JP2001216218A - Printing controller, printing system, adapter, printing control method and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To update an irreducible minimum printing control program. SOLUTION: A network server is connected based on an instruction (S7002 and S7007), identification data for identifying control information corresponding to the instruction are acquired from the connected network server (S7009) and the contents of the identification data and judged (S7010). According to the result of the judgment, the control information corresponding to the instruction is acquired from the network server (S7011), the acquired control information is stored in a rewritable memory (S7015) and the control information is updated (S7016).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printing system connected to a server via a communication line and including a print control device, an adapter, and a print control device connected to a printer. The present invention relates to a print control method to be applied and a storage medium storing a program for executing the print control method, and more particularly to a program update method of the print control device.

[0002] Here, a print control device receives, for example, an e-mail, an attached file, or the like received by a portable communication terminal such as a mobile phone or a PDA via a communication network, and prints out the data on a printer. It is.

[0003]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an e-mail service and a network print service are completely different services and have not been linked. In particular, mobile phones and PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) that have an e-mail function do not have a printing function, and if you want to print e-mails that you want to keep in the record, an e-mail address that uses a PC (Personal Computer) as a client Forward e-mail to P
I had to print with a printer connected to C. Therefore, for an e-mail user who has only a mobile phone or PDA, there is no means for printing the received e-mail.

A file can be attached to an e-mail, but an application program needs to be executed on a PC to open the file.
Therefore, in the case of an e-mail user using a mobile phone or a PDA without the function of executing the application program, there is no means for referring to the received attached file.

[0005] As described above, an e-mail user using a mobile phone or a PDA without a printing function cannot print even if he receives an e-mail to be recorded. In addition, there is a problem that an e-mail user using a mobile phone, a PDA, or the like that cannot execute an application program cannot refer to the contents and additional information of a file attached to the e-mail.

In view of the above problems, an application server that converts print data into print data, a printer adapter that receives print data from the application server via a communication network, and converts the received print data into a data format of a printer interface. And a printer that prints print data sent from the printer adapter has been proposed by the present applicant.

In this print system, an e-mail user using a mobile phone or a PDA without a print function specifies an e-mail to be recorded in an application server which has been registered in advance as a printer. Transfer. The application server receiving the e-mail converts the received print content into print data suitable for the designated printer. Then, the application server transmits the print data to the printer adapter of the designated printer using the communication network. The printer adapter performs protocol conversion on the sent print data, and the designated printer performs printout.

Further, a plurality of application programs for opening the attached file are installed in the application server in advance. An e-mail user using a mobile phone or a PDA that does not have the function of opening an attached file can print an e-mail attached to a file whose contents are to be attached to a pre-registered application server and print the attached file. Instruct and specify the printer to transfer. The application server receiving the e-mail starts the application program corresponding to the attached file and opens the attached file. Further, the application server converts the content of the opened attached file into print data suitable for the designated printer. Then, the application server transmits the print data to the printer adapter of the designated printer using the communication network. The printer adapter performs protocol conversion on the sent print data, and the designated printer performs printout.

[0009] A mobile phone or P connected to a printer adapter
New models of communication devices such as HS are put on the market one after another in a short time. While an inexpensive printer adapter with a small shape is required, a function that can be connected to a new communication device by updating the printer adapter program in a timely manner is required. The following ideas have been devised as a method of upgrading the program.

In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 7-191854, a process for receiving a program when a predetermined condition is satisfied by exchanging information about the program by a message requesting a download.

In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 10-21060, every time an application program of a terminal device (personal computer) is started, the latest version is requested to the processing device via a communication line. When the version is newer than the latest version, processing for automatically updating its own program to be the latest program is performed.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-65827 requests version information of a current program set in a portable terminal, and upon receiving version information of the current program from the portable terminal, compares it with the version information stored by the terminal program storage means. When the discrepancy between the two version information is confirmed by the comparing means, the latest program stored by the terminal program storing means is downloaded.

[0013]

However, the operation of the above-mentioned printer adapter is simple, and the above-mentioned invention cannot be applied to an adapter for which a small and inexpensive printer adapter is required. Good usability cannot be realized.

That is, in order to implement a function of requesting a download by electronic message between the server and the printer adapter, it is necessary to implement a special protocol on both sides. Therefore, there is a problem that it is too complicated to implement the protocol on a simple printer adapter.

In the method of requesting the latest version from the processing device via the communication line every time the application program is started, the program is automatically updated every time the application program is started. There is a problem that an unintended communication cost such as downloading a program always occurs in response to a print request.

In the method of requesting the version information of the current program set in the portable terminal and comparing the version information of the current program received from the portable terminal with the version information stored by the terminal program storage means, the server stores the program information of the program. There is a defect that requires management and comparison means.

[0017]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and has been made to improve operability,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a print control device, a print system, a print control method, and a method of updating a program in a storage medium, which can reduce useless charges. In order to achieve this object, a print control apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a connection unit for connecting to a network server based on an instruction; and identification data for identifying control information corresponding to the instruction from the connected network server. Identification information acquiring means for acquiring the identification data, the determining means for determining the content of the acquired identification data, and control information acquiring means for acquiring control information corresponding to the instruction from the network server according to a result of the determination; Updating means for storing the obtained control information in a rewritable memory and updating the control information.

Further, a printing system according to the present invention includes the above-described printing control device, and means for executing a printing process based on the control information updated by the printing control device.

Further, in the print control method according to the present invention, a connection step of connecting to a network server based on an instruction and acquiring identification data for identifying control information corresponding to the instruction from the connected network server. An identification information obtaining step, a determining step of determining the content of the obtained identification data, a control information obtaining step of obtaining control information corresponding to the instruction from the network server according to a result of the determination, and the obtained control Updating the control information by storing the information in a rewritable memory.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing the above-described print control method according to the present invention, the program comprising a code for a connection step for connecting to a network server based on an instruction. A code of an identification information acquisition step of acquiring identification data for identifying control information corresponding to the instruction from the connected network server, a code of a determination step of determining the content of the acquired identification data, According to the result, a code of a control information acquisition step of acquiring control information corresponding to the instruction from the network server, and a code of an update step of updating the control information by storing the acquired control information in a rewritable memory. It is characterized by having.

Further, the adapter according to the present invention comprises: a means for making a call to connect to a server when a program is updated; and a means for obtaining a program version from the server after connecting to the server. If it is determined that the server program is new based on the obtained version, the server obtains the program from the server, disconnects the connected line, and determines that the server program is not new based on the obtained virgin. Means for disconnecting the connected line when the connection is made.

[0022]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

The system includes a terminal (referred to as a PDA) 10 capable of transmitting and receiving e-mails and displaying the contents thereof.
1. a communication network 103 such as a public telephone line, an ISDN, a satellite communication network (in this embodiment, a public network including a wireless network), a portable communication terminal 102 connecting the communication network 103 and the PDA 101, An external provider 104 that mediates between the Internet 106, which is a logical space, and the communication network 103, a printer 109, which is a printing device, an adapter 108 connected to the printer 109, and a mobile phone that connects the communication network 103 and the adapter 108. Communication terminal 107,
It comprises a printer 109 and an application server 105 that communicates according to a predetermined protocol.

The external provider 104 manages and operates a mail account of the PDA 101. Also, the external provider 104 uses the PDA according to a predetermined protocol.
101, and can transmit and receive mail data under the control of the PDA 101.

The application server 105 manages and operates various kinds of unique information such as a mail account, a telephone number, and a type of printer associated with each of the plurality of printers. Further, the application server 105
Are transmitted / received e-mails to / from a PDA or the like via the communication network 103 or the Internet 106, judge the contents of the received e-mails, and various services (e-mail text printing / attachment file development and printing / Attached URL
Selection of the address specified and printout), conversion of the print target into information suitable for the specified printer (for example, 109), connection with the adapter 108 (Internet connection depending on the state, telephone call to the communication network 103, etc.). Outgoing call, communication network 10
3), authentication, exchange of print data, adapter 1
08 and the error of the printer 109. Also,
Control is also performed to issue a request to immediately transfer print data to the adapter 108 or to wait for a call from the adapter 108.

Further, the application server 105
It exchanges and controls the internal setting information of the adapter 108 and the updated program with the adapter 105.

The adapter 108 determines the connected printer 109, recognizes an error state of the printer 109 through an interface with the printer 109, notifies the application server 105 of a status such as the status of the printer 109 and the communication status, Application server 105 according to control and user operation
, An incoming call from the application server 105 and automatic calling according to the instruction, the application server 1
Authentication processing with the printer 109, transmission processing of received print data to the printer 109 according to a predetermined protocol, and the like are performed.

The adapter 108 transmits internal setting information, updated programs, and the like to the application server 1.
05.

In the above configuration, a procedure when the PDA 101 transfers the contents of the acquired mail to the application server 105 will be described.

The user specifies the mail address of the application server 105 related to the application to be executed (here, printing of the mail text). Make settings to transfer the text of the mail you want to print to the specified address, and enter a send command. PDA10 that received the transmission instruction
1 controls a mobile communication terminal 102 and a communication network 103
To the external provider 104 through And PD
A101 transfers mail data according to a predetermined protocol, and after exchanging necessary data, disconnects the line.

On the other hand, the application server 105
The reception box of the account is scanned (checked periodically). When print data is received, mail text printing is performed in a predetermined order.

Hereinafter, the inside of each component of the system shown in FIG. 1 will be described in detail.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the application server 105 shown in FIG.

Reference numeral 3101 denotes a firewall server, which has a function of blocking intrusion from outside and blocking an attack.
It is used to safely operate a server group on the intranet in the application server 105.

Reference numeral 3102 denotes a switch for configuring an intranet in the application server 105.

A communication server 3103 supports connection by PIAFS, analog modem, and ISDN, and has a firewall and a RADIUS client function.

Reference numeral 3104 denotes a network print server, which is involved in a network print service and performs creation of print data according to purpose, generation of a print job, communication with the adapter 108, and the like.

Reference numeral 3105 denotes a RADIUS server for a RADIUS system that supports an industry standard dial-up connection user authentication system. RADIUS
The server 3105 receives an authentication request from the communication server 3103 having the RADIUS client function, and returns the permission or rejection of the authentication to the client.

A mail server 3106 receives a print request mail.

Reference numeral 3107 denotes a WWW server which has a homepage of a network print service. In addition, a user homepage is provided for each user, and
The print service can be used by using I or the like.

Reference numeral 3109 denotes the Internet and 3108 denotes a public network (PSTN or PHS network).

Reference numeral 3110 denotes an FTP server which manages internal setting information of the adapter 108, updated programs, and the like. The internal setting information, the updated program, and the like are transferred as a file from the adapter 105 by the user's instruction using the FTP protocol.

Next, the mail printing function of the application server 105 configured as shown in FIG. 2 will be described.

The user of the network print service acquires an e-mail account of the mail server 3106 in the application server 105 before receiving the e-mail printing service. By sending an e-mail to this account, the user can receive an e-mail printing service.

Further, as the e-mail account, a different account is prepared for each service provided to one user. The following four types of services are provided, and four types of e-mail accounts are prepared for each user.

1. Email text printing 2. Attachment file printing 3. Body text and attached file printing URL printing By sending an e-mail to a mail account prepared for e-mail text printing, the user of the network print service requests the application server 105 to generate print data of only the e-mail text.

By sending an e-mail to a mail account prepared for printing an attached file, a user of the network print service requests the application server 105 to generate print data of an attached file of the e-mail. .

By transmitting an e-mail to a mail account prepared for printing the text and the attached file, the user of the network print service requests the application server 105 to generate print data of the text of the e-mail and the attached file. Will be.

By sending an e-mail to a mail account prepared for URL printing, the user of the network print service allows the application server 105
For H in the URL described in the body of the email
A request is made to acquire information described in TML, XML, or the like, and to generate the print data.

When an e-mail is transmitted to a mail account for printing the attached file even though there is no attached file, or when there is no URL description in the body of the e-mail, the print data relating to the sent data is transmitted. When an e-mail is sent to a mail account for printing, print data of only the e-mail text is generated.

When a mail containing only an attached file is transmitted to a mail account prepared for printing the text, print data of the attached file is generated.

When an e-mail having only a URL description in the main body is sent to a mail account prepared for printing the main body, instead of the e-mail main body, the HTML
Print data of information described in L, XML, or the like is generated.

Further, even though the e-mail body in which the URL is described is transmitted to the e-mail account prepared for the URL printing, acquisition failure of information described in HTML, XML, etc., incorrect URL description, etc. If there is an error, the application server 105 reports that there is an error.
Notifies the user via PDA 101 by e-mail.

The method of assigning a mail account in this system is as follows. Only the user account for printing the text, the user account + “A” for printing the attached file, the user account + “B” for printing the text + attached file, the URL printing User account + “C” These are registered in the database of the application server 105. When an e-mail is sent to those addresses when registering, the telephone number of the portable communication terminal (107) connected to the printer (109) used for printing is also stored in the database of the RADIUS server 3105. Register. Further, the model information of the printer (109) may be registered in the database of the RADIUS server 3105.

For example, if the domain name of the mail server 3106 is mnp. co. jp, and it is assumed that the user has acquired an account called tama. At that time, the mail server 3106 automatically prepares the following as an e-mail account.

1. tama @ mnp. co. jp (for printing the text) 2. tamaA @ mnp. co. jp (for printing attached files) tamaB @ mnp. co. jp (for printing the text + attached file) tamaC @ mnp. co. jp (for URL printing) As described above, since the four printing functions correspond to the e-mail addresses, the user having the account “tama” can use any of the four e-mail addresses registered in the mobile terminal 102 in advance. A desired print function can be selected and set by a simple operation of simply selecting a print command without having to key in a print command.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of software modules in the application server 105.

The Mail Server 3202 physically exists in the mail server 3106. It has an IMAP server function, interprets multi-part MIME,
A notification is sent to the AP client (email object 3203 in this embodiment).

The e-mail object 3203 has data to be printed and a user ID (in this case, an e-mail address). In addition, it has an IMAP client function and can send mails such as multi-part MIME to IMA.
Individual parts can be extracted from the P server (emailManager 3202 in this embodiment) according to the MIME type. Further, a PrinterManager object 3205
It has a function to pass print target data to

The PrinterDB 3204 stores information of each user, and the PrinterManager 3205 and the UserHTMLPage 320
9. Provide database access means to HTMLPage3210 and the like. The information of each user is as follows.

UserID (user name when registering the network print system) UserPassword (user password when registering the network print system) UserTelNumber (telephone number of the user when registering the network print system) AdapterID (ID unique to the adapter) AdapterTelNumber (adapter) Printer ID (printer model ID obtained via IEEE 1284) These are set for each user when registering the network print system.

The PrinterManager object 3205 is
Having the ID of the PrinterDriver object 3206, Pri
Management function of the nterDriver object 3206 (generation, deletion, counting, suspension, etc.), a function of searching the PrinterDB 3204 using a user ID (in this case, an e-mail address) as a key, and a PrinterID acquired from the PrinterDB 3204
It has a function to generate an appropriate PrinterDriver object as needed and to pass data to be printed. In addition,
Generating a PrinterDriver object means selecting and activating a printer driver corresponding to the printer.

The PrinterDriver object 3206 contains P
Generated for each printer according to the rinterID. PrinterM
AdapterTelNumber and Adap corresponding to the user ID, acquired by the anager object 3205 from the PrinterDB 3204.
It holds terID and PrinterID, and converts print target data into a format that can be understood by a specific printer. In the case of attached file printing, the application type is determined from the MIME type, and an application corresponding thereto is activated and converted.

The PrintJob object 3207 stores each Prin
It is generated for each terDriver object 3206. AdapterTelNumber corresponding to the user ID obtained at the time of generation,
Based on AdapterTelNumber, a function to hold AdapterID, PrinterID and print data generated by PrinterDriver object 3206, and to queue print data.
It has a function of outputting to the adapter 108.

The WebBrowser object 3208 is a WW
W browsing function. In response to an HTML acquisition message from the PrinterDriver object 3206, it has a function of acquiring information created in HTML from the specified URL and rendering it.

A UserHTMLPage object 3209 is a WebPage generated for each user and has user information such as a default printer. In addition, reflection of print status using CGI, PrinterDriver object 3206
Print job control by sending a job control message to the
04 has a function of changing user settings by reflecting the settings. Further, it has a function of reflecting the print status on the homepage of the network print system user in response to a request from the PrinterManager object 3205.

HTMLPage 3210 is a home page of a domain constituting the present network print system. Has functions such as user registration.

The RADIUSServer 3211 corresponds to the radiu shown in FIG.
It corresponds to the s server 3105.

The PortMaster 3212 corresponds to the communication server 3103 in FIG.

The PDA 3201 corresponds to the PDA 101 in FIG. 1, and is a communication terminal having at least a mail transmission function.
It may have an HTML browsing function.

Adapter 3213 is the adapter 10 shown in FIG.
Equivalent to 8.

The printer 3214 is a printer 10 shown in FIG.
Equivalent to 9.

The PDA 3201 and the Adapter 3213
Is physically connected to the network print system via a communication terminal such as a PHS, but the illustration of the communication terminal is omitted.

The FileTransferManager 3220 corresponds to the FTP server 3110 in FIG.

Next, the flow from when the application server 105 receives an e-mail, generates a print job, and transmits it to the adapter 108 will be described with reference to FIG.

A user of the network print service transmits an e-mail to be printed to the application server 105 using a mail terminal device such as a PDA 3201. As described above, the address corresponding to the service desired by the user is selected as the destination of the e-mail.

The e-mail transmitted to the application server 105 is actually received by the MailServer 3202. The MailServer 3202 of the present embodiment has the function of an IMAP server.
A mail reception is notified to the e-mail object 3203 in the network print server 3104 for each user having the P client function according to the IMAP protocol.

The e-mail object 3203 in the network print server 3104 obtains a target MIME part corresponding to the mail address according to the IMAP protocol. The acquired data is transferred to the PrinterManager object 3205.

The PrinterManager object 3205 is
Pr using the user ID shown in the email account
The interDB 3204 is searched to acquire user information (such as the default printer ID). Then, obtain the PrinterDrive for the default printer
An r object 3206 is generated.

The PrinterDriver object 3206 is Pri
Data to be printed is acquired from the nterManager object 3205, converted into print data, and a PrintJob object 3207 is generated.

If the data to be printed is a URL,
The PrinterDriver object 3206 sends the URL to the WebBrowser object 3208. The WebBrowser object 3208 receives the specified U from the Internet.
Get the contents of RL (homepage described in HTML, XML, etc.), render it, and then
Return to the river object 3206. PrinterDriver
The object 3206 converts the rendered data to be printed into print data to generate a PrintJob object 3207.

If the acquisition of the URL content has failed, such as a timeout due to a bad communication condition or an incorrect address,
The bBrowser object 3208 returns an error to the PrinterDriver object 3206. The PrinterDriver object 3206 is a PrinterManager object 3
205 is notified of the error, and the email object 32
A mail indicating that 03 is an error is created and returned to the user.

Thereafter, the print data stored in the PrintJob object 3206 is transferred to the adapter 108.

By the way, this transfer can be performed in two ways, that is, when the application server 105 makes a call and when the adapter 108 makes a call.

When the adapter 108 originates a call, the adapter 108 (= 3213)
Log in to 5. In this case, Adapter 3213 is PortM
Call aster3212, AdapterID, AdapterTelNumbe
r, Login with PrinterID as authentication key. The authentication key is from PortMaster3212 to RADIUSServer321.
1 is sent to PrinterDB3204 via PrinterDB3
Checked at 204. This login connection is TCP /
Although it is an IP connection, the Adapter is
The IP address given to r3213 is a private address of the present network print system.

Adap whose login is permitted in the above process
ter3213 is a PrinterManager object 3205
To send a print data request message.

The PrintManager object 3205 that has received the message stores the Adapter ID and Adapter ID of the Adapter 3213.
A PrintJob object 3207 matching the rTelNumber and PrinterID is specified, and a data transmission message is sent to the object. This message contains Adapter32
Thirteen IP addresses are included.

The PrintJob object 3207 sends print data to the specified IP address, that is, the address of the Adapter 3213, using the LPR protocol or the like.

On the other hand, when the application server 108 makes a call, the PortMaster requests the PrintTobNumber of the PrintJob object 3207 itself to make a call.
Request 3212.

The PortMaster 3212 calls the PrinterTelNumber in response to a request from the PrintJob object 3207. At this time, the PortMaster 3212 notifies the telephone number of the network print system and temporarily disconnects the communication. As a result, the adapter 108 obtains the telephone number of the network print system and redials the obtained telephone number. After this, the operation is the same as the call from the adapter 108.

Note that the above-mentioned four mail addresses and
The telephone number of the portable terminal connected to the printer via the adapter is registered in the database in association with the telephone number, and the application server recognizes the corresponding telephone number based on the address of the received mail, and prints. Data can be created and sent to the adapter via a mobile terminal via a public communication network.

The print job in the PrintJob object 3207 generates print data in units of one page in consideration of the case where the Printer 3214 has only one sheet of paper (in the case of a printer that feeds one sheet at a time by hand). In some cases. In this case, the type of the printer is determined based on the PrinterID (model information), and the unit of the print job is determined. For example, data of a plurality of pages is sent as one JOB to a cassette paper feed type printer, and data of a plurality of pages is sent as a plurality of JOBs to a manual feed type printer. By performing such processing, retransmission of data of a page where an error or a jam has occurred can be easily performed, and processing for error recovery or jam recovery can be easily performed.

Also, the PrintJob object 3207 and Ad
Adapt during print data transmission with apter3213
An error such as out of paper may be notified from the er3213. In this case, the error notification from the Adapter 3213 is sent to the Pri
Received by ntManager object 3205, PrinterDriver
A print data transmission stop message is sent to the object 3206. Thus, the transfer of the print data from the PrintJob object 3207 to the Adapter 3213 can be stopped.

At that time, PrinterDrive
The r object 3206 is an e-mail object 3
It is possible to request the user 203 to notify the user of the error occurrence mail.

A request can be made to the UserHTMLPage object 3209 to request the homepage in the user's network print system to reflect the print status including the error.

Next, the application server 105
The flow up to transmission of the user setting file and the updated program to the adapter 108 will be described below.

The adapter 108 (= 3
213) logs in to the application server 105. In this case, Adapter 3213 is PortMaster 321
Call 2 and log in without AdapterID and password. This login connection is a TCP / IP connection, but Po
The IP address given to the Adapter 3213 by the rtMaster 3212 is a private address of the present network print system.

The Adapter 3213 has an IP address of Ada
Use the address set in pter3213 and use
FileTransferManager3 with r name as Anonymous and password as adapter ID stored in adapter information area
Connect to 220.

Adap whose login is permitted in the above process
The ter 3213 sends a file transfer request message to the FileTransferManager 3220.

The FileTransferManager 3220 manages the following files.

(1) Version.inf (version file required for program update) (2) program.bin (update program file for Adapter 3213) (3) AdapterID.cfg (adapter setting file name / user information file name) AdapterID.cfg is registered in PrinterDB3204
AdapterID with cfg attribute, registered
There are files for the number of AdapterIDs.

FileTransferManager which received the message
3220 is the designated IP address, that is, Adapter
A file specified by the FTP protocol or the like is transmitted to the address 3213.

Next, the adapter 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.
08 will be described in detail.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the adapter 108.

In the present embodiment, the adapter 108 connects the portable communication terminal 107 to the communication terminal interface 2101.
And the communication terminal interface 2101 is connected to the internal bus 2108. The communication terminal interface 2101 absorbs a difference in electrical characteristics when connecting different communication terminals and connects to the internal bus 2108.

That is, the adapter 108 is for converting the protocol of the communication interface such as the PHS into the protocol of the printer 109 such as the Centronics interface.

The printer 109 is connected to the internal bus 2108 of the adapter 108 via the printer interface 2104.
Connect to In this embodiment, the adapter 108 and the printer 109 are connected by an IEEE1284 interface.

The internal bus 2108 has a microcomputer 2102 for controlling the entire operation, a ROM 2105 for storing the internal operation program and the setting contents, and an RA for temporarily storing the program execution area and transmission / reception data.
M2106, U / I 2103 which is a user interface for performing operations from the user and displaying to the user are connected.

The U / I 2103 includes a switch SW (1) 2112 for controlling the power supply, and SW (2) 2110, S for controlling the portable communication terminal 107 and the printer 109.
W (3) 2111. 3-color LED
(1) 2114 and LED (2) 2115 notify the user of the state of the adapter 108.

A ROM 2105 is a rewritable ROM.
The software can be added or changed. Also,
At that time, a new protocol can be added.

The external interface unit provided in the portable communication terminal 107 is connected to the communication network 1 by the adapter 108.
Outgoing call, incoming call, disconnection, etc. with the external device 03 are externally controlled via the interface 2101. The microcomputer 2102 controls the mobile communication terminal 107 via the interface 2101, such as sending, receiving, and disconnecting. The mobile communication terminal 107 outputs its own telephone number, incoming call information (RING information, incoming telephone number, status of the mobile communication terminal 107) and print-related data to the interface 2101. This allows the adapter 10
Reference numeral 8 can acquire various information such as the telephone number of the communication terminal 107.

The application server 105 and the portable communication terminal 107 are both connected to the communication network 103. When the mobile communication terminal 107 is a wireless communication terminal, the mobile communication terminal 107 is connected to the communication network 103 via a wireless base.

The adapter 108 has an interface 210
1 to the mobile communication terminal 107 to make a call to the telephone number of the communication terminal on the application server 105 side. The portable communication terminal 107 attempts to connect to the communication network 103 using the telephone number. The connection establishment here follows the method of the communication network 103.

When the communication terminal on the application server 105 side receives the call from the portable communication terminal 107, the connection on the communication network 103 is completed.

The ROM 2105 stores new software,
Interface 2101 and interface 2104
Download through and rewrite the internal program. The ROM 2105 also stores a telephone number, an adapter ID, and the like necessary for connection, and can be similarly changed.

The microcomputer 2102 has a performance of realizing a modem and a protocol by software.

The power supply 2107 is a power supply for operating the adapter 108.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of software mounted on the adapter 108. As shown in FIG.

In the adapter 108 on the right side in the figure, a communication carrier protocol 2207 for establishing a connection with the communication terminal is mounted above the H / W 2208 physically connected to the portable communication terminal 107. Actually mobile communication terminal 1
Since the communication carrier protocol 2207 is connected to the communication network 103 via the network 07, the communication carrier protocol 2207 mainly performs control such as calling, receiving, and disconnection for connecting to the communication network 103.

The TCP / IP protocol group 2206 is mounted above the communication carrier protocol 2207. In the present embodiment, it is PPP, TCP / IP, FTP, or the like. The application 2205 is responsible for application functions between the adapter 108 and the application server 105, initialization, and adapter function control such as IEEE 1284 control, and communicates with the communication network via the TCP / IP protocol group 2206.

In the adapter 108, since the communication carrier protocol 2207, the TCP / IP protocol group 2206, and the application 2205 are implemented by software, various functions of the adapter 108 correspond to the microcomputer 2 shown in FIG.
102, ROM 2105, RAM 2106, and the like.

Next, the operation of the adapter 108 will be described.
This will be described with reference to FIGS. 6, 9, 10, and 13.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the state transition of the adapter 108. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the procedure of processing related to the initialization of the adapter 108. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing related to the calling of the adapter 108. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an LED state of the adapter 108.

The state transition of the adapter 108 is OFF state 5
000 (5000 in FIG. 6). When the power switch SW (1) 2112 is turned on, a power-on self-diagnosis mode is entered (5001 in FIG. 6). Here, (1)
(4) A system check (S6001 in FIG. 9) for checking a boat and a register in the adapter 108 is performed.

(1) Checksum of ROM 2105 (S6003 in FIG. 9) In the area where the control program of the adapter 108 is written in the ROM 2105 and the adapter information area (FIG. 7) for managing the unique information of the adapter 108. Checks that checksums are separately written in advance, and checks whether these checksums can be read correctly. FIG.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an adapter information area on the OM 2105.

(2) Confirming the capacity of the RAM 2106 (S6006 in FIG. 9) Data is written to the RAM 2106 mounted on the adapter 108, and the capacity is confirmed by reading check. After checking the capacity, all areas are null-cleared. The capacity confirmed here is stored in the RAM 2106 and used for a buffer overflow check at the time of receiving print data.

(3) Connection Check of Communication Terminal 107 (S6008 in FIG. 9) It is checked whether the communication terminal 107 is correctly connected and operating. At this time, the telephone number of the communication terminal 107 is obtained,
It is stored in the RAM 2106.

(4) Confirming Connection of Printer 109 (S6010 in FIG. 9) It is confirmed whether the printer 109 is correctly connected and operating. At this time, the IEEE of the interface 2104
The printer ID is obtained from the printer 109 by the negotiation of 1284. Printer I of printer 109
D is acquired and stored in the RAM 2106.

When an error is found by the above self-diagnosis (S6002, S6005, S6007, S60 in FIG. 9)
09, S6011) is a power-off waiting mode (5 in FIG. 6).
002), the CPU 2102 is set in the standby mode so that only the power can be turned off by the SW (1) 2112 (S6004 in FIG. 9).

In order for the adapter 108 to operate, it is necessary to write user information in the user information area (FIG. 8) on the ROM 2105. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of the user information area on the ROM 2105.

The user information area (FIG. 8) on the ROM 2105 is checked (S6012 in FIG. 9), and if no user information has been written, an initialization mode (5003 in FIG. 6) is entered. Note that the application server 10
In the initial setting mode (5003 in FIG. 6), when the user information on the adapter 5 is changed, the user information on the adapter 108 is rewritten to turn on the SW (1) 2112 while pressing the SW (2) 2110. to go into.

User information is stored in the application server 10
5, the initial setting mode (50 in FIG. 6)
03), download that information in the following steps,
The data is written in the user information area (FIG. 8) on the ROM 2105.

(1) When SW (2) 2110 is pressed, a call is made to the registered center number stored in the adapter information area (FIG. 7). After connecting to the registration center,
Adapter I stored in the adapter information area (FIG. 7)
D (AdapterID) logs in by PPP without LoginID and Password.

(2) Download the user information file by FTP.

The adapter ID (AdapterID) and registration password stored in the adapter information area (FIG. 7)
D. Connect to an FTP server (not shown) in the application server 105 as a password.

If the connection is successful, a user information file is obtained and stored in the user information area (FIG. 8) on the ROM 2105.

The user information file contains telephone numbers for calling a server other than the default telephone number. To change the telephone number to be connected, the user notifies the application server 105 of the telephone number change by e-mail in advance at the communication terminal 102, and the notified application server 105 stores the telephone number to be connected in the user information file. It is realized by including it. In addition, by associating an e-mail address with a telephone number in advance, a user can transmit an e-mail to an address corresponding to a desired telephone number.

(3) When the download of the user information file is completed, the FTP connection is closed, and the user is logged off.
Disconnect the line.

If the power-on self-diagnosis has succeeded and the user information has been correctly written, and if the initial setting has been completed, a call from the application server 105 or an operation of the user's SW (2) 2110 is waited. Idle mode (5004 in FIG. 6), or
Enter the program update mode (5030 in FIG. 6).

Program update mode (5 in FIG. 6)
030) is entered by turning on the power switch SW1 while depressing both SW2 and SW3. L in mode
ED1 and LED2 flash red at the same time. In this mode, the latest program module prepared in the server can be downloaded and the program on the flash ROM can be rewritten. Details will be described later with reference to FIG.

In the system of this embodiment, when the preparation of print data is completed in the application server 105, the adapter 10
8 and an operation mode in which the application server 105 sends print data in response to a request from the adapter 108. The incoming call confirmation mode (5006 in FIG. 6) corresponds to an operation mode for calling the adapter 108 from the application server 105 side.

In the idle mode (5004 in FIG. 6), when a telephone call is received (S6020 in FIG. 10), the mode shifts to the call confirmation mode (5006 in FIG. 6). In step S6021 of FIG. 10, a caller number is obtained by caller number notification. If the caller ID is not notified (see FIG. 10)
S6022), ignores the incoming call, does nothing, and returns to the idle mode (5004 in FIG. 6). On the other hand, if the caller number can be obtained (S6022 in FIG. 10), the obtained caller number is compared with the server number list stored in the user information area (FIG. 8) (S6023 in FIG. 10). If there is no acquired caller number in the server number list, the incoming call is ignored and nothing returns to the idle mode 5004. If there is a number that matches the acquired caller number, the system waits for RING to end, and shifts to a calling mode (5005 in FIG. 6) (FIG. 1).
0 to S6026).

When the incoming call confirmation is successful or in the idle mode (5004 in FIG. 6), SW (2) 211
When the pressing of 0 is detected for 1 second or less (S602 in FIG. 10)
4), transit to the server calling mode (5005 in FIG. 6) (to S6026).

In the server calling mode (5005 in FIG. 6), the setting is made such that the operation can be returned to the idle state by operating the button SW (3) 2111. In server calling mode,
Place a call using the default access point number registered in the user information area (FIG. 8) (S602 in FIG. 10).
6).

In the idle mode (5004 in FIG. 6), if SW (2) 2110 is pressed for 1 second or longer, the mode is changed to a mode in which the user dials, and a call is made by manual dialing (S6028 in FIG. 10).

After connection with the application server 105, in step S6029 of FIG. 10, the adapter ID (Ada) stored in the adapter information area (FIG. 7) is displayed.
pterID) is logged in to the application server 105 by PPP without LoginID and Password.

If the call, connection, or login fails (S6030), call retry mode (500 in FIG. 6)
Enter 7) and retry according to the communication rules. If the number of retries is exceeded, the idle mode (50 in FIG. 6)
Return to 04). If the SW (3) 2111 is pressed during the retry, the retry is canceled and the process returns to the idle mode (5004 in FIG. 6). Also, incoming calls during retry are ignored.

If it is determined in step S6030 in FIG. 10 that the login has been successful, in step S6031, the communication device telephone number (AdapterTelNumber) acquired during the power-on self-diagnosis described above is replaced with the User ID and the printer ID.
Set (PrinterID) to password and connect to the print data transfer service. If the connection fails (S6032 in FIG. 10), it is assumed that the print data is not ready, the user logs out of the application server 105, disconnects the line, and returns to the idle mode (5004 in FIG. 6). On the other hand, if the connection to the print data transfer service has been established (YES in S6032 of FIG. 10), the application server 1 enters the data reception mode (5008 of FIG. 6).
Print data from the RAM 2106
The data is stored in the upper receiving buffer (5016 in FIG. 6), and the data stored in the receiving buffer is sequentially extracted, and the data is output according to the protocol of the IEEE1284 interface 2104. By doing so, the print data is output from the printer 109.

The program checks the overflow of the reception buffer, and notifies the application server 105 of the transmission ABORT if the reception buffer overflows. In some cases, the application server 105 does not immediately end data transmission even when notified of the transmission ABORT.
Data transmission ABO from application server 105
After confirming the RT response, the communication session must be terminated.

When the connection with the print data transfer service is completed, the application server 105 notifies the start of the session. Upon receiving the start of the session, the adapter 108 acquires the printer status of the printer 109 and returns it to the application server 105. The application server 105 sends print data for each job. After receiving the print data for one job, the printer status is transmitted to start the data transfer of the next job.

The application server 105 notifies the end of data when there is no print job. Upon receiving the data end, the adapter 108 shifts to the communication end mode (5011 in FIG. 6), ends the connection with the print data transfer service, logs out from the application server 105, and disconnects the line. After the cutting, the mode is shifted to the print / buffer flash mode (5012 in FIG. 6). As long as there is no abnormality in the printer 109, all the print data in the reception buffer is sent to the printer 109, an initial signal is sent, and the process returns to the idle mode (5004 in FIG. 6).

The same applies to a case where a reply to print data or a control command is not sent even after the data reception timeout time stored in the user information area (FIG. 8) has elapsed.

If the press of SW (3) 2111 is detected during data reception, the application server 105
ABORT of transfer is notified. After the notification, the adapter 108 returns to the normal reception mode (5008 in FIG. 6) and transmits the data transmission ABORT from the application server 105.
In response to the response, the mode shifts to the communication end mode (5011 in FIG. 6) to end the reception, and further shifts to the print / buffer flush mode (5012 in FIG. 6) to print the contents of the buffer, and the idle mode (5004 in FIG. 6). Return to

When the line disconnection is detected, the mode shifts to the print / buffer flush mode (5012 in FIG. 6), and all the print data in the reception buffer is sent to the printer 109.
The initial signal is sent to the idle mode (500 in FIG. 6).
Return to 4).

If a printer error is detected during data reception, the mode shifts to the printer error mode (5013 in FIG. 6), and the application server 105 sends the transfer ABOR.
Notify T. After the notification, the adapter 108 returns to the normal reception mode (5008 in FIG. 6), shifts to the communication end mode (5011 in FIG. 6) in response to the data transfer ABORT response from the application server 105, and disconnects the line. Buffer flush mode (501 in FIG. 6)
It moves to 2) and ends reception. In response to the ABORT notification from the adapter 108, the application server 105 recognizes that a printer error has occurred, recognizes the job in which the printer error has occurred, and manages the job so that the job is not deleted. When the printer error is recovered and the user presses the switch SW (2) 2110 of the adapter 108, the processing shifts to the state 5005 in FIG. The application server 105 retransmits the data of the job in which the error has occurred in response to the call. Adapter 108 transitions to state 5008 in FIG. 6 to receive data from application server 105.

[0157] The adapter 108 is used during printing.
The 84 PErr signal is monitored, and if an error is detected, the transmission of data to IEEE 1284 is stopped. Then, the mode shifts to a paper-out mode (5010 in FIG. 6), and a request to the application server 105 is made by ABORT sending to stop sending received data. After stopping, the adapter 108 shifts to a mode (5016 in FIG. 6) in which the print data is received and stored in the buffer. At this time, the same buffer overflow check as in the normal data reception mode (5008 in FIG. 6) and the check of SW (3) 2111 depression are performed.

If the adapter 108 has received one page of data, the communication end mode (5017 in FIG. 6)
Then, the connection with the print data transfer service is terminated, the user logs out of the application server 105, disconnects the line, and waits for the user to press SW (2) 2119. When SW (2) 2110 is pressed, the print / buffer flash mode (501 in FIG. 6)
8), the data in the reception buffer is sent to the printer 109 from the beginning of the page. If the printing is successful, the receiving buffer is flushed and the process returns to the idle mode (5004 in FIG. 6). If printing fails, S
A mode of waiting for pressing of W (2) 2110 (501 in FIG. 6)
Return to 7).

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a flow of the program update mode.

Program update mode (5 in FIG. 6)
030) is entered by turning on the power switch SW1 while depressing both SW2 and SW3. L in mode
ED1 and LED2 flash red at the same time. In this mode, the latest program module prepared in the server can be downloaded and the program on the flash ROM can be rewritten.

At S7001, the state of SW2 is determined. If SW2 is pressed in S7001, a call is made to the registration center number stored in the adapter information area in S7002. In step S7003, the connection to the server is confirmed. Here, the connection state is determined including the number of retries (n). If the connection fails (i> n), S7
In 004, LED1 and LED2 are lit continuously in red and the CPU
Is set to the standby mode, and the state shifts to the state 5002 where only the power can be turned off by the SW1.

On the other hand, if it is connected to the server, S7005
Login with the adapter ID stored in the adapter information area by PPP without a login ID and Password. In step S7006, it is determined whether or not the login has been completed, including the number of retries (m). If the login fails (j> m), the line is disconnected in processing 7004 and the LED is
1, LED2 is continuously turned on in red, the CPU is set to the standby mode, and only the power supply can be turned off by SW1.

In step S7007, the User name is changed to Anonym
ous and Password are connected to the FTP server as adapter IDs stored in the adapter information area. FT
The IP address of the P server is stored in the adapter information area. If the connection is determined to be unsuccessful in the judgment 7008, in the step 7004, the PPP connection and the line are disconnected, the LED 1 and the LED 2 are continuously turned on in red, the CPU is set to the standby mode, and the power can be turned off only by the SW 1. I do.

If the connection is successful, a file “Version.inf” is obtained from the FTP server in S7009.

In the judgment S7017, the file "Version.in
It is determined whether or not the acquisition of “f” is successful.
The LEDs 1 and 2 are continuously turned on in red, and the CPU is set to the standby mode so that only the power can be turned off by the switch SW1.

The following data is written in the file “Version.inf”.

Example Vnnn; program.bin program.bin indicates a program file name. Vnnn indicates the latest version number.

In this embodiment, Vnnn starts from V001 and increases by one as the version advances.

In this application program, the latest version number is compared with the version number written at the beginning of the program area described in FIG. 12 in judgment S7010, and if it is judged that the version needs to be upgraded, it is indicated by the above program file name. File (program.bin)
Is acquired in S7011. When the versions are equal,
Alternatively, if it is older, the line is disconnected, and the process proceeds to S7016. If acquisition of the file fails in step S7012, the process advances to step S7004 to disconnect from the FTP server, disconnect the PPP connection, disconnect the line, and display the LED.
1, LED2 is continuously turned on in red, the CPU is set to the standby mode, and only the power supply can be turned off by SW1.

After obtaining the file (program.bin),
In step S7013, disconnection from the FTP server is performed, and the PPP connection and the line are disconnected.

At decision S7014, the size of the received file is confirmed. A 16-bit CRC for the entire program area is added to the file received from the server. CRC
Check and confirm the validity of the received data. If the received data is correct, in step 7015, the data is stored in the program storage area on the flash ROM 2105. The execution program at this time is stored in the flash ROM 21.
05 to the memory 2106, and the memory 21
From 06, the program is executed. Performs a compare check between the received data and the stored data.

On the other hand, if the data received in step S7014 is incorrect or the compare check is not correct, the process proceeds to step S7004, where the LEDs 1 and 2 are continuously turned on in red, the CPU is set to the standby mode, and only the power can be turned off by SW1. I do.

If the rewriting is successful, in step S7016, the LEDs 1 and 2 are continuously turned on in green, and the CPU is set to the standby mode to set a mode in which power can only be turned off by SW1.

FIG. 12A shows the contents of the program storage area. In the program area, a version number written at the head and a checksum value in which a value that becomes 0 when all bytes of the program area are added are provided at the head of the program.

FIG. 12B shows the contents of the program file. Program file to be transferred (program.bin)
Has two bytes of CRC data in addition to the data stored in the program storage area. The 2-byte CRC data is deleted when copied to the program area.

In the above embodiment, the programs of the respective processes shown in FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 are stored in the ROM 2105 of the adapter 108 shown in FIG. 4, and are executed by the microcomputer 2102.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. Since the configuration of the second embodiment is basically the same as the configuration of the first embodiment, the description of the second embodiment will use the configuration of the first embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart for updating the program of the adapter 108 according to the second embodiment. In this flow, the same steps as those of the call processing in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 11 described above are denoted by the same step numbers, and description thereof is omitted.

If the connection is successful in step S7007, the file "Ve" is sent from the FTP server in step S8001.
rsion.inf ”.

The following data is written in the file "Version.inf".

Vnnn Vnnn indicates the latest version number.

After comparing the version numbers in determination S8002, if it is determined that version upgrade is necessary, a file (romimage.bin) predetermined by the program of the adapter 108 is acquired in S8003.

On the other hand, the FileTransferManage
r3220 manages the following files in addition to the above embodiment.

Romimage.bin (Update Program File for Adapter 3213) By doing so, when downloading a program due to a difference in version number, it is possible to determine in advance which program the adapter program itself obtains.

(Other Embodiments) The following configuration may be used instead of the configuration of each embodiment described above.

That is, the portable terminal 102 is connected to the PHS or P
A device that performs wireless communication represented by DC may be replaced with a fixed telephone (modem) that performs wired communication.

The adapter 108 may be built in (integrated with) the printer 109.

The initialization process in the adapter 108, specifically, the connection confirmation of the communication terminal 107 and the printer 109 is not limited to the order of the processes shown in the embodiment. Similarly, incoming call confirmation, button detection, and the like have been described in chronological order. However, the present invention is not limited to the order of processing described in the embodiment, and may be determined in another process using the concept of an event.

Further, a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or an apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or the apparatus stores the storage medium in the storage medium. It goes without saying that the present invention is also achieved by reading and executing the program code thus set.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD
-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS or the like running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It is needless to say that the present invention includes a case where a part or all of the actual processing is performed and the function of each embodiment described above is realized by the processing.

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, It is needless to say that the present invention includes a case where the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments. .

[0194]

As described in detail above, the print control apparatus having information on the program of the print control apparatus obtains a predetermined file from the server, determines the information in the obtained file, and determines the program based on the determination result. Can be received from a server, the received program can be stored in a rewritable memory, and then written to a nonvolatile memory of the print control device.

As described above, automatic program update according to a user's instruction has become possible.

Further, since the line can be disconnected when the same program version information is updated, the telephone charge is not charged more than necessary.

Similarly, when the received program is stored in the rewritable memory, the line is disconnected, so that the telephone charge is not charged more than necessary.

Since the existing (stable operation has been verified) protocol can be used, the server and the adapter can be easily mounted, and the configuration can be made inexpensively.

Further, since version information to be updated with a predetermined file and the name of a program to be downloaded can be obtained, management of version information of the program on the server side can be easily performed. In addition, it is now possible to control the operation of the adapter with a version file.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of the application server shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of software modules in an application server.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the adapter.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of software mounted on an adapter.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state transition of an adapter.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of an adapter information area on a ROM.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of a user information area on a ROM.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing related to initialization of an adapter.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a process related to calling of an adapter.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart relating to a program update of an adapter.

FIG. 12A shows a program storage area;
(B) is a diagram showing a program file configuration.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an LED state of the adapter.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart relating to a program update in the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101 PDA 102 Mobile communication terminal 103 Communication line network 104 External provider 105 Application server 106 Internet 107 Mobile communication terminal 108 Adapter 109 Printer 2101 Communication terminal interface 2102 Microcomputer (CPU) 2103 U / I 2104 Printer interface 2105 ROM 2106 RAM 2107 Power supply 2108 Internal Bus 2112 SW (1) 2110 SW (2) 2111 SW (3) 2114 LED (1) 2115 LED (2)

Continued on front page F term (reference) 2C061 AP01 HJ08 HQ01 HQ17 HS07 5B021 AA01 BB00 CC06 5B089 GA04 GA21 GB03 JA31 JB07 JB22 KA11 KA16 KB09 KG05 LA11 LB12 5K101 KK02 KK11 LL12 MM06 NN07 NN07NN19

Claims (24)

[Claims] A connection unit that connects to a network server based on the instruction; an identification information acquisition unit that acquires identification data for identifying control information corresponding to the instruction from the connected network server; Determining means for determining the content of the identification data; control information obtaining means for obtaining control information corresponding to the instruction from the network server in accordance with a result of the determination; and storing the obtained control information in a rewritable memory. And a control unit for updating the control information by using the print control apparatus. 2. The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the identification data includes version information for determining whether control information needs to be updated. 3. The print control device according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit compares the acquired identification data with identification data of information already stored in the memory. 4. A means for disconnecting the connection with the network server when the obtained identification data and the identification data of the control information already stored in the memory are the same version or older as a result of the determination. The print control device according to claim 1, wherein the print control device is a print control device. 5. The control information acquiring means, as a result of the determination, when the acquired identification data is different from the identification data of the control information already stored in the memory, or when the acquired identification data is a newer version, the control information acquisition means transmits the control information from the network server. The print control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the print control apparatus obtains the following. 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for disconnecting the connection with the network server when the acquired control information is stored in a rewritable memory. Print control device. 7. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an interface for connecting a printing unit for executing printing in accordance with the updated control information.
A print control device according to the item. 8. The print control according to claim 1, wherein the control information includes a control program for controlling the printing unit that processes print information obtained via a network. apparatus. 9. A printing system, comprising: the printing control device according to claim 1; and means for executing a printing process based on control information updated by the printing control device. 10. A connection step of connecting to a network server based on an instruction; an identification information obtaining step of obtaining identification data for identifying control information corresponding to the instruction from the connected network server; A determining step of determining the content of the identification data; a control information obtaining step of obtaining control information corresponding to the instruction from the network server in accordance with a result of the determination; and storing the obtained control information in a rewritable memory. And a control step of updating the control information by using the print control method. 11. The print control method according to claim 10, wherein the identification data includes version information for determining whether control information needs to be updated. 12. The method according to claim 10, wherein the determining step compares the acquired identification data with identification data of information already stored in the memory.
3. The printing control method according to 1. 13. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of disconnecting the connection with the network server when the obtained identification data and the identification information of the control information already stored in the memory have the same version or are older. The print control method according to claim 10, wherein the print control method is a print control method. 14. The control information acquiring step, if the result of the determination is that the acquired identification data is different from the identification data of the control information already stored in the memory or is a new version, the control information is acquired from the network server. 14. The printing control method according to claim 10, wherein 15. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the step of disconnecting the connection with the network server when the acquired control information is stored in a rewritable memory.
15. The print control method according to any one of Items 1 to 14. 16. The apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a step of performing information passing processing to a printing unit in order to execute printing in accordance with the updated control information. Print control method. 17. The print control according to claim 10, wherein the control information includes a control program for controlling the printing unit that processes print information obtained via a network. Method. 18. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing a print control method, comprising:
A code for a connection step for connecting to the network server based on the instruction, a code for an identification information acquisition step for acquiring identification data for identifying control information corresponding to the instruction from the connected network server, A code of a determination step of determining the content of the acquired identification data, and a code of a control information acquisition step of acquiring control information corresponding to the instruction from the network server according to the result of the determination; and And a code for an update step of updating the control information by storing the control information in a rewritable memory. 19. The storage medium according to claim 18, wherein the code of the determination step compares the acquired identification data with identification data of information already stored in the memory. 20. The code of the control information obtaining step, if the obtained identification data is different from the identification data of the control information already stored in the memory or is a new version, The storage medium according to claim 18, wherein control information is obtained. 21. The print control apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said printing means includes a printer. 22. A means for making a call to connect to a server when the program is updated; a means for obtaining a version of the program from the server after connecting to the server; If it is determined that the server program is new, the program is obtained from the server, the connected line is disconnected, and based on the obtained virgin, if it is determined that the server program is not new, the connection is established. Means for disconnecting a line, and an adapter. 23. The adapter has means for receiving print data from a server based on electronic mail, converting the received data into a format that can be received by a printer, and transmitting the converted print data to a printer. The adapter according to claim 22, characterized in that: 24. The adapter according to claim 22, wherein the instruction to update the program includes an instruction from a user.