JP5200668B2 - Image forming apparatus, printing control method, printing control program, and recording medium recording the program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to a technique for performing print control based on a timeout value.

  In a conventional image forming apparatus represented by a printer, print control is performed based on various timeout values such as wait timeout and job timeout (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  The wait timeout is the print data received by the reception buffer of the image forming apparatus when the image forming apparatus processes the print data received from an external device such as a PC (Personal Computer) via a predetermined data transmission path. (Hereinafter referred to as “received data”), processing can be performed, but it may take some time to send the external device, or the traffic on the data transmission path may be busy. If the received data from the external device is not received even after a certain period of time has passed, the timeout value provided for canceling communication with the external device and ending the processing of the image forming apparatus is there.

  The above job timeout prevents a specific job that takes a long time to process a job from occupying the application function for processing the job and cannot process other jobs (prevents waiting for job processing) For this reason, if the processing does not end even after a certain time has elapsed from the start of the job processing, the timeout value is used to cancel the job and return the image forming apparatus to a processable state.

Such various timeout values (predetermined elapsed time) can be set by either one of a method or a setting via an operation panel provided in the image forming apparatus.
Japanese Patent No. 3295295 JP 2006-205509 A

  However, the conventional image forming apparatus has a problem that only one of the setting method of the command and the operation panel is provided.

  When setting with a command, the user needs to understand the specification of the command for setting the timeout value and then send the command to the image forming apparatus. On the other hand, when setting with the operation panel, the user must However, it is necessary to go to the place where the image forming apparatus is installed and operate it via the interface (I / F) of the operation panel.

  In such a case, which setting method is more convenient for the user depends on the environment in which the user uses the image forming apparatus.

  Therefore, it is desirable for the user to be able to freely select a convenient setting method according to the usage environment.

  In the present invention, in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, an image forming apparatus and a print control capable of performing a print control according to a timeout value set by the selected method by allowing a user to select a timeout value setting method. It is an object to provide a method, a print control program, and a recording medium on which the program is recorded.

In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus including a communication unit that performs data communication with an external device, and an operation panel that receives display and input operations of various types of information of the image forming apparatus. There,
A time limit for waiting for resumption of reception after the transmission means starts receiving the transmission data from the external device and after the transmission data is interrupted until it starts receiving the transmission data again, and the image forming apparatus starts a printing operation Setting accepting means for accepting the setting of the time limit of the printing process from the end to the end by receiving the setting command by the communication means and the input operation of the operation panel;
Control means for controlling the printing operation according to the time limit accepted by the setting acceptance means;
Of the time limit for waiting for resuming reception and the time limit for printing processing received by the setting receiving means, either the time limit received by receiving the setting command or the time limit received by an input operation on the operation panel. Determining means for determining a time limit as a time limit used when controlling a printing operation by the control means;
A command priority setting in which the time limit received by receiving the setting command is a time limit used when controlling the printing operation by the control unit, or the time limit received by an input operation on the operation panel is the control unit. Use time limit setting accepting means for accepting an operation panel priority setting as a time limit used when controlling the printing operation by
The determining means includes
Based on the setting received by the use time limit setting accepting unit, determine a time limit to be used when controlling the printing operation by the control unit;
When the setting received by the use time limit setting receiving unit is a command priority setting and the control unit does not receive a setting command by the communication unit,
The printing operation is controlled according to a time limit stored in advance as an initial value .

  With such a configuration, the image forming apparatus of the present invention has a time limit set by a command (timeout value) and a time limit set by an operation panel (timeout value) in the time limit for waiting for resuming reception and the time limit for print processing. (Timeout value) and prints either the time limit set by the command or the time limit set by the operation panel based on the predetermined control value (use time limit setting) The time limit used in the control is determined (the time limit to be used is switched), and the printing operation is controlled according to the determined time limit.

  As a result, the image forming apparatus of the present invention allows the user to select a setting method (command setting or operation panel setting) of the time limit (timeout value), and the time limit (timeout value) set by the selected method. Accordingly, print control can be performed.

  In order to achieve the above object, the image forming apparatus of the present invention controls the printing operation according to the time limit used when the control unit determines the printing operation, which is determined by the determining unit. Features.

  In order to achieve the above object, the image forming apparatus of the present invention has a measuring unit that measures an elapsed time, and the control unit receives the elapsed time measured by the measuring unit by the setting receiving unit. It is determined whether the time limit is exceeded, and when the elapsed time exceeds the time limit in the determination result, the communication operation and / or the printing operation with the external device is terminated.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the setting reception unit has at least one or more setting commands for setting the time limit for waiting for resuming reception and the time limit for printing processing. By receiving the included print data from the external device via the communication unit, the setting of the time limit for waiting for resumption of reception and / or the time limit for the print process is received.

  In order to achieve the above object, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, when the control unit finishes the communication operation and / or the printing operation with the external device, notifies the external device or the operation panel. It is characterized by notifying via.

In order to achieve the above object, a printing control method of the present invention is an image forming apparatus including a communication unit that performs data communication with an external device, and an operation panel that receives display and input operations of various information of the image forming apparatus. A printing control method comprising:
A time limit for waiting for resumption of reception after the transmission means starts receiving the transmission data from the external device and after the transmission data is interrupted until it starts receiving the transmission data again, and the image forming apparatus starts a printing operation A setting acceptance procedure for accepting the setting of the time limit of the printing process from the start to the end by receiving the setting command by the communication means and the input operation of the operation panel;
A control procedure for controlling the printing operation according to the time limit received by the setting reception procedure;
Of the time limit for waiting for resuming reception and the time limit for printing processing accepted by the setting acceptance procedure, either the time limit accepted by receiving the setting command or the time limit accepted by an input operation on the operation panel. A determination procedure for determining a time limit as a time limit used when controlling the printing operation by the control unit;
A command priority setting in which the time limit received by receiving the setting command is a time limit used when controlling the printing operation by the control unit, or the time limit received by an input operation on the operation panel is the control unit. Use time limit setting acceptance procedure for accepting an operation panel priority setting as a time limit used when controlling the printing operation by
The determination procedure is as follows:
Based on the setting received by the use time limit setting reception procedure, a time limit to be used when controlling the printing operation by the control procedure is determined,
The control procedure is a case where the setting received by the use time limit setting receiving means is a command priority setting, and when the setting command is not received by the communication procedure,
The printing operation is controlled according to a time limit stored in advance as an initial value .

  By such a procedure, the print control method of the present invention enables the time limit set by the command (time-out value) and the time limit set by the operation panel (time-out value) in the time limit for waiting for resuming reception and the time limit for print processing. (Timeout value) and prints either the time limit set by the command or the time limit set by the operation panel based on the predetermined control value (use time limit setting) A time limit used in the control is determined (the time limit to be used is switched), and a print control operation for controlling the print operation according to the determined time limit is realized.

  Thus, the printing control method of the present invention allows the user to select a time limit (timeout value) setting method (command setting or operation panel setting), and sets the time limit (timeout value) set by the selected method. Accordingly, an image forming apparatus that performs print control can be provided.

In order to achieve the above object, a print control program of the present invention is an image forming apparatus that includes a communication unit that performs data communication with an external device, and an operation panel that receives display and input operations of various information of the image forming apparatus. A print control program,
A time limit for waiting for resumption of reception after the transmission means starts receiving the transmission data from the external device and after the transmission data is interrupted until it starts receiving the transmission data again, and the image forming apparatus starts a printing operation A setting acceptance procedure for accepting the setting of the time limit of the printing process from the start to the end by receiving the setting command by the communication means and the input operation of the operation panel;
A control procedure for controlling the printing operation according to the time limit received by the setting reception procedure;
Of the time limit for waiting for resuming reception and the time limit for printing processing accepted by the setting acceptance procedure, either the time limit accepted by receiving the setting command or the time limit accepted by an input operation on the operation panel. A determination procedure for determining a time limit as a time limit used when controlling the printing operation by the control unit;
A command priority setting in which the time limit received by receiving the setting command is a time limit used when controlling the printing operation by the control unit, or the time limit received by an input operation on the operation panel is the control unit. And a use time limit setting acceptance procedure for accepting an operation panel priority setting as a time limit used when controlling the printing operation by the computer ,
The determination procedure is as follows:
Based on the setting received by the use time limit setting reception procedure, a time limit to be used when controlling the printing operation by the control procedure is determined,
The control procedure is a case where the setting received by the use time limit setting receiving means is a command priority setting, and when the setting command is not received by the communication procedure,
The printing operation is controlled according to the time limit that is stored as an initial value in advance.

  According to the present invention, both the time limit set by the command (timeout value) and the time limit set by the operation panel (timeout value) are set in the time limit for waiting for resuming reception and the time limit for print processing. In addition, based on a predetermined control value (use time limit setting), either the time limit set by the command or the time limit set by the operation panel is used as the time limit used in the print control. It is possible to provide an environment in which a user can freely select a convenient timeout value setting method by determining (switching control of the time limit to be used) and controlling the printing operation according to the determined time limit. it can.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “embodiments”) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
<Hardware configuration>
Now, the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of an image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1 , the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment includes hardware such as a controller 11, a printer engine 16, and an operation panel 18.

  The controller 11 is connected via a bus 19 to a host I / F (interface) 12, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 13, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 14, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 15, an engine I / F 16a, and an NVRAM. (Non Volatile RAM) 17 and an operation panel I / F 18a.

  The ROM 14 stores various programs including basic software for controlling the entire apparatus of the image forming apparatus 10 and various data used by the programs in a predetermined storage area. The RAM 15 is used as a storage area for loading a program, a work area used when the loaded program is executed, and the like. The CPU 13 executes a program loaded in the RAM 15 to realize functions of the image forming apparatus including a print control function described later and control of the entire apparatus. The NVRAM 17 is used as a storage area for various rewritable data for controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus. Initial values of various timeout values described later are also stored in this storage area.

  The host I / F 12 is an interface for connecting to an external device such as a PC (Personal Computer) that transmits print data via a data transmission path such as a network or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable. The engine I / F 16 a is an interface for connecting the printer engine 16 to the controller 11.

  The printer engine 16 is a set of hardware for printing image data (printed image) on paper. For example, each device for performing an electrophotographic process for performing image forming operations of exposure, latent image, development, and transfer is provided. Hit them. The printer engine 16 performs image data to be printed, status notification of a printing operation, and the like via an engine I / F 16a that is an interface for connecting to the controller 11.

  The operation panel 18 is hardware including a key and a liquid crystal panel for receiving input (for example, input of operation conditions) from the user and notifying various kinds of information (for example, notification of operation state) to the user. is there. The operation panel 18 acquires various information to be displayed and transmits input information via an operation panel I / F 18a that is an interface for connecting to the controller 11.

<Software configuration>
Next, the software configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a software configuration example of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Each block shown in FIG. 2 is realized by the CPU 13 processing a program.

  In FIG. 2, the software of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment is roughly divided into a system unit 110 and an interpreter unit 120. The system unit 110 includes an OS (Operating System) and the like, and is a part positioned as a platform responsible for system control, and includes an input I / F 111, a host buffer 112, a frame buffer 113, and a printer system 114.

  On the other hand, the interpreter unit 120 is positioned as an application that operates on the system unit 110. The interpreter unit 120 includes a stream buffer 121, a language analysis unit (parser) 122, a print setting unit 123, a drawing processing unit 124, and the like. Print data (PS (PS ()) generated and transmitted by the printer driver 21 of the external device 20 is included. PS command included in (PostScript) data) is parsed (parsed), and processing designated by the PS command is executed. The host buffer 112, the stream buffer 121, and the frame buffer 113 are storage areas secured on the RAM 15.

  PS data transmitted from the external device 20 is received by the input I / F 111 and temporarily stored in the host buffer 112. The PS data stored in the host buffer 112 is copied to the stream buffer 121. The language analysis unit 122 analyzes the PS data copied to the stream buffer 121, generates a display list 125 that is intermediate format data, and outputs setting information regarding finishing functions such as stapling and punching to the print setting unit 123. To do.

  The drawing processing unit 124 draws (generates) image data in the frame buffer 113 based on the display list 125. The printer system 114 controls the printer engine 16 via the engine I / F 16a based on the image data drawn in the frame buffer 113 and the setting information related to the finishing function output from the print setting unit 123, and the image data Printing is performed and the set finishing process is executed. As a result, the user who has instructed printing can obtain the desired printed matter P.

  The external device 20 and the image forming apparatus 10 constitute a printing system according to this embodiment. The external device 20 and the image forming apparatus 10 are connected by a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) (whether wired or wireless).

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the function of performing printing based on the received data from the external device 10 is realized by the software configuration described above.

<Print control function based on timeout value>
From now on, in the hardware and software configuration described above, a function that allows the user to select a timeout value setting method and performs print control based on the timeout value set by the selected method will be described.

  The print control function switches between a timeout value set by a command and a timeout value set by the operation panel based on a predetermined control value (priority mode setting).

  First, the timeout value that is the object of the switching control and its setting method will be described. In this embodiment, print control is performed based on two types of timeout values, “wait timeout” and “job timeout”.

(Wait timeout)
The wait time-out is performed when the host I / F 12 included in the image forming apparatus 100 has received a print data from the external device 20 for some reason and has not received the print data. 20 is a timeout value provided for canceling communication between the image forming apparatus 10 and the image forming apparatus 10 and ending the processing of the image forming apparatus 10. That is, the value of the wait timeout is a time limit for waiting for resumption of reception until the transmission data is received again after the transmission data is interrupted after the transmission data from the external device 20 is received. It hits.

(Job timeout)
A time-out for canceling a print job being processed and returning the image forming apparatus 10 from a printing state to a printable state when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the received data processing and the processing still does not end Value. That is, the job timeout value is a time limit for the printing process from when the image forming apparatus 10 starts the printing operation to when it ends, and corresponds to the predetermined time.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 10 performs print control based on the timeout values set in advance by a predetermined method so that the specific external device 20 does not occupy the functions of the apparatus. Do. That is, in the image forming apparatus 10, if either one of the conditions when the reception resumption waiting time exceeds the wait timeout setting time or the print processing time exceeds the job timeout setting time is satisfied, The print job requested from the device 20 is forcibly terminated (job cancel), and the print job is returned to a state of waiting for a new print job.

  Conventionally, these timeout values are set by either setting by a command or setting via the operation panel 18 (although it can be set only by either setting method) In the present exemplary embodiment, both setting methods can be used (both settings can be received and managed in the image forming apparatus).

《Command setting》
First, a method for setting using commands will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a command example for setting a timeout value according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows a command example of PS data as print data for setting each timeout value. (A) is “wait timeout”, and (B) is “job timeout”.

  The data shown in FIG. 3 is PS data corresponding to one print job, and “%% EOF” in the data indicates the end of the PS data, that is, the end of the print job.

In the PS language, the wait timeout can be set by a description of “<< WaitTimeout N >>setsystems". This description command to set the timeout wait timeout (hereinafter, referred to as "Wait Timeout setting command".), And, for example, as in the description 41 shown in FIG. 3 (A), the value of N is In the case of “200”, it indicates that the timeout time of the wait timeout is set to 200 (seconds).

As also shown in FIG. 3 (B), setting of the job time-out in PS language, performed by the description of "<< / JobTimeout N >>setsystemparams" . This description command to set the timeout time of the job time-out (hereinafter, referred to as "job timeout setting command".), And, for example, as in the description 42 shown in FIG. 3 (B), the value of N is “300” indicates that the timeout time of the job timeout is set to 300 (seconds).

  Each time-out value can be set by, for example, a UI (User Interface) of the printer driver 21 installed in the external device 20 or a predetermined application, and the user uses these software to describe the description 41 and the description 42 described above. PS data including can be generated.

  By transmitting the PS data generated in this way to the image forming apparatus 10, it is possible to set the timeout values for the wait timeout and the job timeout.

  Each timeout value set in this way is managed as an independent value within the image forming apparatus 10.

Therefore, PS data to set a time-out value, even PS data described in FIG. 3 (A) and as shown in (B), the wait time-out setting command and job time-out set command and the inside different data, the same data The timeout value can be set even for the PS data described in FIG.

  Furthermore, even if the PS data includes other setting commands related to print control other than the wait timeout setting command and job timeout setting command, the setting can be made.

<Operation panel settings>
Next, a method for setting via the operation panel 18 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a screen example of the operation panel 18 when selecting a timeout value used in the print control according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  When setting each timeout value in the image forming apparatus 10, the user performs a predetermined operation (for example, an operation for displaying an operation setting menu of the print function) via the operation panel 18, and displays a screen as shown in FIG. 4. indicate. Hereinafter, in the description using FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, a method of setting a timeout value of wait timeout is performed as an example. The job timeout can be set by the same operation. Therefore, the description about job timeout is omitted.

  When setting the timeout value via the operation panel 18, the user first selects which setting value of the command or the operation panel 18 is used as the timeout value used in the print control.

  A display screen W shown in FIG. 4 shows an example of the operation screen at the time of the selection. For example, when the user wants to set the value set by the command as the timeout value of the wait timeout used in the print control, the user selects the “command priority” button B1 displayed on the display screen W, and selects [OK]. Button B3 is pressed. As a result, when performing print control, the image forming apparatus 10 records setting of the command priority mode indicating that the setting value by the command is used from the setting value from the operation panel 18 (stored in a predetermined storage area) The operation is completed. If the [Cancel] button B4 is pressed after selecting the [Command priority] button B1, the [Command priority] button B1 is deselected and the setting of the command priority mode is not recorded, and the operation is completed or before the selection. Return to the display screen W.

  On the other hand, when the value set via the operation panel 18 is to be used as the timeout value for the wait timeout, the “panel priority” button B2 displayed on the display screen W is selected, and the “decision” button B3 is pressed. As a result, the display screen W shown in FIG. 5 is displayed, and the user is notified of the input setting of the timeout value via the operation panel 18.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a screen example of the operation panel 18 when setting a timeout value according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the user inputs a time-out value into an input area TB (for example, a text box) displayed on the display screen W via an operation key K for inputting numbers from 0 to 9. Press the [OK] button B3. As a result, when performing print control, the image forming apparatus 10 records the setting of the panel priority mode indicating that the setting value from the operation panel 18 is used rather than the setting value by the command, and the input timeout value. The operation is terminated (held in a predetermined storage area). If the [Cancel] button B4 is pressed after the [Panel priority] button B2 is selected, the setting of the panel priority mode and the input timeout value are not recorded, and the operation ends or the display screen W before input is returned. .

  As described above, in this embodiment, each timeout value can be set from the operation panel 18, and the control value of the timeout switching control for controlling which setting value of the command or the operation panel 18 is used in the print control. Can be set (priority mode setting).

<< Functional configuration >>
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the print control function according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The print control function according to the present embodiment includes a data receiving unit 31, a command processing unit 32, a control value holding unit 33, a timeout switching control unit 34, and a printing unit 35.

  The data receiving unit 31 receives print data (PS data) transmitted from the external device 20 via the host I / F 12. For example, the data reception unit 31 refers to the reception buffer and notifies the printing unit 35 of the fact when print data is not received from the external device 20.

  The command processing unit 32 acquires a timeout value described by a wait timeout setting command or a job timeout setting command in the received print data. The command processing unit 32 analyzes the print data held in the stream buffer 121 of the interpreter unit 120 by the language analysis unit 122, and if the print data includes a wait timeout setting command or a job timeout setting command, the analysis Get the timeout value from the result. The command processing unit 32 stores the acquired timeout value in the control value holding unit 33.

  The control value holding unit 33 holds various control values including a timeout value and a control value for timeout switching control used in a control operation performed by the timeout switching control unit 34 described later in a predetermined storage area. More specifically, the timeout value acquired by the command processing unit 32 described above, the timeout value set via the operation panel 18, and the priority mode setting value set via the operation panel 18 are held. . In addition, as initial values of these various control values, predetermined values stored in a non-volatile storage device such as NVRAM 17 are read and held. The timing at which these initial values are held in the control value holding unit 33 is, for example, when the operation of the print control function starts (when the execution of a program that realizes the print control function starts).

  The timeout switching control unit 34 determines which of the command or the operation panel 18 uses the timeout value set to perform print control. The timeout switching control unit 34 determines a timeout value used in print control based on the setting of the command priority mode or the panel priority mode that the control value holding unit 33 holds as a control value for timeout switching control. That is, the timeout value used in the print control is set through the timeout value set by the command or the operation panel 18 based on the control value (priority mode setting) of the timeout switching control that has been set. Switching control is performed so that either one of the timeout values is used.

  The printing unit 35 cancels communication with the external device 20 or printing operation when a predetermined timeout condition is satisfied according to the timeout value determined by the timeout switching control unit 34 described above. The printing unit 35 has a timer 35a that counts the elapsed time (measures the elapsed time). The predetermined timeout condition is that the value of the elapsed time counted by the timer 35a is the timeout switching control unit 34. This is a case where the timeout value determined by is exceeded.

  Accordingly, the printing unit 35 cancels communication with the external device 20 when the reception resumption waiting time exceeds the timeout time of the wait timeout. Also, the printing operation is canceled when the print processing time exceeds the job time-out time.

  If the printing unit 35 cancels the communication or printing operation with the external device 20, the printing unit 35 notifies the external device 20 that has requested printing (notification of cancellation). Note that this cancellation notification is based on the premise that the external device 20 and the image forming apparatus 10 can perform two-way communication.

  As described above, the print control function uses the above-described function units to set the timeout value set by the command and the timeout value set by the operation panel 18 based on the control value (time-sensitive mode setting) of the timeout switching control. And print control based on the timeout value.

  The print control function operates when a program for realizing each functional unit stored in the ROM 14 is read out to the RAM 15 and executed by the CPU 13.

<< Processing Procedure >>
Now, the operation of the print control function will be described.

<< Determination of timeout value used for print control >>
First, a processing procedure of timeout switching control performed in the print control function will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for determining a timeout value according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The processing procedure shown in FIG. 7 is processing performed by the timeout switching control unit 34.

  First, the timeout switching control unit 34 refers to the control value of timeout switching control (priority mode setting) held in the control value holding unit 33, and determines whether or not the panel priority mode is set (step S101). ).

  If it is determined in step S101 that the panel priority mode is set (step S101: YES), the setting value set via the operation panel is determined as the timeout value used in the print control. (Step S102).

  If it is determined in step S101 that the panel priority mode is not set (step S101: NO), the command priority mode is set, and the control value holding unit 33 receives command processing. It is determined whether or not the timeout value acquired by the unit 32 is held (whether or not a timeout setting command is included in the print data) (step S103).

  If it is determined in step S103 that the timeout value acquired by the command processing unit 32 is held (step S103: YES), the setting value set by the command is used in the print control. The timeout value is determined (step S104).

  If it is determined in step S103 that the timeout value is not held (step S103: NO), the initial value acquired from the NVRAM 17 and held in the control value holding unit 33 is printed. The timeout value used in the control is determined (step S105).

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a correspondence relationship between a control value (priority mode setting) and control operation of timeout switching control according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In order to perform the above-described processing for determining the timeout value, the timeout switching control unit 34 controls a timeout switching control value (priority mode setting) and its control value (priority mode setting) as shown in FIG. And information indicating a control rule, that is, a control rule.

  As a result, the timeout switching control unit 34 determines a timeout value to be used in print control according to the control rule associated with the timeout switching control value (priority mode setting).

  Note that the timeout switching control unit 34 is incorporated as a determination condition value in the program even when the information indicating the control rule is stored as data different from the program that realizes the function of the switching control unit 34. It may be a configuration.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus 10, based on a predetermined control value (priority mode setting), either the value set by the command or the value set by the operation panel is used in the print control. The timeout value to be used is determined, and the timeout value to be used is switched.

<Print control based on the determined timeout value>
Next, a processing procedure for performing print control according to the timeout value determined by timeout switching control performed in the print control function will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for controlling the printing operation based on the timeout value according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The image forming apparatus 10 determines whether the print data from the external device 20 is received by the data receiving unit 31 (whether there is received data from the external device 20) (step S201).

  If it is determined in step S201 that there is no received data (step S201: NO), the printing unit 35 counts (measures) the elapsed time in the reception waiting state by the timer 35a (step S202).

  Subsequently, the printing unit 35 determines whether or not the elapsed time counted in step S202 exceeds the timeout value (time limit) of the wait timeout determined by the timeout switching control unit 34 (step S203).

  If it is determined in step S203 that the time limit has been exceeded (step S203: YES), communication with the external device 20 is canceled (step S204), and the process shown in FIG.

  If it is determined in step S203 that the time limit has not been exceeded (step S203: NO), the process proceeds to step S201, and the elapsed time is counted.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S201 that there is received data (step S201: YES), the printing unit 35 counts (measures) the elapsed time of the print processing state by the timer 35a (step S205). ).

  Subsequently, the printing unit 35 determines whether or not the elapsed time counted in step S205 exceeds the job timeout timeout value (time limit) determined by the timeout switching control unit 34 (step S206).

  If it is determined in step S206 that the time limit has been exceeded (step S206: YES), the printing operation is canceled (step S204), and the process shown in FIG. 9 ends.

  If it is determined in step S206 that the time limit has not been exceeded (step S206: NO), the process proceeds to step S201, and the elapsed time is counted.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 10 performs print control based on the timeout value subjected to switching control (determined according to a predetermined control rule).

<Summary>
As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment performs processing according to the timeout value set by the command in the print control, or the operation panel. Whether to perform processing according to the timeout value set via 18 is determined according to a control rule corresponding to each of the command priority mode and the panel priority mode, and the timeout value to be used is switched. As a result, the image forming apparatus 10 controls communication with the external device 20, printing operation, and the like based on the timeout value determined (switched and controlled) previously.

  As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 can set the timeout value in both the command and the operation panel 18 by determining (switching control) the timeout value used in the printing control within the apparatus.

  Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 100, the user can select a timeout value setting method, and print control can be performed according to the timeout value set by the selected method. That is, it is possible to provide an environment in which the user can freely select a convenient timeout value setting method.

  Up to this point, the present invention has been described based on the above embodiment. However, the “print control function” of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the above embodiment is based on the processing environment (platform) of the controller 11 described above. It can be realized by executing it on a computer as a program coded in a programming language suitable for. Therefore, the program according to the above embodiment can be stored in a computer-readable recording medium (not shown).

  Therefore, the program according to the above embodiment is stored in a recording medium such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), and the like, so that the recording medium included in the computer can be read. It can be installed in the image forming apparatus 10 via (not shown). Since the image forming apparatus 10 includes the host I / F 12 that can be connected to a data transmission path such as a network, the program can be downloaded and installed using an electric communication line such as the Internet.

  In the above embodiment, the PS data is described as print data. However, the present invention is not limited to this PS data. For example, a wait timeout / job timeout setting by an environment variable of PJL (Printer Job Language) is not limited to the PS language, and a language that can be set using PJL or the like (for example, PCL (Printer Control Language)) may be used. PDL or control language that can be set to wait timeout / job timeout.

  In the above embodiment, when the priority mode is set to “command priority” and the received print data does not include a command for setting a timeout value, the initial value acquired from the NVRAM 17 is timed out. Although the processing procedure for values has been described, the present invention is not limited to this procedure. For example, a timeout value set via the operation panel may be used instead of the initial value acquired from the NVRAM 17.

  Finally, the present invention is not limited to the requirements shown here, such as combinations of other elements with the shapes and configurations described in the above embodiments. With respect to these points, the present invention can be changed within a range that does not detract from the gist of the present invention, and can be appropriately determined according to the application form.

1 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a software configuration example of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a command which sets the timeout value which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen of the operation panel when selecting the timeout value used in the printing control which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen of the operation panel when setting the timeout value which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the printing control function which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure for determining a timeout value used for print control according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the correspondence of the control value (priority mode) of timeout switching control which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention, and control action. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure for controlling a printing operation based on a timeout value according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

10 Image forming apparatus 11 Controller 12 Host I / F
13 CPU
14 ROM
15 RAM
16 Printer engine 16a Engine I / F
17 NVRAM
18 Operation panel 18a Operation panel I / F
19 Bus 20 External device 21 Printer driver 31 Data receiving unit 32 Command processing unit 33 Control value holding unit 34 Timeout switching control unit 35 Printing unit 35a Timer 41 Wait timeout setting command 42 Job timeout setting command 110 System unit 111 Input I / F
112 Host buffer 113 Frame buffer 114 Printer system 120 Interpreter unit 121 Stream buffer 122 Language analysis unit 123 Print setting unit 124 Drawing processing unit 125 Display list B selection button (GUI)
P Print W Display screen K Input key

Claims (7)

An image forming apparatus comprising: a communication unit that performs data communication with an external device; and an operation panel that receives display and input operations of various information of the image forming apparatus.
A time limit for waiting for resumption of reception after the transmission means starts receiving the transmission data from the external device and after the transmission data is interrupted until it starts receiving the transmission data again, and the image forming apparatus starts a printing operation Setting accepting means for accepting the setting of the time limit of the printing process from the end to the end by receiving the setting command by the communication means and the input operation of the operation panel;
Control means for controlling the printing operation according to the time limit accepted by the setting acceptance means;
Of the time limit for waiting for resuming reception and the time limit for printing processing received by the setting receiving means, either the time limit received by receiving the setting command or the time limit received by an input operation on the operation panel. Determining means for determining a time limit as a time limit used when controlling a printing operation by the control means;
A command priority setting in which the time limit received by receiving the setting command is a time limit used when controlling the printing operation by the control unit, or the time limit received by an input operation on the operation panel is the control unit. Use time limit setting accepting means for accepting an operation panel priority setting as a time limit used when controlling the printing operation by
The determining means includes
Based on the setting received by the use time limit setting accepting unit, determine a time limit to be used when controlling the printing operation by the control unit;
When the setting received by the use time limit setting receiving unit is a command priority setting and the control unit does not receive a setting command by the communication unit,
An image forming apparatus , wherein a printing operation is controlled in accordance with a time limit stored in advance as an initial value . The control means includes
Determined by the determination means, according to the time limit for use in controlling the printing operation, the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that for controlling the printing operation. The image forming apparatus includes a measuring unit that measures elapsed time,
The control means includes
It is determined whether or not the elapsed time measured by the measurement unit exceeds the time limit received by the setting reception unit, and when the elapsed time exceeds the time limit in the determination result, the image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that to end the communication operation and / or printing operations. The setting receiving means
Receiving is resumed by receiving print data including at least one or more setting commands for setting the time limit for waiting for resuming reception and the time limit for printing processing from the external device via the communication unit. waiting time limit and / or the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that for receiving setting of the print processing time limit. The control means includes
When it is completed to communicate operation and / or printing operations of the external device, wherein the fact to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the notifying via the external device and the operation panel Image forming apparatus. A printing control method in an image forming apparatus, comprising: a communication unit that performs data communication with an external device; and an operation panel that receives display and input operations of various information of the image forming apparatus.
A time limit for waiting for resumption of reception after the transmission means starts receiving the transmission data from the external device and after the transmission data is interrupted until it starts receiving the transmission data again, and the image forming apparatus starts a printing operation A setting acceptance procedure for accepting the setting of the time limit of the printing process from the start to the end by receiving the setting command by the communication means and the input operation of the operation panel;
A control procedure for controlling the printing operation according to the time limit received by the setting reception procedure;
Of the time limit for waiting for resuming reception and the time limit for printing processing accepted by the setting acceptance procedure, either the time limit accepted by receiving the setting command or the time limit accepted by an input operation on the operation panel. A determination procedure for determining a time limit as a time limit used when controlling the printing operation by the control unit;
A command priority setting in which the time limit received by receiving the setting command is a time limit used when controlling the printing operation by the control unit, or the time limit received by an input operation on the operation panel is the control unit. Use time limit setting acceptance procedure for accepting an operation panel priority setting as a time limit used when controlling the printing operation by
The determination procedure is as follows:
Based on the setting received by the use time limit setting reception procedure, a time limit to be used when controlling the printing operation by the control procedure is determined,
The control procedure is a case where the setting received by the use time limit setting receiving means is a command priority setting, and when the setting command is not received by the communication procedure,
A printing control method , wherein a printing operation is controlled according to a time limit previously stored as an initial value . A printing control program in an image forming apparatus, comprising: a communication unit that performs data communication with an external device; and an operation panel that receives display and input operations of various types of information on the image forming apparatus.
A time limit for waiting for resumption of reception after the transmission means starts receiving the transmission data from the external device and after the transmission data is interrupted until it starts receiving the transmission data again, and the image forming apparatus starts a printing operation A setting acceptance procedure for accepting the setting of the time limit of the printing process from the start to the end by receiving the setting command by the communication means and the input operation of the operation panel;
A control procedure for controlling the printing operation according to the time limit received by the setting reception procedure;
Of the time limit for waiting for resuming reception and the time limit for printing processing accepted by the setting acceptance procedure, either the time limit accepted by receiving the setting command or the time limit accepted by an input operation on the operation panel. A determination procedure for determining a time limit as a time limit used when controlling the printing operation by the control unit;
A command priority setting in which the time limit received by receiving the setting command is a time limit used when controlling the printing operation by the control unit, or the time limit received by an input operation on the operation panel is the control unit. And a use time limit setting acceptance procedure for accepting an operation panel priority setting as a time limit used when controlling the printing operation by the computer ,
The determination procedure is as follows:
Based on the setting received by the use time limit setting reception procedure, a time limit to be used when controlling the printing operation by the control procedure is determined,
The control procedure is a case where the setting received by the use time limit setting receiving means is a command priority setting, and when the setting command is not received by the communication procedure,
A print control program for controlling a printing operation according to a time limit stored in advance as an initial value .

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