JPH1086460A - Printing apparatus, data processing method therefor, and memory medium stored with program readable by computer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To alter the order of selecting analyzing resources to be stored in an external memory means for analyzing inputted printing information by a simple operation of mounting the external memory means at a position desired by a user. SOLUTION: When a CPU 12 stores recognizing information for recognizing analyzing resources read out from detected mounted external memory means on a RAM 19 according to the priority so as to successively judge whether or not printing data selected from inputted printing information can be analyzed with the analyzing resources stored in the external memory means by referring to the analyzing resources stored according to the priority, the analyzing resource judged to be most analyzable is selected from any of the external memory means based on the recognizing information.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an external storage device connected to a main body, analysis resources stored in the external storage device, analysis resources downloaded from an information processing device, or stored in an internal storage device. The present invention relates to a printing apparatus for analyzing print data inputted by selecting an analysis resource, a data processing method of the printing apparatus, and a storage medium storing a computer-readable program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a printing apparatus in which a plurality of external storage devices are connected to a main body and operated in accordance with a program stored in the external storage device, a storage device in which one of the plurality of external storage devices is stored. The priorities for running programs that were running were fixed.

[0003]

Therefore, the user cannot arbitrarily change the priority order of the programs stored in the external storage device, and cannot prepare an environment in which the program intended by the user is preferentially executed. There was a problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the first to twelfth inventions according to the present invention is to provide a method for analyzing a plurality of input print information. By changing the mounting position of the external storage unit to which the user attaches the analysis resource selection order, or by changing the priority order of the analysis resource to be downloaded or the internal analysis resource, the external storage unit is placed at the position intended by the user. With the simple operation of mounting the print information, the selection order of each analysis resource stored in the external storage means for analyzing the input print information and / or the analysis resource downloaded from the host, and the internal resources stored in advance Printing apparatus capable of freely changing priority of analysis resources, data processing method of printing apparatus, and computer-readable program To provide a storage medium storing the beam.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of mounting means for mounting external storage means for storing analysis resources for analyzing print information input from an information processing apparatus to a printing apparatus main body. Detecting means for detecting the mounting state of the external storage means with respect to each mounting means in accordance with the analysis resource reading priority assigned according to the mounting position of each mounting means; and each external storage of the mounting state detected by the detecting means Storage means for storing identification information for identifying each analysis resource read from the means in accordance with the priority order, and print data extracted from the input print information with reference to each identification information stored in accordance with the priority order Determining means for sequentially determining whether analysis can be performed by each analysis resource stored in each external storage means, and determining that analysis is possible first by the determination means. And it has a selecting means for selecting from the external storage unit based on the has been analyzed resource to the identification information.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, when the selection means determines that there is no analysis resource that can be analyzed by the determination means, the analysis resource with the highest priority stored in the storage means is determined. It is selected from external storage means based on the identification information.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, when the selection means determines that there is no analysis resource that can be analyzed by the determination means, the analysis resource having the lowest priority stored in the storage means is determined. It is selected from external storage means based on the identification information.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a first storage means for storing an internal analysis resource for analyzing print information input from an information processing apparatus, and analyzing print information input from the information processing apparatus. A plurality of mounting means for mounting the external storage means for storing external analysis resources to the printing apparatus main body, and the mounting state of the external storage means for each mounting means in accordance with the analysis resource reading priority assigned according to the mounting position of each mounting means , Second identification information for identifying each external analysis resource read from each external storage unit in the mounted state detected by the detection unit, and an internal memory stored in the first storage unit. A second storing the first identification information for identifying the analysis resource according to the priority order;
Storage means, each analysis resource stored in each external storage means by referring to each piece of identification information stored in the print data extracted from the input print information according to the priority order, and the first storage means Determining means for sequentially determining whether or not the analysis can be performed by the internal analysis resources stored in the storage means; and externally storing the analysis resources determined to be able to be analyzed first by the determination means based on the first and second identification information. Means or a selection means for selecting from the first storage means.

In a fifth aspect according to the present invention, the second storage means assigns the lowest analysis resource readout priority to the internal analysis resources stored in the first storage means and performs the first identification. This is for storing information.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a download means for downloading, from the information processing apparatus, a first analysis resource for analyzing print information input from the information processing apparatus, and A first storage unit for storing a first analysis resource, and a plurality of mounting units for mounting an external storage unit for storing a second analysis resource for analyzing print information input from the information processing apparatus to the main body of the printing apparatus; Detecting means for detecting the mounting state of the external storage means with respect to each mounting means according to the analysis resource reading priority assigned according to the mounting position of each mounting means,
The second identification information for identifying each second analysis resource read from each external storage unit in the mounted state detected by the detection unit and the first analysis resource stored in the first storage unit are stored. Second storage means for storing first identification information for identification in accordance with the priority, and print data extracted from the input print information as second identification information stored in accordance with the priority; Determining means for sequentially referring to the first identification information to determine whether each of the second analysis resources stored in each external storage means and the first analysis resource stored in the first storage means can be analyzed; And a selecting means for selecting, from the external storage means or the first storage means, an analysis resource determined to be firstly analyzed by the determination means based on the first and second identification information. That.

In a seventh aspect according to the present invention, the second storage means assigns the highest analysis resource reading priority to the first analysis resource stored in the first storage means, and Is stored.

In an eighth aspect according to the present invention, the second storage means assigns the lowest analysis resource reading priority to the first analysis resource stored in the first storage means, and Is stored.

A ninth invention according to the present invention has resetting means for resetting the priority assigned to the second storage means each time the download means downloads the first analysis resource. Things.

In a tenth invention according to the present invention, the resetting means sets the most of the plurality of first analysis resources already downloaded to the first analysis resource downloaded latest by the download means. Assign a lower priority.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing apparatus comprising a plurality of mounting means for mounting external storage means for storing analysis resources for analyzing print information input from an information processing apparatus to a printing apparatus main body. In the processing method, a detecting step of detecting a mounting state of the external storage means with respect to each mounting means in accordance with an analysis resource readout priority assigned according to a mounting position of each mounting means, and each external storage means of the detected mounting state A registration step of registering identification information for identifying each analysis resource read out from the memory in accordance with the priority order; and printing data extracted from the input print information and storing each identification information stored in accordance with the priority order. A determining step of sequentially determining whether or not analysis can be performed by each analysis resource stored in each external storage means with reference to the determination means; Possible and the determined analyzed resources based on the identification information is one having a selection step of selecting from the external storage unit.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing apparatus having a plurality of mounting means for mounting, in a printing apparatus main body, an external storage means for storing analysis resources for analyzing print information input from an information processing apparatus. A detecting step of detecting a mounting state of the external storage means with respect to each mounting means in accordance with an analysis resource reading priority assigned according to a mounting position of each mounting means, in a storage medium storing a program used in a computer to be used. A registration step of registering identification information for identifying each analysis resource read from each external storage unit in the detected mounted state in the memory according to the priority, and printing data extracted from the input print information; Whether analysis can be performed by each analysis resource stored in each external storage means by referring to each identification information stored according to the priority order A storage medium storing a computer-readable program, comprising: a determination step of sequentially determining; and a selection step of selecting, from an external storage unit, an analysis resource determined to be first analyzed by the determination based on the identification information. Is stored in.

[0017]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Before describing an embodiment of the present invention, a preferred configuration of a laser beam printer and an ink jet printer to which the present embodiment is applied 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 sectional view for explaining the configuration of an 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 1000 denotes an LBP main body, which inputs and stores print information (character codes and the like) form information or macro instructions supplied from an externally connected host computer, and according to 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 1001 denotes a printer control unit.
It analyzes the control of the entire P body 1000 and character information supplied from the host computer 3000 described later.
The printer control unit 1001 mainly converts character information into a video signal of a corresponding character pattern and outputs the video signal to the laser driver 1002. The laser driver 1002 is
The laser light 1004 emitted from the semiconductor laser 1003 is driven to be switched on / off in accordance with the input video signal. The laser beam 1004 is swung right and left by a rotating polygon mirror (polygon mirror) 1005 to form an electrostatic drum 1006.
The upper side is exposed by scanning. As a result, an electrostatic latent image of a character pattern is formed on the electrostatic drum 1006.
This latent image is developed by a developing unit 1007 disposed around the electrostatic drum 1006 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 1008 mounted on the LBP main body 1000, and is taken into the apparatus by a paper feed roller 1009, a transport roller 1010, and a transport roller 1011. And supplied to the electrostatic drum 1006.
The LBP main body 1000 has a plurality of card slots (not shown) so that an optional font card and a control card (emulation card) having a different language system can be connected in addition to the built-in font. 10
An operation panel 12 includes switches for operation and LE.
A D display and the like are provided.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining a control configuration of a printing system including the printing apparatus according to the present invention.
The same components as those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals. Note that, as long as the functions of the present invention are executed, the present invention is applicable to a single device, a system including a plurality of devices, and a system in which processing is performed via a network such as a LAN. It goes without saying that the invention can be applied.

In the figure, reference numeral 3000 denotes a host computer having a control unit 2000 therein. Control unit 2000
Is the program ROM of the ROM 3 (program RO
M) based on the document processing program and the like stored in M), and a CPU 1 for executing document processing in which graphics, images, characters, tables (including spreadsheets and the like) are mixed, and a system bus 4
The CPU 1 generally controls each device connected to. The ROM 3 for the program in the ROM 3 has C
The control program executed by the PU 1 is stored in the ROM 3.
A font ROM (font ROM) stores font data and the like used in the above document processing.
The data ROM (data ROM) stores various data used when performing the 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. Reference numeral 5 denotes a keyboard controller (KBC) for controlling key input from a keyboard (KB) 9 or a pointing device (not shown). Reference numeral 6 denotes a CRT controller (CRTC) which controls display on a CRT display (CRT) 10. Reference numeral 7 denotes a memory controller (MC) which 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.

8 is a printer controller (PRTC)
A predetermined bidirectional interface (interface)
The communication device 21 is connected to the printer 1000 via the printer 21 and executes communication control processing with the printer 1000. Note that the CPU 1
Executes a rasterization process of an outline font on a display information RAM set on the RAM 2, for example, to enable WYSIWYG on the CRT 10. Further, the CPU 1 opens various registered windows based on commands specified by a mouse cursor or the like (not shown) on the CRT 10 and executes various data processing.

In the printer 1000, reference numeral 12 denotes a printer CPU (CPU), which
M (program ROM) or a control program stored in the external memory 14 to control access to various devices connected to the system bus 15 as a whole. Unit (printer engine) 1 connected via
7 outputs an image signal as output information.

The program RO of the ROM 13
M stores a control program of the CPU 12 and the like as shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 to 6 and FIGS. 8 to 13. ROM 13 for fonts (font RO
M) stores font data and the like used when the output information is generated. In the case of a printer having no external memory 14 such as a hard disk in a data ROM (data ROM) of the ROM 13, the host computer 3000 is used. And the like used in.

The CPU 12 is capable of communicating with the host computer 3000 via the input unit 18.
The information and the like in the printer 1000 are transferred to the host computer 30.
00 is configured to be notified. 19 is a RAM, C
It functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the PU 12, and is configured so that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an additional port (not shown).

The RAM 19 has an output information development area,
Used for environmental data storage area, NVRAM, and the like. The access to the external memory 14 such as a hard disk (HD) and an IC card is controlled by a memory controller (MC) 20. The external memory 14 is connected as an option, and stores font data, an emulation program, form data, and the like.

Reference numeral 1012 denotes the above-described operation panel (operation unit)
A switch for operation, an LED display, and the like are provided. In addition, the number of the external memories described above is not limited to one.
At least one or more may be provided so that a plurality of external memories storing an optional font card and a program for interpreting a printer control language of a different language system can be connected in addition to the built-in fonts. Further, an NVRAM (not shown) may be provided to store printer mode setting information from the operation panel 1012.

The printer 1000 has a plurality of card slots 1013. A ROM card, a flash ROM card, or the like can be connected to the card slot 1013, and a control card (emulation card) or an option card having a different language can be connected and used.

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

The first invention is an emulator that converts print information input from an information processing apparatus (host computer 3000) into print data that can be interpreted by a printing apparatus. A plurality of mounting means (card slot 1) for mounting an external storage means for storing a predetermined page description language in the printing apparatus main body.
013) and a detecting means (CPU for detecting the mounting state of the external storage means with respect to each mounting means in accordance with the analysis resource reading priority assigned according to the mounting position of each mounting means)
12 executes the control program stored in the ROM 13 for detection) and identification information (for example, emulation described later) for identifying each analysis resource read from each external storage unit in the mounted state detected by the detection unit. (RA) according to the priority order.
A priority management table secured on M19 (stored in a priority management table T400 in FIG. 3 described later), and
Determining means for sequentially determining whether print data extracted from the input print information can be analyzed by each analysis resource stored in each external storage means with reference to each identification information stored in accordance with the priority order ( CPU 12 is ROM1
3 (for example, a part of the print data in the input print information is analyzed by each analysis resource, and the determination is made based on the analysis result). A selection unit (the CPU 12 executes and executes a control program stored in the ROM 13 to select an analysis resource determined to be parseable from the external storage unit based on the identification information). The identification information (emulation ID) for identifying each analysis resource read from each external storage means (for example, a memory card or the like) in the mounted state is stored on the RAM 19 in accordance with the priority order, and is extracted from the input print information. The print data can be analyzed by each analysis resource stored in each external storage unit with reference to each identification information stored according to the priority order. When the determination unit sequentially determines whether or not the analysis resource determined to be the first to be analyzed is selected from the external storage unit based on the identification information, the position at which the user mounts the external storage device is determined. Can be freely changed in the priority order of the analysis resources to be selected.

According to a second invention, when the CPU 12 determines that there is no analysis resource that can be analyzed, the analysis resource having the highest priority stored in the RAM 19 is selected from the external storage means based on the identification information. Therefore, even when all the analysis resources cannot be analyzed, it is possible to forcibly execute the analysis processing of the print information input by the analysis resource with the highest priority intended by the user.

According to a third aspect, when the CPU 12 determines that there is no analysis resource that can be analyzed, the analysis resource having the lowest priority stored in the RAM 19 is selected from the external storage means based on the identification information. Therefore, even when all the analysis resources cannot be analyzed, it is possible to forcibly execute the analysis processing of the print information input by the analysis resource of the lowest priority intended by the user.

The fourth invention is a host computer 300
A first internal analysis resource for analyzing print information input from 0 (an emulator that converts input print information into print data that can be interpreted by a printing apparatus and conforms to a predetermined page description language); Storage means (stored in a buffer secured on the RAM 19) and an external analysis resource for analyzing print information input from the information processing apparatus (conversion of input print information into print data interpretable by the printing apparatus) A plurality of mounting means (card slots 1013) for mounting external storage means for storing an emulator for processing and conforming to a predetermined page description language) to the printing apparatus main body, and are assigned according to the mounting positions of the respective mounting means. Detecting means for detecting the mounting state of the external storage means with respect to each mounting means in accordance with the analysis resource reading priority order (the CPU 12 reads the ROM 13
By executing the control program stored in the
Second identification information for identifying each external analysis resource read from each external storage means in the mounted state detected by the detection means, and second identification information for identifying the internal analysis resources stored in the first storage means. A second storage means for storing the first identification information in accordance with the priority order (stored in a priority management table (such as a priority management table T400 in FIG. 3 described later) secured in the RAM 19); The print data extracted from the print information is referred to the respective identification information stored in accordance with the priority order, and is analyzed by the respective analysis resources stored in the external storage means and the internal analysis resources stored in the first storage means. Determination means for sequentially determining whether or not analysis is possible (the CPU 12 executes a control program stored in the ROM 13 to determine (for example, a part of the input print information Print data is analyzed by each analysis resource and determined based on the analysis result), and the analysis resource determined to be firstly analyzed by the determination unit is stored in the external storage based on the first and second identification information. Means or first
Selection means for selecting from the storage means (CPU 12
13 by executing the control program stored in the memory 13)
The second identification information (emulation ID) for identifying each external analysis resource read from each external storage unit in the mounted state detected by the CPU 12 and the internal analysis resource stored in the RAM 19 are identified. The first identification information (emulation ID) for storing the print data extracted from the input print information is stored according to the priority order.
When the CPU 12 sequentially determines whether or not analysis is possible with each external analysis resource stored in each external storage means with reference to the second identification information and whether or not analysis is possible with the internal analysis resource stored in the RAM 19, Since the external analysis resource or the internal analysis resource determined to be the first to be analyzed is selected from the external storage means based on the identification information,
By rearranging the position where the user attaches the external storage device, the priority order of the external analysis resources and the internal analysis resources to be selected can be freely changed.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the second storage means (RA
M19) assigns the lowest analysis resource reading priority to the internal analysis resources stored in the first storage means and stores the first identification information. Therefore, even when the internal analysis resources are provided, the The selection order can be freely changed, and the analysis processing of the input print information can be performed by sequentially using the external analysis resources having the highest priority and the internal analysis resources which the user intentionally wears.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first analysis resource for analyzing print information input from an information processing apparatus (an emulator for converting input print information into print data which can be interpreted by a printing apparatus; Download means for downloading from the information processing apparatus, and a first storage means (RAM) for storing the first analysis resource downloaded by the download means.
19) and a second analysis resource for analyzing print information input from the information processing apparatus (an emulator that converts the input print information into print data that can be interpreted by the printing apparatus. And a plurality of mounting means (card slots 1013) for mounting external storage means for storing the same in the printing apparatus main body, and an external device for each mounting means in accordance with the analysis resource reading priority assigned according to the mounting position of each mounting means. Detecting means for detecting the mounted state of the storage means (detected by the CPU 12 executing the control program stored in the ROM 13) and each second read from each external storage means of the mounted state detected by the detecting means;
Second storage for storing the second identification information for identifying the first analysis resource and the first identification information for identifying the first analysis resource stored in the first storage means in accordance with the priority order Means (priority management table secured on RAM 19 (priority management table T400 in FIG. 3 described later)
And the like), and stores the print data extracted from the input print information in each external storage unit with reference to each of the second identification information and the first identification information stored according to the priority order. Each second analysis resource and the first
(A priority management table secured on the RAM 19 (such as a priority management table T400 in FIG. 4 described later) or the like) for sequentially determining whether analysis can be performed by the first analysis resource stored in the storage means. ), The analysis resource determined to be the earliest analyzed by the determination means is stored in the external storage means or the first storage means based on the first and second identification information.
Selection means for selecting from the storage means (CPU 12
13 by executing the control program stored in the memory 13)
And the second identification information for identifying each second analysis resource read from each external storage unit in the mounted state detected by the CPU 12 and the first analysis resource stored in the RAM 19. Identification information (emulation ID) is stored in accordance with the priority order, and print data extracted from input print information is referred to with reference to the first and second identification information stored in accordance with the priority order. When the determination means sequentially determines whether or not analysis is possible with each second analysis resource stored in each external storage means or whether or not analysis is possible with the first analysis resource stored in the first storage means, The CPU 12 selects the first analysis resource or the second analysis resource that is determined to be the earliest from the external storage unit or the second storage unit based on the identification information. In, you can change the priority order in which an analysis resources stored in the analysis resources and external storage means downloaded from an information processing apparatus such as a host computer the user intends freely.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, since the RAM 19 stores the first identification information by assigning the highest priority to the stored analysis resource reading priority for the stored first analysis resource, the RAM 19 includes the second analysis resource. However, the selection order of each analysis resource is freely changed, and the user sequentially selects from the downloaded first analysis resources intended by the user, that is, utilizes the first analysis resource downloaded later in time. The analysis processing of the print information inputted by the user can be performed.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, since the RAM 19 stores the first identification information by assigning the lowest analysis resource reading priority to the stored first analysis resource, the RAM 19 includes the second analysis resource. However, the order of selection of each analysis resource is freely changed and sequentially selected from the first analysis resources downloaded by the user, that is, the first analysis resource downloaded earlier in time is used. The analysis processing of the print information inputted by the user can be performed.

According to the ninth aspect, the CPU 12 resets the priority assigned to the card slot 1013 every time the CPU 12 downloads the first analysis resource. Of the analysis resource to be downloaded, and the analysis resource environment to be selected and set with the optimum priority for the first analysis resource to be downloaded can be freely changed.

According to the tenth aspect, the CPU 12 assigns the lowest priority among the plurality of first analysis resources that have already been downloaded to the most recently downloaded first analysis resource. Priority can be set for the first analysis resource downloaded from the host computer over the second analysis resource stored in the external storage means, and the first analysis resource downloaded earlier in time can be set. The lower analysis resources can be selected sequentially from the resources.

Hereinafter, the present invention is applied to the printer control system configured as described above.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the R shown in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a priority management table T400 secured on the AM 19, which is a table indicating what priority the printer control limit (emulation) has.

As shown in this figure, the priority management table T
400 includes two areas, a priority area T401 and an emulation ID area T402.

Here, the emulation ID area T40
The emulation ID in 2 is an identifier for managing the emulation, and the present invention can be applied as long as it can be distinguished from other emulations, such as an emulation number and an emulation name. In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which alphabets such as A, B,... Are used as emulation IDs. Hereinafter, FIG.
Referring to the flowchart shown in FIG.
0 determines what card is connected to the card slot 1013, constructs the contents of the priority management table T400 based on the result, and determines the priority of each emulation. Received, the priority management table T40
A process of sequentially inquiring each emulation as to whether or not operation is possible based on the content of 0 and finally determining the emulation to be operated will be described.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a first table construction processing procedure of the printing apparatus according to the present invention. The printer 1000 checks which card is connected to the card slot 1013, and as a result, , The contents of the priority management table T400 are constructed, thereby corresponding to the processing of determining the priority of each emulation. Note that (1) to (9) indicate each step.

In this embodiment, the printer 1000
Is provided with four card slots 1013, which are numbered "0", "1", "2", and "3", respectively. Then, the card slot 10 with a small number
The emulation in the control card connected to 13 is described as having a higher priority, but the present invention can be applied even if the priority is reversed or determined by another rule.

Further, in this embodiment, the control card storing the emulation A is connected to the “0” -th card slot 1013, and the “1” -th card slot 1013 is connected.
13, a control card storing emulation B is connected to the "2" card slot 1013, and a control card storing emulation B is connected to "3".
It is assumed that an optional font card which does not store the emulation is connected to the number card slot 1013.

First, in step (1) in FIG. 4, the priority is set to "0", which is the highest priority when starting the processing, and the process proceeds to step (2).

In step (2), the card slot 1013 to be focused upon starting the processing is set to “0”, and the process proceeds to step (3). In step (3), the “0” -th card slot 101 currently being watched
3 is checked, and if any card is connected, the process proceeds to step (4), and if not, the process proceeds to step (8).

In the step (4), the contents of the card connected to the "0" -th card slot 1013 of interest are examined, and if the emulation is stored in the card, the process proceeds to the step (5) to store the emulation. If not, proceed to step (8).

In step (5), the emulation ID of the emulation stored in the card connected to the currently focused "0" th card slot 1013 is read, and the flow advances to step (6). In the case of the present embodiment, since the control card storing the emulation A is connected to the card slot 1013 of the number “0”, the emulation ID “A” is used in this case.
Will be read.

In step (6), the emulation ID A read out in step (5) is written into the emulation ID area T402 of the appropriate priority in the priority management table T400 on the RAM 19 shown in FIG. Proceed to). In this case, step (1)
And the priority is “0”, the priority area T40
The emulation ID “A” is written into the emulation ID area T402 corresponding to the priority “0” of 1.

In step (7), since the processing for the current priority "0" has been completed so far, the priority is reduced by one to "1", and the process proceeds to step (8). In step (8), since the processing for the current “0” -th card slot 1013 has been completed, the card slot 1013 of interest is changed to “1”, and the process proceeds to step (9).

In step (9), it is checked whether or not the currently focused card slot 1013 actually exists. If there is, the process returns to step (3). If not, the process ends.

By performing this series of processing, the contents of the cards connected to all the card slots 1013 are checked, and a priority management table T400 according to the result can be constructed. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, emulation A is assigned to priority "0", emulation C is assigned to number "1", and emulation B is assigned to number "2".

The present invention can be applied at any time if this processing is performed, for example, immediately after power is turned on, before data is sent from the host computer 3000 and the data analysis must be performed by emulation. is there.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the first emulation determination processing procedure of the printing apparatus according to the present invention.
000 corresponds to the processing performed after receiving the print data. Note that (1) to (7) indicate each step.

First, when the printer 1000 receives the print data from the host computer 3000, the processing is started. In the first step (1), when the processing is started, the priority is "0", the highest priority value. And leave
Proceed to step (2).

In step (2), the contents of the priority management table T400 are checked, an emulation ID corresponding to the priority "0" is read from the emulation ID area T402, and the flow advances to step (3). In the case of the present embodiment, the value “A” is read as the emulation ID.

In step (3), emulation I
It is checked whether or not D has been read normally, and if it can be read, the process proceeds to step (4). If it cannot be read, the process ends.

In the step (4), a part of the data received from the host computer 3000 is passed to the emulation of the emulation ID read out in the step (2), and a response as to whether the received data can be processed by the emulation is sent. Receive from the emulation and go to step (5).

In step (5), if the response received in step (4) is "operation (processing) possible", the process proceeds to step (7), and if "operation (processing) is impossible", step (6). Proceed to.

In step (6), since the processing for the current priority "0" has been completed so far, the priority is reduced by one to "1", and the process returns to step (2).

On the other hand, in step (7), since the emulation replies that "operation (processing) is possible" in step (4), all data received from the host computer 3000 is passed to the emulation, and a printing operation and the like are sent to the emulation. Then, when the operation is completed, the entire process is completed.

By performing this series of processes, each emulation is sequentially inquired as to whether print data sent from the host computer 3000 can be processed according to a predetermined priority. It is possible to cause the emulation that replies that "operation (processing) is possible" to perform the printing process. As a result, the user can arbitrarily change the priority of the emulation to be operated by selecting the card slot 1013 to which the card storing the emulation is to be connected.

[Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment,
Although an example in which only one emulation is stored in one card has been described, a configuration in which a plurality of emulations are stored in one card may be used. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described.

In the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the printer 1000 has four card slots 1013, and the card slots are numbered "0", "1", "2",
It is assumed that the number is “3”. The emulation in the control card connected to the card slot 1013 with the smaller number will be described as having a higher priority, but the present invention is applicable even if the priority is reversed or determined by another rule. can do.

Further, in this embodiment, the control card storing the emulation A is connected to the “0” -th card slot 1013, and the “1” -th card slot 1013 is connected.
13 is connected to a control card storing a plurality of emulations, that is, emulation C and emulation D, and an optional font card storing emulation B is connected to a card slot 1013 of "3". It is assumed that an optional font card that does not store emulation is connected to the “2” th card slot 1013.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a second table construction processing procedure of the printing apparatus according to the present invention. The printer 1000 checks which card is connected to the card slot 1013, and as a result, The content of the priority management table T700 shown in FIG. 7 is constructed on the basis of the above, and this corresponds to the process of determining the priority of each emulation. Note that (1) to (11) indicate each step.

First, in step (1), when starting the process, the priority is set to "0", which is the highest priority, and the process proceeds to step (2). In step (2),
Card slot 1 of interest when starting the process
013 is set to “0”, and the process proceeds to step (3).

In step (3), the "0" -th card slot 1013 of interest is examined. If any card is connected, the process proceeds to step (4). If not, the process proceeds to step (10). move on.

On the other hand, in the step (4), when starting the processing for the “0” -th card slot 1013 that is currently focused on, it is stored that the first emulation is to be processed. And proceed to step (5).

In step (5), the contents connected to the currently focused "0" -th card slot 1013 are read, and it is checked whether the emulation to be processed is stored in the card. If so, the process proceeds to step (6); if not, the process proceeds to step (10). In the present embodiment, in the first case, the control card storing the emulation A is connected to the “0” -th card slot 1013, so that the process proceeds to step (6).

In the step (6), the emulation ID of the emulation to be processed in the emulation stored in the card connected to the "0" -th card slot 1013 of interest is read out, and the step (7) is executed. Proceed to. In the case of this embodiment,
A control card storing only one emulation A is connected to the card slot 1013 of the “0” number, and the first emulation to be processed is the first emulation. Therefore, in the first case, the emulation ID “A” is assigned. Will be read.

In step (7), the emulation ID “A” read out in step (6) is written into the emulation ID area T702 of the appropriate priority in the priority management table T700 shown in FIG. 7, and the process proceeds to step (8). move on. In this case, since the priority is set to “0” in step (1), the emulation ID “A” is written into the emulation ID area T702 corresponding to the priority “0” in the priority area T701. .

In step (8), since the processing for the current priority "0" has been completed so far, the priority is reduced by one to "1", and the process proceeds to step (9).

In step (9), since the processing for the emulation currently being processed has been completed so far, the second emulation is stored as the processing object to be processed, and the process returns to step (5). By repeating the series of processing from step (5) to step (9), it is possible to perform processing for all the plurality of emulations stored in one card.

In the step (10), since the processing for the current “0” -th card slot 1013 has been completed, the card slot 1013 of interest is changed to the “1”, and the process proceeds to the step (11). Step (11)
Then, it is checked whether or not the currently focused card slot 1013 actually exists.
The process returns to the step, and if not, the process is terminated.

By performing this series of processing, the contents of the cards connected to all the card slots 1013 are checked, and even if a plurality of emulations are stored in one card, priority management according to the result is performed. Table T7
00 can be constructed. In the case of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, emulation A is assigned to priority "0", emulation C is assigned to "1", emulation D is assigned to "2", and emulation D is assigned to "3". B will be assigned respectively.

The present invention can be applied at any time before the data is sent from the host computer 3000 and the data analysis must be performed by the emulation, such as immediately after the power is turned on. It is.

[Third Embodiment] In the first and second embodiments, after the printer 1000 receives the print data, the printer 1000 sequentially inquires each emulation as to whether or not operation is possible based on the contents of the priority management table. The processing up to the determination of the emulation that operates dynamically has been described. In particular, the case where all the emulations respond that “operation (processing) is impossible” and terminates the entire processing without performing any processing on the print data has been described. If the response "operation (processing) is impossible" is made, the emulation having the highest priority may be forcibly operated. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a second emulation determination processing procedure of the printing apparatus according to the present invention. After the printer 1000 receives the print data, it sequentially executes the processing based on the contents of the priority management table. Each emulation is inquired as to whether or not operation is possible. As a result, all emulations return "operation (processing) is impossible". Therefore, processing is performed until the emulation with the highest priority is forcibly operated. (1) to (12)
Indicates each step.

First, when the printer 1000 receives the print data from the host computer 3000, the processing starts. In the first step (1), the priority is set to "0", which is the highest priority, when starting the processing. In advance,
Proceed to step (2).

In step (2), the contents of the priority management table T400 are checked, an emulation ID corresponding to the priority "0" is read from the emulation ID area T402, and the flow advances to step (3). In the case of the present embodiment, the value “A” is read as the emulation ID.

In step (3), emulation I
It is checked whether D can be read normally, and if it can be read, the process proceeds to step (4). If not, the process proceeds to step (7).

In the step (4), a part of the data received from the host computer 3000 is transferred to the emulation of the emulation ID read in the step (2), and a reply as to whether or not the received data can be processed by the emulation is sent. Receive from the emulation and go to step (5).

In step (5), if the response received in step (4) is "operation (processing) possible", the process proceeds to step (12), and if "operation (processing) is impossible", step (6). Proceed to.

In step (6), since the processing for the current priority "0" has been completed, the priority is reduced by one to "1", and the process returns to step (2).

On the other hand, in step (12), the emulation replies that "operation (processing) is possible" in step (4), and the emulation is caused to perform a printing operation and the like, and when the operation is completed, the entire processing is terminated. I do.

If all the emulations reply that "operation (processing) is impossible", the process finally proceeds to step (7).

In step (7), the highest priority is "0" at the start of a new process, apart from the priority to be used in the series of processes from step (1) to step (6). After that, the process proceeds to step (8).

In step (8), the contents of the priority management table T400 are checked, an emulation ID corresponding to the priority "0" is read from the emulation ID area T402, and the flow advances to step (9). In the case of the present embodiment, the value A is read as the emulation ID.

In step (9), emulation I
It is checked whether D can be read normally, and if it can be read, the process proceeds to step (12). If it cannot be read, the process proceeds to step (10).

In step (12), all the data received from the host computer 3000 is transferred to the emulation having the emulation ID read out in step (8), and the emulation performs a printing operation or the like. The process ends.

In step (10), the processing for the current priority "0" has been completed so far, so the priority is reduced by one to "1", and the process proceeds to step (11).

In step (11), the priority used in the series of processing from step (1) to step (6) is compared with the priority currently used, and the priority currently used is compared. Is higher (the numerical value indicating the priority is smaller) than the priority used in the series of processes up to step (1) and step (6), the process returns to step (8), otherwise (priority) When the degrees are the same), the processing is terminated.

By performing this series of processing, each emulation is sequentially inquired according to a predetermined priority as to whether or not the print data sent from the host computer 3000 can be processed. Replies that “operation (processing) is impossible”, it is possible to forcibly operate the emulation with the highest priority to perform the printing process.
As a result, by selecting which card slot 1013 the card storing the emulation is connected to, the user can arbitrarily change the priority of the emulation that operates. Furthermore, even if all the emulations respond that "operation (processing) is impossible", the user selects the card slot 1013 to which the card storing the emulation is to be connected, so that the emulation forcibly operating the emulation is performed. It can be specified arbitrarily.

[Fourth Embodiment] In the third embodiment,
After the printer 1000 receives the print data, it sequentially inquires of the emulation based on the contents of the priority management table as to whether or not operation is possible. If all emulations return "operation (processing) impossible", the highest priority is given. The example of forcibly operating a high-level emulation has been described, but all emulations are "operation (processing)
If a reply "impossible" is returned, the emulation with the lowest priority may be forcibly operated. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the third emulation determination processing procedure of the printing apparatus according to the present invention. After the printer 1000 receives the print data, it sequentially executes based on the contents of the priority management table. Each emulation is inquired as to whether or not operation is possible, and as a result, all the emulations respond that "operation (processing) is impossible". Therefore, the processing up to forcibly operating the emulation with the lowest priority is performed. (1) to (11)
Indicates each step.

First, when the printer 1000 receives the print data from the host computer 3000, the processing is started. In the first step (1), when the processing is started, the priority is "0", the highest priority value. And leave
Proceed to step (2).

In step (2), the contents of the priority management table T400 are checked, and an emulation ID corresponding to the priority "0" is read from the emulation ID area T402, and the flow advances to step (3). In this embodiment,
The value "A" is read as the emulation ID.

In step (3), emulation I
It is checked whether D can be read normally, and if it can be read, the process proceeds to step (4). If not, the process proceeds to step (7).

In the step (4), a part of the data received from the host computer 3000 is passed to the emulation of the emulation ID read in the step (2), and a reply as to whether or not the received data can be processed by the emulation is sent. Receive from the emulation and go to step (5).

In step (5), if the response received in step (4) is "operation (processing) possible", the process proceeds to step (11), and if "operation (processing) is impossible", step (6). Proceed to.

In step (6), since the processing for the current priority "0" has been completed, the priority is reduced by one to "1", and the process returns to step (2).

On the other hand, in step (11), since the emulation replies that "operation (processing) is possible" in step (4), all data received from the host computer 3000 is passed to the emulation, and a printing operation and the like are sent to the emulation. Then, when the operation is completed, the entire process is completed.

If all the emulations reply that "operation (processing) is impossible", the process finally proceeds to (7).

In step (7), the current priority value is decreased by one, that is, the priority is increased by one, and the process proceeds to step (8). In step (8), the value of the current priority is checked. If the value is equal to or greater than "0" (if the priority is lower than "0" and "0"), the process proceeds to step (9) and "0"
If it is smaller (if the priority is higher than "0"), the process is terminated.

In step (9), the contents of the priority management table T400 are checked, an emulation ID corresponding to the priority "0" is read from the emulation ID area T402, and the flow advances to step (10). Step (1
In step (0), it is checked whether the emulation ID has been normally read. If the emulation ID has been successfully read, the process proceeds to step (11). If not, the process returns to step (7).

In step (11), all data received from the host computer 3000 is passed to the emulation having the emulation ID read in step (9), and the emulation performs a printing operation and the like.
When the operation is completed, the entire process ends.

By performing this series of processing, each emulation is sequentially inquired in accordance with a predetermined priority to determine whether the print data sent from the host computer 3000 can be processed. When the response "operation (processing) is impossible" is returned, the emulation having the lowest priority can be forcibly operated to perform the printing process.

As a result, by selecting which card slot 1013 the card storing the emulation is connected to, the user can arbitrarily change the priority of the operating emulation. Furthermore, even if all the emulations respond that "operation (processing) is impossible", the user selects the card slot 1013 to which the card storing the emulation is to be connected, so that the emulation forcibly operating the emulation is performed. It can be specified arbitrarily.

[Fifth Embodiment] In each of the above embodiments, a case has been described where emulation stored in a card connected to the card slot 1013 of the printer 1000 is processed in accordance with the priority of the card slot.
An emulator may also be stored inside the printer 1000. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, the printer 1000
The emulator stored inside is, for example, ROM1
3 as an example.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a third table construction processing procedure of the printing apparatus according to the present invention. In the priority management table T400 which has already been created for the emulator stored in the card, the printer 1
000 corresponds to the process of adding the priority of the emulator stored inside the 000. Note that (1) to (4) show each step.

First, in step (1), the ROM 13 is searched to see if there is any emulation that has not been processed yet, and if so, the process proceeds to step (2). If not, the process ends. .

In step (2), the emulation ID of one of the unprocessed emulations is read, and the flow advances to step (3).

In the step (3), the emulation ID read in the step (2) is stored in the priority management table T.
Emulation ID area T of 400 appropriate priority
Write to 402 and proceed to step (4). Note that this processing is started after the “end” of the processing shown in FIG.
Writing is started from a portion corresponding to the next priority of the emulation ID written in the area T402.

In step (4), since the processing for the current priority has been completed, the priority is lowered by one.
Return to step (1). Then, a series of processing from step (1) to step (4) is repeated until there is no emulation to be processed from inside the ROM 13, and as a result, an appropriate priority can be assigned to all the emulations stored in the ROM 13.

By controlling as described above, the operation priority of the emulator stored in an external storage device such as a card can be set higher than the emulator built in the printer 1000 from the beginning.

[Sixth Embodiment] In the fifth embodiment,
Emulator and printer 10 stored in a card connected to card slot 1013 of printer 1000
Although the case where the emulator stored in the ROM 13 inside the 00 is processed in accordance with the priority order of the card slot has been described, the emulator downloaded from the host computer 3000 may be assigned a priority. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the fourth table construction processing procedure of the printing apparatus according to the present invention. The priority management table T400 which has already been created for the emulator stored in the card is stored in the host computer. This corresponds to the process of adding the priority of the emulator downloaded from 3000. In addition, (1)-
(3) shows each step.

First, when the emulation is downloaded from the host computer 3000, the priorities of all the emulators written in the priority management table T401 are lowered by one in step (1), and the process proceeds to step (2). move on.

In step (2), the priority is set to "0", which is the highest priority when starting the processing, and the process proceeds to step (3).

In step (3), the emulation ID of the downloaded emulation is stored in the priority management table T400.
The data is written in the D area T402, and the process ends. In this case, the emulation I is stored in the area corresponding to the priority “0”.
D will be written.

By performing this series of processing, the highest operation priority can always be given to the emulation downloaded from the host computer 3000. Furthermore, a higher operation priority can be given to the emulation downloaded later in time.

[Seventh Embodiment] In the sixth embodiment,
Although the case where the priority of the downloaded emulator is set higher than that of the emulator stored in the card has been described, the configuration may be such that the downloaded emulator has a lower priority. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the fifth table construction processing procedure of the printing apparatus according to the present invention. The priority management table T400 which has already been created for the emulator stored in the card is stored in the host computer. This corresponds to the process of adding the priority of the emulator downloaded from 3000. In addition, (1)-
(5) shows each step.

First, when the emulation is downloaded from the host computer 3000, the priority is set to "0", which is the highest priority when starting the processing in step (1), and the process proceeds to step (2). move on.

In step (3), the contents of the priority management table T400 are checked, and an emulation ID corresponding to the current priority is read from the emulation ID area T402, and the flow advances to step (3).

In step (2), emulation I
It is checked whether D can be read normally, and if it can be read, the process proceeds to step (4). If it cannot be read, the process proceeds to step (5). In step (4), since the processing for the current priority has been completed so far, the priority is lowered by one and the process returns to step (2). The series of processing from step (2) to step (4) is performed by emulation I
By repeating until D cannot be read, the priority value used in this series of processing can be set to the lowest value at the present time.

In step (5), the emulation ID of the downloaded emulation is written into the emulation ID area T402 of the priority management table T400 using the lowest priority at the present time determined by the processing up to this point. To end.

By performing this series of processing, the lowest priority can be assigned to the emulation downloaded from the host computer 3000. Further, a lower operation priority can be given to the emulation downloaded later in time.

[Eighth Embodiment] In the seventh embodiment,
The case where the priority of the downloaded emulator is made lower than the emulation stored in the card and the lower priority is given to the emulator downloaded later in time is explained. On the other hand, a higher operation (processing) priority can be given, and the priority of the downloaded emulator can be made higher than that of the emulator stored in the card.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a sixth table construction processing procedure of the printing apparatus according to the present invention. The priority management table T400 which has already been created for the emulator stored in the card is stored in the host computer. This corresponds to the process of adding the priority of the emulator downloaded from 3000. (1),
(2) shows each step.

First, when the emulator is downloaded, in step (1), among the emulators written in the priority management table T400, the priority of each of the emulators other than the emulator downloaded from the host computer 3000 is lowered by one. Then, proceed to step (2).

In step (2), as a result of the processing in step (1), the emulation ID of the downloaded emulation is stored in the emulation ID area T402 corresponding to the empty priority in the priority management table T400.
Is written, and the process ends.

By performing this series of processing, the emulation downloaded from the host computer 3000 can always be given a higher operation priority than the emulation stored in a card or the like. Further, the latest emulation downloaded earlier in time can be given a higher operation priority.

Hereinafter, the correspondence between this embodiment and the respective steps of the eleventh and twelfth inventions and the operation thereof will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6 and FIGS.

An eleventh aspect of the present invention relates to a data processing method for a printing apparatus comprising a plurality of mounting means for mounting an external storage means for storing analysis resources for analyzing print information input from an information processing apparatus to a printing apparatus main body. Detecting step of detecting the mounting state of the external storage means for each mounting means in accordance with the analysis resource reading priority assigned according to the mounting position of each mounting means (step (3) in FIG. 4, step (3) in FIG. 6) And a registration step of registering identification information for identifying each analysis resource read from each external storage unit in the detected mounted state in the memory according to the priority order (FIG. 4).
Step (6), step (7) in FIG. 6), and print data extracted from the input print information is stored in each external storage means with reference to each identification information stored in accordance with the priority order. A determination step for sequentially determining whether or not analysis is possible with each analysis resource (step (4) in FIG. 5,
(5), steps (4) and (5) in FIGS. 8 and 9) and a selecting step of selecting, from the external storage means, an analysis resource determined to be firstly analyzed by the determination based on the identification information. (Step (7) in FIG. 5, Step (12) in FIG. 8, and Step (11) in FIG. 9)
By executing a control program stored in a memory resource such as the external memory 14 and rearranging the position where the user mounts the external storage device, the priority order of analysis resources to be selected can be freely changed.

The twelfth invention is used by a computer for controlling a printing apparatus having a plurality of mounting means for mounting an external storage means for storing analysis resources for analyzing print information inputted from an information processing apparatus in a printing apparatus main body. In the storage medium storing the program to be executed, a detecting step (step (3) in FIG. 4) for detecting the mounting state of the external storage means with respect to each mounting means in accordance with the analysis resource reading priority assigned according to the mounting position of each mounting means. ), Step (3) in FIG. 6, and a registration step of registering identification information for identifying each analysis resource read from each external storage unit in the detected mounted state in the memory according to the priority order (FIG. 4).
Step (6), step (7) in FIG. 6), and print data extracted from the input print information is stored in each external storage means with reference to each identification information stored in accordance with the priority order. A determination step for sequentially determining whether or not analysis is possible with each analysis resource (step (4) in FIG. 5,
(5), steps (4) and (5) in FIGS. 8 and 9) and a selecting step of selecting, from the external storage means, an analysis resource determined to be firstly analyzed by the determination based on the identification information. A computer-readable program including a step (7 in FIG. 5, a step (12) in FIG. 8, and a step (11) in FIG. 9) is stored in a storage medium. That is, a program code corresponding to the steps shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 and FIGS. 8 to 13 is stored in a memory resource diagram including the ROM 13 and the external memory 14 of the printer 1000, and the printer code is stored in a storage medium storing the program code. A form in which the data is read out and executed by 1000 CPUs 12 is also included in the embodiment of the present invention.

[Ninth Embodiment] In each of the above embodiments, the actual device of the card connected to the card slot 1013 is not described.
The present invention is applicable to any external storage device including a card, a flash ROM card, a hard disk card, and the like.

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 diagram for explaining a memory map of a storage medium for storing various data processing programs readable by the printing apparatus 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. are 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. 4 to 6 and FIGS. 8 to 13 in this embodiment may be executed 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 code 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 codes, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instructions of the program codes. ) And the like perform part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the 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.

[0154]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the invention, the print information extracted from the input print information is stored in accordance with the priority order, storing identification information for identifying each analysis resource read from each external storage means in the mounted state detected by the detection means. When the determination unit sequentially determines whether data can be analyzed by each analysis resource stored in each external storage unit by referring to each identification information stored in accordance with the priority order, it is determined that the data can be analyzed first. Since the selecting unit selects the analysis resource from the external storage unit based on the identification information, the user can rearrange the position where the external storage device is mounted, thereby freely changing the priority order of the analysis resource to be selected. it can.

According to the second invention, when the selecting means determines that there is no analysis resource which can be analyzed by the determination means, the analysis resource having the highest priority stored in the storage means is identified. Since the information is selected from the external storage means based on the information, even if all the analysis resources cannot be analyzed, the analysis processing of the print information input by the analysis resource with the highest priority intended by the user is forcibly performed. Can be executed.

According to the third aspect, when the selecting means determines that there is no analysis resource that can be analyzed by the determining means, the identifying means identifies the analysis resource having the lowest priority stored in the storage means. Since the information is selected from the external storage means based on the information, even if all the analysis resources cannot be analyzed, the analysis processing of the print information input by the lowest priority analysis resource intended by the user is forcibly performed. Can be executed.

According to the fourth aspect, the second identification information for identifying each external analysis resource read from each external storage unit in the mounted state detected by the detection unit and stored in the first storage unit. First identification information for identifying the input internal analysis resource according to the priority order, and print data extracted from input print information stored in the first and second identification information stored according to the priority order. When the determination means sequentially determines whether or not analysis is possible with each external analysis resource stored in each external storage means with reference to the information or whether or not analysis is possible with the internal analysis resources stored in the first storage means Since the selecting means selects the external analysis resource or the internal analysis resource which is determined to be the earliest analysis from the external storage means based on the identification information, the user mounts the external storage device. Position by rearranging the that can be freely changed the priority order of an external analysis resources and internal analysis resource to be selected.

According to the fifth aspect, the second storage means assigns the lowest analysis resource readout priority to the internal analysis resources stored in the first storage means, and assigns the first identification information. Even if the internal analysis resources are provided, the selection order of the analysis resources is freely changed, and the user sequentially uses the lowest priority internal analysis resources from the highest priority external analysis resources that the user intentionally wears. The analysis processing of the print information inputted by the user can be performed.

According to the sixth aspect, the second identification information for identifying each second analysis resource read from each external storage unit in the mounted state detected by the detection unit, and the first storage unit The first identification information for identifying the first analysis resource downloaded by the download means is stored according to the priority, and the print data extracted from the input print information is stored according to the priority. With reference to the stored first and second identification information, whether or not analysis can be performed by each of the second analysis resources stored in each external storage unit, or the first analysis stored in the first storage unit When the determination means sequentially determines whether or not analysis is possible by the resource, the first analysis resource or the second analysis resource determined to be firstly analyzed is selected based on the identification information. Since the selection is made from the external storage means or the second storage means, the priority order intended by the user between the analysis resources downloaded from the information processing device such as the host computer and the analysis resources stored in the external storage means can be freely changed. Can be.

According to the seventh aspect, the second storage means assigns the highest analysis resource readout priority to the first analysis resource stored in the first storage means and performs the first identification. Since the information is stored, even when the second analysis resource is provided, the selection order of each analysis resource is freely changed and the user sequentially selects from the downloaded first analysis resource intended by the user. It is possible to analyze print information input using the first analysis resource downloaded later.

According to the eighth invention, the second storage means assigns the lowest analysis resource readout priority to the first analysis resource stored in the first storage means and performs the first identification. Since the information is stored, even when the second analysis resource is provided, the selection order of each analysis resource is freely changed and the user sequentially selects from the downloaded first analysis resource intended by the user. It is possible to analyze print information input using the first analysis resource downloaded in advance.

According to the ninth aspect, every time the download unit downloads the first analysis resource, the resetting unit resets the priority assigned to the second storage unit. The priority order for the set second analysis resource can be optimized, and the analysis resource environment for setting and selecting the optimum priority order for the first analysis resource to be downloaded can be freely changed.

According to the tenth aspect, the resetting means sets the lowest priority among the plurality of first analysis resources already downloaded to the first analysis resource downloaded latest by the download means. Since the order is assigned, a higher priority can be set for the first analysis resource downloaded from the host computer such as the information processing device than the second analysis resource stored in the external storage means, and time can be set. Lower analysis resources can be sequentially selected from the earliest analysis resources downloaded first.

According to the eleventh and twelfth aspects, the mounting state of the external storage means with respect to each mounting means is detected in accordance with the analysis resource reading priority assigned according to the mounting position of each mounting means. Identification information for identifying each analysis resource read from each external storage unit in the mounted state is registered in the memory according to the priority order, and print data extracted from the input print information is stored according to the priority order. With reference to each identification information, it is sequentially determined whether each analysis resource can be analyzed by each analysis resource stored in each external storage means, and the analysis resource determined to be firstly analyzed by the determination is determined based on the identification information. Since the selection is made from the storage means, the user can rearrange the position where the external storage device is mounted, so that the priority order of the analysis resources to be selected can be freely changed. .

Therefore, by a simple operation of mounting the external storage means at a position intended by the user, the selection order of each analysis resource stored in the external storage means for analyzing the input print information and / or the host It is possible to freely change the priorities of the analysis resources downloaded from the Web site and the internal analysis resources stored in advance.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of a printing system including a printing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a priority management table secured on a RAM shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first table construction processing procedure of the printing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first emulation determination processing procedure of the printing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second table construction processing procedure of the printing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a priority management table secured on a RAM illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second emulation determination processing procedure of the printing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a third emulation determination processing procedure of the printing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a third table construction processing procedure of the printing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a fourth table construction processing procedure of the printing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a fifth table construction processing procedure of the printing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a sixth table construction processing procedure of the printing 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 printing apparatus according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 CPU 2 RAM 3 ROM 12 CPU 13 ROM 19 RAM 1000 Printer 1013 Card slot

Claims (12)

[Claims] A plurality of mounting means for mounting external storage means for storing analysis resources for analyzing print information input from an information processing apparatus to a printing apparatus main body; and a plurality of mounting means assigned in accordance with a mounting position of each mounting means. Detecting means for detecting the mounting state of the external storage means with respect to each mounting means in accordance with the analysis resource reading priority; and identification information for identifying each analysis resource read from each external storage means in the mounting state detected by the detecting means Storage means for storing the print data extracted from the input print information with reference to each identification information stored in accordance with the priority order, and each analysis resource stored in each external storage means. Determining means for sequentially determining whether or not analysis is possible; analyzing resources determined to be capable of being analyzed first by the determining means based on the identification information Printing apparatus characterized by comprising a selection means for selecting from the external storage means. 2. When the selection means determines that there is no analysis resource that can be analyzed by the determination means, the analysis resource having the highest priority stored in the storage means is externally stored based on the identification information. 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing apparatus is selected from the means. 3. When the selecting means determines that there is no analysis resource that can be analyzed by the determining means, an external storage based on the identification information stores the analysis resource having the lowest priority stored in the storage means. 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing apparatus is selected from the means. 4. A first storage unit for storing an internal analysis resource for analyzing print information input from an information processing apparatus, and an external storage for storing an external analysis resource for analyzing print information input from the information processing apparatus. A plurality of mounting means for mounting the means to the printing apparatus main body; a detecting means for detecting a mounting state of the external storage means with respect to each mounting means in accordance with an analysis resource reading priority assigned according to a mounting position of each mounting means; Second identification information for identifying each external analysis resource read from each external storage unit in the mounted state detected by the detection unit, and second identification information for identifying the internal analysis resource stored in the first storage unit. A second storage unit for storing the first identification information in accordance with the priority, and print data extracted from the input print information in accordance with the priority. Determining means for sequentially determining whether or not analysis is possible with each analysis resource stored in each external storage means and the internal analysis resource stored in the first storage means by referring to each piece of identification information obtained by the determination means; A selecting unit for selecting, from the external storage unit or the first storage unit, an analysis resource determined to be firstly analyzed based on the first and second identification information. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the second storage unit stores the first identification information by assigning the lowest analysis resource reading priority to the internal analysis resources stored in the first storage unit. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein 6. A download unit for downloading, from the information processing apparatus, a first analysis resource for analyzing print information input from the information processing apparatus, and storing the first analysis resource downloaded by the download unit. A first storage unit; a plurality of mounting units for mounting external storage units for storing second analysis resources for analyzing print information input from the information processing apparatus to the printing apparatus main body; Detecting means for detecting the mounting state of the external storage means with respect to each mounting means in accordance with the analysis resource readout priority assigned in accordance therewith; and each second analysis read from each external storage means of the mounting state detected by said detecting means Second identification information for identifying a resource and first identification for identifying a first analysis resource stored in the first storage means. A second storage unit for storing information in accordance with the priority order, and referring to each of the second identification information and the first identification information stored in the print data extracted from the input print information in accordance with the priority order. Determining means for sequentially determining whether or not analysis is possible with each second analysis resource stored in each external storage means and the first analysis resource stored in the first storage means; A selecting unit for selecting an analysis resource determined to be parseable from the external storage unit or the first storage unit based on the first and second identification information. 7. The second storage means stores the first identification information by assigning the highest analysis resource readout priority to the first analysis resource stored in the first storage means. The printing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the second storage unit assigns the lowest analysis resource readout priority to the first analysis resource stored in the first storage unit and stores the first identification information. The printing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein 9. The apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising resetting means for resetting a priority assigned to said second storage means each time said download means downloads said first analysis resource. The printing device according to the above. 10. The resetting means assigns the lowest priority among a plurality of first analysis resources already downloaded to the first analysis resource downloaded latest by the download means. The printing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein 11. A data processing method for a printing apparatus comprising a plurality of mounting means for mounting external storage means for storing analysis resources for analyzing print information input from an information processing apparatus to a printing apparatus main body. A detecting step of detecting the mounting state of the external storage means for each mounting means in accordance with the analysis resource reading priority assigned according to the mounting position; and identifying each analysis resource read from each external storage means in the detected mounting state. A registration step of registering identification information to be performed in the memory according to the priority order, and printing data extracted from the input print information to each external storage unit with reference to each identification information stored according to the priority order. A judging step of sequentially judging whether or not analysis is possible with each of the stored analysis resources; Data processing method of the printing apparatus, characterized in that it comprises a selection step of selecting from the external storage means based sources on the identification information. 12. A program used by a computer for controlling a printing apparatus having a plurality of mounting means for mounting an external storage means for storing analysis resources for analyzing print information input from an information processing apparatus to a printing apparatus body. A detecting step of detecting the mounting state of the external storage means with respect to each mounting means in accordance with the analysis resource reading priority assigned according to the mounting position of each mounting means in the stored storage medium; A registration step of registering identification information for identifying each analysis resource read from the storage unit in the memory in accordance with the priority order; and a print data extracted from the input print information and identification information stored in accordance with the priority order. A determination step of sequentially determining whether analysis is possible with each analysis resource stored in each external storage means with reference to the information; And a selecting step of selecting, from the external storage means, an analysis resource determined to be firstly analyzed by the determination from the external storage means based on the identification information. Storage medium.