JP3315543B2 - Printer device, printer system, and timed print processing method for printer system - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printer, a printer system, and a printer system in which print information stored in an information processing apparatus is received by a printer at a time preset by an operator and print processing is automatically started. In the timed printing processing method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when a printing process is performed in a printing system including a printer connected to a host computer, the printing process is started at a specific time according to a timer clock built in the host computer. The time to start transferring data and print commands was changed.

[0003]

However, in the above conventional example, both the host computer and the printer must be supplied with power and be operable.

Although power supply to the printer can be connected / disconnected by an externally connected timer or the like, the host computer continues to issue a transfer request to the printer while the power supply of the printer is cut off. There were problems such as performing useless processing. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to turn on the power of a printer main body at a time intended by a user and perform information processing based on stored timed print information. By requesting the device to transfer the print information, the print information stored in response to the timed print processing request issued from the printing device is transferred to the printer at an appropriate timing to perform the timed printing efficiently. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printer device, a printer system, and a timed print processing method for the printer system.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power supply unit for supplying power to a printing apparatus main body, timed printing execution information for determining whether or not timed printing is possible, and start-up time of the printing apparatus. A setting unit for setting, a non-volatile storage unit for storing the timed print execution information set by the setting unit; A time management means for controlling a switch for supplying power to the printing apparatus main body;
Issuing means for issuing a timed transfer request for print information to the information processing apparatus with reference to the timed print execution information stored in the nonvolatile storage means when the power is turned on by the timed management means. is there.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in a printer system in which an information processing device and a printer device are communicably connected, storage means for storing print information in the information processing device; Analyzing means for analyzing timed printing execution information for determining whether or not timed printing is to be issued; and storing the timed printing execution information in the storage means when the timed printing execution information is analyzed as requesting timed printing execution by the analyzing means. Transfer means for transferring the print information obtained to the printer device, power supply means for supplying power to the printer device for the printer device, timed print execution information for determining whether or not timed printing is possible, and the printing Setting means for setting the start-up time of the apparatus; nonvolatile storage means for storing the timed print execution information set by the setting means; And a time management unit for controlling a switch for supplying power to the printing apparatus main body from the power supply unit when the start time is equal to the start time. Issuing means for issuing a timed transfer request for print information to the information processing apparatus with reference to the timed print execution information stored in the storage means.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, an information processing apparatus includes issuing means for issuing timed print execution information for determining whether or not timed printing is possible to a printer.
The timed printing execution information issued by the issuing means is stored in the nonvolatile storage means.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printer system in which an information processing apparatus having storage means for storing print information and a printer apparatus having power supply means for supplying power to the printing apparatus main body are communicably connected. In the timed print processing method, the setting step of setting timed print execution information for determining whether or not timed printing is possible and the activation time of the printing apparatus;
A storage step of storing the set timed print execution information in a non-volatile storage medium, and comparing the measured time with the start-up time, when the time matches, the power supply means supplies power to the printing apparatus main body. A time limit management step for supplying and a issuing step of issuing a timed transfer request for print information to the information processing apparatus with reference to the timed print execution information stored in the non-volatile storage medium during automatic power supply to the printing apparatus main body. An analysis step of analyzing timed printing execution information that determines whether or not timed printing is issued from the printer device, and when the timed printing execution information is analyzed to request timed printing execution by this analysis step, Transferring the print information stored in the storage means to the printer device.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printer system in which an information processing apparatus having storage means for storing print information and a printer apparatus having power supply means for supplying power to the printing apparatus main body are communicably connected. An information issuing step of issuing timed printing execution information for determining whether or not timed printing is possible to a printer device, and a storing step of acquiring the issued timed printing execution information and storing the information in a nonvolatile storage medium A setting step of setting a start-up time of the printing apparatus main body; and a time management step of supplying power from the power supply unit to the printing apparatus main body when the measured time matches the start-up time. And when the automatic power supply to the printing apparatus main body is performed, the information processing apparatus refers to the timed print execution information stored in the non-volatile storage medium, An issuance step of issuing a transmission request, an analysis step of analyzing timed printing execution information for determining whether or not timed printing is issued from the printer device, and the timed printing execution information is requesting timed printing execution by the analysis step. And a transfer step of transferring the print information stored in the storage means to the printer device when it is determined that the print information is present.

In a sixth aspect according to the present invention, in the third aspect, the printer device and the information processing device are communicably connected via a predetermined interface.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, the printer device and the information processing device are communicably connected via a predetermined network.

An eighth invention according to the present invention is directed to the fourth or fifth invention.
In the invention, the printer device and the information processing device are communicably connected via a predetermined interface.

A ninth invention according to the present invention is directed to the fourth or fifth invention.
In the invention, the printer device and the information processing device are communicably connected via a predetermined network.

[0014]

[0015]

[0016]

[0017]

[0018]

[0019]

[0020]

[0021]

[0022]

[0023]

[0024]

[0025]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a print processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

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

In the figure, 10 is a host computer,
Reference numeral 20 denotes a printer, reference numeral 30 denotes a network cable, and the host computer 10 and the printer 20 are connected by a network cable 30. An auxiliary storage device 40 is connected to the host computer 10.

The host computer has a memory containing an operating system, application software, device drivers, and the like, and sends print data and print commands to the printer by means of the software to develop and print image data. On the other hand, the printer expands print data and print commands sent from the host computer 10 into image data,
It forms and outputs a permanent visible image on recording paper.
The printer 20 may of course have a capability of forming and outputting a color permanent visible image.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the host computer 10 shown in FIG.

The host computer has a memory containing an operating system, application software 11, a device driver, and the like, and sends print data and a print command to the printer by using the software to develop and print the image data. Note that there is a printer driver 12 compatible with the printer 20 as a device driver. The printer driver 12 includes a command analysis unit 13 that analyzes a command sent from the printer 20.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the printer shown in FIG.

The printer 20 is constituted by a microprocessor system including a ROM, a RAM (both not shown) and the like.
Each block described below is connected by a bus 21.

In the figure, reference numeral 30 denotes a network cable, and a host I / F 2 for transmitting / receiving signals to / from the host computer 10 through the network cable 30.
2, a control unit 23 for controlling the entire printer 20, a development memory 24 for developing image data into a bit map, a command analysis unit 25 for analyzing print data and print commands sent from a host computer, and a host computer 10. Command issuing unit 2 that issues commands
6. Operation panel 27, engine I / F 28 for transmitting / receiving signals to / from printer engine 29, printer engine 29 for forming a permanent visible image on recording paper, etc., and printer timed printing indicating whether or not printer 20 performs timed printing. A flag 2a, a timer clock section 2b for turning on the power switch 2c at a set time, a power switch 2c for enabling the operator to manually turn on / off the timer clock section 2b, and a power circuit section 2d. Is provided.

The power supply circuit section 2d has two power supply paths A /
B, the power supply system A can cut off the power supply by the power switch 2c. The power supply system B supplies power to the timer clock section 2b. Power is always supplied to the timer clock section 2b. [Flag] In this embodiment, the printer timed print flag 2a of the printer 20 shown in FIG.
It is possible to set with. When the printer timed printing flag 2a is set to "1", it indicates that timed printing is performed, and when the printer timed printing flag 2a is set to "0", it indicates that timed printing is not performed.

The storage unit for the timed print flag is constituted by, for example, a non-volatile memory medium so that the set value is not lost even when the power is turned off. [Command Format] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a command format of a "timed print command" in the printing system according to the present invention.

As shown in this figure, the timed print command includes a command number for identifying the command and a parameter of a "timed print execution flag". [Operation Panel] FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view showing an example of an operation panel provided in the printer 20 shown in FIG.

As shown in this figure, the operation panel PL
Liquid crystal display DSP and a plurality of operation buttons BT1-B
It is composed of T6.

The liquid crystal display DSP displays a state indicating the setting of the start time in the printer. When a message and a cursor are displayed on the liquid crystal display DSP to prompt the operator to input the start time, the operation is started. By operating the buttons BT1 to BT6, the start time is input.

[0039]

[0040]

[0041]

[Operation Procedure] FIGS. 6 to 8 are flowcharts showing a first embodiment of a timed printing processing method in the printing system according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 corresponds to the main processing, FIG. 7 corresponds to the detailed processing of the timed activation processing routine, and FIG. 8 corresponds to the timed printing processing. (1) to (4), (11) to (16), (2)
1) to (29) show each step.

The timed print flag 2a of the printer 20
, The time of the timer clock section 2b and the activation time are set in advance by the operator operating the operation panel 27, and then the power is turned off.

The host stores print data in the auxiliary storage device. In the printer, when the time set by the operator is reached, the timer clock unit 2b operates a switch to supply power to each unit other than the timer clock unit 2b of the power supply system A. The started printer issues a timed print command to the host in the “timed start process”, and the host that has received the timed print command in the “timed print process” transfers the print data stored in the auxiliary storage device to the printer. This shows a processing procedure until printing is completed. The corresponding process is started by the application software 11 of the host computer 10.

In step (1), the host computer 1
0 stores print data in the connected auxiliary storage device 40 and proceeds to step (2). Here, the auxiliary storage device 40
Can be composed of various devices such as a floppy disk drive, hard disk drive, magneto-optical disk drive, etc., as well as a semiconductor memory file using a semiconductor element such as a flash memory, and is limited to a specific device type. is not.

In step (2), when the time set in advance in the timer clock section 2b of the printer 20 by the operation of the operator is reached, the timer is started and the timer clock section 2b operates the switch 2c to supply power to the power supply system A. I do.

Next, at step (3), a "timed start processing routine" described later is performed, and at step (4), "timed print processing" described later is performed, and the process is terminated.

At the time set in the timer clock section 2b according to the above flow, the power of the printer is automatically turned on, and thereafter, the print data stored in the auxiliary storage device connected to the host computer is transferred to the printer. It is possible to perform timed printing in which the printing process is started at a time set in the printer by the operator.

The detailed procedure of the "timed start processing routine" will be described below with reference to FIG. The "timed start processing routine" is executed by the printer 20.

In step (11), initialization processing of the printer, for example, activation of software for controlling the printer 20 and checking of memories (ROM, RAM) are performed.

Next, in step (12), the contents of the printer timed print flag 2a are extracted, and step (13)
The control unit 2 determines whether the printer timed printing flag 2a extracted in step (12) is set to "1".
3, if it is set to "1", timed printing is performed, so the process proceeds to step (14), and the parameter of the "timed print execution flag" of the timed print command (format is shown in FIG. 4) is set to "1". Set to "1".

Next, in step (15), the "timed print command" prepared in step (14) is issued to the host computer 10, and the process returns to the routine shown in FIG.

On the other hand, in step (13), step (1)
The printer timed print flag 2a taken out in 2) is "1"
Otherwise, the timed printing is not performed, so the process proceeds to step (16), and in step (16), the parameter of the “timed printing execution flag” of the timed printing command is set to “0”, and step (16) is executed. 15), in step (1)
The “timed print command” prepared in 6) is issued to the host computer 10 and the process returns to the routine shown in FIG.

According to the above-described flow, after completing the initialization processing, the printer checks the printer timed print flag 2a. If the content of the flag is "1", the timed printing is performed. If the flag is "0", the timed printing is performed. It is possible to notify the host computer 10 that timed printing is not to be performed by issuing a “timed print command”.

The detailed procedure of the "timed print processing routine" shown in FIG. 6 will be described below with reference to FIG.

The “timed printing process” is performed from step (21)
Steps (25) to (25) are processed by the host computer 10 and steps (26) to (29) are processed by the printer 20.

In step (21), the host computer 10 receives the "timed print command" issued in step (15) of the "timed start processing routine" shown in FIG. 7, and proceeds to step (22). The timed print command received in (21) is analyzed, and the process proceeds to step (23).

Next, in step (23), the contents of the parameter "timed print execution flag" of the timed print command analyzed in step (22) are extracted, and step (2)
Proceeding to 4), it is determined whether or not the content of the “timed print execution flag” extracted in step (23) is “1”. If the content of the “timed print execution flag” is “1”, timed printing is performed. Proceed to step (25) and subsequent steps.

In step (25), the host computer 10 sends the print data stored in the connected auxiliary storage device 40 to the printer 20 and proceeds to step (26), where the printer 20 receives the print data received in step (25). Analyze the data and proceed to step (27).

Next, at step (27), the printer 20
Follows the print data analyzed in step (26),
The image data is developed into a bitmap in the development memory 24,
Proceed to step (28). Here, when the image data is monochrome, it is a bitmap of one surface. When the image data is color, it is four colors of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black), that is, a total of four. Extract each to a surface bitmap.

Next, at step (28), the expanded memory 2
4 is transferred to the printer engine 29 via the engine I / F 28 for printing, and the process is terminated.

On the other hand, in step (24), step (2)
If the content of the “timed printing execution flag” extracted in 3) is other than “1”, the timed printing is not performed, and the process is terminated as it is.

According to the above flow, the host computer 10 analyzes the parameters of the timed print command issued by the printer 20, and if the timed print execution flag parameter is "1", the host computer 10 copies the print data stored in the auxiliary storage device to the printer. To perform timed printing processing.

[0064]

[0065]

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the printer timed printing flag indicating whether or not the printer is to execute timed printing, the time of the timer clock unit 2b and the start time are set in advance, and the start time is set. When the printer is started, the printer 20 issues a timed print command of the host computer 10, and the host computer 10 determines whether or not to perform timed printing according to the parameters of the received timed printing command, and performs timed printing. By transferring the print data stored in the auxiliary storage device to the printer in advance, it is possible to perform timed printing processing in which the power of the printer 20 can be turned off until the printing start time set in the printer 20 by the operator. [Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment, the operation panel 27 is used to set the printer timed printing flag 2a of the printer 20, but the contents of the printer timed printing flag indicating whether or not timed printing is to be performed are stored in the host. A configuration that can be set from the computer 10 may be used.

The embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are flowcharts showing a second embodiment of the timed printing processing method in the printing system according to the present invention. FIG. 9 corresponds to the main processing, and FIG. 7 is a detailed processing of the timed starting processing routine. FIG. 8 corresponds to the timed printing process. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation procedure in the case of the present embodiment. Steps (32)-
(35) is the same process as steps (1) to (4) shown in FIG. In FIG. 10, (41) to (4)
9) shows each step.

In step (31), a "printer timed print flag setting processing routine" described later is performed, and the flow advances to step (32).

At step (32), the host computer 10 stores the print data in the connected auxiliary storage device 40, and proceeds to step (33). Here, the auxiliary storage device 40 can be configured by various devices such as a floppy disk drive, a hard disk drive, a magneto-optical disk drive, and a semiconductor memory file using a semiconductor element such as a flash memory. However, the present invention is not limited to this type of device.

Next, in step (33), when the time set in advance in the timer clock section 2b of the printer 20 by the operation of the operator is reached, the timer is started and the timer clock section 2b operates the switch 2c to supply power to the power supply system A. Supply.

Next, at step (34), a "timed start processing routine" is performed, and the routine proceeds to step (35), at which a "timed print processing routine" is performed, and the processing is terminated.

After the value of the printer timed printing flag 2a of the printer 20 is set from the host computer 10 according to the above flow, timed printing can be performed.

The processing of the "printer timed print flag setting processing routine" will be described below with reference to FIG.

In step (41), “1” is set in the “timed print flag” parameter of the printer timed print flag setting command (shown in FIG. 11) shown in FIG. 11, and the flow advances to step (42) to go to step (41). ), The printer 20 issues the printer timed print flag setting command issued to the printer 20 in step (43). The printer 20 receives the printer timed print flag set command issued in step (42), and proceeds to step (44). Proceed to printer 20
Analyzes the printer timed print flag setting command received in step (43) and proceeds to step (45), where the printer 20 sets the "timed print flag" parameter of the printer timed print flag setting command analyzed in step (44). Take it out and go to step (46).

Next, in step (46), step (4)
The control unit 23 determines whether or not the content of the “timed print flag” parameter extracted in 5) is “1”. If the content of the “timed print flag” parameter is “1”, the process proceeds to step (49). Then, the printer time-out printing flag 2a of the printer 20 is set to "1", and in step (48),
The operator of the printer 20 turns off the power of the printer body and returns to the routine shown in FIG.

On the other hand, in step (46), step (4)
If the content of the “timed print flag” parameter extracted in 5) is other than “1”, the printer timed print flag 2a of the printer 20 is set to “0” in step (47), and in step (48), The printer operator turns off the power of the printer body and returns to the routine shown in FIG.

According to the above flow, the printer timed print flag 2a of the printer 20 can be set by the printer timed print flag setting command issued by the host computer 10.

[0079]

[0080]

[0081]

[0082]

FIG. 11 is a view showing an example of a command format of a printer timed print flag setting command in the printing system according to the present invention.

As shown in this figure, the printer timed print flag setting command is composed of a command number for identifying the command, and a parameter of a “timed print flag” which is a set value of the printer timed print flag.

[0085]

[0086]

The seventh aspect of the present invention relates to a printer device (printer 2).
0) and the information processing apparatus (host computer 10) are communicatively connected via a predetermined interface, and transfer the print information stored in response to the timed print request from the printer to the printer to perform timed printing. Processing can be executed.

According to the eighth invention, print information stored in response to a timed print request from a printer is transferred to the printer while the printer 20 and the host computer 10 are communicably connected via a predetermined network. To execute the timed printing process via the network.

The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of one device.

The application of the present invention is not limited to the type of printer engine, that is, an electrophotographic printer engine, an ink jet printer engine that discharges ink with energy, and the like. , Can be applied to a printer system.

[0091]

As described above, according to the present invention,
The user turns on the power of the printer at the time intended by the user and requests the information processing apparatus to transfer the print information based on the stored timed print information. There is an effect that timed printing in which accumulated print information is transferred to a printer device at an appropriate timing and printing is performed can be performed efficiently.

[0092]

[0093]

[0094]

[0095]

[0096]

[0097]

[0098]

[0099]

[0100]

[0101]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a host computer shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the printer illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a command format of a “timed print command” in the printing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view showing an example of an operation panel provided in the printer shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a first embodiment of a timed printing processing method in the printing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a first embodiment of a timed printing processing method in the printing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a first embodiment of a timed print processing method in the print system according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a timed print processing method in a print system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a timed print processing method in a print system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a command format of a printer timed print flag setting command in the printing system according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2a Timed printing flag 2b Timer clock section 2c Power switch 2d Power circuit section 20 Printer 23 Control section 24 Expansion memory 25 Command analysis section 26 Command issuing section 27 Operation panel 29 Printer engine

Claims (9)

(57) [Claims] A power supply unit for supplying power to the printing apparatus main body; a time setting print execution information for determining whether or not time printing is possible; and a setting means for setting a start time of the printing apparatus. Non-volatile storage means for storing timed print execution information; timed management for controlling a switch for supplying power to the printing apparatus main body from the power supply means when the time counted and the start-up time are compared and coincident with each other Means for issuing a timed transfer request for print information to the information processing apparatus with reference to the timed print execution information stored in the nonvolatile storage means when the power is turned on by the timed management means. A printer device comprising: 2. A printer system in which an information processing device and a printer device are communicably connected to each other, wherein a storage means for storing print information in the information processing device, and whether or not timed printing issued from the printer device is permitted. Analysis means for analyzing the timed print execution information to be determined; and when the timed print execution information analyzes that the timed print execution is being requested, the printer stores the print information stored in the storage means in the printer. Power supply means for supplying power to the printing apparatus main body with respect to the printer apparatus, timed print execution information for determining whether or not timed printing is possible, and setting for setting the activation time of the printing apparatus Means, a non-volatile storage means for storing the timed print execution information set by the setting means, A time management unit for controlling a switch for supplying power to the printing apparatus main body from the power supply unit, and when the power supply is turned on by the time management unit, the time management unit stores the time stored in the nonvolatile storage unit. And a issuing unit for issuing a timed transfer request of the print information to the information processing apparatus with reference to the timed print execution information. 3. The information processing apparatus further comprises issuing means for issuing timed printing execution information for determining whether or not timed printing is possible to the printer, and the printer apparatus stores the timed printing execution information issued by the issuing means in a nonvolatile manner. 3. The printer system according to claim 2, wherein the information is stored in a sex storage unit. 4. A time-limited print processing method for a printer system in which an information processing apparatus having storage means for storing print information and a printer having power supply means for supplying power to the printing apparatus main body are communicably connected. A setting step of setting timed print execution information for determining whether or not printing is possible and a startup time of the printing apparatus; a storing step of storing the set timed print execution information in a non-volatile storage medium; A time management step of supplying power to the printing apparatus main body from the power supply means when the start time is compared with the start time, and when the power is automatically supplied to the printing apparatus main body, the time is stored in the nonvolatile storage medium. An issuance step of issuing a timed transfer request of print information to the information processing apparatus with reference to the timed print execution information, and timed printing issued from the printer apparatus An analysis step of analyzing timed printing execution information for determining whether or not the timed printing execution information is requesting the timed printing execution by the analyzing step; And a transfer step of transferring the print data to the printer device. 5. A printer apparatus and is timed printing method communicably connected printer system comprising power supply means for supplying power to the information processing apparatus and the printing apparatus body with a storage means for storing print information, An information issuing step of issuing timed printing execution information for determining whether or not timed printing is possible to the printer device; a storing step of acquiring the issued timed printing execution information and storing the information in a nonvolatile storage medium; A setting step of setting a start-up time; a time management step of supplying power to the printing apparatus main body from the power supply means when the measured time matches the start-up time; Issuance of issuing a timed transfer request of print information to the information processing apparatus with reference to the timed print execution information stored in the nonvolatile storage medium at the time of automatic power supply. An analysis step of analyzing timed printing execution information for determining whether or not timed printing is issued from the printer device; anda case where the timed printing execution information is analyzed as requesting timed printing execution by the analyzing step. A transfer step of transferring the print information stored in the storage unit to the printer device, a time-limited print processing method for a printer system. 6. The printer system of claim 2, wherein the printer device and the information processing apparatus is characterized in that communicatively connected to each other via a predetermined interface. 7. The printer system according to claim 2, wherein the printer device and the information processing device are communicably connected via a predetermined network. 8. A printer apparatus and the information processing apparatus and is timed print processing method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the printer system characterized by being communicatively connected to each other via a predetermined interface. 9. A printer apparatus and the information processing apparatus and is timed print processing method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the printer system characterized by being communicatively connected to each other via a predetermined network.