JP6281248B2 - Printing apparatus, printing apparatus control method, and printing control system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a printing apparatus, a printing apparatus control method, and a printing apparatus control system.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a print control system that prints on a print medium by a printing apparatus and issues a receipt under the control of the printing control apparatus is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this type of print control system, a printing apparatus and a print control apparatus are connected via a network and communicate via the network.

JP 2011-108097 A

In the case of constructing a system in which a printing apparatus and a printing control apparatus communicate via a network, such as the above-described printing control system, the printing apparatus and the system are connected to a printing apparatus having a printing function and the printing control apparatus. It is necessary to correspond to the configuration that communicates through the network.
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and relates to a printing control system in which a printing apparatus and a printing control apparatus communicate via a network, the printing apparatus and the printing control system, and a network between the apparatuses. It aims at making it respond | correspond to the structure which communicates via.

In order to achieve the above object, a printing apparatus according to the present invention performs printing data transmission / reception with a printing unit that performs printing, and printing control unit that controls the printing unit, and transmission / reception of control data different from the printing data. A function unit that performs control based on the control data, a communication control unit that adds identification information of the print control unit to the print data transmitted by the print control unit, and the communication control unit configured to And a communication unit that transmits the print data to which the identification information is added.
According to the configuration of the present invention, the printing apparatus transmits and receives print data and controls the printing unit, and a functional unit that transmits and receives control data different from the print data and performs processing based on the control data. have. The communication control unit of the printing apparatus adds the identification information of the print control unit to the print data transmitted by the print control unit, and the communication unit of the printing apparatus transmits the print data to which the identification information is added. For this reason, an external device such as a print control device that has received print data via a network has a plurality of functions that the received print data has based on the identification information of the print control unit added to the print data. It is possible to determine that the print control unit has transmitted the copy. Then, the external device can execute a corresponding process based on the fact that the print data is transmitted by the print control unit. That is, according to the above configuration, the printing apparatus included in the printing control system is made to correspond to the printing apparatus having a plurality of functional units that are different from the printing control unit and the printing control unit. It is possible to correspond to a configuration in which a printing apparatus and an external apparatus such as a printing control apparatus communicate via a network.

The communication control unit adds identification information of the functional unit to the control data transmitted by the functional unit, and the communication unit transmits the control data to which the identification information of the functional unit is added. .
According to the configuration of the present invention, the external device such as the print control device that has received the control data from the printing device via the network has the received control data based on the identification information of the functional unit added to the control data. It can be determined that a function unit related to a function different from the print control unit among a plurality of function units included in the printing apparatus is transmitted. Then, the external device can execute a corresponding process based on the fact that the control data is transmitted by a function unit related to a function different from the print control unit.

A storage unit that stores printing device identification information that is identification information of the printing device; and the communication control unit adds the printing device identification information to the print data transmitted by the print control unit, and The unit transmits the print data to which the printing apparatus identification information is added.
According to the configuration of the present invention, an external device such as a print control device that has received print data to which print device identification information and print control unit identification information have been added via a network from the printing device is included in the identification information. Based on this, it is possible to determine that the printing apparatus that transmitted the print data and that the functional unit that transmitted the print data is the print control unit. Then, the external device can execute a corresponding process according to the determination result.

The communication unit transmits the print data and the control data by asynchronous two-way communication.
According to the configuration of the present invention, the printing apparatus transmits the print data transmitted by the print control unit to the external apparatus such as the print control apparatus by asynchronous two-way communication at an arbitrary timing as necessary. An external device can execute processing based on print data. In addition, the printing apparatus can transmit / receive control data to / from an external apparatus by asynchronous two-way communication at an arbitrary timing as needed, and a corresponding function unit can execute a corresponding process based on the control data. .

The printing apparatus of the present invention includes a printing unit that performs printing, a print control unit that adds identification information to print data, and transmits the print data to which identification information is added, and transmission / reception of control data different from the print data. And a function unit that performs processing based on the control data, and a communication unit that transmits the print data to which the identification information of the print control unit is added by the print control unit.
According to the configuration of the present invention, the printing apparatus transmits and receives print data and controls the printing unit, and a functional unit that transmits and receives control data different from the print data and performs processing based on the control data. have. The print control unit of the printing apparatus adds the identification information of the print control unit to the print data to be transmitted, and the communication unit of the printing apparatus transmits the print data to which the identification information is added. For this reason, an external device such as a print control device that has received print data via a network has a plurality of functions that the received print data has based on the identification information of the print control unit added to the print data. It is possible to determine that the print control unit has transmitted the copy. Then, the external device can execute a corresponding process based on the fact that the print data is transmitted by the print control unit. That is, according to the above configuration, the printing apparatus included in the printing control system is made to correspond to the printing apparatus having a plurality of functional units that are different from the printing control unit and the printing control unit. It is possible to correspond to a configuration in which a printing apparatus and an external apparatus such as a printing control apparatus communicate via a network.

The function unit adds identification information of the function unit to the control data to be transmitted, and the communication unit transmits the control data to which the function unit identification information is added by the function unit.
According to the configuration of the present invention, the external device such as the print control device that has received the control data from the printing device via the network has the received control data based on the identification information of the functional unit added to the control data. It can be determined that a function unit related to a function different from the print control unit among a plurality of function units included in the printing apparatus is transmitted. Then, the external device can execute a corresponding process based on the fact that the control data is transmitted by a function unit related to a function different from the print control unit.

The print control system of the present invention includes a print unit that performs printing, a print control unit that controls the print unit based on print data, and a function that performs transmission and reception of control data different from the print data and processing based on the control data A communication control unit that adds identification information of the print control unit to the print data transmitted by the print control unit, and the print data in which the identification information of the print control unit is added by the communication control unit. A printing apparatus having a communication unit, a print data processing unit that performs processing based on the transmitted print data, a processing unit that performs processing based on the transmitted control data, and the print added to the print data And a print control device having a communication management unit that transmits the print data to the print data processing unit based on identification information of the control unit.
According to the configuration of the present invention, the printing apparatus transmits and receives print data and controls the printing unit, and a functional unit that transmits and receives control data different from the print data and performs processing based on the control data. have. The communication control unit of the printing apparatus adds the identification information of the print control unit to the print data transmitted by the print control unit, and the communication unit of the printing apparatus transmits the print data to which the identification information is added. The communication management unit of the print control apparatus that has received the print data transmits the received print data to the corresponding print data processing unit based on the identification information of the print control unit added to the print data. That is, the print data transmitted by the printing apparatus is transmitted to the print data processing unit in the print control apparatus, and the corresponding processing is executed by the print data processing unit. That is, according to the above configuration, the printing control system corresponds to the printing apparatus having a plurality of functional units that are functions different from the printing control unit and the printing control unit, and the printing apparatus, It is possible to correspond to a configuration in which the print control apparatus communicates via a network.

Further, the communication control unit of the printing apparatus adds identification information of the functional unit to the control data transmitted by the functional unit, and the communication unit of the printing apparatus adds identification information of the functional unit. The communication management unit of the print control apparatus transmits the control data to the function unit based on the identification information of the function unit added to the control data.
According to the configuration of the present invention, the control data transmitted from the printing apparatus is transmitted to the function unit in the print control apparatus, and the corresponding process is executed by the function unit.

The figure which shows the structure of the control system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the communication path established between a control server and a printing apparatus. The block diagram which shows the functional structure of a control server and a printing apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating operations of a control server and a printing apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating operations of a control server and a printing apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating operations of a control server and a printing apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating operations of a control server and a printing apparatus. The block diagram which shows the functional structure of the control server and printing apparatus which concern on 2nd Embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system 1 (printing control system) according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, the control system 1 includes a control server 10 (printing control apparatus), and a plurality of store systems 11 are connected to the control server 10 via a network GN such as the Internet.
The store system 11 is a system applied to stores such as supermarkets, convenience stores, department stores, restaurants, and the like. The store system 11 has at least a function of issuing a receipt to a customer who has visited the store.
The store system 11 includes a printing function for printing on a print medium, and includes one or a plurality of printing devices 12 that can issue receipts. The printing apparatus 12 is connected to a local area network LN built in the store. Connected to the local area network LN is a network communication control device 13 including a network router and a communication device such as a modem. The printing device 12 accesses the network GN via the network communication control device 13. For example, the store system 11A is a system applied to the supermarket SM. The supermarket SM is provided with a plurality of cashier counters RC, and each cashier counter RC is provided with a printing device 12. The printing device 12 according to the store system 11A is connected to the local area network LN and accesses the network GN via the network communication control device 13.
In the control system 1 according to the present embodiment, the printing device 12 of the store system 11 establishes a communication path with the control server 10 and communicates with the control server 10. Then, the printing apparatus 12 executes processing related to printing under the control of the control server 10.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a communication path established between the control server 10 and the printing apparatus 12 in the control system 1.
As shown in FIG. 2, in the control system 1, a WebSocket connection CT (communication path) of WebSocket is established between the control server 10 and the printing device 12 of each store system 11.
WebSocket is one of the communication standards that enables asynchronous two-way communication between a server and a client connected via a network. In the WebSocket, after the server and the client establish the WebSocket connection CT, data transmission / reception is performed using the protocol using the connection. For this reason, it is not necessary to establish a connection every time data transmission occurs.
The WebSocket connection CT is a logical communication path for transmitting and receiving data according to the WebSocket protocol and procedure between the printing apparatus 12 connected via the connection and the control server 10. Therefore, after a predetermined handshake is performed between the printing apparatus 12 and the control server 10 and the WebSocket connection CT is established, the printing apparatus 12 and the control server 10 are asynchronously transmitted by the WebSocket connection CT. Can send and receive data. That is, the control server 10 can transmit data to the printing apparatus 12 at the arbitrary timing through the WebSocket connection CT, and the printing apparatus 12 can transmit data to the control server 10 at the arbitrary timing through the WebSocket connection CT.
WebSocket communication is asynchronous two-way communication according to the WebSocket protocol and procedure, which is performed between the printing apparatus 12 and the control server 10 by the WebSocket connection CT.
The control server 10 and the printing apparatus 12 perform two-way communication asynchronously with a WebSocket connection CT. That is, the control server 10 can push-transmit data to the printing apparatus 12 through the WebSocket connection CT at an arbitrary timing without receiving a request from the printing apparatus 12 as a client. Therefore, the control server 10 can control the printing device 12 to print on the printing medium at an arbitrary timing. Similarly, the printing apparatus 12 can push-transmit data to the control server 10 through the WebSocket connection CT at an arbitrary timing.

In the present embodiment, the control server 10 is a cloud server in a so-called cloud system. In other words, the control server 10 has an arithmetic processing function, executes predetermined arithmetic processing triggered by a request from the printing apparatus 12, and transmits data based on the result of the arithmetic processing to the printing apparatus 12 through the WebSocket connection CT. .
In FIG. 2, the control server 10 is represented by one block, but this does not mean that the control server 10 is configured by a single server device. For example, the control server 10 may be configured to include a plurality of server devices, or may be a server realized by some functions of a predetermined system. That is, the configuration is not limited as long as various processes described later can be realized.
In the present embodiment, WebSocket communication is performed between the control server 10 and the printing apparatus 12. However, these devices may be configured to perform asynchronous bidirectional communication similar to WebSocket communication instead of WebSocket communication.

As described above, the control system 1 has a configuration in which a plurality of printing apparatuses 12 (for example, 1000) on which a printing function is implemented are connected to be able to communicate with the control server 10 through the WebSocket connection CT. .
Due to such a configuration, the following effects can be obtained.
That is, the control server 10 can collect, manage, and analyze information based on data received from a plurality of printing apparatuses 12 connected to a plurality of store systems 11. For this reason, useful information can be accumulated. The accumulated information can be used as so-called big data.
In addition, the construction of the store system 11 can be simplified and the cost can be reduced. That is, in the control system 1, the printing device 12 is connected to the control server 10 through the WebSocket connection CT. For this reason, it is possible to cause the printing apparatus 12 to execute various processes under the control of the control server 10 using the service provided by the control server 10. Therefore, an administrator who constructs the store system 11 may perform a simple operation of connecting the printing apparatus 12 to the network GN after installing the printing apparatus 12 in a desired place when constructing the store system 11. . Accordingly, it is possible to cause the printing apparatus 12 to execute a desired process, for example, a process related to the receipt issuance, using the service provided by the control server 10.
In addition, since the printing devices 12 of different store systems 11 are connected to the control server 10 by the WebSocket connection CT, the control server 10 can manage the plurality of printing devices 12 of the plurality of store systems 11. Further, the control server 10 can operate a plurality of printing devices 12 of a plurality of store systems 11.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating functional configurations of the printing apparatus 12 and the control server 10 according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 3, the printing apparatus 12 includes a communication control unit 15, a communication unit 16, a print control unit 17, a printing unit 18, a status management unit 21 (functional unit), a status monitoring mechanism 22, A printing device storage unit 19.
The functions of the communication control unit 15, the communication unit 16, the print control unit 17, and the status management unit 21 will be described later.
The printing unit 18 includes a printing mechanism that prints on a printing medium, a conveyance mechanism that conveys the printing medium, a printing mechanism such as a cutting mechanism that cuts the printing medium, and a control board that controls each mechanism.
The status monitoring mechanism 22 includes a sensor that detects the open / closed state of the cover of the printing apparatus 12, a sensor that detects the state of the printing apparatus 12 such as whether or not an error has occurred, a mechanism, and the like. Send to.
The printing device storage unit 19 includes a nonvolatile memory and stores various data. The printing device storage unit 19 stores communication destination information data 19a, printing device identification information data 19b, and a functional unit management database 19c, which will be described later.
The printing apparatus 12 includes two functional blocks, a print control unit 17 and a status management unit 21. These functional blocks are functional blocks having other functions.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, the control server 10 includes a communication management unit 25, a connection unit 26, a print data processing unit 27, a status processing unit 29 (processing unit), and a control server storage unit 28. Prepare.
The functions of the communication management unit 25, the connection unit 26, the print data processing unit 27, and the status processing unit 29 will be described later.
The control server storage unit 28 includes a nonvolatile memory and stores various data. The control server storage unit 28 stores a connection management database 28a and a processing unit management database 28b, which will be described later.
The control server 10 includes two functional blocks, a print data processing unit 27 and a status processing unit 29. These functional blocks are functional blocks having other functions.

  FIG. 3 shows the relationship between the control server 10 and one printing device 12 connected to the control server 10. When a plurality of printing devices 12 are connected to the control server 10, the control server 10 includes a plurality of WebSocket interfaces corresponding to the plurality of printing devices 12, and establishes a WebSocket connection CT with each printing device 12. And establishes WebSocket communication with each printing apparatus 12 using the WebSocket connection CT.

Next, operations of the printing apparatus 12 and the control server 10 when the printing apparatus 12 is turned on will be described.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing operations of the printing apparatus 12 and the control server 10 after the printing apparatus 12 is turned on. (A) shows the operation of the printing apparatus 12, and (B) shows the control server 10. Shows the operation.
The trigger of the process in the flowchart of FIG. 4 is not limited to when the power is turned on. For example, the case where the printing apparatus 12 is connected to the network GN so as to be communicable or the case where an instruction is given from the user may be used.
In the following description, it is assumed that the printing apparatus 12 is connected to the local area network LN of the corresponding store system 11 and can access the network GN.

In the following description, the communication control unit 15, the print control unit 17, the status management unit 21, and the communication management unit 25, the print data processing unit 27, and the status processing unit 29 included in the control server 10 are provided. The function of each functional block is realized as follows, for example.
That is, for example, these functional blocks are objects. An object is a functional block of software defined as a collection of instances, that is, data and methods generated by object-oriented programming. And the function of these functional blocks is implement | achieved by calling the method mounted in each functional block.
Further, for example, the functions of these functional blocks are realized by an application being read and executed by a hardware resource such as a CPU. A configuration in which the function of one functional block is realized by one application may be employed. Moreover, the structure by which the function of a some functional block is implement | achieved by one application may be sufficient. Moreover, the structure by which the function of one functional block is implement | achieved by several applications may be sufficient.
That is, each function block represents each function as a block, and does not mean a specific application, hardware, or the like.

As shown in FIG. 4A, when the printing apparatus 12 is turned on (step SX1), the communication control unit 15 accesses the printing apparatus storage unit 19 and stores the communication stored in the printing apparatus storage unit 19. The destination information data 19a is acquired (step SA1).
The communication destination information data 19a is data indicating the address (domain name, IP address, path name, etc.) of the control server 10 that is accessed when the WebSocket connection CT of WebSocket is established. Here, in the WebSocket, when establishing the WebSocket connection CT, the client (printing apparatus 12 in this example) performs handshake to the server (control server 10 in this example) using HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol). . In the handshake, the client transmits a message to the server, but the communication destination information data 19a is data indicating an address to which the message is transmitted.
Next, the communication control unit 15 establishes a WebSocket connection CT between the communication unit 16 and the connection unit 26 together with the communication management unit 25 of the control server 10 based on the domain name indicated by the communication destination information data 19a ( Step SA2, Step SB1). That is, the printing apparatus 12 according to the present embodiment establishes the WebSocket connection CT using the power-on as a trigger without receiving a user instruction or a request from the control server 10.
The communication unit 16 and the connection unit 26 are WebSocket interfaces that transmit and receive data according to WebSocket standards and procedures. These functional blocks are generated using, for example, a WebSocket library.
If the communication control unit 15 transmits data to the communication unit 16, the communication control unit 15 can execute data transmission by WebSocket communication using the WebSocket connection CT.
That is, the communication unit 16 has a function of performing processing according to the WebSocket for the data received from the communication control unit 15 and transmitting the data through the WebSocket connection CT according to the procedure according to the WebSocket. Further, the communication unit 16 has a function of performing processing according to WebSocket on data received through the WebSocket connection CT and transmitting the data to the communication control unit 15. The same applies to the connection unit 26.
With the establishment of the WebSocket connection CT, the printing apparatus 12 and the control server 10 can perform two-way communication asynchronously. That is, the control server 10 can push-transmit data to the printing apparatus 12 by WebSocket communication using the WebSocket connection CT without receiving a request from the printing apparatus 12 as a client.

Next, the communication control unit 15 of the printing apparatus 12 accesses the printing apparatus storage unit 19 and acquires the printing apparatus identification information data 19b stored in the printing apparatus storage unit 19 (Step SA3). The printing apparatus identification information data 19b is data indicating identification information of the printing apparatus 12 (hereinafter, “printing apparatus identification information”). The printing device identification information is, for example, a serial number assigned to the printing device 12 at the manufacturing stage of the printing device 12.
Next, the communication control unit 15 transmits the printing apparatus identification information data 19b through the WebSocket connection CT (Step SA4).
As shown in FIG. 4B, the communication management unit 25 of the control server 10 receives the printing apparatus identification information data 19b (step SB2).
Next, the communication management unit 25 accesses the connection management database 28a stored in the control server storage unit 28 (step SB3). The connection management database 28a is a database that stores connection identification information that is identification information of the WebSocket connection CT and the above-described printing apparatus identification information in association with each other for the established WebSocket connection CT.
Next, the communication management unit 25 generates one record in the connection management database 28a. In the generated record, the communication management unit 25 stores the connection identification information of the WebSocket connection CT established in step SB1 and the printing device identification information indicated by the printing device identification information data 19b received in step SB2 in association with each other. (Step SB4). Note that when the WebSocket connection CT is established, the communication management unit 25 generates connection identification information having a value different from the connection identification information of the already established WebSocket connection CT. By the processing in step SB4, the correspondence relationship between the WebSocket connection CT and the printing apparatus 12 is managed.
In this way, the WebSocket connection CT is established with the power-on as a trigger without receiving an instruction from the user or a request from the control server 10. Due to such a configuration, the user does not need to perform complicated work in order to establish the WebSocket connection CT. Also, no specialized knowledge is required to establish the WebSocket connection CT. Further, immediately after the power is turned on, the printing apparatus 12 can be put into a state in which various processes can be executed under the control of the control server 10.

As described above, the WebSocket connection CT is established between the communication unit 16 and the connection unit 26. Accordingly, a first inter-function unit communication path KT1 based on the WebSocket connection CT is established between the print control unit 17 of the printing apparatus 12 and the print data processing unit 27 of the control server 10. The first inter-function unit communication path KT1 is a logical communication path configured to include the WebSocket connection CT. The print control unit 17 and the print data processing unit 27 can perform asynchronous two-way communication through the first functional unit communication path KT1. Asynchronous bidirectional communication performed by the first inter-function unit communication path KT1 will be described in detail later.
Further, along with the establishment of the WebSocket connection CT, a communication path KT2 between the second functional units based on the WebSocket connection CT is established between the status management unit 21 of the printing apparatus 12 and the status processing unit 29 of the control server 10. . The second inter-functional unit communication path KT2 is a logical communication path configured to include the WebSocket connection CT. The status management unit 21 and the status processing unit 29 can perform asynchronous two-way communication through the second functional unit communication path KT2. Asynchronous bidirectional communication performed by the second functional unit communication path KT2 will be described in detail later.
In the following description, logical communication paths through which data is transmitted and received between the functional unit of the printing apparatus 12 and a processing unit (described later) of the control server 10 are collectively referred to as “inter-functional unit communication path KT”. That's it.

Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 3, the control server 10 includes two functional blocks, a print data processing unit 27 and a status processing unit 29. Hereinafter, when the print data processing unit 27 and the status processing unit 29 are expressed without distinction, these functional blocks are collectively referred to as “processing unit”.
The printing apparatus 12 includes two functional blocks, a print control unit 17 and a status management unit 21. Hereinafter, when the print control unit 17 and the status management unit 21 are expressed without distinction, these functional blocks are collectively referred to as “functional unit”.
In the control system 1 according to the present embodiment, the processing unit and the function unit having a correspondence relationship perform asynchronous bidirectional communication on the inter-function unit communication path KT based on the WebSocket connection CT.
Here, the correspondence between the functional unit and the processing unit means that the functional unit can process the data transmitted by the processing unit, and conversely, the processing unit can process the data transmitted by the functional unit. Therefore, the processing unit can transmit data to the functional unit having the correspondence relationship, and cause the functional unit to perform processing based on the function of the functional unit. Further, the functional unit can transmit data to the processing units having a correspondence relationship, and cause the processing unit to perform processing based on the function of the processing unit. In this example, the print control unit 17 of the printing apparatus 12 corresponds to the print data processing unit 27 of the control server 10. Further, the status management unit 21 of the printing apparatus 12 corresponds to the status processing unit 29 of the control server 10.
In addition to a configuration in which one processing unit corresponds to one functional unit, a configuration in which one processing unit corresponds to a plurality of functional units may be employed. In the case of this configuration, the plurality of functional units corresponding to one processing unit may be functional units of different printing apparatuses 12 or may be functional units of the same printing apparatus 12.
In the following, a specific example will be described for asynchronous two-way communication using the inter-function unit communication path KT based on the WebSocket connection CT performed between the processing unit and the function unit.

First, regarding communication between the print data processing unit 27 and the print control unit 17 after the establishment of the WebSocket connection CT, the print data processing unit 27 transmits data through the first inter-function unit communication path KT1, and the print control unit 17 An example will be described in which data is transmitted through the first inter-functional-unit communication path KT1 after performing processing based on the data.
5 and 6 are flowcharts showing the operation of the control server 10 and the printing device 12 when printing on the print medium by the printing device 12, (A) shows the operation of the control server 10, and (B) shows the operation. The operation of the printing apparatus 12 is shown.
As shown in FIG. 5A, the print data processing unit 27 generates print control data (print data) related to the control of the printing apparatus 12 and transmits it to the communication management unit 25 (step SC1). The print control data is an XML (Extensible Markup Language) file in which information to be printed by the printing apparatus 12 is described. The print control data describes information to be printed by the printing apparatus 12 in the XML format, for example, image data, information indicating the position of the image, and the like.
Further, printing device identification information of the printing device 12 to be printed is added to the print control data. The print data processing unit 27 manages the printing device identification information of the printing device 12 connected to the control server 10, and adds the printing device identification information of the printing device 12 to be printed to the print control data.
The printing apparatus identification information may be described in a predetermined area in an area where control information such as a header of the print control data is described, or may be described in a predetermined tag in the print control data.
The communication management unit 25 accesses the connection management database 28a stored in the control server storage unit 28 (step SC2).

Next, the communication management unit 25 acquires connection identification information of the WebSocket connection CT associated with the identification information in the connection management database 28a using the printing apparatus identification information added to the received print control data as a key ( Step SC3). The connection identification information acquired here is connection identification information of the WebSocket connection CT established with the printing apparatus 12 to be printed.
Next, the communication management unit 25 adds the processing unit identification information of the print data processing unit 27 to the received print control data (step SC4). The processing unit identification information is identification information of a processing unit provided in the control server 10, and processing unit identification information having a different value is assigned to each processing unit. Accordingly, different values of processing unit identification information are assigned to the print data processing unit 27 and the status processing unit 29.
The communication management unit 25 manages processing unit identification information of a processing unit that can transmit data to the communication management unit 25. Accordingly, when receiving data from one processing unit, the communication management unit 25 can acquire the processing unit identification information of the one processing unit and add it to the received data.
Next, the communication management unit 25 transmits the print control data to the connection unit 26 corresponding to the connection identification information acquired in Step SC3 (Step SC5).
Next, the connection unit 26 push-transmits the received print control data by WebSocket communication using the WebSocket connection CT (Step SC6).

As shown in FIG. 5B, the communication unit 16 receives print control data using WebSocket (step SD1).
Next, the communication unit 16 transmits print control data to the communication control unit 15 (step SD2).
The communication control unit 15 acquires the processing unit identification information added to the print control data (step SD3).
Next, the communication control unit 15 refers to the functional unit management database 19c (step SD4).
The functional unit management database 19c is a database that stores functional unit identification information of a functional unit and processing unit identification information of a corresponding processing unit in association with each functional unit included in the printing apparatus 12.
The functional unit identification information is identification information for identifying a functional unit included in the printing apparatus 12, and functional unit identification information having a different value is assigned to each functional unit. Accordingly, different values of functional unit identification information are assigned to the print control unit 17 and the status management unit 21. In this example, the functional unit management database 19c stores the functional unit identification information of the print control unit 17 and the processing unit identification information of the print data processing unit 27 in association with each other. Further, in the functional unit management database 19c, the functional unit identification information of the status management unit 21 and the processing unit identification information of the status processing unit 29 are stored in association with each other.
Next, using the processing unit identification information acquired in step SD3 as a key, the communication control unit 15 acquires functional unit identification information associated with the identification information in the functional unit management database 19c (step SD5). The functional unit indicated by the functional unit identification information acquired by the communication control unit 15 in step SD5 is a functional unit corresponding to the print data processing unit 27 that has generated the print control data received by the communication control unit 15. That is, the functional unit identification information acquired by the communication control unit 15 in step SD5 is functional unit identification information indicating a functional unit that transmits data.

Next, the communication control unit 15 transmits the print control data to the functional unit (in this example, the print control unit 17) indicated by the functional unit identification information acquired in step SD5 (step SD6). The communication control unit 15 manages the relationship between the functional unit identification information and the functional unit.
Next, the print control unit 17 converts the received print control data into a command command of the command system of the printing unit 18 (step SD7). That is, the print control unit 17 converts the print control data that is an XML file into a command that can be interpreted by the control board of the printing unit 18.
Next, the print control unit 17 transmits a control command to the printing unit 18 (step SD8).
Next, the printing unit 18 executes printing on the print medium based on the control command (step SD9).
Thus, in the present embodiment, the print data processing unit 27 can transmit data to the print control unit 17 through the first inter-functional unit communication path KT1.
As described above, in the present embodiment, when an event that causes the printing apparatus 12 to execute printing occurs, the control server 10 can cause the printing apparatus 12 to print without receiving a request from the printing apparatus 12. it can. An event that causes the printing apparatus 12 to execute printing is, for example, when there is an instruction from a user or when there is a request from an external device that is connected to be communicable, This is the case.
For this reason, when a request is intermittently sent from the printing apparatus 12 to the control server 10 and printing is desired to be performed by the printing apparatus 12, the print control data is transmitted in response to the request. Printing can be started more quickly. Moreover, resource consumption can be suppressed as compared with a case where the control server 10 is configured to create a pending state for the request.
The processing in the case where data is transmitted from the print data processing unit 27 to the print control unit 17 through the first inter-function unit communication path KT1 has been described. Similar processing is performed when data is transmitted through the communication path KT2 between the two functional units.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the print control unit 17 of the printing apparatus 12 generates print result data (print data) based on the print result of the print unit 18 (step SD10). The print result data is data indicating that the printing by the printing unit 18 has been successful or has failed, and if it has failed, the cause thereof.
Next, the print control unit 17 transmits the generated print result data to the communication control unit 15 (step SD11).
The communication control unit 15 adds the printing device identification information and the functional unit identification information of the print control unit 17 to the received print result data (step SD12).
In step SD12, the communication control unit 15 refers to the printing device identification information data 19b stored in the printing device storage unit 19, and adds the printing device identification information to the printing result data based on the data. In addition, the communication control unit 15 manages functional unit identification information of a functional unit that can transmit data to the communication control unit 15, and when receiving data from one functional unit, the functional unit of the one functional unit Identification information can be acquired.
Next, the communication control unit 15 transmits the print result data to the communication unit 16 (step SD13).
The communication unit 16 push-transmits the received print result data to the control server 10 through the WebSocket connection CT (step SE6).

As shown in FIG. 6A, the connection unit 26 receives the print result data through the WebSocket connection CT (step SC7).
Next, the connection unit 26 transmits the received print result data to the communication management unit 25 (step SC8).
The communication management unit 25 acquires printing device identification information and functional unit identification information added to the print result data (step SC9).
Next, the communication management unit 25 refers to the processing unit management database 28b stored in the control server storage unit 28 (step SC10).
The processing unit management database 28b is a database that stores, in association with each processing unit included in the control server 10, processing unit identification information of the processing unit, printing device identification information, and a combination of functional unit identification information. is there.

Next, the communication management unit 25 uses the combination of the printing apparatus identification information acquired in step SC3 and the functional unit identification information as a key, and the processing unit identification associated with the combination of the identification information in the processing unit management database 28b. Information is acquired (step SC11). Here, the processing unit identification information acquired by the communication management unit 25 is processing unit identification information of the processing unit that transmits the data received by the communication management unit 25.
Next, the communication management unit 25 transmits the print result data to the processing unit (in this example, the print data processing unit 27) indicated by the processing unit identification information acquired in Step SC11 (Step SC12). The communication management unit 25 manages the processing unit identification information for a processing unit that can transmit data.
Next, the print data processing unit 27 executes a corresponding process based on the received print result data (step SC13). For example, the print data processing unit 27 displays information indicating the print result on the display panel.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the print control unit 17 can transmit data to the print data processing unit 27 through the first inter-function unit communication path KT1.
In the present embodiment, the communication control unit 15 of the printing apparatus 12 adds the functional unit identification information of the print control unit 17 to the print result data generated by the print control unit 17 and transmits it to the control server 10. When receiving the print result data, the communication control unit 15 of the control server 10 transmits the data to the print data processing unit 27 based on the functional unit identification information added to the data. Therefore, the print result data is transmitted to the print data processing unit 27, and the print data processing unit 27 performs a corresponding process.

Next, after the establishment of the WebSocket connection CT, the status management unit 21 transmits data regarding communication performed by the status processing unit 29 of the control server 10 and the status management unit 21 of the printing apparatus 12 through the communication path KT2 between the second functional units. This will be described as an example.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printing device 12 and the control server 10 when there is a change in the state of the printing device 12, (A) shows the operation of the printing device 12, and (B) shows the control server. 10 operations are shown.
As shown in FIG. 7A, the status management unit 21 of the printing apparatus 12 monitors the detection value of the status monitoring mechanism 22 to monitor whether or not the state of the printing apparatus 12 has changed (step SE1). In step SE1, for example, the status management unit 21 monitors whether the cover of the printing apparatus 12 has changed from the open state to the closed state, or has changed from the closed state to the open state.
When it is detected that the state of the printing apparatus 12 has changed (step SE1: YES), the status management unit 21 generates status data (control data) indicating information indicating the state after the change in a predetermined format. (Step SE2).
Next, the status management unit 21 transmits the generated status data to the communication control unit 15 (step SE3).
Next, the communication control unit 15 adds the printing device identification information and the functional unit identification information of the status management unit 21 to the received status data (step SE4).
In step SE4, the communication control unit 15 refers to the printing device identification information data 19b stored in the printing device storage unit 19, and adds the printing device identification information to the status data based on the data. Further, the communication control unit 15 manages functional unit identification information of a functional unit capable of transmitting data to the communication control unit 15, and when receiving data from one functional unit, the functional unit identification information of the one functional unit Can be obtained.
Next, the communication control unit 15 transmits status data to the communication unit 16 (step SE5).
Next, the communication unit 16 transmits status data to the control server 10 through the WebSocket connection CT (step SE6).

As shown in FIG. 7B, the connection unit 26 receives the status data through the WebSocket connection CT (step SF1).
Next, the connection unit 26 transmits the received status data to the communication management unit 25 (step SF2).
The communication management unit 25 acquires printing device identification information and functional unit identification information added to the status data (step SF3).
Next, the communication management unit 25 refers to the processing unit management database 28b stored in the control server storage unit 28 (step SF4).
Next, the communication control unit 15 uses the combination of the printing device identification information acquired in step SF3 and the functional unit identification information as a key, and the processing unit identification associated with the combination of the identification information in the processing unit management database 28b. Information is acquired (step SF5). Here, the processing unit identification information acquired by the communication control unit 15 is processing unit identification information of the processing unit that transmits the data received by the communication control unit 15.
Next, the communication management unit 25 transmits the status data to the processing unit (in this example, the status processing unit 29) indicated by the processing unit identification information acquired in step SF5 (step SF6). The communication management unit 25 manages the processing unit identification information for a processing unit that can transmit data.
Next, the status processing unit 29 executes a corresponding process based on the received status data (step SF7). That is, the status processing unit 29 processes control data different from the print data control data (print data).
Thus, in the present embodiment, the status management unit 21 can transmit data to the status processing unit 29 through the second inter-functional unit communication path KT2.
As described above, in this embodiment, the communication management unit 25 of the control server 10 uses the printing device identification information and the functional unit identification information included in the data for the data received from the printing device 12. Switch the processing unit of the transmission destination. Due to such a configuration, the data transmitted by the functional unit of the printing apparatus 12 is transmitted to the control server 10 through the WebSocket connection CT, and is transmitted to the corresponding processing unit in the control server 10. The processing unit that has received the data executes a corresponding process.
As described above, in the present embodiment, the status management unit 21 of the printing apparatus 12 transmits status data to the status processing unit 29 through the WebSocket connection CT triggered by a change in the state of the printing apparatus 12. Is possible.

As described above, the control system 1 (printing control system) according to the present embodiment includes the printing device 12 and the control server 10 (printing control device).
The printing apparatus 12 transmits / receives control data (status data) different from the print control data, the print control unit 17 that controls the print unit 18 based on the print data (print control data), and the print control data. A function unit (status management unit 21) that performs processing based on the control data, a communication control unit 15 that adds the function unit identification information of the print control unit 17 to the print data (print result data) transmitted by the print control unit 17, and And a communication unit 16 that transmits print data to which the functional unit identification information of the print control unit 17 is added by the communication control unit 15. Further, the control server 10 is based on the print data processing unit 27 that performs processing based on the print data (print result data) transmitted from the printing device 12 and the control data (status data) transmitted by the printing device 12. The print data (print result data) is sent to the print data processing unit 27 based on the processing unit (status processing unit 29) that performs processing and the functional unit identification information of the print control unit 17 added to the print data (print result data). And a communication management unit 25 for transmission.
According to this configuration, the communication management unit 25 of the control server 10 that has received the print result data corresponds to the received print result data based on the functional unit identification information of the print control unit 17 added to the print result data. To the print data processing unit 27. That is, the print result data transmitted by the printing apparatus 12 is transmitted to the print data processing unit 27 based on the functional unit identification information in the control server 10, and the corresponding processing is executed by the print data processing unit 27. That is, according to the above configuration, the control system 1 and the printing device 12 are different from the printing control unit 17 and the printing control unit 17 in the function unit (status management unit 21) having different functions. The printing apparatus 12 and the control server 10 can communicate with each other via a network.

In the present invention, the communication control unit 15 of the printing apparatus 12 adds the functional unit identification information of the status management unit 21 to the status data (control data) transmitted by the status management unit 21 (functional unit), and the printing apparatus. The communication unit 16 of 12 transmits the status data to which the functional unit identification information is added, and the communication management unit 25 of the control server 10 sends the status management unit 21 to the status management unit 21 based on the functional unit identification information added to the status data. Send status data.
According to this configuration, the status data transmitted from the printing apparatus 12 is transmitted to the corresponding status management unit 21 in the control server 10, and the corresponding processing is executed by the status management unit 21.

In the present invention, the printing apparatus 12 includes the printing apparatus storage unit 19 that stores the printing apparatus identification information data 19b. Then, the communication control unit 15 of the printing device 12 adds the printing device identification information to the printing result data transmitted by the printing control unit 17, and the communication unit 16 transmits the printing result data to which the printing device identification information is added. .
According to this configuration, the control server 10 that has received the printing result data to which the printing device identification information and the functional unit identification information of the printing control unit 17 are added from the printing device 12 via the network is based on the identification information. Thus, it can be determined that the printing apparatus 12 that has transmitted the print result data and that the functional unit that has transmitted the print result data is the print control unit 17. Then, the control server 10 can execute a corresponding process according to the determination result.

Further, the printing apparatus 12 and the control server 10 communicate with each other by asynchronous bidirectional communication.
According to this configuration, the printing apparatus 12 transmits the print result data transmitted from the print control unit 17 to the control server 10 by asynchronous two-way communication at an arbitrary timing as necessary. Can execute processing based on the print result data. In addition, the printing apparatus 12 transmits / receives control data to / from the control server 10 by asynchronous two-way communication at an arbitrary timing as necessary, and performs a corresponding process based on the control data by a corresponding function unit. Can be executed.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment will be described.
In the following description, components corresponding to those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating functional configurations of the printing apparatus 12 and the control server 10 according to the present embodiment.
In the first embodiment described above, the communication control unit 15 adds the printing apparatus identification information and the functional unit identification information to the data transmitted by the functional unit. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the functional unit adds printing device identification information and functional unit identification information to the data. Then, the functional unit transmits data to the communication unit 16 and transmits data to the control server 10 through the WebSocket connection CT.
To explain with a specific example, the printing control unit 17 adds printing device identification information and functional unit identification information of the printing control unit 17 to data when transmitting data such as printing result data. Next, the print control unit 17 transmits the data to which the identification information is added to the communication unit 16. Thereby, the data to which the identification information is added is transmitted to the control server 10 through the WebSocket connection CT.
Similarly, when transmitting data, the status management unit 21 adds printing device identification information and functional unit identification information of the status management unit 21 to the data. Next, the status management unit 21 transmits the data to which the identification information is added to the communication unit 16. Thereby, the data to which the identification information is added is transmitted to the control server 10 through the WebSocket connection CT.
As in the first embodiment described above, the communication management unit 25 of the control server 10 switches the processing unit that transmits the data according to the combination of the printing device identification information added to the received data and the functional unit identification information. .
As described above, the functional unit of the printing apparatus 12 may be configured to add the printing apparatus identification information and the functional unit identification information to the data to be transmitted. As described above, when one printing device 12 is connected to the control server 10, the function unit may add function unit identification information to the data.

The above-described embodiment is merely an aspect of the present invention, and can be arbitrarily modified and applied within the scope of the present invention.
In the above-described embodiment, the printing apparatus 12 is provided in the store system 11 built in the store. However, the printing apparatus 12 is not necessarily provided in the store system 11. For example, it may be provided in another system.
In the embodiment described above, the print control data of the XML file is transmitted from the control server 10 to the printing apparatus 12. However, the data format of the print control data may not be XML. For example, it may be data generated in another markup language, or may be a control command of the command system of the printing unit 18.
Each functional block shown in FIG. 3 can be arbitrarily realized by hardware and software, and does not suggest a specific hardware configuration. Further, each function of the printing apparatus 12 may be provided to another apparatus externally connected to the apparatus. Further, the printing apparatus 12 may execute various processes by executing a program stored in an externally connected storage medium.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Control system (print control system), 10 ... Control server (print control apparatus), 12 ... Printing apparatus, 15 ... Communication control part, 16 ... Communication part, 17 ... Print control part, 18 ... Printing part, 21 ... Status Management unit (function unit), 25... Communication management unit, 27... Print data processing unit, 29... Status processing unit (processing unit), CT ... WebSocket connection (communication path).

Claims (6)

A printing device connectable to the control server,
A print control unit that generates print result data indicating a print result performed based on the print data received from the control server;
A status management unit that generates status data when there is a change in the state of the printing apparatus;
A communication control unit which adds the identification information before Symbol print controller to the print result data, adds identification information of the status management unit in the status data,
A communication unit that transmits the print result data to which the identification information of the print control unit is added and the status data to which the identification information of the status management unit is added to the control server;
A printing apparatus comprising: A storage unit that stores printing device identification information that is identification information of the printing device;
The communication control unit adds the printing device identification information to the print result data and the status data,
The printing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the communication unit transmits the print result data to which the printing apparatus identification information is added and the status data to the control server. The communication unit to a printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 transmits the printing result data and the status data in an asynchronous bidirectional communication. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print control unit, the status management unit, and the communication control unit are objects. A method of controlling a printing device connectable with a control server,
Print result data indicating a print result performed based on the print data received from the control server is generated by the print control unit ,
Adding identification information of the print control unit to the print result data;
When there is a change in the state of the printing apparatus, status data is generated by the status management unit,
Add identification information of the status management unit to the status data,
A control method for a printing apparatus, which transmits the print result data to which the identification information of the print control unit is added and the status data to which identification information of the status management unit is added to the control server. A printing control system comprising a printing device and a printing control device,
The printing apparatus includes a print controller that generates a print result data indicating the print results were based on print data, when there is a change in the state of the printing device, and a status management unit for generating status data, the printing result by adding the identification information of the print control unit to the data, the status communication control unit for adding identification information of the status management unit to the data, prior Symbol print identification information of the control unit is added the printing result have a communication unit for transmitting data and the status data with identification information of the status management unit,
The printing control apparatus includes a print data processing unit that performs processing based on the printing result data received from said printing apparatus, and a status processing unit that performs processing on the basis of the status data received from the printing apparatus, before Output the print result data to the print data processing unit based on the identification information of the print control unit added to the print result data, and based on the identification information of the status management unit added to the status data that having a communication management unit which outputs the status data to the status processing unit,
Print control system.

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