JPH10149269A - Printing controller, its controlling method and storage medium for storing program to be read out by computer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To execute control equivalent to various control to be executed based on instructions set up from an operation panel conventionally in an off-line state based on control data received from an external device. SOLUTION: The state of an interface 103 is transited to a 1st state capable of analyzing control data by switching the analytical candidate of printing information from a printing data translation means 105 to a control data translation means 108 based on off-line shift instructions outputted from a control means 109 and a host computer 102 and the state of a receiving means is transited to a 2nd state capable of analyzing control data by switching the analytical candidate of the printing information from the means 108 to the means 105 based on on-line shift instructions.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention stores a print control apparatus and a print control method for analyzing data received from a host computer via a predetermined communication medium and outputting the data to a printing unit, and a computer-readable program. It relates to a storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 23 is a block diagram illustrating a data processing configuration of a conventional printing system.

In FIG. 23, reference numeral 1201 denotes a printing apparatus main body; 1202, a host computer (host) which sends print data to the printing apparatus 1201; Reference numeral 1203 denotes an interface serving as input means, which receives data sent from the host 1202. Reference numeral 1204 denotes a reception buffer for storing data received by the interface 1203.

[0004] Reference numeral 1205 denotes a print data translating unit which analyzes print data (hereinafter, referred to as print data) stored in the reception buffer 1204 and creates drawing data to be drawn on printing paper. A paper cassette 1206 stores print paper. Reference numeral 1207 denotes an engine unit that outputs drawing data sent from the print data translating unit 1205 to a print sheet. Reference numeral 1208 denotes a control unit.
01 is controlled. An operation panel 1209 has keys and a display for the operator to perform online / offline switching, reset operation, setup menu setting, and the like.

FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining a data communication state of the printing system shown in FIG. The same components as those in FIG. 23 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, OFF is an offline factor occurrence timing. For example, the operator depresses an online key provided on the operation panel 1209 to shift to an offline state, or an error factor such as a jam or no paper has occurred. It corresponds to timing.

[0007] ON is the online factor occurrence timing,
For example, this corresponds to a timing at which an operator presses an online key provided on the operation panel 1209 to shift to an online state, or takes measures for an error factor such as a jam or a paper out condition to go online.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an example of a data processing procedure of the printing system shown in FIG. 23, and corresponds to data processing in an online state. In addition,
(1) to (13) show each step.

First, it is determined whether the operator has pressed the online key on the operation panel 1209 (1), and YE is determined.
If S, the communication state between the printing apparatus 1201 and the host 1202 is shifted to the offline state (12), the interface 1203 is controlled so as not to receive data from the host 1202 (13), and the process is terminated.

On the other hand, if NO in step (1), that is, if it is determined that the online key is not depressed, then the output from various sensors (not shown) is determined to cause a jam, paper break, etc. It is determined whether or not data has been transmitted (2). If YES, the process proceeds to step (12). If NO, it is determined whether or not data has been sent from the host 1202 to the printing apparatus 1201 (3). ), And waits for data reception. If YES, the printing apparatus 1201 transmits the data to the interface 1
Received via 203 (4).

Next, upon receiving the data, the interface 1203 accumulates the data in the reception buffer 1204 (5). Then, the data in the receiving buffer 1204 is analyzed by the print data translating means 1205. The print data translating means 1205 analyzes the data in the reception buffer 1204 one by one for each command (6), and creates drawing data to be drawn on the printing paper (7). The print data translating means 1205 determines whether or not one page of drawing data has been created (8). If NO, the process returns to step (6). If YES, the print data is stored in the memory of the control means 1208. By referring to the value of the number of copies, the same drawing data is sent to the engine unit 1207 by the number of copies (9).

At this point, it is assumed that the “number of prints” is set to “1”. The number of copies to be printed on the operation panel 120
It can be changed by setting the setup menu from step 9. The set values of the setup menu set from the operation panel 1209 are stored in the memory in the control unit 1208. When sending one page of drawing data to the engine unit 1207, the print data translating unit 1205 refers to the value of “number of copies” stored in the memory of the control unit 1208, and transmits the same drawing data by the number of copies. The same page is sent to the engine unit 1207 and output to the engine unit 1207 for the number of pages.

In this case, since the “number of copies” is set to “1”, the drawing data for one page is sent to the engine unit 1207 only once. Engine section 120
7 receives the drawing data from the print data translating means 1205, takes in the printing paper from the paper cassette 1206, prints it, and outputs it (10). Then, the print data translating means 1205 determines whether or not there is unprocessed data in the reception buffer 1204 (11). If YES, the process returns to the step (6). If NO, the process returns to the step (1) to return to the next page. And the same processing is performed.

Here, the host 1202 outputs the print data of the first few pages with one print copy, and sends the first few pages once to send the subsequent pages with two print copies. It is assumed that the transmission of the print data is stopped, and then the operator presses the online key on the operation panel 1209.

In this case, in step (1), the operation panel 1
When the online key 209 is pressed, step (1) is performed.
Proceeding to 2), the control unit 1208 sets the printing apparatus 1201 to an offline state, and controls the interface 1203 so as not to receive data from the host 1202 in step (13) (13).

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing an example of a data processing procedure of the printing system shown in FIG. 23, and corresponds to data processing in an offline state. In addition,
(11) to (14) show each step.

First, the outputs from various sensors (not shown) are determined to determine whether a paper jam, paper cut, or the like has occurred (11). If NO, the process returns to step (11), and
If it is ES, the operator operates the operation panel 1209,
Change the “number of copies” in the setup menu from “1” to “2”. When the set value of the setup menu is changed in this way, the value is changed by the control unit 120.
8 is stored in a memory.

Thereafter, it is determined whether the operator has pressed an online key for returning the printing apparatus 1201 to online (12). If NO, the procedure returns to step (11). 1201
Is brought online (13), and the interface 120 is
3 controls to receive the data from the host 1202 (14), and ends the processing.

Then, the host 1202 sends the remaining print pages to the printing device 1201. The print data is
As in the previous case, the data is received by the interface 1203 in step (4) of FIG. 25, and the data is accumulated in the reception buffer 1204 in step (5). Then, in step (6), the data in the receiving buffer 1204 is analyzed one by one by the print data translating means 1205, which is the current translating means, for each command, and in step (7), the drawing data to be drawn on the printing paper is created. To go. And step (8)
When one page of drawing data is completed, the print data translating means 1205 determines in step (9) that the control means 1208
The same drawing data is sent to the engine unit 1207 by the number of copies by referring to the value of the “number of copies” stored in the memory inside the unit.

At this time, since the “number of prints” is set to “2”, the drawing data for one page is sent to the engine unit 1207 twice. Then, in step (10), when the drawing data is sent from the print data translating means 1205, the engine unit 1207 takes in the printing paper from the paper cassette 1206, prints it, and outputs it.
The engine unit 1207 prints the same page two by two. Then, the print data translating means 1205 similarly performs the processing for the subsequent pages.

If an error such as a jam or a paper break occurs in step (2) during the above-described series of printing operations, the same operation as when the online key of the operation panel 1209 is pressed in step (12). Control means 1208
Makes the printing apparatus 1201 offline, and controls the interface 1203 not to receive data from the host 1202 in step (13). Then, the printing apparatus is in an off-line state until the operator removes an error factor such as a jam or out of paper.

Then, in step (11) of FIG. 26, the operator removes the cause of the error and presses the online key on the operation panel 1209 in step (12). In step (13), the control unit 1208 causes the printing apparatus 1201 to operate. It is brought online, and in step (14), the interface 1203 is controlled to receive data from the host 1202.

The host 1202 and the printing device 1201 have been described above.
This is the data flow between.

[0024]

As described above, in the conventional printing system, the control of the printing apparatus by the operation panel 1209 is performed when the operator bothers to the installation position of the printing apparatus and depresses the online key to enter the offline state. After that, the user pressed the key while looking at the lamp or display.

However, in the above-mentioned conventional example, since keys other than the online key cannot be operated during online operation, discharge, double-sided / single-sided switching, paper feed port selection, execution of utility function, reset operation, setup menu setting The setting of the operation mode menu and the like can be performed only during offline.

As described above, although the printing apparatus has many operations that can be performed only while the printer is offline,
In order to control the printing apparatus using the operation panel, a complicated operation that requires the operator to go to the installation position of the printing apparatus is required.

On the other hand, in the case of an error such as a jam, running out of paper, running out of toner, etc., an operator's intervention in the printing apparatus is absolutely necessary to cancel the error. If so, it is desirable that the host can control the printer without having to go to the location of the printing apparatus.

Further, in order to reduce the cost of the printing apparatus in the future, it is also conceivable that the keys and lamps that are necessary are left and the other keys and lamps are removed, or all keys and lamps are removed. . In such a case, it is desired that the above-mentioned various key operations, which were performed by the operator operating the operation panel, can be performed from the host side as much as possible.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the first to ninth inventions according to the present invention is to provide a method other than print data based on control data from an external device. By controlling the transition to the offline state where the control data can be continuously received, the same control as various controls to be executed based on the instruction set from the operation panel in the offline state can be performed from the external device. An object of the present invention is to provide a print control apparatus, a print control method, and a storage medium storing a computer-readable program, which can be substituted based on received control data and can greatly reduce the operation burden on the user.

[0030]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a receiving means for receiving print information input from an external device via a predetermined communication medium, and a method for receiving print information from the print information received by the receiving means. First analysis means for analyzing the print data of
A second analysis unit for analyzing control data in the print information received by the reception unit; and a first analysis unit for analyzing the print information based on an offline shift instruction from the external device.
Is switched from the analyzing means to the second analyzing means, and the state of the receiving means is changed to the first state capable of analyzing the input control data, and based on an online shift instruction from the external device. Off-line control means for switching the analysis candidate of the print information from the second analysis means to the first analysis means, and transiting the control data to which the state of the reception means is inputted to a second state capable of analysis; and It has.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, when the offline control means makes a transition to the first state, the second analysis means analyzes the control data input from the external device. It performs a predetermined setting process to be operated on the panel.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an input means for inputting an instruction for changing the state of the receiving means to an off-line state, and a timing means for measuring a predetermined time from the time of the instruction by the input means. The offline control unit includes: after the time keeping unit measures the predetermined time, based on an offline transfer instruction from the external device, the print information analysis candidate from the first analysis unit to the second candidate. The control data is switched to an analysis means, and the control data to which the state of the reception means is input is changed to a first state in which the control data can be analyzed.

[0033] A fourth invention according to the present invention is characterized in that, after the transition to the off-line state, setting means for setting whether or not the receiving means should receive data from the external device, The offline control means,
The transition to the first state is canceled based on the availability condition by the setting unit, and the receiving unit is forcibly set to an off-line state in which data input from the external device is rejected.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of receiving means for receiving print information input from an external device via a predetermined communication medium, and print data in the print information received by one of the receiving means. First analyzing means for analyzing the control data in the print information received by the other receiving means, and the first analyzing means based on an off-line shift instruction from the external device. Is changed to an off-line state in which one receiving unit is enabled and the other receiving unit is disabled so as to be enabled, and the second analyzing unit is enabled based on an online shift instruction from the external device. And an off-line control unit for making a transition to an off-line state in which the other receiving unit is made effective and the one receiving unit is made invalid.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print control method for receiving and processing print information input from an external device via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the print control method includes the steps of: A first analyzing step of analyzing the print data of the first step, and a second analyzing step of analyzing control data in the received print information.
The control step of switching the print information analysis step from the first analysis step to the second analysis step based on an offline transfer instruction from the external device and inputting the state of the receiving unit A first transition step of transitioning the data to a first state in which the data can be analyzed, and an analysis candidate of the print information from the second analysis step to the first analysis step based on an online transition instruction from the external device. And a second transition step of transitioning the control data to which the state of the receiving unit is inputted to a second state that can be analyzed.

A seventh invention according to the present invention is a storage medium storing a computer readable program for receiving and processing print information input from an external device via a predetermined communication medium by a receiving unit. Receiving a print information input from the external device, a first analysis step of analyzing the print data in the received print information,
A second analysis step of analyzing control data in the received print information, and an analysis step of the print information based on an off-line shift instruction from the external device, from the first analysis step to the second analysis step. A first transition step in which the state of the receiving unit is switched to a first state in which the control data can be analyzed, and an analysis candidate of the print information based on an online transition instruction from the external device. Switching from the second analysis step to the first analysis step to change the state of the receiving unit to the second state capable of analyzing the input control data. Is stored in a storage medium.

An eighth invention according to the present invention is a print control method for receiving and processing print information input from an external device via a predetermined communication medium by a plurality of receiving means,
A first analyzing step of analyzing print data in the print information received by one of the receiving units; a second analyzing step of analyzing control data in the print information received by the other receiving unit; A first transition step of validating one of the receiving means to execute the first analysis step based on the off-line transition instruction, and transiting to an offline state of invalidating the other receiving means; and A second transition for transiting to an offline state in which data reception by the other receiving unit is enabled and data reception by the one receiving unit is disabled in order to execute the second analysis step based on the online transition instruction of And a process.

A ninth invention according to the present invention is directed to a storage medium storing a computer readable program for receiving and processing print information input from an external device via a predetermined communication medium by a plurality of receiving means. A first analyzing step of analyzing print data in the print information received by one of the receiving means, a second analyzing step of analyzing control data in the print information received by the other receiving means, A first mode for transitioning to an offline state in which one receiving unit is enabled and the other receiving unit is disabled for executing the first analysis step based on an offline shift instruction from the external device.
In order to execute the second analysis step based on an on-line transfer instruction from the external device, and to enable data reception by the other receiving unit and disable data reception by the one receiving unit A computer-readable program including a second transition step of transitioning to an off-line state, stored in a storage medium.

[0039]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a printing system to which a print control apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a printing apparatus main body;
Reference numeral 02 denotes a host computer (host) which sends print data to the printing apparatus 101 while online and sends control data for controlling the printing apparatus 101 while offline. 103
Is an interface which is an input means, and the host 1
02 is received.

A receiving buffer 104 stores data received by the interface 103. A print data translating unit 105 analyzes print data (hereinafter, referred to as print data) stored in the reception buffer 104 and creates drawing data to be drawn on printing paper. Reference numeral 106 denotes a paper cassette for storing printing paper. Reference numeral 107 denotes an engine which outputs drawing data sent from the print data translating means 105 to a print sheet.

Reference numeral 108 denotes a control data translation unit which analyzes data (hereinafter, referred to as control data) stored in the reception buffer 104 for controlling the printing apparatus 101 and notifies the control unit 109 of the contents. 109 is a CPU,
A control unit including a RAM (memory 109A) and a ROM executes various control programs stored in the ROM to comprehensively control each device in the printing apparatus 101.

Reference numeral 110 denotes a switching unit that switches the current translation unit (either the print data translation unit 105 or the control data translation unit 108) that processes data in the reception buffer 104 based on an instruction from the control unit 109. 1
Reference numeral 11 denotes an operation panel for setting whether to receive control data while the printing apparatus 101 is offline.

FIG. 2 is an external view showing an example of the operation panel 111 shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes an online key, which switches the connection state with the host computer 102 to on (online) / off (offline) based on an on / off instruction of the online key 1. Note that an online lamp is provided inside the online key 1, which lights up when online and goes off when offline. Flashes during the transition from online to offline or from offline to online. Also, when using the functions of other operation keys,
Press this key to go offline. Further, when an error occurs and the printer is stopped, the printer is provided with a function to release the error and execute printing.

Reference numeral 2 denotes a discharge key. If the print data is cut off or the printing is interrupted for some reason, the job lamp may remain lit (in use). In such a case, when this key is set to an offline state and pressed, if data remains in the memory 109A, the data is forcibly printed.

Reference numeral 3 denotes a double-sided key, which is pressed when switching between double-sided printing and single-sided printing. During double-sided printing, the lamp inside the key is turned on. Reference numeral 4 denotes a paper feed selection key, which is pressed to switch the paper feed method. The paper feeding method can be selected from automatic, upper cassette, middle cassette, lower cassette, and paper feeding tray, and the selected paper feeding destination can be confirmed by the lamp above the key. ing.

Reference numeral 5 denotes a paper feed destination display lamp, and the lamp of the selected paper feed destination is turned on. Reference numeral 6 denotes an LCD display, which displays the status of the printer, the status of the paper cassette, and the setting items and values of the menu function. 7
Is a job lamp that lights during processing of print data and lights during execution of a print job (during a job).
Reference numeral 8 denotes a printable lamp, which lights up when printing is possible. Reference numeral 9 denotes a message lamp which is turned on when a problem occurs in the printer and printing cannot be performed.

Reference numerals 10 to 13 denote composite keys (keys).
0 functions as a left item selection key when the menu is displayed,
In other cases, it functions as a key for displaying a utility menu. The key 11 functions as a selection key for a lower hierarchy item when a menu is displayed, and otherwise functions as a key for resetting the printer. Further, the key 12 functions as a right item selection key when a menu is displayed, and otherwise functions as a key for displaying a setup menu.
The key 13 functions as a selection key for an upper hierarchy item when a menu is displayed, and otherwise functions as a key for displaying an operation mode.

During online operation, keys other than the online key cannot be operated. Accordingly, discharge, double-sided / single-sided switching, paper feed port selection, execution of a utility function, resetting operation, setting of a setup menu, setting of an operation mode menu, and the like can be performed only during offline. As described above, the printing apparatus 101 has an operation that can be performed only during offline.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a data communication state of the printing system shown in FIG. 1, and the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

Hereinafter, the data processing operation of the print control apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

FIG. 4 shows a first example of the print control apparatus according to the present invention.
9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data processing procedure.
Note that (1) to (17) indicate each step.

First, it is assumed that the operator of the printing apparatus 101 operates the operation panel 111 to make settings so that control data can be received while offline. This setting operation is as follows.

First, it is determined whether or not the online key 1 has been pressed (1), and if YES, step (16).
To set the printing apparatus 101 in the second offline (offline 2) state. Then, control is performed so that the input means (interface 103) does not receive data from the host 102.

On the other hand, if NO is determined in the step (1), it is determined whether or not an error such as a jam or a paper break has occurred based on outputs from various sensors (2). Proceed to (16) and after, N
If O, then it is determined whether print data has been sent from the host 102 to the printing apparatus 101 (3), and NO
If so, the process returns to step (1). If YES, the input data is received via the interface 103 (4), and the received data is accumulated in the reception buffer 104 (5). Next, the data in the reception buffer 104 is analyzed by the current translation means (6). The current translation unit is controlled by the control unit 109 to switch the switching unit 110, that is, the switching unit is configured so that the current translation unit is set to the print data translation unit 105 while online and the control data translation unit 108 is set to offline during offline. 11
By controlling 0, either the print data translating means 105 or the control data translating means 108 determines the current translating means. Therefore, at the time of step (6), since the printing apparatus 101 is online, the current translation means is the print data translation means 105.

Next, the print data translating means 105 analyzes the data in the receiving buffer 104 one by one for each command (6), and judges whether the command is an offline command (7). Drawing data to be drawn on paper is created (8). Then, the print data translating means 10
5 judges whether drawing data for one page has been created (9), and if NO, returns to step (6) and YES.
If so, referring to the value of the number of print copies (set value of the setup menu) stored in the memory in the control means 109, the same drawing data is sent to the engine unit 107 by the number of copies (10).

At this point, it is assumed that the “number of prints” is set to “1”. In this case, that is, when the print data translating unit 105 sends the drawing data for one page to the engine unit 107, the print data translating unit 105 refers to the value of the “number of print copies” stored in the memory in the control unit 109, and Only the same drawing data is sent to the engine unit 107, and the same page is output to the engine unit 107 by the number of pages. Here, since the “number of prints” is set to “1”, the drawing data for one page is sent to the engine unit 107 only once.

When the drawing data is sent from the print data translating means 105, the engine unit 107 takes in the printing paper from the paper cassette 106, prints it, and outputs it (11). Then, the print data translating means 105
It is determined whether there is data in the reception buffer 104 (12). If YES, the process returns to the step (6), and the process of the next page is repeated. If NO, the process returns to the step (1).

The host 102 outputs the print data of the first three pages with one print copy and outputs the subsequent pages with two print copies. Instructions shall be sent.

In this embodiment, the “number of copies”
Can be changed by the operator setting the setup menu from the operation panel 111. Here, it is assumed that the control data is sent from the host 102 to change the “number of copies”.

When it is determined in step (7) that an off-line shift command has been input from the host 102, that is, the off-line shift command is detected while the print data translating means 105 is analyzing data in the reception buffer 104. Then, the control unit 109 is notified of the offline shift. When the control unit 109 receives the offline shift notification from the print data translating unit 105, the control unit 109 refers to a value for controlling “data reception during offline” in the memory 109A, and determines whether the value is set to “Yes”. (13), and if YES, the printer 1
01 is set to the first off-line (off-line 1) state (14), the switching means 110 is controlled to switch the current translation means to the control data translation means 108 (15),
The process proceeds to an off-line 1 routine shown in FIG.

On the other hand, if NO in step (13), that is, if a value for controlling "data reception during off-line" is referred to in the memory 109A and the value is "NO"
If it is determined that the
Sets the printing apparatus 101 to the offline 2 state (1
6) controlling the interface 103 so as not to receive data from the host 102 (17);
The processing shifts to the off-line 2 routine processing shown in FIG.

When the printing apparatus 101 goes offline by pressing the online key in step (1), or when the printing apparatus 101 is in a printing operation in step (2), a paper jam, paper empty, or toner exhaustion occurs. In the case where it is determined that an error such as an error has occurred and the printer goes offline, the control unit 109 similarly sets the printing apparatus 101 to the offline 2 state in step (16), and in step (17), the interface 103 sets the host 102 to the offline state. Is controlled so as not to receive data from.

As a result, the host 102 transmits control data for controlling the printing apparatus 101 after issuing the offline shift command. The control data at this time is a group of control commands that can be equivalent to what the operator operates by operating the operation panel 111.
Double-sided / single-sided switching, paper source selection, execution of utility functions, reset operation, setup menu settings,
An operation mode menu can be set. In this case, after the offline transfer, the host 102
The offline processing will be described below by taking as an example a case in which a reset command for resetting the number of prints and a setup menu setting command for changing and setting the “number of copies” to “2 sheets” are sequentially transmitted.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed procedure of the first offline processing routine shown in FIG. Note that (1) to (10) indicate each step.

When the first offline processing is started, it is determined whether or not the operator has pressed the online key 1 (1), and an online shift notification is sent to the control means 109. Upon receiving the online transfer notification, the control unit 109 sets the printing apparatus 101 to the online state (9),
By controlling the switching means 110, the current translation means is changed to the print data translation means 105 (10), and the operation is shifted to online.

On the other hand, if NO is determined in step (1), it is determined whether data has been transmitted from the host 102 (2). If NO, the process returns to step (1). Control data received while offline is the same as print data received online.
The data is received by the interface 103 (3), and the data is accumulated in the reception buffer 104 (4).

Next, the data in the receiving buffer 104 is analyzed one by one by the control data translating means 108, which is the current translating means, on an instruction basis (5).

Next, it is determined whether the received command is an online shift command (6), and the control data translating means 108
Since the reset command is analyzed first, the answer is NO, and the control unit 109 is notified of the reset. Upon receiving the reset notification, the control unit 109 resets the inside of the printing apparatus 101 according to a predetermined procedure.

Next, the control data translating means 108 analyzes a setup menu setting command of changing the “number of copies” to “2”, and notifies the control means 109 of the setup menu setting. When the control unit 109 receives the setup menu setting notification, the control unit 109
(7) such as rewriting the contents of the setup menu stored in the memory 109A. Here, the “number of prints” is rewritten to “2 sheets”.

In this embodiment, the offline 1 command is sent by the offline transfer command sent from the host 102.
In this case, the operator can go online by pressing the online key 1 in step (1), but here, the host 102 sends an online shift command to bring the printing apparatus 101 online. Shall be transferred to

When the first offline processing is completed in this way (8), the host 102 resumes transmission of print data. The print data is received by the interface 103 and stored in the reception buffer 104 in steps (4) to (10) shown in FIG. Then, the data in the reception buffer 104 is analyzed one by one by the print data translating means 105, which is the current translating means, on a command basis, and drawing data to be drawn on the printing paper is created. When one page of drawing data is completed, the print data translating unit 105 refers to the value of “number of copies” stored in the memory of the control unit 109 and sends the same drawing data to the engine unit 107 by the number of copies.

At this point, the “number of prints” has been changed to “two” (set by the first offline processing), so the drawing data for one page is sent to the engine unit 107 twice. Will be done. Engine part 10
7 receives the drawing data from the print data translating means 105, takes in the printing paper from the paper cassette 106, prints it, and outputs it. As a result, the engine unit 107 prints the same page two by two. Then, the print data translating means 105 similarly performs the processing for the subsequent pages.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed procedure of the second offline processing routine shown in FIG. Note that (1) to (4) show each step.

This process is started when the operator presses the online key 1 in step (1) shown in FIG. 4 or when it is detected in step (2) that an error such as a jam or a paper break has occurred. When the operator confirms that the cause of the error has been removed and the error state has been released (1), the user presses the online key 1 of the operation panel 111 (2), and the control unit 109 sets the printing apparatus 101 to the online state (3). ), The interface 103 is the host 1
Then, control is performed so as to receive the data from H.02 (4), and the process ends.

Thus, the operator can bother the printing apparatus 1
It is possible to issue a reset operation instruction or the like by sending control data from the host side, without going to 01 and operating the operation panel 111.

[Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment,
Although the case where the print data translation means is single has been described,
The present invention can also be applied to a printing system that includes a plurality of print data translation units and can switch between them.
Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a printing system to which a print control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

In FIG. 7, reference numeral 501 denotes a printing apparatus main body.
It is automatically determined whether the print data sent from the host 502 while online is based on any of the printer languages (printer language 1 to printer language n) in the printer language group, and the translation of the determined printer language is performed. Means for analyzing and printing the print data by means.

Reference numeral 502 denotes a host computer (host)
The print data is sent to the printing apparatus 501 during online, and the control data for controlling the printing apparatus 501 is sent during offline. Reference numeral 503 denotes an interface serving as input means for receiving data transmitted from the host 502. Reference numeral 504 denotes a reception buffer.
The data received in step 3 is stored. 501-1 to 505-
Reference numeral n denotes print data translating means (print data translating means 1 to print data translating means n), which analyzes print data (hereinafter referred to as print data) in printer languages 1 to n and renders the data on print paper. Create drawing data.

Reference numeral 506 denotes a paper cassette for storing printing paper. Reference numeral 507 denotes an engine unit, which is a print data translating unit 50.
The drawing data created in step 5 is output on printing paper. 50
Reference numeral 8 denotes a control data translation unit that analyzes data for controlling the printing apparatus 501 (hereinafter, referred to as control data) stored in the reception buffer 504 and notifies the control unit 509 of the contents. Reference numeral 509 denotes control means including a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM, which comprehensively controls each device in the printing apparatus 501.

Reference numeral 510 denotes switching means, which is a receiving buffer 504.
Switch the current translation means that processes the data of.
An operation panel 511 functions as a setting unit that can set whether or not to receive control data while the printing apparatus 501 is off-line, and has the same keys and the like as those in FIG. Reference numeral 512 denotes a determination unit that automatically determines which of the printer languages 1 to n the print data stored in the reception buffer 504 is, and notifies the control unit 509 of the determination.

Hereinafter, the data processing operation of the print control apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are flowcharts showing an example of the second data processing procedure of the print control apparatus according to the present invention. In addition, (1) to (22) indicate each step.

First, it is assumed that the operator of the printing apparatus 501 operates the operation panel 511 to set so that control data can be received while offline. This setting operation is as follows.

First, when it is detected that the online key 1 has been pressed (1), the printing apparatus 501 is set to the offline state. Next, the setup key (key 12) is pressed to display the setup menu on the display 6, and the key (">" key) 12 or the key ("<" key) 10
To display the corresponding menu “Receive data during offline” on the display 6, select “Yes” as its value, and press the key (“Execute” key) 11.
Pressing the online key 1 returns the printing apparatus 501 to the online state. With this, it is possible to set so that control data can be received while offline. Note that the set values set on the setup menu are stored in the memory 509A in the control unit 509.

Next, it is determined whether or not an error such as a jam or a paper break has occurred based on outputs from various sensors (not shown) (2).
Proceed to 1).

On the other hand, if NO in step (2), it is determined whether print data of printer language 2 has been sent from host 502 to printing apparatus 501 (3), and NO
If so, return to step (1); if YES, print device 5
01, the interface 503 receives the data (4). When the interface 503 receives the data,
The control means 509 is notified that the data has been received, and the data is accumulated in the reception buffer 504 (5).

In this embodiment, the host 502
A series of print data sent from is referred to as a job.
When print data is received from the host 502 in a state where the printing apparatus 501 is not processing a job (referred to as a non-job state), the print data is automatically analyzed, the printer language data is determined, and the current data is determined. Is determined, and the process shifts to a job execution state (referred to as a job execution state). During the job execution state, the current translation means does not change even if no data is sent from the host 502 within a certain time. If a job end instruction is detected in the job execution state, or if a certain time has elapsed without data being sent from the host 502 and the job times out, the state shifts to a non-job state.

Therefore, upon receiving the data reception notification from the interface 503, the control means 509 refers to the memory "printer language being processed" as follows.

That is, the current translation means in the job execution state is the content stored in the area for storing the “printer language being processed” in the memory 509A in the control means 509 (the memory “processing language” in the non-job state). "OFF" is written in "Printer language inside", and during the non-job state, the current translator is in a neutral state that is not connected to any print data translator. The control means 509 determines whether or not the data of the printer 504 is not analyzed ("NO") (6). If NO, that is, if any printer language is set as the value, the job execution is executed. It is determined that the state is in the state, and the current translation means has already been determined, so that the switching means 510-1 and 510-2 are not connected and are currently connected. As the remains of the print data translation means 505, the process proceeds to step (9) or later.

On the other hand, if YES in step (6), that is, if “OFF” is set as the value of “printer language being processed”, it is known that the job is in a non-job execution state, and An instruction is issued to determine which printer language the received data is. In response to this, the determination unit 512 determines which printer language is the data by referring to the data in the reception buffer 504, and notifies the controller 509 of the printer language. When the control unit 509 receives the determination notification from the determination unit 512, it controls the switching units 510-1 and 510-2 to switch the current translation unit to the print data translation unit 505 of the printer language (7). Then, the value of the printer language is written in the "printer language under processing" (8). Here, during the non-job state, data in the printer language 2 is received, the current translation unit is switched to the print data translation unit (print data translation unit 2) 505-2, and the “printer language being processed” in the memory 509A is read. "Is written in printer language 2.

Next, when the current translation means is determined by the print data translation means 505-2, the print data translation means 55-2
05-2 analyzes the data in the reception buffer 504 one by one for each instruction (9), determines whether the instruction is an offline shift instruction (10), and if YES, proceeds to step (1).
8) After that, if NO, the drawing data to be drawn on the printing paper is created (11).

When the print data translating means 505-2 creates one page of drawing data (12), the contents of the setup menu "enlargement / reduction" stored in the memory 509A in the control means 509 are changed. The drawing data is enlarged / reduced with reference to the enlargement / reduction ratio and sent to the engine unit 507 (13).

Specifically, “enlargement / reduction” can be changed by setting a setup menu from the operation panel 511. For example, "enlarge / reduce" can be set to any one of three values of "no", "70%", and "141%". When "no" is set, it is created internally. Output the page on the same size paper (100%).

That is, pages made in A4 size are output on A4 size paper, and pages made in A3 size are output on A3 size paper. When "70%" is set, an internally created page is output in half (area ratio). That is,
Pages created in A3 size are output on A4 paper, and pages created in B4 size are output on B5 paper.

On the other hand, when "141%" is set, the internally created page is output at twice the size (area ratio).
That is, pages created in A4 size are output on A3 paper, and pages created in B5 size are output on B4 paper. At this point, it is assumed that “enlarge / reduce” is set to “no”.

In response to this, the print data translating means 505-
2 sends the drawing data of one page to the engine unit 507 by referring to the value of “enlargement / reduction” stored in the memory 509A in the control unit 509 when sending the drawing data of one page to the engine unit 507. Send and output.

Next, when the drawing data is sent from the print data translating means 505-2, the engine unit 507 takes in the printing paper from the paper cassette 506, prints it, and outputs it (14). Then, the print data translating means 505-2
Determines whether there is data in the reception buffer 504 (15), and while there is data, returns to step (9) and performs the same processing for the next page and thereafter.

Next, the print data translating means 505-2
If a job end command is detected during the job execution state, or if the job times out after a predetermined time has passed without data being sent from the host 502 (16), a job end notification is sent to the control means 509 to shift to the non-job state. Do. When the control unit 509 receives the job end notification, the control unit 509 writes “OFF” in the “printer language being processed” in the memory 509A (17), and the switching unit 510-1,
By controlling 510-2, the current translation unit is set in a neutral state (non-job state) not connected to any print data translation unit, and the process returns to step (1).

Hereinafter, the host 502 outputs the print data of the first four pages with “enlarge / reduce” as “no”, and the subsequent pages output “enlarge / reduce” with “70%”. A description will be given of the processing after the transmission of the first four pages of print data is completed, and the processing after step (10) in FIG. Note that “enlarge / reduce” is performed by the operator using the operation panel 511.
The setting can be changed by setting the setup menu from the menu. However, here, it is assumed that the control data is sent from the host 502 to change the “enlargement / reduction”.

In step (10), when the print data translating means 505-2 detects an off-line shift command while analyzing the data in the receiving buffer 504,
When the determination is YES, the control unit 509 is notified of the offline shift. When the control unit 509 receives the offline shift notification from the print data translating unit 505-2, the control unit 509 refers to the content of “data reception during offline” in the memory 509A and determines whether the value is set to “Yes”. (18), if NO, proceed to the step (21) and thereafter. If YES, the printing apparatus 501 is set to the first offline (offline 1) state (19), and the switching means 5
10-1 and 510-2 are controlled to switch the current translation unit to the control data translation unit 508 (20), and the process proceeds to a first offline process shown in FIG.

On the other hand, in step (18), if it is determined that the value of “data reception during offline” in memory 509A is set to “no”, control means 509 is set. Sets the printing apparatus 501 to a second offline (offline 2) state (21), controls the interface 503 not to receive data from the host 502 (22), and sets a second offline state shown in FIG. Move on to processing.

In step (1), when the operator presses the online key 1 and the printing apparatus 501 goes offline, or in step (2), the printing apparatus 501 does not have a jam or paper during printing operation. Similarly, when the control unit 509 detects that an error such as running out of toner has occurred and goes offline, the control unit 509 sets the printing apparatus 501 to the offline 2 state (21), and sets the interface 50
3 does not receive data from the host 502 (22).

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the detailed procedure of the first offline processing routine shown in FIG. Note that (1) to (10) indicate each step. Note that, when the host 502 shifts to the first offline state in step (19) shown in FIG. 8, after issuing the offline shift command, the host 502 transmits control data for controlling the printing apparatus 501. The control data is a group of control commands that can be equivalent to what the operator operates by operating the operation panel 511. By the control command, discharge, double-sided / single-sided switching, paper feed port selection, execution of a utility function, reset operation, setup menu setting, operation mode menu setting, and the like can be performed. Therefore, the above operation can be performed by sending control data from the host side without the operator having to go to the printing apparatus 501 and operate the operation panel 511.

In the following description, the host 5 after the offline migration
A case will be described as an example where 02 sends a reset command for resetting the printing apparatus 501 and a setup menu setting command for setting “enlargement / reduction” to “70%”.

First, it is determined whether or not the operator has pressed the online key 1 (1). If YES, the process proceeds to step (9), where the printing apparatus 501 is set to the online state (9), and the current translation unit is set. Print data translation means 5
05 (10) to go online.

On the other hand, in step (1), it is determined whether or not data has been sent from the host 502 (2).
If O, control returns to step (1). If YES, control data received during the offline 1 state is transmitted to the interface 50 in the same manner as print data received during the online state.
3 (3), and accumulates data in the reception buffer 504 (4).

Next, the data in the reception buffer 504 is analyzed one by one by the control data translating means 508 as the current translating means (5), and it is determined whether or not the instruction is an online shift instruction (6). If NO, the control data is analyzed, the printing apparatus 501 is controlled according to the instruction (7), and steps (6) to (8) are repeated until there is no more data in the reception buffer 504.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed procedure of the second off-line processing routine shown in FIG. Note that (1) to (4) show each step.

In the offline 2 state, the operator removes the error factor and releases the error state (1), and presses the online key 1 on the operation panel 511 (2). (3) Control so that the interface 503 receives data from the host 502 (4). Here, it is assumed that “Yes” is set when “Receiving data during offline” in the memory 509A is referred to, and the state is switched to Online 1.

As a result, the control data translating means 508
However, the control unit 509 first analyzes the reset command and notifies the control unit 509 of the reset. Upon receiving the reset notification, the control unit 509 resets the inside of the printing apparatus 501 according to a predetermined procedure. Next, the control data translating means 508 analyzes a setup menu setting command of "enlargement / reduction" of "70%" and notifies the control means 509 of a setup menu setting notification. Control means 5
09 receives the setup menu setting notification, and rewrites the contents of the setup menu stored in the memory 509 </ b> A in the control unit 509.

Here, “enlargement / reduction” is rewritten to “70%”. When the offline state is entered by the offline shift command sent from the host 502, the operator can press the online key 1 to go online, but here, the host 502
, The printing apparatus 501 is shifted to online by transmitting an online shift command.

On the other hand, step (6) shown in FIG.
When the control data translating means 508 analyzes the online shift command, it notifies the control means 509 of the online shift. Upon receiving the online transfer notification, the control unit 509 sets the printing apparatus 501 to an online state, and
9A, the value of the “printer language being processed” is referred to, and since the value is the printer language 2, the switching units 510-1 and 51
0-2, the current translation means is switched to the print data translation means 505-2 of the printer language 2 and the state is shifted to the online state. From step (3) in FIG. 8, the host 502 transmits the print data. To resume.

Specifically, the print data is received by the interface 503 in the same manner as described above, and the data is accumulated in the reception buffer 504. The data in the receiving buffer 504 is the print data translating means 50 which is the current translating means.
Step 5-2 analyzes each command one by one and creates drawing data to be drawn on printing paper. Print data translation means 50
When the drawing data of one page is completed, the engine unit 507 enlarges / reduces the drawing data to the size by referring to the value of “enlarge / reduce” stored in the memory 509A in the control unit 509. Send to

At this point, “enlargement / reduction” is changed to “70%”.
Is set to change to half the drawing data (area ratio)
And sent to the engine unit 507. The engine unit 507 includes the print data translating unit 50
When the drawing data is sent from 5-2, the printing paper is taken in from the paper cassette 506, printed, and output. Then, the print data translating means 505-2 similarly performs the processing for the next page and thereafter while the data is in the reception buffer 504.

Then, the print data translating means 505-2
Detects a job end command during the job execution state,
Alternatively, if the job times out after a certain period of time has elapsed without data being sent from the host 502, the control unit 509 is notified of a job end to shift to a non-job state. Upon receiving the job end notification, the control unit 509
“OF Printer Language” in 09A
F "is written, and the switching means 510-1 and 510-2 are controlled so that the current translation means is not connected to any print data translation means in a neutral state (non-job state).
To

[Third Embodiment] In each of the above embodiments, a case has been described in which a single reception buffer stores print data and control data. However, the present invention is also applicable to a printing system having a plurality of reception buffers for individually storing respective data. The invention can be applied. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a printing system to which a printing control apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

In FIG. 12, reference numeral 701 denotes a printing apparatus main body;
Reference numeral 702 denotes a host computer (host) which sends print data to the printing apparatus 701 during online operation, and sends control data for controlling the printing apparatus 701 during offline operation. 70
Reference numeral 3 denotes an interface serving as an input unit, which receives data transmitted from the host 702. 704-
Reference numeral 1 denotes a reception buffer (reception buffer 1),
1 stores data received by the interface 703 while online.

Reference numeral 704-2 denotes a reception buffer (reception buffer 2) for storing data received by the interface 703 while the printing apparatus 701 is offline. Reference numeral 705 denotes a print data translation unit that analyzes print data (hereinafter, referred to as print data) stored in the reception buffer 704-1 to create drawing data to be drawn on a print sheet. 706
Is a paper cassette for storing printing paper. Reference numeral 707 denotes an engine unit that outputs the drawing data created by the print data translating unit 705 to print paper.

Reference numeral 708 denotes a control data translating means for analyzing data (hereinafter, referred to as control data) for controlling the printing apparatus 701 stored in the reception buffer 704-2, and notifying the control means 709 of the contents. I do. 709 is a CP
U, RAM, ROM
1 is controlled. Reference numeral 710 denotes a switching unit,
9, a receiving buffer for storing the data received by the interface 703 based on the instruction from the receiving buffer 704.
-1 and switch to the receiving buffer 704-2. An operation panel 711 is a setting unit that sets whether the printing apparatus 701 receives control data while the printer is off-line. The operation panel 711 has the appearance as shown in FIG. 2, and each key and lamp has a function as described in FIG.

Further, during online operation, no keys other than the online key can be operated. Accordingly, discharge, double-sided / single-sided switching, paper feed port selection, execution of a utility function, resetting operation, setting of a setup menu, setting of an operation mode menu, and the like can be performed only during offline. As described above, the printing apparatus 701 has many operations that can be performed only while the printer is offline.

First, it is assumed that the operator of the printing apparatus 701 operates the operation panel 711 to make the following settings so that control data can be received while offline.

First, the user presses the online key 1 to put the printing apparatus 701 in an offline state. Next, the setup menu key (key 12) is pressed to display the setup menu, and the key (">" key) 12 or the key ("<" key) 10 is pressed to display the corresponding menu "Receive data during offline". After displaying it on the display 6 and selecting "Yes" as its value and pressing the "Execute" key to set it,
The user presses the online key 1 to return the printing device 701 to the online state. With this, it is possible to set so that control data can be received while offline. The set values of the setup menu are stored in the memory 709A in the control unit 709.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the data communication state of the printing system shown in FIG. 12, and the same components as those in FIG. 12 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

Hereinafter, the data processing operation of the print control apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

FIGS. 14 and 15 are flowcharts showing an example of the third data processing procedure of the print control apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (17) indicate each step.

First, it is assumed that the operator of the printing apparatus 701 operates the operation panel 711 to make settings so that control data can be received while offline. This setting operation is as follows.

First, it is determined whether the online key 1 has been pressed (1), and if YES, the step (16) is performed.
To set the printing device 701 in the second offline (offline 2) state. Then, control is performed so that the input unit does not receive data from the host 702.

On the other hand, if NO is determined in the step (1), it is determined whether or not an error such as a jam or a paper break has occurred based on outputs from various sensors (2). Proceed to (16) and after, N
If O, then it is determined whether or not print data has been sent from the host 702 to the printing device 701 (3), NO
If so, the process returns to step (1). If YES, the input data is received via the interface 703 (4), and the received data is stored in the reception buffer 704-1 which is the current reception buffer. Go (5). The current reception buffer is determined to be either the reception buffer 704-1 or the reception buffer 704-2 by the control of the control unit 709, and the control unit 709
The switching means 710 is switched so that the data received at 03 is accumulated in the current reception buffer. The data in the receiving buffer 704-1 is analyzed by the print data translating means 705, which is the current translating means. The current translator is determined as either the print data translator 705 or the control data translator 708 under the control of the controller 709, and the translator becomes the currently driven translator. The print data translating unit 705 analyzes the data in the reception buffer 704-1 one by one for each instruction (6).

Next, it is determined whether or not the command is an off-line transfer command (7). If NO, drawing data to be drawn on printing paper is created (8). Then, the print data translating means 705 determines whether or not one page of drawing data has been created (9). If YES, the print data translating means 705 controls the print start position stored in the memory 709A in the control means 709. The drawing data is shifted by the correction amount with reference to the values of “vertical correction” and “horizontal correction” and sent to the engine unit 707 (10).

Note that “vertical correction” and “horizontal correction” can be changed by setting a setup menu from the operation panel 711. For example, “vertical correction” and “horizontal correction” are “−50 mm” to “−50 mm”. + 50mm "
It is possible to set in mm units. “Vertical correction” specifies the amount by which the drawing data is shifted in the longitudinal direction of the sheet. If a negative value is specified, the drawing data is shifted upward, and if a positive value is specified, the drawing data is shifted downward.

On the other hand, the "horizontal correction" designates an amount of shifting the drawing data with respect to the short and long directions of the sheet. When a negative value is specified, the drawing data is shifted leftward, and when a positive value is specified, the drawing data is shifted rightward. At this point, it is assumed that both “vertical correction” and “horizontal correction” are set to “0 mm” in order to output the drawing data without any shift.

The print data translating means 705 refers to the values of "vertical correction" and "horizontal correction" stored in the memory 709A in the control means 709 when sending one page of drawing data to the engine unit 707. Then, the drawing data is shifted by that value and sent to the engine unit 707.

Next, when the drawing data is sent from the print data translating means 705, the engine unit 707 takes in the printing paper from the paper cassette 706, prints it, and outputs it (11). Then, the print data translating means 705
While there is data in the reception buffer 704-1 (12), the processing for the next page and thereafter is performed in the same manner.

The host 702 outputs the print data of the first five pages with “vertical correction” and “horizontal correction” both at “0 mm”, and subsequent pages print “vertical correction” with “10 mm”.
When the transmission of the print data of the first five pages for outputting the “horizontal correction” with “20 mm” is completed, an off-line shift command is sent.

The “vertical correction” and the “horizontal correction” can be changed by the operator setting a setup menu from the operation panel 711;
It is assumed that the control data is sent from 2 and “vertical correction” and “horizontal correction” are changed.

On the other hand, in step (7), when the print data translating means 705 detects an off-line shift command while analyzing the data in the receiving buffer 704-1, it notifies the control means 709 of the off-line shift. . When the control unit 709 receives the offline shift notification from the print data translating unit 705, the control unit 709 refers to the content of “Receiving data while offline” stored in the memory 709A and determines whether the value is set to “Yes”. (13), Y
If ES, the printer 701 is set to the offline 1 state (14), and the switching unit 710 is controlled to switch the current reception buffer to the reception buffer 704-2 and to switch the current translation unit to the control data translation unit 708 (15). ), A first offline (offline 1) shown in FIG.
Move on to processing.

On the other hand, in step (13), if it is determined that the value is set to “no” by referring to the content of “data reception during offline” stored in memory 709A, The control unit 709 sets the printing apparatus 701 in the offline 3 state (20), and
3 so as not to receive data from the host 702 (21), and shifts to a third offline (offline 3) process shown in FIG.

On the other hand, in step (1), when the operator presses the online key 1 to turn off the printing device 701, or in step (2), the printing device 701 runs out of paper during a printing operation. When the control unit 709 determines that an error such as running out of toner has occurred, the control unit 709 refers to “data reception during offline” stored in the memory 709A and determines whether the value is set to “Yes”. (16) If YES, the timer 712 is started (17), the printing apparatus 701 is set to the off-line 2 state (18), and the interface 703 is controlled so as not to receive data from the host 702 (1).
9) The process proceeds to a second offline (offline 2) process shown in FIG. 17 to be described later.

On the other hand, in step (16), if it is determined that the value is set to "not available" by referring to "data reception during offline" stored in memory 709A, the control means 709 sets the printing apparatus 701 to the offline 3 state (20), controls the interface 703 not to receive data from the host 702 (21), and shifts to the third offline processing.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed procedure of the first off-line processing routine shown in FIG. Note that (1) to (10) indicate each step.
In the offline state 1, the host 702 transmits control data for controlling the printing apparatus 701. The control data is a group of control commands that can be equivalent to what the operator performs by operating the operation panel 711.
By the control command, discharge, double-sided / single-sided switching, paper feed port selection, execution of a utility function, reset operation, setup menu setting, operation mode menu setting, and the like can be performed. Therefore, the above operation can be performed by sending control data from the host side without the operator having to go to the printing apparatus 701 and operate the operation panel 711. Here, the host 702 sets the reset command for resetting the printing apparatus 701 and the “vertical correction” to “10
A setup menu setting command for setting “mm” and “lateral correction” to “20 mm” is sent.

First, it is determined whether the operator has pressed the online key 1 (1). If YES, the process proceeds to step (9). If NO, it is determined whether data has been sent from the host 702. (2) If NO, return to step (1). If YES, receive control data received during offline at interface 703 (3).
The data is accumulated in the reception buffer 704-2 (4).

Next, the data in the receiving buffer 704-2 is transferred to the control data translating means 70 which is the current translating means.
8 analyzes one instruction at a time (5). It is determined whether the command is an online transfer command (6). If YES, the process proceeds to step (9). If NO, the control data translating means 708 first analyzes the reset command and notifies the control means 709 of a reset notification. I do. Upon receiving the reset notification, the control unit 709 executes control for resetting the inside of the printing apparatus 701 according to a predetermined procedure (7).

Specifically, the control data translating means 708 sets "vertical correction" to "10 mm" and "horizontal correction" to "20 mm".
The control unit 709 analyzes the setup menu setting command having the contents of “set” and notifies the control unit 709 of the setup menu setting notification. Upon receiving the setup menu setting notification, the control unit 709 rewrites the contents of the setup menu stored in the memory in the control unit 709. Here, “vertical correction” is set to “10 mm”, and “horizontal correction” is set to “20”.
mm ”.

In the off-line 1 state, the operator can go on-line by pressing the on-line key 1 in step (1). It is assumed that the printing device 701 is shifted online.

On the other hand, in step (6), when the control data translating means 708 analyzes the online transfer instruction, it notifies the control means 709 of the online transfer. When the control unit 709 receives the online shift notification, the printing unit 701
Is turned on-line (9), and the switching means 710 is controlled to change the current reception buffer to the reception buffer 704-1.
Then, the current translating means is changed to the print data translating means 705 (10), and the processing shifts to the online state shown in FIG.

As a result, when the host 702 resumes transmission of print data, in step (3) of FIG.
The print data is received by the interface 703 (4), and the data is accumulated in the reception buffer 704-1 (5). The data in the reception buffer 704-1 is analyzed one by one by the print data translating means 705, which is the current translating means, on a command basis (6), and drawing data to be drawn on printing paper is created (8).

When the print data translating means 705 creates drawing data for one page (9), the control means 70
9, "vertical correction" stored in the memory 709A,
The drawing data is shifted by that value with reference to the value of "lateral correction" and sent to the engine unit 707 (10). At this point, “vertical correction” is set to “10 mm” and “horizontal correction” is set to “20 mm”. When the drawing data is sent from the print data translating means 705, the engine unit 707 takes in the printing paper from the paper cassette 706, prints it, and outputs it (11). Then, the print data translating unit 705 similarly performs the processing for the next page and thereafter.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the detailed procedure of the second offline processing routine shown in FIG. (1) to (8) indicate each step.

In the off-line 2 state, it is determined whether or not the timer 712 started in step (17) shown in FIG. 15 has timed out (1). Is determined (2), if NO, the process returns to step (1), and if YES, the operator operates the operation panel 711.
It is determined whether the online key 1 has been pressed (3), and if NO, the process returns to step (1), and the control means 7
09 sets the printing apparatus 701 to the online state (4), controls the interface 703 to receive data from the host 702 (5), and shifts to the online state.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (1) that the timer 712 has timed out in the offline 2 state, the control unit 709 sets the printing apparatus 701 to the online 1 state (6) and controls the switching unit 710. Then, the current reception buffer is switched to the reception buffer 704-2, and the current translation means is switched to the control data translation means 708 (7), and the interface 703 is controlled to receive data from the host 702 (8). , To the first offline state.

Thus, in step (1), when the operator presses the online key 1 to turn off the printing apparatus 701, or in step (2), when the printing apparatus 701 is in a printing operation, a jam, no paper, When an error such as a toner shortage occurs and the printer goes offline, the data is not received from the host 702 for a certain period of time until the timer 712 times out.
2 can be shifted to a receivable state.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the detailed procedure of the third offline processing routine shown in FIG. Note that (1) to (4) show each step.

In the offline 3 state, it is determined whether or not the operator has removed the error factor and released the error state (1). If NO, the process returns to the step (1). If YES, the online key 1 on the operation panel 711 is displayed. It is determined whether or not is pressed (2). If NO, the process returns to step (1).
Is brought online (3), the interface 703 is controlled so as to receive data from the host 702 (4), and the state is shifted to the online state.

Hereinafter, the correspondence between this embodiment and each means of the first to fourth inventions and the operation thereof will be described with reference to FIG.

The first invention is a receiving means (interface 103 (50) for receiving print information input from an external device via a predetermined communication medium (including a network path).
3, 703)), first analyzing means (print data translating means 105, 505-1 to 505-n, 705) for analyzing print data in the print information received by the receiving means,
Second analyzing means (control data translating means 108, 50) for analyzing control data in the print information received by the receiving means;
8, 708), and based on an off-line shift instruction from the external device, switches the print information analysis candidate from the first analysis unit to the second analysis unit and inputs the state of the reception unit. The control data is transited to a first state in which the control data can be analyzed, and the print information analysis candidate is changed to the second state based on an online shift instruction from the external device.
Off-line control means (control means 109, 509, 709) for switching from the analysis means to the first analysis means and for transiting the control data to which the state of the reception means is inputted to a second state capable of being analyzed. Control means 109,
A first candidate capable of analyzing the control data to which the status of the interface 103 is inputted by switching the analysis candidate of the print information from the print data translating means 105 to the control data translating means 108 based on an offline shift instruction from the host computer 102. State, and switches the analysis candidate of the print information from the control data translating means 108 to the print data translating means 105 based on an online shift instruction from the host computer 102, and inputs the state of the receiving means. Since the data is transited to the second state that can be analyzed, the state of the receiving unit is switched to either the offline state or the online state based on the control data input from the external device. Continue analysis processing based on control data input from equipment It can be preferentially executed Te.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, when the control means 109 makes a transition to the first state, the control data translating means 10
8 analyzes the control data input from the external device and performs a predetermined setting process for panel operation on behalf of the control device.
Control of setting items and the like that should be instructed on the panel under the off-line state can be replaced by control data from the host 102, and the burden of manual operation by the user can be greatly reduced.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an input means (operation panel 711) for inputting an instruction for transitioning the state of the interface 703 to the offline state, and a timer means (timer) for measuring a predetermined time from the time of the instruction by the input means. 71
After the timer 712 has counted the predetermined time, the control unit 709 sends the analysis candidate of the print information from the print data translation unit 705 to the control data translation unit 705 based on the offline shift instruction from the external device. Since the state of the receiving means is switched to the first state that can be analyzed by switching to the means 708 by switching to the means 708, a situation occurs in which the operator is left after executing the offline shift instruction from the operation panel 711. Even after the predetermined time has elapsed, the state can be changed to a state in which control data from the external device can be accepted, and the processing of print information can be continued.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a setting means (operation panels 111 and 511) for setting whether or not the receiving means should receive data from the external device after the transition to the off-line state. , 711), and the offline control means (control means 109, 50).
9, 709) cancels the transition to the first state based on the availability condition by the setting means, and the receiving means (interfaces 103, 503, 703) rejects data input from the external device. Since the state is forcibly set, a desired off-line processing environment suitable for the user's use environment can be easily set.

Hereinafter, correspondence between the first to third embodiments and each step of the sixth and seventh inventions and the operation thereof will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6, FIGS. 8 to 11, FIGS. I will explain.

A sixth invention according to the present invention relates to a printing control method for receiving and processing print information input from an external device via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the print control method comprises the steps of: A first analysis step for analyzing print data (step (5) in FIG. 5, step (9) in FIG. 9, step (6) in FIG. 14) and a second analysis step for analyzing control data in the received print information. Analysis step 2 (step (6) in FIG. 4)
(Step (5) in FIG. 10, Step (5) in FIG. 16)
Analyzing the control data in which the print information analysis step is switched from the first analysis step to the second analysis step based on an off-line shift instruction from the external device and the state of the receiving unit is input. First transition process (steps (7) and (13) in FIG. 4) to transition to a possible first state
(15), steps (6), (9), (10),
(Steps (7), (13) to (15) in FIG. 14), and the print information analysis candidates are changed from the second analysis step to the first analysis step based on an online shift instruction from the external device. A second state in which the state of the receiving unit is switched and the control data to which the state of the receiving unit is input is shifted to a second state in which the control data can be analyzed
(Steps (6), (9), (1) in FIG. 5)
0), steps (6), (9), (10) in FIG. 10 and steps (6), (9), (10) in FIG. 16) by the control means 109 to execute the control program stored in the memory 109A. By executing, based on the control data input from the external device, the state of the receiving means is controlled to be switched to either the offline state or the online state, and after the transition to the offline state, based on the control data input from the external device. It is possible to continuously execute the analysis process with priority.

A seventh invention according to the present invention is a storage medium storing a computer readable program for receiving and processing print information input from an external device via a predetermined communication medium by a receiving unit. A first analysis step (step (5) in FIG. 5, step (9) in FIG. 9, step (6) in FIG. 14) for analyzing print data in the received print information; Based on a second analysis step (step (6) in FIG. 4, step (5) in FIG. 10, step (5) in FIG. 16) for analyzing the control data in the apparatus, and an offline shift instruction from the external device. A first transition in which the print information analysis step is switched from the first analysis step to the second analysis step, and the control data to which the state of the receiving unit is input is changed to a first state in which the control data can be analyzed; Step (FIG. 4) -Up (7), (13) to (15),
Steps (6), (9), (10) in FIG. 9, Steps (7), (13) to (15) in FIG. 14, and analysis of the print information based on an online shift instruction from the external device. A second transition step of switching the candidate from the second analysis step to the first analysis step and transiting the control data to which the state of the receiving unit is input to a second state that can be analyzed (FIG. 5) Computer including steps (6), (9), (10), steps (6), (9), (10) in FIG. 10, and steps (6), (9), (10) in FIG. Is stored in a storage medium. That is, the memory 109A (509A, 709A)
4A to 6 (FIGS. 8 to 11 and FIG. 1).
Embodiments of the present invention include an embodiment in which program codes corresponding to the steps shown in FIGS. 4 to 18) are stored, and the control unit 109 (509, 709) reads out and executes the program codes from a storage medium storing the program codes. It is.

Fourth Embodiment In each of the above embodiments, a case has been described where the number of interfaces for receiving data from the host computer is single, but the case where print data and control data are received via different interfaces is described. The present invention can also be applied to the present invention. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a printing system to which a print control device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

Referring to FIG. 19, reference numeral 1001 denotes a printing apparatus main body; and 1002, a host computer (host) which sends print data to the printing apparatus 1001. An interface 1003 is an input means (interface 1).
Then, the data sent from the host 1002 is received. Reference numeral 1004 denotes a reception buffer (reception buffer 1) for storing data received by the interface 1003.

[0169] Reference numeral 1005 denotes print data translating means for analyzing print data (hereinafter referred to as print data) stored in the reception buffer 1004 to create drawing data to be drawn on printing paper. A paper cassette 1006 stores printing paper. Reference numeral 1007 denotes an engine unit that outputs drawing data created by the print data translating unit 1005 to print paper. Reference numeral 1008 denotes a printer setup host computer (setup host).
The control data for setting (control) 001 is transmitted.

Reference numeral 1009 denotes an interface (interface 2) serving as an input means, which receives data transmitted from the setup host 1008. 10
A reception buffer (reception buffer 2) stores data received by the interface 1009. Reference numeral 1011 denotes a control data translation unit which analyzes data (hereinafter, referred to as control data) for controlling the printing apparatus 1001 stored in the reception buffer 1010 and notifies the control unit 1012 of the content. 1012 is a CPU, RAM, RO
A control unit including M controls each device in the printing apparatus 1001 as a whole. Reference numeral 1013 denotes an operation panel, which is configured to perform setting of the printing apparatus 1001.

The operation panel 1013 has the appearance as shown in FIG. 2, and each key and lamp has a function as shown in FIG. No keys other than the online key can be operated while online. Accordingly, discharge, double-sided / single-sided switching, paper feed port selection, execution of a utility function, resetting operation, setting of a setup menu, setting of an operation mode menu, and the like can be performed only during offline.

As described above, the printing apparatus 1001 has many operations that can be performed only while the printer is offline.

In this embodiment, when the printing apparatus 1001 is online, the control unit 1012
03 controls to receive data from the host 1002, and controls so that the interface 1009 does not receive data from the setup host 1008. Conversely, when the printing apparatus 1001 is offline, the control unit 1
012 controls the interface 1003 not to receive data from the host 1002;
009 to receive data from the setup host 1008.

Hereinafter, the correspondence between this embodiment and each means of the fifth invention and the operation thereof will be described with reference to FIG. 19 and the like.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of receiving means (interface 1003, interface 1003) for receiving print information input from an external device via a predetermined communication medium (including a network).
1009) and one receiving means (interface 100
3) analyzing the print data in the print information received by the first
Analysis means (print data translation means 1005), second analysis means (control data translation means 1011) for analyzing control data in print information received by the other reception means (interface 1009), and the external device ( Based on an off-line shift instruction from the host computer 1002), one of the receiving units is enabled so that the first analyzing unit is enabled and the other receiving unit is disabled. Offline control means (the control means 1012 controls the memory 1012A to shift to an offline state in which the other receiving means is enabled and the one receiving means is disabled, based on an online shift instruction from the server). Control unit 1012 by executing a control program stored in the control unit 1012).
Changes the print data translating unit 1005 to an active state based on an offline transfer instruction from the external device, and shifts to an offline state in which one interface 1003 is enabled and the other interface 1009 is disabled. The interface 1003 is shifted to an offline state in which the other interface 1003 is enabled and the one interface 1009 is disabled so that the control data translating means 1011 is enabled based on an online shift instruction from the server. The state can be ensured, and the processing based on the control data can be continuously executed even after the offline shift.

Hereinafter, the data processing operation of the print control apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the fourth data processing procedure of the print control apparatus according to the present invention. In addition, (1) to (16) indicate each step.

First, it is assumed that the operator of the printing apparatus 1001 operates the operation panel 1013 to make settings so that control data can be received while offline. This setting operation is as follows.

First, it is determined whether or not the online key 1 has been pressed (1). If YES, step (13)
The printing apparatus 1001 is set to the offline state. Then, control is performed so that the input unit does not receive data from the host 1002.

On the other hand, if NO is determined in the step (1), it is determined whether or not an error such as a jam or a paper break has occurred based on outputs from various sensors (2). Proceed to (13) and after, N
If it is O, then the host 1002 sends the printing device 1001
It is determined whether or not the print data is sent to (3),
When print data is sent from the host 1002 while the printing apparatus 1001 is online, the printing apparatus 1001 receives the data via the interface 1003 (4).
Upon receiving the data, the interface 1003 accumulates the data in the reception buffer 1004 (5).

Next, the data in the receiving buffer 1004 is stored in the print data translating means 1005 which is the current translating means.
Is analyzed by The current translation means is the control means 101
According to the control of step 2, either the print data translating means 1005 or the control data translating means 1008 is determined, and the translating means becomes the currently driven translating means.

Next, the print data translating means 1005 analyzes the data in the reception buffer 1004 one by one for each instruction (6), and judges whether the instruction is an offline shift instruction (7), and if YES, the step is performed. Go to (13), NO
Then, the drawing data to be drawn on the printing paper is created (8). The print data translating means 1005 determines whether or not one page of drawing data has been created (9). If NO, the process returns to step (6). If YES, the print data translating means 1005 stores the drawing data in the memory 1012A in the control means 1012. With reference to the value of the “overlay”
Of the engine unit 100 based on the value of
Send to 7 (10).

Specifically, the “overlay” can be changed by setting a setup menu from the operation panel 1013. “Overlay” is “OF”
F, "1" and "2" can be set.
When the “overlay” is “OFF”, the created drawing data is sent to the engine unit 1007 as it is. "Overlay"
Is "1", the drawing data obtained by superimposing the overlay page 1 registered in advance on the drawing data is stored in the engine unit 100.
Send to 7. When the “overlay” is “2”, the drawing data in which the overlay page 2 registered in advance is superimposed on the drawing data is sent to the engine unit 1007.

The printing apparatus 1001 checks the overlay page 1
And the overlay data can be registered in the overlay page 2. The registered overlay page is stored in the print data translating means 1005. Here, it is assumed that the drawing data has already been registered in the overlay page 1 and the overlay page 2. "Overlay" at this point
Is set to “OFF”. When the print data translating means 1005 knows that the “overlay” is “OFF”, the print data
Send to 7.

Next, the engine unit 1007 takes in the printing paper from the paper cassette 1006 to which the drawing data is sent from the printing data translating means 1005, prints it, and outputs it (11). Then, the print data translating means 100
5 determines whether there is data in the reception buffer 1004 (12), and determines YES, that is, the reception buffer 1
While there is data in 004, return to step (6), NO
If so, the process returns to step (1) in order to perform the processing of the next page and thereafter in the same manner.

In this way, the host 1002 outputs the print data of the first three pages without overlaying them,
In order to output the subsequent pages by overlaying the overlay page 1, an off-line shift command is sent after the transmission of the first five pages of print data is completed.

Here, the “overlay” can be changed by the operator setting the setup menu from the operation panel 1013.
The case where the control data is sent from 002 to change the “overlay” will be described as an example.

In step (7), when it is determined that the print data translating means 1005 has detected an offline shift command while analyzing the data in the reception buffer 1004, an off-line shift notification is sent to the control means 1012. Do. The control means 1012 is a print data translating means 1005
When the printing apparatus 1001 receives the offline shift notification from the printer 1001, the printing apparatus 1001 goes offline (13), and the interface 1003
Controls not to receive data from the host 1002 (14), switches the current translation unit to the control data translation unit 1011 (15), and
Controls to receive the data from the setup host 1008 (16), and shifts to the offline state.

Further, in step (1), when the operator presses the online key 1 to take the printing apparatus 1001 offline while the printing apparatus is offline, or in step (2), the printing apparatus 1001 is performing a printing operation. If the printer goes offline due to an error such as a paper jam, running out of paper, running out of toner, etc.
01 is offline (13), interface 1
003 controls not to receive data from the host 1002 (14), and switches the current translation unit to the control data translation unit 1011 (15).
009 to receive data from the setup host 1008 (16).

Note that the printing apparatus 1001 does not receive data from the host 1002 during offline, but receives data from the setup host 1008. The setup host 1008 transmits control data for controlling the printing apparatus 1001 while the printing apparatus 1001 is offline. The control data is a group of control commands that can be equivalent to what the operator operates by operating the operation panel 1013. Discharge by control command,
Double-sided / single-sided switching, paper source selection, execution of utility functions, reset operation, setup menu settings,
An operation mode menu can be set.

[0191] Therefore, the operator is bothered by the printing apparatus 100.
The above operation can be performed by sending control data from the host side without having to operate the operation panel 1013 by going to step 1.

Here, the host 100 after the offline migration
An example in which the printer 2 sends a reset command for resetting the printing apparatus 1001 and a setup menu setting command for setting “overlay” to “1” will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed procedure of the offline processing routine shown in FIG. Note that (1) to (13) indicate each step.

First, it is determined whether the operator has pressed the online key 1 (1). If YES, the process proceeds to step (9). If NO, it is determined whether data has been sent from the host 1002. (2) If NO, return to step (1); if YES, return the control data received during offline, ie, the setup host 10
08 sent from the interface 1009
(3), and the data is stored in the reception buffer 1010 (4). The data in the reception buffer 1010 is analyzed one by one by the control data translating means 1011 which is the current translating means (5). Next, it is determined whether or not the command is an online transfer command (6). If NO, the control data translating means 1011 first analyzes the reset command and sends a reset notification to the control means 1012. The control unit 1012 resets the inside of the printing apparatus 1001 according to a procedure determined to receive the reset notification.

Next, the control data translating means 1011 analyzes the setup menu setting instruction of "overlay" to "1" and notifies the control means 1012 of the setup menu setting notification. Upon receiving the setup menu setting notification, the control unit 1012
The contents of the setup menu stored in the memory 1012A in the memory 12 are rewritten (7). Next, it is determined whether there is data in the reception buffer 1012 (8),
If yes, return to step (5); if no, return to step (1). Here, “overlay” is rewritten to “1”. In the off-line state, the operator can go online by pressing the online key 1, but here, the setup host 10
It is assumed that the printing apparatus 1001 is shifted to online by transmitting an online shift command from 08.

On the other hand, when the control data translating means 1011 analyzes the online transfer command in step (6), the control data translator 1011 notifies the control means 1012 of the online transfer. The control unit 1012 determines whether an error factor such as a jam or an out-of-paper condition has occurred in the printing apparatus 1001 upon receiving the online shift notification (9). If YES, the printing apparatus 1001 is brought online (10). ,
The interface 1009 is the host 100 for setup.
8 (11), and switches the current translation unit to the print data translation unit 1005 (12).
Then, control is performed so as to receive the data from the device 2 (13), and the system shifts to the online state.

On the other hand, in step (9), when the control unit 1012 receives the online transfer notification,
If it is determined that an error factor such as a jam in 001 or a paper break has occurred, it is not possible to go online until the error factor is cleared.

In step (1), the operator presses the online key 1 while the printing apparatus is off-line.
Even when the printing apparatus 1001 is taken off-line, if there is no error factor such as a jam or an out of paper in the printing apparatus 1001, the printing apparatus 1001 is brought online (10).
The interface 1009 is the host 100 for setup.
8 (11), and switches the current translation unit to the print data translation unit 1005 (12).
Then, control is performed so as to receive the data from the device 2 (13), and the system shifts to the online state.

In step (9), if there is an error factor such as a paper jam or a paper break in the printing apparatus 1001, the printer cannot go online until the error factor is removed.

In this way, the state is shifted to the online state, and thereafter, in step (3) of FIG.
When print data is sent from
The data is received by the interface 1003 (4), and the data is accumulated in the reception buffer 1004 (5). The data in the receiving buffer 1004 is analyzed one by one by the print data translating means 1005 which is the current translating means (6), and it is determined whether or not the instruction is an offline shift instruction (7). Proceeding to (13), if NO, the drawing data to be drawn on the printing paper is created (8).

In step (9), if the print data translating means 1005 determines that one page of drawing data has been created, the print data translating means 1005
Reference is made to the “overlay” value stored in 012A. At this point, since “1” is set in “overlay”, the print data translating unit 1005 creates drawing data in which the drawing data of the overlay page 1 is superimposed on the created drawing data and sends it to the engine unit 1007 ( 1
0).

Next, when drawing data is sent from the print data translating means 1005, the engine unit 1007 takes in printing paper from the paper cassette 1006, prints it, and outputs it (11). Then, in step (12), it is determined whether or not there is data in the reception buffer 1004.
If ES, the process returns to step (6). If NO, the process returns to step (1).

Hereinafter, the correspondence between this embodiment and the respective steps of the eighth and ninth inventions and the operation thereof will be described with reference to FIGS.

The eighth invention according to the present invention is directed to an eighth invention in which print information input from an external device via a predetermined communication medium (including a network) is received by a plurality of receiving means (interface 100).
3, 1009), wherein a first analysis step (step (6) in FIG. 20) for analyzing print data in print information received by one receiving unit, Executing the second analysis step (step (5) in FIG. 21) for analyzing the control data in the print information received by the receiving means, and the first analysis step based on an off-line shift instruction from the external device. A first transition step (steps (7), (13) to (16) in FIG. 20) of transitioning to an off-line state in which one receiving unit is enabled and the other receiving unit is disabled, In order to execute the second analysis step based on an online shift instruction from the apparatus, the apparatus is shifted to an offline state in which data reception by the other receiving means is enabled and data reception by one receiving means is disabled. That a second transition step (step of FIG. 21 (6), (9) - (13)) memory 101 and
The control unit 1012 executes the control program stored in the control unit 2A to secure the data reception state of one of the reception units, and to continue the process based on the control data even after the offline shift. And

The ninth invention according to the present invention is directed to a ninth invention, in which print information input from an external device via a predetermined communication medium (including a network) is received by a plurality of receiving means (interface 100).
A storage medium storing a computer-readable program for receiving and processing according to (3, 1009),
A first analysis step (step (6) in FIG. 20) of analyzing print data in the print information received by one of the receiving units;
A second analysis step (step (5) in FIG. 21) for analyzing the control data in the print information received by the other receiving unit;
A first transition step of making a transition to an off-line state in which one receiving unit is enabled and the other receiving unit is disabled in order to execute the first analysis step based on an offline transition instruction from the external device (FIG. Twenty steps (7), (1
3) to (16)), and in order to execute the second analysis step based on an online shift instruction from the external device, data reception by the other receiving unit is effectively performed, and data reception by one receiving unit is performed. A computer-readable program including a second transition step (steps (6), (9) to (13) in FIG. 21) for transitioning to an offline state set to be invalid, which is stored in a storage medium. is there. That is, an embodiment in which the program code corresponding to the steps shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 is stored in a memory resource such as the memory 1012A, and the control unit 1012 reads and executes the program code from a storage medium storing the program code is also an embodiment of the present invention. It is included in.

[Other Embodiments] In the above-described first to fourth embodiments, examples have been described in which the printing apparatus is switched between an online state and an offline state by sending data of an online shift command and an offline shift command from the host. Alternatively, the system may be such that the printing apparatus switches between an online state and an offline state when the host controls a signal line on the interface.

In the first to fourth embodiments, the host sends an online shift command and an offline shift command to switch the printing apparatus between an online state and an offline state.
In the above example, the host sends print data while online and sends control data while offline.However, when an operator presses the online key on the operation panel, or an error such as a paper jam or paper outage occurs / cancels. Online
The host determines whether the printing device is online or offline by data sent from the printing device to the host via the interface when switching to the off-line state, or by a signal line (for example, a select signal of the Centronics interface). The system may be capable of switching between sending print data and sending control data.

Further, in the fourth embodiment, an example is shown in which the host that sends print data to the printing apparatus and the host that sends control data are different. However, the same host may be used, or a host in a network environment may be used. There may be.

Further, in the first to fourth embodiments, an example has been described in which the host sends control data from the host to reset or change the setup menu while the printer is off-line. Any control may be used.

Further, in the first to third embodiments, an example has been shown in which the setting can be made from the setup menu of the operation panel as to whether data reception is possible during offline. May be a printing device capable of performing the following.

In the first and second embodiments, the printing apparatus goes offline due to the operator pressing the online key and the printing apparatus goes offline, or an error such as a paper jam or running out of paper occurs. In the above case, an example is shown in which control is performed so as not to receive data from the host.
When the host changes the signal on the interface (e.g., the input prime signal of the Centronics interface) when the printing device is not receiving data,
Thus, the printing apparatus may be reset, and the system may receive the data sent from the host thereafter.

Hereinafter, the configuration of a data processing program readable by the printing system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the memory map shown in FIG.

FIG. 22 is a view for explaining a memory map of a storage medium for storing various data processing programs which can be read by the printing system according to the present invention.

Although not shown, information for managing a group of programs stored in the storage medium, such as version information and creator, is also stored, and information dependent on the OS or the like on the program reading side, such as a program, An icon or the like for identification display may also be stored.

Further, data subordinate to various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, a program for installing various programs on a computer or a program for decompressing a program to be installed when the program to be installed is compressed may be stored.

The functions shown in FIG. 4 to FIG. 6, FIG. 8 to FIG. 11, FIG. 14 to FIG. 20, FIG. 20 and FIG. Good. In this case, the present invention is applied even when a group of information including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Things.

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

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

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

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

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

[0222]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the invention, the offline control unit switches the analysis candidate of the print information from the first analysis unit to the second analysis unit based on an offline shift instruction from the external device, and switches the state of the reception unit. Is transferred to a first state in which the control data can be analyzed, and an analysis candidate of the print information is sent from the second analysis unit to the first state based on an online shift instruction from the external device. Since the state of the receiving means is switched to the analyzing means and the control data, to which the state of the receiving means is inputted, is changed to the second state capable of being analyzed,
The state of the receiving means is controlled to be switched to either the offline state or the online state based on the control data input from the external device, and after the transition to the offline state, the analysis processing based on the control data input from the external device is continued. Priority.

According to the second aspect, when the offline control means makes a transition to the first state, the second state
The analysis means analyzes the control data input from the external device and performs a predetermined setting process to perform a panel operation, so that control of setting items and the like which should be instructed to be performed on the panel under an offline state is performed. The control data from the host can be substituted, and the manual operation burden on the user can be greatly reduced.

[0224] According to the third invention, after the off-line control means has counted the predetermined time, the off-line control means determines the print information analysis candidate based on the off-line shift instruction from the external device. Is switched from the analyzing means to the second analyzing means, and the control data to which the state of the receiving means is inputted is transited to the first state capable of being analyzed, so that the operator executes an offline shift instruction from the input means. Even if a later situation occurs, it is possible to transition to a state in which control data from an external device can be accepted after a predetermined time has elapsed, and to continue processing print information.

[0225] According to the fourth invention, the offline control means cancels the transition to the first state based on the permission / inhibition condition by the setting means, and the receiving means receives data input from the external device. Since the rejected offline state is forcibly set, a desired offline processing environment suitable for the user's use environment can be easily set.

According to the fifth aspect, the off-line control means activates one of the receiving means so as to validate the first analyzing means based on an off-line shift instruction from the external device. To the off-line state, and the other receiving unit is enabled so that the second analyzing unit is enabled based on an online shift instruction from the external device, and the one receiving unit is disabled. Since the transition is made to the offline state, it is possible to secure the data reception state by one of the receiving means and to continue the processing based on the control data even after the offline transition.

According to the sixth and seventh aspects, the print information analysis step is switched from the first analysis step to the second analysis step based on an off-line shift instruction from the external device, and the reception is performed. The state of the copy unit is transited to a first state in which the control data that can be analyzed is analyzed, and an analysis candidate of the print information is extracted from the second analysis step based on an online shift instruction from the external device. Since the control data is switched to the second state in which the control data to which the state of the receiving unit is input by switching to the first analysis step can be analyzed,
The state of the receiving means is controlled to be switched to either the offline state or the online state based on the control data input from the external device, and after the transition to the offline state, the analysis processing based on the control data input from the external device is continued. Priority.

According to the eighth and ninth aspects, one receiving means for validating the first analysis step is validated and the other receiving means is invalidated based on an off-line shift instruction from the external device. To the offline state,
In order to execute the second analysis step based on an on-line shift instruction from the external device, a transition is made to an offline state in which data reception by the other receiving unit is enabled and data reception by one receiving unit is disabled. Therefore, it is possible to secure the data receiving state of either one of the receiving units, and to continue the processing based on the control data even after the offline shift.

Therefore, control equivalent to various controls to be executed based on instructions set on the operation panel in the off-line state can be performed based on control data received from an external device, and can be operated by the user. This has the effect of greatly reducing the burden.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system to which a print control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is an external view showing an example of an operation panel shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a data communication state of the printing system illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure of the print control apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a detailed procedure of a first offline processing routine illustrated in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a detailed procedure of a second offline processing routine illustrated in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system to which a print control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second data processing procedure of the print control apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second data processing procedure of the print control apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a detailed procedure of a first offline processing routine illustrated in FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a detailed procedure of a second offline processing routine illustrated in FIG. 8;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system to which a print control device according to a third embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

13 is a diagram illustrating a data communication state of the printing system illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a third data processing procedure of the print control apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a third data processing procedure of the print control apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a detailed procedure of a first offline processing routine illustrated in FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a detailed procedure of a second offline processing routine illustrated in FIG. 15;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a detailed procedure of a third offline processing routine illustrated in FIG. 15;

FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system to which a print control device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a fourth data processing procedure of the print control apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a detailed procedure of an offline processing routine illustrated in FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by the printing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a block diagram illustrating a data processing configuration of a conventional printing system.

24 illustrates a data communication state of the printing system illustrated in FIG. 23.

25 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data processing procedure of the printing system illustrated in FIG. 23.

26 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data processing procedure of the printing system illustrated in FIG. 23.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 101 printing device 102 host computer 103 interface 104 reception buffer 105 print data translating means 106 paper cassette 107 engine unit 108 control data translating means 109 control means 109A memory 110 switching means 111 operation panel

Claims (9)

[Claims] A receiving unit configured to receive print information input from an external device via a predetermined communication medium; a first analyzing unit configured to analyze print data in the print information received by the receiving unit; A second analysis unit that analyzes control data in the print information received by the reception unit; and a second analysis unit that analyzes the print information from the first analysis unit based on an offline shift instruction from the external device.
The control data to which the state of the receiving means is inputted by switching to the analyzing means is transited to a first state capable of being analyzed,
In addition, based on an on-line shift instruction from the external device, the print data analysis candidate is switched from the second analysis unit to the first analysis unit to analyze the control data for inputting the state of the reception unit. And a offline control unit for causing a transition to a possible second state. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first control unit is configured to control the first line by the offline control unit.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the state transits to the state of 2, the second analysis means analyzes the control data input from the external device and substitutes a predetermined setting process for panel operation. Print control device. 3. An input unit for inputting an instruction for changing a state of the receiving unit to an offline state, and a clock unit for counting a predetermined time from the time of the instruction by the input unit, wherein the offline control unit includes: After the time counting means has counted the predetermined time, the printing information analysis candidate is switched from the first analysis means to the second analysis means based on an offline shift instruction from the external device, and the reception means is switched. 2. The printing control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the state of the control data is changed to a first state in which the input control data can be analyzed. 4. A setting means for setting a permission / prohibition condition for determining whether or not the receiving means should receive data from the external device after the transition to the off-line state, and the off-line control means comprises: 2. The printing method according to claim 1, wherein the transition to the first state is canceled based on a permission condition of the means, and the receiving means forcibly sets an off-line state in which data input from the external device is refused. Control device. 5. A plurality of receiving means for receiving print information input from an external device via a predetermined communication medium, and a first analyzing means for analyzing print data in the print information received by one of the receiving means. A second analyzing means for analyzing control data in the print information received by the other receiving means, and a second analyzing means for validating the first analyzing means based on an off-line shift instruction from the external device. A transition is made to an offline state in which the receiving means is enabled and the other receiving means is disabled, and the other receiving means is enabled so as to enable the second analyzing means based on an online shift instruction from the external device. And a offline control unit for transiting to an offline state in which one of the receiving units is invalidated. 6. A print control method for receiving and processing print information input from an external device via a predetermined communication medium by a receiving unit, the method comprising: analyzing a print data in the received print information. An analysis step of analyzing control data in the received print information; and an analysis step of the print information based on an offline shift instruction from the external device. Second
A first transition step of switching the control data, to which the state of the receiving unit is input, to a first state that can be analyzed, and the print information based on an online transition instruction from the external device. From the second analysis step to the first
And a second transition step of transiting the control data, to which the state of the receiving unit is input, to a second state in which the control data can be analyzed. 7. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program for receiving and processing print information input from an external device via a predetermined communication medium by a receiving unit, wherein the storage medium stores a program readable from the external device. A receiving step of receiving print information, a first analyzing step of analyzing print data in the received print information, a second analyzing step of analyzing control data of the received print information, The print information analysis step is performed from the first analysis step to the second
A first transition step of switching the control data, to which the state of the receiving unit is input, to a first state that can be analyzed, and the print information based on an online transition instruction from the external device. From the second analysis step to the first
A computer-readable program, including a second transition step of switching the control data to which the state of the receiving unit is input and transiting the control data to a second state that can be analyzed. Characteristic storage medium. 8. A print control method for receiving print information input from an external device via a predetermined communication medium by a plurality of receiving means and processing the print information, the printing method comprising: A first analyzing step of analyzing data; a second analyzing step of analyzing control data in print information received by the other receiving unit; and the first analyzing step based on an offline shift instruction from the external device. A first transition step of transiting to an off-line state in which one of the receiving means is enabled and the other receiving means is invalid in order to execute the step; and the second analysis is performed based on an online transition instruction from the external device. A second transition step of transiting to an off-line state in which the data reception by the other reception unit is set to be valid and the data reception by the one reception unit is set to be invalid in order to execute the step. Print control apparatus, characterized in that. 9. A storage medium storing a computer readable program for receiving and processing print information input from an external device via a predetermined communication medium by a plurality of receiving means, wherein the one receiving means A first analyzing step of analyzing the print data in the print information received by the second receiving means, a second analyzing step of analyzing the control data in the print information received by the other receiving means, and an offline shift instruction from the external device A first transition step in which one of the receiving units is enabled to execute the first analysis step and a transition is made to an off-line state in which the other receiving unit is invalidated, based on the following: an online transition instruction from the external device In order to execute the second analysis step based on the above, the data receiving by the other receiving means is enabled and the data receiving by one receiving means is disabled. And a second transition step of transition to the state, the storage medium characterized by storing a program which a computer can read.