JPH09305341A - Adapter, printing system and printing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enbale a computer to transmit a signal for initializing a printer from a computer to an adapter even by the use of an IrDA protocol by transmitting an initializing command from the computer to a printer adapter and outputting the initializing signal to the printer by means of the adapter which receives the initializing command. SOLUTION: An application 302 transmits an intialization request by way of a printer driver. A control task 403 receives an initializing instruction from an IrCOMM task 404. The control task 403 outputs the initializing signal from a centronics I/F by a centronics driver 402. At this time, the IrCOMM task 404 transmits the initializing instruction to the control task 403 before receiving a disconnecting instruction from a TP task 405, so that it does not transmit the disconnecting instruction. Thus, the signal for initializing the printer is transmitted from the computer to the adapter in a system connected by radio communication.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printing system for printing by connecting a computer and a printer by wireless communication using electromagnetic waves or light as a medium, a printing method, and an adapter.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, optical space communication has attracted attention as a means for connecting a computer and peripheral devices. The optical space communication can realize a wireless system that does not require a cable for connection at a relatively low cost.

Recently established IrDA (Infrare
d Data Association) is an organization that is promoting the standardization of infrared optical space communication. IrDA created a physical layer standard and protocol (communication protocol) having a transmission rate of 115.2 kbps. As a physical layer standard, "Serial Infrar"
ed (SIR) Physical Layer Lin
k Specification. ”As a protocol,“ Serial Infrared Link ”is available.
Access Protocol (IrLAP) ",
"Link Management Protocol
(IrLMP) "," A Flow-Control
Mechanism for Use with Ir
LMP (Tiny TP) "and" Serial a
nd Parallel Port Emulation
over IR (IrCOMM) ”. The infrared optical space communication method according to these standard protocols is
Sometimes called rDA. Recently, transmission rates of 1.2 Mbps and 4 Mbps have also been specified. According to the current standard, the communication distance is within 1 m and the irradiation angle is ± 15 °.

Conventionally, when a computer and a printer are connected by infrared optical space communication such as IrDA, the infrared I /
I have installed an adapter that converts F and Centronics I / F to the printer.

FIG. 19 shows a conventional example in which a computer and a printer are connected by IrDA.

Reference numeral 1901 is a PC (personal computer).

Reference numeral 1902 is an adapter having an infrared I / F and a Centronics I / F.

Reference numeral 1903 is a printer.

The adapter 1902 is an IrDA PC 19
01 is connected. The adapter 1902 is connected to the printer 1903 by a Centronics I / F. P
The print data sent from the C1901 to the adapter 1902 by IrDA is sent to the printer 190 by the Centronics I / F.
3 and printed.

[0010]

However, in the above conventional example, the PC 190 is used by using the IrDA protocol.
There is a drawback in that a signal for initializing the printer 1903 cannot be transmitted from 1 to the adapter 1902.

The Centronics I / F has a signal line called INIT. The INIT signal is used by the PC 1901 to initialize the printer 1903 when the PC 1901 and the printer 1903 are directly connected by the Centronics I / F. If you want to cancel printing in the middle,
The PC 1901 outputs the INIT signal. The initialized printer 1903 is in an initial state by clearing print data and discharging paper.

The IrCOM IrCOMM protocol has a function of emulating the Centronics I / F.

However, there is no IrCOMM control parameter corresponding to the INIT signal. Therefore, in FIG. 19, the PC 1901 cannot initialize the printer 1903.

[0014]

According to the present invention, in a printing system in which a computer and a printer are connected via an adapter, (1) the computer and the adapter are connected by Ir.
DA connecting means, (2) connecting the adapter and printer by Centronics, (3) sending an initialization command from the computer to the printer adapter, and (4) the adapter receiving this initialization command. By providing the printer with means for outputting an INIT signal, a signal for initializing the printer can be transmitted from the computer to the adapter even when the IrDA protocol is used.

[0015]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(First Embodiment of the Invention) An example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

The present invention comprises a PC, an adapter and a printer. The PC and the adapter communicate by IrDA. The adapter is connected to the printer with a Centronics cable.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a PC according to the present invention.

Reference numeral 101 is the entire PC, 102 is a CPU for controlling the entire PC 101, 103 is a ROM for storing the programs executed by the CPU 102, and 104 is a CP.
RAM for storing data used by U102, 105
Is an external storage device such as a magnetic disk that stores files used by the CPU 102, 106 is an operation unit including a keyboard and mouse for operating a PC, and 107 is a display unit such as a CRT or LCD. 1
08 is a UART (Universal Asy) that provides a serial data channel to the CPU 102.
nchronous Receiver / Transm
)), 109 is a modulator that converts a signal from the UART 108 to the infrared transmitter 111, 110 is a demodulator that converts a signal from the infrared receiver 112 to the UART 108, and 111 is an LED that transmits infrared light and its driver. An infrared transmission section 112 including an infrared reception section including a photo detector for receiving infrared rays and a driver thereof, and a reference numeral 113 indicating a configuration block 10.
A bus connecting 2 to 108.

In FIG. 1, the PC 101 communicates with the adapter shown in FIG. 2 by an infrared transmitter 111 and an infrared receiver 112.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the adapter according to the present invention.

Reference numeral 201 is the entire adapter, 202 is a CPU that controls the entire adapter 201, and 203 is the CPU 2.
ROM for storing the program executed in 02, 204
Is an RA that stores data used by the CPU 202.
M, 205 are Centronics I / Fs connected to the Centronics cable, 206 is an operation unit including buttons and switches for operating the adapter, 207
Is a display unit including an LED or LCD, and 208 is C
UART (Universal Asynchro) that provides a serial data channel to the PU 202
nous Receiver / Transmitte
r) and 209 are infrared transmission units 21 from the UART 208.
1, a modulator 210 for converting the signal to 1 and a demodulator 210 for converting the signal from the infrared receiver 212 to the UART 208,
Reference numeral 211 denotes an infrared transmission unit including an LED for transmitting infrared rays and a driver for the LED, and 212 denotes p for receiving infrared rays.
An infrared receiver 213 including a photodetector and its driver is provided in the building blocks 202 to 20.
It is a bus that connects eight.

In FIG. 2, the adapter 201 communicates with the PC shown in FIG. 1 by the infrared transmitter 211. The Centronics I / F 205 is connected to the printer by a Centronics cable.

FIG. 3 is a CP of the PC 101 according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a program executed on U102.

Reference numeral 301 denotes the entire PC program, 302
Is an application that sends print data to the printer driver 303. 303 is a printer driver that converts print data received from the application 302 so that the printer can print and sends it to the IrCOMM task 304. 304 is an IrCOMM protocol. IrCOMM task to perform, 305 is a Tiny TP task that executes the protocol of Tiny TP, and 306 is
An IrLMP task that executes the IrLMP protocol,
307 is an IrLA that executes the IrLAP protocol
P tasks, 308 to 311 are transmission buffers for temporarily storing transmission data, and 312 to 315 are reception buffers for temporarily storing reception data.

In FIG. 3, IrCOMM task 304
The transmission data transmitted from is Tiny TP task 3
05, IrLMP task 306, IrLAP task 30
7 to the UART 108. UART1
The received data received from 08 is the IrLAP task 3
07, IrLMP task 306, and Tiny TP task 305 to be received by the IrCOMM task 304. The transmission data is temporarily stored in the transmission buffers 308 to 311 and transferred. The received data is 312
From 315 to 315 are temporarily stored in the reception buffer and transferred. 308 to 311 transmit buffers and 312
The receiving buffers from 315 to 315 are FIFO (First I
n First Out), the first input transmission data or reception data is output first.

The print data transmitted from the application 302 to the IrCOMM task 304 via the printer driver 303 is transmitted to the UART 108 as transmission data.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a program executed on the CPU 202 of the adapter 201 according to the present invention.

401 is the entire adapter program, 40
2 is a Centronics driver that outputs the print data received from the control task to the Centronics I / F 205,
403 is a control task for controlling the entire adapter 201,
404 is an IrC that executes the IrCOMM protocol.
An OMM task, 405 is a Tiny TP task that executes the Tiny TP protocol, and 406 is an IrLM.
IrLMP task to execute P protocol, 407
Is an IrLAP task for executing the IrLAP protocol, 408 to 411 are transmission buffers for temporarily storing transmission data, and 412 to 415 are reception buffers for temporarily storing reception data.

In FIG. 4, the IrCOMM task 404 is shown.
The transmission data transmitted from is Tiny TP task 4
05, the IrLMP task 406, and the IrLAP 407 to be transmitted to the UART 208. The received data received from the UART 208 is the IrLAP task 407,
IrLMP task 406, Tiny TP task 405
It is received by the IrCOMM task 404 via. The transmission data is temporarily stored in the transmission buffers 408 to 411 and transferred. Received data is from 412 to 4
It is temporarily stored in 15 reception buffers and transferred.
408 to 411 transmit buffers and 412 to 41
The receiving buffer of 5 is a FIFO (First In Fi).
rst Out), the first input transmission data or reception data is output first.

The print data received from the UART 208 is received by the IrCOMM task 404 as received data. This print data is received by the Centronics driver 402 via the control task 403. The Centronics driver 402 outputs this print data to the Centronics I / F 205.

In the present invention, the PC of FIG. 1 and the adapter of FIG. 2 perform infrared communication according to the IrDA protocol.
In IrDA, data transmitted and received during communication is carried in frames.

FIG. 5 is a frame format of the present invention.

Reference numeral 501 denotes a BOF (Beginning of Frame) indicating the start of a frame in IrLAP,
502 is an address field A indicating a connection address by IrLAP, 503 is a control field C indicating a frame function by IrLAP, and 504 is a field DLSAP-SEL (Des) indicating a destination address by IrLMP.
Tination Link Service Acc
ess PointSelector), 505 is I
Field SLSAP indicating the source address in rLMP
-SEL (Source Link Service)
Access Point Selector), 50
6 is a field TTP used in Tiny TP, 5
Reference numeral 07 is a control length Clen indicating the length of the control data 508 to 510 by IrCOMM, and 508 is a parameter identifier PI, 50 indicating the type of control parameter by IrCOMM.
9 is a parameter length PL that indicates the length of the control parameter in IrCOMM, 510 is a parameter value PV that indicates the value of the control parameter in IrCOMM, 511 is a field Data that indicates the data, and 512 is IrLAP that detects a reception error. Fields for FCS (Frame
(Check Sequence), 513 is IrLA
A flag EOF (End of of P) indicating the end of the frame
Frame).

In the present invention, one IrLAP connection can be set between the PC of FIG. 1 and the adapter of FIG. This I
The rLAP connection is identified by the value of address field A. This IrLAP connection is multiplexed by IrLMP into a plurality of IrLMP connections. Each IrLMP connection has a field DLSAP-SEL and a field S
It is identified by the value of LSAP-SEL. The TinyTP task 305 in the PC program of FIG. 3 and the TinyTP task 405 in the adapter program of FIG.
Communicate by LMP connection.

In FIG. 5, 507 to 510 are called control channels. The control channel includes a control length Clen and control data 508 to 510. Control data 508-510
Is composed of a plurality of control parameters. (In FIG. 6, only one control parameter 508-510 is shown). The control parameters 508 to 510 consist of a parameter identifier PI, a parameter length PL and a parameter value PV.

At the start of communication, the IrCOMM task 304 in the PC program 301 sends control parameters 508 to 510 indicating "service type". The PV value of the control parameters 508 to 510 is zero indicating the "service type". The value of PL is 1. The value of PV is 8 indicating Centronics.

Ir in the PC program 301 during communication
The COMM task 304 transmits control parameters 508 to 510 indicating "state inquiry". The PV value of the control parameters 508 to 510 is 30 (hexadecimal) indicating “state inquiry”. The value of PL is 0. P
There is no V. After this, I in the adapter program 401
The rCOMM task 404 sends control parameters 508 to 510 indicating "state inquiry response". The PV value of the control parameters 508 to 510 is 38 (hexadecimal) indicating “state inquiry response”. The value of PL is 1
It is. PV represents the state of the Centronics I / F 205. (For example, when bit 1 in PV is 1, FAUL
When the T signal is active and the bit 3 is 1, the PE signal is active).

Centronics I / F 2 of the adapter 201
INIT to printer with Centronics cable from 05
When you want to output a signal, Ir in the PC program 301
The COMM task 304 sends control parameters 508 to 510 indicating "initialization command". The PV value of the control parameters 508 to 510 is 37 (hexadecimal) indicating “initialization command”. The value of PL is 0. P
There is no V. (The control parameters 508 to 510 are
This is an addition to the protocol of IrCOMM according to the present invention).

FIG. 6 shows a normal communication procedure between the PC 101 and the adapter 201.

In step 601, the printer driver 303 sends an IrCOMM_connection request to the IrCOMM task 304, and the IrCOMM task 304 sends a TTP_connection request to the Tiny TP task 305. Tiny
The TP task 405 sends a TTP to the IrCOMM task 404.
_ Connection instruction is sent, and the IrCOMM task 404 sends an IrCOMM_connection instruction to the control task 403.

In step 602, the control task 403 determines that IrC
The OMM task sends an IrCOMM_Connect response to 404, and the IrCOMM task 404 sends a TTP_Connect response to the Tiny TP task 405. Tiny TP
Task 305 sends a TTP_connection confirmation to IrCOMM task 304, and IrCOMM task 304 sends an IrCOMM_connection confirmation to control task 303.

In steps 603 to 605, the printer driver 303 sends an IrCOMM_data request containing print data to the IrCOMM task 304, and the IrCOMM task 304 sends a TTP_data request containing print data to the Tiny TP task 305. Tiny TP
Task 405 sends a TTP_DATA instruction containing print data to IrCOMM task 404, and IrCOMM task 404 sends IrC containing print data to control task 403.
Send the OMM_Data instruction.

In step 606, the printer driver 303 sends an IrCOMM_disconnect request to the IrCOMM task 304, and the IrCOMM task 304 sends a TTP_disconnect request to the Tiny TP task 305. Tiny
The TP task 405 sends a TTP to the IrCOMM task 404.
The _disconnect instruction is transmitted, and the IrCOMM task 404 transmits the IrCOMM_data disconnection instruction to the control task 403.

In the procedure of FIG. 6, the print data is the PC 101.
To the adapter 201 are all transferred normally.

FIG. 7 shows a communication procedure when the PC 101 cancels printing halfway.

Steps 701 to 705 are the same as steps 601 to 605.

In step 706, the printer driver 303 sends an initialization request to the IrCOMM task 304, and
The COMM task 304 sends a TTP_data request containing an initialization command to the Tiny TP task 305.
Tiny TP task 405 is IrCOMM task 40
4 transmits the TTP_DATA instruction including the initialization command, and the IrCOMM task 404 transmits the initialization instruction to the control task 403.

In step 707, the IrCOMM task 304
Sends a TTP_disconnect request to Tiny TP task 305. The Tiny TP task 405 sends a TTP_disconnect instruction to the IrCOMM task 404.

In the procedure of FIG. 7, P is set during transfer of print data.
A print cancel operation is performed on the operation unit 106 of C101.
At this time, the application 302 sends an initialization request via the printer driver. The control task 403 is Ir
The initialization instruction is received from the COMM task 404. The control task 403 causes the Centronics driver 402 to output the INIT signal from the Centronics I / F 205. In step 707, the IrCOMM task 404 sets Tin.
y The TTP_disconnect instruction is received from the TP task 405, but the initialization instruction has already been transmitted to the control task 403, so the IrCOMM_disconnect instruction is not transmitted.
(Because the control task 403 is already in the idle state, it is considered that a communication error has occurred when the IrCOMM_disconnect instruction is received. For example, the LED indicating the error in the display unit 207 is turned on although it should have been initialized. End).

FIG. 8 shows the ROM 10 of the PC 101 of the present invention.
IrCOMM task 3 of the programs stored in 3
It is a flowchart executed in 04. This flowchart is repeatedly executed by the IrCOMM task 304.

In step 801, the printer driver 30
When the IrCOMM_connection request is received from No. 3, the process proceeds to step 802. Otherwise, go to step 805.

At step 802, a TTP_connection request is sent to the Tiny TP task 305.

When the TTP_connection confirmation is received from the Tiny TP task 305 in step 803, the process proceeds to step 804. If not, the process returns to step 803.

In step 804, the printer driver 30
3. Send IrCOMM_connection confirmation to 3 and end.

In step 805, the printer driver 30
When the IrCOMM_data request is received from No. 3, the process proceeds to step 806. Otherwise, proceed to step 807.

At step 806, a TTP_data request including print data is transmitted to the Tiny TP task 305, and the processing is terminated.

In step 807, the printer driver 30
When the IrCOMM_disconnection request is received from No. 3, the process proceeds to step 808. Otherwise, go to step 809.

At step 808, the TTP_disconnect request is transmitted to the Tiny TP task 305, and the processing is terminated.

In step 809, the printer driver 30
When the initialization request is received from step 3, the process proceeds to step 810. If not, exit.

At step 810, a TTP_data request including an initialization command is sent to the Tiny TP task 305.

At step 811, the TTP_disconnect request is transmitted to the Tiny TP task 305, and the processing is terminated.

FIG. 9 is a ROM of the adapter 201 of the present invention.
13 is a flowchart executed by an IrCOMM task 404 of the programs stored in 203. This flowchart is repeatedly executed by the IrCOMM task 404.

When the TTP_connection instruction is received from the Tiny TP task 405 in step 901, the process proceeds to step 902. Otherwise, go to step 906.

At step 902, the control task 403
Send rCOMM_Connect Indication.

When the IrCOMM_connection response is received from the control task 403 in step 903, step 90
Go to 4. If not, the process returns to step 903.

At step 904, the TTP_connection response is transmitted to the Tiny TP task 405.

In step 905, the variable initFlag
To the value FALSE.

When the TTP_data instruction including the print data is received from the Tiny TP task 405 in step 906, the process proceeds to step 907. Otherwise, proceed to step 908.

At step 907, an IrCOMM_data instruction including print data is transmitted to the control task 403.

When the TTP_disconnect instruction is received from the Tiny TP task 405 in step 908, the process proceeds to step 909. Otherwise, proceed to step 911.

In step 909, the variable initFlag
When the value of is FALSE, the process proceeds to step 910. If not, exit.

At step 910, the control task 403
Send rCOMM_disconnect instruction.

When the TTP_data instruction including the initialization command is received from the Tiny TP task 405 in step 911, the process proceeds to step 912. If not, exit.

At step 912, an initialization instruction is sent to the control task 403.

In step 913, the variable initFlag
Set the value TRUE to and exit.

FIG. 10 shows the RO of the adapter 201 of the present invention.
Control task 40 of the programs stored in M203
3 is a flowchart executed in 3. This flowchart is repeatedly executed by the control task 403.

At step 1001, when the IrCOMM_connection instruction is received from the IrCOMM_task 404,
Proceed to step 1002. If not, step 1
Proceed to 003.

In step 1002, the IrCOMM_connection response is sent to the IrCOMM_task 404, and the processing is terminated.

When the IrCOMM_data instruction is received from the IrCOMM_task 404 in step 1003, the process proceeds to step 1004. Otherwise, proceed to step 1005.

In step 1004, the Centronics driver 402 outputs the print data to the Centronics I / F 205, and the process is terminated.

At step 1005, when the IrCOMM_disconnect instruction is received from the IrCOMM_task 404,
finish. Otherwise, proceed to step 1006.

When the initialization instruction is received from IrCOMM_task 404 in step 1006, step 10
Proceed to 07. If not, exit.

In step 1007, the Centronics driver 402 INITs the Centronics I / F 205.
Output a signal and exit.

(Embodiment of the Second Invention) Second Embodiment of the Present Invention
Embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

The present invention comprises a PC, an adapter and a printer. The PC and the adapter communicate by IrDA.

The adapter is connected to the printer with a Centronics cable.

The block diagram of the PC is the same as that of FIG.

The block diagram of the adapter is the same as in FIG.

The block diagram of the PC program is the same as that shown in FIG.

A block diagram of the adapter program is shown in FIG.
Is the same as

The frame format is the same as in FIG.

The communication procedure is the same as in FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart executed by the IrCOMM task 304 of the programs stored in the ROM 103 of the PC 101 in the second embodiment of the present invention. This flowchart is repeatedly executed by the IrCOMM task 304.

Steps 1101 to 1111
Is the same as steps 801 to 811.

At step 1112, the transmission buffer 308
To clear 311.

In FIG. 11, Tiny is calculated in step 1110.
Before sending a TTP_DATA request containing an initialization command to the TP task 305, the send buffers 308 to 311 are cleared in step 1112. Therefore, in this embodiment, the printer can be initialized by immediately transmitting the initialization command even when the print data is accumulated in the transmission buffers 308 to 311.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart executed by the IrLAP task 407 of the programs stored in the ROM 203 of the adapter 201 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. This flowchart is repeatedly executed by the IrLAP task 407.

When the I frame including the initialization command is received from the UART 208 in step 1201, the process proceeds to step 1202. If not, step 120.
Proceed to 3. Here, the format of the I frame is the same as in FIG.

In step 1202, the reception buffer 412
To clear 414.

At step 1203, a normal IrLAP process is performed, and the process ends.

In FIG. 12, in step 1203, IrLM is used.
Before sending the initialization command to the P-task 406, the receive buffers 412 to 414 are cleared in step 1202. Therefore, in the embodiment of the present invention, the printer can be initialized by receiving the initialization command immediately even when the print data is accumulated in the reception buffers 412 to 414.

The flowchart executed by the IrCOMM task 404 is the same as that shown in FIG.

The flowchart executed by the control task 403 is the same as that shown in FIG.

(Embodiment of the Third Invention) Third Embodiment of the Present Invention
Embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

The present invention comprises a PC, an adapter and a printer. The PC and the adapter communicate by IrDA.

The adapter is connected to the printer with a Centronics cable.

The block diagram of the PC is the same as that of FIG.

The block diagram of the adapter is the same as in FIG.

The block diagram of the PC program is the same as that shown in FIG.

A block diagram of the adapter program is shown in FIG.
Is the same as

The frame format is the same as that shown in FIG.

The communication procedure is the same as in FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 13 shows a communication procedure at the time of a communication error between the PC 101 and the adapter 201.

Steps 1301 to 1304 are the same as steps 601 to 604.

In step 1305, the printer driver 303
IrCMM task 304 contains print data in IrC
Send OMM_Data Request, IrCOMM Task 30
4 is a T that includes print data in the Tiny TP task 305.
Send the TP_Data request. Here, it is assumed that a communication error occurs and a non-communication state occurs.

At step 1306, Ti
The ny TP task 305 sends a TTP_disconnect instruction to the IrCOMM task 304, and the IrCOMM task 304
Sends an IrCOMM_disconnection instruction to the printer driver 303. Tiny TP task 405 is IrCOMM
Send TTP_disconnect instruction to task 404 and send IrCOM
The M task 404 sends an IrCOMM_disconnect instruction to the control task 403.

In FIG. 13, when the printer driver 303 receives the IrCOMM_disconnection instruction in step 1306, an error is displayed on the display unit 107.

The PC-side Tiny TP that has received the TTP_data request including the print data in step 1305 of FIG.
Task 305 sends an LM_Data request to IrLMP task 306. IrL that received the LM_DATA request
The MP task 306 sends the IrLAP task 307 the IrL
Send AP_DATA REQUEST. Upon receiving the IrLAP_data request, the IrLAP task 307 sends the UART 108
I frame is transmitted. This I frame is transmitted by infrared rays from the infrared transmitter 111. At this time, IrL
The AP task 307 starts a monitoring timer. (The IrLAP task 307 monitors the UART 108 for this monitoring timer.
Stops when it receives any frames from).

In step 1306, when the IrLAP task 307 does not receive anything and the monitoring timer times out, Ir
The LAP task 307 sends an IrLAP_disconnect instruction to the IrLMP task 306 as a communication error. IrLA
The IrLMP task 306 that has received the P_disconnect instruction
The LM_disconnect instruction is transmitted to the iny TP task 305. Tiny TP task 3 that received the LM_disconnect instruction
05 sends a TTP_disconnect instruction to the IrCOMM task 304.

The IrLAP task 407 on the adapter side which has received the I frame in step 1304 of FIG.
Send IrLAP_DATA instruction to P-task 406.
IrLMP task 4 which received the IrLAP_DATA instruction
06 sends an LM_DATA instruction to the Tiny TP task 405. TinyT that received the LM_DATA instruction
The P task 405 sends a TTP data instruction to the IrCOMM task 404. At this time, the IrLAP task 40
7 starts a monitoring timer. (This monitoring timer is
It stops when the rLAP task 407 receives any frame from the UART 208).

In step 1306, if the IrLAP task 407 does not receive anything and the monitoring timer times out, Ir
The LAP task 407 transmits an IrLAP_disconnection instruction to the IrLMP task 406 as a communication error. IrLA
The IrLMP task 406 that has received the P_disconnect instruction
The LM_disconnect instruction is transmitted to the iny TP task 405. Tiny TP task 4 that received the LM_disconnect instruction
05 sends a TTP_disconnect instruction to the IrCOMM task 404.

After step 1306, the transmission buffers 308 to 311 and the reception buffers 312 to 315 on the PC side.
To clear. Further, after the procedure 1306, the transmission buffers 408 to 411 and the reception buffer 412 on the adapter side.
To clear 415.

FIG. 14 shows a communication procedure when a communication error occurs when printing is stopped.

Procedures 1401 to 1405 correspond to procedure 601.
From 605 to 605.

In step 1406, the printer driver 303
Sends an initialization request to IrCOMM task 304, and I
rCOMM task 304 is Tiny TP task 305
Send a TTP_DATA request containing an initialization command to the. Here, it is assumed that a communication error occurs and a non-communication state occurs.

In step 1407, the IrCOMM task 30
4 sends a TTP_disconnect request to the Tiny TP task 305. Here again, it is assumed that the non-communication state continues.

At step 1408, after the timeout occurs, Ti
The ny TP task 305 sends a TTP_disconnect instruction to the IrCOMM task 304. Tiny TP task 4
05 sends a TTP_disconnect instruction to the IrCOMM task 404, and the IrCOMM task 404 sends the control task 403.
To the IrCOMM_disconnect instruction.

In the procedure of FIG. 14, a communication error occurs during the transfer of the initialization command in procedure 1406. Step 1
At 408, after the timeout occurs, IrCOMM task 30
Although No. 4 has received the TTP_disconnection instruction from the Tiny TP task 305, since it has already transmitted the initialization instruction to the printer driver 303, it does not transmit the IrCOMM_disconnection instruction. (Because the printer driver 303 is already in the idle state, it is considered that a communication error has occurred when the IrCOMM_disconnect instruction is received. For example, although it should have been initialized, an error message is displayed on the display unit 107.) .

Tiny on the PC side that received the TTP_data request including the initialization command in step 1406 of FIG.
The TP task 305 notifies the IrLMP task 306 of LM_
Send a data request. I received the LM_DATA request
The rLMP task 306 sends the IrLAP task 307 an I
Send rLAP_DATA REQUEST. Upon receiving the IrLAP_data request, the IrLAP task 307 executes UART1.
I frame is transmitted to 08. This I frame is transmitted by infrared rays from the infrared transmitter 111. At this time, I
The rLAP task 307 starts a watch timer. (This monitoring timer is set by IrLAP task 307 as UART1.
It stops when it receives any frame from 08).

The Tiny TP task 305 on the PC side, which has received the TTP_disconnection request in step 1407, uses IrLMP.
Send LM_Disconnect request to task 306. Upon receiving the LM_disconnection request, the IrLMP task 306 sets the IrLAP task
Send an IrLAP_disconnect request to task 307. Ir
IrLAP task 307 that received the LAP_disconnect request
Sends a DISC frame to the UART 108. This DISC frame is transmitted by infrared rays from the infrared transmitter 111. At this time, the IrLAP task 307
Stop the watch timer and start it again.

In step 1408, when the IrLAP task 307 does not receive anything and the monitoring timer times out, Ir
The LAP task 307 sends IrLAP_cut resin to the IrLMP task 306 as a communication error. IrLA
The IrLMP task 306 that has received the P_disconnect instruction
The LM_disconnect instruction is transmitted to the iny TP task 305. Tiny TP task 3 that received the LM_disconnect instruction
05 sends a TTP_disconnect instruction to the IrCOMM task 304.

The IrLAP task 407 on the adapter side which has received the I frame in step 1405 of FIG.
Send IrLAP_DATA instruction to P-task 406.
IrLMP task 4 which received the IrLAP_DATA instruction
06 sends an LM_DATA instruction to the Tiny TP task 405. TinyT that received the LM_DATA instruction
The P task 405 notifies the IrCOMM task 404 of TTP_
Send data instructions. At this time, IrLAP task 4
07 starts the monitoring timer. (This monitoring timer is
It stops when IrLAP task 407 receives any frame from UART 208).

In step 1408, when the IrLAP task 407 receives nothing and the monitoring timer times out, Ir
The LAP task 407 transmits an IrLAP_disconnection instruction to the IrLMP task 406 as a communication error. IrLA
The IrLMP task 406 that has received the P_disconnect instruction
The LM_disconnect instruction is transmitted to the iny TP task 405. Tiny TP task 4 that received the LM_disconnect instruction
05 sends a TTP_disconnect instruction to the IrCOMM task 404.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart executed by the IrCOMM task 304 in the program stored in the ROM 103 of the PC 101 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. This flowchart is repeatedly executed by the IrCOMM task 304.

Steps 1501 to 1511 are the same as steps 802 to 811.

In step 1512, the variable initFla
Set the value FALSE to g and end.

In step 1513, the variable initFla
Set the value TRUE to g and end.

When the TTP_disconnect instruction is received from the Tiny TP task 305 in step 1514, the process proceeds to step 1515. If not, exit.

In step 1515, the variable initFla
When the value of g is FALSE, the process proceeds to step 1516.
If not, exit.

In step 1516, the printer driver 3
Send an IrCOMM_disconnect instruction to 03 and end.

The flowchart executed by the IrCOMM task 404 is the same as that shown in FIG.

The flowchart executed by the control task 403 is the same as that shown in FIG.

(Embodiment of Fourth Invention) Fourth Embodiment of the Present Invention
Embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

The present invention comprises a PC and a printer.
The PC and the printer communicate by IrDA.

The block diagram of the PC is the same as that of FIG.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of the printer according to the present invention.

Reference numeral 1601 denotes the entire printer, and 1602,
The CPU, 1603, which controls the entire printer 1601,
RO storing the program executed by the CPU 1602
M, 1604 is a RAM for storing data used by the CPU 1602, 1605 is a printing unit including a print head, a carriage motor, a paper feed motor, and the like, 160
Reference numeral 6 is an operation unit including buttons and switches for operating the printer, 1607 is a display unit including LEDs and LCDs, and 1608 is a UART (Rni (Rni) that provides a serial data channel to the CPU 1602).
versaL Asynchronous Receive
er / Transmitter), 1609 is UAR
A modulation unit 1610 for converting a signal from the T1608 to the infrared transmission unit 1611 is provided from the infrared reception unit 1612 to the UA.
A demodulator 1611 for converting a signal to the RT 1608,
An infrared transmitter 1612, which includes an LED for transmitting infrared rays and a driver for the LED, is a photo for receiving infrared rays.
An infrared receiving unit 1613 including a detector and its driver, and the like, 1613 includes configuration blocks 1602 to 160.
It is a bus that connects eight.

In FIG. 16, the printer 1601 communicates with the PC shown in FIG. 1 by the infrared transmitter 1611 and the infrared receiver 1612.

The block diagram of the PC program is the same as that shown in FIG.

FIG. 17 shows a printer 160 according to the present invention.
3 is a block diagram of a program executed on the first CPU 1602. FIG.

Reference numeral 1701 denotes the entire printer program, 1
Reference numeral 702 denotes a print task that outputs the print data received from the control task to the printing unit 1605, 1703 denotes a control task that controls the entire printer 1601, and 1704 to 17
15 is the same as 404 to 415.

The frame format is the same as that shown in FIG.

The communication procedure is the same as in FIGS. 6 and 7.

The flowchart executed by the IrCOMM task 304 is the same as that shown in FIG.

The flowchart executed by the IrCOMM task 704 is the same as that shown in FIG.

FIG. 18 shows an R of the printer 1601 of the present invention.
16 is a flowchart executed by a control task 1703 of the programs stored in the OM 1603. This flowchart is repeatedly executed by the control task 1703.

In step 1801, when the IrCOMM_connection instruction is received from the IrCOMM_task 1704, the process proceeds to step 1802. Otherwise, proceed to step 1803.

At step 1802, the IrCOMM_connection response is sent to the IrCOMM_task 1704, and the processing is terminated.

When an IrCOMM_data instruction is received from the IrCOMM_task 1704 in step 1803, the process proceeds to step 1804. Otherwise, proceed to step 1005.

In step 1804, the print task 1702
Then, the print data is output to the printing unit 1605, and the process ends.

When the IrCOMM_disconnect instruction is received from the IrCOMM_task 1704 in step 1805, the process ends. Otherwise, proceed to step 1806.

When the initialization instruction is received from the IrCOMM_task 1704 in step 1806, step 1
Proceed to 807. If not, exit.

In step 1807, the print task 1702
Then, the printing unit 1605 is initialized (clearing print data, ejecting paper, etc.), and the process ends.

(Embodiment of Fifth Invention) Fifth Embodiment of the Present Invention
Embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

The present invention comprises a PC and a printer.
The PC and the printer communicate by IrDA.

The block diagram of the PC is the same as that of FIG.

The block diagram of the printer is the same as that of FIG.

The block diagram of the PC program is the same as FIG.

A block diagram of the printer program is shown in FIG.
Same as 7.

The frame format is the same as in FIG.

The communication procedure is the same as in FIGS.

The flowchart executed by the IrCOMM task 304 is the same as that shown in FIG.

The flowchart executed by the IrLAP task 1707 is the same as that shown in FIG. This flowchart is repeatedly executed by the IrLAP task 1707.

When the I frame including the initialization command is received from the UART 1608 in step 1201, the process proceeds to step 1202. If not, step 12
Go to 03. Here, the format of the I frame is the same as in FIG.

In step 1202, the reception buffer 171
Clear 2 to 1714.

At step 1203, a normal IrLAP process is performed and the process ends.

In FIG. 12, in step 1203, IrLM is used.
Before transmitting the initialization command to the P task 1706, the reception buffers 1712 to 1714 are cleared in step 1202. Therefore, in this embodiment, the reception buffer 17
Even when the print data is accumulated in 12 to 1714, the printer can be initialized by receiving the initialization command immediately.

The flowchart executed by the IrCOMM task 1704 is the same as that shown in FIG.

The flowchart executed by the control task 1703 is the same as that shown in FIG.

(Embodiment of Another Invention) (1) In the embodiments of the first to fourth inventions, IrDA is used as the optical space communication system, but ASK (Am
Other optical space communication methods such as a graduated shift keying method can also be used. This can be easily performed by adding a field corresponding to the initialization command to the communication frame.

(2) In the embodiments of the first to fourth inventions, the optical space communication system is used, but it is also possible to use a wireless communication system using electromagnetic waves such as a spread spectrum system. This can be easily done by adding a field corresponding to the initialization command to the communication frame.

(3) In the embodiments of the first to third inventions, the adapter and the printer are connected by Centronics, but it can be easily implemented by bidirectional Centronics such as IEEE1284. Also, RS-232C, USB
(Universal Serial Bus) or a serial I / F such as IEEE1394 can be easily implemented.

(4) Although the computer is used as the transmission source of the print data in the embodiments of the first to fourth inventions, it has a print function like a PDA (portable information terminal) or a still camera. It can be easily implemented by the host.

[0184]

As described above, according to the present invention,
There is an effect that a signal for initializing the printer can be transmitted from the computer to the adapter in the system connected by wireless communication.

Also, the initialization process can be performed at high speed by clearing the buffer.

Further, appropriate processing can be executed in accordance with the contents of communication interruption.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a PC according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an adapter according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a program executed on the CPU 102 of the PC 101 according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a CPU 202 of an adapter 201 according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a program executed above.

FIG. 5 is a frame format of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a normal communication procedure between a PC 101 and an adapter 201.

FIG. 7 shows a communication procedure when the PC 101 cancels printing halfway.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart executed by an IrCOMM task 304 of the programs stored in the ROM 103 of the PC 101 of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart executed by an IrCOMM task 404 of the programs stored in the ROM 203 of the adapter 201 of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart executed by a control task 403 of the programs stored in the ROM 203 of the adapter 201 of the present invention.

FIG. 11 shows the PC 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
IrC among the programs stored in the ROM 103 of No. 1
6 is a flowchart executed by an OMM task 304.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of I among the programs stored in the ROM 203 of the adapter 201 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a flowchart executed by an rLAP task 407.

13 is a communication procedure at the time of a communication error between the PC 101 and the adapter 201. FIG.

FIG. 14 is a communication procedure when a communication error occurs when printing is stopped.

FIG. 15 shows the PC 10 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
IrC among the programs stored in the ROM 103 of No. 1
6 is a flowchart executed by an OMM task 304.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a printer according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a CPU 1 of the printer 1601 according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a program executed on 602.

FIG. 18 is a ROM 1603 of the printer 1601 according to the present invention.
7 is a flowchart executed by a control task 1703 of the program stored in FIG.

FIG. 19 is a conventional example in which a computer and a printer are connected by IrDA.

[Explanation of symbols]

101 whole PC 102 CPU controlling the whole PC 101 ROM 103 storing a program executed by the CPU 102 R storing data used by the CPU 102
AM 105 External storage device including a magnetic disk for storing files used in CPU 102 106 Operation unit including a keyboard and mouse for operating a PC 107 Display unit including CRT and LCD 108 Serial to CPU 102 · UART (Universal Asy) that provides a data channel
nchronous Receiver / Transm
Itter) 109 Modulation unit 110 that converts a signal from the UART 108 to the infrared transmission unit 111 110 Demodulation unit that converts a signal from the infrared reception unit 112 to the UART 108 111 Infrared transmission unit 112 including an LED that transmits infrared light and its driver 112 Receive photo detecto
Infrared receiver 113 consisting of r and its driver, etc. Bus for connecting the constituent blocks 102 to 108

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code Internal reference number FI Technical display location G06F 3/00 B41J 29/00 E 13/00 351 G06F 1/00 350A H04B 10/105 H04B 9 / 00 R 10/10 H04L 11/00 310B 10/22 H04L 12/28 (72) Inventor Tadashi Yamamoto 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc.

Claims (28)

[Claims] 1. An adapter, which is connected to a computer by wireless communication and is connected to a printer by wire communication, means for receiving an initialization command from the computer, and outputting an initialization signal to the printer based on the reception of the initialization command. An adapter that is provided with a means for performing. 2. The adapter according to claim 1, further comprising means for clearing the print data stored in the buffer when the initialization command is received. 3. A printing system for connecting a computer and a printer via an adapter, means for connecting the computer and the adapter by wireless communication, means for connecting the adapter and the printer by wired communication, and initialization from the computer to the adapter. A printing system, characterized in that means for transmitting a command and means for outputting an initialization signal to a printer by an adapter receiving the initialization command are provided. 4. In a printing system for connecting a computer and a printer, a means for connecting the computer and the printer by wireless communication, a means for transmitting an initialization command from the computer to the printer, and a printer for receiving the initialization command is initialized. A printing system, which is provided with a means for executing a digitization process. 5. The printing system according to claim 3, wherein the wireless communication is optical space communication. 6. The printing system according to claim 3, wherein the wireless communication is a communication based on the IrDA standard. 7. The printing system according to claim 3, wherein the wired communication is communication based on Centronics standard. 8. The initialization command is IrDA IrDA.
7. The printing system according to claim 6, wherein the command is a command added to a control parameter of COMM. 9. The printing system according to claim 3, further comprising means for transmitting a disconnection request after the computer transmits the initialization command. 10. The printing system according to claim 3, further comprising means for ignoring a disconnection instruction received by the adapter after the initialization command. 11. The printing system according to claim 3, further comprising means for ignoring a disconnection instruction received by the printer after the initialization command. 12. The printing system according to claim 3, further comprising means for clearing a transmission buffer storing print data before the computer transmits the initialization command. 13. The printing system according to claim 3, further comprising means for clearing a reception buffer storing print data when the adapter receives the initialization command. 14. The printing system according to claim 3, further comprising means for clearing a reception buffer storing print data when the printer receives the initialization command. 15. The printing method according to claim 3, further comprising means for receiving a disconnection instruction when a communication error occurs after the computer has transmitted the initialization command, and means for ignoring the disconnection instruction. system. 16. A printing method of a printing system in which a printer is connected to a computer by wire communication by wireless communication via an adapter, a step of transmitting an initialization command from the computer to the adapter, and an adapter receiving the initialization command. And a step of outputting an initialization signal to the printer. 17. A printing method of a printing system which is connected to a computer by wireless communication with a printer, the step of transmitting an initialization command from the computer to the printer, and the step of executing initialization processing by the printer receiving the initialization command. A printing method comprising: 18. The printing method according to claim 16, wherein the wireless communication is optical space communication. 19. The printing method according to claim 16, wherein the wireless communication is a communication based on the IrDA standard. 20. The printing method according to claim 16, wherein the wired communication is communication based on the Centronics standard. 21. The initialization command is an IrDA I
20. The printing method according to claim 19, wherein the command is a command added to a control parameter of rCOMM. 22. The printing method according to claim 16, further comprising a step of transmitting a disconnection request after the computer transmits the initialization command. 23. The printing method according to claim 16, further comprising a step of ignoring a disconnection instruction received by the adapter after the initialization command. 24. The printing method according to claim 16, further comprising a step of ignoring a disconnection instruction received by the printer after the initialization command. 25. The printing method according to claim 16, further comprising the step of clearing a transmission buffer storing print data before the computer transmits an initialization command. 26. The printing method according to claim 16, further comprising a step of clearing a reception buffer storing print data when the adapter receives the initialization command. 27. The printing method according to claim 16, further comprising the step of clearing a reception buffer storing print data when the printer receives an initialization command. 28. The printing method according to claim 16, further comprising: a step of receiving a disconnection instruction when a communication error occurs after transmitting the initialization command from the computer, and a step of ignoring the disconnection instruction. Method.