JPH10161969A - Peripheral equipment, data processing method for the same, and storage medium storing computer-readable program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily determine the identification information of a peripheral equipment to be specified by a control system side for controlling devices in different specifications and these devices, and to enable an information processor to be informed of that information. SOLUTION: When a CPU 12 acquires an identification code 151 for identifying a recording part 17 from the recording part 17 through a recording part interface 16, based on that possessed identification code 1514, a code selector 1512 selects any peripheral equipment identification information stored in a ROM 1513 for code storage. Then, this selected peripheral equipment identification information is reported to a host computer.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to various peripheral devices functioning as input / output devices capable of communicating with a host computer via a predetermined interface or a communication medium such as a network, a data processing method for the peripheral devices, and a computer-readable program. The present invention relates to a storage medium storing a possible program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, peripheral devices connected to a computer, such as a printer, need to be electrically connected to the computer using an interface cable or the like and then run a program corresponding to the connected peripheral device on the computer. there were.

[0003] However, since this operation is difficult for the user, recent computers automatically recognize peripheral devices connected to the computer simply by electrically connecting the peripheral devices to the computer, and recognize the recognized peripheral devices. The number of devices having a function of automatically executing an appropriate program for the device is increasing. This function is a technique called plug-and-play. To realize this function, the peripheral device itself has an identification code (hereinafter, device identification code), and the device identification code is stored in a computer. Must be able to be notified.

[0004]

However, when designing a peripheral device corresponding to this system, even if the specification of the recording section is slightly different and the control section does not need to be changed, the apparatus is not required. Since an identification code is required for each product, the design of the control section and the product must be performed separately for each product, which is very troublesome.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the first to twelfth inventions according to the present invention is to acquire unique information from a device to be controlled. The identification information as the peripheral device is selected from the storage unit based on the acquired unique information, and is notified to the information processing device, so that the control system for controlling the device having different specifications and the peripheral to be specified by the device A peripheral device which can easily determine the identification information of the device and notify the information processing device, and which can automatically set an optimal control clock frequency for the device or the control system based on the unique information obtained from the device and a peripheral device. An object of the present invention is to provide a data processing method and a storage medium storing a computer-readable program.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a peripheral device capable of communicating with an information processing device via a predetermined communication medium, wherein a plurality of peripheral devices to be notified to the information processing device are provided. Storage means for storing device identification information, control means for controlling devices having different specifications, acquisition means for acquiring unique information for identifying the device from the device, and acquisition means for acquiring from the device Selecting means for selecting any one of the peripheral device identification information stored in the storage means based on the unique information, wherein the control means converts the peripheral device identification information selected by the selection means to the information. This is to notify the processing device.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the specific information is data obtained by coding a specification.

In a third aspect of the present invention, the device is an output device for outputting an image to a recording medium.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the device is an input device for inputting an image.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided first signal generating means for generating clocks of different frequencies to be supplied to the device, wherein the control means obtains the unique signal obtained from the device by the obtaining means. On the basis of this information, a clock having an optimum frequency generated by the first signal generating means is selected and supplied to the device.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a second signal generating means for generating a system clock having a different frequency to be supplied to the control means, wherein the control means is obtained from the device by the obtaining means. A system clock having an optimum frequency generated by the second signal generating means is selected based on the unique information.

A seventh invention according to the present invention is a data processing method for a peripheral device capable of communicating with an information processing device via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the unique information for identifying the device is stored in the device. An obtaining step, and selecting a peripheral device identification information stored in a memory based on the obtained unique information; and And a notification step for notifying the user.

An eighth invention according to the present invention is directed to a first clock for selecting a clock having an optimum frequency generated from a clock source based on the unique information acquired from the device and supplying the selected clock to the device. It has a selection step.

A ninth invention according to the present invention has a second clock selecting step of selecting a system clock having an optimum frequency generated by a clock source based on the unique information obtained from the device. It is.

[0015] A tenth invention according to the present invention is a storage medium storing a computer readable program for controlling a peripheral device capable of communicating with an information processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium. An acquiring step of acquiring unique information for identification from the device; a selecting step of selecting any peripheral device identification information stored in a memory based on the acquired unique information; and And a notifying step of notifying the information processing apparatus of the peripheral device identification information, wherein a computer-readable program is stored in a storage medium.

An eleventh invention according to the present invention is the first clock, which selects a clock having an optimum frequency generated from a clock source based on the unique information obtained from the device and supplies the selected clock to the device. A computer-readable program including a selecting step is stored in a storage medium.

A twelfth invention according to the present invention includes a second clock selecting step of selecting a system clock having an optimum frequency generated by a clock source based on the unique information obtained from the device. A program that can be read by a computer is stored in a storage medium.

[0018]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Before describing the configuration of the present embodiment, the configurations of a laser beam printer and an ink jet printer suitable for applying the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to FIG. The printer to which the present embodiment is applied is not limited to a laser beam printer and an ink jet printer, and it goes without saying that a printer of another printing method may be used.

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

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1500 denotes an LBP main body, which inputs and stores recording information (character codes and the like), form information, macro instructions, and the like supplied from an externally connected host computer, and stores the information. , A corresponding character pattern, form pattern, or the like is created, and an image is formed on a recording medium such as a recording sheet.
An operation panel 1501 includes switches for operation, an LED display, and the like.

Reference numeral 1000 denotes a printer control unit.
It controls the entire P body 1500 and analyzes character information and the like supplied from the host computer. The printer control unit 1000 mainly converts a character pattern corresponding to character information into a video signal and outputs the video signal to the laser driver 1502. The laser driver 1502 is the semiconductor laser 15
03 is a circuit for driving the laser beam 1504, which switches on / off a laser beam 1504 emitted from the semiconductor laser 1503 in accordance with an input video signal. Laser light 150
Reference numeral 4 denotes a rotary polygon mirror 1505 which is swung right and left to scan and expose an electrostatic drum 1506.

As a result, an electrostatic latent image of a character pattern is formed on the electrostatic drum 1506. This latent image is developed by a developing unit 1507 provided around the electrostatic drum 1506, and then transferred to a recording sheet.
A cut sheet is used as the recording paper, and the cut sheet recording paper is stored in a paper cassette 1508 mounted on the LBP 1500, and is supplied with a paper feed roller 1509 and a transport roller 151.
0 and the transport roller 1511, the toner is taken into the apparatus and supplied to the electrostatic drum 1506.

The LBP body 1500 has at least one or more card slots (not shown) so that an optional font card and a control card (emulation card) having a different language can be connected in addition to the built-in fonts. .

FIG. 2 is an external view showing the configuration of a second output device to which the present invention can be applied, and shows, for example, the case of an ink jet recording device (IJRA).

In the figure, a helical groove 5004 of a lead screw 5005 which rotates via driving force transmitting gears 5011 and 5009 in conjunction with forward and reverse rotation of a driving motor 5013.
The carriage HC that engages with a pin (not shown)
And is reciprocated in the directions of arrows a and b via the guide rail 5003. An ink jet cartridge IJC including an ink tank IT and an ink jet head IJH is mounted on the carriage HC. 50
A paper pressing plate 02 presses the paper P against the platen 5000 in the carriage movement direction. 5007,
Reference numeral 5008 denotes a photocoupler, which is a lever 5 of the carriage HC.
006 in this area is confirmed, and the drive motor 501
It functions as a home position detecting means for switching the rotation direction of 3, for example.

Reference numeral 5016 denotes a member for indicating a cap member 5022 for capping the entire surface of the recording head. Reference numeral 5015 denotes suction means for sucking the inside of the cap.
The suction recovery of the recording head is performed via 23. Reference numeral 5017 denotes a cleaning blade which can be moved in the front-rear direction by a member 5019. Reference numeral 5018 denotes a main body indicating plate for indicating the cleaning blade 5017 and the member 5019.

Reference numeral 5021 denotes a lever for starting suction for recovery from suction. The lever 5021 moves with the movement of the cam 5020 engaging with the carriage HC, and the driving force from the driving motor 5013 is transmitted by a known transmission means such as clutch switching. Movement is controlled. The capping, cleaning, and suction recovery are configured such that desired operations can be performed at the corresponding positions by the action of the lead screw 5005 when the carriage HC comes to the home position side area, but at a known timing. What is necessary is just to be comprised so that operation | movement may be performed.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the second output device shown in FIG.

In the figure, 1700 is an interface for inputting a recording signal, 1701 is an MPU, 1702 is a ROM for storing a control program executed by the MPU 1701 and host recording information, and 1703 is a DRAM, and 1703 is a DRAM. The recording data supplied to the head is stored. A gate array (G.1704) controls supply of output data to the print head 1708.
A. ), The interface 1700, the MPU 1701,
Data transfer between the DRAMs 1703 is also controlled. 171
0 is a carrier motor for transporting the recording head 1708, 1709 is a transport motor for transporting the recording paper,
1705, a head driver for driving the recording head 1708; 1706, a motor driver for driving the transport motor 1709; 1707, the carrier motor 171;
0 is a motor driver.

In the above-described recording apparatus, when input information is input from a host computer 3000 to be described later via the interface 1700, the input information is transmitted between the gate array 1704 and the MPU 1701 to output output information for printing. Is converted to Then, the motor drivers 1706 and 1707 are driven, and the recording head 1708 is driven according to the output information sent to the head driver 1705 to execute printing.

The MPU 1701 is connected to the interface 1
Communication processing with a host computer 3000 to be described later can be performed via the memory 700, and memory information and resource data relating to the DRAM 1703, host recording information in the ROM 1702, and the like can be stored in the host computer 300 to be described later.
0 can be notified.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a printer control system to which the print control apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be applied. Here, a laser beam printer (FIG. 1) will be described as an example. If the functions of the present invention are executed, even a single peripheral device,
Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a system including a plurality of peripheral devices and a system in which processing is performed via a network such as a LAN.

In the figure, reference numeral 3000 denotes a host computer which executes document processing in which graphics, images, characters, tables (including spreadsheets, etc.) are mixed based on a document processing program or the like stored in a program ROM of the ROM 3. C
The CPU 1 has a PU 1 and controls each device connected to the system bus 4 as a whole.

The program ROM of the ROM 3
Stores a control program of the CPU 1 and the like.
The font ROM stores font data and the like used in the document processing, and the data ROM of the ROM 3 stores various data used in the document processing and the like. Reference numeral 2 denotes a RAM, which functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the CPU 1. 5 is a keyboard controller (KB
C) controls key input from a keyboard (KB) 9 or a pointing device (not shown).

6 is a CRT controller (CRTC),
The display of the CRT display (CRT) 10 is controlled.
Reference numeral 7 denotes a disk controller (DKC) for controlling access to an external memory 11 such as a hard disk (HD) for storing a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, and editing files, and a floppy disk (FD). Reference numeral 8 denotes a printer controller (PRTC) which is connected to the printer 1500 via a predetermined bidirectional interface (interface) 21 and executes communication control processing with the printer 1500.

The CPU 1 executes a process of rasterizing the outline font in the display information RAM set on the RAM 2, for example,
YSIWYG is possible. Further, the CPU 1
Various registered windows are opened based on a command instructed by a mouse cursor or the like (not shown) on the RT 10,
Perform various data processing.

In the printer 1500, reference numeral 12 denotes a printer CPU, which controls various devices connected to the system bus 15 based on a control program or the like stored in the program ROM of the ROM 13 or a control program or the like stored in the external memory 14. And outputs an image signal as output information to a printing unit (printer engine) 17 connected via a printing unit interface 16.

The program RO of the ROM 13
M stores a control program of the CPU 12 and the like. R
The font ROM of the OM 13 stores font data and the like used when generating the output information.
The data ROM has an external memory 1 such as a hard disk.
In the case of a printer having no printer 4, information used on the host computer is stored. The CPU 12 can communicate with the host computer 3000 via the input unit 18 and can notify the host computer 3000 of information and the like in the printer 1500.

Reference numeral 19 denotes a RAM that functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the CPU 12, and is configured so that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown). Note that RAM1
9 is an output information development area, environment data storage area, NVR
Used for AM and the like. Hard disk (H
D), access to the external memory 14 such as an IC card is controlled by a disk controller (DKC) 20.
The external memory 14 is connected as an option, and stores font data, an emulation program, form data, and the like. Reference numeral 1501 denotes the above-described operation panel (operation unit) on which switches for operation, an LED display, and the like are arranged.

The above-mentioned external memory is not limited to one, and at least one external memory is provided. In addition to the built-in fonts, an optional font card and a plurality of external memories storing programs for interpreting printer control languages of different languages are connected. It may be configured to be able to. Further, an NVRAM (not shown) may be provided to store printer mode setting information from the operation panel 1501.

In the printer control system thus configured, the recording unit 17 is provided with a register 1520 for storing a recording unit identification code unique to the recording unit, and the recording unit identification code is controlled by the recording unit I / F 16. The unit 1000 reads out, selects a corresponding product identification code from the stored product identification codes from the information of the recording unit identification code, and selects the corresponding host computer 3000.
The control to notify the side is performed as described later.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a printing apparatus to which a printing control apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention can be applied. The same reference numerals as in FIG. 4 denote the same parts. I have.

In FIG. 5, reference numeral 1514 denotes the recording unit 17;
The recording unit identification code is stored in a non-volatile register or ROM, and can be notified to the CPU 12 of the printer control unit 1000 through the recording unit I / F 16.

Reference numeral 1512 denotes a code selector, which stores a corresponding product identification code from a recording unit identification code 1514 read from the recording unit 17 into a code storage ROM 1513 described later.
Choose from A code storage ROM 1513 is a code storage ROM for storing a plurality of product identification codes according to the specifications of the recording unit 17.

In this embodiment, only the case of using a non-volatile memory will be described for simplicity of description. However, a rewritable memory is used so that the host computer 3000 can directly read the recording unit identification code 1514. The host computer 3000 selects the corresponding product identification code from the recording unit identification code 1514, and stores the code R in the printer control unit 1000.
The host computer 3000 may write the product identification code into the OM 1513.

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 peripheral device (in this embodiment, a printer 1500) capable of communicating with an information processing device (host computer 3000) via a predetermined communication medium, and notifies the information processing device of the peripheral device. Storage means (code storage ROM 151) for storing a plurality of peripheral device identification information
3), a control unit (the CPU 12 executes and executes a control program stored in the ROM 13) for controlling a device having different specifications (the recording unit 17 in the present embodiment), and a unique unit for identifying the device. Information (identification code 1
514) from the device.
12 executes the control program stored in the ROM 13 and obtains the information via the recording unit interface 16), and any one of the information stored in the storage means based on the unique information obtained by the obtaining means from the device. Selecting means (code selector 151) for selecting the peripheral device identification information of
2) and the CPU 12
Code 151 for identifying the recording unit 17 via the
4 from the recording unit 17, the code selector 1512 selects any one of the peripheral device identification information stored in the code storage ROM 1513 based on the acquired identification code 1514, and selects the selected peripheral device identification information. Since the information is notified to the host computer 3000, the control means easily identifies the original identification information of the peripheral device determined by the combination with the device to be controlled, and controls the information processing device. The original identification information of the device can be reliably notified.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the specific information is data obtained by coding the specification (identification code 1514). Therefore, the specification of the device to be controlled can be specified with a small amount of data.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the device is an output device (recording unit 17) for outputting an image, so that the original identification information of the peripheral device which can easily cope with a slight difference in specifications of the output device can be easily obtained. In this case, the original identification information of the peripheral device, which is different for each specification of the device to be controlled and specified to the information processing device, can be reliably notified.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the device is an input device (such as a scanner device not shown) for inputting an image to a recording medium. Of the peripheral device, which is different for each specification of the device to be controlled to the information processing apparatus, can be reliably notified.

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

FIG. 6 shows a first example of the print control apparatus according to the present invention.
It is a flowchart showing an example of the data processing procedure,
From the memory resources of the recording unit 17 shown in FIG.
This corresponds to the process of reading 514 and transferring it to the host computer 3000. Note that (1) to (6) indicate each step.

When the power of the printer 1500 is turned on,
The printer 1500 first performs an initialization operation such as a memory check (1), and reads an engine identification code (identification code 1514) from the recording unit 17 in step (2). In step (3), a decode signal for selecting a corresponding product identification code from the read engine identification code 1514 from the code storage ROM 1513 is sent to the code selector 1512. In step (4), the product identification code is set to the code. It is read from the storage ROM 1513 and determined. Next, in step (5), it is determined whether or not a signal requesting the transfer of the product code has been received from the host computer 3000. If it is determined that the signal has been received, the product identification is transmitted to the host computer 3000 in step (6). The code is transmitted, and the process ends.

Thus, even when there are a plurality of specifications of the recording unit 17, the only corresponding product identification code can be uniquely specified and notified to the host computer 3000.

Hereinafter, the correspondence between this embodiment and each step of the eighth and tenth aspects of the present invention and the operation thereof will be described with reference to FIG.

An eighth invention is a data processing method for a peripheral device (printer 1500) capable of communicating with an information processing device (host computer 3000) via a predetermined communication medium, wherein a unique method for identifying the device is provided. Acquisition step (step (2) in FIG. 6) for acquiring the above information from the device, and a selection step for selecting any of the peripheral device identification information stored in the memory based on the acquired unique information (FIG. 6 (3) and (4)) and a notification step (steps (5) and (6) in FIG. 6) for notifying the information processing apparatus of the selected peripheral device identification information.
Since the PU 12 executes a control program stored in the ROM 13 or a memory resource (not shown), a device which easily specifies original identification information of a peripheral device determined by a combination with a device to be controlled and controls the information processing device It is possible to reliably notify the original identification information of the peripheral device that differs for each specification.

A tenth invention is a storage medium storing a computer-readable program for controlling a peripheral device capable of communicating with an information processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the program is for identifying the device. An acquisition step of acquiring unique information from the device (step (2) in FIG. 6), and a selection step of selecting one of the peripheral device identification information stored in the memory based on the acquired unique information ( 6 includes steps (3) and (4)) and a notification step (steps (5) and (6) in FIG. 6) of notifying the selected peripheral device identification information to the information processing device. A program that can be read by a computer is stored in a storage medium. That is, the embodiment of the present invention also includes an embodiment in which a program code corresponding to the process shown in FIG. 6 is stored in a memory resource including the ROM 13 of the printer control unit 1000, and the CPU 12 reads out and executes the program code from a storage medium storing the program code. Included.

[Second Embodiment] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a printing apparatus to which a printing control apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention can be applied. I have.

In FIG. 7, reference numeral 1521 denotes a clock generator using a PLL logic or the like.
rator), a plurality of clocks are generated according to the setting by the CPU 12. This clock generator 1521
The data is sent to the recording unit 17 by the clock 22 output from the.

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

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the first aspect, a first signal generating means (clock generator 152) for generating clocks of different frequencies to be supplied to the device.
1), and the control means (CPU 12)
The clock 22 having the optimum frequency generated by the clock generator 1521 is selected and supplied to the recording unit 17 based on the unique information acquired from the storage unit 17, so that the control is performed using the unique information acquired from the recording unit 17. The frequency of the clock 22 to be supplied to the recording unit 17 can be switched without error.

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

FIG. 8 shows a second embodiment of the print control apparatus according to the present invention.
It is a flowchart showing an example of the data processing procedure,
This corresponds to the process of reading the identification code 1514 from the memory resource of the recording unit 17, selecting the clock 22 to be transferred to the recording unit interface 16, and transferring the identification code 1514 to the host computer 3000. Note that (1) to (7) indicate each step.

When the power of the printer 1500 is turned on,
The printer 1500 first performs an initialization operation such as a memory check (1), and reads the engine identification code 1514 from the recording unit 17 in step (2). In step (3), a clock for transmitting data to the recording unit 17 is selected, and in step (4), a decode signal for selecting a corresponding product identification code (identification code 1514) from the read engine identification code 1514. Is sent.

Next, in step (5), the recording section sending clock and the product identification code are determined. In step (6), it is determined whether a signal requesting the product identification code is received from the host computer 3000. If it is determined that the product identification code has been sent, the product identification code is sent to the host computer 3000 in step (7), and the process ends.

In the present embodiment, an example in which the printer control unit 1000 selects the recording section sending clock from the recording section identification code as an example corresponding to the specification of the recording section 17 has been described. Needless to say, even when the control unit needs to change according to the specifications of the recording unit, such as the timing of the horizontal synchronizing signal and the vertical synchronizing signal, the same processing as in the present embodiment can be performed.

Thus, even when there are a plurality of specifications of the recording unit 17, the corresponding unique product identification code can be uniquely identified and notified to the host computer 3000, and the recording unit interface 16 can be optimized. Clocks with different frequencies can be selected.

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

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the seventh aspect, a clock having an optimum frequency generated from a clock source (clock generator 1521) is selected based on the acquired unique information and transmitted to the device. Since the CPU 12 executes the control program stored in the ROM 13 or a memory resource (not shown) in the first clock selection step (step (3) in FIG. 8) to be supplied, the control is performed using unique information obtained from the device. The frequency of the clock to be supplied to the device can be switched without error.

According to an eleventh aspect, a clock source (clock generator 152) is provided based on the acquired unique information.
A first clock selecting step of selecting a clock having an optimum frequency generated from 1) and supplying the clock to the device (FIG. 8)
(3)), which stores a computer-readable program in a storage medium. That is, the embodiment of the present invention also includes an embodiment in which a program code corresponding to the process shown in FIG. 8 is stored in a memory resource including the ROM 13 of the printer control unit 1000, and the CPU 12 reads out and executes the program code from a storage medium storing the program code. Included.

[Third Embodiment] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a printing apparatus to which a printing control apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention can be applied. The same reference numerals as in FIG. 7 denote the same parts. I have.

The difference between the present embodiment and the second embodiment is that the clock 2
3 is the system frequency of the CPU 12.
Note that the relationship between the clock 22, which is a frequency for transmitting data to the recording unit 17, and the system clock 23 of the CPU, that is, when the frequency of the clock 22 and the system clock 23 is any multiple, the clock 22 and the system The clock 23 can be shared.

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

According to a sixth aspect, in addition to the first aspect, a second signal generation means (clock generator 1521) for generating a system clock having a different frequency to be supplied to the control means is provided. The system clock 23 having the optimum frequency generated by the clock generator 1521 is selected based on the unique information (identification code 1514) obtained from the device. When controlling, the frequency of the clock to be supplied in the system can be switched without error.

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

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the second data processing procedure of the print control apparatus according to the present invention, and corresponds to the procedure of selecting a system clock and a recording section transmission clock and transmitting a product identification code. (1)
(8) shows each step.

When the power of the printer is turned on, the printer 1500 first performs an initialization operation such as a memory check (1), and reads the engine identification code 1514 from the recording unit 17 in step (2). In 3), the system clock 23 of the CPU 12 is selected, and the system clock 23 is changed.

Next, in step (4), the recording unit 1
7 is selected, and in step (5), a decode signal for selecting a corresponding product identification code from the read engine identification code (identification code 1514) is transmitted. And step (6)
, A transmission clock and a product identification code for the recording unit 17 are determined. Next, in step (7), it is determined whether or not a signal requesting the product identification code has been received from the host computer 3000. If it is determined that the signal has been received, the host computer 30 is determined in step (8).
At 00, the product identification code is transmitted, and the process ends.

Thus, even when there are a plurality of specifications of the recording unit 17, it is possible to uniquely identify the corresponding unique product identification code and notify the host computer 3000.
A clock having an optimal frequency for the PU 12 can be selected.

Hereinafter, the correspondence between this embodiment and each step of the ninth and twelfth inventions and the operation thereof will be described with reference to FIG.

According to a ninth aspect, in addition to the seventh aspect, the unique information (identification code 15
14), the clock source (clock generator 1)
The CPU 12 executes a control program stored in the ROM 13 or a memory resource (not shown) in the second clock selection step (step (3) in FIG. 10) for selecting the system clock 23 having the optimum frequency generated by the CPU 521). When the device is controlled using the unique information acquired from the device, the frequency of the clock to be supplied in the system can be switched without error.

According to a twelfth aspect, a system clock 23 having an optimum frequency generated by a clock source (clock generator 1521) is selected based on the unique information (identification code 1514) obtained from the recording unit 17. A computer-readable program including a second clock selection step (step (3) in FIG. 10) is stored in a storage medium. That is, the memory resources of the printer control unit 1000 including the ROM 13 shown in FIG.
And storing a program code corresponding to the process shown in FIG.
From the storage medium storing the program code, the CPU 12
Is also included in the embodiment of the present invention.

[Fourth Embodiment] FIG. 11 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a printing apparatus to which the printing control apparatus according to the embodiment can be applied, and the same components as those in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In FIG. 11, reference numeral 1531 denotes a register.
The power supply voltage specification code of the recording unit 17 is stored. For example, 100 V is “01”, 120 V is “02”, 240 V
Stores a code such as “03”.

When the engine identification code 1514 is classified based on the performance of the engine, the engine identification code 151
Since only 4 cannot deal with the case where the product identification code differs depending on the destination, the corresponding product identification code can be selected from the engine identification code 1514 and the power supply voltage specification code 1531.

The country-specific information 1532 is configured such that when the power supply voltage specification code 1531 cannot be obtained or is not sufficient, the destination can be obtained from the host.

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

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a third data processing procedure of the print control apparatus according to the present invention, and corresponds to a procedure for transmitting a product identification code. In addition,
(1) to (7) show each step.

When the power of the printer 1500 is turned on,
The printer 1500 first performs an initialization operation such as a memory check (1), reads the engine identification code 1514 from the recording unit 17 in step (2), and stores the power supply voltage specification code 1531 in the recording unit 1 in step (3).
7 is read from the register.

Next, in step (4), the read engine identification code 1514 and the power supply voltage specification code 153
ROM1 for storing the corresponding product identification code from 1
A decode signal for selecting from 513 is sent to the code selector 1512.

Next, in step (5), the product identification code is determined. In step (6), it is determined whether or not a signal requesting the product identification code has been received from the host computer 3000. If so, in step (7), the host computer 3000
Then, the product identification code is transmitted, and the process is terminated.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a fourth data processing procedure of the print control apparatus according to the present invention, and corresponds to a procedure for transmitting a product identification code. In addition,
(1) to (7) show each step.

When the power of the printer 1500 is turned on,
The printer 1500 first performs an initialization operation such as a memory check (1), reads the engine identification code 1514 from the recording unit 17 in step (2), and reads the country-specific information 1532 in the host computer 3000 in step (3). Read from.

Next, in step (4), the read engine identification code 1514 and the host computer 300
A decode signal for selecting the corresponding product identification code from the code storage ROM 1513 from the country-specific information 1532 obtained from 0 is sent to the code selector 1512.

Next, in step (5), the product identification code is determined. In step (6), it is determined whether or not a signal requesting the product identification code has been received from the host computer 3000. If so, in step (7), the host computer 3000
Then, the product identification code is transmitted, and the process is terminated.

Thus, the engine identification code 1514
Is classified according to the performance of the engine, the corresponding product identification code can be selected from the engine identification code 1514 and the power supply voltage specification code 1531 even if the product identification code differs depending on the destination only with the engine identification code 1514. Furthermore, even when the power supply voltage specification code 1531 cannot be obtained from the country-specific information 1532 or is not sufficient, the destination can be obtained from the host.

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

FIG. 14 is a view for explaining a memory map of a storage medium for storing various data processing programs which can be read by the print control apparatus 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, is stored. An icon or the like for identification display may also be stored.

Further, data dependent on 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.

6, FIG. 8, FIG. 10, and FIG.
The functions shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. 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 embodiment 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 code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) And the like perform part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written 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.

In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which, for example, an output device (printer) is used as a peripheral device, but the device is not limited to an output device.
An input device, for example, a scanner, a data terminal device, or the like may be used. In the future, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to an input / output device that can realize the plug-in play function.

[0108]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the invention, the acquisition unit for acquiring the unique information for identifying the device from the device includes the selection unit based on the unique information acquired from the device. When the peripheral device identification information is selected, the control unit notifies the information processing device of the selected peripheral device identification information, so that the control unit determines the peripheral device original identification information determined by a combination with the device to be controlled. Of the peripheral device, which is different for each specification of the device to be controlled to the information processing device, can be reliably notified.

According to the second invention, the unique information is:
Since the specification is coded data, the specification of the device to be controlled with a small amount of data can be reliably specified.

According to the third aspect, since the device is an output device for outputting an image to a recording medium, the identification information inherent in the peripheral device which can easily cope with a slight difference in specifications of the output device can be easily obtained. In this case, the original identification information of the peripheral device, which is different for each specification of the device to be controlled and specified to the information processing device, can be reliably notified.

According to the fourth aspect, since the device is an input device for inputting an image, it is possible to easily specify the original identification information of the peripheral device which easily corresponds to a slight difference in the specifications of the input device. Thus, it is possible to reliably notify the information processing apparatus of the original identification information of the peripheral device, which differs for each specification of the device to be controlled.

According to the fifth aspect, the control means selects a clock having an optimum frequency generated by the first signal generation means based on the unique information acquired from the device by the acquisition means. Thus, the frequency of the clock to be supplied to the device to be controlled can be switched without error using the unique information obtained from the device.

According to the sixth aspect, the control means controls the system clock of the optimum frequency generated by the second signal generation means based on the unique information acquired from the device by the acquisition means. Since the selection is made, the frequency of the clock to be supplied in the system can be switched without error when the device is controlled using the unique information obtained from the device.

According to the seventh and tenth aspects, unique information for identifying the device is obtained from the device, and any one of the peripheral devices stored in the memory based on the obtained unique information. Since the identification information is selected and the selected peripheral device identification information is notified to the information processing device, the identification information inherent in the peripheral device determined by the combination with the device to be controlled can be easily specified and the information processing device can be identified. , The identification information of the peripheral device, which is different for each specification of the device to be controlled, can be reliably notified.

According to the eighth and eleventh aspects, a clock having an optimum frequency generated from a clock source is selected based on the acquired unique information, so that unique information acquired from a device is used. The frequency of the clock to be supplied to the device to be controlled can be switched without error.

According to the ninth and twelfth inventions, the system clock having the optimum frequency generated by the clock source is selected based on the unique information obtained from the device. When controlling a device using information, the frequency of a clock to be supplied in the system can be switched without error.

Therefore, it is possible to easily determine the identification information of the peripheral device to be specified between the control system side controlling the device having different specifications and the device, and to notify the information processing device,
This has the effect of automatically setting the optimum control clock frequency for the device or the control system based on the unique information acquired from the device.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is an external view showing a configuration of a second output device to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of a second output device illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer control system to which the print control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a printing apparatus to which the print control apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure of the print control apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a printing apparatus to which a print control apparatus 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 block diagram of a printing apparatus to which a print control apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second data processing procedure of the print control apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a printing apparatus to which a print control apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a third data processing procedure of the print control apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a fourth data processing procedure of the print control apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by the print control device according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 12 CPU 13 ROM 16 recording unit interface 17 recording unit 18 input unit 1500 printer 1501 operation unit 1514 identification code

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A peripheral device capable of communicating with an information processing device via a predetermined communication medium, comprising: storage means for storing a plurality of pieces of peripheral device identification information to be notified to the information processing device; Control means for controlling the device; obtaining means for obtaining unique information for identifying the device from the device; and storing the information in the storage means based on the unique information obtained by the obtaining means from the device. Selecting means for selecting any one of the peripheral device identification information, wherein the control unit notifies the information processing device of the peripheral device identification information selected by the selection unit. 2. The peripheral device according to claim 1, wherein the unique information is data obtained by coding a specification. 3. The peripheral device according to claim 1, wherein the device is an output device that outputs an image to a recording medium. 4. The peripheral device according to claim 1, wherein the device is an input device for inputting an image. 5. A first signal generating means for generating clocks of different frequencies to be supplied to the device, wherein the control means controls the first signal based on the unique information acquired from the device by the acquiring means. 2. The peripheral device according to claim 1, wherein a clock having an optimum frequency generated by said signal generating means is selected and supplied to said device. 6. A second signal generating means for generating a system clock of a different frequency to be supplied to the control means, wherein the control means performs the processing based on the unique information acquired from the device by the acquiring means. 2. The peripheral device according to claim 1, wherein a system clock having an optimum frequency generated by the second signal generating means is selected. 7. A data processing method for a peripheral device capable of communicating with an information processing device via a predetermined communication medium, comprising: an acquiring step of acquiring unique information for identifying the device from the device; A selecting step of selecting any one of the peripheral device identification information stored in the memory based on the acquired unique information; and a notifying step of notifying the information processing device of the selected peripheral device identification information. A data processing method for a peripheral device, comprising: 8. A first clock selecting step of selecting a clock having an optimum frequency generated from a clock source based on the unique information acquired from the device and supplying the selected clock to the device. The data processing method for a peripheral device according to claim 7. 9. The method according to claim 7, further comprising a second clock selecting step of selecting a system clock having an optimum frequency generated by a clock source based on the unique information obtained from the device. Data processing method for peripheral devices. 10. A storage medium storing a computer readable program for controlling a peripheral device capable of communicating with an information processing device via a predetermined communication medium, wherein unique information for identifying the device is stored. An obtaining step of obtaining from the device; a selecting step of selecting any one of the peripheral device identification information stored in a memory based on the obtained unique information; and A storage medium storing a computer-readable program, comprising: a notification step of notifying a processing device. 11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising a first clock selecting step of selecting a clock having an optimum frequency generated from a clock source based on the unique information obtained from the device. Storage medium. 12. A second clock selecting step of selecting a system clock having an optimum frequency generated by a clock source based on the unique information obtained from the device and supplying the selected system clock to the device. The storage medium according to claim 10, wherein