JP2001080144A - Output device, data processing apparatus, control method of output device, control method of data processing apparatus and memory medium storing computer readable program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a user to know a printing time or error data before the output of data once printed before and to construct excellent output environment capable of selecting whether printing is performed even after the transmission of data. SOLUTION: Printing data 1-3 after printing and log data 1-3 showing the printing results of them are related to each other to be held to a secondary memory device 17 and, when the printing data received from a host 200 and the printing data after printing held to the secondary memory device 17 are same and it is judged that the printing data are an error or a time required in printing is long on the basis of the long data of the printing data, this effect is reported to the host to allow a user to select and confirm whether the printing of the printing data is performed and, on the basis of the confirmed result, the printing output of the printing data is performed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an output apparatus for printing out print data received from an information processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium on a recording medium, an information processing apparatus, a control method of the output apparatus, and an information processing apparatus. The present invention relates to a control method and a storage medium storing a computer-readable program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a conventional output device.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a host interface for communicating between an output device 40 and a host computer (not shown). A communication signal from the output device 40 to the host computer is transmitted to the host interface 1. And the communication signal from the host computer to the output device 40 is input to the output device 40 through the host interface unit 1. Reference numeral 2 denotes a communication line between the hosts, which is used as a communication medium between the output device 40 and the host computer.

The image processing information input to the output device 40 as code data through the host interface unit 1 is controlled by the CPU 3 to first receive data from the host into the reception buffer RAM 4. The reception buffer RAM 4 stores character codes, graphic formation information, and control information in the order in which they are sent from the host interface unit 1.

A font memory 9 stores character pattern data corresponding to character codes. CPU
Reference numeral 3 denotes character code data stored in the reception buffer RAM 4 in accordance with a processing program such as an interpreter that forms a dot pattern by analyzing the character code stored in the program ROM 6 and the code data of graphic formation information and control information. Based on this, the font memory 9 is accessed, the corresponding pattern data is read, and the pattern is developed in the dot pattern memory 10.

[0006] The program ROM 6 stores a control program for controlling the entire apparatus.
The PU 3 controls the entire output device 40 in accordance with the control program.

Reference numeral 5 denotes a working RAM, which is a random access for work for reading and writing various kinds of temporary data used in executing the processing when the CPU 3 performs the processing in accordance with the program stored in the program ROM 6. Memory.

[0010] Reference numeral 10 denotes a dot pattern memory which stores dot pattern data developed by a processing program for forming a dot pattern stored in the program ROM 6.

Reference numeral 7 denotes a FIFO (First In First).
In the (St Out) memory, the dot pattern data is input from the dot pattern memory 10 and output to the image forming unit interface unit 8. The image forming unit interface unit 8 sends the image data (dot pattern data) input from the FIFO memory 7 to an image forming unit such as a printer (not shown) to print.

Reference numeral 13 denotes an operation panel such as a keyboard, which is used by the operator to operate the host interface unit 1 online /
An input for setting various operating environments of the output device 40 such as setting of an offline state can be performed, and various messages and image images can be displayed on the display unit.

A signal input from the operation panel 13 is transmitted to the data bus 14 via the operation panel interface 12.
And the address bus 15. Here, various operation environment settings of the output device can be set not only from the operation panel 13 installed on the output device but also from a host computer via the host interface unit 1.

Reference numeral 11 denotes a non-volatile memory for setting an environment. The output device 4 is also set from the operation panel 13 or from a host computer via the host interface unit 1.
It is a non-emergency readable / writable memory (hereinafter referred to as NVRAM) that can store various operating environment setting values of 0.

A clock generating circuit 16 outputs a clock signal 20. The clock signal 20 output from the clock generation circuit 20 is used as a clock signal of the CPU 3.

[0014]

In a conventional output device, even when data that has been printed in the past is to be printed again, the time required for the printing is not known. There were problems such as occupation for a long time.

[0015] Even in the case where data that has been printed in the past is to be printed again, if an error occurs when the output device performs a data printing process, it is not possible to do so for the first time.
Problems that the data to be printed are abnormal, such as the output device being unable to output, or having to notice the incorrect print result after output and have to correct the data and print again. was there.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the first to thirteenth inventions according to the present invention is to provide print data after printing and printing of the print data. A plurality of log information indicating the results are stored in the storage unit in association with the print data, and it is determined that the print data received from the information processing apparatus and the print data stored in the storage unit after printing are the same. Based on the log information related to the print data, if the print data is determined to be data in which an error has occurred, or if it is determined that the print data is long print data, the fact is notified to the information processing apparatus. The user is notified to confirm whether or not to execute the printing of the print data, and based on the result of the check, the printout of the print data is executed. An output device and an information processing device capable of constructing an excellent output environment in which a user can know printing time and error information before output and can select whether or not to execute the printing after data transmission. It is another object of the present invention to provide a control method for an output device, a control method for an information processing device, and a storage medium storing a computer-readable program.

[0017]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, print data received from an information processing apparatus (host computer 200 shown in FIG. 2) via a predetermined communication medium is printed out on a recording medium. In the output device (the output device 30 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2), the print data (FIG.
And log information (log1 to log3 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) indicating the print result of the print data.
log3) in association with the print data (secondary storage device 17 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2).

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first determining means for determining whether or not print data received from the information processing apparatus and print data stored in the storage means are the same. The CPU 3 shown in FIG. 1 performs a determination process based on a program stored in the program ROM 6 or another storage medium (not shown)), and print data received from the information processing apparatus by the first determination unit and stored in the storage unit. When it is determined that the stored print data is the same as the print data, a second determination unit (for determining whether the print data satisfies a predetermined condition based on log information related to the print data) The CPU 3 shown in FIG. 1 performs a determination process based on a program stored in the program ROM 6 or another storage medium (not shown)), and When it is determined that the print data satisfies a predetermined condition, a check unit (not shown in FIG. 1) notifies the information processing apparatus of the fact and allows the user to select whether or not to execute the print of the print data. CPU3 shown in
Performs notification confirmation processing based on a program stored in the program ROM 6 or another storage medium (not shown))
Control means (CPU 3 shown in FIG. 1) for controlling execution of printing of the print data based on the confirmation result of the confirmation means.
Performs control processing based on a program stored in the program ROM 6 or another storage medium (not shown)).

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the log information includes information indicating whether an error has occurred (the number of errors 302 shown in FIG. 3), and the predetermined condition is that Is the print data in which an error has occurred.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the log information includes information indicating a time required for printing (time required for printing 304 shown in FIG. 3). Is print data in which the required time exceeds a predetermined time (600 seconds).

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a first determining means for determining whether or not print data received from the information processing apparatus and print data stored in the storage means are the same (see FIG. 1 performs a determination process based on a program stored in the program ROM 6 or another storage medium (not shown)), and the first determination unit stores the print data received from the information processing device and the storage unit. When it is determined that the stored print data is the same, the log information related to the print data is notified to the information processing apparatus, and the user is allowed to select whether or not the print data is to be printed. Means (CPU shown in FIG. 1)
3 performs notification confirmation processing based on a program stored in the program ROM 6 or another storage medium (not shown)) and control means (FIG. 1) for controlling execution of printing of the print data based on the confirmation result of the confirmation means. CP shown in
U3 performs control processing based on a program stored in the program ROM 6 or another storage medium (not shown))
And

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a print content of any one of the print data held by the holding means,
Check means for displaying and confirming log information on the print data on a display unit (the operation panel 13 shown in FIG. 1 or a display unit (not shown) of the host computer shown in FIG. 2) by the CPU 3 shown in FIG. Display confirmation processing is performed based on a program stored in another storage medium) and instructing means for instructing printing of any of the print data held in the holding means (the operation panel 13 shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2). And a control unit (CPU 3 shown in FIG. 1 stored in the program ROM 6 or another storage medium not shown) for controlling print output of print data instructed by the instruction means. Control processing based on the program).

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the log information includes information indicating the number of errors that occurred during the execution of printing of the related print data (the number of errors 302 shown in FIG. 3), and the time required for printing. Information shown (time 3 required for printing shown in FIG. 3)
04).

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an output device (FIG. 2) which holds a plurality of print data after printing and log information indicating a print result of the print data in a holding unit in association with the print data. In the information processing apparatus (host computer 200 shown in FIG. 2) which transmits print data to the output device 30 shown in FIG.
The print data transmitted to the output device and the print data stored in the holding unit of the output device are the same, and the transmission received from the output device when the print data satisfies a predetermined condition. Selection means (not shown in FIG. 2 of the host computer 200 shown in FIG. 2) for displaying on the display unit a notification that the obtained print data satisfies a predetermined condition, and allowing the user to select whether or not to execute the print data.
The PU performs a notification selection process based on a program stored in a ROM (not shown) or another storage medium (not shown))
Instruction means for instructing the output device on the selection result of the selection means (based on a program stored in a ROM (not shown) or another storage medium (not shown) by the CPU (not shown) of the host computer 200 shown in FIG. 2). Transmission processing of an instruction command).

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the predetermined condition is that the print data has an error during printing, and that the time required for printing exceeds a predetermined time (600 seconds). Data.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, a print data received from an information processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium is printed out on a recording medium, and print data after printing and a print result of the print data are provided. In a control method of an output device for holding a plurality of log information indicating print data in a holding unit in association with print data, whether print data received from the information processing device and print data stored in the storage unit are the same. The first determination step (step S in FIG. 4)
401, step S501 in FIG. 5, and when it is determined that the print data received from the information processing apparatus and the print data stored in the storage unit are the same, based on log information related to the print data. A second determination step (step S402 in FIG. 4 and step S5 in FIG. 5) for determining whether the print data satisfies a predetermined condition.
02), and when it is determined that the print data satisfies a predetermined condition, a notification to that effect is sent to the information processing apparatus, and the user is allowed to select whether or not to execute printing of the print data and confirm the confirmation. Step (Step S403 in FIG. 4, FIG. 5)
Step S503), and a printing step (steps S404 and S405 in FIG. 4, steps S504 and S504 in FIG. 5) of executing the print output of the print data based on the confirmation result.
505).

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an output apparatus for holding a plurality of print data after printing and log information indicating a print result of the print data in a holding unit in association with the print data. The print data transmitted to the output device and the print data stored in the holding unit of the output device are the same. When the print data satisfies a predetermined condition, a notification that the transmitted print data received from the output device satisfies a predetermined condition is displayed on a display unit, and the print data is printed. Selection step for allowing the user to select whether or not to execute (step S403 in FIG. 4, step S503 in FIG. 5)
And an instruction step (Step S403 in FIG. 4 and Step S503 in FIG. 5) for instructing the output device on the selection result.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, print data received from an information processing device via a predetermined communication medium is printed out on a recording medium, and print data after printing and a print result of the print data are output. In a storage medium storing a computer-readable program that controls an output device that holds a plurality of output devices in a holding unit in association with log data indicating print data, the print data received from the information processing device and the storage unit A first determination step (step S401 in FIG. 4 and step S501 in FIG. 5) for determining whether the stored print data is the same as the print data received from the information processing apparatus and the storage means When it is determined that the stored print data is the same as the print data, based on the log information related to the print data, the print data A second determination step (step S402 in FIG. 4 and step S502 in FIG. 5) for determining whether or not the print data satisfies a predetermined condition; A confirmation step (Step S40 in FIG. 4) in which the processing device is notified to allow the user to select whether or not the printing of the print data is to be executed.
3, a step S503 in FIG. 5) and a printing step (steps S404 and S405 in FIG. 4 and a step S5 in FIG. 5) for executing printing of the print data based on the confirmation result.
04, S505) stored in a storage medium.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing apparatus for holding a plurality of print data after printing and log information indicating a print result of the print data in a holding unit in association with the print data. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program for controlling an information processing apparatus for transmitting print data through the communication medium and performing print processing, the print data transmitted to the output device and the holding of the output device; The print data stored in the unit is the same, and when the print data satisfies a predetermined condition, a notification that the transmitted print data received from the output device satisfies a predetermined condition is displayed. Display in the section,
A selection step (step S403 in FIG. 4, step S403 in FIG. 5) for allowing the user to select whether or not to execute the printing of the print data.
503) and an instruction step of instructing the output device of the selection result (step S403 in FIG. 4, step S50 in FIG. 5).
3) is stored in a storage medium, the computer readable program having the above.

[0030]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a hardware configuration of a controller part of an output device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The code is attached.

In the figure, reference numeral 17 denotes a secondary storage device, which stores print data input from the host via the host I / F unit 1 and subjected to print processing, and log information of the print data.

Reference numeral 30 denotes an output device of the present invention, which is obtained by adding a secondary storage device 17 to the conventional output device 40 shown in FIG.

The output device to which the present invention is applied may be an electrophotographic printer such as a laser beam printer, or may be an ink jet printer, a thermal transfer printer, a sublimation printer, or another printer.

The print data and the print information (log) storage operation of the print data of the output system to which the output device and the information processing device of the present invention can be applied will be described below with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an output system showing the output device and the information processing device of the present invention.
Corresponds to the description of the print data and the print information (log) storage operation of the print data of the output device 30 shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 200 denotes a host computer (hereinafter, a host), which is connected to the output device 30 and Centronics,
It is bidirectionally communicably connected via a network such as USB or Ethernet, and transmits print data to the output device 30.

The host 200 includes a CPU (not shown) and an RO
M, RAM, other storage media, display unit such as CRT, input unit such as keyboard and pointing device, etc.
The CPU totally controls the entire host 200 based on a program stored in a ROM or other storage medium.

Reference numeral 201 denotes a print processing unit, which is a CP shown in FIG.
In response to U3, the CPU 3 performs a printing process based on the program ROM 6.

As shown in the drawing, print data transmitted from the host 200 is input to the output device 30 via the host I / F unit 1. At this time, the print data is passed to the print processing unit 201, where the print data is printed, and the secondary storage device 1
7 is given an appropriate name (unique name) that is different for each data, and is separately stored as data1, data2, and data3.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of print data information (log file) stored in the secondary storage device 17 of the output device 30 shown in FIG.

In the figure, log1 is da shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, the log file having the print information “ta1” “print job name, number of errors, total number of pages, time required for printing (unit: seconds)” is recorded in the secondary storage device 17. Is stored. Note that the error described here may be, for example, a grammatical error in the page description language that describes the print information, a case where the print information is a security or a copyrighted material and printing is not permitted, or other print information. It also includes errors that occur during the printing process.

Similarly, log2 is log2 of data2.
Reference numeral 3 denotes a log file having print information of data3.
Each data name and log information have a one-to-one relationship with the secondary storage device 1.
7 is stored as shown in FIG. For this purpose, related data such as data 1, 2, 3,... And log files, log 1, 2, 3,.

In each of the log information 1 to 3, reference numeral 301 denotes a print job name, which corresponds to a job name based on print data transmitted from the host 200.
Reference numeral 302 denotes the number of errors, which corresponds to the number of errors that occurred in the print processing of the job name 301. Reference numeral 303 denotes the total number of pages, which corresponds to the total number of pages in the print processing of the job name 301. Reference numeral 304 denotes a time required for printing (unit: second), which corresponds to a time required for printing in the printing process of the job name 301.

Referring to FIG. 4, when the print data and the log information are stored in the secondary storage device 17 in the state shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the print stored in the secondary storage device 17 is performed. The same print data as the data is sent from the host 200 to the output device 3.
The control processing operation of the output device 30 when it is transmitted to 0 will be described.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a first control processing procedure of the output system to which the output device and the information processing device of the present invention can be applied. The control based on this flowchart is stored in the program ROM 6 shown in FIG. The program is stored and executed under the control of the CPU 3.

The processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 is started when print data is received from the host 200.

First, it is determined whether the received data stores the same print data and its print information (log information) in the output device (S401). This can be understood by comparing the data file stored in the secondary storage device 17 with the content of the currently received data. Check whether there is a log file of the print data.
For example, if data1 stored in FIG. 2 is the same as data (DATA) received from the host, it may be determined whether or not the print log file (log1) exists.

If it is determined in step S401 that there is no log information of the print job, the process proceeds to step S405,
A normal printing process is executed based on the received data.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S401 that there is log information of the print job, it is checked whether the number of errors in the designated print job is "0" (error / no error) ( S402) When it is determined that the number of errors is “0”, that is, there is no error,
Proceeding to step S405, based on the received data,
Execute normal printing process.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S402 that the number of errors is not “0”, that is, it is determined that there is an error,
The data transmission source host 200 is notified that there is an error in the print data, and asks whether this data can be printed, and receives an instruction from the host. That is, the user is notified that there is an error in the print data, and the user selects and confirms whether or not the print data is to be printed (S4).
03).

Next, it is determined whether or not the host's instruction is to execute printing (S404). If it is determined that the host's instruction is to execute printing, the flow advances to step S405.
A normal printing process is executed based on the received data.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S404 that the instruction from the host is not to execute printing (not to execute printing), the data printing process is not performed, and the series of processes ends as it is.

The instruction method (print execution / not print execution) from the host is based on a print management program stored in a storage medium such as a ROM (not shown) on a RAM (not shown) of the host 200 or a printer management program such as a printer driver. The utility program is made resident by a CPU (not shown), and when data (signal) for confirming the continuation of printing determined in advance from the printer is displayed on the screen on the host, the operator is operated. Then, a command for instructing printing / not printing may be sent from the host.

In this way, by checking the log information of the received print data before printing, it is possible to prevent output of erroneous data (data2 / log2 in FIGS. 2 and 3).

Here, it is determined whether the error is an error based on whether the number of errors is "0". However, the allowable number of errors is set to a value other than "0" (for example, "1").
May be set so that up to one error is printed.

The number of allowable errors is shown in FIG.
May be stored in the program ROM 6 and a predetermined value may be set. However, it is better to set the value from the operation panel 13 or the like of FIG. Needless to say, it is preferable.

Further, an error content is stored in the print information (log information) shown in FIG. 3, and if there is an error, an inquiry is made to the user as to whether or not to print according to the error content. It may be configured as follows.

As described above, if there is an error in the data to be printed if the data has been printed in the past, the output device can know the data printing process before an error occurs first. If the data has already been output, abnormal data will be output and the output device will not be able to output, or if the user notices an incorrect print result after output, the data must be corrected and printed again. Such a situation can be avoided.

[Second Embodiment] The hardware configuration of the controller of the output device to which this embodiment is applied, and the configurations of the information processing device and the output system are the same as those of the first embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 5, when the print data and log information are stored in the secondary storage device 17 in the state shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the print stored in the secondary storage device 17 is performed. The host 20 outputs the same print data as the data again.
The control processing operation of the output device 30 when an instruction from 0 is transmitted to the output device 30 will be described.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a second control processing procedure of the output system to which the output device and the information processing device of the present invention can be applied. The control based on this flowchart is stored in the program ROM 6 shown in FIG. The program is stored and executed under the control of the CPU 3.

The processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5 is started from the time when the print data is received from the host 200.

First, it is determined whether the received data stores the same print data and its print information (log information) in the output device (S501). This can be understood by comparing the data file stored in the secondary storage device 17 with the content of the currently received data. Check whether there is a log file of the print data.
For example, if data1 stored in FIG. 2 is the same as data (DATA) received from the host, it may be determined whether or not the print log file (log1) exists.

If it is determined in step S501 that there is no log information of the print job, the process proceeds to step S505,
A normal printing process is executed based on the received data.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S501 that there is log information of the print job, it is determined whether the time required for printing the specified print job is “600” seconds or less, ie, data that requires a long print time. (S502), and if it is determined that the time required for printing the designated print job is “600” seconds or less, that is, if the data does not require much printing time, the process proceeds to step S505. Then, the normal print processing is executed based on the received data.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S502 that the time required for printing the specified print job is not less than “600” seconds, that is, the data requires a long printing time, Informing that the print time of this print data exceeds "600" seconds,
It asks whether this data can be printed and receives an instruction from the host. That is, the print data is notified that the print data is longer than "600" seconds, and the user selects and confirms whether or not to execute the print of the print data (S
503).

Next, it is determined whether or not the host's instruction is to execute printing (S504). If it is determined that the host's instruction is to execute printing, the flow advances to step S505.
A normal printing process is executed based on the received data.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S504 that the instruction from the host is not to execute printing (not to execute printing), the data printing process is not performed, and the series of processes is terminated.

The instruction method (print execution / not print execution) from the host is based on a print management program stored in a storage medium such as a ROM (not shown) on a RAM (not shown) of the host 200 or a printer management program such as a printer driver. The utility program is made resident by a CPU (not shown), and when data (signal) for confirming the continuation of printing determined in advance from the printer is displayed on the screen on the host, the operator is operated. Then, a command for instructing printing / not printing may be sent from the host.

As described above, by checking the log information of the received print data and then printing the data, it takes time (for example, data3 / log3 in FIGS. 2 and 3).
Can be prevented from being output.

Note that “600 seconds” shown in the example is merely an example of a long time, and the program ROM 6 shown in FIG.
May be stored as a predetermined value.
The value is set from the operation panel 13 of the
Needless to say, it is preferable to store the data in the storage 11 and make it available for use.

As described above, the data received and stored in the past in the secondary storage device such as the hard disk from the host,
If the data received from the host I / F section is compared and recognized as being the same, and it is determined that the time required for printing is long based on log information on the print data, the information is determined. In the conventional output device, the time required for printing can be selected even if the data that has been printed in the past is to be printed again. Since it is not known, it is possible to eliminate the drawbacks of the conventional output device such as occupying the output device for an unexpectedly long time.

As described above, even when data that has been printed in the past is to be printed again, the time required for the printing is known, and the time required for the printing is not known. It is possible to avoid situations such as accidents.

[Other Embodiments] As other embodiments, in the first and second embodiments, received data,
Although the storage of logs is limited to the secondary storage device 17, other memories (for example, NVRAM 11, working RAM)
5, the received data and the log may be stored in the data reception RAM 4), and the same processing may be performed.

In the first and second embodiments,
If it is determined that the print data received from the host is the same as the print data held in the secondary storage device 17, further, in the log information related to the print data,
In particular, it is determined whether the number of errors or the printing time is a predetermined printing result (a printing result indicating that an error has occurred, a printing result indicating that the time required for printing has exceeded a predetermined time) and sent to the host. The case where the print confirmation is performed has been described. However, when it is determined that the print data received from the host is the same as the print data held in the secondary storage device 17, the log information related to the print data is simply determined. May be notified to the host, and printing confirmation is performed to the host.

Further, in the first and second embodiments, print processing is performed by receiving print data from the host. However, the display unit of the host or the operation panel 1 of the output device is used.
After displaying and confirming the data content and the log information stored in the secondary storage device in the secondary storage device 3, instead of sending print data from the host in accordance with a print instruction on the operation panel of the host and / or the output device, secondary storage is performed. It may be configured to print by reading data stored from the apparatus.

In the first embodiment and the second embodiment,
In the log information in the secondary storage device 17, the host is made to determine whether or not to perform the print confirmation, particularly by paying attention to the number of errors and the printing time. However, other items (for example, Whether it is color data, monochrome data, and whether the paper size specified by the data is A3 or A4)
May be provided, and by paying attention to those items, when the received data meets the conditions, printing confirmation is performed to the host. Thus, if the data has been printed once before, it is possible to check the printing conditions before outputting the data and to select whether or not to execute the printing even after the data is transmitted.

Further, the plurality of conditions for determining whether or not to perform print confirmation to the host may be set / changed by an instruction from the operation panel 13 or the host.

As described above, the print data received from the host in the secondary storage device such as the hard disk and the log information of the print of the print data (error state at the time of executing the printing process, time required for printing, etc.) are associated with each other. Data stored in a secondary storage device such as a hard disk and compared with data received and stored in the secondary storage device such as a hard disk in the past from the host and data received from the host I / F are identical. If there is an error in the log information related to the print data, the host notifies the host of the error and selects whether to execute printing. Since an error can be detected only after the device has performed data printing processing, the output device may not be able to output data, or the data may be output after the output device becomes aware of an incorrect print result. Not otherwise re-printed again correct, it is possible to eliminate the drawbacks of the conventional output device called.

Further, the data received and stored in the secondary storage device such as a hard disk in the past from the host and the data received from the host I / F are compared and recognized as the same data, and the data is printed. When it is determined that the time required for printing is long based on the log information on the data, the information is notified to the host, and the user is allowed to select whether to execute printing. Even when reprinting data that has been printed in the past, since the time required for the printing is not known, the drawbacks of the conventional output device, such as occupying the output device for an unexpectedly long time, are eliminated. It can be removed.

Accordingly, by eliminating the drawbacks of the above-described conventional example and storing the print log information and the received data in a secondary storage device such as a hard disk, if the data has been printed once before, the print time can be reduced before output. It is possible to provide an output device that allows the user to know the error information and the error information, and can select whether or not to execute the printing after the data transmission.

The present invention may be constituted by an output device and an information processing device alone, or may be constituted by an output system to which the output device and the information processing device can be applied.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the data processing program that can be read by the output device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the memory map shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a view for explaining a memory map of a storage medium for storing various data processing programs which can be read by the output device according to the present invention.

Although not shown, information for managing a group of programs stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, a creator, etc. are also stored, and information dependent on the OS or the like on the program reading side, for example, a program is stored in the storage medium. An icon or the like for identification display may also be stored.

Further, data dependent on various programs is also managed in the directory. Also, if the programs and data to be installed are compressed,
A program for decompressing may also be stored.

The functions shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 in this embodiment may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. And in that case, CD-ROM, flash memory, FD
The present invention is applicable even when a group of information including a program is supplied to an output device from a storage medium such as the above or from an external storage medium via a network.

As described above, the storage medium storing the program codes of the software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiment is supplied to the system or the apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MP) of the system or the apparatus is supplied.
It goes without saying that the object of the present invention is also achieved when U) reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

Examples of the storage medium for supplying the program code include a floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, and C
D-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, etc. can be used.

The functions of the above-described embodiments are implemented when the computer executes the readout program codes, and the OS (Operating System) running on the computer is executed based on the instructions of the program codes. ) And the like perform part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, The CPU provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of one device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus. In this case, by reading a storage medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention into the system or the apparatus, the system or the apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. .

Further, by downloading and reading out a program represented by software for achieving the present invention from a database on a network by a communication program, the system or apparatus can be
It is possible to enjoy the effects of the present invention.

[0095]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the invention, in an output device for printing out print data received from an information processing device via a predetermined communication medium on a recording medium, a holding unit includes: the print data after printing; and a print result of the print data. Are stored in association with the print data, so that if the data has been printed once before, the user can know the print time and error information before outputting the data.

According to the second to fourth inventions, the first determination means determines that the print data received from the information processing apparatus is the same as the print data stored in the storage means, and According to the determination means of 2, the print data is processed under a predetermined condition (print data having an error during printing,
(Print data where the time required for printing exceeds the specified time)
When it is determined that the condition is satisfied, the confirmation unit notifies the information processing apparatus of that fact, and allows the user to select whether or not to execute the printing of the print data, and confirms the result. Since the control means controls the execution of the printing of the print data based on the data, if the data has been printed once before, it is possible to warn the user of an abnormality in the data or a large amount of time is required before the data is output. It is possible to select whether or not to execute the printing even after data transmission, output abnormal data and make the output device impossible to output, or incorrect output after output,
It is possible to avoid such a situation that the output device is occupied for an unexpectedly long time because the time required for the printing is not known.

According to the fifth aspect, when the first determination means determines that the print data received from the information processing apparatus and the print data stored in the storage means are the same, the confirmation means Notifies the log information related to the print data to the information processing apparatus, and allows the user to select whether or not to execute the print of the print data, and to confirm. Based on the confirmation result of the confirmation unit, the control unit Since the printing execution of the print data is controlled, the user can know the printing time and error information before outputting the data once printed before, and select whether to execute the printing after the data transmission. Output abnormal data, and the output device becomes incapable of outputting,
Since an incorrect printing result is obtained after the output or the time required for the printing is not known, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the output device is occupied for an unexpectedly long time.

[0098] According to the sixth aspect, the confirmation means confirms by displaying the print content of any of the print data held by the holding means and log information relating to the print data on the display unit, and confirming the instruction. Means for instructing the printing of any of the print data held in the holding means, the control means,
Since the print data that is instructed to be printed by the instructing means is controlled to be printed out, if the data has been printed once before, the user can know the printing time and error information before the output,
Outputting abnormal data may cause the output device to become incapable of output, or may produce incorrect printing results after output, or may not know the time required for printing. It is possible to avoid situations such as accidental loss.

According to the seventh aspect, the log information includes information indicating the number of errors that occurred when printing related print data and information indicating the time required for printing. Then, the user can know the printing time and error information before the output.

According to the eighth and ninth aspects of the present invention, there is provided an output device for holding a plurality of print data after printing and log information indicating a print result of the print data in a holding unit in association with the print data. In an information processing apparatus for transmitting print data via a predetermined communication medium and performing print processing, the print data transmitted to the output device and the print data stored in the holding unit of the output device are the same. The transmitted print data received from the output device when the print data satisfies a predetermined condition is a predetermined condition (the print data having an error during printing,
Display on the display unit, and the selecting means allows the user to select whether or not to execute the printing of the print data. Since the instructing means instructs the output device on the result of the selection by the selecting means, if the data has been printed once before, it is necessary to warn the user of an abnormality in the data or a great amount of time is required before printing the data. It is possible to select whether or not to execute the printing even after data transmission, output abnormal data and cause the output device to be unable to output, or to output incorrect data after output Further, it is possible to avoid a situation where the output device is occupied for an unexpectedly long time because the time required for the printing is not known.

According to the tenth and twelfth aspects, print data received from the information processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium is printed out on a recording medium, and the print data after printing and the print data A control method of an output device that holds a plurality of log information indicating a print result in a holding unit in association with print data and a storage medium storing a computer-readable program, the print data received from the information processing device and When it is determined that the print data stored in the storage unit is the same as the print data, and when it is determined that the print data satisfies a predetermined condition, the print data is notified to the information processing apparatus and the print data is The user is allowed to select whether or not to execute the print, and the print data of the print data is executed based on the check result. For data, it is possible to warn the user of abnormal data or require a lot of time to print before outputting the data, and to select whether or not to print the data even after sending the data. Output device, the output device cannot be output, an incorrect printing result after output, or the output device is occupied for an unexpectedly long time because the time required for the printing is not known. Such a situation can be avoided.

According to the eleventh and thirteenth inventions, an output device for holding a plurality of print data after printing and log information indicating a print result of the print data in a holding unit in association with the print data. A control method of an information processing apparatus for transmitting print data through a predetermined communication medium to perform print processing, and a storage medium storing a computer-readable program, the print data transmitted to the output device and That the print data stored in the holding unit of the output device is the same, and that the transmitted print data received from the output device satisfies a predetermined condition when the print data satisfies a predetermined condition. Is displayed on the display unit, and the user is allowed to select whether or not to execute the printing of the print data, and the selection result is instructed to the output device. If the data is printed, it is possible to select whether or not to execute the printing after sending the data by issuing a warning notification that the data is abnormal or that it will take a lot of time before printing. Output device, and the output device cannot be output, an incorrect print result is output, or the output device is occupied for an unexpectedly long time because the time required for printing is not known. Such a situation can be avoided.

Therefore, if the data was previously printed once,
An excellent output environment can be constructed in which the user can know the printing time and error information before the output, and can select whether or not to execute the printing after the data transmission.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a hardware configuration of a controller portion of an output device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an output system showing an output device and an information processing device of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of print data information (log file) stored in a secondary storage device of the output device illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first control processing procedure of an output system to which the output device and the information processing device of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second control processing procedure of the output system to which the output device and the information processing device of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by the output device according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a conventional output device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Host interface part 2 Communication line between hosts 3 CPU 4 Receiving buffer RAM 5 Working RAM 6 Program ROM 7 FIFO memory 8 Image forming part interface part 9 Font memory 10 Dot pattern memory 11 Non-volatile readable / writable memory 12 Operation panel interface part Reference Signs List 13 operation panel 14 data bus 15 address bus 16 clock generation circuit 17 secondary storage device 20 clock signal 30 output device 200 host computer (host)

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. An output device for printing out print data received from an information processing device via a predetermined communication medium on a recording medium, the print data after printing, and log information indicating a print result of the print data. An output device having a holding means capable of holding a plurality of print data in association with the print data. A first determination unit that determines whether print data received from the information processing device is the same as the print data stored in the storage unit; and When it is determined that the print data received from the information processing device and the print data stored in the storage unit are the same, the print data may satisfy a predetermined condition based on log information related to the print data. A second determining unit for determining whether the print data satisfies the condition, and, when the second determining unit determines that the print data satisfies a predetermined condition, notifies the information processing apparatus of the determination. Checking means for allowing a user to select whether or not to execute printing of the print data, and a control means for controlling execution of printing of the print data based on a check result of the checking means. 2. The output device according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The log information includes information indicating whether or not an error has occurred, and the predetermined condition is print data in which an error has occurred during printing. Output device. 4. The log information includes information indicating a time required for printing, and the predetermined condition is print data in which a time required for printing exceeds a predetermined time. The output device according to claim 2, wherein 5. A first determination unit that determines whether print data received from the information processing device and print data stored in the storage unit are the same, and wherein the first determination unit is When it is determined that the print data received from the information processing device and the print data stored in the storage unit are the same, the log information related to the print data is notified to the information processing device, and the print data And a control unit for controlling execution of printing of the print data based on a result of the confirmation by the user. Output device as described. 6. A check means for displaying the print content of any of the print data held by the holding means and log information relating to the print data on a display unit to check the print data; 2. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising instruction means for instructing printing of any of the print data, and control means for controlling print output of the print data instructed by the instruction means.
Output device as described. 7. The log information according to claim 1, wherein the log information includes information indicating the number of errors that occurred when printing related print data and information indicating the time required for printing.
7. The output device according to any one of 6. 8. An output device for holding a plurality of print data after printing and a plurality of log information indicating a print result of the print data in a holding unit in association with the print data via a predetermined communication medium. The print data transmitted to the output device is the same as the print data stored in the holding unit of the output device, and the print data satisfies a predetermined condition. Selecting means for displaying, on a display unit, a notification that the transmitted print data received from the output device satisfies a predetermined condition in a display unit, and allowing a user to select whether to execute printing of the print data. And an instructing means for instructing the output device on a selection result of the selecting means. 9. The printing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the predetermined condition is printing data in which an error has occurred during printing, and printing data in which the time required for printing exceeds a predetermined time. Information processing device. 10. Print data received from an information processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium is printed out on a recording medium, and print data after printing and log information indicating a print result of the print data are printed as print data. A control method of an output device that holds a plurality of print data in a storage unit in association with a first determination process that determines whether print data received from the information processing device and print data stored in the storage unit are the same. The determination step, when it is determined that the print data received from the information processing apparatus and the print data stored in the storage unit are the same, based on log information related to the print data,
A second determining step of determining whether the print data satisfies a predetermined condition; and, when determining that the print data satisfies a predetermined condition, notifying the information processing apparatus of the determination. And a print step of executing print output of the print data based on the check result. How to control the device. 11. A print data via a predetermined communication medium to an output device that holds a plurality of print data after printing and log information indicating a print result of the print data in a holding unit in association with the print data. The print data transmitted to the output device and the print data stored in the holding unit of the output device are the same, and the print data is a predetermined data. When a condition is satisfied, a notification that the transmitted print data received from the output device satisfies a predetermined condition is displayed on a display unit, and a user is allowed to select whether or not to execute the print data. A control method for an information processing apparatus, comprising: a selection step; and an instruction step of instructing the output device on the selection result. 12. A print data received from an information processing device via a predetermined communication medium is printed out on a recording medium, and print data after printing and log information indicating a print result of the print data are written in print data. In a storage medium storing a computer-readable program that controls a plurality of output devices held in a holding unit in association with the print data, the print data received from the information processing device and the print data stored in the storage unit are the same. A first determination step of determining whether or not the print data received from the information processing apparatus is the same as the print data stored in the storage unit. Based on the log information
A second determining step of determining whether the print data satisfies a predetermined condition; and, when determining that the print data satisfies a predetermined condition, notifying the information processing apparatus of the determination. And a printing step of executing a print output of the print data based on the check result. A storage medium storing a program which can be read by the user. 13. A print data via a predetermined communication medium to an output device for holding a plurality of print data after printing and log information indicating a print result of the print data in a holding unit in association with the print data. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program that controls an information processing apparatus that transmits and prints the print data, the print data transmitted to the output device and the print data stored in a holding unit of the output device. Are the same, and when the print data satisfies a predetermined condition, a notification that the transmitted print data received from the output device satisfies a predetermined condition is displayed on a display unit, and the printing is performed. A computer comprising: a selection step of allowing a user to select whether or not to execute data printing; and an instruction step of instructing the output device on the selection result. Storage medium but storing readable program.