JPH1134443A - Printer, option control method thereof, and option device of printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer capable of automatically taking matching of the program of a printer main body and an option program even when there is the alteration of a program for controlling the printer by the addition of function or the like. SOLUTION: In a printer 300 having an option 400 taken in a memory device (e.g.; a flash ROM) 34 capable of writing program controlling itself, the program of the option is held to the ROM 13 of the printer 300 when the program of the printer 300 is altered by a cause such as the expansion of function or the like and, if necessary, by performing down-load, the program of the printer main body and the program of the option are automatically matched.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printing apparatus such as a laser beam printer having options, a method for controlling the options, and an option apparatus for the printing apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when a printing apparatus connected to a host computer via an interface (for example, a Centronics interface) has options such as paper feeding and paper discharging, each of the options is provided. The control is performed from the printing apparatus main body side using the control program of the printing apparatus main body. However, as the functions of the printing apparatus become more sophisticated and multifunctional, the option itself has a CPU, and the options are controlled by a command from the printing apparatus using a program stored in the ROM of the option itself. It is changing.

When a printing apparatus has an extended emulation, a ROM SIMM or a ROM DIMM,
Or they are often provided in the form of emulation cards.

[0004] For example, in the case of a laser beam printer, the discharge options come to have a stable, job offset, a mailbox function, etc. with the integration and multifunctionality of the printer. In order to alleviate the problem, the paper discharge option is controlled by using a program which receives a command from the printer main body and is held in the paper discharge option. In addition, with the networking of printers, a network card may be provided as an option. Further, in order to support a plurality of printer description languages, an extended R
It has OM SIMM, ROM DIMM slots and emulation card slots.

As a ROM for holding the above-mentioned optional program, a flash ROM which can be written in preparation for a future program change from a conventional non-writable ROM has been increasingly used.

[0006]

However, conventionally, in a printing apparatus having a plurality of options as described above, the program of the printing apparatus itself has been changed due to the addition of functions of the printing apparatus body or the support of new options. In such a case, the program of the printing apparatus main unit and the program of the option cannot be matched, and the option may not function properly. In such a case, even if the serviceman replaces the optional ROM or the option uses the flash ROM to store a program for controlling the option, the user can execute the program from the host computer. Has to be downloaded.

In view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, the present invention can automatically match the program of the printing apparatus main unit with the optional program even when the program for controlling the printing apparatus is changed by adding functions. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing apparatus that can be used, an option control method for the printing apparatus, and an optional apparatus for the printing apparatus.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, in a printing apparatus having an option controlled by a dedicated program, a version of the option program is notified to a main body of the printing apparatus. Option information transmitting means, version determining means for determining whether the version received from the option information transmitting means is the latest version of the program of the printing apparatus main body, and version of the optional program And a download unit for downloading the optional program from the storage device of the printing apparatus main body to the optional storage device when the latest version is not up to date.

In a second aspect based on the first aspect, the option is one or more of various options including a paper feed option, a paper discharge option, an expansion interface, and an expansion emulation. is there.

[0010] In a third aspect based on the first or second aspect, the apparatus further comprises storage control means for storing the latest program of the option in a storage device of the printing apparatus main body, and wherein the download means has a version of the option. In the case where the latest program is not the latest one, the latest program of the option is downloaded from the storage device of the printing apparatus main body to the storage device of the option.

In a fourth aspect based on the first to third aspects, the option information transmitting means is configured to notify a device ID for identifying the option together with a version of the option to a printing apparatus main body. A first ID determining unit for determining whether the device ID corresponds to the printing apparatus main body;
Is adapted to operate the version judging means when corresponds to the printing apparatus main body.

In the fifth invention, an option information transmitting process for notifying the printing device main body of a version of the option program to a printing device having an option controlled by a dedicated program, and receiving the option information transmitting process from the option information transmitting process. Version determination processing for determining whether or not the version is the latest version of the version of the program of the printing apparatus main body, and if the version of the optional program is not the latest, the And a download process for downloading from the storage device of the printing apparatus main body to the optional storage device.

In a sixth aspect based on the fifth aspect, the option is one or more of various options including a paper feed option, a paper discharge option, an extended interface, and an extended emulation. It is.

[0014] In a seventh aspect based on the fifth or sixth aspect, the download processing is performed when the version of the option is not the latest version from the storage device of the printing apparatus main body. Is downloaded to the optional storage device.

In an eighth aspect based on the fifth to seventh aspects, the option information transmitting process is a process of notifying a device ID for identifying the option together with the version of the option to a printing apparatus main body. A first ID determination process is performed to determine whether the device ID corresponds to the printing apparatus main body.
When D corresponds to the main body of the printing apparatus, the version determination processing is executed.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optional apparatus for a printing apparatus, comprising storage means for storing an option-specific program, and performing an optional operation in accordance with a request from the printing apparatus by the program stored in the storage means. And a communication unit for notifying the printing device of a version of the program in the storage unit, and an option sent from the printing device when the version is not the latest version of the program of the printing device. A dedicated program is stored in the storage device.

In the tenth aspect, a version determining means for determining whether or not the version of the option program received from the option side of the printing apparatus is the latest version of the version of the program of the printing apparatus body; And a download unit that downloads the optional program from a storage device of the printing apparatus main body to the optional storage device when the version of the optional program is not the latest.

[0018]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIGS. 1 and 2 are block diagrams showing the configuration of a system including a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a host computer and a printer, and FIG. 2 shows a printer and options. ing.

The option of the present embodiment will be described by taking, for example, a paper discharge device with a staple and a job offset function, and the printer will be described by taking a laser beam printer as an example.
It should be noted that if the functions of the present invention are performed, the present invention can be applied to a single device, a system including a plurality of devices, or a system in which processing is performed via a network such as a LAN. Nor.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes a host computer, which is a document in which graphics, images, characters, tables (including spreadsheets, etc.) are mixed based on a document processing program or the like stored in a program ROM 3b of a ROM 3. It has a CPU 1 for executing processing. System device 4
Are generally controlled by the CPU 1. In addition, the program ROM 3a of the ROM 3
Stores a control program of the CPU 1 and the like.
The font ROM 3b stores font data and the like used in the above document processing.
The OM 3c stores various data used when performing the above-described document processing and the like.

Reference numeral 2 denotes a RAM, which functions as a main memory and a work area of the CPU 1. Reference numeral 5 denotes a keyboard controller (KBC) which controls key input from a keyboard 9 or a pointing device (not shown). 6 is C
An RT controller (CRTC) controls display on a CRT display (CRT) 10. Reference numeral 7 denotes a memory controller (MC) which is connected to an external memory 11 such as a hard disk (HD) or a floppy disk (FD) for storing boot programs, various applications, font data, user files, and editing files. Control access.

8 is a printer controller (PRTC)
A predetermined bidirectional interface (interface)
21 and the printer 3
The communication control process with the 00 is executed. Note that the CPU 1
For example, a process of developing (rasterizing) the outline font on the display information RAM set on the RAM 2 is executed, and WYSIWYG on the CRT 10 is enabled.

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.

On the other hand, in the printer 300, reference numeral 12 denotes a printer CPU. The printer CPU 12 has a ROM 1
3 to control overall access to various devices connected to the system bus 15 based on a control program or the like stored in the program ROM or a control program or the like stored in the external memory 14. Printing unit (printer engine) 1 connected via
7 outputs an image signal as output information.

The program ROM 13 of the ROM 13
In a, a control program of the CPU 12 as shown in a flowchart of FIG. ROM13
The font ROM 13b stores font data and the like used when generating the output information.
In the case of a printer having no external memory 14 such as a hard disk, the data ROM 13c stores information used on the host computer 100.

The CPU 12 can perform communication processing with the host computer 100 via the input unit 18 and also transmits information and the like in the printer 300 to the host computer 1.
00 is notified. 19 is C
R functioning as a main memory, a work area, etc. of the PU 12
The AM is configured so that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an additional port (not shown). The RAM 19 is used for an output information development area, an environment data storage area, an NVRAM, and the like.

The above-mentioned hard disk (HD) and IC
An external memory 14 such as a card includes a memory controller (M
C) Access is controlled by 20. External memory 14
Is connected as an option and stores font data, emulation programs, form data, and the like.

Reference numeral 18 denotes the above-described operation panel on which switches for operation, an LED display, and the like are arranged. The above-described external memory 14 is not limited to one, and is provided with at least one or more, and in addition to built-in fonts, an optional font card and a plurality of external memories storing programs for interpreting printer control languages of different languages can be connected. It may be configured as follows.

The option 400 is connected to the printer 300 via the bidirectional interface (interface) 31.
And processes commands from the printer 300.

In the system configured as described above, the printer 300 stores various commands such as resolution and paper size and print data received from the host computer 100 via the interface 21 in the RAM 19.
To be stored. Then, the command is analyzed by the program stored in the ROM 13, the print data is developed into a bit map as instructed by the command, and sent to the printing unit 17 via the printing unit I / F 16, and the actual printing is performed. I do. The data received by the printer 300 from the host computer 100 may be stored in a secondary storage device (not shown) of the printer 300.

Further, when there is a command related to an option, a request for the command is transmitted from the option control unit 22 through the interface 31 to the option 40.
0 and stored in the RAM 33 of the option 400.
Here, the operation of the option that matches the request of the command is performed by the program stored in the ROM 34 of the option 400.

Further, the operation unit 10 of the printer 300 is designated in the same manner as specified by a command from the host computer 100.
Can be used to set the resolution of the print data, the paper feed port, and the like. Here, values set using the operation unit 10 are stored in an NVRAM (not shown) of the printer 300.
Is stored in

Next, the control operation between the printer 300 and the option 400, which is a characteristic operation of the present embodiment, will be specifically described.

In this embodiment, a case where a paper discharge option is connected to the printer 300 will be described. However, a paper feed option, an extended interface such as a network card, and an extended emulation, or a plurality of emulations may be used. The same is true when options are connected.

The paper discharge option 400 is a printer 300
When a paper ejection command is received from the printer 300, the command is stored in the RAM 33, and the paper ejection such as sorting of staples and job offset mailboxes is performed using a program stored in the ROM 34. Perform processing. Where R
The OM 33 uses a writable flash ROM.

In such a system, the printer 3
If the program stored in the ROM 13 is changed, the flowchart of FIG.
The analysis process is performed using the program stored in the OM 13a).

First, in step S1 in FIG. 3, the device ID of the paper discharge option 400 (ID for identifying the option) and the version of the optional program are received. In the following step S2, the received device ID
Is not a device ID corresponding to the printer 300, and if it is not a corresponding device ID, no processing is performed.

Next, in step S3, the version of the received paper discharge option is stored in the ROM1 of the printer 300.
Then, it is determined whether or not the program version corresponds to the version of the program stored in No. 3, and if it does, no processing is performed. If not, step S4
The program proceeds to step S5 to search the storage device of the printer 300, and further downloads the corresponding version of the program to the ROM 34 of the paper discharge option 400 in step S5, thereby matching the program of the printer main body with the program of the paper discharge option. FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing the above operation.

Although a case has been described where the program of the paper discharge option is stored in the storage device of the printer 300, it goes without saying that the program may be stored in the storage device of the host computer 10.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, in a printing apparatus having an option built in a storage device (for example, a flash ROM) into which a program for controlling itself can be written, the program of the printing apparatus is expanded due to a function expansion or the like. When the program is changed, the optional program is stored in the storage device of the printing apparatus, and the program of the printing apparatus main body and the optional program can be automatically matched by downloading the program as needed.
Thus, the option can always function in a normal state.

It is needless to say that the present invention is also applied to a case where the present invention is implemented by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus. In this case, the storage medium storing the program according to the present invention constitutes the present invention. Then, by reading the program from the storage medium into a system or an apparatus,
The system or device operates in a predetermined manner.

Next, the configuration of a laser beam printer (LBP) suitable for applying the above embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The printer to which this embodiment is applied is not limited to a laser beam printer, and it goes without saying that a printer of another printing method may be used.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 300 denotes an LBP main body, which inputs and stores print information (character codes and the like), form information, macro instructions, and the like supplied from an externally connected host computer 100; A corresponding character pattern, form pattern, or the like is created according to the information described above, and an image is formed on a recording medium, such as recording paper.

Reference numeral 312 denotes a switch and an LED for operation.
An operation panel 301 on which a display and the like are arranged is a printer control unit for controlling the entire LBP main body 300 and analyzing character information and the like supplied from the host computer 100. The printer control unit 301 mainly converts character information into a video signal of a corresponding character pattern and outputs the video signal to the laser driver 302. Laser driver 302
Is a circuit for driving the semiconductor laser 303, and turns on / off a laser beam 304 emitted from the semiconductor laser 303 in accordance with an input video signal.

The laser beam 304 is swung in the left and right directions by a rotary polygon mirror 305 to scan and expose an electrostatic drum 306. As a result, an electrostatic latent image of a character pattern is formed on the electrostatic drum 306. This latent image is developed by a developing unit 307 provided around the electrostatic drum 306, and then transferred to a recording sheet. A cut sheet is used for the recording paper, and the cut sheet recording paper is LBP30.
The sheet is stored in a sheet cassette 308 mounted on the sheet feeding unit 309, and is taken into the apparatus by a sheet feeding roller 309, a conveying roller 310 and a conveying roller 311, and supplied to the electrostatic drum 306.

The LBP main body 300 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. I have.

The present invention provides such a printer 300 with:
Applies when an option that incorporates a program that controls itself can be connected.

[0049]

As described above in detail, according to the printing apparatus of the first invention, when the program of the printing apparatus is changed, the optional program is stored in the storage apparatus of the printing apparatus main body. The program of the printing apparatus main body and the optional program can be matched. This allows the option to function normally even when the program of the printing apparatus is changed due to a function expansion or the like.

According to the printing apparatus of the second invention, in the first invention, the option is one of various options including a paper feed option, a paper discharge option, an expansion interface, and an expansion emulation. Since a plurality of options are provided, an effect equivalent to that of the first invention can be obtained even in a printing apparatus having a plurality of options.

According to the printing apparatus of the third aspect, the same effects as those of the first aspect can be obtained simply and accurately in the first or second aspect.

According to the printing apparatus of the fourth aspect, the first aspect
In the inventions of (1) to (3), it is possible to reliably match the program of the printing apparatus main body with the program of the target option.

According to the printing apparatus option control method of the fifth invention, the same effects as those of the first invention can be obtained.

According to the printing apparatus option control method of the sixth invention, the fifth invention has the same effect as the second invention.

According to the printing apparatus option control method of the seventh invention, the fifth or sixth invention has the same effect as the third invention.

According to the printing apparatus option control method of the eighth invention, the same effects as those of the fourth invention can be obtained in the fifth to seventh inventions.

According to the optional device of the printing apparatus of the ninth aspect, even if the program of the printing apparatus is changed due to a function expansion or the like, it becomes possible to make the options function normally.

According to the storage medium readable by the machine according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the same effect as that of the first aspect can be obtained by reading the stored program.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the operation of the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a laser beam printer suitable for applying the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 host computer 300 printer 400 option 12, 32 CPU 13, 34 ROM 22 option control unit

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A printing apparatus having an option controlled by a dedicated program, wherein: an option information transmitting unit for notifying a printing apparatus main body of a version of the option program; and the version received from the option information transmitting unit is Version determination means for determining whether or not the version of the program of the printing apparatus is the latest version; and storing the option program in the printing apparatus when the version of the optional program is not the latest. And a download unit for downloading from the device to the optional storage device. 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the option is one or more of various options including a paper feed option, a paper discharge option, an extension interface, and an extension emulation. . 3. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a storage control unit configured to store a latest program of the option in a storage device of the printing apparatus main body. 3. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the latest program of the option is downloaded from a storage device to the storage device of the option. 4. The option information transmitting means is configured to notify a device ID for identifying the option together with a version of the option to a printing apparatus main body, and whether the device ID corresponds to the printing apparatus main body. 4. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a first ID determining unit that determines whether the version is determined when the device ID corresponds to the printing apparatus main body. apparatus. 5. An option information transmitting process for notifying a printing device main body of a version of the option program to a printing device having an option controlled by a dedicated program, and the version received from the option information transmitting process is A version determination process for determining whether or not the version of the program of the printing apparatus is the latest version; and, if the version of the optional program is not the latest, the And a download process for downloading from the storage device to the optional storage device. 6. The printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the option is one or more of various options including a paper feed option, a paper discharge option, an extension interface, and an extension emulation. Option control method. 7. The download process, wherein when the version of the option is not the latest version, the latest program of the option is downloaded from the storage device of the printing apparatus main body to the storage device of the option. 7. The option control method for a printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein: 8. The option information transmitting process is a process of notifying a device ID for identifying the option together with a version of the option to a printing apparatus main body, and further includes determining whether the device ID corresponds to the printing apparatus main body. 8. The printing method according to claim 5, wherein a first ID determination process is performed to determine whether or not the device ID corresponds to a printing apparatus main body. An optional control method for the device. 9. An optional device for a printing apparatus, comprising: a storage unit for storing an option-specific program, and performing an optional operation in accordance with a request from the printing device according to the program stored in the storage unit. Transmitting means for notifying the printing device of the version of the program in the printing device, and when the version is not the latest version of the program version of the printing device, the option-specific program sent from the printing device; An optional device for a printing device, which is stored in a storage device. 10. A version judging means for judging whether or not the version of the optional program received from the option side of the printing apparatus is the latest version of the version of the program of the main body of the printing apparatus; And a download unit that downloads the optional program from a storage device of the printing apparatus main body to the optional storage device when the version of the device is not the latest version. .