JP4613653B2 - Distributed print control apparatus and print job distribution method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for performing distributed printing by distributing a print job to one or more printing apparatuses connected to a network.

  In recent years, printing systems in which a plurality of printers are connected to the same network and a user can use a plurality of printers are becoming popular. When printing a plurality of copies, a technique for completing printing in a short time by distributing a print job to each printer and performing parallel processing, so-called distributed printing has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1). In distributed printing, a dedicated server for distributed printing provided on a network usually controls the distribution destination and the number of copies of a print job.

JP 2002-215369 A

  However, in the prior art, a large-scale system including a dedicated server is necessary to realize distributed printing. Furthermore, in conventional distributed printing, the number of copies to be printed at each distribution destination is determined first. Therefore, when the progress of some of the slow distribution destinations is slow due to various reasons such as running out of paper or jam, the slowest distribution is performed. There has also been a problem that the print job is not completed until the previous printing is completed.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it realizes efficient distributed printing with a simple system.

In order to achieve at least a part of the above-described purpose, a print job transmitted via a network is distributed to one or more distribution destination printing apparatuses that are distribution destinations among a plurality of printing apparatuses connected to the network. A distributed print control apparatus capable of storing the print job storage unit for storing the print job, and determining whether the entire print job can be stored in the print job storage unit; In response to reception of the print job, an inquiry is made to the printing device connected to the network in response to the reception of the print job, and based on the response result, A process of determining a distribution destination printing apparatus, and a process of transmitting a distributed print job in which the required number of print copies is set to 1 for each of the determined distribution destination printing apparatuses. It total number of copies printed by the printing apparatus repeatedly alternately until a number of copies specified in the print job, if the entirety of the print job is determined not to be stored in the print job storage portion In response to reception of a part of the print job, the distribution destination printing device and the number of print copies to be allocated to each of the distribution destination printing devices are determined, and the number of print copies is represented to the distribution destination printing device. send distributed print job including data, receiving the remainder of the print job after transmission of the print job, characterized in that it comprises a control unit.

According to the distributed printing control apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to adjust the allocation according to stoppage due to a paper jam or the like of a part of printing apparatuses at the distribution destination or addition of the distribution destination. The control method can be changed depending on whether or not the entire print job can be stored in the print job storage unit.

In the above distributed printing control apparatus ,
The distributed printing control device
Search processing for searching as a candidate printing device a printing device that satisfies the predetermined condition that the printing device is online and is not receiving a print job or printing from the plurality of printing devices;
A distribution destination determination process for determining the distribution destination printing device from the retrieved candidate printing devices;
After the determination, a distribution destination addition determination process for additionally determining the printing apparatus that satisfies the predetermined condition to the distributed printing control apparatus;
Reassignment processing for allocating a part of the remaining number of print copies allocated before the addition to the added distributed print control device;
May be configured to be executed.

  In this way, it is possible to flexibly cope with the addition of the distribution destination.

  The present invention can be configured as a printing apparatus incorporating the distributed printing control apparatus in addition to the above-described structure as the distributed printing control apparatus. In addition, the present invention is not limited to such an aspect of the apparatus invention, and can be realized as an aspect of a method invention such as a print job distribution method. Further, aspects as a computer program for constructing those methods and apparatuses, aspects as a recording medium recording such a computer program, data signals embodied in a carrier wave including the computer program, etc. It can also be realized in various ways.

  When the present invention is configured as a computer program or a recording medium on which the program is recorded, the entire program for controlling the printing apparatus may be configured, or only the portion that performs the functions of the present invention may be configured. Also good. The recording medium includes a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a magneto-optical disk, an IC card, a ROM cartridge, a punch card, a printed matter on which a code such as a barcode is printed, a computer internal storage device (RAM or Various types of computer-readable media such as a memory such as a ROM and an external storage device can be used.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following items based on examples.
A. First embodiment:
A1. System overview:
A2. Printer configuration:
A3. Normal printing process:
A4. Distributed printing process:
A5. Effects of the embodiment:
B. Second embodiment:
B1. Printer configuration:
B2. Normal printing process:
B3. Distributed printing process:
B4. Effects of the embodiment:
C. Third embodiment:
C1. Modified example of the first distributed printing process:
C2. Modified example of the second distributed printing process:
D. Variations:

A. First embodiment:
A1. System overview:
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a printing system including a printer PRT1 as a first embodiment of the present invention. In this printing system, as shown, a client PC (hereinafter abbreviated as a client) CL and a plurality of printers PRT1 to PRT4 are connected to a local area network (LAN). Since communication between devices is based on the TCP / IP protocol, each device is assigned a fixed IP address in advance. For convenience of explanation, it is assumed that addresses “IPc” and “IP1” to “IP4” are set in the client CL and the printers PRT1 to PRT4, respectively. Strictly speaking, these IP addresses are not set in the client CL and the printers PRT1 to PRT4 themselves, but are nodes when viewed from the TCP / IP network (specifically, TCP / IP For example, a network board connected to a network for performing IP communication).

  Among these printers, a custom network board CNB is attached to the printer PRT1. The custom network board CNB has a distributed printing control function for distributing received print jobs to other printers and executing distributed printing, and corresponds to the distributed printing control device in the claims. On the other hand, a standard network board (not shown) is attached to each of the other printers.

  As an example, the case where the communication data DT0 including the print job is transmitted from the client CL to the printer PRT1 is illustrated in the drawing.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing the structure of communication data including such a print job. As shown in FIG. 2, the communication data is roughly divided into a header and print job data.

  Among these, in the header, the IP address (source IP address) of the device that is the source of the communication data, and the port number (source port number) that identifies the software that is the source in the device, In addition, it includes an IP address (transmission destination IP address) of the device that is the transmission destination of the communication data, and a port number (transmission destination port number) that identifies the software that is the transmission destination in the device. Communication data transmitted from the software of the transmission source device is transmitted to the device having the IP address according to the transmission destination IP address. Further, in the received device, the port of that number is transmitted according to the transmission destination port number. Passed to the waiting software.

  On the other hand, the print job data is divided into a job control language portion and print target image data. Among these, the job control language portion includes a QT value representing the number of copies as print number information. Yes.

  In the case of TCP / IP, communication data is normally communicated in packets. Therefore, in practice, a series of print job data is time-divided and transmitted with the header added in front of each time-division data.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the communication data DT0 describes “IP1” as the destination IP address, “19100” as the destination port number, and “100 copies” as the QT value (that is, the number of copies). ing.

  In this embodiment, a non-procedural protocol is used as a printing protocol. In the non-procedural protocol, “9100” is normally assigned as the boat number, but in this embodiment, when a print job is transmitted from the client CL to the printer PRT1 having the distributed print control function, Use “19100” instead of “9100”.

  When receiving the communication data DT0, the custom network board CNB of the printer PRT1 passes the print job data to the software waiting at the port number “19100”. In this embodiment, the distributed printing software for realizing the distributed printing control function is waiting for the port number “19100”. As a result, the functional unit realized by the CPU according to the distributed printing software first stores the print job data in a print job storage unit (not shown), and all the print job data transmitted from the client CL is printed. When the job storage unit is fully entered, the printers that are online and that are not receiving print jobs and not printing are searched for from the printers connected to the LAN, and the distribution destination printer is determined. To do. For example, assuming that the printer PRT1 is determined as the distribution destination printer, in addition to the printers PRT2 to PRT4, the functional unit changes the QT value included in the print job data to “1 copy” and sends the transmission destination. After changing the port number to “9100” instead of “19100”, the communication data DT1 to DT4 including the print job are transmitted to the respective destination printers.

  Therefore, for example, in the communication data DT2, “IP2” is described as the transmission destination IP address, “9100” as the transmission destination port number, and “1 copy” as the QT value.

  When the standard network board of the printer PRT2 receives the communication data DT2, it passes the print job data to the software waiting at the port number “9100”. As described above, since the port number “9100” is a port number that is normally assigned to the non-procedural protocol that is the printing protocol, the print job data is transferred to the print control software in the printer PRT2, Printing according to the print job is executed.

  Of course, the other printers PRT3 and PRT4 also execute printing according to the transmitted print job in the PRT1 having the distributed printing control function.

  Accordingly, in each of the printers PRT1 to PRT4, each “1 copy” is printed, and a total of “4 copies” is distributed in the entire system.

  Subsequently, the functional unit again searches for printers that are online and are not receiving print jobs and not printing from printers connected to the LAN, and determines a distribution destination printer. Then, after changing the QT value included in the print job data to “1 copy” and the transmission destination port number to “9100”, the communication data including the print job is transmitted to each of the distribution destination printers. . Each distribution destination printer executes “one copy” of printing according to the print job. Hereinafter, such processing is repeatedly executed until the cumulative number of copies in the entire system reaches “100”.

  Eventually, a total of “100 copies” of distributed printing is executed in the entire system.

A2. Printer configuration:
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram mainly showing the configuration of the printer PRT1 in FIG. The printer PRT1 includes a printer main body PRB and the custom network board CNB described above. Among these, the printer main body PRB mainly includes a printer engine 41 and a printer controller 42. The printer engine 41 is a mechanism portion that actually performs printing. The printer controller 42 receives print job data from the custom network board CNB, controls the printer engine 41 according to the print job, and executes printing.

  On the other hand, the custom network board CNB which is a characteristic part of the present invention mainly includes a CPU 20 and a memory 30. In addition, a communication interface for actually performing network communication is also provided, but this is omitted for convenience of explanation.

  The CPU 20 functions as the illustrated functional blocks by reading out and executing a program such as the above-described distributed printing software from the memory 30. Each functional block may be constructed in hardware. Such a CPU 20 corresponds to a control unit described in the claims.

  Among these functional blocks, the TCP / IP interpreter 21 interprets the TCP / IP protocol and communicates with the outside via the network. Specifically, a destination IP address and a destination port number included in the received communication data are detected, or a destination IP address and a destination port number are assigned to the communication data to be transmitted. The non-procedural protocol interpretation units 22A and 22B interpret a non-procedural protocol that is a printing protocol. In the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, when the communication data is transmitted with the normal “9100” as the transmission destination port number, the non-procedural protocol interpretation unit 22B functions and is transmitted with a specific “19100”. In such a case, it is assumed that the non-procedural protocol interpretation unit 22A functions.

  In addition, when performing distributed printing, the distribution destination determination unit 23 searches for printers that are to be distribution destinations as candidate printers from the LAN, and determines a distribution destination printer from these candidate printers. The copy number determination unit 24 determines the number of distribution copies to be assigned to each distribution destination printer from the designated total number of print copies. The distributed processing unit 25 rewrites the QT value indicating the number of copies included in the print job data, and then distributes the print job data to each distributed printer.

  On the other hand, the memory 30 includes a print job storage unit 31 and a distribution destination designation file storage unit 32 for storing various data in addition to storing the above-described program. Among these, the print job storage unit 31 is a storage unit for temporarily storing the transmitted print job data. The distribution destination designation file storage unit 32 stores the distribution destination designation file. This distribution destination designation file is used when a printer to be used as a distribution destination in distributed printing among a plurality of printers connected to the LAN is designated and limited in advance. Accordingly, when such designation is unnecessary, nothing is stored in the distribution destination designation file storage unit 32.

  In FIG. 3, the client CL includes a non-procedural protocol interpretation unit 12 and a TCP / IP interpretation unit 11 as functional blocks in addition to the application 13. In addition to the printer engine 54 and the printer controller 53, the printer PRT2 includes a non-procedural protocol interpretation unit 52 and a TCP / IP interpretation unit 51 as functional blocks. Among these, the non-procedural protocol interpreting unit 12 and the non-procedural protocol interpreting unit 52 have the same functions as the non-procedural protocol interpreting unit 22B that handles communication data transmitted with the normal “9100” as the transmission destination port number in the printer PRT1. Have. Also, the TCP / IP interpreting units 11 and 51, the TCP / IP interpreting unit 21 in the printer PRT1, the printer engine 54 and the printer controller 53, and the printer engine 41 and the printer controller 42 in the printer PRT1, respectively, have the same functions and configurations. have.

  The printers PRT3 and 4 shown in FIG. 1 have the same configuration as the printer PRT2 in FIG.

A3. Normal printing process:
Before describing the distributed printing process, which is a feature of the present invention, a normal printing process will be briefly described. An example in which a print job is transmitted from the client CL to the printer PRT1 and printing is executed only by the printer PRT1 will be described. In this case, the print job is transferred along a path indicated by a dotted line in FIG. In the printer driver (not shown) in the client CL, it is assumed that the print protocol is set to a non-procedural protocol.

  When the user issues a print command to the client CL, in the client CL, the application 13 transmits a print job to the printer PRT1 via the non-procedural protocol interpretation unit 12 and the TCP / IP interpretation unit 11. At this time, the non-procedural protocol interpreting unit 12 transmits communication data including a print job according to the non-procedural protocol that is a printing protocol, and the TCP / IP interpreting unit 11 uses the communication data as a transmission destination IP address. In addition to specifying “IP1” of the printer PRT1, “9100”, which is normally assigned to the nonprocedural protocol, is specified as the destination port number.

  In the printer PRT1, the TCP / IP interpreter 21 receives the communication data according to the destination IP address “IP1” included in the communication data, and the destination port number included in the communication data is “9100”. Therefore, the data is transferred to the non-procedural protocol interpretation unit 22B that handles the communication data transmitted with “9100”. The non-procedural protocol interpretation unit 22B receives communication data including a print job according to the non-procedural protocol, and passes the print job to the printer controller 42. The printer controller 42 reads the number of copies from the QT value included in the print job data, and causes the printer engine 41 to execute printing for the designated number of copies.

A4. Distributed printing process:
Next, the distributed printing process which is a characteristic part of the present invention will be described in detail. First, as a premise, when the power of the printer PRT1 is turned on by the user, the printer main body PRB and the custom network board CNB are activated, and the distribution destination determining unit 23 receives the model name of its own printer PRT1 from the printer controller 42. To get. Specifically, the distribution destination determination unit 23 designates the IP address “IP1” of its own printer PRT1 as the transmission destination IP address, and inquires about the model name by SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol). The model name is requested to the printer controller 42 via the bus, and the response is received to obtain the model name.

  Based on the above assumptions, a case where a print job is transmitted from the client CL to the printer PRT1 and distributed printing can be executed by the printers PRT2 to PRT4 in addition to the printer PRT1 will be described as an example.

  When performing distributed printing, the user confirms that the print protocol setting is set to the non-procedural protocol in the printer driver in the client CL, and then sets the port number to the normal “9100”. To a specific “19100”. That is, in this embodiment, by switching the setting of the port number, normal printing is selected for the normal “9100” and distributed printing is selected for the specific “19100”.

  Therefore, when the user issues a print command to the client CL with the number of copies “100”, the application 13 in the client CL interprets a print job with a QT value indicating the number of copies “100” as a non-procedural protocol interpretation. The data is transmitted to the printer PRT 1 via the unit 12 and the TCP / IP interpretation unit 11. At this time, the non-procedural protocol interpreting unit 12 transmits communication data including a print job according to the non-procedural protocol that is a printing protocol, and the TCP / IP interpreting unit 11 uses the communication data as a transmission destination IP address. “IP1” of the printer PRT1 is designated, and “19100” is designated as the transmission destination port number instead of the usual “9100”.

  As a result, communication data DT0 as shown in FIG. 1 is transmitted from the client CL to the printer PRT1. That is, the communication data DT0 describes “IP1” as the destination IP address, “19100” as the destination port number, and “100 copies” as the QT value (that is, the number of copies to be printed).

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of main functional blocks in the printer PRT1. Specifically, the processing is executed by the distributed processing unit 25, the distribution destination determining unit 23, and the copy number determining unit 24.

  In the printer PRT1, the TCP / IP interpreter 21 receives the communication data according to the destination IP address “IP1” included in the communication data DT0, and the destination port number included in the communication data is “19100”. Therefore, this time, not the non-procedural protocol interpretation unit 22B but the non-procedural protocol interpretation unit 22A that handles the communication data transmitted by “19100”.

  On the other hand, the distributed processing unit 25 stands by until a print job arrives at the port number “19100” (step S102). When the non-procedural protocol interpreting unit 22A receives communication data including a print job according to the non-procedural protocol, the non-procedural protocol interpreting unit 22A passes the print job data to the distributed processing unit 25 waiting at the port number “19100”.

  The distribution processing unit 25 sequentially receives the received print job data from the top and stores it in the print job storage unit 31 (step S104).

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the print job data opened by an editor as an example. As shown in FIG. 5, the front side of the print job data is a job control language part, and the rear side is image data to be printed. In the job control language portion, a QT value indicating the number of copies is described as the number of copies information. In the illustrated example, “QT = 2”, indicating that the QT value (number of copies to be printed) is “2 copies”.

  The distributed processing unit 25 continues to store the received print job data in the print job storage unit 31 until a QT value is found in the stored print job data (step S106). Thereafter, when the QT value is found, the distribution processing unit 25 stops storing the print job data in the print job storage unit 31 and acquires the total number of copies m from the found QT value (step S108). It is determined whether the number m of prints is “1” (step S110). As a result of the determination, if the total number of copies m is “1 copy”, the process proceeds to step S124. If it is “2 copies” or more, the process proceeds to step S112. In this case, as described above, “100 copies” is described as the QT value (number of print copies) (“QT = 100”), so that “100 copies” is acquired as the total number of print copies m to be distributed. In other words, since it is “2 copies” or more, the process proceeds to step S112.

  Next, in step S112, the distribution processing unit 25 resumes storing the print job data in the print job storage unit 31 and stores the received print job data in the print job storage unit 31. Then, the distribution processing unit 25 determines whether or not the received print job data has entered the print job storage unit 31 (step S114). If it has entered, the distributed print job data is further transmitted. It is determined whether or not all have been received (step S116). As a result of the determination, if all the print job data has not been received yet, the process returns to the process of step S112, and the distribution processing unit 25 continues to store the received print job data in the print job storage unit 31, The processing from step S112 to step S116 is repeated until all the print job data is received. Thereafter, if the received print job data does not completely enter the print job storage unit 31 until all the print job data is received, a second distributed printing process to be described later is executed (step). S120). On the other hand, when all of the print job data is received and all of the print job data has entered the print job storage unit 31, a first distributed printing process to be described later is executed (step S118).

  That is, in this embodiment, the broadly-distributed distributed printing process shown in FIG. 4 is further divided into a first distributed printing process and a second distributed printing process, which are narrowly-defined distributed printing processes. The processing is selectively executed depending on whether or not all of the transmitted print job data is stored in the print job storage unit 31.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the first distributed printing processing routine. When this processing routine is started, the distribution destination determination unit 23 first executes common preprocessing (step S202). This common pre-process is a pre-process that is commonly executed not only in the first distributed printing process but also in the second distributed printing process described later.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of common preprocessing. In this common preprocessing, the distribution destination determination unit 23 first detects whether or not a distribution destination designation file is stored in the distribution destination designation file storage unit 32 (step S302). If the distribution destination designation file is stored, the printer candidates that are to be used as the distribution destination are designated in advance.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of the distribution destination designation file. As shown in FIG. 8, the distribution destination designation file lists and describes the IP addresses of printers that are desired to be used as the distribution destination. Such a distribution destination designation file is stored in the distribution destination designation file by, for example, connecting and installing a setting computer to the printer PRT1 when the service person installs the printer PRT1 and performs initial setting. It can be stored in the unit 32. Further, it may be installed via a LAN. When such a distribution destination designation file is used, if it is desired to use its own printer PRT1 as the distribution destination, the IP address “IP1” of the self printer PRT1 must also be described in the distribution destination designation file. .

  When the distribution destination designation file is stored in the distribution destination designation file storage unit 32, the distribution destination determination unit 23 reads the distribution destination designation file and lists the IP address of the printer described therein. (Step S304).

  On the other hand, if the distribution destination designation file is not stored, the distribution destination determination unit 23 uses SNMP or the like to inquire the IP address of each device connected to the LAN by broadcast, The responded IP addresses are listed (step S306).

  Next, the distribution destination determination unit 23 uses SNMP to inquire the model name of each device with the IP address listed, and extracts a printer of the same model as its own printer PRT1 based on the responded model name. (Step S308). As described above, the printer of the same model as the self printer PRT1 is extracted as a candidate for the distribution destination printer when the distributed printing is performed without performing data conversion of the print job in each distribution destination printer. This is to allow proper printing. As a result, it is possible to unify the quality of printed matter, for example, the resolution and font, at each distribution destination printer. Color printing and double-sided printing are also specified and executed.

  As described above, the distribution destination determination unit 23 has already acquired the model name of the printer PRT1 when the printer PRT1 is powered on. Based on this, the distribution destination determination unit 23 extracts a printer of the same model as the printer PRT1 itself. .

  Also, the reason for inquiring the model name for the device having the IP address specified in the distribution destination specification file is as follows. In other words, after creating the distribution destination specification file, the IP address described in the distribution destination specification file is allocated to a printer of a different model from the printer PRT1 or to a device other than the printer by replacing the device. This is to check whether the printer is the same model as the printer PRT1 of its own. Furthermore, it is simultaneously confirmed that the device having the IP address specified in the distribution destination specification file is actually turned on and the network path is reachable.

  Now, when the common pre-process shown in FIG. 7 is completed as described above, returning to FIG. 6, the number-of-copies determination unit 24 next uses the total number of copies m acquired in step S108 of FIG. Set as the number of copies r (step S204). Here, the remaining number of printed copies r is the number of remaining printed copies that still need to be printed in the entire system.

Next, the distribution destination determination unit 23 makes an inquiry about the operation state to the printer extracted in the common preprocessing described above using SNMP or the like, and based on the response result, the printer that satisfies all the following three conditions: Is selected as a candidate printer (step S206).
1) Online state.
2) Print job data is not being received.
3) The print job data is not being printed.

  Of these, by imposing the condition “1)“ Online ”, printers that have failed such as out of paper, out of toner (or out of ink), or paper jam and cannot be printed immediately. And can be excluded from the candidates for the distribution destination printer. In addition, “print job data is not being received” in 2) means that the target printer print data transmitted from another device (such as a computer) as well as print job data transmitted from the printer PRT1. “The print job data is not being printed” in 3) means that the received print job data is not being printed. Even if the printer is online, printers that are receiving or printing print job data can generate errors such as paper jams, out of paper, or out of toner during printing or when printing is complete. By imposing the conditions 2) and 3), it is possible to exclude a printer having such a possibility from the candidates for the distribution destination printer.

  If the printer extracted by the common preprocessing includes the self printer PRT1, the self printer PRT1 is also selected as a candidate printer if all of the above three conditions are satisfied.

  Next, the distribution destination determination unit 23 determines whether or not one or more printers have been selected as the candidate printers described above (step S208). If selected, a timer (not shown) described later is selected. ) Is reset (step S210). Then, the copy number determination unit 24 acquires the number n of selected candidate printers (step S212), and determines whether or not the remaining print copy number r is larger than the number n of candidate printers (step S214). When the remaining number of copies r is larger, the distribution destination determination unit 23 determines all the n candidate printers as distribution destination printers (step 216). As described above, in the example shown in FIG. 1, a total of four printers, that is, the own printer PRT1 and the other printers PRT2 to PRT4, are determined as the distribution destination printers.

  In the first distributed printing process, one copy of each determined destination printer is distributed. Therefore, the distribution processing unit 25 changes only the QT value of the print job data stored in the print job storage unit 31 to “1 copy” and transmits the print job data to each distribution destination printer. (Step S218). Therefore, for example, in the example shown in FIG. 1, “QT = 100” described in the print job data is changed to “QT = 1”, and the print job data is transmitted to four distribution destination printers. Will do. In this case, since all the print job data transmitted from the client CL is completely stored in the print job storage unit 31, all the print job data is transmitted to each distribution destination printer.

  In this way, the distribution processing unit 25 changes the received print job to “1 copy” only for the QT value, and transmits it to each distribution destination printer via the non-procedural protocol interpretation unit 22B and the TCP / IP interpretation unit 21, respectively. Will do. At this time, the non-procedural protocol interpretation unit 22B transmits communication data including the print job in accordance with the non-procedural protocol that is a printing protocol. The TCP / IP interpreter 21 designates the IP address of each distribution destination printer as the destination IP address of the communication data, and the destination port number is the port number “19100” when received. Instead, the boat number “9100” normally assigned by the non-procedural protocol is designated.

  For example, in the example shown in FIG. 1, since the printers PRT1 to PRT4 are determined as the distribution destination printers, in the communication data DT1 to DT4 transmitted to each distribution destination printer, the transmission destination IP address and the transmission destination port. The number and QT value are specified as follows.

Communication data DT1 to the printer PRT1 → “IP1”, “9100”, “1 copy”
Communication data DT2 to printer PRT2 → “IP2”, “9100”, “1 copy”
Communication data DT3 to printer PRT3 → “IP3”, “9100”, “1 copy”
Communication data DT4 to the printer PRT2 → “IP4”, “9100”, “1 copy”

  In the printer PRT2, which is one of the distribution destination printers, as shown in FIG. 3, the TCP / IP interpreter 51 receives the communication data DT2 according to the destination IP address “IP2” included in the communication data DT2, Further, since the transmission destination port number included in the communication data DT2 is “9100”, it is passed to the non-procedural protocol interpretation unit 22B. The non-procedural protocol interpretation unit 52 receives communication data including a print job according to the non-procedural protocol, and passes the print job to the printer controller 53. The printer controller 53 reads “one copy” as the number of copies from the QT value included in the print job data, and sends the specified number of copies, ie, “one copy” to the printer engine 54 according to the print job. Start printing.

  Similarly, the printers PRT3 and PRT4, which are other distribution destination printers, execute printing in accordance with the print job for the designated number of copies “1”.

  In the self printer PRT1 that is the distribution destination printer, the TCP / IP interpreter 21 receives the transmitted communication data DT1 based on the destination IP address “IP1” included in the communication data DT1. Further, since the transmission destination port number included in the communication data DT1 is “9100”, the TCP / IP interpretation unit 21 performs the non-procedure handling the communication data transmitted with “9100” as in the case of normal printing. It is passed to the protocol interpretation unit 22B. The non-procedural protocol interpretation unit 22B receives communication data including a print job according to the non-procedural protocol, and passes the print job to the printer controller 42. The printer controller 42 reads “one copy” as the number of copies from the QT value included in the print job data, and executes printing according to the print job to the printer engine 41 by the designated number of copies “1”. Let

  As described above, the printers PRT1 to PRT4, which are the distribution destination printers, each execute “one copy” printing, and the total “4 copies” distributed printing is executed in the entire system. It will be. That is, the number of copies printed by the entire system this time is equal to the number of distribution destination printers determined in step S216, that is, the final number n of candidate printers.

  Returning to FIG. 6, next, the number of copies determination unit 24 subtracts the number n of currently printed copies from the current number of remaining printed copies r and sets the difference as a new number of remaining printed copies r (step S220). Then, the copy number determination unit 24 determines whether or not the remaining print copy number r is “0” (step S222). If it is not “0 copy”, the process returns to step S206, and the distribution destination determination unit 23 makes an inquiry about the operation state again to the printer extracted in the common preprocessing, and based on the response result, the above condition Are selected as candidate printers.

  By the way, the distribution destination printer determined in step S216 is likely to be receiving or printing the print job data when almost no time has passed since the transmission of the print job data in step S218. In such a case, even if the distribution destination determination unit 23 selects a candidate printer again in step S206, there is a possibility that one printer is not selected as a candidate printer.

  Therefore, when the distribution destination determination unit 23 has not selected one printer as described above (step S208), first, the timer (not shown) starts time counting operation (step S226), and thereafter For example, it waits for a fixed time such as 5 seconds (step S228). Then, the distribution destination determination unit 23 determines whether or not a predetermined time such as 5 minutes has elapsed since the start of time measurement by the timer (step S230), and if that time has not yet elapsed, the process returns to step S206. The candidate printer is selected. Thus, the distribution destination determination unit 23 repeats the same processing until one or more printers are selected as candidate printers. During this time, the timer operation continues (step S226). As described above, when the above process is repeated for a predetermined period, the printer that is receiving or printing during the period completes printing and can perform printing again. Or, the printer that has run out of paper is replenished with paper and goes online, or the printer that was turned off is turned on and turned on, and printing is performed. Can be selected as candidate printers.

  However, if one printer cannot be selected as a candidate printer even after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of timing by the timer, the distribution destination determination unit 23 resets the timer (step S232) and then determines its own printer PRT1. Is unconditionally determined as a destination printer (step S234).

  Next, the distribution processing unit 25 changes the QT value of the print job data stored in the print job storage unit 31 to “r copy”, which is the number of remaining prints, and distributes the print job data to the distribution destination. The data is transmitted to the self printer PRT1, which is a printer (step S236).

  In this way, the distributed processing unit 25 changes the received print job only to the “r copy” of the QT value, and passes through the non-procedural protocol interpreting unit 22B and the TCP / IP interpreting unit 21 to the self-printing destination printer. It is transmitted to the printer PRT1. At this time, the non-procedural protocol interpretation unit 22B transmits communication data including the print job in accordance with the non-procedural protocol that is a printing protocol. Further, the TCP / IP interpreter 21 designates the IP address “IP1” of the self-printer PRT1 as the destination IP address of the communication data, and the port number “normally assigned by the non-procedural protocol as the destination port number”. 9100 "is designated.

  In the self printer PRT1 that is the distribution destination printer, the TCP / IP interpreter 21 receives the transmitted communication data DT1 based on the destination IP address “IP1” included in the communication data DT1. Further, since the transmission destination port number included in the communication data DT1 is “9100”, the TCP / IP interpretation unit 21 performs the non-procedure handling the communication data transmitted with “9100” as in the case of normal printing. It is passed to the protocol interpretation unit 22B. The non-procedural protocol interpretation unit 22B receives communication data including a print job according to the non-procedural protocol, and passes the print job to the printer controller 42. The printer controller 42 reads “r copies” as the number of copies from the QT value included in the print job data, and executes printing according to the print job to the printer engine 41 for the designated number of copies “r copies”. Let

  As described above, when one printer is not selected as a candidate printer within a predetermined time, the self-printer PRT1 is determined as the distribution destination printer, and all the remaining print copies (that is, the self-printer PRT) (that is, The CPU 20 executes printing for the remaining number of copies r), and the CPU 20 ends the first distributed printing processing routine shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the processing from step S206 to step S222 is repeated and the cumulative number of copies printed in the entire system approaches the total number of copies to be printed m, the remaining number of copies to be printed r is also reduced. The number of copies r may be smaller than the number n of candidate printers. In this case, it is not necessary to determine all candidate printers as distribution destination printers, and it is only necessary to determine the distribution destination printers by the number of remaining printing copies r, so that the distribution destination determining unit 23 determines the number of remaining printing copies. r is set as the number n of candidate printers (step S224), and candidate printers are narrowed down to the number of remaining print copies r. Then, the distribution destination determination unit 23 determines the newly set n (= r) candidate printers as distribution destination printers (step 216).

  Then, as described above, the distribution processing unit 25 changes only the QT value from the print job data stored in the print job storage unit 31 to “1 copy” and transfers the print job data to each distribution destination printer. (Step S218). Then, as described above, the number of copies determination unit 24 also subtracts the number n of currently printed copies from the current number of remaining printed copies r and sets the difference as a new number of remaining printed copies r (step S220). It is determined whether or not the number of copies r is “0” (step S222). However, as described above, since the number n of copies printed this time is equal to the number r of remaining prints (n = r), the difference obtained by subtracting the number n of copies from the number r of remaining prints is “0”, which is newly added. Since the set number of remaining prints r is “0”, the number of copies determination unit 24 determines that the number of remaining prints r is “0”.

  Thus, in the entire system, the cumulative number of copies printed by each distribution destination printer is “m copies”, and the total number of print copies m has been printed, so the CPU 20 performs the first distribution shown in FIG. The print processing routine ends.

  When the first distributed printing processing routine is completed as described above, the CPU 20 returns to the processing in FIG. 4 and the series of processing in FIG. 4 is also ended.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the second distributed printing processing routine. As described above, if the received print job data does not fully enter the print job storage unit 31 until all the print job data transmitted from the client CL is received, the second distributed printing process is performed. Is executed (step S120 in FIG. 1). Therefore, when the processing routine shown in FIG. 9 is started, the distribution destination determination unit 23 first executes the common pre-process as in the first distributed printing process (step S202). The common pre-processing is the same as that described with reference to FIG.

  Next, the distribution destination determination unit 23 makes an inquiry about the operation state to the printer extracted by the common preprocessing by SNMP or the like, and selects a printer in the online state as a candidate printer based on the response result (see FIG. Step S402). As a result, printers that have caused an error such as out of paper and cannot be printed immediately can be excluded from the candidates for the distribution destination printer.

  If the printer extracted by the common preprocessing includes the self printer PRT1, the self printer PRT1 is also selected as a candidate printer if it is online.

  Next, the distribution destination determination unit 23 determines whether or not one or more printers have been selected as the candidate printers described above (step S404). Printer PRT1 is unconditionally selected as a candidate printer (step S414).

  In this way, the distribution destination determination unit 23 determines the printer selected as described above as the distribution destination printer (step S416). As described above, in the example shown in FIG. 1, a total of four printers, that is, the own printer PRT1 and the other printers PRT2 to PRT4, are determined as the distribution destination printers.

  In the second distributed printing process, distributed printing is performed by the determined number of distributed copies in each determined distribution destination printer. Therefore, the copy number determination unit 24 determines the number of distribution copies to be allocated to each distribution destination printer, based on the number s of distribution destination printers and the total number of copies m acquired in step S108. In this embodiment, the number of distribution copies is determined so that the distribution destination printers are allocated as evenly as possible, and the total is equal to the total number of copies m.

  Therefore, as described above, in the example shown in FIG. 1, since the number of distribution destination printers is four and the total number of copies is “100”, the number of distribution copies to be assigned to each distribution destination printer is set as follows. “25 copies” will be determined.

  However, depending on the number of distribution destination printers and the value of the total number of print copies, naturally, the distribution copy number may not be equal in each distribution destination printer. Therefore, based on this fact, specifically, the number of copies is determined as follows.

  That is, if the number of distribution destination printers is m, the total number of copies is m, and the distribution number to be assigned to the xth printer among the s distribution destination printers is ax, the distribution number ax is expressed by the following equation (1). )

  In equation (1), “(... ≦ ...)? 1: 0” in the two items on the right-hand side satisfies the inequality in parentheses, the value of the term is 1, and the inequality is If not satisfied, the value of the term is set to zero.

Therefore, for example, when the number of distribution destination printers s is 4 (s = 4) and the total number of copies m is 102 (m = 102), the number of distribution copies ax to each distribution destination printer according to equation (1). Are as follows.
First printer: a1 = 25 + 1 = 26 copies Second printer: a2 = 25 + 1 = 26 copies Third printer: a3 = 25 + 0 = 25 copies Fourth printer: a4 = 25 + 0 = 25 copies

  Next, the distribution processing unit 25 sets only the QT value of the print job data stored in the print job storage unit 31 to the value of the number of distributed copies ax assigned to the distribution destination printer for each distribution destination printer. Then, the print job data is transmitted to each distribution destination printer (step S410). Therefore, for example, in the example shown in FIG. 1, since the number of distribution copies allocated to each distribution destination printer is “25 copies”, “QT = 100” described in the print job data is changed to “QT = 25”. The print job data is transmitted to four distribution destination printers. In this case, since all of the print job data transmitted from the client CL does not completely enter the print job storage unit 31, the print job corresponding to the print job storage unit 31 out of the transmitted print job data. Data is transmitted to each distribution destination printer. In this way, when the print job data stored in the print job storage unit 31 is transmitted, a storage area corresponding to the print job data is freed, so that new data can be stored in the print job storage unit 31. Therefore, the distribution processing unit 25 resumes storing the received print job data in the print job storage unit 31, and the print job data received after that and temporarily stored in the print job storage unit 31 is also sequentially distributed. Each is transmitted to the destination printer (step S412).

  In this way, the distributed processing unit 25 changes the received print job only to the QT value and transmits it to each distribution destination printer via the non-procedural protocol interpreting unit 22B and the TCP / IP interpreting unit 21, respectively. At this time, the non-procedural protocol interpretation unit 22B transmits communication data including the print job in accordance with the non-procedural protocol that is a printing protocol. The TCP / IP interpreter 21 designates the IP address of each distribution destination printer as the destination IP address of the communication data, and the destination port number is the port number “19100” when received. Instead, the boat number “9100” normally assigned by the non-procedural protocol is designated.

  For example, in the example shown in FIG. 1, since the printers PRT1 to PRT4 are determined as the distribution destination printers, in the communication data DT1 to DT4 transmitted to each distribution destination printer, the transmission destination IP address and the transmission destination port. The number and QT value are specified as follows.

Communication data DT1 to the printer PRT1 → “IP1”, “9100”, “25 copies”
Communication data DT2 to the printer PRT2 → “IP2”, “9100”, “25 copies”
Communication data DT3 to printer PRT3 → “IP3”, “9100”, “25 copies”
Communication data DT4 to the printer PRT2 → “IP4”, “9100”, “25 copies”

  Since the operations of the printers PRT1 to PRT4, which are the distribution destination printers, are substantially the same as those in the case of the first distribution process described above, description thereof is omitted. The only difference is that the printer controller reads “25 copies” as the number of copies from the QT value included in the print job data, and the specified number of copies “25 copies” is sent to the printer engine according to the print job. It is a point to execute printing.

  As described above, each of the printers PRT1 to PRT4, which are the distribution destination printers, performs printing of “25 copies”, and the total system performs distributed printing of “100 copies”. It will be.

  In this way, the distribution destination printer determined in step S406 executes distributed printing for the distribution destination number ax for each distribution destination printer determined in step S408, so that the total number of copies m is printed in the entire system. Therefore, the CPU 20 ends the second distributed printing processing routine shown in FIG. 9, returns to the processing in FIG. 4, and ends the series of processing in FIG.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 4, if the QT value is not found in the print job data stored in the print job storage unit 31 in step S106 described above, the distribution processing unit 25 stores the QT value. It is determined whether or not the job control language part is found in the print job data and the end of the job control language part is not found (step S122).

  As a result, if the job control language part is not found in the stored print job data, it can be determined that there is no job control language part in the print job data, and the job control language part is found, If the end is already found without finding the QT value, it can be determined that there is no QT value in the job control language part. Therefore, in these cases, there is no possibility of finding the QT value in the received print job data any more, so the distribution processing unit 25 proceeds to the next step S124.

  As described above, when the total number of copies m is “1” (step S110), the process proceeds to step S124 in the same manner.

  In step S124, the distribution destination determination unit 23 determines only its own printer PRT1 as the distribution destination printer. That is, if there is no QT value and the total number of copies m is unknown, or even if there is a QT value, if the total number of copies m is “1”, it is substantially impossible to perform distributed printing. Therefore, it is switched to normal printing using only its own printer PRT1. Then, the distribution processing unit 25 transmits the print job data stored in the print job storage unit 31 as it is to its own printer PRT1 determined as the distribution destination printer (step S126). Thereafter, the distribution processing unit 25 also transmits the print job data received thereafter to its own printer PRT1, which is the distribution destination printer (step S128).

  Thus, the distributed processing unit 25 transmits the received print job to its own printer PRT1 via the non-procedural protocol interpretation unit 22B and the TCP / IP interpretation unit 21. At this time, the non-procedural protocol interpreting unit 22B transmits communication data including the print job according to the non-procedural protocol which is a printing protocol, and the TCP / IP interpreting unit 21 uses the destination IP address of the communication data as a transmission destination IP address. The IP address “IP1” of the self-printer PRT1 is designated, and the boat number “9100” normally assigned by the non-procedural protocol is designated as the destination port number.

  In the self-printer PRT1, the TCP / IP interpreter 21 receives the transmitted communication data based on the transmission destination IP address “IP1” included in the communication data DT1, and further transmits the transmission destination port included in the communication data. Since the number is “9100”, it is passed to the non-procedural protocol interpretation unit 22B that handles the communication data transmitted with “9100”. The non-procedural protocol interpretation unit 22B receives communication data including a print job according to the non-procedural protocol, and passes the print job to the printer controller 42. When there is no QT value to be included in the print job data, the printer controller 42 causes the printer engine 41 to execute printing according to the print job for “one copy”. If the print job data has a QT value, “1 copy” is read from the QT value as the number of copies, and the printer engine 41 follows the print job by the specified number of copies “1”. Execute printing. As a result, in either case, the printer PRT1 performs printing for only one copy.

  As described above, if the received print job data does not include the QT value, or if it is included, but the total number of printed copies m read from the QT value is only “1”, the distribution is performed. The self-printer PRT1 is determined as the destination printer, and only one copy is executed in the self-printer PRT, and the CPU 20 also ends the series of processes in FIG.

A5. Effects of the embodiment:
As described above, in this embodiment, since the printer PRT1 having the distributed printing control function controls all distributed printing, distributed printing can be realized with a simple system without using a dedicated server. Is possible.

  In the printer PRT1 having the distributed printing control function, when all the print job data transmitted from the client CL has entered the print job storage unit 31, the QT value is changed to “1 copy”. Since print job data is sent to each distribution destination printer and each distribution destination printer performs “one copy” of distributed printing, an error or the like occurs in any of the distribution destination printers. Even if it fails, only one copy can be failed.

  Further, in the printer PRT1, when all the print job data has entered the print job storage unit 31, the printer PRT1 is in an online state from among printers connected to the LAN, and is not receiving a print job. Since printers that are not printing are searched and the destination printer is determined, printers that have generated errors or printers that may generate errors can be excluded from the destination printers, and printing has failed. It is possible to avoid repeatedly sending print job data to the printer.

  Further, in order to execute distributed printing, the client CL simply sets the port number in the printer driver without installing special software, and the normal port number “9100” normally assigned by the non-procedural protocol. ”To a specific port number“ 19100 ”, distributed printing can be realized, so that the burden on the user can be greatly reduced.

  In the distribution destination printer, since the communication data to be transmitted is the port number “9100” normally assigned in the non-procedural protocol, it is not necessary to know whether it is distributed printing or not. Printing can be executed as it is.

  In the printer PRT1, the transmission destination port number “19100” indicated by the communication data that triggers the execution of the distributed printing control and the transmission destination port number “9100” indicated by the communication data transmitted to the distribution destination printer are changed. Therefore, even if the distribution destination printer includes its own printer PRT1 and communication data including a print job is transmitted to itself, the port number indicated by the communication data is “9100” and the distributed print control Therefore, a print job distributed to itself cannot be distributed indefinitely such as redistribution and re-distribution. Similarly, when there are two or more custom network boards having a distributed print control function in the same network, a print job to be distributed between them is not ping-pong.

  In the printer PRT1, the print job received and stored in the print job storage unit 31 does not include the QT value, or even if it is included, the total number m of prints read from the QT value is “1”. In the case of only “copy”, since the self-printer PRT1 is determined as the distribution destination printer and the transmission of the print job data is immediately started, all the print job data transmitted from the client CL is received. Therefore, compared with the case where the transmission of the print job data is started, the printing start at each distribution destination printer can be accelerated.

  The printer PRT1 can easily perform distributed printing by changing only the QT value, which is the number of copies information, of the received print job data and transmitting it to each distribution destination printer. As the CPU 20 of the custom network board CNB, it is not necessary to use a CPU having a high processing capability, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

B. Second embodiment:
In the first embodiment described above, when a print job is transmitted from the client CL to the printer PRT1 having the distributed print control function and when a print job is transmitted from the printer PRT1 to the distribution destination printer, the print protocol is used as the print protocol. Although the same protocol (that is, non-procedural protocol) is used, but different port numbers (that is, “9100” and “19100”) are used as port numbers, distributed printing has been realized. When a print job is transmitted from the client CL to the printer PRT1 having the distributed print control function and when a print job is transmitted from the printer PRT1 to the distribution destination printer, a different protocol is used as a print protocol. Realize printing

B1. Printer configuration:
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram mainly showing the configuration of a printer PRT1 as a second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the configuration shown in FIG. 10 is different from the configuration shown in FIG. 3 in the first embodiment in that an LPR interpreter 26 is used instead of the non-procedural protocol interpreter 22A (however, The non-procedural protocol interpretation unit 22B remains as it is), and the client CL is provided with the LPR interpretation unit 14 accordingly. The other configuration is the same as the configuration shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 10, LPR interpretation units 26 and 14 interpret LPR (Line Printer daemon protocol) which is a printing protocol.

B2. Normal printing process:
Before describing the distributed printing process, a normal printing process will be briefly described. An example in which a print job is transmitted from the client CL to the printer PRT1 and printing is executed only by the printer PRT1 will be described. In this case, the print job is transferred along a path indicated by a dotted line in FIG. In the printer driver (not shown) in the client CL, it is assumed that the print protocol is set to a non-procedural protocol.

  When the user issues a print command to the client CL, in the client CL, the application 13 transmits a print job to the printer PRT1 via the non-procedural protocol interpretation unit 12 and the TCP / IP interpretation unit 11. At this time, the non-procedural protocol interpreting unit 12 transmits communication data including a print job according to the non-procedural protocol that is a printing protocol, and the TCP / IP interpreting unit 11 uses the communication data as a transmission destination IP address. Designate “IP1” of printer PRT1.

  In the printer PRT1, the TCP / IP interpreter 21 receives the communication data according to the destination IP address “IP1” included in the communication data. The non-procedural protocol interpretation unit 22B receives communication data including a print job according to the non-procedural protocol, and passes the print job to the printer controller 42. The printer controller 42 reads the number of copies from the QT value included in the print job data, and causes the printer engine 41 to execute printing for the designated number of copies.

B3. Distributed printing processing:
Next, distributed printing processing will be described. When performing distributed printing, the user changes the print protocol setting from the non-procedural protocol to the LPR in the printer driver in the client CL. That is, in this embodiment, by switching the setting of the printing protocol here, normal printing is selected for the non-procedural protocol, and distributed printing is selected for the LPR.

  Therefore, when the user issues a print command to the client CL with the number of copies “100”, the application 13 in the client CL sends a print job with a QT value indicating the number of copies to “100” as an LPR interpreter 14. , Sent to the printer PRT1 via the TCP / IP interpreter 11. At this time, the LPR interpreting unit 14 transmits communication data including a print job according to the printing protocol LPR, and the TCP / IP interpreting unit 11 uses the “PR” of the printer PRT1 as the destination IP address of the communication data. Specify "IP1".

  In the printer PRT1, the TCP / IP interpreter 21 receives the communication data according to the destination IP address “IP1” included in the communication data. The LPR interpretation unit 26 receives communication data including a print job according to the LPR, and passes the print job data to the distributed processing unit 25.

  Thus, in this embodiment, the processing from when the print job data is passed to the distribution processing unit 25 until the distribution destination printer is determined is the same as in the first embodiment, and therefore, Description is omitted. Here, for example, it is assumed that the printers PRT1 to PRT4 are determined as the distribution destination printers.

  Thereafter, the distributed processing unit 25 changes only the QT value of the received print job, and the print job is transmitted via the non-procedural protocol interpreting unit 22B instead of the LPR interpreting unit 26 and further to the TCP / IP interpreting unit. 21 to the respective distribution destination printers. At this time, the non-procedural protocol interpretation unit 22B transmits communication data including the print job in accordance with the non-procedural protocol that is a printing protocol. Further, the TCP / IP interpreter 21 designates the IP address of each distribution destination printer as the destination IP address of the communication data.

  In the printer PRT2, which is one of the distribution destination printers, as shown in FIG. 10, the TCP / IP interpreter 51 receives the communication data DT2 in accordance with the destination IP address “IP2” included in the communication data DT2, It is passed to the non-procedural protocol interpretation unit 22B. The non-procedural protocol interpretation unit 52 receives communication data including a print job according to the non-procedural protocol, and passes the print job to the printer controller 53. The printer controller 53 reads the number of copies from the QT value included in the print job data, and causes the printer engine 54 to execute printing in accordance with the print job for the designated number of copies.

  Similarly, printing according to the print job is executed for the designated number of copies in the printers PRT3 and PRT4 which are other distribution destination printers.

  In the self printer PRT1 which is the distribution destination printer, the TCP / IP interpreter 21 receives the communication data transmitted to the self based on the transmission destination IP address “IP1” included in the communication data. The non-procedural protocol interpretation unit 22B receives communication data including a print job according to the non-procedural protocol, and passes the print job to the printer controller 42. The printer controller 42 reads the number of copies from the QT value included in the print job data, and causes the printer engine 41 to execute printing according to the specified number of copies.

  As described above, the printers PRT1 to PRT4, which are the distribution destination printers, each execute printing of the designated number of copies.

  Since the other processes are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

B4. Effects of the embodiment:
As described above, in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, since the printer PRT1 having the distributed printing control function controls all the distributed printing, a simple server can be used without using a dedicated server. Distributed printing can be realized by the system.

  Also, in the printer PRT1 having the distributed print control function, when all the print job data transmitted from the client CL has entered the print job storage unit 31 as in the first embodiment, the printer PRT1 is connected to the LAN. Search printers that are online and are not receiving print jobs or printing, determine the destination printer, change the QT value to "1 copy", and print The job data is transmitted to each distribution destination printer, and “one copy” is distributed to each distribution destination printer. For this reason, even if an error or the like occurs in any of the distribution destination printers and printing fails, only one copy can be failed at most. In addition, printers that generate errors or printers that may generate errors can be excluded from the distribution destination printers, avoiding repeated sending of print job data to printers that failed to print. be able to.

  In addition, the client CL can realize distributed printing by simply changing the print protocol setting to LPR in the printer driver without installing special software in order to execute distributed printing. Therefore, the burden on the user can be greatly reduced.

  In the printer PRT1, the type is changed between a printing protocol (that is, LPR) that triggers execution of distributed printing control and a printing protocol (that is, non-procedural protocol) that is transmitted to the distribution destination printer. Even when the distribution destination printer includes its own printer PRT1 and a print job is transmitted to itself, the print protocol at that time is a non-procedural protocol and cannot be a trigger for distributed print control. Therefore, the print job distributed to itself is not distributed indefinitely such as redistribution and redistribution.

  Also, the printer PRT1 can easily perform distributed printing by changing only the QT value, which is the number of copies information, of the received print job data and sending it to each distribution destination printer. As the CPU 20 of the custom network board CNB, it is not necessary to use a CPU having a high processing capability, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

C. Third embodiment:
C1. Modified example of the first distributed printing process:
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a modification of the processing procedure of the first distributed printing processing routine. The first distributed printing processing routine in the first embodiment and the second embodiment can be executed only when the transmitted print job can be stored in the print job storage unit 31. However, the first distributed printing processing routine according to the modification is different in that it can be executed even if it cannot be stored in the print job storage unit 31.

  In step S510, the printer PRT1 having the distributed printing control function determines the distribution destination as in the first embodiment. In step S520, the printer PRT1 transmits only print target image data in the print job transmitted to the determined distribution destination.

  In step S530, the printer PRT1 transmits a copy number designation command including a QT value of “1” to the determined distribution destination. In this embodiment, the print target image data and the copy number designation command are transmitted separately, but may be configured to be transmitted together.

  In this embodiment, the number of copies designation command includes a command for setting the distribution destination printing apparatus so that the job is not completed until a number of copies designation command including a QT value of “0” is received. When the distribution destination printing apparatus completes the commanded printing of one copy, it transmits print completion data including information indicating the completion of printing to the printer PRT1.

  In step S540, the printer PRT1 retransmits the copy designation command including the QT value “1” to the transmission completion data transmission source in response to the reception of the printing completion data. This retransmission is continued until the total number of printed copies reaches the total number of printed copies m (step S550). On the other hand, when printing of all the copies is completed, the process proceeds to step S540.

  In step S540, the printer PRT1 retransmits the copy designation command including the QT value “0” to the transmission completion data transmission source in response to the reception of the printing completion data. The distribution destination that has received the copy designation command including the QT value of “0” sequentially completes the job.

  In this way, according to the present modification, printing can be executed one by one by sending a copy number designation command to the distribution destination, so there is no need to retransmit the print target image data. As a result, it is not necessary to store the print job in the print job storage unit 31 that is required to retransmit the image data to be printed. Therefore, this modification can be executed even if such storage is not possible.

  In addition, since the print target image data having a large data size can be transmitted only once at the first time, the network traffic can be reduced. In addition, since the print job does not end until distributed printing is completed, other print jobs can be eliminated and distributed printing can be completed quickly, and the distribution destination printing device can be monopolized to prevent mixing of other printed materials. can do.

  However, if a print job can be stored in the print job storage unit 31, a printing apparatus that has become available upon completion of processing of another print job or the like can be added to the distribution destination. It becomes possible. This is because the print target image data stored in the print job storage unit 31 can be transmitted to a printing apparatus that is newly available. Thereby, it is possible to further speed up the distributed printing process by adding a distribution destination.

  In the above-described modification, the distribution destination printing apparatus is set so that the job is not completed until a copy designation command including a QT value of “0” is received. This may be realized by maintaining the connection between the PRT 1 and the distribution destination printing apparatus and restricting access from others. In this case, the print job is completed by transmitting a predetermined job end command to the distribution destination printing apparatus.

C2. Modified example of the second distributed printing process:
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a modification of the processing procedure of the second distributed printing processing routine. The second distributed printing process is a process for performing distributed printing for each determined distribution destination printer by the allocated number of distributed copies. The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the number of copies assigned to each distribution destination can be changed after the transmission of the print job to the distribution destination. The print job to the distribution destination corresponds to the “distributed print job” in the claims.

  In step S610, the printer PRT1 determines the distribution destination and the number of copies to be assigned to each distribution destination as in the first embodiment. In step S620, the printer PRT1 transmits the print job including the print target image data and the number of assigned copies to the distribution destination as in the first embodiment.

  In step S630, if an error message including information indicating that one of the distribution destinations is stopped due to a paper jam or the like is received from one of the distribution destinations, the printer PRT1 advances the processing to step S640. .

  In step S640, the printer PRT1 reallocates the assignment. The redistribution of allocation is performed by setting the number of copies of the error message transmission source to zero and allocating the remaining print copies r equally to other distribution destinations.

  In step S650, when the distribution destination is added, the printer PRT1 advances the process to step S640. The addition of a distribution destination is a process of adding a printing apparatus that has become available upon completion of processing of another print job to the distribution destination.

  In step S640, the printer PRT1 reallocates the assignment. The redistribution of allocation is performed by equally allocating the remaining number of copies r to all distribution destinations including the added distribution destination.

  Such redistribution of allocation in accordance with the stop or addition of the distribution destination is continued until the number of copies reaches the total number of copies m. However, the change of the number of copies assigned to each distribution destination after the transmission of the print job to the distribution destination is realized in this embodiment by maintaining the connection of the distribution destination with the printer PRT1.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a communication sequence between the printer PRT1 and the printer PRT2 in this modification. In this communication sequence, the TCP / IP protocol is adopted as the communication protocol as in the above-described embodiments. As can be seen from the figure, this communication sequence has three phases: connection establishment, data transfer, and connection termination. The communication sequence between the printer PRT1 and the printers PRT2 to PRT4 is performed in the same manner.

  The connection establishment phase is a phase for establishing a connection between the printer PRT1 and the printer PRT2. This phase is started when the printer PRT1 transmits a TCP packet with the SYN flag set in the header to the printer PRT2. “The SYN flag is set” means that the TCP packet is a packet for requesting connection.

  The printer PRT2 that has received the packet requesting connection connection returns a TCP packet in which the SYN flag and ACK flag in the header are set to the printer PRT1 when the connection is possible. A TCP packet with the ACK flag set is sent back to the printer PRT1, thereby establishing a connection on the printer PRT2. The SYN flag of the returned TCP packet is also set because the printer PRT2 requests connection of the printer PRT1.

  The printer PRT1 that has received the packet requesting connection connection returns a TCP packet with the ACK flag set to the printer PRT2. This return establishes a connection on the printer PRT1 side. In this way, the connection between the printer PRT1 and the printer PRT2 is established, and the connection phase is completed.

  The data transfer phase is a phase in which the printer PRT1 transfers the print job divided into TCP packets to the printer PRT2. In this phase, a plurality of print jobs are transferred to the printer PRT2.

  The connection termination phase is a phase for terminating the connection between the printer PRT1 and the printer PRT2. This phase is started when the printer PRT1 transmits a TCP packet with the FIN flag set in the header to the printer PRT2. “FIN flag is set” means that the TCP packet is a packet for requesting connection termination.

  The printer PRT2 that has received the packet requesting the termination of the connection returns a TCP packet with the ACK flag set in the header to the printer PRT1. When the TCP packet with the ACK flag set in the header is returned to the printer PRT1, the connection on the printer PRT2 side is terminated.

  The printer PRT2 returns a TCP packet with the FIN flag set in the header immediately after the TCP packet with the ACK flag set in the header to the printer PRT1. The TCP packet with the FIN flag set is returned to the printer PRT1 because the printer PRT2 requests the printer PRT1 to end the connection. In response to the reception of the TCP packet, the printer PRT1 returns a TCP packet with an ACK flag set to the printer PRT2. As a result, the connection between the printer PRT1 and the printer PRT2 is terminated, and the printer PRT2 is opened to other users.

  The connection termination phase is normally started by the printer PRT1 when the data transfer of one print job is completed. However, in this embodiment, the data transfer phase continues without starting the connection termination phase until the remaining number of copies r becomes zero. The reason for continuing the data transfer phase until the remaining number of copies r becomes zero is to prevent the printer PRT2 from being opened until the number r of remaining copies becomes zero. The reason why the printer PRT2 is not released until the remaining number of copies r becomes zero is to allow the number of copies to be changed according to the stop or addition of the distribution destination.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the connection between the printer PRT1 and the printers PRT2 to PRT4 is continued until the remaining print copy number r becomes zero, so the print copy number at the distribution destination can be adjusted after the print job is transmitted.

  If the printer PRT2 is configured to monitor the communication session and perform timeout processing, the printer PRT2 automatically terminates the connection if the data transfer interval of each print job is long. Is also envisaged. However, in this case, the printer PRT1 may be configured to transfer dummy data during transfer of control data for reassignment.

  In this embodiment, the TCP / IP protocol is used as a base, but another connection-type communication protocol may be used as a base.

D. Variations:
The present invention is not limited to the above-described examples and embodiments, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the scope of the invention.

  In the first embodiment described above, a non-procedural protocol is used as a printing protocol. However, if the port number can be changed, LPR, IPP (Internet Printing Protocol), FTP (File Transfer Protocol), SMB (Server Message). Other printing protocols such as Block) and AppleTalk may be used.

  In the second embodiment described above, the printing protocol is a combination of LPR and a non-procedural protocol. However, if they are different from each other, they may be used in a combination of different printing protocols.

  In the above-described embodiment, each device connected to the LAN is assigned a fixed IP address. However, an IP address may be dynamically assigned by a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server or the like. . However, as in the first embodiment, when the printer is specified by the IP address using the port number “19100” and the port number “9100” separately, the IP address of the distribution source printer (printer PRT1) is fixed in advance. It is better to allocate it at When using the distribution destination specification file, it is preferable that the IP address of the distribution destination printer is assigned in advance. When the distribution destination designation file is not used, the distribution destination printer may not assign an IP address in advance, but may assign an IP address by DHCP.

As described above, in the case of a protocol for specifying a printer by an IP address, it is preferable that the IP address is allocated with the distribution source address fixed in advance. However, the printer is identified by a logical printer name such as SMB or AppleTalk. This does not apply to specific cases.
In the case of SMB or AppleTalk, the logical printer name is assigned to both the distribution source and the distribution destination, and the printer name is also specified in the distribution destination specification file to use the IP address. The same effect can be exhibited.

  In the above-described embodiment, the distributed printing control apparatus is configured as the custom network board CNB built in the printer PRT1, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the distributed printing control apparatus is connected to the printer PRT1. Separately, a wired connection such as a USB connection, an IEEE 1394 bus connection, a parallel connection, and a serial connection, or a wireless connection such as a Bluetooth connection, a wireless LAN connection, and an infrared connection may be used.

  In the above-described embodiment, the IP address of the printer that is desired to be used as the distribution destination is specified in the distribution destination specification file. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the search for the distribution destination printer is performed. You may make it designate the range of the IP address which wants to perform.

  In the above-described embodiment, the IP address is used in the designation of the transmission destination, the search for the distribution destination printer, the designation of the distribution destination printer in the distribution destination designation file, etc., but instead, the MAC address, An ID that can uniquely identify a device may be used.

  In the above-described embodiment, the model name of the self-printer PRT1 is acquired by the custom network board CNB when the printer PRT1 is turned on. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and at least the distribution destination printer is selected. The determination may be performed before the process of step S205 in FIG. 6 (selection of a printer of the same model as the self-printer PRT1). Therefore, for example, the process of acquiring the model name of the self-printer PRT1 may be performed immediately before step S205.

  In the above-described embodiment, the number of distributed copies is determined so as to be assigned to each distribution destination printer as evenly as possible in the second distributed printing process. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Prior to the determination of the number of copies, the number-of-copies determination unit 24 inquires each of the distribution destination printers about the presence / absence and the remaining amount of consumables such as printing paper and toner (or ink) by SNMP. The number of distribution copies to be allocated to each distribution destination printer may be determined according to the above. Alternatively, the number of copies may be determined in consideration of the printing speed, usage frequency, age of use, etc. of each destination printer. Also, distribute a certain number of copies or more, consider the physical distance of the printer based on pre-registered information, consider the network topology distance of the printer, The specified order may be taken into consideration, or the distribution ratio of the number of copies may be specified in the distribution destination specification file to take into account it.

  In the above embodiment, in the first distributed printing process, the distribution destination determination unit 23 determines all n candidate printers as the distribution destination printer in step S216 in FIG. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, even when there are two or more candidate printers, only one of them may always be selected and determined as a distribution destination printer. In this case, the processing in steps S212, S214, and S224 is not necessary, and r-1 is set as the remaining number of copies r in step S220. In addition, when selecting and determining one distribution destination printer from two or more candidate printers, when the two or more candidate printers have already sent a print job, A printer with a high processing speed, a printer with a large memory capacity, a printer located near the self-printer PRT1, or the like is preferentially selected.

  In the embodiment described above, when the QT value is not found in the print job data stored in the print job storage unit 31, the distribution destination determination unit 23 determines only its own printer PRT1 as the distribution destination printer, and the print job storage unit 31. The print job data stored in is sent as is to the own printer PRT1 determined as the distribution destination printer. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, even when no QT value is found in the stored print job data, the processing may be divided as follows depending on whether or not all of the transmitted print job data has entered the print job storage unit 31. .

  That is, when all of the transmitted print job data has entered the print job storage unit 31, the common pre-processing shown in FIG. 7 is executed, and the extracted printer is in an operational state by SNMP or the like. An inquiry is made, and the printer in the online state is determined as the distribution destination printer based on the response result, and the print stored in the print job storage unit 31 for a predetermined number of times preset in the self printer PRT1 The job data may be transmitted to each determined distribution destination printer as it is without being rewritten.

  If all of the transmitted print job data does not fit in the print job storage unit 31, similarly, after performing common pre-processing, the operation status is inquired to the extracted printer, The printer in the online state is determined as the distribution destination printer, and the print job data stored in the print job storage unit 31 is transmitted to each determined distribution destination printer as it is without rewriting. Print job data received after that may also be transmitted to these distribution destination printers.

  With this configuration, it is possible to sufficiently cope with a printer that cannot specify the number of prints using a QT value, such as a PostScript printer.

1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system including a printer PRT1 as a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows notionally the structure of the communication data containing a print job. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram mainly showing a configuration of a printer PRT1 in FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of main functional blocks in the printer PRT1. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing print job data opened by an editor. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a 1st distributed printing process routine. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a common pre-process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the content of the distribution destination designation | designated file. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a 2nd distributed printing process routine. It is explanatory drawing which mainly shows the structure of printer PRT1 as a 2nd Example of this invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a modification of the processing procedure of the first distributed printing processing routine. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a modification of the processing procedure of the second distributed printing processing routine. It is explanatory drawing which shows the communication sequence between the printer PRT1 and the printer PRT2 in the modification of the process sequence of a 2nd distributed printing process routine.

Explanation of symbols

11 ... TCP / IP interpreter 12 ... Non-procedural protocol interpreter 13 ... Application 14 ... LPR interpreter 20 ... CPU
21 ... TCP / IP interpreting unit 22A, 22B ... Non-procedural protocol interpreting unit 23 ... Distributed destination determining unit 24 ... Copy number determining unit 25 ... Distributed processing unit 26 ... LPR interpreting unit 30 ... Memory 31 ... Print job storage unit 32 ... Distribution destination designation file storage unit 41 ... Printer engine 42 ... Printer controller 51 ... TCP / IP interpretation unit 52 ... Non-procedural protocol Interpreter 53 ... Printer controller 54 ... Printer engine CL ... Client CNB ... Custom network board PRB ... Printer body PRT1-4 ... Printer

Claims (5)

A distributed print control apparatus capable of distributing a print job transmitted via a network to one or more distribution destination printing apparatuses serving as distribution destinations among a plurality of printing apparatuses connected to the network,
A print job storage unit for storing the print job;
Determining whether the entire print job can be stored in the print job storage unit;
When it is determined that the entire print job can be stored in the print job storage unit,
In response to the reception of the print job, an inquiry is made to the printing apparatus connected to the network, and the distribution destination printing apparatus is determined based on a response result;
Processing for transmitting a distributed print job in which the required number of copies is set to 1 for each of the determined distribution destination printing apparatuses;
The total number of copies printed by distribution destination printing device to repeatedly alternately until a number of copies specified in the print job,
If it is determined that the entire print job cannot be stored in the print job storage unit,
Data indicating the distribution destination printing device and the number of copies to be allocated to each of the distribution destination printing devices according to reception of a part of the print job, and representing the number of printing copies for the distribution destination printing device send distributed print job including, receiving the remainder of the print job after transmission of the print job, and a control unit, a distributed printing control apparatus. The distributed printing control apparatus according to claim 1 ,
The distributed printing control device
Search processing for searching as a candidate printing device a printing device that satisfies the predetermined condition that the printing device is online and is not receiving a print job or printing from the plurality of printing devices;
A distribution destination determination process for determining the distribution destination printing device from the retrieved candidate printing devices;
After the determination, a distribution destination addition determination process for additionally determining the printing apparatus that satisfies the predetermined condition to the distributed printing control apparatus;
Reassignment processing for allocating a part of the remaining number of print copies allocated before the addition to the added distributed print control device;
A distributed printing control apparatus capable of executing A printing device connected to a network,
A printing section for printing;
A distributed printing control device according to any one of claims 1 to 2,
A printing apparatus comprising: A distributed printing control method capable of distributing a print job transmitted via a network to one or more distribution destination printing apparatuses serving as distribution destinations among a plurality of printing apparatuses connected to the network,
A determination step of determining whether or not the entire print job can be stored in a print job storage unit;
In the determination step, when it is determined that the entire print job can be stored in the print job storage unit,
In response to receiving the print job, an inquiry is made to the printing device connected to the network, and a distribution destination determining step of determining the distribution destination printing device based on a response result;
A transmission step of transmitting a distributed print job in which the required number of copies is set to 1 for each of the determined distribution destination printing devices;
Performing the step of alternately repeating the distribution destination determination step and the transmission step until the total number of copies printed by the distribution destination printing device reaches the number of copies specified in the print job ,
In the determination step, when it is determined that the entire print job cannot be stored in the print job storage unit,
Determining the distribution destination printing device and the number of copies to be allocated to each of the distribution destination printing devices in response to receiving a part of the print job;
A step of transmitting a distributed print job including data indicating the number of copies to the distribution destination printing apparatus, and receiving a remaining portion of the print job after transmitting the print job. Control method. A computer program for causing a computer to execute a process for distributing a print job transmitted via a network to one or more distribution destination printing apparatuses serving as distribution destinations among a plurality of printing apparatuses connected to the network. Because
A determination function for determining whether or not the entire print job can be stored in the print job storage unit;
In the determination function, when it is determined that the entire print job can be stored in the print job storage unit,
A distribution destination determination function for inquiring of an operation state to a printing apparatus connected to the network in response to reception of the print job, and determining the distribution destination printing apparatus based on a response result;
A transmission function for transmitting a distributed print job in which the necessary number of copies is set to 1 for each of the determined distribution destination printing apparatuses;
Causing the computer to realize the function of alternately repeating the distribution destination determination function and the transmission function until the total number of copies printed by the distribution destination printing apparatus reaches the number of copies specified in the print job ,
When the determination function determines that the entire print job cannot be stored in the print job storage unit,
A function for determining the distribution destination printing device and the number of print copies to be allocated to each of the distribution destination printing devices in response to reception of a part of the print job;
With distributed send a print job, a function of receiving the remainder of the print job after transmission of the print job, Ru was implemented on the computer program comprising data representing the number of print copies to the distribution destination printing device A computer program characterized by the above.

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