JPH1083261A - Print controller, its memory access method and storage medium stored with computer-readable program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce an unnecessary power consumption by securely stopping a refresh access to a memory resource while print information is waited. SOLUTION: A memory controller 53 stops or restarts specific memory access to a RAM 52 according to the state of a communication shifted by a host interface 63 which shifts the state of communication with an information processor from on-line to off-line or vice versa according to the process state of the print information.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a print control apparatus for storing print information input from a host computer via a predetermined communication medium in a memory resource for processing, a memory access method of the print control apparatus, 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, a buffer for storing received data in a print data processing unit (hereinafter, referred to as a controller) of a printer or a memory resource used for a work area of a controller, for example, a DRAM is used for a printer. During the power-on period, the memory access is controlled so that the refresh processing is always executed regardless of whether the print processing is being executed.

[0003]

However, depending on various electric components used in the above-mentioned printer controller,
There was variation in the ideas for reducing power consumption. For example, CP
Although some ICs such as U have a function of reducing power consumption to a sleep mode, there has been no device for reducing the power consumption of a DRAM for a reception buffer.

As described above, the refresh processing is executed at a constant timing so that the timing of the refresh processing for the memory resources provided in the conventional print control apparatus does not cause an unexpected situation in executing the data processing. There was a problem that it was not possible to meet the demand for overall power saving.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the first to eighth inventions according to the present invention is to communicate with an information processing apparatus based on a print processing state. By restricting the refresh access to the memory resources that need to be refreshed during the pause, the refresh control of the memory resources during the period when the printer is not performing the printing process can be suspended to significantly reduce the power consumption of the entire system. An object of the present invention is to provide a print control device, a memory access method of the print control device, and a storage medium storing a computer-readable program.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print control apparatus for processing print information input from an information processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium via a memory resource. Transition means for transitioning the communication state with the information processing apparatus from online to offline or from offline to online based on the processing state of information,
There is provided control means for suspending or resuming a predetermined memory access to the memory resource based on the communication state transitioned by the transition means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the predetermined memory access is a refresh cycle for the memory resource.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print control apparatus for processing print information input from an information processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium via a memory resource, based on a processing state of the print information. Transition means for transitioning a predetermined communication mode for the communication medium from a first mode to a second mode or from the second mode to the first mode; and a communication mode transitioned by the transition means. Control means for suspending or resuming predetermined memory access to the memory resources.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the predetermined memory access is a refresh cycle for the memory resource.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a memory access method for a print control apparatus for processing print information input from an information processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium via a memory resource, the method comprising: A transition step of transitioning a communication state with the information processing apparatus from online to offline or from offline to online based on a processing state; and a refresh for suspending or resuming refresh access to the memory resource based on the transitioned communication state. And a process.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in a memory access method of a print control device for processing print information input from an information processing device via a predetermined communication medium via a memory resource, A transition step of transitioning a predetermined communication mode for the communication medium from a first mode to a second mode or from the second mode to the first mode based on a processing state; Refreshing the refresh access to the memory resource based on the refresh access.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage medium storing a program used by a computer for processing, via a memory resource, print information input from an information processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, A transition step of transitioning a communication state with the information processing apparatus from online to offline or from offline to online based on the processing state of the print information; and suspending refresh access to the memory resource based on the transitioned communication state. Alternatively, a computer-readable program including a refreshing step of restarting is stored in a storage medium.

An eighth invention according to the present invention is directed to a storage medium storing a program used by a computer for processing, via a memory resource, print information input from an information processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, A transition step of transitioning a predetermined communication mode for the communication medium from a first mode to a second mode or from the second mode to the first mode based on a processing state of the print information; And a refresh step for suspending or resuming refresh access to the memory resource based on the communication mode.

[0014]

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 configuration of a first output device to which the present invention can be applied, for example, in the case of a laser beam printer (LBP).

Referring to FIG. 1, reference numeral 1500 denotes an LBP main body, which inputs and stores print information (character codes, etc.), 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 recording paper.

Reference numeral 1501 denotes a switch for operation and L
An operation panel on which an ED display and the like are arranged.
A printer control unit (printer controller) that controls the entire BP body 1500 and analyzes character information and the like supplied from the host computer. The printer control unit 1000 mainly converts character information into a video signal of a corresponding character pattern,
Output to The laser driver 1502 is the semiconductor laser 1
A circuit for driving the laser beam 503 switches on / off a laser beam 1504 emitted from the semiconductor laser 1503 according to an input video signal.

The laser beam 1504 is swung right and left by a rotary polygon mirror (polygon mirror) 1505 and
06 is exposed by scanning. Thereby, the electrostatic drum 150
6, an electrostatic latent image of a character pattern is formed. 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. The cut sheet recording paper is stored in a paper cassette 1508 mounted on the LBP 1500, and is taken into the apparatus by a paper feed roller 1509 and transport rollers 1510 and 1511. Is supplied to the electrostatic drum 1506.

The LBP body 1500 is provided with 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 spiral groove 5004 of a lead screw 5005 which rotates via driving force transmission gears 5009 and 5011 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 roller 5003. An ink jet cartridge IJC having an ink jet head IJH and an ink tank IT is mounted on the carriage HC.

Reference numeral 5002 denotes a paper pressing plate, which presses the paper P against the platen 5000 in the carriage moving direction. Photocouplers 5007 and 5008 confirm the presence of the lever 5006 of the carriage HC in this area.
It functions as home position detecting means for switching the rotation direction of the drive motor 5013 and the like. A support member 5016 supports a cap member 5022 for capping the entire surface of the inkjet head IJH. Reference numeral 5015 denotes a suction member which performs a suction recovery process of the recording head via the opening 5023 in the cap.

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 support plate that supports the cleaning blade 5017 and the member 5019. Reference numeral 5012 denotes a lever for starting suction for recovery from suction, which moves with the movement of the cam 5020 engaging with the carriage HC, and
Is controlled by known transmission means such as clutch switching.

The capping process, the cleaning process, and the suction recovery process 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. It is sufficient that the desired operation is performed at a known timing.

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 print information, and 1703 is a DRAM. The recording data supplied to the head is stored.

Reference numeral 1704 denotes a gate array (GA) for controlling supply of output data to the recording head 1708.
The interface 1700, MPU 1701, DRA
It also controls data transfer between M1703.

Reference numeral 1710 denotes a carrier motor for transporting the recording head 1708, and a motor driver 1707.
Driven by Reference numeral 1709 denotes a conveyance motor for conveying the recording paper, which is driven by a motor driver 1706. Reference numeral 1705 denotes a head driver for driving the recording head 1708.

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 host computer 300, and memory information and resource data related to the DRAM 1703 and host print information in the ROM 1702 can be processed by the host computer
It is configured to be able to notify 0.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of a printing system to which the printing control apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention can be applied. In this example, a laser beam printer (FIG. 1) is used.
Will be described as an example.

As long as the functions of the present invention are executed, a system in which processing is performed via a network such as a LAN, whether it is a single device or a system including a plurality of devices. However, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied.

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
(Program ROM) stores a control program of the CPU 1 and the like as shown in the flowcharts of FIGS.
ROM) stores font data and the like used in the above-described document processing, and stores a data ROM (DataR) of the ROM 3.
OM) stores various data (for example, various page description language processing programs, font rasterization programs, and the like) used when performing the above-described document processing and the like.

Reference numeral 2 denotes a RAM, which functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like for the CPU 1. A keyboard controller (KBC) 5 controls a key input from a keyboard 9 or a pointing device (not shown). Reference numeral 6 denotes a CRT controller (CRTC), and a CRT display (CR
T) Control the display of 10.

A memory interface 7 controls access to an external memory 11 such as a hard disk (HD) or a floppy disk (FD) for storing a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, edit files, and the like.

Reference numeral 8 denotes a printer controller (PRTC)
A predetermined bidirectional interface (interface)
22 and is connected to the printer 1500 to execute communication control processing with the printer 1500.

The CPU 1 executes, for example, a process of developing (rasterizing) the outline font in the display information RAM set on the RAM 2, and executes the processing on the CRT 10.
YSIWYG is possible. Further, the CPU 1
Various registered windows are opened based on a command specified by a mouse cursor or the like (not shown) on the RT 10,
Perform various data processing. A hard disk (HD) 12 stores various application software and the like.

In the printer 1500, reference numeral 13 denotes a printer CPU (CPU).
M (Program ROM) or a control program stored in the external memory 21 or the like, comprehensively controls access to various devices connected to the system bus 15, and controls the printing unit interface 16. An image signal as output information is output to a printing unit (printer engine) 17 connected via the printer. The program ROM of the ROM 14 includes a CPU 1 as shown in the flowcharts of FIGS.
3 and the like are stored.

The font ROM (Font) of the ROM 14
ROM) stores font data and the like used when generating the output information, and stores data in the ROM 14 for data.
In the case of a printer having no external memory 23 such as a hard disk in (DataROM), the host computer 3
000 is stored. CPU1
The communication unit 3 can communicate with the host computer 3000 via the input unit 18 and can notify the host computer 3000 of information in the printer 1500 and the like.

Reference numeral 19 denotes a RAM that functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the CPU 13, 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.

The external memory 21 such as a hard disk (HD), an IC card, etc.
Controls access. The external memory 21 is connected as an option, and stores font data, an emulation program, form data, and the like. Also,
Reference numeral 1501 denotes the above-described operation panel, on which switches for operation, an LED display, an LCD display, and the like are arranged.

The above-mentioned external memory is not limited to one. 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 do so. Further, a nonvolatile memory (NVRAM) 24 is provided, and the operation panel 15
Alternatively, the printer mode setting information from 01 may be stored.

In the printer control system configured as described above, the printer controller 1000 of the printer 1500 only transmits print data from the host.
It is intended to reduce the power consumption by performing refresh control of the reception buffer (secured on the RAM 19).

[First Embodiment] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a print control apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to, for example, a control unit of a laser printer.

In the figure, reference numeral 51 denotes a ROM, which is a printer control program, font data, IEEE P128
4 and the like.
A RAM 52 stores, for example, data received from the host computer 3000 shown in FIG. 4 and develops bitmap data.

Reference numeral 53 denotes a control unit (memory controller) for controlling the RAM 52.
W) Controller 53A and refresh controller 5
3B. Reference numeral 54 denotes a non-volatile memory (NV memory) for storing data of each setting of the printer.
It is.

A hard disk device 55 stores various font data and format data. 56 is a CPU
Controls the entire printer control unit. An operation panel I / F unit 57 controls I / O to the operation panel 58.

A double buffer 59 is used to transfer bit map data read from the RAM 52 at high speed. Reference numeral 60 denotes a parallel-serial conversion unit that converts data read in word units or byte units into serial data. Reference numeral 61 denotes a video interface logic circuit, which functions as an I / F circuit with the printer engine 62.

Reference numeral 63 denotes a host interface unit (host I)
/ F section), and includes a configuration register for making various settings of the printer 1500 from the host computer 3000, a status register for transmitting the status of the printer 1500 to the host computer 3000, and the like.

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

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print control apparatus for processing print information input from an information processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium (a predetermined interface or network) via a memory resource. A transition unit (host interface unit 63) that transitions a communication state with the information processing apparatus from online to offline or from offline to online based on a state; and the memory resource (based on the communication state transitioned by the transition unit). Control means (CPU 56 for suspending or resuming predetermined memory access to RAM 52)
The memory controller 53 controls the refresh access to the RAM 52 by executing the control program stored in the storage device 1 and changes the communication state with the information processing apparatus from online to offline or from offline to online based on the processing state of the print information. Since the memory controller 53 suspends or resumes a predetermined memory access to the RAM 52 based on the communication state transitioned by the host interface unit 63, the unnecessary power consumption for the memory resources while waiting for print information is unnecessary. Memory access can be reliably stopped.

According to the second aspect, based on the processing state of the print information, the communication state with the information processing apparatus is changed to the communication state by the host interface unit 63 for making a transition from online to offline or from offline to online. Memory controller 53 is based on RAM
Since the refresh cycle for the memory 52 is paused or restarted, unnecessary refresh memory access involving power consumption of memory resources can be reliably suspended while waiting for print information.

Hereinafter, the memory access control 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.
9 is a flowchart showing an example of a memory access processing procedure of FIG. Note that (1) to (10) indicate each step.

First, in step (1), the host computer 3000 determines whether or not printing by the printer 1500 is in an off-line (OFF-Line) state. In step (2), the host computer 3000
Is displayed on a display (for example, the CRT 10 shown in FIG. 4), and in step (3), the user sets the printer 1500 to the ON-Line state. In the next step (4), the printer 1500 (R
ready) state that the host computer 30
In step (5), the memory controller 53 as the DRAM control unit starts refresh control of the RAM 52. In step (4), the host computer 3000 confirms that the printer 1500 is ready, and then in step (6) the host computer 3000
The print data is sent to 0, and in step (7), the printer controller 1000 performs print processing.

Next, at step (8), the printer 1500
When printing of the last page of the print data is completed, the host computer 3 notifies that the printer is in an idle state.
000 (Bu Centronics I / F)
sy = low).

Next, when the user returns the printer 1500 to the off-line (OFF-Line) state in step (9), the memory controller 53 in the printer controller 1000 of the printer 1500 in step (10).
Stops the refresh operation of the RAM 52 composed of the DRAM.

Thus, after the printer 1500 and the host computer 3000 have transitioned from the online state to the offline state, the refresh operation for the RAM 52 is stopped, and the power saving state is set.

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

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in a memory access method of a print control apparatus for processing print information input from an information processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium via a memory resource, the print control method is based on a processing state of the print information. (Steps (3) and (9) in FIG. 6) for changing the communication state with the information processing apparatus from online to offline or from offline to online, and the memory resource based on the changed communication state. The CPU 56 executes a refresh step (steps (5) and (10) in FIG. 6) for pausing or resuming the refresh access to
By executing the control program stored in No. 1 and waiting for print information, unnecessary memory access involving power consumption of memory resources can be reliably stopped.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage medium storing a program used by a computer for processing, via a memory resource, print information input from an information processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium. A transition step (steps (3) and (9) in FIG. 6) for transitioning a communication state with the information processing apparatus from online to offline or from offline to online based on a processing state; A computer-readable program including a refresh step (steps (5) and (10) in FIG. 6) for suspending or resuming the refresh access to the memory resource. That is, when the CPU 56
The embodiment of the present invention also includes a mode in which a program code corresponding to the process shown in FIG. 6 is stored in the OM 51 or a memory resource (not shown), and the CPU 56 reads out and executes the program code from a storage medium storing the program code.

[Second Embodiment] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a print control apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to, for example, a control unit of a laser printer. Note that the same components as those in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, reference numeral 51A denotes a ROM, which is a printer control program, font data, IEEE "P1
284 "is stored. 63A
Is a host interface unit (host I / F unit), and IE
An RLE encode / decode unit for controlling various protocols of the EEP1284, a configuration register (config.reg) for performing various settings of the printer 1500 from the host computer 3000,
The status of the printer 1500 to the host computer 3
000 for the status register (Status
s reg. ) Etc. are included.

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

According to a third aspect of the present invention, an information processing apparatus transmits a predetermined communication medium (a high-speed parallel interface, for example, an interface having an IEEE P1284 mode).
Print information input via the memory resource (RAM5
2) a print control device that processes a predetermined communication mode for the communication medium from the first mode to the second mode or from the second mode to the first mode based on the processing state of the print information. Transition means (host interface unit 63A) for transitioning to a mode, and control means for suspending or resuming predetermined memory access to the memory resource based on the communication mode transitioned by the transition means (CPU 56 is stored in ROM 51A). By executing the control program, the memory controller 53
And a predetermined communication mode for the high-speed parallel interface from the first mode (P1284 mode) to the second mode (compatibility mode) or the second mode (compatible mode) based on the processing state of the print information. Since the memory controller 53 suspends or resumes a predetermined memory access to the RAM 52 based on the communication mode transitioned by the transition unit that transitions from the second mode to the first mode, the communication mode has entered the print information standby mode. At this time, unnecessary memory access involving power consumption for the memory resources can be reliably stopped.

According to a fourth aspect, a predetermined communication mode for the high-speed parallel interface is changed from the first mode to the second mode or from the second mode to the first mode based on the processing state of the print information. Since the memory controller 53 suspends or resumes the refresh access to the RAM 52 based on the communication mode which is changed by the changing unit, unnecessary refresh accompanied by power consumption for memory resources when entering the communication mode for waiting for print information is performed. Access can be reliably stopped.

Hereinafter, the memory access control 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.
9 is a flowchart showing an example of a memory access processing procedure of FIG. Note that (1) to (9) indicate each step.

First, in step (1), the host computer 3000 sends the P1284
Whether the mode is in the active state is checked via the host interface unit 63A, and when it is determined that the mode is in the inactive state, the host computer 3000 proceeds to step (2).
The P1284 mode is changed to the active state by performing negotiation.

On the other hand, in step (1), P1284 m
If the mode is determined to be in the active state, the printer 1500 notifies the host computer 3000 of the ready state in step (3), and in step (4), the memory controller 5 serving as a DRAM control unit
3 starts the refresh operation of the RAM 52. Also,
After confirming that the printer 1500 is ready in step (4), the host computer 3000 sends print data to the printer 1500 in step (5), and the printer 1500 performs print processing in step (6).

Next, in step (7), the printer 1500
Finishes printing the last page of the print data, and in step (8), forward idle (Forward Id)
le) The host computer 3000 indicates that the state has been changed.
And the host computer 3000 again performs negotiation (Negotiation) to perform the compatibility mode (Compatibility mode).
Transitions to.

Next, at step (9), the printer 1500
If the side has shifted to the compatibility mode, the DRAM control unit in the printer controller 1000, that is, the memory controller 53 stops the refresh operation of the RAM 52 composed of a DRAM or the like, and ends the processing.

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

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a memory access method of a print control apparatus for processing print information input from an information processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium via a memory resource. (Steps (2) and (8) in FIG. 8) in which a predetermined communication mode for the communication medium is changed from a first mode to a second mode or from the second mode to the first mode. ,
The CPU 56 executes a control program stored in the ROM 51A, including a refresh step (steps (4) and (9) in FIG. 8) for suspending or resuming a refresh access to the memory resource based on the communication mode to which the transition is made. Then, when entering the communication mode for waiting for print information, unnecessary memory access involving power consumption of memory resources can be reliably stopped.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage medium storing a program used by a computer for processing, via a memory resource, print information input from an information processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium. A transition step of transitioning a predetermined communication mode for the communication medium from the first mode to the second mode or from the second mode to the first mode based on the processing state (steps (2) and (2) in FIG. 8) 8)) and a refreshing step (steps (4) and (9) in FIG. 8) for suspending or resuming refresh access to the memory resource based on the communication mode to be transitioned. A program that can be stored in a storage medium.
That is, the embodiment of the present invention includes an embodiment in which the CPU 56 stores the program code corresponding to the process shown in FIG. 8 in the ROM 51A or a memory resource (not shown), and the CPU 56 reads out and executes the program code from a storage medium storing the program code. Things.

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. 9 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.

Although not shown, information for managing a group of programs stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, a creator, etc. is also stored, and information dependent on the OS or the like on the program reading side, for example, a program is stored in the storage medium. 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.

The functions shown in FIGS. 6 and 8 in this embodiment may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. And in that case, CD-ROM, flash memory, FD
The present invention is applicable even when a group of information including a program is supplied to an output device from a storage medium such as the above or from an external storage medium via a network.

As described above, the storage medium storing the program code 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.

Examples of a storage medium for supplying the program code include a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, and 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 instructions 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.

[0088]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the invention, the control unit is configured to control the communication unit with the information processing apparatus based on the communication state transitioned by the transition unit that transits from online to offline or from offline to online based on the processing state of the print information. Since the predetermined memory access to the memory resource is suspended or resumed, unnecessary memory access involving power consumption to the memory resource can be reliably suspended while waiting for print information.

According to the second aspect, based on the processing state of the print information, the state of the communication with the information processing apparatus is changed based on the communication state by the transition unit that changes from online to offline or from offline to online. Since the control unit suspends or restarts the refresh cycle for the memory resource, unnecessary refresh memory access involving power consumption for the memory resource can be reliably suspended while waiting for print information.

According to the third invention, the predetermined communication mode for the communication medium is changed from the first mode to the second mode or from the second mode to the first mode based on the processing state of the print information. The control unit suspends or resumes a predetermined memory access to the memory resource based on the communication mode transitioned by the transition unit. Unnecessary memory access associated with can be reliably stopped.

According to the fourth aspect, the predetermined communication mode for the communication medium is changed from the first mode to the second mode or from the second mode to the first mode based on the processing state of the print information. The control unit suspends or resumes the refresh access to the memory resource based on the communication mode transitioned by the transition unit that transits to the mode. Unnecessary refresh access can be reliably suspended.

According to the fifth and seventh aspects, the communication state with the information processing apparatus is changed from online to offline or from offline to online based on the processing state of the print information. , The refresh access to the memory resource is suspended or resumed, so that unnecessary memory access involving power consumption to the memory resource can be reliably suspended while waiting for print information.

According to the sixth and eighth aspects, the predetermined communication mode for the communication medium is changed from the first mode to the second mode or the second mode based on the processing state of the print information.
Mode to the first mode, and refresh access to the memory resource is suspended or resumed based on the transitioned communication mode. Therefore, when entering the communication mode of waiting for print information, Unnecessary memory access involving power consumption can be reliably stopped.

Therefore, while waiting for print information, refresh access to the memory resources is surely suspended, unnecessary power consumption is reduced, and the power consumption of the entire system can be greatly reduced. .

[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 printing system to which a print control device according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a print control apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

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

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a print control apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

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

FIG. 9 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.

[Explanation of symbols]

 52 RAM 53 Memory controller 53A R / W controller 53B Refresh controller 56 CPU 63 Host interface unit

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A print control apparatus for processing print information input from an information processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium via a memory resource, wherein the communication with the information processing apparatus is performed based on a processing state of the print information. A transition unit for changing a state from online to offline or from offline to online, and a control unit for suspending or resuming a predetermined memory access to the memory resource based on the communication state transitioned by the transition unit are provided. Printing control device. 2. The printing control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined memory access is a refresh cycle for the memory resource. 3. A print control apparatus for processing, via a memory resource, print information input from an information processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, wherein a predetermined communication with the communication medium is performed based on a processing state of the print information. Transition means for transitioning a mode from a first mode to a second mode or from the second mode to the first mode; and a predetermined memory for the memory resource based on the communication mode transitioned by the transition means A print control device comprising a control unit for suspending or resuming access. 4. The print control device according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined memory access is a refresh cycle for the memory resource. 5. A memory access method for a print control device for processing print information input from an information processing device via a predetermined communication medium via a memory resource, wherein the information processing is performed based on a processing state of the print information. A transition step of transitioning a communication state with the device from online to offline or from offline to online; and a refresh step of suspending or resuming refresh access to the memory resource based on the transitioned communication state. Memory access method of the print control device to be executed. 6. A memory access method for a print control device for processing, via a memory resource, print information input from an information processing device via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the communication medium is based on a processing state of the print information. Transitioning a predetermined communication mode from the first mode to the second mode or from the second mode to the first mode, and refresh access to the memory resource based on the transitioned communication mode. And a refresh step for suspending or resuming printing. 7. A storage medium storing a program used by a computer for processing, via a memory resource, print information input from an information processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, based on a processing state of the print information. A transition step of transitioning a communication state with the information processing apparatus from online to offline or from offline to online, and a refresh step of suspending or resuming refresh access to the memory resource based on the transitioned communication state. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program. 8. A storage medium storing a program used by a computer for processing, via a memory resource, print information input from an information processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, based on a processing state of the print information. Transitioning a predetermined communication mode for the communication medium from a first mode to a second mode or from the second mode to the first mode, and the memory based on the transitioned communication mode. A storage step for storing a computer-readable program, comprising: a refresh step of suspending or resuming refresh access to a resource.