JPH11143653A - Printing device, data transmitting/receiving method for printing device and storage medium storing computer readable program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To dissolve former physical regulation such as to search a communication possible position and to reduce the burden of an operation containing positioning to the start of data communication by means of a user at the time of radio communication and executing a printing processing from an outer device. SOLUTION: An infrared communication interface 6 retrieves a single infrared communication device receiving a connection request signal from notebook PC among infrared communication devices 1-4. A printer driving circuit 7 and a printer unit 8 print data obtained by receiving and analyzing printing data transmitted from notebook PC through the retrieved infrared communication device.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a printing apparatus capable of communicating with an external apparatus in accordance with a predetermined wireless communication system, a data transmitting / receiving method of the printing apparatus, and a storage medium storing a computer-readable program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, notebook personal computers (hereinafter referred to as notebook PCs) having an infrared communication port for communicating with peripheral devices have been increasing. Along with this, peripheral devices such as printers have an infrared communication device. In such a peripheral device, for example, a printer having an infrared communication device, only one infrared communication device is incorporated on one surface of the printer.

When the above-mentioned printer and notebook PC are connected by infrared rays, the infrared rays have strong directivity, so that it is necessary to correctly face the infrared communication ports in a predetermined direction. In addition, the above printer is often shared by a plurality of people in an office or the like. Furthermore, notebook PC
The infrared communication ports are incorporated in various positions on different sides of each company for design reasons depending on the type of notebook PC, and there is no uniformity.

[0004]

Since the conventional printing apparatus is configured as described above, when the printer and the notebook PC communicate with each other using the infrared communication port, the infrared communication port between the printer and the notebook PC is used. Communication cannot be performed unless the notebook PC is placed at a specific position where the printer and the notebook PC can be correctly opposed to each other. Therefore, when the printer and the notebook PC are installed so that they can communicate with each other using the infrared communication port, their positional relationship is large. There was a problem of being restricted.

When a notebook PC is placed so that it can communicate with a printer via an infrared communication port, a user cannot easily operate the notebook PC depending on the positional relationship between the infrared communication device of the printer and the infrared communication port of the notebook PC. There was also a problem that it had to be put and operated.

Further, when a plurality of users intend to share a conventional printer, only one infrared communication device is incorporated in the printer. In the meantime, if another user attempts to print from the notebook PC after the printing is completed, the user moves the notebook PC after the end of the print job from the notebook PC of the user, and moves the notebook PC of the other user. There is a problem in that the PC must be opposed to the infrared communication device of the printer and the notebook PC must be instructed to start a print job.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a plurality of wireless communication devices for receiving a connection request signal from an external device,
When print data is received after establishing communication by any one of the communication devices, and the received print data is analyzed and printed by the printing unit, the print processing is performed when a print process is performed from an external device through wireless communication. Data can be transferred to the printing device from any position that does not depend on the physical communication position between the device and the external device. An object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus, a method of transmitting and receiving data of the printing apparatus, and a storage medium storing a computer-readable program, which can reduce an operation load including alignment until the start of data communication.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing apparatus capable of communicating with an external device according to a predetermined wireless communication system, comprising a plurality of communication means for performing data communication with the external device. is there.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, each of the communication means is attached to a predetermined position on each side wall surface of a casing of the printing apparatus.

[0010] A third invention is a search means for searching for the communication means receiving the connection request signal from the external device, and the external device received via the communication means searched by the search means. And control means for analyzing and printing the print data from the printer.

In a fourth aspect, the search means sequentially searches the communication means.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, after the printing by the control means is completed, the search means searches the communication means again for receiving the connection request signal from the external device.

In a sixth aspect, the predetermined wireless communication system is an infrared communication system.

A seventh invention is a data transmission / reception method for a printing apparatus having a plurality of communication means capable of performing data communication with an external device in accordance with a predetermined wireless communication system, wherein the method comprises the steps of: receiving a connection request signal from the external device; A search step for searching for the communication means, a reception step for receiving print data transmitted from the external device by the communication means searched for in the search step, and analyzing the print data received in the reception step. And a printing step of transferring to a printing unit for printing.

An eighth invention is a storage medium storing a computer-readable program for controlling a printing apparatus having a plurality of communication means capable of performing data communication with an external device in accordance with a predetermined wireless communication system, A search step of searching for the communication unit receiving a connection request signal from an apparatus; a reception step of receiving print data transmitted from the external device by the communication unit searched in the search step; A computer-readable program having a print step of analyzing the print data received in the step, transferring the print data to a printing unit, and printing the print data.

[0016]

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment applicable to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the printing apparatus of FIG.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1000 denotes an LBP, which inputs and stores print information (character codes, etc.), form information, macro instructions, and the like supplied from an externally connected host computer, and responds according to the information. A character pattern, a form pattern, and the like are created, and an image is formed on a recording medium such as recording paper.

Reference numeral 1012 denotes an operation panel on which switches for operation, an LED display, and the like are arranged. 100
A printer control unit 1 controls the entire LBP 1000 and analyzes character information and the like, which are print information supplied from a host computer. The printer control unit 1001 mainly converts character information into a video signal of a character pattern corresponding to the character information and
02 is output. The laser driver 1002 is a circuit for driving the semiconductor laser 1003, and switches on / off a laser beam 1004 emitted from the semiconductor laser 1003 according to an input video signal.

The laser beam 1004 is swung right and left by a rotary polygon mirror 1005 to scan and expose an electrostatic drum 1006. As a result, an electrostatic latent image of a character pattern is formed on the electrostatic drum 1006. This latent image is stored in a developing unit 100 disposed around the electrostatic drum 1006.
After being developed by 7, the image is transferred to recording paper.

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 1000, and is taken into the apparatus by a paper feed roller 1009, a conveyance roller 1010, and a conveyance roller 1011. It is supplied to the electrostatic drum 1006. The LBP 1000 is provided with at least one or more card slots (not shown) so that an optional font card and a control card (emulation card) having a different language system can be connected in addition to the built-in fonts.

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

In the figure, reference numeral 5013 denotes a drive motor, which is rotatable in forward and reverse directions, and which has driving force transmitting gears 5010, 501.
A lead screw 5005 is driven via 15009. Reference numeral 5004 denotes a spiral groove, and a lead screw 5005
And the carriage HC engages with a pin (not shown). The carriage HC is a lead screw 500
5, and reciprocates in the directions of arrows a and b via the guide rail 5003 in conjunction with the drive motor 5013. The carriage HC includes an ink jet cartridge IJC having an ink head IJH and an ink tank IT.
Is installed. By replacing the inkjet cartridge IJC, full-color printing using M, C, and Y inks, monochrome printing using black ink, or correction printing using white ink becomes possible.

A paper pressing plate 5002 presses the paper against the platen 5000 in the carriage moving direction. Reference numerals 5007 and 5008 denote photocouplers, which function as home position detecting means for confirming the presence of the lever 5006 of the carriage HC in this area and switching the rotation direction of the drive motor 5013.

A support member 5016 supports the cap member 5022 on the entire surface of the recording head. Reference numeral 5015 denotes a suction unit for performing suction recovery of the recording head via the opening 5023 in the cap. Reference numeral 5017 denotes a cleaning blade which can be moved in the front-rear direction by a member 5019. 5018
Is a main body support plate that supports the cleaning blade 5017 and the member 5019.

Reference numeral 5021 denotes a lever, which moves with the movement of the cam 5020 engaged with the carriage HC to start suction for suction recovery, and the driving force from the driving motor 5013 is moved by a known transmission means such as clutch switching. Controlled. The capping, cleaning, and suction recovery may be configured so that desired operations are performed at the corresponding positions by the action of the lead screw 5005 when the carriage HC reaches the home position side area.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the printing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, reference numeral 100 denotes a printer. The printer applicable to the present invention is the LBP shown in FIG.
1000 and the ink jet printer 500 shown in FIG.
Although there are various types such as 0, a description will be given on the assumption that a raster type printer such as an ink jet is used in this embodiment.

Reference numerals 1 to 4 denote infrared communication devices for transmitting and receiving data to and from an external device having the infrared communication device by infrared rays. In the present embodiment, a description will be given assuming that a total of four infrared communication devices are mounted, one each at a predetermined position on the side wall surface of the housing of the printer 100. However, it goes without saying that the present invention is also applicable to a printing apparatus equipped with a plurality of infrared communication devices other than four.

Reference numeral 5 denotes a switching circuit.
And one of them is connected to the infrared communication interface 6. The infrared communication interface 6 is, for example, an infrared communication interface conforming to IrDA1.1. The infrared communication interface 6 analyzes a data signal from the infrared communication device switched by the switching circuit 5, converts the data signal into print data, and sends the print data to the printer drive circuit 7. Reference numeral 5A denotes a memory for storing various data. A printer drive circuit 7 includes a printer controller having a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The printer drive circuit 7 analyzes print data received from the infrared communication interface 6 and converts print data expanded into a raster image. It is sent to the printer unit 8 and printed. Reference numeral 8 denotes a printer unit for printing based on print data.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, reference numeral 100 denotes a printer. In the present embodiment, the infrared communication devices 1 to 4 are attached to the printer 100 at predetermined positions on each side wall surface of the housing of the printer 100 so that the directivity ranges do not interfere with each other. Although not shown in FIG. 4, the infrared communication device 3 is mounted on a surface facing the side of the printer 100 on which the infrared communication device 1 is mounted, and the infrared communication device 4 is mounted with the infrared communication device 2. The printer 100 is attached to a surface facing the side surface of the printer 100.

Therefore, the restriction on the positional relationship between the printer and the notebook PC is minimized, and the printer and the notebook PC are minimized.
Can be improved when connected via an infrared communication port.

Hereinafter, the characteristic configuration of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

In the printing apparatus configured as described above and capable of communicating with an external apparatus according to a predetermined wireless communication method,
Since there are a plurality of communication means (infrared communication devices 1 to 4) for performing data communication with the external device, when transmitting and receiving data wirelessly to and from an external device having a communication port, the external device capable of communicating with the printing device Thus, the user can perform data communication with the printing apparatus from an arbitrary position.

Further, since each of the communication means is mounted at a predetermined position (the position shown in FIG. 4) on each side wall surface of the casing of the printing apparatus, each communication device can be connected to an external device without interference. Data communication can be performed via only one communication device nearby.

Further, a search means (infrared communication interface 6) for searching for the communication means receiving the connection request signal from the external device, and the search means received through the communication means searched by the search means Since it has control means (infrared communication interface 6, printer driving circuit 7, printer unit 8) for analyzing and printing print data from an external device, a connection request signal is transmitted to the printing device from an arbitrary position. Also, it is possible to automatically search for a communication device receiving the connection request signal and print the print data received via the communication device.

Further, since the searching means sequentially searches the communication means, it is possible to uniformly search for a communication device receiving the connection request signal without biasing the search frequency to a specific communication device.

Further, after the printing by the control unit is completed, the communication unit receiving the connection request signal from the external device by the search unit is searched again, so that the external device received via the communication device is searched. After the printing of the print data from the printer is completed, the search for the communication device can be automatically started, and while the print data of one external device is being received and printed, the other or the same user can receive the print data from the other device. By simply activating the desired print job with the external device directed to an unused communication device, the execution of printing can be reserved.

Further, since the predetermined wireless communication method is an infrared communication method, wireless data communication can be reliably performed using an infrared communication protocol.

Hereinafter, a data processing procedure in the printing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a data processing procedure in the printing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
This corresponds to the processing procedure in the infrared communication interface 6. In addition, (1) to (15) indicate each step.

The flowchart shown in FIG. 5 is a steady state processing flow in which the power of the printer 100 is turned on, the infrared communication interface 6, the printer drive circuit 7, and the printer unit 8 are initialized and wait for detection of an infrared signal. is there. The processing of steps (1) to (6) is a stationary search processing until an infrared signal is detected, and the processing of steps (7) to (15) is processing of print data after the detection of an infrared signal. This is a flow of the reception and the print processing of the data.

First, a counter X for sequentially scanning the infrared communication devices 1 to 4 is initialized (X = 1) (1), and an instruction is issued to the switching circuit 5 to select the infrared communication device selected by the counter X. (2).

Next, the output of the selected infrared communication device is checked to determine whether an infrared signal has been received (3). If it is determined that no infrared signal has been received,
Proceeding to step (5) for selecting the next infrared communication device, if it is determined that an infrared signal has been received, it is determined whether the received infrared signal is a signal requesting connection (4), If it is determined that the signal is not a signal requesting connection, the process proceeds to step (5).

After step (5), the content of the counter X is incremented (X = X + 1) to select the next infrared communication device (5), and the counter X is the number of infrared communication devices of the present embodiment. It is determined whether or not "4" has been exceeded (6). If it is determined that the counter X has not exceeded "4", the process returns to step (2), and the next infrared communication device is selected and connected. If it is determined that the number has exceeded 4, the process returns to step (1) to initialize the counter X and search again from the first device. The flow up to this point is a steady processing flow up to detection of the infrared signal sent from the computer.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (4) that the signal is a request for connection, the processing from step (7) is performed to receive print data and perform print processing.

After step (7), the value of the counter X is stored in the storage unit (memory 5A) (7), and a response to the connection request is transmitted to the computer connected to the selected infrared communication port, and A connection request is established (8). This connection establishment process is performed by IrDA (Infra
red Data Association), it is standardized by an industry group called “red Data Association”.
In the present embodiment, description is omitted.

Next, the computer requests transmission of print data for one raster (9), and receives the print data transmitted from the computer (10). Processing such as error correction and retransmission at the time of reception is standardized by IrDA similarly to the connection establishment processing.

Next, it is determined whether the received data indicates the end of the print data (11). If it is determined that the data does not indicate the end, it is determined that the print data is the print data, and the received data is printed. 7 is converted into a receivable raster image (12), and the converted data is sent to the printer drive circuit 7 and printed by the printer unit 8 (13).
Returning to step (9), the print data of the next one raster is requested, and the processing up to this point is repeated until the print data end is sent from the computer.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (11) that the print data has ended, the connection with the computer is disconnected (14). The details of the disconnection process are standardized by IrDA similarly to the connection establishment process. Next, the value held in step (7) is returned to the counter X (15), the process returns to step (5), and the search for the infrared signal is started again.

When returning to the search for an infrared signal, return to step (5) instead of returning to steps (1) and (2), that is, to return to the infrared communication device that has received data. By restarting the search from the next device, the probability that four infrared communication devices are searched is averaged. As described above, in the present embodiment, the infrared communication devices installed at predetermined positions on the respective side walls of the printer housing are sequentially scanned, and the reception of print data from the notebook PC connected first is completed. Then, by restarting the scanning from the next infrared communication device, a chance of equally connecting to the notebook PC placed around the printer is given.

Therefore, when a printer is shared, a plurality of notebook PCs are placed around the printer and a print job is started, and connection requests from each notebook PC are processed in order to automatically perform a printing operation. You can proceed.

Note that the IrDA standard specifies that an infrared signal should be monitored before issuing a connection request to confirm that infrared communication is not being performed in the vicinity of the user. Even if there is a computer that is going to start infrared communication, communication collision does not occur.

In this embodiment, a case has been described in which the order of the infrared communication devices 1 to 4 is searched as a predetermined priority order. However, the search order can be changed or the number of search points can be reduced. Is also good.

Hereinafter, the characteristic structure of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

A data transmitting / receiving method for a printing apparatus having a plurality of communication means (infrared communication devices 1 to 4) configured as described above and capable of performing data communication with an external apparatus according to a predetermined wireless communication method, or A storage medium storing a computer-readable program for controlling a printing apparatus having a plurality of communication units capable of performing data communication with an external device according to a wireless communication method, receiving a connection request signal from the external device. Search step (step (1) in FIG. 5) for searching for the communication means
To (6)), a receiving step of receiving print data transmitted from the external device by the communication means searched in the searching step (step (10) in FIG. 5), and A printing process in which print data is analyzed, transferred to a printing unit, and printed (step (1) in FIG. 5).
2), (13)), even if a connection request signal is transmitted to the printing apparatus from an arbitrary position, a communication device receiving the connection request signal is automatically searched for, and the communication device is searched. Print data received via the printer.

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

FIG. 6 is a view for explaining a memory map of a storage medium for storing various data processing programs which can be read by the printing apparatus according to the present invention.

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

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

The functions shown in FIG. 5 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 codes of the software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or the apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MP) of the system or the apparatus is supplied.
It goes without saying that the object of the present invention is also achieved when U) reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium.

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

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

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

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

Although the present embodiment has been described with reference to the case where data is communicated using the infrared system, the present invention is also applicable to the case where data is communicated using other wireless systems currently used or developed in the future. It goes without saying that is applicable.

[0068]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the invention, a printing device capable of communicating with an external device according to a predetermined wireless communication method has a plurality of communication means for performing data communication with the external device, so that data can be transmitted and received wirelessly with an external device having a communication port. If you do
The user can perform data communication with the printing apparatus from an arbitrary position by eliminating the restriction on the communication position with the external apparatus that can communicate with the printing apparatus.

According to the second aspect, each of the communication means is mounted at a predetermined position on each of the side walls of the casing of the printing apparatus. Data communication can be performed via the communication device.

According to the third invention, a search means for searching for the communication means receiving the connection request signal from the external device, and the search means received via the communication means searched by the search means Control means for analyzing and printing print data from an external device, so that even if a connection request signal is transmitted from an arbitrary position to the printing device, a communication device receiving the connection request signal is automatically transmitted to the printing device. And print the print data received via the communication device.

According to the fourth aspect, the searching means sequentially searches the communication means, so that the communication devices that receive the connection request signal evenly to a specific communication device are not biased. Can be searched.

According to the fifth aspect, after the printing by the control means is completed, the communication means receiving the connection request signal from the external device by the search means is searched again. After the printing of the print data from the external device received via the external device is completed, the search for the communication device can be automatically started, and while the print data of one external device is being received and printed, the other device can be searched. Alternatively, the same user simply activates the desired print job with the other external device directed to an unused communication device,
The execution of printing can be reserved.

According to the sixth aspect, since the predetermined wireless communication system is an infrared communication system, wireless data communication can be reliably performed using an infrared communication protocol.

According to the seventh and eighth aspects of the present invention, there is provided a data transmitting / receiving method for a printing apparatus having a plurality of communication means capable of performing data communication with an external device according to a predetermined wireless communication method, or according to a predetermined wireless communication method. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program for controlling a printing apparatus having a plurality of communication units capable of data communication with an external device, wherein the communication unit receiving a connection request signal from the external device includes: A search step of searching; a reception step of receiving print data transmitted from the external device by the communication means searched in the search step; analyzing the print data received in the reception step and transferring the print data to a printing unit And a printing step of printing the data, the connection request signal is transmitted from an arbitrary position to the printing apparatus. Automatically searches the communication devices receiving the demand signal, it is possible to print the print data received via the communication device.

Therefore, when performing printing processing from an external device by wireless communication, data can be transferred to the printing device from an arbitrary position that does not depend on the physical communication position between the printing device and the external device. The physical load such as searching for a communicable position can be resolved, and the operation load including the positioning by the user until the start of data communication can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a first printing apparatus applicable to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an external view illustrating a configuration of a second printing apparatus to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the printing apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of a printing apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a data processing procedure in the printing apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 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]

 1-4 Infrared communication device 5 Switching circuit 6 Infrared communication interface 7 Printer drive circuit 8 Printer unit

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code FI H04B 10/22

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A printing device capable of communicating with an external device according to a predetermined wireless communication method, comprising: a plurality of communication means for performing data communication with the external device. 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of said communication means is mounted at a predetermined position on each side wall surface of a housing of the printing apparatus. 3. A search unit for searching for the communication unit receiving a connection request signal from the external device, and print data received from the external device via the communication unit searched by the search unit. 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising control means for analyzing and printing the data. 4. The printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said search means sequentially searches each communication means. 5. The printing method according to claim 3, wherein after the printing by the control means is completed, the communication means receiving the connection request signal from the external device by the search means is searched again. apparatus. 6. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined wireless communication system is an infrared communication system. 7. A data transmission / reception method for a printing apparatus having a plurality of communication units capable of performing data communication with an external device according to a predetermined wireless communication system, wherein the communication unit receives a connection request signal from the external device. A receiving step of receiving print data transmitted from the external device by the communication unit searched in the searching step; analyzing the print data received in the receiving step to a printing unit And a printing step of transferring and printing the data. 8. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program for controlling a printing apparatus having a plurality of communication units capable of performing data communication with an external device in accordance with a predetermined wireless communication method, comprising: A search step of searching for the communication unit receiving the request signal; a reception step of receiving print data transmitted from the external device by the communication unit searched in the search step; A print process for analyzing the print data, transferring the print data to a printing unit, and printing the print data, wherein a computer-readable program is stored.