JP2003337663A - Multifunctional printer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To scan by using a connected interface at idle automatically for capturing an image with a scanner part during print processing, through an arbitrary interface by connecting the host and a plurality of interfaces, in a multifunctional printer which concurrently has the functions of facsimile, copying machine and printer with the plurality of interfaces (parallel, USB, IEEE1394 or the like). <P>SOLUTION: The multifunctional printer is connected to a host through the plurality of interfaces (parallel, USB, IEEE1394 or the like) capable of two-way communications with the host. The host comprises a device driver, having the function of always monitoring the status information between the host and the multifunctional printer. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a multi-function printer having a plurality of interfaces and simultaneously having the functions of a facsimile machine, a copying machine and a printer, which are connected to a plurality of host machines.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a multi-function printer, connection with a host is one for printing and scanning.
Each function shared this because it was one interface.

[0003]

However, the conventional methods have a problem that the same user cannot simultaneously use print and scan from one host machine because only one interface is connected.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has a plurality of interfaces (parallel, U
In a multi-function printer having SB, IEEE1394, etc.), by connecting to the host with multiple interfaces, if the interface is used to capture an image using the scanner unit during print processing with any interface, the connected idle The purpose is to automatically use the status interface.

[0005]

The output device of the present invention which achieves the above object has the following constitution.

Multiple interfaces capable of bidirectional communication with the host (parallel, USB, IEEE1394
etc)

A device driver having a function of constantly monitoring status information between the host and the multifunction printer for the host connected by each interface

The present invention can be summarized in the following configurations if it is summarized and summarized as above.

(1) Multiple interfaces (parallel,
Facsimile having USB, IEEE1394, etc.,
In a multi-function printer equipped with the functions of a copier and a printer at the same time, by connecting to the host through multiple interfaces, it is necessary to connect when using the scanner unit to capture images during print processing using an arbitrary interface. A multi-function printer characterized in that it automatically scans by using the idle interface that is used.

(2) In the multi-function printer of the above (1), when the image is captured during printing, the fastest interface among idle interfaces is automatically selected and used for scanning. And a multi-function printer.

(3) In the multi-function printer of (1) above, the user sets the priority order to each interface in advance, so that the highest priority among the interfaces in the idle state at the time of capturing an image during printing. It is a multi-function that automatically scans the setting interface by selecting it automatically.
Function printer.

[0012]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Before explaining the configuration of this embodiment,
Configurations of a laser beam printer and an inkjet printer suitable for applying the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. Needless to say, the printer to which the present embodiment is applied is not limited to the laser beam printer and the inkjet printer, and may be a printer of another printing method.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing the structure of a first output device to which the present invention can be applied, for example, a case of a laser beam printer.

In FIG. 5, reference numeral 1500 denotes a laser beam printer main body, which inputs and stores print information (character code or the like) supplied from an externally connected host computer, form information, or a macro command. A corresponding character pattern, form pattern, or the like is created in accordance with the information, and an image is formed on a recording medium such as recording paper. Reference numeral 1501 is an operation panel on which switches for operation and LED displays are arranged, and 1000 is a printer control unit for controlling the entire laser beam printer main body 1500 and analyzing character information supplied from a host computer. The printer control unit 1000 mainly converts character information into a video signal of a corresponding character pattern and outputs it to the laser driver 1502. The laser driver 1502 is a circuit for driving the semiconductor laser 1503, and switches on / off the laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser 1503 according to the input video signal. Laser light is a rotating polygon mirror 1505
Then, the electrostatic drum 1506 is swung in the left-right direction to perform scanning exposure on the electrostatic drum 1506. As a result, an electrostatic latent image having a character pattern is formed on the electrostatic drum 1506. This latent image is developed by a developing unit 1507 arranged around the electrostatic drum 1506 and then transferred to a recording paper. A cut sheet is used as the recording sheet, and the cut sheet recording sheet is stored in a sheet cassette 1508 mounted on the laser beam printer 1500 and is taken into the apparatus by a sheet feeding roller 1509, a conveying roller 1510, and a conveying roller 1511. , To the electrostatic drum 1506. Further, the laser beam printer main body 1500 is provided with at least one or more card slots (not shown) so that an optional font card and a control card (emulation card) having a different language system can be connected in addition to the built-in font.

FIG. 6 is an external view showing the configuration of a second output device to which the present invention can be applied, for example, the case of an ink jet recording device (IJRA).

In FIG. 6, the spiral groove 500 of the lead screw 5004 that rotates via the driving force transmission gears 5011 and 5009 in association with the forward and reverse rotations of the drive motor 5013.
The carriage HC engaging with 5 has a pin (not shown) and is reciprocated in the directions of arrows a and b. The carriage HC has an ink jet cartridge IJC.
Is installed. A paper pressing plate 5002 presses the paper against the platen 5000 in the carriage movement direction. Reference numerals 5007 and 5008 denote photocouplers, which confirm the existence of the carriage lever 5006 in this area.
It functions as home position detection means for switching the rotation direction of the motor 5013. Reference numeral 5016 is a member that indicates a cap member 5022 that caps the entire surface of the recording head, and 5015 is a suction unit that sucks the inside of the cap, and performs suction recovery of the recording head through the opening 5023 in the cap. A cleaning blade 5017 can be moved in the front-rear direction by a member 5019. 5018
Is a main body supporting plate which supports the above 5017 and 5019.
Reference numeral 5021 denotes a lever for starting suction for suction recovery, which moves in accordance with the movement of the cam 5020 that engages with the carriage, and the driving force from the driving motor is movement-controlled by a known transmission means such as clutch switching. .

The capping, cleaning, and suction recovery are configured such that when the carriage comes to the home position side area, desired processing can be performed at the corresponding positions by the action of the lead screw 5004. It suffices if it is configured so as to perform the desired operation.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the control configuration of the second output device shown in FIG.

In FIG. 7, reference numeral 1700 is an interface for inputting a recording signal, 1701 is an MPU, 1702 is a ROM for storing a control program executed by the MPU 1701 and host print information, etc., 1703 is a DRAM for storing various data (the above-mentioned recording signal). And the recording data supplied to the head). 1704 is a recording head 1708
A gate array that controls the supply of output data to
Interface 1700, MPU1701, DRAM1
It also controls the transfer of data between 703. Reference numeral 1710 denotes a carrier motor for carrying the recording head 1708, 1
Reference numeral 709 is a conveyance motor for conveying recording paper, 1705 is a head driver for driving the recording head, 1706 is a motor driver for driving the conveyance motor 1709, 1
A motor driver 707 drives the carrier motor 1710.

When input information is input from the host computer 3000, which will be described later, via the interface 1700 in the recording apparatus thus configured, the input information is output between the gate array 1704 and the MPU 1701 for printing. Is converted to. Then, the motor drivers 1706 and 1707 are driven, and the recording head is driven according to the output information sent to the head driver 1705 to execute printing.

The MPU 1701 is an interface 1
Communication processing with a host computer 3000, which will be described later, is possible via 700, and the host computer 300, which will be described later, stores memory information about the DRAM 1703, resource data, and host print information in the ROM 1702.
0 can be notified.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram for explaining the arrangement of the printer control system showing the embodiment of the present invention. Here, a laser beam printer (FIG. 5) will be described as an example. As long as the functions of the present invention are executed, the present invention can be applied to a single device, a system including a plurality of devices, or a system in which processing is performed via a network such as a LAN. It goes without saying that the invention can be applied.

In FIG. 8, reference numeral 3000 denotes a host computer, which is based on a document processing program or the like stored in the program ROM of the ROM 3,
A CPU 1 that executes document processing in which tables (including spreadsheets and the like) are mixed is provided, and the CPU 1 generally controls each device connected to the system bus 4.

Further, the program ROM of the ROM 3
The CPU stores a control program of the CPU 1, the font ROM of the ROM 3 stores font data used in the document processing, and the data ROM of the ROM 3 stores various types used in the document processing. Store data. A RAM 2 functions as a main memory and a work area of the CPU 1. 5 is a keyboard controller (KB
C) controls the key input from the keyboard (KB) 9 or a pointing device (not shown). 6 is a CRT controller (CRTC), which is a CRT display (CR
T) Control the display of 10. A disk controller (DKC) 7 controls access to an external memory 11 such as a hard disk (HD) or a flexible disk (FD) that stores a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, edit files and the like. A printer controller (PRTC) 8 is connected to the printer 1500 via a predetermined bidirectional interface (interface) 21, and the printer 1500
And communication control processing with. The CPU 1 executes, for example, an outline font rasterizing process on the display information RAM set on the RAM 2, and C
It enables WYSIWYG on RT10. Further, the CPU 1 opens various windows registered based on a command designated by a mouse cursor (not shown) on the CRT 10 and executes various data processing.

In the printer 1500, a printer CPU 12 includes various devices connected to the system bus 15 based on a control program stored in the program ROM of the ROM 13 or a control program stored in the external memory 14. Control access to
An image signal as output information is output to a printing unit (printer engine) 17 connected via the printing unit interface 16. In addition, the program ROM of this ROM 13
In, the control program of the CPU 12 and the like are stored. RO
The font ROM of M13 stores font data and the like used when generating the output information, and the data ROM of the ROM 13 stores an external memory 14 such as a hard disk.
In the case of a printer that does not have a printer, information and the like used on the host computer are stored. CPU 12 is the input unit 1
The communication processing with the host computer is possible via 8, and the information etc. in the printer can be stored in the host computer 3
000. 19 is the CPU 12
RAM that functions as the main memory, work area, etc. of
The memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown). The RAM 19 is used as an output information expansion area, environment data storage area, NVRAM, and the like. External memory 1 such as the hard disk (HD) or IC card described above
Access to the disk 4 is controlled by the disk controller (DKC) 20. The external memory 14 is connected as an option and stores font data, emulation programs, form data and the like. Reference numeral 18 denotes the above-mentioned operation panel, on which switches for operation, an LED display, and the like are arranged.

The above-mentioned external memory is not limited to one, but at least one external memory is provided, and in addition to the built-in font, an optional font card and a plurality of external memories storing programs for interpreting printer control languages of different languages are connected. It may be configured to be capable. Further, it may have an NVRAM (not shown) to store printer mode setting information from the operation panel 1501.

The printer thus configured has a plurality of interfaces (parallel, USB, IEEE 1394).
Etc.), a multifunction printer that has the functions of a facsimile machine, a copier, and a printer at the same time. By connecting to the host with multiple interfaces, you can capture images using the scanner unit during the printing process with any interface. It is the present invention to automatically utilize the connected idle interface when performing the operation.

[First Embodiment] In this embodiment, in a multi-function printer having a plurality of interfaces (parallel, USB, IEEE1394, etc.), printing is performed by an arbitrary interface by connecting with a host through a plurality of interfaces. When capturing images using the scanner during processing, the connected idle interface is automatically used.

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing the configuration of the system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a flowchart of this embodiment.

S01 starts. In S02, it is determined whether printing is in progress. If Yes, go to S03, and if No, go to S04. S0
3 retrieves the interface in idle state. S0
4 selects an interface set as standard. S
In S05, if an idle interface is found, go to S06. If not, go to S07. In S06, an arbitrary interface is selected from the searched interfaces. S07 displays a message to the user that the port is in use. S08 scans the image data using the selected interface. S0
9 is the end.

[Second Embodiment] In the multi-function printer described in the first embodiment, the fastest interface among idle interfaces is automatically selected and used for scanning when capturing an image during printing. I do.

FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of this embodiment.

S11 starts. In S12, it is determined whether printing is in progress. If Yes, go to S13, and if No, go to S14. S1
3 retrieves the interface in idle state. S1
4 selects an interface set as standard. S
In S15, if an idle interface is found, go to S16, and if there is no interface, go to S17. In S16, the interface with the highest transfer speed is selected from the searched interfaces. S17 displays a message to the user that the port is being used. S18 is
Scan the image data using the interface of your choice. S19 ends.

[Third Embodiment] In the multi-function printer described in the first embodiment, the user sets priorities for the respective interfaces in advance so that an interface in an idle state at the time of capturing an image during printing is selected. The interface with the highest priority setting is automatically selected and used for scanning.

FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of this embodiment.

S21 starts. In S22, it is determined whether printing is in progress. If Yes, go to S23, and if No, go to S24. S2
3 retrieves the interface in idle state. S2
4 selects an interface set as standard. S
If the interface in the idle state is found in S25, the process proceeds to S26, and if there is no interface, the process proceeds to S27. In S26, the interface having the highest priority is selected from the searched interfaces. S27 displays a message to the user that the port is in use.
S28 scans the image data using the selected interface. S29 ends.

[0038]

As described above, according to the present invention, a plurality of interfaces (parallel, USB, IEEE139) are provided.
(4 etc.), the printer is connected to the host through multiple interfaces, and if the scanner unit is used to capture an image during print processing by any interface, the connected idle state There is an effect that the interface of can be automatically used.

Further, in the multi-function printer described in the first embodiment, it is possible to automatically select and use the fastest interface among idle interfaces when capturing an image during printing. The effect is that you can do it.

In the multi-function printer described in the first embodiment, the user sets priorities for the respective interfaces in advance, so that the highest priority among the interfaces in the idle state at the time of capturing an image during printing. There is an effect that a high setting interface can be automatically selected and used for scanning.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a first output device to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 6 is an external view showing a configuration of a second output device to which the present invention can be applied.

7 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of a second output device illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer control system showing an embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 CPU 2 RAM 3 ROM 4 system bus 12 CPU 13 ROM 19 RAM 1500 printer 3000 host computer

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of interfaces (parallel, US
B, IEEE 1394, etc.), a multifunction printer that has the functions of a facsimile machine, a copying machine, and a printer at the same time. By connecting to the host with multiple interfaces, the scanner unit can be used during printing processing with any interface. A multi-function printer characterized by automatically using a connected idle interface when scanning images. 2. The multi-function printer according to claim 1, wherein when capturing an image during printing, the fastest interface among idle interfaces is automatically selected and used for scanning. Multi-function printer. 3. The multi-function printer according to claim 1, wherein a user sets a priority level for each interface in advance, so that the highest priority setting among the interfaces in an idle state at the time of capturing an image during printing. A multi-function printer characterized by automatically selecting and using an interface for scanning.