DE4422619B4 - printing system - Google Patents

Abstract

A printing system using a network (10), comprising: terminals (11, 12) that issue requests to print documents, each request including a label for the print specifications of the document;
a plurality of printing devices (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19) directly connected to the network for shared use, said plurality of printing devices comprising at least two printers, one of which printers the document according to printing specifications can print according to which the other printer is unable to print this document;
a standalone print management device (13) for the printing system, which is connected to the network (10) and is equipped with a control table in which mapping data between the print specifications and all printers (16 to 19 and 1A) which indicate, are stored what print specifications of a document a printer is able to print the document,
wherein the print management device (13) is designed to select the appropriate printer when a request is made in accordance with the description of the print specifications specified in the request in accordance with the assignment data stored in the control table and to cause the printer to do so from the terminal device which requests the print has submitted, the transmitted document is printed out in the selected printer.

Description

The present invention relates a printing system in which a large number of data processors, like workstations and personal Computers that can share a variety of printers.

Over the past few years LANs (local area networks) and WANs (wide area networks) the field of data processors, such as workstations, personal computers and word processors. With the spread of the networks becomes a print server that supports the multitude of data processors (which hereinafter generically referred to as "client" or "requester") sharing printers enables important to lower the installation cost and to reduce the size of one Installation area.

A state-of-the-art printing system, which print server ( 14 and 15 ) is like in 2 illustrated constructed. Here, users who each have Requester A ( 11 ) till B ( 12 ) use a printer A ( 16 ), a printer B ( 17 ) and a printer C ( 18 ) share. The reference number 10 indicates a network.

Such techniques according to the state of the art Technology are e.g. disclosed in the official communications of the Japanese Patent applications (KOKAI) No. 29021/1991, No. 36826/1992, No. 230514/1992, No. 245525/1992, No. 250522/1992 and No. 317118/1992 and the standards ISO / IEC DIS 10175-1 and 10175-2 of ISO (International Standardization Organization) included.

In the prior systems mentioned above who chooses technology on condition that the Users of each requester have a precise knowledge of the subject Requester usable set of printers and the specifications of all usable printers, he himself selects the printer that is responsible for the specifications of a document to be printed, and commands the selected printer to print out the document.

Therefore, there was in the prior art the problem that that become fully familiar with the specifications of each printer a big Load for the user concerned, so it is difficult to find the multitude full use of printers.

More specifically contain the printer specification (1) a dot density, (2) a printing speed, (3) the possibilities duplex (or double-sided) and color printing, (4) available Paper sizes, (5) the types available PDLs (Page Description Languages), (6) the types available Fonts etc. Such diverse Printer specifications come from recent remarkable progress in printer technology. Furthermore, users tend to, at least suitable to use several such different printers according to their Areas of application for word processing, DTP (desktop publishing), Form output, etc. Accordingly, the Burden on every user to understand the specifications precisely different printer very large.

Besides, the situation is sometimes occurred, since the user has an unsuitable printer because of its fake understanding selected printer specifications, he did not select the intended ones Receives printing results.

The situation continued predicted at that because the selected printer will make a mistake is, despite the correct understanding and choice by the user the desired printing cannot be performed can.

Incidentally, the official reveals Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (KOKAI) No. 245525/1992 a technique in which one acts as a "management server" designated device is installed to that printer a variety of printers to choose the one in the shortest Can print out the waiting time. However, this publication teaches no technique to solve of the above disadvantages.

• (i) Mit der Weiterentwicklung eines Client-/Server-Systems kann deren Leistungsfähigkeit und Zuverlässigkeit durch Verbinden einer größeren Anzahl von Druckservern an ein Netzwerk verbessert werden.
• (ii) Ein Drucker des Typs, der direkt mit einem Netzwerk verbunden ist (bezeichnet als ein "Netzwerkdrucker"), ist aus dem Gesichtspunkt effektiv, daß der Drucker an jedem gewünschten Ort innerhalb des Netzwerks plaziert werden kann. Mit einem Drucker dieses Typs ist jedoch die entsprechende Beziehung zwischen dem Drucker und einem Druck-Server für dessen Steuerung vom äußeren Anschein der Verbindung dieses Druckers nicht bekannt. Daher kann, wenn ein Requester bzw. Client eine Dokumentdruckanforderung an irgendeinen solcher Netzwerkdrucker ausgibt, dieser nicht herausfinden, welcher der Druck-Server für die Anforderung relevant ist.

In addition, the following issues have not been considered in the currently available printing systems:

• (i) With the further development of a client / server system, its performance and reliability can be improved by connecting a larger number of print servers to a network.
• (ii) A printer of the type that is directly connected to a network (referred to as a "network printer") is effective from the point of view that the printer can be placed anywhere within the network. However, with a printer of this type, the corresponding relationship between the printer and a print server for controlling it from the appearance of the connection of this printer is not known. Therefore, if a requester or client issues a document print request to any such network printer, it cannot find out which of the print servers is relevant to the request.

Accordingly, the printing systems of the State of the art the problem that the variety of printers and print servers could not be used effectively, So that the operability or the expediency the system is inferior. Another problem was that the system fails to provide increased reliability through effective Using the variety of printers and print servers.

EP 0 529 818 A2 discloses a network printing system with a plurality of printers, some of the printers having different print job processing capabilities, providing multiple clients with electronic documents and printing instructions, and providing a dialog filtering device to enable program selection in accordance with the processing capabilities of each individual printer.

EP 0 521 673 A2 discloses a printing system in which a printer driver by which print data is sent from a data processor to a printer is selected based on the interpreters available in the printer.

US 5,165,014 A discloses a method and system for matching a computer's software command language to a printer's printer language, wherein the type, character and frequency of a data stream generated by the computer software is detected to match the particular command language determine where the computer works.

US 5,220,674 A describes a local area print server to connect to a printer to form a printing system to perform printing requests. The local area print server controls the processing of the print request by the printer and, in response to printer requests for resources that are required to carry out the print request, either provides the required resources or receives the resources from a remote component. A resource manager is provided to receive resource requests from the printer for resources required to perform certain printing requests and, in response to such requests, distributes the necessary resources to the printers.

EP 0 529 808 A2 discloses a print management system for a networked job processor having multiple PCs, at least one output printer, a print manager, and a network that electronically connects the PCs, printer, and print manager to enable the PCs to use the output printer.

It is the task of the present Invention to provide a printing system in which a variety of Printers with different printing specifications in more effective Way can be used by automatically selecting a printer for a specific one Document printing specification is suitable.

This task is accomplished through a printing system according to claim 1 solved. Further advantageous embodiments are the subject of the subclaims.

An aspect of performance of the present invention to achieve the objectives is one Printing system which uses a network which comprises: end devices which Issue requests or requests for printing documents, where each of the requirements is a designation of the printing specifications of the document; a variety of printers connected to the end devices via the network are to be shared; and a print management facility, which is equipped with a control table in the document printing specifications for each the variety of printers are stored, the facility manages printing to select the printer that will match specific document printing specifications, stored in the control table is suitable from a variety of printers based on the document printing requirement, which is the name of the specific document printing specification, as from the terminal are spent, and using the document specified by the terminal of the selected one Printer.

Another aspect of the performance of the present invention is a printing system that uses a network comprising: terminals that issue requests to print documents, each of which includes a label for the printing specifications of the document; a plurality of printers connected to the terminals via the network to be shared; at least one print server connected to the network to control printing of the plurality of printers; and print management means equipped with a control table in which the document print specifications for each of the plurality of printers are stored, the means managing printing to select the printer suitable for certain document print specifications stored in the control table from a variety of printers based on the document printing request, which includes the designation of the specific document printing specifications as output from the terminal, and the document ment that is transmitted from the terminal to print in the selected printer via the print server.

Another aspect of performance of the present invention is a printing system which uses a network that has: terminals, the requirements for printing of documents, with each of the requirements a label which includes print specifications of the document; a variety of printers, that with the end devices over the Network are connected to be shared; at least a print server with a control table for monitoring the pressure conditions of the respective printer and for storing the print status in it and which is connected to the network in order to print the Control a variety of printers; and a print management facility, which is equipped with a control table in which the document printing specifications for everyone the plurality of printers is stored, the device manages printing to select the printer that will match specific document printing specifications, stored in the control table is suitable from a variety of printers based on the document printing requirement, which is the name of the specific document printing specification, as from the terminal spent, includes, and the document to be printed, transmitted from the terminal is on a desired one Printer of the selected one Printer over the print server according to the print States to print that is stored in the control table of the. print server are.

Another aspect of performance of the present invention is a printing system which uses a network which has: terminals, the requirements for printing of documents, with each of the requirements a label which includes print specifications of the document; a variety of printers, that with the end devices over the Network are connected to be shared; at least a print server with a first control table to store in it the document printing specifications for each printer and a print spooler for registering the documents to be printed, transmitted by the end devices are equipped and connected to the network in such a way to control printing of the plurality of printers; and a print management server, the one with a second control table for reading out the document print specifications the respective printer that is in the first control table of the print server are stored, and for storing the read-out specifications therein is equipped, and which manages the printing to the desired Select printer the for certain document printing specifications stored in the second control table are suitable, from a variety of printers based on the document printing requirements, which is the designation the specific document printing specifications as output by the terminals are includes and the documents to be printed that meet certain document printing specifications according to registration in the print spooler of the print server are suitable, in the selected, desired ones Printers over to print the print server.

Another aspect of performance of the present invention is a printing system which uses a network that has: end devices, which requirements for Print documents, with each of the requirements one Includes the designation of the print specifications of the document; a Variety of printers connected to the end devices through the network are to be shared; at least one print server, which with a first control table for monitoring the pressure conditions of the respective printer and for storing the print status and the installation location of the respective printer is equipped, and connected to the network so as to print the multitude controlled by printers; and a print manager that is equipped with a second control table in which the document printing specifications for the respective printers are stored, the device printing managed to select the printers that are used for specific document printing specifications, which are stored in the second control table are suitable from a variety of printers based on document printing requirements, which is the name of the specific document printing specification, as from the end devices are spent include and the documents to be printed that are transmitted from the terminals are in desired Printers of the selected Printer over the print server according to the print status and the installation locations of the printers, which are in the first control table of the print server are saved to print.

As a further embodiment of the above-mentioned printing system, the present invention has the feature that the document printing specifications include at least a paper size, a type of a page description language and the possibility of duplex printing. A further embodiment of the present invention also has the feature that the print management device or the print management server sends information indicating the selected printer to the terminal device which issued the document printing request. In a further exemplary embodiment, the invention has the feature that the print management device or the print management server is connected to the network. An additional exemplary embodiment has the feature that the printing state of each of the printers contains both an error state of the corresponding printer and an off state of the power supply of the corresponding printer. Another feature is that the print status of each of the printers contains an amount of data of the document to be printed that remains in the corresponding printer. Further The printing system has the characteristic that the print server is equipped with a print spooler in which the documents to be printed are registered. Furthermore, the printing system has the feature that the print management device or the print management server is installed in a desired server of the print server. The printing system also has the feature that the print management device or the print management server is installed in a desired terminal of the terminals. It is further a feature that each of the terminals interrogates the print server about the detailed status of print jobs from the print server via a command, the print server sending a response to the terminal indicating the detailed status of the print job.

According to the present invention can if a request to print a document which includes the name of the document printing specifications the printing system will automatically select a printer that for the certain document printing specifications. The user any end device (Client or requester) can therefore be difficult to understand the specifications the individual printers and selecting the appropriate printer saved on the basis of the printer specifications, so that the operability of the printing system or its convenience for the user can.

In addition, the management server chooses for distributed Print the appropriate printer by not only checking the suitability of the Printing specifications, but also the distances between the terminal that issued the print request and the one to be selected Printers and / or the number of waiting print jobs in the to be selected in each case Printers judged. So the printer can be selected the closer to the user and printing earlier to complete can without the Knowledge of the user and their assessment is required. It is accordingly possible that Convenience of the printing system for the user even further to improve and improve the throughput of the entire printing system.

The management server also chooses for distributed Print the appropriate printer and print server by checking the error conditions of the to be selected Printer and print server additionally to the above Auswählbedingungen be considered. So he can automatically use the printer and select the print server which are normal. As a result, the user can have trouble understanding the normal / abnormal conditions of the individual devices, and the reliability, the availability and the printing throughput of the printing system can be further improved become.

Further advantages, features and possible applications of the present invention result from the following description of embodiments in connection with the drawing. The drawing shows:

1 a diagram showing the architecture of a system according to the present invention;

2 a diagram showing the architecture of a prior art system;

3 a block diagram showing the hardware structure of a client, a print server and a distributed printing management server in the present invention;

4 a block diagram showing the hardware structure of a printer in the present invention;

5 a diagram for explaining the dynamic allocation of printers in the present invention;

6 a diagram for explaining the dynamic allocation of printers and print servers in the present invention;

7 a diagram for explaining a control method in the presence of any error in the dynamic allocation of printers and print servers in the present invention;

8th a diagram for explaining interfaces among the participating devices of the system in the present invention;

9 a diagram for explaining a user interface in the present invention;

10 a diagram for explaining a client interface in the present invention;

11 a diagram for explaining a distributed printing management interface in the present invention;

12 a diagram for explaining a printer access interface in the present invention;

13 a diagram for explaining a print request at the logical specification level in the present invention;

14 a diagram for explaining printing with an alternative printer or print server in the presence of any error in the present invention;

15 a diagram for explaining the processing steps of the printing system in the present invention;

16 a diagram for explaining the software structure of each client in the present invention;

17 a diagram for explaining the software structure of the distributed printing management server in the present invention;

18 a diagram for explaining the software structure of each print server in the present invention;

19 a diagram for explaining the software structure of each network printer (a printer directly connected to a network) in the present invention;

20 a diagram for explaining the software structure of each server printer (a printer directly connected to the print server) in the present invention;

21 a diagram showing the organization of a print job control table in the present invention;

22 a diagram showing the organization of a pressure control table in the present invention;

23 a diagram showing "printer specifications" included in the printer control table in the present invention;

24 a diagram showing the format of a "specification code" included in the printer specifications of the printer control table in the present invention;

25 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a "printer busy state" included in the printer control table in the present invention;

26 a diagram showing the format of the "status of a sheet feeding or ejecting unit" included in the printer busy state of the printer control table in the present invention;

27 a diagram showing the format of a "resource status" included in the printer busy state of the printer control table in the present invention; and

28 a diagram for explaining how user interface commands use client interface commands in the present invention.

The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail. First, the architecture of a printing system in one embodiment of the present invention is referred to in FIG 1 be explained.

The printing system in this exemplary embodiment has terminals A ... B ( 11 , ... and 12 ), such as workstations, personal computers and word processors (generically referred to below as "clients"), which generate documents and issue requests to print the documents; a variety of printers A, B, C, D and E ( 16 . 17 . 18 . 19 and 1A ), each of clients A, ... and B ( 11 , ... and 12 ) can be shared; and one or more print servers A and B ( 14 and 15 ) that work to control the printing operations of printers A, B and C. Clients A, ... and B ( 11 , ... and 12 ) are connected to print servers A and B ( 14 and 15 ) over a network 10 , such as a LAN or WAN.

• – Direkt verbunden mit dem lokalen Bus des Druck-Servers A oder B (14 oder 15) genauso wie der Drucker A (16) oder B (17) oder der Drucker C (18).
• – Direkt verbunden mit dem Netzwerk 10 genauso wie die Drucker D (19) oder E (1A).

Each of printers A, B, C, D and E ( 16 . 17 . 18 . 19 and 1A) with one of the print servers A or B ( 14 and 15 ) connected to one of the following to be controlled by the connected print servers:

• - Directly connected to the local bus of print server A or B ( 14 or 15 ) just like printer A ( 16 ) or B ( 17 ) or the printer C ( 18 ).
• - Directly connected to the network 10 just like the printer D ( 19 ) or E ( 1A ).

The present invention is to provide the distributed printing management function in which the plurality of shared printers A, B, C, D and E ( 16 . 17 . 18 . 19 and 1A ) and one or more print servers A and B ( 14 and 15 ), which are installed in the printing system, so that the printers and the print servers can be fully utilized. A device that functions as a "distributed printing management server" (shown by reference numerals 13 in 1 ) is installed to perform the administrative function of distributed printing.

Especially the network printers that are directly connected to the network 10 just like printer B ( 19 ) and E ( 1A ) are not directly connected to any print server, and their assignments to print servers A ( 14 ) and B ( 15 ) becomes arbitrary, so the distributed printing management function is important. For example, even if a particular printer or print server has shutdown or made any error, management by the management server allows 13 for distributed printing, continue printing with another printer or print server. The error control function, as in this example, is a typical example of the effects of the distributed printing management function.

The management server 13 for distributed printing monitors and stores information from each printer such as ( 1 ) the name of the printer, ( 2 ) the name of the corresponding print server, ( 3 ) the specifications of the printer, ( 4 ) the status of the printer, ( 5 ) an equipment status and ( 6 ) the name of a print job currently printing. If any of the clients A ( 11 ), ... and B ( 12 ) from the management server 13 For distributed printing requests to print a document in a form that is the name of the print including specifications of the document, the management server chooses 13 the printer whose printer specifications are suitable for the document printing specifications based on the above storage, and the client that issued the request transfers the document to be printed to the selected printer.

Although in the illustrated embodiment, the management printer 13 for distributed printing as a device installed separately from the print servers or clients, it may alternatively be installed on any of the print servers and clients. It is also possible to install the print server on any of the clients. In this case, the hardware cost of the printing system can be reduced.

In this embodiment, each of the print servers A ( 14 ) and B ( 15 ) equipped with a spooler.

Due to the in 1 In the architecture shown, the user of each client need not be familiar with the specifications of all printers included in the printing system and it can be difficult for him to select a printer that has suitable specifications for the specifications of a document to be printed on Based on his knowledge.

Next, the hardware structures of the devices that make up the printing system are described with reference to FIG 3 and 4 to be discribed.

Clients A, ... and B ( 11 , ... and 12 ), print servers A and B ( 14 and 15 ) and the administrative printer 13 for distributed printing, the same hardware structures can be adopted. As in 3 illustrated, the hardware structure has an MPU (microprocessor unit) 300 , a system bus 301 , a ROM (read only memory) 310 , RAM (random access memory) 311 , a keyboard 321 , a mouse 322 , a disk control device 331 , a plate 332 , a display control device 341 , a display unit 342 , a network control device 350 and a printer adapter 360 on.

The system bus 301 transmits the various input / output signals (address signals, data signals and other control signals) from the MPU 300 ,

The MPU (central processing unit) 300 gives signals from the keyboard 321 , the plate 332 , the display unit 342 , peripheral devices such as the network and printers 16 to 1A , and the memories like ROM 310 and RAM 311 , via the system bus 301 and outputs signals to these facilities.

The keyboard 321 is an input unit that is configured from a variety of input keys and with which the mouse 322 , which is a kind of pointing device. The plate 332 which is a secondary memory is with the system bus 301 via a secondary storage controller such as the disk controller 331 , connected, the display unit 342 is about it via the display control device 341 connected, and the printer 16 to 1A are about it via the printer adapter 360 connected. In addition, the system bus 301 of the printing system with the network 10 , such as a LAN or WAN, through the network controller 350 connected.

Incidentally, in any of the devices, such as the management server 13 for distributed printing and the servers 14 and 15 that interact less frequently with users of the printing system, a user operation panel (not shown) can also be constructed by using the keyboard 321 , the mouse 322 and a display unit 342 be simplified. In this case, the human-machine interface function of the device concerned deteriorates, but its cost can be reduced.

Now referring to 4 , the hardware structure of each of printers A, B, C, D and E ( 16 . 17 . 18 . 19 and 1A ) to be discribed. The printer has an MPU bus 401 , a server interface unit 402 , an MPU 403 , a ROM 404 , a secondary storage 405 , a user operation panel 407 , a sub-MPU 406 , a printer memory controller 409 , a RAM 40A and a printing machine unit 408 on. That part 40C the printer, which is outside the printing press unit 408 is specifically to be called a "printer control device".

The MPU bus 401 transmits the various input / output signals (address signals, data signals and other control signals) from the MPU 403 ,

The MPU 403 gives the signals from the peripheral control devices 402 . 406 and 409 and the stores 404 . 405 and 40A via the MPU bus 401 and outputs the signals there.

The server interface unit (hereinafter the word "interface" is abbreviated to "I / F") is a control device which causes the printer to communicate with the print server whose host device it is with an I / F 40B , which is called "Server I / F". The physical I / F of the connection (the server I / F 40B ), which is to be used, is made up of interfaces SCSI (Small Computer System Interface), RS-232C (Recommended Standard-232C), RS-422, GP-IB (General Purpose Interface Bus), Centronics, HDLC (High-Level Data Link Control), Ethernet, Token-Ring, FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface) etc. selected. Furthermore, a suitable logic is the hardware logic of the control device 402 installed according to the chosen type of physical I / F. Specifically, in the case of the printer that is connected directly to the local bus of print server A or B ( 14 or 15 ), like printer A or B ( 16 or 17 ) or the printer C ( 18 ), any of the interfaces SCSI, RS-232C, RS-422, GP-IB, Centronics, etc., as the physical I / F of the server I / F 40B used. On the other hand, in the case of the printer that is directly connected to the network 10 like the printer D or E ( 19 or 1A ), any one of the interfaces Ethernet, Token-Ring, FDDI, HDLC, etc. is used.

The ROM 404 It stores the initialization program (also called "IPL (Initial Program Loading -)") of the printer control device 40C and parts of the character sets (eg character sets in certain sizes).

The RAM 40A stores (a) the control program of the printer control device therein 40C , (b) the remaining portions of the fonts (e.g., the fonts in other sizes), (c) the data of a command buffer, (d) the data of a page buffer, (e) control tables such as a page buffer control table and a printer control table, etc. Under this information, information (a) and (b) are stored in such a way that they can be downloaded from any of the print servers through the IPL program. Alternatively, indications (a) and (b) can also be in the ROM 404 be stored without being in RAM 40A to be saved. In contrast, all fonts can be stored in RAM as well 40A stored without any character set in the ROM 404 is saved.

The sub-MPU 406 runs input / output processes between it and the user operations panel 407 and the printing press unit 408 according to the orders of the MPU 403 out.

The printer memory controller 409 performs the process of loading the contents of the RAM 40A (usually the page buffer) into the press unit 408 and the control (refreshing, etc.) of a DRAM (dynamic RAM) in the event that the RAM 40A is a DRAM. The loading process is carried out using a built-in DMA (direct memory access) function. At the time when the stored data corresponding to a page area or paper has been fetched from the page buffer, the printer memory controller outputs 409 an interrupt signal (one of the signals on the MPU bus 401 ) from that to the MPU 403 is directed to the interruption process of the MPU 403 to start based on the end of the page buffer fetch process.

In the printer control device 40C , the sub-MPU 406 communicates with the printing press unit 408 via a signal line 4000-1, and the printer memory control device 409 does this via a signal line 4000-2 according to an I / F, which is called "printing press I / F".

In a case where the printing press unit 408 is a shuttle printer, translates the printer memory controller 409 the form of the content of the page buffer and then transfers the resulting content to the printing machine unit 408 via the signal line 400C-2. On the other hand in a case where the printing press unit 408 is a laser printer, the printer memory controller serializes 409 the content of the page buffer (by parallel-serial conversion) and then transfers the resulting content to the press unit 408 via the signal line 400C-2.

In the case where the printing press unit 408 is the shuttle printer, the signal line 400C-1 is used to receive a signal indicating the head position of a page, etc. from this printing machine unit 408 displays. On the other hand in the case where the printing press unit 408 is the laser printer, the signal line 400C-1 is used to transmit a command signal and status transmit / receive signals with which the sub-CPU 406 a command for a request or a label to the printing press unit 408 sends and status as a response from the press unit 408 receives, and is also used for transmitting control signals, the steps of the loading procedure of the content of the page buffer into the printing press unit 408 Taxes.

There are now the dynamic allocations of the printers and the print servers in the printing system with respect to the 5 to 7 explained. A case in which only one print server is installed and a case in which two or more print servers are installed will be explained separately.

(1) Case where only one Print server A (14) is installed:

• (a) Der Client A (11) fordert von dem Verwaltungsserver 13 für verteiltes Drucken an, ein Dokument unter Verwendung eines bezeichneten Druckers (Drucker n) order irgendeines der Drucker A, B, D, E, F und G (16, 17, 19, 1A, 1B und 1C) zu drucken. Dabei weist das Dokument die Druckspezifikationen auf, wie eine Farbspezifikation [z.B. monochrom/multicolor/Vollfarbe], eine Papiergröße, eine Punktdichte und die Art der "PDL'. Der Ausdruck PDL ist die Abkürzung für Seitenbeschreibungssprache (Page Description Language), von denen Beispiele "PostScript" von Adobe Inc., "InterPress" von Xerox Inc. und "SPDL' von der ISO (International Organization for Standardization) sind, die dazu dienen, ein Drucken mit hoher Qualität auszuführen, sowie "ESC/P" von Epson Inc. und "LIPS" von Canon Inc. sind, die ähnlich zu herkömmlichen Druckbefehlen sind.
• (b) Ein geeigneter Drucker wird durch den Verwaltungsserver 13 für verteiltes Drucken ausgewählt. Der Verwaltungsserver 13 für verteiltes Drucken sucht nach dem Drucker, dessen Druckerspezifikationen für die angeforderten Dokumentdruckspezifikationen geeignet sind. Beim Vorhandensein des geeigneten Druckers wird nach der höchsten Priorität gesucht. Wenn der bezeichnete Drucker in einem fatalen Fehlerzustand (bezeichnet "Fehlerklasse 4") von z.B. dem Ausfall einer Druckersteuereinrichtung ist, soll er nicht ausgewählt werden. Im Falle eines Fehlers (bezeichnet "Fehlerklasse 3"), der durch den Eingriff des Benutzers aufgehoben werden kann, sind eine Abhilfe, bei der der entsprechende Drucker ausgewählt wird, und eine Abhilfe, bei der dieser Drucker nicht ausgewählt wird, beide möglich, und die erstere soll hier in diesem Ausführungsbeispiel angewandt werden. Der geeignete Drucker wird unter Berücksichtung (1) der Entfernungen (Nähe) der Drucker von dem Client A (11) und (2) der Anzahl von Aufträgen, die in den Druckern warten, zusätzlich zu den Entscheidungsbedingungen der Eignung (Evaluierungsangaben), die oben erwähnt sind (*1), ausgewählt werden.
• (c) Der Verwaltungsserver 13 für verteiltes Drucken kommuniziert mit dem Client A (11). (i) Wenn der geeignete Drucker erfolgreich ausgewählt worden ist, wird der Name des ausgewählten Druckers von dem Verwaltungsserver 13 für verteiltes Drucken zu dem Client A (11) berichtet. (ii) Wenn die Wahl des geeigneten Druckers gescheitert ist, wird diese Tatsache von dem Verwaltungsserver 13 für verteiltes Drucken zu dem Client A (11) berichtet.
• (d) Der Druckauftrag wird in dem Druck-Server A (14) durch den Client A (11) registriert.

First, the general processing steps for dynamic allocation are given.

• (a) Client A ( 11 ) requests from the management server 13 for distributed printing on, a document using a designated printer (s) or any of printers A, B, D, E, F and G ( 16 . 17 . 19 . 1A . 1B and 1C ) to print. The document shows the print specifications, such as a color specification [eg monochrome / multicolor / full color], a paper size, a dot density and the type of "PDL". The expression PDL is the abbreviation for page description language, examples of which "PostScript" from Adobe Inc., "InterPress" from Xerox Inc. and "SPDL 'from ISO (International Organization for Standardization), which are used to perform high quality printing, and" ESC / P "from Epson Inc and "LIPS" from Canon Inc., which are similar to conventional print commands.
• (b) A suitable printer is provided by the management server 13 selected for distributed printing. The management server 13 for distributed printing searches for the printer whose printer specifications are suitable for the requested document printing specifications. In the presence of the appropriate one Printer is searched for the highest priority. If the designated printer is in a fatal error state (designated "error class 4") from, for example, the failure of a printer control device, it should not be selected. In the event of an error (referred to as "Error Class 3") that can be removed by user intervention, a remedy in which the appropriate printer is selected and a remedy in which this printer is not selected are both possible, and the former is to be used here in this embodiment. The suitable printer is taken into account ( 1 ) the distances (proximity) of the printers from the client A ( 11 ) and ( 2 ) the number of jobs waiting in the printers in addition to the eligibility decision conditions (evaluation information) mentioned above (* 1).
• (c) The management server 13 for distributed printing communicates with client A ( 11 ). (i) When the appropriate printer has been successfully selected, the name of the selected printer is obtained from the management server 13 for distributed printing to client A ( 11 ) reports. (ii) If the choice of the appropriate printer has failed, this fact is handled by the management server 13 for distributed printing to client A ( 11 ) reports.
• (d) The print job is stored in the print server A ( 14 ) by client A ( 11 ) registered.

Upon successful selection of the suitable printer ((i) in step (c)), the client registers A ( 11 ) the print job in the print server A ( 14 ). That is, the print job corresponding to the specific document is registered in a print queue which is stored in the print server A ( 14 ) is stored, according to the printer selected by the management server 13 for distributed printing has been reported.

In the above flow of processing steps it is assumed that only a print queue for each of the printer is attached.

Next, examples of the processing steps related to FIG 5 be explained.

[Example 1]

• (a) Client A ( 11 ) requests the management server 13 For distributed printing to, Document # 1 (color specification: monochrome, paper size: A4, dot density: 400 dpi (dots per inch) or above) by using printer A ( 16 ) to print.
• (b) The management server 13 for distributed printing checks the suitability of the printer and selects the suitable printer. (i) The management server 13 for distributed printing checks whether the printer specifications of printer A ( 16 ) match the printing specifications required by document # 1. (ii) Since printer A ( 16 ) is selected, it is selected as the printer for document # 1.
• (c) It is from the management server 13 for distributed printing to client A ( 11 ) reports that printer A ( 16 ) has been successfully selected.
• (d) the print job is stored in the print server A ( 14 ) by client A ( 11 ) registered. That is, document # 1 is sent to the print queue for printer A ( 16 ) as it is in print server A ( 14 ) is saved.

Example 2

• (a) Client A ( 11 ) requests the management server 13 For distributed printing on, Document No. 2 (color specification: monochrome, paper size: A3, dot density: 400 dpi or above) by using printer A ( 16 ) to print. The same applies to a case where no specified printer is designated.
• (b) the management server 13 for distributed printing checks the suitability of the printer and selects the suitable printer. (i) the management server 13 for distributed printing checks whether the print specifications of printer A ( 16 ) match the printing specifications required by document # 2. (ii) Since printer A ( 16 ) is not suitable, a suitable printer is searched for. The content shown at the * 1 symbol above is also taken into account in the search. It turns out that printer D ( 19 ) For example, when the printer is selected for document # 2.
• (c) It is from the management server 13 for distributed printing to client A ( 11 ) reports that since printer A ( 16 ) is not suitable, the printer D ( 19 ) has been selected.
• (d) The print job is carried out by client A ( 11 ) in the print server A ( 14 ) registered. That is, document # 2 is sent to the print queue for printer D ( 19 ) as it is in print server A ( 14 ) is saved.

Example 3

• (a) Client A ( 11 ) requests from the management server 13 for distributed printing, to print document # 3 (color specification: full color, paper size: A4). No specified printer is identified.
• (b) The management server 13 for distributed printing checks the suitability of the printer and selects the suitable printer. (i) The management server 13 for distributed printing searches for any printer that meets the printing specifications required for document # 3. The content indicated with the * 1 symbol above will also be considered in the search.

It turns out that the printer F ( 1B ) for example when the printer is selected for document # 3.

• (c) It is from the management server 13 for distributed printing to client A ( 11 ) reports that printer F ( 1B ) has been selected.
• (d) The print job is carried out by client A ( 11 ) in the print server A ( 14 ) registered. That is, document # 3 is sent to the print queue for printer F ( 1B ) as it is in print server A ( 14 ) is saved.

(2) Case where at least two print servers A ( 14 ) and B ( 15 ) are installed:

Next are those processes for the dynamic allocation of printers and print servers described be the subject (i) in the presence of the greater number from print servers as mentioned above in the description of the prior art than the individual cases a normal condition with no errors and an abnormal condition that contains any error. Also here it is assumed that only a print queue for each of the printer is attached.

[Normal condition, none Contains errors]

• (a) Der Client A (11) fordert den Verwaltungsserver 13 für verteiltes Drucken auf, ein Dokument (enthaltend Druckspezifikationen) durch die Verwendung eines bezeichneten Druckers (Drucker n) oder irgendeines der Drucker A, B, C, D, E, F und G (16, 17, 18, 19, 1A, 1B und 1C) zu drucken.
• (b) Der Verwaltungsserver 13 für verteiltes Drucken wählt irgendeinen geeigneten Drucker und irgendeinen geeigneten Druck-Server aus (nach welchen auf eine solche Weise gesucht wird, daß eine dyadische Kombination, bestehend aus dem Drucker und dem Druck-Server, als eine Variable gesetzt ist). (i) Der Verwaltungsserver 13 für verteiltes Drucken befragt die Druck-Server A (14) und B (15) und führt das Folgende aus: – Der Verwaltungsserver 13 sucht nach irgendeinem Drucker, der Druckerspezifikationen hat, die für die, für das Dokument erforderlichen Druckspezifikationen geeignet sind. – Beim Vorhandensein des bezeichneten Druckers wird nach der höchsten Priorität gesucht. – Wenn irgendein Druck-Server oder irgendein Drucker in dem fatalen Fehlerzustand (bezeichnet als "Fehlerklasse 4") von z.B. dem Fehler einer Druckersteuereinrichtung ist, soll er nicht ausgewählt werden. Im Falle eines Fehlers (bezeichnet als "Fehlerklasse 3"), der durch den Eingriff des Benutzers behebbar ist, sind sowohl eine Abhilfe, bei der der entsprechende Druk ker ausgewählt wird, als auch eine Abhilfe, bei der er nicht ausgewählt wird, möglich, und die letztere soll hier in diesem Ausführungsbeispiel angenommen werden. (ii) In einem Fall, bei dem eine Vielzahl von Druckern, die die Bedingungen der Eignung erfüllen, bei der Druckersuche betreffend jeden der Druck-Server A (14) und B (15) existieren, wird einer der Drucker ausgewählt, wobei nicht nur die Evaluierungsangabe (1) der Bedingungen der Geeignetheit, sondern auch die Evaluierungsangaben (2) der Entfernungen der Vielzahl von Druckern von dem betreffenden Client und (3) die Anzahl von Aufträgen, die in der Vielzahl von Druckern warten, in Betracht gezogen werden. Die multidimensionale Evaluierung, die auf den Evaluierungsangaben (1) bis (3) beruht, wird durch eine gewichtete Summe eindimensional gemacht. (iii) Selbst wenn ein Drucker als ein in Frage kommender Drucker von den Druck-Servern durch den Unterschritt (i) oder die Unterschritte (i) und (ii) ausgewählt worden ist, wird die Druckersuche nach einem weiteren Drucker fortgesetzt, wodurch irgendein Drucker mit noch besserer Evaluierung manchmal ausgewählt werden kann. Betreffend eine solche Druckersuche auf tieferer Ebene ist eine erforderliche Ebene bei der Herstellung des Drucksystems installiert. (iv) Wenn der geeignete Drucker erfolgreich auf die obige Weise ausgewählt worden ist, soll er der "ausgewählte Drucker" genannt werden und der geeignete Druck-Server, der zu dem ausgewählten Drucker gehört und der ihn verwaltet, soll der "ausgewählte Druck-Server" genannt werden.
• (c) Der Verwaltungsserver 13 für verteiltes Drucken kommuniziert mit dem Client A (11). (i) Wenn der geeignete Drucker bei Schritt (b) erfolgreich ausgewählt worden ist, werden der Name des ausgewählten Druckers und der Name des ausgewählten Druck-Servers von dem Verwaltungsserver 13 für verteiltes Drucken zu dem Client A (11) berichtet. (ii) Wenn die Auswahl des geeigneten Druckers gescheitert ist, wird diese Tatsache in ähnlicher Weise von dem Verwaltungsserver 13 für verteiltes Drucken zu dem Client A (11) berichtet.
• (d) Der Druckauftrag wird durch den Client A (11) in dem ausgewählten Druck-Server registriert. Bei erfolgreicher Auswahl des geeigneten Druckers ((i) bei Schritt (c)) registriert der Client A (11) den Druckauftrag in dem ausgewählten Druck-Server. Das heißt, der Druckauftrag entsprechend dem Druckdokument des Client A (11) wird in einer Warteschlange registriert, die in dem ausgewählten Druck-Server gespeichert ist, entsprechend dem ausgewählten Drucker. Übrigens kann, selbst bei einer Maßnahme, bei der zwei oder mehr Druckwarteschlangen für jeden Drucker angesetzt sind, das Drucksystem betrieben werden, indem die obigen Verarbeitungsschritte auf ähnliche Weise angewendet werden. Diese Maßnahme zieht jedoch solche Nachteile nach sich wie, (1) es ist schwierig, Dokumente zu drucken, während die Annahmesequenz von Druck aufträgen gehalten wird, und (2) die Verwaltung des Systembetriebs wird kompliziert. Daher wird nicht empfohlen, diese Maßnahme für gewöhnliche Drucksysteme anzuwenden.
• (e) Dokumentdaten, die den Druckauftrag bilden, werden an den ausgewählten Drucker übertragen.

In like in 6 The following steps have been implemented:

• (a) Client A ( 11 ) requests the management server 13 for distributed printing on, a document (containing print specifications) by using a designated printer (s) or any of printers A, B, C, D, E, F and G ( 16 . 17 . 18 . 19 . 1A . 1B and 1C ) to print.
• (b) The management server 13 for distributed printing, select any suitable printer and print server (which are searched in such a way that a dyadic combination consisting of the printer and the print server is set as a variable). (i) The management server 13 for distributed printing, print server A ( 14 ) and B ( 15 ) and does the following: - The management server 13 searches for any printer that has printer specifications that match the print specifications required for the document. - If the specified printer is available, the system searches for the highest priority. If any print server or printer is in the fatal error state (referred to as "Error Class 4") of, for example, the error of a printer controller, it should not be selected. In the event of an error (referred to as "error class 3") which can be remedied by the intervention of the user, both a remedy in which the corresponding printer is selected and a remedy in which it is not selected are possible, and the latter is assumed here in this embodiment. (ii) In a case where a plurality of printers that meet the conditions of suitability search for each of the print servers A ( 14 ) and B ( 15 ) exist, one of the printers is selected, whereby not only the evaluation information ( 1 ) the conditions of suitability, but also the evaluation information ( 2 ) the distances of the plurality of printers from the client concerned and ( 3 ) the number of jobs waiting in the plurality of printers are considered. The multidimensional evaluation based on the evaluation information ( 1 ) to ( 3 ) is made one-dimensional by a weighted sum. (iii) Even if a printer has been selected as a candidate printer by the print servers through sub-step (i) or sub-steps (i) and (ii), the printer search for another printer continues, causing any printer can sometimes be selected with even better evaluation. With regard to such a printer search at a lower level, a required level is installed in the manufacture of the printing system. (iv) If the appropriate printer has been successfully selected in the above manner, it should be called the "selected printer" and the appropriate print server that goes to the selected printer hears and manages it, the "selected print server" should be called.
• (c) The management server 13 for distributed printing communicates with client A ( 11 ). (i) If the appropriate printer has been successfully selected in step (b), the name of the selected printer and the name of the selected print server are obtained from the management server 13 for distributed printing to client A ( 11 ) reports. (ii) If the selection of the appropriate printer has failed, this fact is similarly handled by the management server 13 for distributed printing to client A ( 11 ) reports.
• (d) The print job is carried out by client A ( 11 ) registered in the selected print server. Upon successful selection of the suitable printer ((i) in step (c)), the client registers A ( 11 ) the print job in the selected print server. That is, the print job according to client A's print document ( 11 ) is registered in a queue stored in the selected print server corresponding to the selected printer. Incidentally, even with a measure that sets two or more print queues for each printer, the printing system can be operated by applying the above processing steps in a similar manner. However, this measure entails such disadvantages as ( 1 ) it is difficult to print documents while the acceptance sequence of print jobs is held, and ( 2 ) The management of system operations becomes complicated. It is therefore not recommended to use this measure for ordinary printing systems.
• (e) Document data making up the print job is transferred to the selected printer.

In the printing system of this embodiment the following two transmission methods are used:

[Procedure No. 1]

When registering the print job in the print queue in step (d) mentioned above, the document data is transferred from the client concerned to the spooler (see 1 ) of the selected print server. When it is the turn of the print job to be printed by the selected printer, the document data stored in the spooler is read out and transmitted to the selected printer.

[Procedure No. 2]

When registering the print job to the queue in the above Step (d), the client concerned only registers the name of the Print job in the selected Print server without the document data representing the print job transferred to. When it is your turn to print through the selected printer To be printed is the document data that the print job represent, transferred directly from the client concerned to the selected printer.

Each of the clients can do both or Accept one of the procedures No. 1 and No. 2. If both procedures the printing system or the user is allowed to select one of them. In a case where the client has an operating system out of the ordinary Single task type, like in a personal computer, use of method # 1 is desirable. On the other Side is in a case where the client is a multi-task type operating system (Multitask type), like in the workstation or an advanced personal Computer, employs the use of method # 2 desirable because the document data can be transferred at once. With In method number 1, the number of transmissions becomes two.

In the case of using the procedure # 2 becomes when the client in question requests a shutdown the energy supply before transmission the document data for the selected one Printer made the transfer executed immediately at the time of the request, and the supply of the The client is then switched off.

Different algorithms can be used for selection of the appropriate printer in the dynamic allocations above Printers and the print server are considered and them have great Influence on improving the convenience or convenience of the printing system for users.

Accordingly, any algorithm which is preferred by users, suitably to each specified printing system can be adapted.

• (a) Der Client A (11) hat beabsichtigt, einen Druckauftrag Nr. 1 durch die Verwendung des Drucker D (19) auszuführen. Jedoch gibt es in dem Drucker D (19) irgendeinen fatalen Fehler, und diese Tatsache wird von dem Drucker D (19) zu dem Druck-Server A (14) berichtet.
• (b) Die Tatsache des Vorhandenseins des fatalen Fehlers wird nachfolgend von dem Druck-Server A (14) zu dem Verwaltungsserver 13 für verteiltes Drucken berichtet.
• (c) Der Verwaltungsserver 13 für verteiltes Drucken wählt den Drucker E (1A) als einen Drucker, der für den Druckauftrag Nr. 1 geeignet ist.
• (d) Unter der Steuerung des Verwaltungsservers 13 für verteiltes Drucken wird der Druckauftrag Nr. 1 zu einer Warteschlange für den Drucker E (1A) geschoben, und diese Tatsache wird an den Client A (11) berichtet.

[Abnormal condition containing any error] in as in 7 The following steps have been implemented:

• (a) Client A ( 11 ) intended to print job # 1 by using printer D ( 19 ) to carry out. However, in the printer D ( 19 ) some fatal error, and this fact is reported by printer D ( 19 ) to the print server A ( 14 ) reports.
• (b) The fact of the existence of the fatal error is subsequently reported by the print server A ( 14 ) to the management server 13 reported for distributed printing.
• (c) The management server 13 for distributed printing, choose printer E ( 1A ) as a printer that is suitable for print job No. 1.
• (d) Under the control of the management server 13 for distributed printing, print job # 1 becomes a queue for printer E ( 1A ) and this fact is passed to client A ( 11 ) reports.

• – Anforderungszuverlässigkeitsebene Nr. 1: Wechsel des Druckers
• – Anforderungszuverlässigkeitsebene Nr. 2: Wechsel von Drucker und Druck-Server
• – Anforderungszuverlässigkeitsebene Nr. 3: Wechsel von Drucker, Druck-Server und Verwaltungsserver für verteiltes Drucken.

Incidentally, it is possible to offer dynamic allocations of printers and print servers in accordance with the requirement reliability levels of the printing system. Specifically, the following alternate functions are applied sequentially when the requirement reliability levels are higher:

• - Requirement reliability level # 1: change printer
• - Requirement reliability level # 2: change printer and print server
• - Requirement reliability level # 3: switch printer, print server and management server for distributed printing.

• (i) Der Verwaltungsserver 13 für verteiltes Drucken, der die Auslegung bzw Topologie der Drucker und Druck-Server, die zu dem Netzwerk gehören, "versteht", akzeptiert eine Druckanforderung, die von irgendeinem der Clients gemacht ist, und wählt den geeigneten Drucker und Druck-Server aus, wodurch die Leistungsfähigkeit des Drucksystems erhöht wird.
• (ii) Wenn irgendeiner der Drucker oder Druck-Server im ausgeschalteten Zustand oder in einem Fehlerzustand ist, wird das Drucken mit einem alternativen Drucker oder einem alternativen Druck Server fortgesetzt, wodurch die Zuverlässigkeit des Drucksystems verbessert wird.
• (iii) Transparente Schnittstellen hoher Ebenen, die unten mit Bezug auf die 8 bis 12 beschrieben werden, werden angeboten, wodurch die Benutzer und die Anwendungsprogramme von Bereitstellen einer großen Anzahl von umständlichen Anweisungen und Befehlen befreit werden, welche die Drucker, Druck-Server und Spooler betreffen. Es ist also möglich, den Grad, zu dem die Anwendungsprogramme unabhängig von der Steuerung der Drucker, Druck-Server und Spooler sind, zu verbessern.

Due to the installation of the dynamic allocations in the normal state and in the abnormal state as explained above, the following effects can be achieved:

• (i) The management server 13 for distributed printing, which "understands" the layout of the printers and print servers belonging to the network, accepts a print request made by any of the clients and selects the appropriate printer and print server, thereby the performance of the printing system is increased.
• (ii) If any of the printers or print servers is off or in an error state, printing continues with an alternative printer or an alternative print server, thereby improving the reliability of the printing system.
• (iii) Transparent high-level interfaces that are described below with respect to the 8th to 12 are offered which relieve users and application programs of having to provide a large number of cumbersome instructions and commands relating to the printers, print servers and spoolers. It is therefore possible to improve the degree to which the application programs are independent of the control of the printers, print servers and spoolers.

There are now the specifications of the interfaces among the devices involved in the printing system with reference to the 8th to 12 to be discribed. Be specific, as illustrated in 8th , a user interface 851 , a client interface 852 , an administrative interface 853 for distributed printing and a printer access interface 854 for a client 810 , an administration server 820 for distributed printing, a print server 830 and a printer 840 prepared which devices are involved. Incidentally, the respective interfaces correspond 851 to 854 a part 1601 , a part 1602 , a part 1701 and sharing 1801 . 1901 and 2001 in the software structures of the devices involved, as later with reference to the 16 to 20 will be described.

The 9 to 12 give a list of individual practicable commands, each for user I / F 851 who have favourited Client I / F 852 who have favourited Administrative I / F 853 for distributed printing and printer access I / F 854 form. Here an expression "lpd" in a column "command origin" indicates that the command in question belongs to the line printer spooler of the operating system "UNIX4.3BSD", whereas an expression "administration extension" in the same column indicates that the command in question is specifically for the Printing system of this embodiment was prepared and installed therein, regardless of the "lpd" protocol. The content of the "lpd" protocol is specified in "Request for Comments 1179" and "UNIX NETWORK PROGRAMMING, Chapter 13".

Because the client I / F commands, the administrative I / F commands for distributed printing, and the printer access I / F commands included in the 10 . 11 and 12 are listed as functions of programs, they should also be called the "client I / F functions", "management I / F functions for distributed printing" and "printer access I / F functions" ,

An expression also signals "ordinary User "in a column" user "that the relevant command from the ordinary Users who have no privilege regarding operations can be used and the management of the printing system of this embodiment, whereas a "system administrator" expression in the same column indicates that the command in question used by special users with the privilege can be e.g. parent Users (superusers) in the UNIX operating system.

Among the in 9 Listed user I / F commands usr_lpq, usr_lprm, usr_lpc and usr_pac, which are supported by the "lpd" protocol, have previously known specifications. That is, the specifications these commands are the same as those for the lpq, lprm, lpc, and pac commands described on pages 367 to 379 of "Hitachi CSMA / CD Network 105 (TCP / IP)" (Manual No. 3050-3-200-30) which is a technical manual for "Hitachi Creative Workstation 3050" (manufactured by Hitachi, Ltd.).

The specifications of the commands, which are expanded for administration are as follows:

(1) Request for printing Submit at the logical specification level:

Format: usr_lpr [-P printer] [- # Number] [-C class] [-J order] [-T title] [-i [numcols]] [-w number] [-m] [-pv] [-lrhs] [name ...] [-d document type] [-L orientation] [-F form size] [-S Page] [-c zoom] [-r resolution] [-o Parameter list] [-f profile]

Features or function: This command instructs the client to file at a logical specification level to print. This means, it instructs the client to select a printer to use for the print specifications is suitable, which with "d", "L '," F "," S "," c "," r "," o "and" f' which are mentioned below as input arguments, and print the file using the selected printer. If a file name is not specified, standard input should be used become an object to be printed. The -P option becomes the label the priority level printer used.

Input arguments:

-P argument to designate the printer the first priority level, which is requested to print the object. When designating the Printer, a printer name is written after -P.

- # argument to denote the number of copies to be printed. When designating the number of to be printed Copies are written after - #.

-C argument for designating the order class a start page or a cover page. When designating the order class it is written after -C.

-J argument to designate the job name of the cover page (an initial Name is the file name). When designating the order name is this one written behind -J.

T Designates a title for use in "pr" (this argument - T used with the -P argument). When designating the The title is written after T.

-i [numCols]
Indentation of printing. If this argument is a number, spaces in a specified number are placed on the leading part of each line when printing. Otherwise, an empty space corresponding to 8 characters should be set.

-w Specifies the number of characters one line.

-m Informs the user about the Results of the printing when it was completed by an email message. The mail message is also used to inform the user about a Failure control to inform, in the case where "rs" in the file "/ etc / printcap" of a machine has been set with the printer is connected to.

-pv argument in the case of printing using different filters. The letters and the filters correspond as follows:
-p Format with the "pr" command.
-v Use the filter named 'wf' from the printcap file.

-lrhs
Suppress a page break by using a filter that recognizes a control character (failure to supply the argument [-C] to the filter).
-r Delete the file after the transfer to the print server has been completed or after the output to a local printer has been completed.
-h Suppress cover page output.
-s If this argument is given when printing a file that is too large to be "spooled" (larger than "mx" of the "printcap" file), the file is split and then spooled.

Name Identifies the one to be printed File. If the file name is not labeled, the standard input the object to be printed.

-d Identifies the type of PDL (page description language) of a document with the value of an argument "document type". The values of this argument express the following PDLs:
0: LIDS H, 1: LIPS I, 2: LIDS II, 3: LIPS III, 4: ESC / P, 5: ESC / PAGE, 6: PostScript Level-1, 7: PostScript Level-2, 8: PC- PR201, 99: Optional.

-L Denotes the print orientation (portrait or landscape) of the document with the value of an "orientation" argument as follows:
0: high, 1: landscape, 9: optional.

-F Specifies a paper page size or size with the value of a "form size" argument. The values of this argument express the following sheet sizes:
0: A3, 1: A4, 2: A5, 3: A6, 4: B4, 5: B5, 6: B6, 7: letter, 8: private, 9: mini, 10: official, 99: optional.

-S Denotes single-sided / double-sided printing according to the value of a "page" argument, as follows:
0: Single-sided printing, 1: Double-sided printing, 9: Optional.

-c denotes an enlargement / reduction ratio according to the value of an argument "zoom" (%). The "Zoom" value 9999 means an optional one Enlargement / reduction ratio, whereas the "Zoom" value 9998 means an automatic enlargement / reduction. The automatic enlargement / reduction signals here that a Paper page size that is labeled with a PDL command contained in the print file is enlarged / reduced is based on the paper page size that is designated with the "-F" option by the respective Printer.

-r Denotes the dot density of the printer in question with the value of a 'resolution' argument. The values of this argument express the following dot densities:
0: 180 dpi (dots per inch), 1: 240 dpi, 2: 300 dpi, 3: 400 dpi, 4: 480 dpi, 5: 600 dpi, 6: 800 dpi, 99: Optional.

-o Designates a change to a profile by using an option list in the following format:
[[Parameter name = value] [, parameter name = value]]

-f profile: Identifies the one to be used Profile expressed in a full path name. It is assumed that the default profile "dfpacfile" is in the user's home directory. By the way, it is "Profile" is the combination of each argument of each command and its set value.

Return value of the device (rtn_code) = 0: normal end
1: Abnormal end

Notabilia:

• - If a big File spooling sometimes fails because it fails is completely spooled. In a case where any user other than one "Parent User "a file under the" lock "state of a spool queue issued, this command displays a message saying and it prevents a corresponding order is entered in the queue. Also shows in a case where there is no connection with the "lpd" protocol a local machine can be manufactured, the indication "lpr" a message that means that a daemon has not started becomes.
• - The Page width, which is denoted by the argument "-b", is for a cover page not valid. The width of the cover sheet is specified with the specification "pw" of the file "printcap" changed.
• - If the argument "-s" has been specified, a file can be up to Cannot be edited or deleted at the end of printing.

(2) Inquiries about the detailed status of a print job

Format: usr_jobq [-P printer] (job no. ...] [Surname]

Features: The user asks at a transfer destination print server a print job via the detailed status of the print job, indicated by a printer name and is specified by an order number so as to provide this detailed Status. The order number, the user name, the print file name, the job status, the error type, the print error code and printer error code # 1 and printer error code # 2 of the specific order.

If the error is "none Paper "regarding the specific order will also include a code about the specified sheet size is displayed. In the presence of any correctable error affecting the operation a reprint, like a paper jam, shows a page which is subject to the error.

by the way signal the expressions [Order number. ...] and [Name ...] as input arguments that "order no." to display the job numbers and "Name" to display the user names successively in any desired Number in any desired Order can be entered.

In a case where the order number or the printer name is inappropriate and where no corresponding job only the information is displayed. Also the order number and distinguish usernames by applying rules.

Input arguments:

-P Designates the printer name with an argument "printer".

Order number.
Denotes the order number with the argument "order number".

Name Identifies the user name with the argument "name".

Ad Content:

Regarding the print job that specified by the printer name and the job number the job number, the user name, the print file name, the job status, the error type, the printer error code No. 1 and the printer error code No. 2 is displayed.

Thereby, one of (a) the occurrence a recoverable error, (b) one. "Hold" state, (e) of the Waiting for the printer to be idle and (d) the printer Printing as the job status. Under this information the "hold" state (b) signals the order status, which is indicated by a user I / F command "usr_hold" or a client I / F function "cl_hold" moved to hold / release a print job can, like later will be described.

Additionally, one of (a) "no error", (b) any recoverable error that does not require a reprint operation, (c) any recoverable error that requires a reprint operation, and (d) any nonrecoverable error than that Error type displayed. A representative example of the indication (b) is the error "no paper", one for the indication (c) is the error of a paper jam or the error "printer cover open", and one for the indication (d) is the failure of the printing press unit ( 408 in 4 ) or the printer control device ( 40C ).

Both printer error codes # 1 and # 2 are combined to describe the detailed code of the error that the printer driver ( 1814 in 18 ) of the print server ( 14 or 15 in 1 ) is recorded. For example, the respective printer error codes No. 1 and No. 2 may well correspond to an error code and an error detail code given in "Printer Driver Programmers'Guide" (Manual No. 3050-3-026-30), which is a technical manual for "Hitachi Creative Workstation 3050" (manufactured by Hitachi, Ltd.). The error code and the error detail code are given in section 2.1.3 "Error Code" of this manual.

The code shows "designated paper size" the paper size that the user should refill the "no paper" error. The display of the page that is currently affected by an error shows the page serial number of the page (which indicates the correctable error which requires an operation of a reprint), as counted from the beginning of the specific print job. becomes. Regarding the display of the page affected by the error, reference is made to Japanese Patent Application No. 295065/1989 and No. 326808/1993 (filed by Hitachi, Ltd.).

Return value of the device (rtn_code) = 0: normal end
1: Abnormal end

Notabilia:

• - It is desirable for the Traffic congestion to issue this command usr_jobq only in one case where the indication "lpr" has been designated in a mail mode and where the detection of an error is indicated by a mail message has been.
• - In a case where the mail mode is not used with the specification "lpr" can be, it is desirable issue this command usr_jobq in a polling manner, which monitors the detailed information of the print job becomes.

(3) Controlling a remote order issue

Format: usr_rlpc [access word] [command [Argument ...]]

• – Fähigkeit/Unfähigkeit des Ausgebens an den Ferndrucker
• – Fähigkeit/Unfähigkeit der Annahme einer Druckanforderung
• – Start/Stop eines Spool-Daemons.
• – Wechsel der Sequenz von Aufträgen in einer Spool-Warteschlange
• – Anzeigen des Status des Ferndruckers und der Beziehung zwischen der Spool Warteschlange und dem Drucker-Daemon.

Features: A special user registered in the print server controls a line printer daemon in the print server. This command controls the following information of a remote printer by using printer information stored in the file called "/ etc / printcap" which is a file for defining the printer design of each computer (client or server) in the " lpd "protocol is:

• - Ability / Inability to output to the remote printer
• - Ability / inability to accept a print request
• - Start / stop of a spool daemon.
• - Change the sequence of jobs in a spool queue
• - View the status of the remote printer and the relationship between the spool queue and the printer daemon.

Input arguments:

Input arguments denote an access word and subcommands, which will be explained below. In a case where no argument is given, a ready message "lpc>" is displayed, and waiting for subcommand entry. On this occasion, the subcommand can be loaded from the file by redirecting standard input.

Word of entry: It comes with the argument "Access Word" referred to.

Subcommands: They are called as follows:
? [Command ....]
Help [command ...].

The performance characteristics of any designated subcommands or all subcommands are displayed.

In case of displaying the performance features no subcommand is designated for all subcommands.

Abort (abort) {all | printers ...}

This subcommand blocks the output to the designated printer and acceptance of the print request through this printer and it holds the spool daemon. It deletes also the spool queue of the designated printer. The label of the printer or the printer contains a single printer name based on the printer name and an all-printer designation based on the phrase "all".

Clearing {all | printers ...}

The files "cf", "tf" and "df" (note # 1) in the spool queue of the designated printer are also deleted. The name of the printer contains a single printer name based on the printer name and an all-printer label based on the phrase "all".

(Note No. 1) Concerning the "cf" file, the "tf" file and the "df" file will be on the Notabilia referenced later can be specified.

Lock {all | printers ...}

This subcommand blocks the acceptance the print request from the designated printer. So that can any new order cannot be spooled, even if one is issued Print request command. This subcommand is useful if a new filter is to be tested. It is also effective when Printing requests should be prevented for a long time while e.g. failure of the printer to be accepted. The label the printer contains a single printer name based on the printer name and an all-printer label based on the phrase "all".

OFF (down) {all | printers ...} message

This subcommand blocks the output to the designated printer and acceptance of the print job this printer and it holds the spool daemon. When this subcommand is executed, a message expressing the status of the printer the printer status file is output. The name of the printer contains a Single printer name based on the printer name and a all-printer designation based on the specification "all".

Enable (all | printers ...}

This subcommand enables the printer to accept the print request. The new job can thus be spooled with the print request command. The printer label includes a single printer label based on the printer name and an all printer label based on the "all" label.
Exit
Quit

The subcommand input state of the Command "usr lpc" has ended.

Restart {all | printers ...}

The designated spool daemon Printer starts up. This subcommand is used in a case where a job remains in the spool queue if the Spool daemon has been interrupted due to an abnormality.

Start {all | printers ...}

This subcommand gives the output to the printer in question and starts the spool daemon. The Name of the printer contains Single printer name based on the printer name and an all-printer label based on the phrase "all".

Status [printer]

This subcommand shows the states of the Spool daemon and the spool queue of the designated printer. The printer is only by individual name based on the printer name. That label can be omitted and all printers are identified by the omission.

Stop {all | printers ...}

After the current order of the designated printer has been completed, the output locked to the printer and the spool daemon stops. This subcommand is effective for maintenance of the printer, etc. Even during the If the printer is stopped, a print request can be accepted. The name of the printer contains Single printer name based on the printer name and an all-printer label based on the phrase "all".

Tip [order number ...] [User ...]

This subcommand changes the Sequence of orders in the spool queue of the printer in question. The order in question becomes concrete placed at the top of the spool queue.

ON (up) {all | printers ...}

This subcommand gives the output to the designated printer and acceptance of the print request through this printer and it starts the spool daemon. The label the printer contains a single printer name based on the printer name and an all-printer designation based on the phrase "all".

Notabilia:

- Any of the three files "cf", "df" and "tf" is named with the specification "sd" of the file "/ etc / printcap" and is created in a spool directory. The meaning of the respective files is as follows:
"cf" Abbreviation for "control file (control hurry)". The files "cf 'are generated in the number of spooled files. Various details of control information to be supplied to the filter are entered.
"df" Abbreviation for "data file (data rush)". It means the data to be printed.
"tf" Abbreviation for "temporary file (temporary rush)". This file is temporarily created when the control file and the data file are created.

Although in 9 not mentioned, the following user I / F commands are also supported:

• - Search for printers, suitable for designated specifications
• - Hold / Release a print job issue
• - troubleshooting
• - Search for candidates for alternative printers
• - refer back on the expiry of earlier print jobs every single user
• - Show a printer configuration
• - Requests about printer specifications

The specifications of each Commands are given below.

(4) Search for printers the for designated specifications are suitable

Format: usr_lgc [-P printer] [-d Document Type] [-L Orientation] [-F Form Size] [-S Page] [-c Zoom] [-r Resolution]

Features: This command displays the list of printers that are suitable for print specifications that are labeled with input parameters, and stores information about these printers, such as current status, together with the designated print specification. The saved print spec "Current printing specifications" should be mentioned. The -P option is used to designate the printer of the first priority level. In a case where the first priority level printer is not suitable for the printing specifications, it is not selected.

Input arguments:

-P argument to designate the printer the first priority level, requested to print a particular document. At the To designate the printer, a printer name is written after -P.

-d denotes the type of PDL of the Document with the value of a "Document type" argument. The values this argument is the same as in the case of the usr_lpr command.

-L denotes the pressure orientation (Portrait or landscape) of the document with the value of an argument "Orientation". The values of this argument are the same as in the case of the usr_lpr command.

-F Designates a sheet of paper size or -format with the value of a form size argument. The values of this argument are the same as in the case of the usr_lpr command.

-S denotes the one-sided / double-sided Print according to the value of a "page" argument. The values of this argument are the same as in the case of the usr_lpr command.

-c denotes an enlargement / reduction ratio according to the value of an argument "zoom" (%). The values of this argument are the same as in the case of the usr_lpr command.

-r denotes the point density of the concerned printer with the value of an argument "resolution". The Values of this argument are the same as in the case of the usr_lpr Command.

Ad Content:

Regarding each printer on which the name of the input arguments applies, the following are displayed: (a) the name of the printer concerned, (b) the name of the associated print server, (c) its installation location, (d) its distance from the affected Client and (e) the amount of print jobs waiting.

Return value (rtn_code) = 0: normal end
1: Abnormal end

(5) Hold / release one Print job output

Format: usr_hold [-P printer) [order no. ] [-i input flag]

Features: One by one Printer name ("Printer") and an order number ("Order No.") specified print job is put in an output hold state or released from the output stop state according to an input flag ("input flag"). When the client is instructed, the print job is put on hold despite the already set stop status, he holds the Hold state without responding to the command. On the other Side holds he, when commanded to the client, remains on hold despite the to release the non-established hold state, the original State without responding to the command.

When the client is ordered to Print job on hold from any other than that State of waiting for the Printer is free to push, holds he the original State without responding to the command.

This command "usr_hold" is only valid, if he's from any of three types of users like below displayed, has been issued. If this command from any other users have been issued, their execution is denied.

• (i) The user who issued the job the order issued by this client.
• (ii) The parent User of the client that issued the job.
• (iii) The parent User of the print server in which the job is located.

Input arguments:

-P Designates the printer name with the argument "printer".

Order number.
Denotes the order number with the argument "order number".

input flag

Input flag for designating the shift in the output stop status and the release of the as follows:

Input flag = 0: Indicates a shift to the output hold state
1: Indicates the release from the output hold state.

return value (rtn_code) = 0: normal end 1: abnormal end

(6) Error recovery

Format: usr_rcvry [-P incorrect Printer] [Job No.] [-m mode] [-s start mode] [-n no_start] [-p alternative_printer]

Features: The client will ordered to resubmit a print job by a printer name ("faulty printer") and an order number ('order no. ") is specified, according to input parameters.

• – NEUVERSUCH: Erneutes Drucken, bei dem der identische Drucker eingesetzt wird, der nach einem Fehler oder Ausfall wiederhergestellt worden ist.
• – ALTERNATIVE: Neudrucken, bei dem ein alternativer Drucker eingesetzt wird.

Each of the following remedial printing operations is performed according to the value of a "mode" argument:

• - RETRY: reprint using the same printer that was restored after an error or failure.
• - ALTERNATIVE: reprint using an alternative printer.

• – BEGINNEN: Neudrucken vom Anfang des bestimmten Auftrags.
• – FORTFAHREN: Neudrucken ab einer Seite mit einem Fehlerereignis (oder einem stattfindenden Fehler).
• – SEITE: Neudrucken einer bezeichneten Seite.

In the case where the "mode" argument is RETRY, reprinting is performed according to the value of a "start mode" argument as follows:

• - START: reprint from the beginning of the specified job.
• - CONTINUE: Reprint from one page with an error event (or an error in progress).
• - PAGE: reprint a labeled page.

In the case where the argument PAGE is "start mode", the reprint home page will have an "-n" option designated. On this occasion, even if the name of the alternative printer with an argument "-p" is ignored.

In the case where the argument "ALTERNATIVE" mode is the alternative printing through the use of the printer ("alternative_printer"), whose name with the argument "-P" has been designated.

Input arguments:

-P Designates the printer name with the argument "faulty_printer".

Order number
Denotes the order number with the argument "order number".

-m denotes the restored one Print mode as one of "retry" and "alternative" with the Mode argument.

-s denotes the reprint mode, where the identical printer is used, that of the error or restored to failure, as one of "START", "CONTINUE" and "PAGE" with the argument "start mode".

-n Designates the reprint start page with the argument "start number" in the restored printing operation, which is labeled "RETRY" and "PAGE".

-p Identifies the name of the alternative Printer with the argument "alternative_printer" in the case at where the argument "mode" is "ALTERNATIVE".

(7) Search for candidates for alternative printer

Format: usr_altprn_disp [-P printer] [Order number.]

Features: To get you through a printer name ("Printer") and a job number ("Job No.") To print the designated print job, this command shows the list the printer who can perform alternative printing.

Also in the case where printing in progress has been by the print request command at the logical specification level or the printer search command is used according to specification suitability was, the printers in the normal states, for the print specifications of the specific print job are sought, and their information is according to this Search command "usr_alt_disp" displayed. The current ones are specific Print specifications of the designated job from a "client job table", which is included in every client, and the list of Printers for the derived current pressure specifications are suitable, is received and displayed.

In the case where the print command is based on the printer name without including the Be Given the drawing of the print specifications, the printers are found with their normal status and their information is displayed.

Input arguments:

-P Designates the printer name with the argument "printer".

Order number.
Denotes the order number with the argument "order number".

Ad Content:

Become a suitable printer displayed: (a) the name of the printer concerned, (b) the name of the associated Print server, (c) its installation location, (d) its removal from the affected client and (e) the amount of those waiting in it Print jobs.

Return value (rtn_code) = 0: normal end
1: Abnormal end

(8) Reference to the process earlier print jobs every single user

Format: usr_jobhst

Features: This command displays the historical listing of the print jobs of the user who created them has spent.

If one or more retry operations only the information about the last retry operation is made returned.

Here the "try again" signals that this Reprint based on the same printer as one Failure or failure has been recovered through use of the debug command or feature.

Only information about the Printer on the client in question that issued this command has access, will be returned.

Input arguments:

No

Ad Content:

• – Auftragsnummer
• – Auftragsregistrierungs-(Einreichungs-)-Zeit
• – Name des Druckers, der einem Auftrag entspricht
• – Druckstartzeit
• – Druckendezeit
• – Druckendecode
• – Anzahl von Neuversuchsoperationen

The following information is displayed for all orders that have been issued by the user:

• - Order number
• - Order registration (submission) time
• - Name of the printer that corresponds to a job
• - Print start time
• - Printing end time
• - Printing end code
• - Number of retry operations

Return value (rtn_code) = 0: normal end
1: Abnormal end

(9) View the printer configuration

Format: usr_prnconfg_disp

Features: This command displays the configurations of the print server and the printer that the Printing system according to the present Form invention.

Input arguments:

No

Ad Content:

The configurations of the print servers and the printers that make up the printing system are displayed. Specifically, print servers No. 1 to No. n, which are the names of the respective print servers, and the names of the printers which are controlled by these print servers are displayed. For example, the printer names No. 1,1, ... and No. 1, i are displayed to indicate the printers connected to the print server whose name is No. 1, and the printer names No. n , 1 .... and No. n, j are displayed to indicate the printers connected to the print server whose name is No. n. Such a display example is as follows:

Return value (rtn_code) = 0: normal end
1: Abnormal end

(10) Requests for printer specifications

Format: usr_prnspc_qry [-P printer]

Features: This command shows the specifications of any designated printer ("printer") on.

Input argument:

-P denotes the name of the person concerned Printer with the argument "printer".

Ad Content:

• – Druckertyp
• – Satz (Auflösung 1, ... und Auflösung i) angebotener Punktdichten
• – Druckgeschwindigkeitein
• – Möglichkeit von Duplex (doppelseitigem) Drucken
• – Farbdruckspezifikation
• – Satz (PDL1, ... und PDLj) angebotener PDLs
• – Satz (Papiergröße 1, .. und Papiergröße k) angebotener Papierblattgrößen
• – Satz (Formular 1, ... und Formular 1) angebotener Formulare
• – Satz (Zoom 1, ... und Zoom n) angebotener Vergrößerungs-/Verkleinerungsverhältnisse.

The following information is displayed as the specifications of the designated printer:

• - printer type
• - Set (resolution 1, ... and resolution i) of point densities offered
• - Print speed on
• - Possibility of duplex (double-sided) printing
• - Color printing specification
• - Set (PDL1, ... and PDLj) of offered PDLs
• - Set (paper size 1, .. and paper size k) of offered paper sheet sizes
• - Set (Form 1, ... and Form 1) of offered forms
• - Set (zoom 1, ... and zoom n) of offered enlargement / reduction ratios.

Return value (rtn_code) = 0: normal end
1: Abnormal end

Among the in 10 Client I / F functions listed should be "cl_lpq", "cl_lprm", "cl_lpe" and "cl_pae", which are supported by the "lpd" protocol, conform to the specifications of the respective user I / F commands "usr_lpq", "usr_lprm", "usr_lpe" and "usr_pac".

The specifications of each Commands are in the technical manual "Hitachi CSMA / CD Network 105 (TCP / IP) "as mentioned above specified.

Have among the client I / F functions the function "cl_lpr", which is within the scope of the "lpd" protocol is expanded, and the functions for management the following specifications are expanded:

[8th*]

(1) Submit the print job

Format: int cl_lpr [printer, number, Class, order, title, indentation, Page width, mail, pv, lrhs, number, name, document type, orientation, Form size, page, Zoom, resolution, Output String] Features: The client is ordered to to submit a print job. Printing specifications can also be labeled with option parameters. In a case where a designated printer is included among printers that have the current Meet printing specifications, the current print specifications are listed in the "Client Job Table" registered. In contrast, in a case where the designated printer is not under such printers is included, the registration is not performed. In In this case, if the print search command for an alternative Candidates or the function is issued to all the printers in the normal state to candidates.

Input arguments:

chr * printer argument to designate the name of the printer who was requested to provide a document to print.

unsigned
int number Argument for the number of copies to be printed.

chr * class argument to denote the order class of a cover page.

chr * order argument to designate an order name to be printed on the cover page (the initial The value of this argument is a print file name):

chr * title Denotes a title for use in "pr".

unsigned
int indent indent printing. A significant number of spaces should be placed at the beginning of each line when printing. Otherwise, an empty space corresponding to 8 characters should be set.

unsigned
int
Page width Indicates the number of characters in a line.

chr mail if this argument is not has the NULL value, it informs the user of the results of the printing when it is completed via a Mail message. The mail message is also used to inform the user about a To inform the error control in the case where "rs" in the file "/ etc / printcap" a machine to which the printer is connected is.

int pv argument for the case of printing using different filters. The flags of this argument correspond to the filters as follows:
PR_FILTER Format with the "pr" command.
VF_FILTER Use the filter identified by "vf" of the "printcap" file.

int lrhs operation according to the flags as follows:
L_FLAG Suppress a page break when using a filter that recognizes a control character (the "class" argument is not supplied to the filter).
R_FLAG Delete the file after the transfer to a print server has been completed or after the output to a local printer has been completed.
H_FLAG Suppress cover page output (first page)
S_FLAG If this argument is given when printing a file that is too long to be spooled (larger than "mx" of the "printcap" file), the file is split and then spooled.

int Count denotes the count of files to be printed.

int ** Name Denotes the chain of the Names of files to be printed.

chr
Document type Designates the type of PDL of the document with the value of an argument "document type".

int
Orientation Denotes the print orientation (portrait or landscape) of the document with the value of an argument "orientation".

int Form size Designates a paper sheet size or -format with the value of a form size argument.

int side Designates one-sided / double-sided Print according to the value of a "page" argument.

int Zoom Indicates an enlargement / reduction ratio according to the value of an argument "zoom" (%). The "Zoom" value 9999 signals on optional enlargement / reduction ratio, whereas the "Zoom" value 9998 signals an automatic enlargement / reduction.

int resolution Denotes the point density the printer in question with the value of a "resolution" argument.

Output argument:

chr ** output string Press the Output this function according to the display content.

Function return value (rtn_code) = 0: normal end
1 or higher: Abnormal end

Notabilia:

• - If a big File is to be spooled, sometimes a failure occurs, them completely to spool. In a case where any user other than one parent " User "a file under the" lock "state, a spool queue has issued, this function gives "int cl_lpr" a message about it Effect off and it prevents a corresponding order is put in the queue. Also shows in one case where no connection with the "lpd" protocol of a local machine can be established, this function "int cl_lpr" a message indicates that a daemon has not started.
• - The Page width denoted with the argument "page width" is not for one Cover page valid. The width of the cover sheet is given with the specification "pb" of the file "printcap" changed.

[* 9]

(2) Identify the print specifications of the document

Format: int cl_lgc (printer, document type, Orientation, form size, page, Zoom, resolution, adpt_prnrs_str)

Features: This command is looking for printers for Print specifications, which are designated with input parameters, are suitable and outputs the list of suitable printers. To contains any suitable printer the list: (a) the name of the printer in question, (b) the name the associated print server, (c) its installation location, (d) its distance from the affected Client and (e) the amount of print jobs waiting therein are set in a suitable printer resource structure. Information about the appropriate printers are saved as current states, together with the designated printing specifications (corresponding to the above specified current printing specifications). The -P option ("printer") designates the printer of the first priority level used. In a case where the printer is of the first priority level for the Printing specifications is not suitable, it is not selected.

Input arguments:

chr * printer argument to designate the printer of the first priority level, who is requested to print a document.

int Document type argument to designate the type of PDL of the document.

int orientation argument to designate the print orientation (portrait or landscape) of the document.

int form size argument to label a sheet size or a format.

int side argument to designate of single-sided / double-sided printing.

int Zoom argument to designate an enlargement / reduction ratio.

int resolution argument to designate the dot density of the printer in question.

Output arguments:

Structure A_PRNRS * adpt_prnrs_str Pointer to the appropriate printer resource structure.

Function return value (rtn_code) = 0: normal end
1 or higher: Abnormal end

(Error codes are corresponding Error factors assigned).

Notabilia:

• - It it is believed that everyone Printer has a spool queue.
• - In a case in which the appropriate printer is enabled by this function "int cl_lgc" selected is OK, the client should use the print job transfer function Output "cl_lpr" to the suitable printer.

(3) Inquiries about the detailed status of a print job

Format: int cl_jobq (printer, panum, papoint, num_job, job_sts)

Features: The client asks at the transfer target pressure Server of a print job via the detailed status of the print job indicated by a printer name and an order number is specified to give this detailed Output status.

For each print job, the Job number, a user name, a print file name, the job status, an error type, a printer error code # 1, and a printer error code No. 2 issued.

If the error is "none Paper "relating to the particular order also becomes indicative of a code the sheet size is output. In the presence of any recoverable error that is a reprint operation Requires, such as a paper jam, the side where the error occurs is undermined, issued.

In the absence of a corresponding one Job because the job number or printer name is incorrect only the information is output.

Here is one of (a) the occurrence a recoverable error, (b) a "hold" condition, (c) a wait on a printer's idle and (d) printing straight as the order status. Signaled under this information the "hold" state (b) the job status by the user I / F command "usr_hold" or the client I / F function "cl_hold" for holding / releasing a print job issue as explained above.

In addition, one of (a) "no error", (b) any recoverable error that does not require a reprint operation, (c) any recoverable error that requires a reprint operation, and (d) any non-recoverable error as the error type. A representative example of the indication (b) is the error "no paper", one for the indication (c) is the error of a paper jam or the error "printer cover open" and one for the indication (d) is the failure of the printing press unit ( 408 in 4 ) or the printer control device ( 40C ).

Both printer error codes # 1 and # 2 are combined to describe the detailed code of the error that the printer driver ( 1814 in 18 ) of the print server ( 14 or 15 in 1 ) is recorded. Specifically, the error code No. 1 and No. 2 in the same manner as described in the previous case of the "usr_jobq" command.

The code indicating the sheet size shows the sheet size the user should replenish when the "no paper" error is present. The output of the page that made an error shows the serial page number the page (which is subject to the correctable error affecting the reprint operation required), counted from the beginning of the specific print job. The same applies as in the previous case of the "usr_jobq" command to output the page that makes a mistake.

Input arguments:

chr * printer argument to designate a printer. If this argument is not used, a default printer or a printer of an environment variable "printer" designated.

int panum number of input arguments, each of which consists of the order number and the username.

chr ** papoint field of input arguments, each of which consists of the order number and the username. The order numbers and the user names can be distinguished made by establishing rules.

Output arguments:

int * num_job Number of respondents Assignments.

Function return value (rtn_code) = 0: normal end
1 or higher: Abnormal end

Notabilia:

• - It is for traffic reduction desirable, only output this function "int cl_jobq" in a case where the Specifying "cl_lpr" in a mail mode and where the detection of an error is indicated by a mail message has been.
• - In a case in which the mail mode is not specified with "cl_ lpr" can be used, it is desirable to output this function "int cl_jobq" in a querying manner, whereby the detailed information of the print job is monitored.

(4) Control remote order issuance

Format el_rlpc (access word, subcommand, n, parm, output string)

• – Fähigkeit/Unfähigkeit des Ausgebens an den Ferndrucker
• – Fähigkeit/Unfähigkeit der Annahme der Druckanforderung
• – Start/Stop des Spool-Daemon
• – Änderung der Reihenfolge von Aufträgen in der Spool-Warteschlange
• – Ausgeben des Status des Ferndruckers und einer Beziehung zwischen der Spool Warteschlange und dem Drucker-Daemon.

Features: A special user registered in the server controls a line printer daemon in the server. This command function controls the following information from a remote printer by using printer information that is stored in the "/ etc / printcap" file:

• - Ability / Inability to output to the remote printer
• - Ability / inability to accept the print request
• - Start / stop of the spool daemon
• - Change the order of jobs in the spool queue
• - Output the status of the remote printer and a relationship between the spool queue and the printer daemon.

Input arguments: With input arguments are called subcommands that are explained below. In one If no argument is given, a ready message is issued "lpc>" is displayed, and waiting for subcommand input. On this occasion can the subcommand from the file by redirecting a standard input Loading.

The subcommands are given as follows:

Abort (abort) {all | printers ....}

This subcommand blocks the output to the designated printer and acceptance of the print request through this printer and it holds the spool daemon. He deletes also the spool queue of the designated printer. The label the printer includes individual print designations based on the printer name and an all-printer label based on the phrase "all".

Clearing {all | printers ...}

The files "cf," tf and "df, the are contained in the spool queue of the designated printer deleted as well. The designation of the printer includes single printer designation based on the printer name and an all-printer designation based on the phrase "all".

Block {all | printers ...}

This subcommand blocks the acceptance the print request from the printer in question. So that can the new job cannot be spooled even when issuing a print request command. This subcommand is useful if a new filter is to be tested. It is also effective, though Printing requests should be prevented for a long time while e.g. failure of the printer to be accepted. The label the printer includes single printer designation based of the printer name and an all-printer term based stating "all".

OFF (down) {all | printers ....} message

This subcommand blocks the output to the designated printer and acceptance of the print request through this printer and it holds the spool daemon. When this subcommand is executed, a message expressing the status of the printer the printer status file is output. The designation of the printer includes single printer designation based on the printer name and an all-printer designation based on the phrase "all".

Enable (all | printers ...}

This subcommand accepts the print request by the designated printer. Consequently the new job can be spooled with the print request command. The designation of the printer includes single printer designation based on the printer name and an all-printer designation based on the phrase "all".

Restart {all | printers ...}

The designated spool daemon Printer starts up. This subcommand is used in a case with any job remaining in the spool queue, when the spool daemon has been interrupted due to an abnormality.

Start {all | printers ...}

This subcommand gives the output to the designated printer and starts the spool daemon. The The name of the printer contains a single printer name based on the printer name and an all-printer designation based on the phrase "all".

Status [printer]

This subcommand gives the states of the Spool daemon and the spool queue of the designated printer. The printer is only by individual name based on the printer name. That label can be omitted and all printers are identified by this omission.

Stop {all | printers ...}

After the current job of the designated printer has been completed, the output to this printer is blocked and the spool daemon is stopped. This subcommand is with the war device, etc. effectively. A print request can be accepted even while the printer is stopped. The designation of the printer includes a single printer designation based on the printer name and an all-printer designation based on the specification "all".

Tip [order number ...] [User...]

This subcommand changes the Order of orders in the spool queue of the designated printer. The specified order is specific moved to the top of the spool queue.

ON (up) {all | printers ... }

This subcommand gives the output to the designated printer and acceptance of the print request through this printer and it starts the spool daemon. The label the printer includes single printer designation based of the printer name and an all-printer label based stating "all".

Although not in 10 mentioned, the following client I / F command functions are also supported:

• (a) Hold / release a print job issue
• (b) Cancellation of an order
• (c) Looking for candidates for alternative printers
• (d) reference to previous ones print jobs every single user
• (e) Inquiries about printer configurations
• (f) Inquiries about Printer specifications.

The above client I / F functions are defined such that each client I / F function (a) to (e) each user I / F command ( 5 ) to ( 10 ) can correspond.

The specifications of the in 11 Administrative I / F command functions for distributed printing listed will be explained below.

(1) Requests for printer specifications

Format: dm_prchrq

Features: The management server ( 13 in 1 . 820 in 8th ) for distributed printing requests the print server, which is labeled with an input argument, about the names and specifications of all printers that are controlled by the designated print server.

Input argument:

pssvr_narre print server name

Output argument:

Structure PSSVR_PRN_CHR * prn_chr_set

Pointer to a printer specification structure. This structure is composed of the following information:

(2) Inquiries about printer status

Format: dm_prstsq

Features: The management server for distributed Printing asks the print server, which is labeled with the input argument is about the names and the states all printers controlled by the designated print server become.

Input argument:

pssvr_narre print server name

Output argument:

Structure PSSVR_PRN_STS * prn_sts_set

Pointer to a printer status tree. This structure is composed of the following information:

(3) Inquiries about spooler states

Format: dm_splstsq

Features: The management server for distributed Printing asks the print server, which is labeled with the input argument is about the specifications and conditions of all spooler queues created by the designated print server to be controlled.

Input argument:

pssvr_narre printer server name

Output argument:

Structure PSSVR_SPL * spl_chrsts

Pointer to a spooler structure. This structure is composed of the following information:

Among the in 12 listed printer access I / F command functions, pr_lpr and pr_rlpc are particularly relevant to the present invention, and their specifications will be explained below.

(1) Submit a request for printing

Format: cl_lpr [-P printer] [- # number] [-C class] [-J order] [T title] [-i [numcols]] [-wnum] [-m] [-pv] [-lrhs] [Name ...] [-d document type] [-L orientation] [-F form size] [-S Size] [-c Zoom] [-r resolution]

Features: The print server is ordered to send a print job to the printer. Logical print specifications can can also be designated with an option parameter. The -P option is used to designate the printer of the first priority level used.

Input arguments:

-P argument to designate the printer the first priority level, which has been requested to print the object. When labeling of the printer, a printer name is written after -P.

- # argument to denote the number of copies to be printed. When designating the number of to be printed Copies this is written behind - #.

-C argument for designating the order class a cover sheet. When designating the order class it becomes written behind -C.

-J argument to designate the job name of the cover page (an initial Value is the file name). When designating the order name is this one written behind -J.

T Designates a title for use in "pr" (this argument T is used together with the argument -P). When designating the title, it is written after T.

-i [numCols]
Indent when printing. If this argument is a number, spaces in a specified number should be placed at the front of each line when printing. Otherwise an empty space is set corresponding to 8 characters.

-w Specifies the number of characters on one line.

-m Informs the user about the Results of the printing when it was completed via a mail message. The Mail message will also used to the user over to inform an error scheme in the case where "rs" in the file "/ etc / printcap" of a machine with which the Printer is connected.

-pv argument in the case of printing using different filters. The letters and the filters correspond as follows:
-p Format with the "pr" command.
-v Use the filter identified by "vf" of the printcap file.

-lrhs
Suppress page break by using a filter that recognizes a control character (the argument [c] is not supplied to the filter).
-r Delete the file after the transfer to the print server has been completed or after the output to a local printer has been completed.
-h Suppress printing of the cover page (first page).
-s If this argument is given when printing a file that is too large to be spooled (larger than "mx" of the "printcap" file), the file is split and then spooled.

Name Identifies the one to be printed File.

-d Designates the type of PDL (page description language) a document with the value of a "document type" argument.

-L denotes the pressure orientation (Portrait or landscape) of the document with the value of an argument "Orientation".

-F Designates a sheet of paper size or -format with the value of a form size argument.

-S denotes one-sided / double-sided Print according to the value of a "page" argument.

-c denotes an enlargement / reduction ratio according to the value of an argument "zoom" (%).

-r denotes the point density of the concerned printer with the value of an argument "resolution".

Notabilia:

• - If a big File is to be spooled, sometimes a failure occurs, that it is not quite spooled. In a case where some user except a "root" user files a file under the lock state of a spool "Queue", the message "lpr" shows a message to this effect, and it prevents a corresponding order is put in the queue. In addition, in one case where no connection with the "lpd" protocol of a local machine can be produced, the specification "pr lpr" from a message which shows that a Daemon has not started.
• - The The page width specified with the "-w" argument is not for a Cover sheet valid. The width of the cover sheet is specified with the specification "pw" of the file "printcap" changed.
• - If the argument "-s" has been specified, a file can be up to Cannot be edited or deleted at the end of printing.

(2) Control remote order issuance

Format: pr_rlpc [access word] [command [argument ...]]

• – Fähigkeit/Unfähigkeit des Ausgebens an den Ferndrucker
• – Fähigkeit/Unfähigkeit der Annahme einer Druckanforderung
• – Start/Stop des Spool-Daemon
• – Änderung der Reihenfolge von Aufträgen in einer Spool-Warteschlange
• – Ausgeben des Status des Ferndruckers und der Beziehung zwischen der Spool Warteschlange und dem Drucker-Daemon.

Features: A special user who is registered in the print server controls a line printer daemon in a remote printer. This command function controls the following information from the remote printer by using printer information stored in the "/ etc / printcap" file:

• - Ability / Inability to output to the remote printer
• - Ability / inability to accept a print request
• - Start / stop of the spool daemon
• - Change the order of jobs in a spool queue
• - Output the status of the remote printer and the relationship between the spool queue and the printer daemon.

Input arguments:

With input arguments become subcommands referred to, which explains below become.

The subcommands are given as follows:

Abort (abort) {all | printers ...}

This subcommand blocks the output to the designated printer and acceptance of the print request through this printer and it holds the spool daemon. He deletes also the spool queue of the designated printer. The label the printer includes single printer designation based the printer name and an all-printer label based on the phrase "all".

Clearing {all | printers ...}

The files "cf '," tf "and" df ", which are contained in the spool queue of the designated printer, will also be deleted. The designation of the printer includes single printer designation based on the printer name and an all-printer designation based on the phrase "all".

Block {all | printers ...}

This subcommand blocks the acceptance the print request from the designated printer. So that can any new job cannot be spooled, even when one is issued Print request command. This subcommand is useful if a new filter is to be tested. It is also effective, though Printing requests should be prevented for a long time while e.g. failure of the printer to be accepted. The label the printer includes single printer designation based on the Printer name and an all-printer label based stating "all".

OFF (down) {all | printers ...} message

This subcommand blocks the output to the designated printer and accepting the print request through this printer and it holds the spool daemon. When this subcommand is executed will display a message expressing the status of the printer the printer status file is output. The name of the printer includes Single printer name based on the printer name and an all-printer label based on the phrase "all".

Enable (all | printers ...}

This subcommand accepts the print request by the designated printer. Consequently the new job can be spooled with the print request command. The designation of the printer includes single printer designation based on the printer name and an all-printer designation based on the phrase "all".

Restart {all | printers ...}

The designated spool daemon Printer starts up. This subcommand is used in a case where a job remains in the spool queue if the Spool daemon has been interrupted due to some abnormality.

Start {all | printers ...}

This subcommand gives the output to the designated printer and starts the spool daemon. The Designation of the printer includes single printer designation the basis of the printer name and an all-printer label based on the phrase "all".

Status [printer]

This subcommand shows the states of the Spool daemon and the spool queue of the designated printer. The printer is identified only by the single name based on the printer name. That label can be omitted and all printers are omitted designated.

Stop {all | printers ...}

After the current job of the designated printer has been completed, the output to the printer is blocked and the spool daemon is stopped. This subcommand is for maintenance of the Printer, etc. effectively, even while the printer is stopped, any printing request can be accepted. The designation of the printer includes a single printer designation based on the printer name and an all-printer designation based on the specification "all".

Tip [order number ...] [User...]

This subcommand changes the Order of orders in the spool queue of the designated printer. The specified order is specific moved to the top of the spool queue.

ON (up) {all | printers ...}

This subcommand gives the output to the designated printer and acceptance of the print request through this printer and it starts the spool daemon. The label the printer includes single printer designation based of the printer name and an all-printer label based stating "all".

Incidentally, in 12 display the print request command function based on the "lpd" protocol as one of the printer access I / F command functions. For the print request command, it is also possible to accept a command that is not based on the "lpd" protocol.

In addition, in 12 the commands for the network printers (the printers that are directly connected to the network) are displayed as those that represent the printer access interface. In the case of server printers (the printers directly connected to the server), commands can be used which are described in earlier Japanese patent applications (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 60781/1990 and No. 166511/1990, filed by Hitachi Ltd.) are shown.

In the user I / F commands described above "usr_lpr" and client I / F functions "cl_lpr" and "cl_lgc" can print with a variety of statements as input arguments at a time. In the commands "usr_lpr" and "cl_glc" you can find the suitable printer and the appropriate print server, which the variety of information meet the print specification at a time as an output of the commands and the functions are preserved.

In the case of commands and functions will be used those which print specifications with only one Can receive information; (a) the user or (b) the application programs which do not Printing utilities are must collaborate with the special processes as described below (i) and (ü) are specified. However, in the above mentioned commands and functions "usr_lpr", "usr_lgc", "cl_lpr" and "cl_lgc" the special processes not required.

• (i) Issue commands and functions through the Printing specifications for each statement according to the number of the number of statements.
• (ii) Apply AND logic to the groups of the appropriate ones Printers that meet all specifications of the printing specifications, and Receive a group of suitable printers, all the information at a time suffice.

In the usr_lpr user I / F commands and "usr_rgc" and the client I / F functions "cl_lpr" and "cl_lgc" are the suitable printers by simultaneous Creation of the multitude of details of the printing specifications to the Input arguments and by creating the combination logic of AND- and OR over this information of the printing specifications sought.

The names of the user I / F commands can to "lpr", "lpq", "lprm", "lpc", "pac", "lgc", "jobq", "hold", "revry", "atlprn_disp", "jobhst", "prnconf_disp" and "prnspc_" qry ", which the part "usr_" of the mentioned User I / F commands is missing. If these commands "lpr", "lpq", "lprm", "lpc", "pac", etc. have already existed, these are pre-existing commands deleted or the name of these commands is changed to conflict escape. According to this Can proceed the user programs and the application / user programs the conventional up compatible function of the "lpd" protocol in the conventional up use compatible I / F.

In the usr_lpr user I / F commands and usr_lgc "and the client I / F functions "cl_lpr" and "cl_lgc" can the specifications regarding Printing, e.g. Fonts, Colors, etc. can be added to the arguments. In this case the printing system can be realized in the same way.

The printing steps which are features of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIG 13 and 14 to be discribed. 13 illustrates the printing steps to designate printing a document at a logical specification level. As can be seen from the figure, the print server gives 830 ( 14 or 15 in 1 ) the printer status request commands "pr_stsq" (130-2, 131-2) to the printers (e.g. printer A ( 841 in 13 . 16 in 1 ) and printer B ( 842 in 13 . 17 in 1 )), which are the systems controlled by it, namely at every fixed point in time (eg at regular time intervals of about one second). The states of the individual printers that are found through such monitoring those are entered in a local printer control table 1310, whereas the execution states of the print jobs in the individual printers are entered in a local print job control table 1311.

The 820 distributed printing management server ( 13 in 1 ) issues the printer status request command "dm_prstsq" 132-0 to all print servers (one or more print servers including the one in 13 shown print server 830 ), which are the systems controlled by it, at every fixed point in time, and enters the states of the individual printers found by such monitoring into a printer control table 1320. Furthermore, the management server 820 ( 13 ) for distributed printers the spooler status request command "dm_splstsq" 133 to all print servers ( 830 etc.), which are the systems controlled by it, at any fixed point in time, and he enters the states of the print jobs in the individual spoolers, which are found by such monitoring, in a print job control table 1321.

The client 810 ( 11 or 12 , shown in 1 ) gives the document print specification designation command "c1_ lgc" 134 asynchronous with the above periodic monitoring operations based on the request commands 130 to 133 from, which indicates the print specifications of the document to be printed next and these to the management server 820 ( 13 ) for distributed printing. In response to the specification designation command 134 sends the management server 820 ( 13 ) for distributed printing to the client 810 ( 11 or 12 ) the name of a printer whose printer specifications are suitable for the document print specifications, and the name of the print server that controls the printer in question (answer 134-1).

Then the client returns 810 ( 11 or 12 ) the print job transfer command "cl_lpr" 135 to the appropriate print server 830 ( 14 or 15 ) and commands this print server to print the document using the appropriate printer. In response to the print job transfer command 135 creates the print server 830 ( 14 or 15 ) a print job and it saves the generated print job in a file 1330 , which is called "Print Spooler" and in which print jobs are saved according to the respective printer. Incidentally, the print job transfer command 135 as the extension of the "lpr" command of the "lpd" protocol as shown in 10 , has been implemented. As the argument of this command function 135 accordingly, only the name of the appropriate printer is designated, and the name of the appropriate print server need not be designated. The reason for this is that with the "cl_lpr" command function, the names of the print servers belonging to the individual printers are previously registered in the printer registration file "/ etc / printcap".

In such a case that the print job transfer command can only be issued by means of the name of the suitable printer and not the name of the suitable print server, the name of the suitable print server can be derived from the answer 134-2 in 13 can be eliminated, and suggesting candidates for an alternative print server can be found in Answer 134-2 in 14 be eliminated. When the client requests a print, the name of the print server is rarely used, making it easier for the user to use the printer.

On the other hand, the print job transfer command changed to use only the name of the appropriate print server and not be printed on the name of the appropriate printer.

In this case, the name of the appropriate printer can be found in response 134-2 in 13 can be eliminated, and proposing candidates for alternative printers can be seen in Answer 134-2 in 14 be eliminated.

The command function cl_jobq 137 serves the detailed status of the print job according to the command function 135 to monitor. It also takes into account the command function 137 to the management server 820 ( 13 ) for distributed printing. However, such a measure has not been taken in this exemplary embodiment because there are accesses to the management server 820 ( 13 ) unfavorable for distributed printing. The command 137 is only output in a case in which the command cl_lpr was issued in a mail mode and in which an error detection was indicated by a mail message. This aspect is desirable to avoid unnecessary traffic.

When there is one or more print jobs in each print spooler, the print server returns 830 ( 14 or 15 ) the print request command pr_lpr 136 and transfers the specific print job to the printer (e.g. 842 ( 17 )) belonging to the print spooler concerned, as soon as this printer becomes free. In response to the print request command 136 the printer (e.g. 842 ( 17 )) print the specific print job on paper.

Due to the application of the above Printing steps can the trouble of the user of understanding the specifications of the printer in the printing system and selection the appropriate printer based on the printer specifications be eliminated to the convenience of the printing system for users to improve significantly.

In addition, the distributed printing management server selects the appropriate printer by not only suiting the printing specifications but also the distances between the clients ent who submitted the print request and the printers to be selected and / or the amounts of print jobs waiting in the respective printers to be selected, thereby making it possible to select the printer that is closer to the user and that completed printing earlier. Accordingly, the convenience of the printing system for users can be further improved, and the printing throughput of the entire system can be improved.

Next illustrated 14 the printing steps to designate printing a document with an alternate printer or print server in a case where a printer or print server has failed or failed. The periodic monitoring operations based on the request commands 130 to 133 are the same as in 13 , It gets in here 14 assumed that the client 810 ( 11 or 12 ) the document printing specification designation command cl_lgc 134 output asynchronously with the periodic monitoring steps, whereby ( 1 ) the print specifications of the document you want to print next, and ( 2 ) the name of the printer with the first priority level required for printing the document (e.g. printer A ( 841 in 14 . 16 in 1 )), and the designated information to the management server 820 ( 13 ) for distributed printing.

It is also assumed that at the time the command is received 134 the management server 820 ( 13 ) for distributed printing has recognized the following fact from monitoring steps 130-1, 130-2, 132-1 and 132-2: That is, printer A ( 841 . 16 ) of the first priority level is suitable for the designated printing specifications, but it is in the state of a fatal error, which is the failure of a printer control device.

As an answer 134-2 to command 134 therefore informs the management server 820 ( 13 ) for distributed printing the client 810 ( 11 or 12 ) from the fact that printer A ( 841 . 16 ) the first priority level underwent a failure of the printer control device together with the recommendation that printer B ( 842 in 14 . 17 in 1 ) than the alternative printer should be used. In the answer 134-2 the name of the appropriate print server that is sent to printer B ( 842 . 17 ) also belongs to the client 810 ( 11 or 12 ) reports.

Here, on condition that the user of the client 810 ( 11 or 12 ) agrees with the recommendation that a processing program (which corresponds to the processing program of a command "Submit a request for printing at a logical specification level" under the printer interface commands) in this client the print job transmission command cl_lpr 135 to the appropriate print server and refers to printing the document with the alternative printer. Print steps from the output of the print job transfer command 135 the steps 136 and 137 are the same as in the case of 13 ,

As stated above, the Management server for distributed printing the appropriate printer and the appropriate print server in which the error or failure states of the selected Printer and the one to be selected Print server additionally to the previously mentioned Selection conditions should be taken into account, making the normal printer and print server selected and the selected one Printer and print server to the client is recommended. Thus bother the users finding out the normal / abnormal states of the devices involved saves, and the reliability, the availability and the printing throughput of the printing system can be further improved become.

Incidentally, in the illustration of 14 controls the identical print server 830 ( 14 or 15 ) printer A ( 841 . 16 ) and printer B ( 842 . 17 ), and thus no print server is changed even if the failure occurs. In a case where different print servers control such printers, they are changed. A procedure for switching is the same as the dynamic allocations of printers and print servers that were previously related to the 5 to 7 have been explained.

• – Wenn die Vorrichtung auf Seiten der Befehlsausgabe initialisiert worden ist
• – Wenn eine zuvor eingestellte, bestimmte Zeitperiode abgelaufen ist.

Also, in the above steps from 13 and 14 the printer specification request commands (pr_chrq) 130-1 and 131-1 by the print server 830 ( 14 or 15 ) to the respective printer 841 ( 16 ) and 842 ( 17 ) and the printer specification request command (dm_prchrq) 132-1 by the management server 820 ( 13 ) for distributed printing to the print server 830 ( 14 or 15 ) is issued at the following times:

• - When the device has been initialized on the command issue side
• - When a certain period of time previously set has expired.

Reference is now made to 15 to the processing steps of the client ( 810 in 15 . 11 or 12 in , 1 ), the management server ( 820 . 13 ) for distributed printing, the print server ( 830 . 14 or 15 ) and the printer ( 841 . 842 . 16 or 17 , for example) and to describe the processing method of the entire printing system, which is the combination of such devices involved.

First, the processing steps of the client 810 ( 11 or 12 ) are explained in the case of issuing the user interface commands. Displayed with reference numbers 1510 in 15 is the print request command at the logical specification level (usr_lpr) 1510 which is one of the user I / F commands. This command is specific 1510 using the client interface commands (cl_lgc) 1511 and (cl_lpr) 1513 implemented as follows:

• (1) The client 810 ( 11 or 12 ) issues the document print specification label command (cl_lgc) to the management server 820 ( 13 ) for distributed printing (at step 1511).
• (2) In response to the designation command (cl_lgc), the client receives 810 ( 11 or 12 ) Information about any printer and any print server that is suitable for the printing specifications of a particular document from the management server 820 ( 13 ) for distributed printing (at step 1512).
• (3) Based on the answer at step 1512, the client transmits 810 ( 11 or 12 ) a print job according to the document to the appropriate print server 820 ( 14 or 15 ) (at step 1513).

If in addition the user of the client 810 ( 11 or 12 ) has given this client the print job detail status request command (usr_jobq) or the remote job output control command (usr_rlpc) contained in the user I / F commands 810 ( 11 or 12 ) the print job detail status request command (cl_jobq) 1550 or the remote order issue control command (cl_rlpc) 1551 which is the client I / F command that has the same name as the corresponding user I / F command to the print server 830 ( 14 or 15 ), which is the transfer destination of the print job. In this case the client receives 810 ( 11 or 12 ) the detailed status of the print job or the results of a remote job output control from the transfer destination print server 820 ( 14 or 15 ).

28 shows the relationships where the user I / F commands use the client I / F commands.

As shown in this figure, the user I / F command usr_lpr uses the client I / F commands cl_lpc (1-1) and cl_lpr (1-2). The other user I / F commands usr_lpc, usr_lprm, usr_lpc, usr_pac, usr_jobq and usr_rlpc use the client I / F commands cl_lpq ( 2 ), cl_lprm ( 3 ), cl_lpc ( 4 ), cl_pac ( 5 ), cl_jobq ( 6 ) or cl_rlpc ( 7 ).

The "usr_lpr" command mentioned above chooses automatically the suitable printer that meets the required printing specifications enough. The term "automatic" means that the processing program does this Command each printer (a) adaptability the print specifications, (b) the distance (proximity) from the client and (e) the Amount of print jobs waiting evaluated and a printer from the group of suitable printers, which meet the printing specifications without determining the User.

In addition to the automatic selection another command (usr_lpr2) can be issued, which is a semi-automatic Processed selection that requires the determination of the user.

• (1) First the user gives the same input arguments in the command "usr_lpr2" as in the "usr_lpr" command.
• (2) output the list of suitable printers on the display, which meet the printing specifications. At this time the names of the printers and (a) the distance (proximity) from the Client, (b) the amount of print jobs waiting, and (c) the installation location displayed. The appropriate printers in the group are listed in order of the information (a) and (b) is displayed. The order is determined by the Indication (a) as a first key and determines the indication (b) as a second key.
• (3) The user chooses the most preferred printer (the selected printer) from the group the appropriate printer displayed and instructs this command.
• (4) This command receives the designated selected Printer and transfers the print jobs to the Print server that matches the selected one Printer corresponds, in the same way as 1513.

With the semi-automatic selection mentioned the selected one Printers by the user from a variety of suitable printers determined so that the User can choose the most preferred printer.

Furthermore, the semi-automatic Selection by a combined use of a (a) command "usr_lgc" and a "usr_lpr" command, (b) a "usr_lgc" command and one Function "cl_lpr", (c) a function "cl_lgc" and a command "usr_lpr" and (d) a function "cl_lgc" and a function "cl_lpr" realized. In this case, choose the user selects the most preferred printer himself based on the output of the group of suitable printers which meet the printing specifications, which by the command "usr_lgc" or the function "cl_lgc" the ad was issued. Next, the user designates the selected one Printer through the input arguments of the user I / F commands "usr_lpr" and "lpr" or the client I / F function "cl_lpr". If the command "lpr" is used, the semi-automatic selection can be made without changing the Application / user programs using the existing one "lpr" command can be realized.

Referring again to 15 runs the management server 820 ( 13 ) for distributed printing, the print request command at the logical specification level according to the following steps, which "dynamic assignments of printers / print servers" ( 1520 ) should be mentioned:

• (1) The management server 820 ( 13 ) for distributed printing receives the document printing specification drawing command ( 1521 ).
• (2) The management server 820 ( 13 ) for distributed printing, selects a printer whose printer specifications are suitable for the document printing specifications, which are designated by the input arguments of the designation command, and a suitable print server that connects to the suitable printer ( 1522 ) heard. On this occasion, the management server checks 820 ( 13 ) the access rights of each client to the individual printers and the individual print servers by using authorized services in another specification "other administration services" (shown with reference signs 1740 in 17 ) for example. It denies the print request to any client that does not have access rights.
• (3) The selection results at step 1522 are sent as a response to the client 810 ( 11 or 12 ) which is the output source of the step 1521 (1523) designation command.

• (1) Der Druckauftrag wird empfangen und in eine Druckwarteschlange gemäß dem Druckauftrag-Übertragungsbefehl des Schritts 1513 (1530) registriert.
• (2) Gemäß dem Druckauftrag-Detailstatus-Anfragebefehl des Schritts 1550 untersucht der Druck-Server 830 (14 oder 15) den Status des betreffenden Druckauftrags, der durch die Eingabeargumente dieses Anfragebefehls bezeichnet ist, und zwar auf der Grundlage der lokalen Druckauftrag-Steuertabelle 1311, und er berichtet danach den Status des betreffenden Druckauftrags, welcher die untersuchten Ergebnisse sind, an den Client 810 (11 oder 12), welcher die Ausgabequelle dieses Anfragebefehls (1531) ist.
• (3) Gemäß dem Fernauftragsausgabe-Steuerbefehl des Schritts 1551 steuert der Druck-Server 830 (14 oder 15) den betreffenden Druck auftrag, der durch das Eingabeargument dieses Steuerbefehls be zeichnet ist, gemäß den Unterbefehlen dieses Steuerbefehls und er berichtet die gesteuerten Ergebnisse an den Client 810 (11 oder 12), welcher die Ausgabequelle dieses Steuerbefehls (1532) ist. Der hier erwähnte Steuerbefehl hat die Fähigkeit des Steuerns des bereits registrierten Druckauftrags in dem Druck-Server und des in dem in diesem Druck-Server enthaltenen Druck Spoolers zum Merk mal. Da ein solches Leistungsmerkmal nicht durch das "lpd"-Protokoll angeboten wird, ist der Steuerbefehl (cl_rlpc) erneut als der erweiterte Befehl zur Verwaltung eingeführt worden, wie gezeigt in 10.

The print server also runs 830 ( 14 or 15 ) Send / receive processes with the client 810 ( 11 or 12 ) according to the various client I / F commands issued by this client as follows:

• (1) The print job is received and registered in a print queue in accordance with the print job transfer command of step 1513 (1530).
• (2) According to the print job detail status request command of step 1550, the print server examines 830 ( 14 or 15 ) the status of the relevant print job, which is indicated by the input arguments of this request command, based on the local print job control table 1311, and then reports the status of the relevant print job, which is the examined results, to the client 810 ( 11 or 12 ), which is the output source of this request command (1531).
• (3) According to the remote job issuing control command of step 1551, the print server controls 830 ( 14 or 15 ) the relevant print job, which is designated by the input argument of this control command, according to the subcommands of this control command and it reports the controlled results to the client 810 ( 11 or 12 ), which is the output source of this control command ( 1532 ) is. The control command mentioned here has the ability to control the already registered print job in the print server and the print spooler contained in this print server. Since such a feature is not offered by the "lpd" protocol, the control command (cl_rlpc) has again been introduced as the extended command for management, as shown in FIG 10 ,

• (1) Hinsichtlich der Spitze der in die Druckwarteschlange durch den Schritt 1530 registrierten Druckaufträge gibt der Druck-Server 830 (14 oder 15) den Druckanforderungsbefehl an den entsprechenden Drucker (1533) aus, sobald der Drucker entsprechend der Warteschlange frei geworden ist. In der veranschaulichten Verarbeitung hier sendet der Druck-Server 830 (14 oder 15) nur einen Druckauftrag an jeden Drucker zu einem Zeitpunkt. Das heißt, jeder Druck Server 830 (14 oder 15) hat die Vervollständigung des Druέkauftrags von dem Drucker 840 (z.B. 16 oder 17) durch ein Verfahren, das bei dem nächsten Schritt 1534 gezeigt ist, empfangen, und der nächste Druckauftrag wird an den Drucker 840 gesendet.
• (2) Beim Schritt 1534 löscht der Druck-Server 830 (14 oder 15) den vervollständigten Druckauftrag von der Druckwarteschlange, wenn ihm die Vervollständigung des Druckauftrags, welcher das Objekt der Druckanforderung bei Schritt 1533 ist, durch den Empfang eines Druckauftrag-Vervollständigungsberichts von dem Drucker 840 bekannt wurde.

The print server also runs 830 ( 14 or 15 ) the send / receive processes with the printer 840 (eg 16 or 17 ) as follows:

• (1) As for the top of the print jobs registered in the print queue by step 1530, the print server gives 830 ( 14 or 15 ) the print request command to the corresponding printer ( 1533 ) as soon as the printer has become free according to the queue. In the processing illustrated here, the print server is sending 830 ( 14 or 15 ) only one print job to each printer at a time. That is, every print server 830 ( 14 or 15 ) has the completion of the print job from the printer 840 (eg 16 or 17 ) by a method shown in the next step 1534, and the next print job is sent to the printer 840 Posted.
• (2) At step 1534, the print server clears 830 ( 14 or 15 ) the completed print job from the print queue if it has known the completion of the print job that is the object of the print request at step 1533 by receiving a print job completion report from printer 840.

• (1) Eine Kette von Druckbefehlen, die den Druckauftrag darstellen, wird in dem Pufferspeicher gespeichert, welcher "Befehlspuffer" (40A in 4) genannt wird und in der Druckersteuereinrichtung (40C) enthalten ist. Wenn der Befehlspuffer voll oder frei geworden ist, berichtet der Drucker 840 diese Situation an den Druck-Server 830 (14 oder 15). Bei der Voll-Bedingung des Befehlspuffers weist der Drucker 840 das Senden eines Befehls von dem Druck-Server 830 (14 oder 15) zurück, wohingegen bei der Frei-Bedingung er dem Druck-Server 830 (14 oder 15) die Bereitschaft anzeigt, die Befehle (1541) zu senden.
• (2) Während sukzessiven Auslesens der Befehle aus dem Befehlspuffer interpretiert der Drucker 840 diese Befehle und führt sie aus, wodurch Zeichen, irgendeine Graphik oder/und irgendein Bild in dem Speicher gezeichnet werden, welcher "Seitenpuffer" (40A in 4) genannt wird (bei Schritt 1542).
• (3) Der Drucker 840 gibt den Inhalt des bei Schritt 1542 gezeichneten Seitenpuffers an die Druckmaschineneinheit (408 in 4) aus, wenn sich die Gelegenheit ergibt. Dann druckt die Druckmaschineneinheit 408 das bestimmte Dokument auf Papier mittels verschiedener Druckmechanismen (1543). Außerdem gibt er, wenn die Druckersteuereinrichtung 40C die Vervollständigung des gesamten Druckauftrags auf der Grundlage des Endes des Drucks jeder Seite (1544) erfaßt hat, erfaßt z.B. von einem Bericht von der Druckmaschineneinheit 408, einen Druckauftrag-Vervollständigungsbericht an den Druck-Server 830 (14 oder 15) aus (bei Schritt 1545).

The printer 840 (eg 16 or 17 ) performs processing according to the print request command from the print server 830 ( 14 or 15 ) as follows (1540):

• (1) A chain of print commands representing the print job is stored in the buffer memory, which "command buffer" ( 40A in 4 ) is called and in the printer control device ( 40C ) is included. When the command buffer becomes full or free, the printer reports 840 this situation to the print server 830 ( 14 or 15 ). If the command buffer is full, the printer indicates 840 sending a command from the print server 830 ( 14 or 15 ) back, whereas with the free condition he the print server 830 ( 14 or 15 ) indicates readiness, the commands ( 1541 ) to send.
• (2) The printer interprets during successive reading of the commands from the command buffer 840 executes and executes these commands, thereby drawing characters, any graphics or / and any image in the memory, which "page buffer" ( 40A in 4 ) is called (at step 1542).
• (3) The printer 840 gives the contents of the page buffer drawn at step 1542 to the press unit ( 408 in 4 ) when the opportunity arises. Then the printing press unit prints 408 the specific document on paper using various printing mechanisms ( 1543 ). It also gives when the printer control device 40C the completion of the entire print job based on the end of printing each page ( 1544 ) has recorded, for example, from a report by Printing machine unit 408 , a print job completion report to the print server 830 ( 14 or 15 ) off (at step 1545).

The 16 ~ 20 illustrate the software structures of the client (e.g. 11 or 12 in 1 ), the management server ( 13 ) for distributed printing, the print server ( 14 or 15 ) and the printer ( 19 or 1A , and 16 . 17 or 18 ). As shown in 16 , the client contains the kernel 1610 a local OS (operating system) for performing such basic controls as interrupt control, system call control, processing control and file control; a network driver 1621 to control a physical network, eg "ETHERNET" or "FDDI"; a communication protocol 1622 , eg "TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol)"; and a communication control layer 1623 , eg "Socket" or "RPC (Remote Procedure Call)".

Here is a print log library 1630 from a standard print protocol library 1631 (corresponding to those interface command functions in 10 , whose origins are the "lpd" protocol) and an extended printing protocol library 1632 (according to those interface commands in 10 , whose origins are the administrative expansion). The extended print protocol library is one of the libraries involved 1632 newly added by the present invention.

Print service commands also correspond to the client, as shown with reference numerals 1640 , the processing programs of the user interface commands, which in 9 are listed. An AP (Application Program) 1650 contains various application programs and user programs for word processing, table handling, databases, DTP (DeskTop Publishing) etc., which use the client. A shell 1660 is a program that interacts between the user's interactive operations and the structural elements 1610 . 1650 . 1630 . 1640 etc. conveyed and which interprets and executes the user commands.

The software structure of the distributed printing management server is related to 14 to be discribed. Similar to the client, the distributed printing management server contains a local OS kernel 1710 , a network driver 1721 , a communication protocol 1722 and a communication control layer 1723 , The local OS kernel 1710 contains a process control 1711 , a file control 1712 and a disk driver 1713 ,

The management server for distributed printing of 17 has the feature that a library for a print service access log, as shown with reference numerals 1730 , via the local OS kernel 1710 and the communication control layer 1723 is provided that an administrative service 1750 for distributed printing from the print service access log library 1730 is provided, and that system administration commands 1760 via the administrative service 1750 are provided for distributed printing.

Here is the print service access log library 1730 a program for executing those commands of the client interface commands intended for the management server for distributed printing, and a program for issuing the management interface commands for distributed printing to any print server.

There is also the administrative service 1750 for distributed printing from (i) a program that executes the received client interface commands and (ii) a program that issues the management interface commands for distributed printing that are intended for the print servers. An example of the program (i) is the execution program of the dynamic allocation of the printers or print servers as stated above, whereas an example of the program (ii) is a program which the in 11 issues listed commands to understand and monitor the specifications and states of the printers and print servers (this program will be called the "Distributed Print Operation Manager Module").

Also the system administration commands 1760 Commands to start the distributed printing management service according to any of the commands (to request or change the structure or status of any print server or printer) given by the system administrator who is a privileged user.

The management server for distributed printing is also with a shell 1770 provided for the same purpose as in the client.

Next, the software structure of the print server is related to 18 to be discribed. Similar to the client or the management server for distributed printing, the print server contains a local OS kernel 1810 , a network driver 1821 , a communication protocol 1822 and a communication control layer 1823 , The local OS kernel 1810 contains a process control 1811 , a file control 1812 , a disk driver 1813 and a printer driver 1814 , The print spooler previously specified is using file control 1812 and the disk driver 1813 controlled, whereas the printer (printer A ( 16 ), B ( 17 ) or C ( 18 )) connected directly to this print server using the printer driver 1814 is controlled.

The print server in 18 has the feature that a library for a print service access prototype koll, as shown with reference numerals 1830 , and a library for a printer access protocol as shown with reference numerals 1850 , via the local OS kernel 1810 and the communication control layer 1823 are provided and that a printer / spooler control service 1860 about the libraries 1830 and 1850 is provided. The printer / spooler control service 1860 is from a functional module 1861 to manage the distributed printing operation and a printer / spooler / character set management service or module 1862 built up.

Here is the print service access log library 1830 a program for executing those commands of the client interface commands which are intended for this print server. On the other side is the printer access log library 1850 a program for issuing the printer access interface commands (listed in 12 ) intended for these printers. The management feature module 1861 for the distributed printing operation is a program for executing the distributed printing management interface commands issued by the distributed printing management. The printer / spooler / font management module also intervenes 1862 towards their printer, spooler and font and controls them, which are designated by the clients, such as personal computers and workstations.

The software structure of the printer control device 40C for the network printer (printer that is directly connected to the network), such as the printer 19 or 1A , is related to 19 to be discribed. Similar to the print server, this printer control device contains a local OS kernel 1910 , a network driver 1921 , a communication protocol 1922 and a communication control layer 1923 , The local OS kernel 1910 contains a process control 1911 , a file control 1912 , a buffer control 1913 , a press control 1914 and a disk controller 1915 , The process control 1911 performs basic controls in conjunction with interrupt control and system call control in the same way as in the cases of the client, the distributed printing management server, and the print server. In the illustrated printer control device, the features of the real-time control are improved more than in the previous cases, so that various input / output events that have developed in the corresponding printer can be dealt with immediately. The buffer control 1913 works to control the buffer memory called "command memory" in which the document data (composed of the print command string) received from the print server is stored, and to control the buffer memory called "page buffer" , in which a drawn result corresponding to the document data is stored. The press control 1914 performs input / output controls with the press unit 408 corresponding to this printer control device 40C out. In addition, there is a library for a printer access log as shown with reference numerals 1930 , a program for executing the printer access interface commands issued from the print server to this printer controller 40C heard.

• (1) Die Druckerzugriffsprotokollbibliothek 1930 führt den Druckanforderungsbefehl aus, der von dem Druck-Server ausgegeben ist, wodurch die Dokumentdaten, die aus einer PDL gebildet sind, wie z.B. die Druckbefehlszeichenkette (hiernach auch als das "PDL-Dokument" bezeichnet), in den Befehlspuffer gespeichert werden.
• (2) Ein Zeichnungsprozeß unter den verschiedenen Druckprozessen 1940 interpretiert und verarbeitet das in dem Befehlspuffer gespeicherte PDL-Dokument, wodurch Zeichen, eine Graphik, ein Bild oder ähnliches als Punktbilddaten in den Seitenpuffer gezeichnet werden.
• (3) Anschließend beliefert ein Druckprozeß unter den verschiedenen Druckprozessen 1940 die Druckmaschineneinheit 408 mit den Punktbilddaten, welche das gezeichnete Ergebnis in dem Seitenpuffer sind, und zwar durch die Verwendung der Einrichtung der Druckermaschinensteuerung 1914.
• (4) Die Druckmaschineneinheit 408 empfängt die Punktbilddaten und druckt sie auf Papier durch die Verwendung eines Druckmechanismus, wie eines elektrophotographischen Drucksystems, eines Drahtpunktdrucksystems, eines Pendeldrucksystems oder eines Tintenstrahldrucksystems.

Different printing processes 1940 perform printing by using the above involved element as follows:

• (1) The printer access log library 1930 executes the print request command issued from the print server, thereby storing the document data made up of a PDL, such as the print command string (hereinafter also referred to as the "PDL document"), in the command buffer.
• (2) A drawing process among the various printing processes 1940 interprets and processes the PDL document stored in the command buffer, whereby characters, a graphic, an image or the like are drawn as point image data in the page buffer.
• (3) Then supplies a printing process among the various printing processes 1940 the press unit 408 with the dot image data, which is the drawn result in the page buffer, by using the printer engine controller facility 1914 ,
• (4) The press unit 408 receives the dot image data and prints it on paper using a printing mechanism such as an electrophotographic printing system, a wire dot printing system, an oscillating printing system, or an ink jet printing system.

The software structure of the printer control device 40C for the server printer (printer that is directly connected to the server), such as the printer 16 or 17 , is related to 20 to be discribed. Similar to that in 19 shown printer control device 40C contains this in 20 shown printer control device 40C a local OS kernel 2010 and various printing processes 2020 ,

The local OS kernel 2010 contains a process control 2011 , a file control 2012 , a buffer control 2013 , a press control 2014 , a plate controller 2015 and a server I / F controller 2016 , Among these controls are process control 2011 , the file control 2012 , the buffer control 2013 who have favourited Press Control 2014 and the disk controller 2015 the same as in the case of 19 , In the in 20 Server printer shown is the server I / F controller 2016 made to control the physical interface, for example the interface "SCSI", "RS232C", "RS422", "GB-IP" or "Centronics" between this printer and the associated print server.

• (1) Die Server-I/F-Steuerung 2016 steuert in dem Befehlspuffer ein PDL-Dokument, wie z.B. eine Druckbefehlszeichenkette, welches von dem zugehörigen Druckserver an die Server-Schnittstelle 40B (4) gemäß dem von diesem Druckserver ausgegebenen Druckanforderungsbefehl ausgegeben worden ist.
• (2) Ein Zeichnungsprozeß unter diesen verschiedenen Druckprozessen 2020 interpretiert und verarbeitet das in dem Befehlspuffer gespeicherte PDL-Dokument, wodurch Zeichen, eine Graphik, ein Bild oder ähnliches als Punktbilddaten in den Seitenpuffer gezeichnet werden.
• (3) Anschließend beliefert ein Druckprozeß unter den verschiedenen Druckprozessen 2020 die Druckmaschineneinheit 408 mit den Punktbilddaten, welche das gezeichnete Ergebnis in dem Seitenpuffer sind, und zwar durch die Verwendung der Leistungsmerkmale der Druckmaschinensteuerung 2014. (4) Die Druckmaschineneinheit 408 empfängt die Punktbilddaten und druckt sie auf Papier durch Verwendung eines Druckmechanismus.

The different printing processes 2020 perform printing using the above involved items as follows:

• (1) The server I / F controller 2016 controls a PDL document in the command buffer, such as a print command string, which is sent from the associated print server to the server interface 40B ( 4 ) has been issued in accordance with the print request command issued by this print server.
• (2) A drawing process among these various printing processes 2020 interprets and processes the PDL document stored in the command buffer, whereby characters, a graphic, an image or the like are drawn as point image data in the page buffer.
• (3) Then supplies a printing process among the various printing processes 2020 the press unit 408 with the dot image data which is the drawn result in the page buffer by using the features of the press control 2014 , (4) The press unit 408 receives the point image data and prints it on paper using a printing mechanism.

The content of the print job control table 1321 ( 13 ) is related to 21 to be discribed. This tax table 1321 becomes the collective control of all print jobs related to the network 10 ( 1 ) used by the management server 13 for distributed printing. In the illustrated tax table 1321 become (1) the name 2111 a print job, (2) the name 2112 the print server according to the specific print job, (3) the name 2113 the printer according to the specific print job and (4) the status 2114 the particular print job related to each print job 2110 . 2120 , ... and 2130 described. Here, as shown in 21 , the print job status 2114 an abnormal end, waiting for the printer to be free, just printing, waiting for the operation or intervention of the operator or user, and completion of the printing. The status of waiting for the operator or user to operate corresponds to a situation in which the printer in question ran out of paper or toner or, for example, has experienced a paper jam during the execution of the specific print job, so that manual intervention occurs has become necessary to refill the consumable or to eliminate the fault. The print job status 2114 may also contain a detailed error code in addition to the abnormal end.

The content of the printer control table 1320 ( 13 ) is related to the 22 ~ 27 to be discribed.

22 illustrates the entire organization of the printer control table 1320 , this table 1320 becomes the collective control of everyone for this network 10 relevant printer ( 1 ) used by the management server 13 for distributed printing. In the illustrated tax table 1320 are (1) the name 2230 the printer in question, (2) the name 2240 the print server belonging to the printer in question, (3) the name 2250 a straight printing job, (4) the specifications 2260 the printer in question and (5) the status 2270 of the printer in question regarding the printers 2210 . 2211 , ... and 2212 described.

23 illustrates the content of the printer specification 2260 , As listed in the figure, include the printer specifications 2260 (1) the type name 2261 of the printer in question, (2) its dot density 2262 , (3) its printing speed 2263 , (4) its specification code 2264 , (5) its paper size set 2265 , (6) its PBL set, (7) its character set 2267 , (8) its form set 2268 and (9) its point density theorem 2269 , The point density 2262 is expressed in units of "dpi" (dots per inch). The printing speed 2263 is expressed in units of pages to be printed per minute as calculated for A4 size (ie in units of "ppm" (pages per minute)), for a page printer, in units of "cps" (characters per second ) for a serial printer; and in units of "lpm" (lines per minute) for a line printer.

As in 24 shown are the possibility 22641 of duplex (or double-sided) printing, a color specification 22642 (the distinction between monochrome / multicolor / full colors) etc. in the specification code 2264 specified.

In addition, the sets of paper sizes, PDLs, fonts, forms, and dot densities supported by the printer in question are each in the paper size set 2265 , the PDL sentence 2266 , the font 2267 , the form set 2268 and the point density theorem 2269 specified. Incidentally, not all of the paper sizes, PDLs, and character sets included in the sets are necessarily installed in the printer in question at all times. In addition, it is assumed that the printing machine unit 408 can use the variety of point densities while changing them.

25 illustrates the contents of the printer status 2270 , As shown in the figure, the printer status includes 2270 (1) the busy state 2271 of the printer in question, (2) its server-printer communication state 2272 , (3) its fault condition 2273 , (4) sheet feed or eject status 2274 fineness in the printer in question and (5) the equipment status 2275 of the printer in question. The printer busy state 2271 expresses whether the printer in question is used for printing any print job or not. The server-printer communication state 2272 expresses the status between the associated print server and the printer concerned, such as an online, offline or hold status. The details of the server-printer communication status 2272 are the same as in the case of Japanese Patent Application No. 323289/1988 (previously filed by Hitachi Ltd.).

In addition, the fault condition 2273 from the occurrence (presence or absence) 22731 any failure or failure and class of failure 22732 and an error code 22733 compounded in the presence of the fault. The error class 22732 and the error code 22733 are the same as in the cases of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 155974/1991 and No. 224778/1991 (previously filed by Hitachi Ltd.).

26 illustrates the status 2274 the sheet feeder or ejector unit of the corresponding printer. As shown in the figure, the status is 2274 from the status 22741 the sheet feed unit, the status 22742 the sheet ejection unit and a current selection status 22743 composed. Under this information, the sheet feeder status depresses 22741 the conditions 22741-1 . 22741-2 , etc., of the individual sheet feed units (sheet feed unit No. 1, sheet feed unit No. 2, etc.) which are mounted in the printer concerned. The sheet ejection unit status expresses the states 22742-1 . 22742-2 , etc. of the individual sheet ejection units (sheet ejection unit No. 1, sheet ejection unit No. 2 etc.), which are installed in the printer in question. In addition, the current selection state presses 22743 the sheet ejection unit just selected in the printer in question and the paper size selected for this purpose, as shown with reference numerals 22743-1 , and the sheet ejecting unit currently selected in the printer in question and its status (any of "no eject tray", "no sheet in the eject tray eject tray" and "at least one sheet in the eject tray"), as indicated by reference numerals 22743-2 ,

27 illustrates the content of the equipment status 2275 , As indicated in the figure, this status is 2275 from a point density 22751 , a PDL 22752 , a font 22753 and a form 22754 that are currently selected in the printer in question.

Incidentally, the local print job control table 1311 and the local printer control table 1310 that in the print server 830 ( 13 are included) each similar to the print job control table 1321 and the printer control table 1320 organized. A different point is that respective tax tables 1311 and 1310 the print jobs and printers control how they are managed by the print servers in question, unlike the control tables 1321 and 1320 , which control the entire network.

As described above, according to the present Invention when a print request which the designation of the Includes printing specifications of a document that is submitted, a printing system automatically a suitable printer for select the document printing specifications. Therefore, the user of the printing system finding out the specifications of individual printers and selecting the suitable printer based on the specifications, and the convenience of the printing system for the user (the operability of the printing system) can be improved.

In addition, an administration server manages for distributed Print the printers and print servers that are part of a network a centralized manner, as indicated above, whereupon the printer and the print server that for the document printing specifications designated by a client are selected and be used. It is therefore possible for convenience and reliability to improve the printing system.

The management server also chooses for distributed Print the appropriate printer by using the distances between the terminal (the client) who made the print request and the one to be selected Printers and / or the quantities of print jobs in the respective to be selected Printers are waiting, in addition to be considered for the suitability of the printing specifications, whereby the Printer, which is closer to the user and which is the printing earlier finished, selected can be. It is accordingly possible that Convenience of the printing system for the user even further to improve and improve the print throughput of the entire system.

The management server also chooses for distributed Print out the suitable printer and the suitable print server, by the error (failure) states the one to be selected Printer and the one to be selected Print server additionally to the above Selection conditions considered which automatically selects the printer and print server which in normal conditions are. Thus, the user has trouble finding the normal / abnormal ones conditions the devices spared, and the reliability, the availability and the printing throughput of the printing system can be further improved become.

Claims (15)

Printing system, which is a network ( 10 ) which has: end devices ( 11 . 12 ) that issue requests to print documents, each request including a label for the print specifications of the document; a variety of printing devices ( 14 . 15 . 16 . 17 . 18 . 19 ) directly connected to the network for shared use, this plurality of printing devices comprising at least two printers, one printer of which can print the document according to printing specifications according to which the other printer is unable to print this document to print; an independent print management facility ( 13 ) for the printing system connected to the network ( 10 ) which is equipped with a control table in which assignment data between the print specifications and all printers ( 16 to 19 and 1A ) are stored, which indicate the print specifications of a document for which a printer is able to print the document, the print management device ( 13 ) is designed to select the appropriate printer for a request depending on the designation of the print specifications specified in the request in accordance with the assignment data stored in the control table and to cause the document transmitted by the terminal which issued the request for printing is printed out in the selected printer. The printing system of claim 1, wherein the document printing specifications are at least one paper size, one Kind of a page description language and the possibility of duplex printing lock in. Printing system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the print manager information related to the selected printer display to the terminal which issued the document print request. Printing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the printing system at least one print server connected to the network ( 14 . 15 ) to control the printing of the plurality of printers ( 16 . 17 . 18 . 19 ), the print management device ( 13 ) manages the selected printer in such a way that the device ( 11 . 12 ) that issued the request to print, submitted document in the selected printer under the control of the print server ( 14 . 15 ) is printed out. Printing system according to claim 4, characterized in that the print server ( 14 . 15 ) with a device for monitoring the printing status of the respective printer and with a status table in which the printing status of the respective printer ( 16 . 17 . 18 . 19 ) is stored, and that when a large number of printers ( 16 . 17 . 18 . 19 ) is assigned to the print specifications specified in the request for printing, the print management device ( 13 ) selects this large number of printers and manages the selected printers in such a way that the device ( 11 . 12 ) that issued the request to print submitted document under the control of the print server ( 14 . 15 ) is printed out in one of the selected printers, this one of the selected printers being selected by the print server in accordance with the print conditions stored in the status table. The printing system of claim 5, wherein the printing condition of each printer an error state of the corresponding printer and an off state the power supply of the corresponding printer. The printing system of claim 5, wherein the printing condition of each printer includes an amount of data of the document to be printed that remains in the corresponding printer. The printing system of claim 5, wherein the print server includes a Pressure spooler equipped is in which the documents to be printed are registered. The printing system of claim 5, wherein the print management device in a print server that has multiple print servers installed. Printing system according to claim 5, wherein the print management device in a desired terminal ( 11 . 12 ) the end devices are installed. Printing system according to claim 4, characterized in that the print server ( 14 . 15 ) with a Zu order table in which the assignment data between the printers ( 16 . 17 . 18 . 19 ) and the print specifications are stored, and a print spooler, in which the documents to be printed out transmitted by the terminals are registered, and that the print management server has a device for reading out the assignment data stored in the assignment table and for storing the read assignment data in the control table, and wherein the print management server manages that the transmitted document to be printed out registered in the print spooler is printed in the selected printer under the control of the print server ( 15 ) is printed out. The printing system of claim 11, wherein each terminal in the Print server over the detailed states the print jobs the print server requests a command and the print server answers the terminal which shows the detailed status of the print jobs. Printing system according to claim 4, characterized in that the print server ( 14 . 15 ) with a device for monitoring the printing status of the respective printer and with a status table in which the printing status of the respective printer ( 16 . 17 . 18 . 19 ) is stored, and that when a large number of printers ( 16 . 17 . 18 . 19 ) is assigned to the print specifications specified in the request for printing, the print management device ( 13 ) selects this plurality of printers and manages the selected printers in such a way that the document transmitted by the terminal which issued the request for printing is printed out under the control of the print server in one of the selected printers, this being one of the selected printers is selected by the print server according to the print conditions stored in the status table. The printing system of claim 13, wherein the printing condition of each printer an error state of the corresponding printer and an off state the power supply of the corresponding printer. Printing system according to claim 11, characterized in that the print server ( 14 . 15 ) furthermore with a device for monitoring the printing states of the respective printers ( 16 . 17 . 18 . 19 ) and a status table, in which the print status of the respective printer is stored, and that when a large number of printers ( 16 . 17 . 18 . 19 ) is assigned to the print specifications specified in the request for printing, the print management server selects this multiplicity of printers and manages the selected printers in such a way that the device ( 11 . 12 ) that issued the request to print submitted document under the control of the print server ( 14 . 15 ) in one of the selected printers ( 16 . 17 . 18 . 19 ) is printed out, this one of the selected printers from the print server ( 14 . 15 ) is selected according to the pressure conditions saved in the status table.