assuming that the print requests have the same priority. First, the processing of the print request received by the client 1 in the queue of the hard disk 7 is performed first. That is, Que of the client 1 from the hard disk 7 of the file server 3
The print data for one packet of ue is transferred to the print server 5.

Then, this print data is transferred to the printer 4, and the printing process of the printer 4 is performed. At this time,
The print time (NJPT (D, H)) of the job of the next print data relating to the client 2 is calculated. If the calculation result is 30, for example, the hold waiting time set by the operator of the client 1 ( Since it is shorter than RWT 40, the set waiting time (RWT) 40-printing time (NJPT (D, H)) 30 = 10 is set as a new holding waiting time (RWT), and interrupt printing of another client 2 is performed. Is done automatically.

That is, the print job of the current queue is switched to the print job of the next queue, and the current print job is stacked on the hard disk 7 of the file server 3. Then client 2
After printing the print data of, the print job is switched to the queue print job of the client 1 stacked on the hard disk 7, and the remaining print processing is performed. It should be noted that while printing the print data of the client 1, the same processing as described above is performed when a print request is made from the client 2 having a higher priority than the client 1. Further, thereafter, the interruption process by the print data that requires the printing time longer than the new holding waiting time (RWT) 10 is not performed until the first printing process is completed.

On the other hand, the print time (NJPT (D, H)) of the next print data job for the client 2
When the calculation result of is, for example, 40, the holding waiting time (RWT) 40 set by the operator of the client 1
The current print job by client 1 is automatically continued because it is longer. That is, client 1
The print processing of the print job of the client 2 is performed after all the print processing of the print job of the queue of FIG.

As described above, based on the holding waiting time (RWT) freely set by the operator of the client who is going to print from his / her own judgment, the print request of another client generated during the printing of that client is performed. Since it is automatically determined whether or not to respond, the client operator who is printing is
It is not necessary to determine whether to permit the print interrupt of another client for each page.

As a result, it is possible to perform the print processing that meets the operator's request, and when the operator of the client is away from the seat and cannot make a response as to whether or not to permit the print interrupt of another client, the response is requested. Time can be saved, the printer can be operated more efficiently, and the overall print waiting time can be substantially shortened. Further, since the holding waiting time (RWT) can be freely set by the operator of the client, communication efficiency between the operators of the client can further improve the operation efficiency of the printer.

When the interrupt processing of another client is performed, the waiting time (RWT) to the printing time (N
JPT (D, H)) is subtracted and this is set as a new hold waiting time (RWT), so that the first client is not made to wait unnecessarily even if another interrupt processing is requested. You can get the print result. That is, unless the printing time (NJPT (D, H)) is subtracted from the holding waiting time (RWT) in this way, if the printing data has a printing time shorter than the initially set holding waiting time (RWT), the printing data will be successively output. It is expected that the print processing related to the first client will be delayed due to the interruption processing and the interruption processing, which can be prevented.

[0060]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a network printer which can efficiently operate the printer and can substantially reduce the overall print waiting time.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a print server of a network printer according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a display on a display device of a client according to the same embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing communication control of the print server shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing communication control of a print server in the network printer according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display on the display device of the client according to the same embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a network to which a conventional network printer is connected.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing communication control of a print server in a conventional network printer.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 2 ... Client 3 ... File Server 5 ... Network Printer 11 ... CPU

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A print server that connects a plurality of clients that request printing and a file server that manages print data in response to the request to a network through a print server to print the print data requested by the clients. In the network printer, the print server registers the printer from the client, and a job string search unit that searches the file server for a job string of print data in which the priority order of print processing is registered, and the job string search unit. Priority order determining means for determining the priority order of the job sequence retrieved by the means, data input means for fetching the job sequence from the file server for each predetermined print data amount, and the job to be printed next by the priority order determining means. The print data of the line is the same as the print data of the job line currently being printed or When it is determined that the job sequence has a higher priority, each time the data input unit fetches the print data of the job sequence from the file server, whether or not to temporarily hold the print of the job sequence to the client that is currently performing the print process. When the print processing hold confirmation means for confirming whether or not the print processing hold confirmation means confirms the print processing hold of the client currently performing the print processing, the print processing of the current job sequence is temporarily held, Job switching request means for requesting the file server to switch to the next job sequence, and forcibly switching jobs by the job switching request means when there is no response to the print processing hold confirmation means within a preset timeout time. Provided is a time-out switching control means for requesting and a time-out time varying means capable of freely varying the time-out time. Network printer according to claim. 2. A print server, which connects a plurality of clients requesting printing and a file server that manages print data in response to the request, to a network through the print server to print the print data requested by the clients. In the network printer, the print server registers the printer from the client, and a job string search unit that searches the file server for a job string of print data in which the priority order of print processing is registered, and the job string search unit. The priority determination means for determining the priority of the job sequence retrieved by the means, and the hold waiting time that can be held when there is a print request from another client after starting the print processing at the request of one client, Hold waiting time that can be set in advance before printing starts at the request of the client When the setting means and the priority determination means determine that the print data of the job sequence to be printed next has the same or higher priority as the print data of the job sequence currently undergoing print processing, the next print is performed. When the print time of the print data of the job sequence is calculated and it is determined that the print time is shorter than the preset hold waiting time, the print process of the current job sequence is temporarily suspended and the job sequence is switched to the next job sequence. A network printer, comprising: a job switching request means for requesting the file server.