JP4517680B2 - Host-based printer, host-based printer system, and printing method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a printer system (host-based printer system) including a host device and a host base printer, and more particularly to a technique suitable for printing printer setting information in the system.

  In a host-based printer system, normally, 1) a host device executes rasterization processing (development into a bitmap) on print data including text, graphics, images, etc. to generate a print image, and 2) a host. The print image is transmitted from the apparatus to the host base printer, 3) in the host base printer, the controller transfers the print image to the print engine according to the synchronization signal of the print engine, and 4) the print engine executes printing.

  Since the host-based printer does not need to have a RIP (raster image processor) that interprets and rasterizes print data inside the printer, it is smaller than a PDL (page description language) printer that requires this function. Can be manufactured at a low price.

  The printer stores various printer setting information (for example, print setting information such as paper size, paper direction, and resolution, and operation setting information such as a sleep mode). The printer setting information needs to be printed as appropriate for the purpose of inspection, maintenance, etc., and the contents thereof must be confirmed.

  Here, when printing the printer setting information in the host base printer system, the host device first receives the printer setting information from the host base printer, and based on this, executes a rasterization process to generate a print image of the printer setting information, Send to host-based printer. The host base printer executes printing based on the received print image of the printer setting information.

  However, depending on the network protocol between the host device and the host base printer and the configuration of the interface such as the host base printer, a situation in which the host device cannot receive printer setting information from the host base printer may occur. For example, if the network between the two uses a protocol that does not support bidirectional communication such as NetBEUI (NetBIOS Extended User Interface) or Network, the host-based printer cannot send printer setting information to the host device. Also, if the host-based printer interface is configured so that multiple protocols (TCP / IP and USB, etc.) cannot be communicated at the same time, the interface communicates with other protocols when an inquiry for printer setting information is received from the host device. Once again, the host-based printer cannot send printer setting information to the host device. In such a case, the host device cannot receive the printer setting information, and cannot create the print image and send it to the host base printer. Therefore, the host base printer cannot print the printer setting information.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a framework that can reliably print printer setting information in a host-based printer system even when the host device cannot receive the printer setting information.

  The host-based printer of the present invention comprises storage means for storing printer setting information, a controller for controlling a printing operation based on the printer setting information, and a print engine for executing printing based on a print image. When the printer setting information print image is received from the host device, the printer setting information is controlled to be printed based on the print image, and when the printer setting information print instruction is received from the host device or the user prints. When an instruction is received, text data representing printer setting information is created by referring to the storage unit, rasterization processing is performed on the text data to generate a print image, and the generated print image Control is performed so that the printer setting information is printed based on this.

  Preferably, when the controller receives a command for instructing printing of printer setting information from a host device, the controller generates text data representing the printer setting information stored in the storage unit and generates print data; And means for executing a rasterization process based on the generated print data to generate a print image, and means for transferring the generated print image to a print engine.

  A host apparatus according to the present invention is a host apparatus in a host-based printer system having a function of executing rasterization processing to generate a print image and transmitting the print image to a printer. A means for instructing transmission of setting information, a means for determining whether or not the printer setting information based on the instruction can be received from the host base printer, and a rasterizing process based on the printer setting information if it is determined Generating a print image and transmitting the generated print image to the host base printer; and when determining that the print image cannot be received, the host base printer is instructed to print the printer setting information. It is characterized by.

  A host-based printer system of the present invention includes the host-based printer of the present invention and the host apparatus of the present invention.

  According to the host base printer, the host device, and the host base printer system of the present invention, even when the host device cannot receive the printer setting information, the printer setting information can be reliably printed by the host base printer.

  The printing method of the present invention is a printing method of printer setting information in a host-based printer system, wherein the host device instructs the host-based printer to transmit the printer setting information, and the host-based printer When the printer setting information transmission instruction is received from the printer, the step of transmitting the printer setting information held by the host base printer to the host device, and when the host device has received the printer setting information, the printer setting information A rasterization process is executed based on the above, a print image is generated, the generated print image is transmitted to the host base printer, and if the host device cannot receive the printer setting information, the printer setting for the host base printer Instruction to print information and host-based printer When the print image of the printer setting information is received from the host device, the step of printing the printer setting information based on the host base status image, and the host base printer receives the print instruction of the printer setting information from the host device Or when a print instruction is received from the user, text data representing printer setting information held by the host base printer is created, rasterization processing is performed on the text data to generate a print image, and the print And a step of executing printing based on the image.

  The printing method of the present invention can be executed by the CPU provided in the host device and the host base printer, and the computer program for the printing method is transmitted through various media such as a CD-ROM, a magnetic disk, a semiconductor memory, and a communication network. And can be installed or loaded on a host-based printer. It also includes the case where a computer program is recorded and distributed on a printer card or printer option board.

  According to the present invention, in the host-based printer system, even when the host device cannot receive the printer setting information, the printer setting information can be printed reliably.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a printer system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the printer system 1 may be any of a host device 10 and a communication network (LAN, Internet, dedicated line, packet communication network, a combination thereof, etc., and includes both wired and wireless. And a host base printer (image forming apparatus) 20 configured to be communicable with the host apparatus 10 via the network.

  The host device 10 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, HDD, user interface, communication interface, and the like as hardware.

  The host device 10 also includes printer driver means 11 as a normal control function necessary for causing the printer 20 to execute printing.

  The printer driver unit 11 has a functional configuration similar to that of a normal printer driver, and is described in a predetermined printer control language such as a postscript in response to a print request from an application program operating on the host device 10, for example. RIP function 12 that generates a print image by executing rasterization processing based on print data (including text, graphics, images, etc.), and image processing function 13 that performs predetermined image processing (screen processing, etc.) on the print image Etc.

  However, as will be described later, the printer driver unit 11 of this embodiment includes a status transmission instruction function 14 that instructs the host base printer 20 to transmit printer setting information, and printer setting information based on the instruction from the host base printer. A reception permission determination function 15 for determining whether or not the image has been received, and if it is determined that the image has been received, the RIP function 12 and the image processing function 13 are used to execute a rasterization process based on the received printer setting information and print image Is generated (hereinafter referred to as “host base status image”), and the host base status image generation / transfer function 16 that transmits the host base status image to the host base printer 20 and the host base printer 20 Printer setting information for In that it includes a status print instruction function 17 that instructs the printing is different from the conventional configuration (see FIG. 2).

  The above functions are realized as functional means by the CPU executing programs stored in the HDD, ROM, RAM, external storage medium, etc. in the host device 10 or using dedicated hardware. Is done.

  The host base printer 20 includes a power mechanism unit 21 and a printer controller 22.

  The power mechanism unit 21 includes a paper feed mechanism that supplies paper into the printer, a print engine that executes printing based on a print image, and a paper discharge mechanism that discharges paper outside the printer. As the print engine, for example, a serial printer that prints in units of characters, such as an inkjet printer or a thermal transfer printer, a line printer that prints in units of lines, a page printer that prints in units of pages, and the like are used. it can.

  The printer controller 22 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a user interface, a communication interface, and the like as hardware.

  The printer controller 22 has the same functions as the printer controller in a normal host-based printer. For example, the printer controller 22 receives data such as commands and print images from the host device 10 and stores them in a reception buffer. An engine control function 24 for controlling the printing operation of the power mechanism unit 21 based on printer setting information stored in a RAM or ROM in the printer 20 or an external storage medium is provided.

  However, when the printer controller 22 of the present embodiment receives the print image of the printer setting information from the text RIP function 25 or the host apparatus 10 that executes rasterization processing on text data and generates a print image, the print processing is performed. When receiving a printer setting information printing function (host-based status printing function) 26 based on the image and a printer setting information print instruction from the host device 10, the printer setting information is displayed with reference to the RAM or the like. A function of creating text data, performing rasterization processing on the created text data using the text RIP function 25 to generate a print image, and controlling to print printer setting information based on the print image ( Printer-based status printing function) 27 In that it comprises, it is different from the conventional configuration (see FIG. 2).

  The text RIP function 25 is limited to a rasterizing function for text data among the normal RIP functions, and can be configured at a small scale and at a lower price than the normal RIP function.

  The above functions are realized as functional means by the CPU executing a program stored in the RAM or ROM in the host base printer 20, an external storage medium, or the like, or using dedicated hardware. The Further, font data and the like necessary for the text RIP function 25 are stored in the ROM or the like.

  Hereinafter, the printer setting information printing process in the printer system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, each process (including the partial process to which the code | symbol is not provided) can be arbitrarily changed in order within the range which does not produce contradiction in the processing content, or can be performed in parallel.

(Processing in the host device 10: FIG. 3)
When the printer driver unit 11 receives a print request for printer setting information from a user or from an application program running on the outside or the host device 10, it sends a status transmission instruction command to the host base printer 20 (printer controller 22). Transmit (S100).

  Next, the printer driver unit 11 determines whether or not printer setting information has been received from the host base printer 20 in response to the status transmission instruction command (S101).

  Here, as a case where the host device 10 cannot receive the printer setting information, for example, a protocol that does not support bidirectional communication such as NetBEUI or Network is provided in the whole or part between the host device 10 and the host base printer 20. It is conceivable that there is an intervening network. In this case, a command or the like can be transmitted from the host device 10 to the host base printer 20, but printer setting information cannot be transmitted from the host base printer 20 to the host device 10. Further, for example, a case where the communication interface of the host base printer 20 is configured to be unable to communicate simultaneously for a plurality of protocols (TCP / IP and USB, etc.) can be considered. In this case, when the host base printer 20 transmits the printer setting information according to the received transmission instruction command, if the communication interface is occupied by communication of another protocol, the printer setting information is sent to the host device 10. Cannot send.

  If the printer driver means 11 determines that it has not been received in S101, it determines whether or not the elapsed time since the transmission instruction command has been transmitted exceeds a predetermined timeout threshold (S102). The process returns to S101.

  On the other hand, if the elapsed time exceeds the timeout threshold, the printer driver unit 11 determines that the printer setting information cannot be received, and transmits a status print instruction command to the host base printer 20 (printer controller 22). (S103), and the process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the data can be received in step S101, the printer driver unit 11 generates print data based on the received printer setting information so that the printer setting information is printed in a predetermined form and layout. (S104). The generation of print data can be performed in the same manner as in normal printing. The predetermined form and layout can be determined according to the design, but the RIP function 12 provided in the host apparatus 10 can execute rasterization processing on print data including text, graphics, images, and the like. Therefore, in order to effectively use the function, it is desirable to use a form or layout that appropriately uses text, figures, images, or the like.

  Next, the printer driver unit 11 uses the RIP function 12 to execute a rasterization process based on the generated print data to generate a print image (host base status image) (S105). If necessary, predetermined image processing may be performed on the generated print image using the image processing function 13.

  Next, the printer driver unit 11 transmits the generated print image together with the image print instruction command to the host base printer 20 (printer controller 22) (S106), and ends the process. At this time, similarly to the case of normal printing, one page of the print image may be divided into bands composed of a plurality of scanning lines, and data may be transmitted in that unit.

(Processing in the host base printer 20: FIG. 4)
The printer controller 22 receives data such as commands and print images from the host device 10 and stores them in the reception buffer (S200). Further, commands are sequentially read from the reception buffer and interpreted (S201).

  When the interpreted command is an image print instruction command, the printer controller 22 reads a print image corresponding to the image print instruction command from the reception buffer and transfers it to the print engine, and based on the printer setting information, the power mechanism unit The printing operation 21 is controlled to execute printing (S202). At this time, if the print image corresponding to the image print instruction command is the host base status image, the printer setting information based on the host base status image, that is, based on the print image rasterized and generated in the host device 10. Is printed (host-based status printing function 26).

  On the other hand, when the interpreted command is a status print instruction command, the printer controller 22 reads printer setting information with reference to the RAM or the like (S203).

  Next, the printer controller 22 creates text data from the read printer setting information, and prints the print data based on the created text data so that the printer setting information is printed in a predetermined form and layout. Generate (S204). Although the above forms and layouts can be determined according to the design, only text data is targeted, and if the burden on the text RIP function 25 for processing the print data can be reduced, costs can be reduced. Therefore, it is desirable that the print data has a simple configuration. For example, it is conceivable to generate print data by adding a command (text print command) indicating that the print data includes only text data to the head of the created text data.

  Next, the printer controller 22 refers to the font data stored in the RAM or the like, and executes a rasterizing process based on the generated print data using the text RIP function 25 to print a print image (printer base status image). Is generated (S205).

  Next, the printer controller 22 transfers the generated print image to the print engine and controls the printing operation of the power mechanism unit 21 based on the printer setting information to execute printing (S206). Thus, the printer setting information is printed based on the printer base status image, that is, based on the print image rasterized and generated by the host base printer 20 (printer base status printing function 27).

  If the interpreted command is other than the above, a process corresponding to each command is executed (not shown). For example, when the command is a status transmission instruction command, the printer controller 22 reads the printer setting information with reference to the RAM or the like and transmits the printer setting information to the host device 10. However, as described above, if there is a network of a protocol that does not support bidirectional communication such as NetBEUI or Network between the host device 10 and the host base printer 20, the printer setting for the host device 10 is performed. Information cannot be transmitted (or even if it is transmitted, it does not arrive at the host device 10). Further, for example, when the communication interface of the host base printer 20 is configured to be unable to communicate simultaneously for a plurality of protocols, the printer setting information is transmitted to the host device 10 while the communication interface is occupied by communication of other protocols. Can not do it.

  According to the configuration of the present embodiment, the host device 10 determines whether or not the printer setting information can be received, and if it can be received, a host base status image is generated based on the printer setting information and transmitted to the host base printer 20. On the other hand, if it cannot be received depending on the configuration of the network protocol or communication interface, the host base printer 20 is configured to transmit a status print instruction command, and the host base printer 20 receives the host base status image. In this case, the printer setting information is printed based on the host base status image, and when the status print instruction command is received, the printer alone executes rasterization processing on the text data in the printer setting information. Printer base Since the status image is generated and the printer setting information is printed based on the printer base status image, even if the host device 10 cannot receive the printer setting information due to the configuration of the network protocol or the communication interface, The printer setting information can be reliably printed by the host base printer 20.

  The printer setting information printed based on the printer base status image includes only text, while the printer setting information printed based on the host base status image includes text, graphics, images, and the like. It is possible to set various forms and layouts. That is, the printer system 1 can obtain print results of two types of printer setting information that differ in information amount, image quality, form, layout, and the like.

(Other)
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be variously modified and applied. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the host device 10 is configured to transmit the status print instruction command when the printer information cannot be received. However, even in an environment where the printer information can be received, for example, based on user input or the like. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the status print instruction command can be transmitted, that is, the printer setting information can be printed based on the printer base status image.

  Further, for example, in the above embodiment, the target for generating a print image using the text RIP function 25 is limited to the printer setting information. However, text data other than the printer setting information can be used as long as it is text data. It is possible to generate a print image using the RIP function 25. For example, if print data consisting of a text print command and text data is transmitted from the host device or other optional device, the host base printer 20 can perform text printing based on the text data using the text RIP function 25. It is.

  Further, for example, in the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which printer setting information is printed using the text RIP function 25 when a status print instruction command is received from the host device 10, but the present invention has such a configuration. Not limited. For example, the host base printer 20 may be configured to print the printer setting information using the text RIP function 25 even when a print instruction for the printer setting information is directly received from the user via the user interface. In this case, the host base printer 20 can print the printer setting information alone without the host device 10 being interposed.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a printer system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration diagram of a printer driver unit 11 and a printer controller 22. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating processing contents in the host device 10 when printing printer setting information. 4 is a flowchart showing processing contents in the host base printer 20 when printing printer setting information.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printer system, 10 Host apparatus, 11 Printer driver means, 12 RIP function (means), 13 Image processing function (means), 14 Status transmission instruction function (means), 15 Receivability judgment function (means), 16 Host base status Image generation / transfer function (means), 17 status printing instruction function (means), 20 host base printer, 21 power mechanism unit, 22 printer controller, 23 reception function (means), 24 engine control function (means), 25 text RIP Function (means), 26 Host-based status printing function (means), 27 Printer-based status printing function (means)

Claims (3)

A host-based printer system comprising: a host-based printer; and a host device having a function of executing a rasterization process to generate a print image and transmitting the print image to the host-based printer,
The printer includes a storage unit that stores printer setting information, a controller that controls a printing operation based on the printer setting information, and a print engine that executes printing based on a print image.
The host device is
Means for instructing the host-based printer to transmit printer setting information;
Means for determining whether or not printer setting information based on the instruction has been received from the host base printer;
If it is determined that the print image can be received, a rasterizing process is executed based on the printer setting information to generate a print image, and the generated print image is transmitted to the host base printer.
Means for instructing the host-based printer to print printer setting information when it is determined that it cannot be received,
When the controller receives a print image of printer setting information from the host device, the controller controls to print the printer setting information based on the print image, and receives a print instruction of the printer setting information from the host device. In this case or when a print instruction is received from the user, text data representing printer setting information is created with reference to the storage means, a rasterization process is performed on the text data, and a print image is generated. A host-based printer system that controls to print printer setting information based on a generated print image. The controller is
Means for generating print data by generating text data representing printer setting information from the printer setting information stored in the storage means when a command for instructing printing of printer setting information is received from the host device;
Means for executing a rasterization process based on the generated print data to generate a print image;
2. The host-based printer system according to claim 1, further comprising means for transferring the generated print image to a print engine. A method for printing printer setting information in a host-based printer system,
A step in which the host device instructs the host base printer to transmit printer setting information;
When the host base printer receives an instruction to send printer setting information from the host device, sending the printer setting information held by the host base printer to the host device;
When the host device is able to receive the printer setting information, performing a rasterization process based on the printer setting information to generate a print image, and transmitting the generated print image to the host base printer;
A step of instructing the host base printer to print the printer setting information when the host device cannot receive the printer setting information;
When the host base printer receives the print image of the printer setting information from the host device, printing the printer setting information based on the host base status image; and
When the host base printer receives a print instruction for printer setting information from the host device or receives a print instruction from the user, the host base printer creates text data representing the printer setting information held by the host base printer, and stores the text data in the text data. And a step of generating a print image by performing rasterization processing on the print image and executing printing based on the print image.

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