JP3396831B2 - 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 system, and more particularly to a control device for controlling a printer that outputs image information (for example, newspaper page information).

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, a high-speed large-printing printer system {for example, CTS (Computerized) of a newspaper company
Typesetting System)} is equipped with a printer controller and a plurality of printers.
The printer controller and the printer are connected by a high-speed video interface.

In such a high-speed large-printing printer system, if the print control is not performed even after a predetermined time has elapsed after the print operation of the specific printer, the print control is performed on the specific printer. Otherwise, the specific printer will start to rotate backwards. If printing control is attempted for a specific printer after such a state, it takes time for the printer to rotate forward and start printing again. Therefore, in the printer control device, it is necessary to monitor the above predetermined time for each printer and perform print control before the predetermined time has elapsed. That is, the printer control device needs to perform printer switching control.

Generally, in the above-described high-speed large-printing printer system, the printer control device receives image information (newspaper information) via, for example, a communication line, and stores setting parameters and image information. When the communication for one page is completed, the printer control device outputs the image information (image data) to one printer via the high-speed video interface according to the setting parameter.

When one page of image data is output to the printer, the printer control device monitors the time elapsed from the end of image data output and selects a printer to which image data should be output in the next communication by a predetermined method. Then, the printer switching control is performed. However, in such printer switching control, since image data is stored for each page and printer switching control is performed, image data for two pages is combined (for example, A2 size of two pages). (Combined into one page of A1 size) and output, the printer switching operation is performed, and the combined output cannot be obtained.

[0006] Conventionally, as a method of synthesizing image data for two pages into one page, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 19162/1990.
A facsimile device described in Japanese Patent No. 5 is known. In this facsimile apparatus, two pages of image data are arranged side by side horizontally and combined as new one page image data (converted image data), and the maximum recording in the vertical and horizontal directions is made on the receiving side. The converted image data is reduced to reduced image data so as to fit in the length.

Prior to the transmission of image data, the maximum recording lengths in the vertical and horizontal directions on the receiving side are exchanged by a transmission control procedure. Then, after performing this exchange control, the reduced image data is sent from the transmitting side to the receiving side.

On the receiving side, the image data for two pages of the received document received are combined so that new image data can be obtained by arranging the image data for each page horizontally. Further, the image data is reduced so that the maximum recording lengths in the vertical and horizontal directions can be accommodated. Then, the image data thus reduced is recorded on the recording paper by the printer.

[0009]

By the way, in the above-mentioned facsimile apparatus, the image data for a plurality of pages are simply written as one page.
It is shown only to print on a page, and it is possible to combine multiple pages of image data into one page while providing multiple printers like a high-speed large-printing printer system and controlling printer switching. There is no mention of outputting the output. In any case, in the high-speed large-printing printer system, when the image data for each page is stored and the switching control of the printer is performed, when the image data for two pages are combined and output, Since the printer switching operation is performed, a composite output cannot be obtained. That is, in the conventional high-speed large-printing printer system, plural printers (for example, two pages) of image data are combined into one page and outputted while controlling switching of the plural printers efficiently. There is a problem that you cannot do it.

An object of the present invention is to provide a printer system capable of efficiently controlling switching of a plurality of printers and synthesizing and outputting image data of a plurality of pages into one page for one printer. is there.

[0011]

According to the present invention, there is provided a plurality of printers and a printer control device for switching and controlling the printers, wherein the printer control device stores setting parameters and image data given from a host device. In a printer system in which each page is selectively given to the plurality of printers, the printer control device uses one of the plurality of printers as a specific printer to set setting parameters and image data for one page, respectively. Detection means for detecting whether or not there is a supply means for giving to the specific printer as a current setting parameter and current image data, and whether or not there is an image data combination specifying command for specifying to combine the images of a plurality of pages into one page as the current setting parameter. Means, setting parameters and image data on the next page And when outputting the next image data to the specific printer, if the current setting parameter does not include the image data combination designation command, the specific printer is excluded if a predetermined time has elapsed after outputting the current image data. Another printer is provided with a switching control means for giving the next setting parameter and the next image data, and the control means operates at the predetermined time when the current setting parameter includes the image data composition designation command. A printer system is obtained in which the next setting parameter and the next image data are given to the specific printer irrespectively.

When the current setting parameter includes the image data composition designation command, the specific printer receives the image data for the page designated by the image data composition designation command, and then synthesizes and outputs the image data. Means are provided.

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

First, referring to FIG. 1, the high-speed large-printing printer system includes a printer control device 2, to which a plurality of printers 4 and 5 are connected via a high-speed video interface 3. ing. Further, a higher-level device (host computer) 1 is connected to the printer control device 2, and image data is given from the host 1 to the printer control device 2.

Referring to FIG. 2, the printer control device 2 is connected to the printer 4 by a high-speed video interface for transferring image information parameters (setting parameters) and image data (in FIG. 2, the printer is shown for convenience of explanation). The printer control device 2 includes an input information control unit 12, a setting parameter processing unit 13, an image memory processing unit 14, a main control unit 15, and a high-speed video interface processing unit 16.

Image data and image information parameters (setting parameters) from the host device are input to the input information control unit 12, and the setting parameters are temporarily stored in the setting parameter processing unit 13. On the other hand, the image data is stored in the image memory processing unit 14. High-speed video interface processing unit 1
The interface with the printer is controlled by 6, and the main control unit 15 controls the input information control unit 12, the setting parameter processing unit 13, the image memory processing unit 14, and the high-speed video interface processing unit 16.

The printer 4 includes a high-speed video interface controller 17, a setting parameter processor 18, an image memory processor 19, a printer controller 20, and a recording controller 21, and the high-speed video interface controller 17 is a printer controller. Control the interface with. The setting parameter processing unit 18 stores the setting parameter given from the printer control device as internal setting information. The image memory processing unit 19 stores the image data given from the printer control device. The recording control unit 21 is the image memory processing unit 1.
The image data stored in 9 is recorded. Then, the printer control unit 20 uses the high-speed video interface control unit 1
7, setting parameter processing unit 18, image memory processing unit 1
9 and the recording control unit 21 are controlled. The printer 5
Also has the same configuration as the printer 4.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the operation of outputting one sheet (image data of one page) to the printer 4 will be described.

Now, when the host device 1 sends paper surface data, the input information control unit 12 starts inputting paper surface data and setting parameters, and the main control unit 15 controls the input information control unit 12 to set paper surface data. The parameters are sent to the setting parameter processing unit 13 and the paper surface data is sent to the image memory processing unit 14.

When the data for one sheet (one page) is stored, the main controller 15 instructs the high-speed video interface processor 16 to start the transfer. As a result, the high speed video interface processing unit 16 causes the high speed video interface control unit 17 to operate via the high speed video interface 3.
To start the high speed video interface procedure.

When the printer 4 receives a high speed video interface procedure start instruction, the high speed video interface control unit 17 notifies the printer control unit 20 that the input of the page data is started. When the image data and the setting parameters are sent from the printer control device 2, the high speed video interface control unit 17 sends the setting parameters to the setting parameter processing unit 18 and the image data to the image memory processing unit 20. As a result, the setting parameter processing unit 18 and the image memory processing unit 20 store the setting parameter and the image data, respectively.

When the high speed video interface controller 17 detects the end of the data for one sheet, it notifies the printer controller 20 of the end of the data transfer. Upon receiving the data transfer end notification, the printer control unit 20 instructs the recording control unit 21 to perform recording. In response to the recording instruction, the recording control unit 21 starts the output (printing) of the image data according to the setting parameter.

Before explaining the control procedure (control sequence) of the printer controller according to the present invention, the control sequence of the conventional printer controller will be described with reference to FIG. 3 in order to facilitate understanding of the present invention. Outline.

As described above, the setting parameter and the image data (1
Pages) and the printer control device 2 stores the setting parameters and the image data as described with reference to FIG. After that, the printer control device 2 gives a parameter setting signal to the printer 4 and then designates transfer start. Upon receiving a notification from the printer 4 that the image data can be received in response to the transfer start designation, the printer control device 2 gives the image data vertical synchronizing signal to the printer 4 and also gives the image data to the printer 4. Then, the time is measured for a predetermined time (specific time X).

Subsequently, the setting parameter and the image data (for one page) are given from the upper level device 1 to the printer control device 2, and the printer control device 2 sets the setting parameter and the image data as described in FIG. Store the data. At that time, if the above-described specific time X has elapsed, the printer control device 2 (that is, the main control unit) performs the printer switching operation. That is, after the output of the previous image data, when the specific time X elapses before the next image data can be output, the printer 4 starts to rotate backward. Therefore, the time until the pre-rotation is started again and printing becomes possible is wasted. Therefore, the printer control device 2 (that is, the main control unit) controls switching from the printer 4 to the printer 5.

The printer controller 2 gives a parameter setting signal to the printer 5 and then designates a transfer start. Upon receiving a notification from the printer 5 that image data can be received in response to the transfer start designation, the printer controller 2 causes the printer 5 to receive the image data.
To the image data vertical synchronizing signal and image data.

Thus, in the conventional control sequence, 1
Because the image data is stored for each page and the printer switching control is performed, the printer switching operation may be performed when the image data for two pages is combined and output. , I cannot get the composite output. That is, in a conventional high-speed large-printing printer system, a plurality of printers (for example,
It is difficult to combine the image data for 2 pages) into 1 page and output it.

Next, the control sequence of the printer control apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

When two pages of paper data are combined and output as one page, the host device 1 gives a setting parameter including a combination designation to the printer control device 2 and first, one page of image data is output. Given.
The synthesis designation includes information designating how many pages are to be synthesized (two pages in the illustrated example). Then, the printer control device 2 stores the setting parameter and the image data as described in FIG.

First, the printer control device 2 gives a composite output command command to the printer 4 and a parameter setting signal to the printer 4, and then designates a transfer start. Upon receiving a notification from the printer 4 that the image data can be received in response to the transfer start designation, the printer control device 2 gives the image data vertical synchronizing signal to the printer 4 and also gives the image data to the printer 4. At this time, the main control unit does not measure a predetermined time (specific time X). When the printer 4 receives the compositing command command, it stops printing one page of image data (sheet data). That is, the image data is stored in the image memory processing unit.

Subsequently, the setting parameter and the image data (for one page) are given from the upper level device 1 to the printer control device 2, and the printer control device 2 performs the setting parameter and the image data as described in FIG. To store. At this time, even if the specific time X has elapsed, the main control unit does not perform printer switching control because the printer controller 2 is given the synthesis designation.

The printer control device 2 gives a composite output designation command and a parameter setting signal to the printer 4, and thereafter designates transfer start. Printer 4 in response to transfer start designation
When the printer controller 2 notifies the printer 5 that the image data can be received, the printer controller 2 gives the image data vertical synchronization signal and the image data. Then, the printer 5 synthesizes the image data of two pages as one page according to the setting parameter and prints it. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, two pages of A2 size image data 6 and 7 are printed as one page of A1 size image data 8.

When the composite output is completed as described above, the normal printer control is resumed. That is, the specific time is monitored, and when the specific time elapses, the output of the next image data is switched to another printer so that the throughput is not impaired.

Here, the checking of the setting parameters in the printer will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

First, referring to FIG. 6, the printer control unit first determines that the printer is in the ready state (PRINTER REA).
DY) is checked (step S1). If it is not in the ready state, abnormal processing is performed. on the other hand,
In the ready state, the setting parameters are received as described above (step S2). Then, the setting parameter check processing is performed as described later (setting Par
ameter check process: step S3).

Referring to FIG. 7, in the setting parameter check processing, the setting parameter processing section confirms whether or not the composite output is designated in the setting parameter (step T).
1). If there is a composite output designation, then it is checked whether or not the composite output designation is stored (step T2). When the composite output designation is stored, the storage of the composite output designation is erased (step T3). On the other hand, if the combined output designation is not stored in step T2, the combined output designation is stored (step T4).

If there is no composite output designation in step T1, it is checked whether or not the composite output designation is stored (step T5). Then, if there is a memory for designating the composite output, the abnormality processing is performed.

Referring to FIG. 6 again, when the setting parameter check is completed as described above, it is checked whether or not the setting parameter has a print start designation (PRINT start designation) (step S4). If there is no print start designation, it is checked whether or not the printer is in the ready state (step S5), and if it is not in the ready state, abnormal processing is performed. On the other hand, in the ready state, the process returns to step S4.

When the print start is designated in step S4, the printer controller is notified of the image data receivable (step S6). Then, after receiving the vertical synchronizing signal (step S7), the image data is received (step S8).

Thereafter, the printer control unit checks whether or not the composite output designation is stored (step S
9) If the composite output designation is not stored, the image data is printed (step S10). On the other hand, if the composite output designation is stored, the process returns to step S2.

[0041]

As described above, according to the present invention, the page data for a plurality of pages is set to 1 by using the composite output designation command.
There is an effect that it is possible to combine the pages and output them with one printer, and it is possible to efficiently control switching of a plurality of printers and suppress a decrease in throughput.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a printer system.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing in detail the printer control device and printer shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a conventional printer system control sequence.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a printer system control sequence of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which images for two pages are combined into one page.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the printer in the printer system according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining setting parameter check processing by the printer in the printer system according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Host device (host computer) 2 Printer control device 3 High-speed video interface 4,5 printer 12 Input information control unit 13, 18 Setting parameter processing unit 14, 19 Image memory processing unit 15 Main control unit 16 High-speed video interface processor 17 High-speed video interface controller 20 Printer control unit 21 Recording controller

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Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. A printer having a plurality of printers and a printer control device for switching and controlling the printers, wherein the printer control device selects setting parameters and image data given from a higher-level device to the plurality of printers for each page. In the printer system, the setting value and the image data for one page are specified as the current setting parameter and the current image data in the printer control device by using one of the plurality of printers as the specific printer. Supplying means to be given to the printer, detecting means for detecting whether or not the current setting parameter includes an image data combination specifying command for specifying to combine images of a plurality of pages into one page, setting parameters for the next page, and The image data is specified as the next setting parameter and the next image data, respectively. When there is no image data combination designation command in the current setting parameter when outputting to the printer, if the predetermined time has elapsed after the current image data is output, the next setting is made to other printers except the specific printer. A switching control means for giving a parameter and the next image data is provided, and the control means, when the current setting parameter includes the image data composition designation command, the control means is responsive to the specific time regardless of the predetermined time. A printer system characterized in that the printer is provided with the next setting parameter and the next image data. 2. The printer system according to claim 1, wherein the specific printer outputs the image data for the page designated by the image data synthesis designation command when the image data synthesis designation command is included in the current setting parameter. A printer system comprising: an output unit configured to combine and output the image data after receiving the image data. 3. The printer system according to claim 2, wherein when the output unit receives the current setting parameter, the output unit checks whether or not the current setting parameter includes the image data combining designation command. A printer system comprising: a check unit that outputs a combination designation signal when there is a designation command; and a combination unit that composes image data of a plurality of pages into one page in response to the combination designation signal.