JP3209858B2 - Print control device and print control method - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a print control apparatus and a print control method for processing data from a data supply source on a job basis and printing the data on a printing unit.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a printing apparatus which performs printing by analyzing data from a data source such as a host computer for each job has a function called a job timeout in order to avoid occupation of an image processing unit in one job. Was.

A job timeout is a function for canceling a job being executed in accordance with the length of time set by the user (for example, 1 minute, 3 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, etc.). For example, if the job timeout is set to 5 minutes, the continuation of the job is canceled when the job is 5 minutes from the start.

[0004]

However, in the above-described conventional example, there is a problem in that, when a job time-out occurs, a job that the user does not want to cancel is forced to cancel the continuation of the job.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problem, and inquires of the host computer whether or not the timeout is to be generated by the timeout generating means according to the elapse of a set time. Inquiry, by determining whether to stop the job continuation in response to the inquiry, or if a timeout occurs according to a set length of time, to discard the job, By selecting whether to print the bitmap generated before the time-out occurs in the printing unit, even if the time-out occurs, the job is not uniquely discarded, but is instructed by the user requesting the processing of the job. Job execution can be continued in response to And to provide a high print control apparatus and print control method convenience that can be printed on the printing unit without discarding the bitmap image.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print control apparatus for processing data from a data supply source on a job-by-job basis and causing a printing unit to print the data. Time-out generating means for generating a time-out for stopping the continuation of the job in accordance therewith; and inquiring means for inquiring to the host computer whether or not the time-out is to be generated by the time-out generating means according to the elapse of the set time. Determining means for determining whether to stop the continuation of the job in response to a response to the inquiry by the inquiry means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the time is:
This is the time until the additional data for the job is received.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the time is:
The total time to execute the job.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print control apparatus for processing data from a data supply source on a job-by-job basis and causing a printing unit to print the data, wherein the generated bitmap image is printed by the printing unit. Bitmap image control means,
Timeout generating means for generating a timeout in accordance with a set time length; and in accordance with the occurrence of the timeout by the timeout generating means, the job is discarded or a bitmap generated until the occurrence of the timeout is generated by the bit processing. Selection means for selecting whether or not to print on the printing unit by the map image control means.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print control method for processing data from a data supply source on a job-by-job basis and causing a printing unit to print the data, wherein the job is continued according to a set length of time. A time-out generating step of generating a time-out to stop, an inquiry step of inquiring the host computer whether or not the time-out is to be generated by the time-out generating step according to the elapse of the set time; and an inquiry by the inquiry step. Determining whether to stop the continuation of the job in response to the response.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the time is:
This is the time until the additional data for the job is received.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the time is:
The total time to execute the job.

An eighth invention according to the present invention is a print control method for processing data from a data supply source on a job-by-job basis and causing a printing unit to print, wherein the generated bitmap image is printed by the printing unit. A bitmap image control step, a time-out generating step of generating a time-out according to a set length of time, and in accordance with the time-out of the time-out by the time-out generating step, the job is discarded or the time-out occurs. Selecting whether the generated bitmap is to be printed by the printing unit by the bitmap image step.

[0014]

【Example】

First Embodiment Before describing the configuration of the present embodiment, the configurations of a laser beam printer and an ink jet printer suitable for applying the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The printer to which this embodiment is applied is not limited to a laser beam printer and an ink jet printer, and it goes without saying that a printer of another printer type may be used.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a configuration of a printing apparatus to which the present invention can be applied. For example, a laser beam printer (L)
BP).

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1500 denotes an LBP main body (printer) which inputs and stores print information (character codes, etc.), form information, macro instructions, and the like supplied from an externally connected host computer; A corresponding character pattern, form pattern, or the like is created according to the information, and an image is formed on a recording medium such as a recording sheet. Reference numeral 1501 denotes an operation panel on which switches for operation, an LED display, and the like are arranged. Reference numeral 1000 denotes a printer control unit that controls the entire LBP main body 1500 and analyzes character information and the like supplied from a host computer. This printer control unit 1000
It mainly converts character information into a video signal of a corresponding character pattern and outputs the video signal to a laser driver 1502.

The laser driver 1502 is a semiconductor laser 1
A circuit for driving the laser beam 503 switches on / off a laser beam 1504 emitted from the semiconductor laser 1503 according to an input video signal. Laser light 15
Numeral 04 is rotated left and right by a rotary polygon mirror 1505 to scan and expose an electrostatic drum 1506. As a result, an electrostatic latent image of a character pattern is formed on the electrostatic drum 1506.

This latent image is developed by a developing unit 1507 provided around the electrostatic drum 1506, and then transferred to a recording sheet. A cut sheet is used as the recording paper, and the cut sheet recording paper is stored in a paper cassette 1508 mounted on the LBP 1500, is taken into the apparatus by a paper feed roller 1509, a conveyance roller 1510, and a conveyance roller 1511. It is supplied to the drum 1506.

The LBP body 1500 has at least one or more card slots (not shown) so that an optional font card and a control card (emulation card) having a different language system can be connected in addition to the built-in fonts. .

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of control of the printing apparatus shown in FIG.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1700 denotes an interface for inputting a recording symbol; 1701, an MPU; 1702, a ROM for storing a control program executed by the MPU 1701 and host print information; Save the recording data supplied to the engine). Reference numeral 1705 denotes a printer engine.

The recording apparatus thus configured receives input information from a host computer 100 described later via the bidirectional interface 1700.

The MPU 1701 is connected to a host computer 10 described later via a bidirectional interface 1700.
0 can be communicated with the DRAM 1703.
Memory information and resource data related to the ROM 170
A host computer 1 for storing the host print information in the computer 2
00 is configured to be notified.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining a system configuration of the printing apparatus and the data source shown in FIG. Here, a laser beam printer (FIG. 1) will be described as an example.

Note that, as long as the functions of the present invention are executed, a system in which processing is performed via a network such as a LAN, whether it is a single device or a system including a plurality of devices. However, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied.

In the figure, reference numeral 3000 denotes a host computer which executes document processing in which graphics, images, characters, tables (including spreadsheets, etc.) are mixed based on a document processing program or the like stored in a program ROM of the ROM 3. C
The CPU 1 is provided with a PU 1 and controls each device connected to the system device 4 as a whole.

Reference numeral 2 denotes a RAM, which functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like for the CPU 1. A keyboard controller (KBC) 5 controls a key input from a keyboard 9 or a pointing device (not shown). 6 is a CRT controller (CRTC) and a CRT display (CRT)
10 is controlled.

Reference numeral 7 denotes a memory controller (MC) for accessing an external memory 11 such as a hard disk (HD) for storing a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, and editing files, and a floppy disk (FD). Control. Reference numeral 8 denotes a printer controller (PRTC), which is a printer 1500 via a predetermined bidirectional interface (interface) 21.
And executes communication control processing with the printer 1500.

The CPU 1 executes a process of developing (rasterizing) the outline font in the display information RAM set on the RAM 2, for example, and outputs the W on the CRT 10.
YSIWYG is possible. Further, the CPU 1
Various registered windows are opened based on a command specified by a mouse cursor or the like (not shown) on the RT 10,
Perform various data processing.

In the printer 1500, reference numeral 12 denotes a printer CPU, which controls various devices connected to the system bus 15 based on a control program or the like stored in a program ROM of the ROM 13 or a control program or the like stored in the external memory 14. And outputs an image signal as output information to a printing unit (printer engine) 17 connected via a printing unit interface 16. The font ROM of the ROM 13 stores font data and the like used when generating the output information. If the printer has no external memory 14 such as a hard disk, the data ROM of the ROM 13 is used on the host computer. Information to be stored.

The CPU 12 can communicate with the host computer via the input unit 18 and can notify the host computer 3000 of information in the printer and the like. Reference numeral 19 denotes a RAM that functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the CPU 12, and is configured so that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an additional port (not shown).

The RAM 19 has an output information development area,
Used for environmental data storage area, NVRAM, and the like. The access to the external memory 14 such as a hard disk (HD) and an IC card is controlled by a disk controller (DKC) 20. The external memory 14 is connected as an option, and stores font data, an emulation program, form data, and the like.

The input unit 18 is provided with the operation panel 15 described above.
At 01, a switch for operation and an LED display are arranged.

The above-mentioned external memory is not limited to one, and at least one external memory is provided. In addition to built-in fonts, an optional font card and a plurality of external memories storing printer control language interpreting programs of different languages can be connected. It may be configured as follows.

Further, an NVRAM (not shown) may be provided to store the printer mode setting information from the operation panel 1501.

In the printing apparatus configured as described above,
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, 100 is a host computer, 101 is a laser beam printer, 102 is a CPU that controls the laser beam printer 101, and 103 is a CPU 10
A ROM 104, which stores a control program executed by the computer 2 and host print information, is a RAM for temporarily storing various data in a RAM.

Reference numeral 105 denotes a host interface (host I / F, I / O unit) for communicating with the host computer 100; 106, a job time-out for generating a job time-out when a predetermined time or more has passed. A generation unit 107 is a job timeout control unit, and inquires the host computer 100 via the host interface unit 105 whether or not to cancel the job being executed in response to the timeout generated by the job timeout generation unit 106 in synchronization with the timeout. Has functions.

Then, according to the contents of the status from the host computer 100 in response to the inquiry, the job timeout generation unit 106 controls whether or not to generate a job timeout.

[0041]

According to the above-described embodiment, that is, in a printing apparatus that analyzes data from a data supply source (host computer 100) on a job basis and performs printing by a printer engine, the execution time of one job is limited. Execution time setting means (by the function of the job timeout control unit 107) for setting a job execution time for
A job execution time measuring means for measuring the job execution time set by the job execution time setting means (by the function of the job timeout generating unit 106); and a job execution time measuring means for measuring the job execution time during the execution of the job. A time-out error generating means (by the function of the job time-out generating unit 106) for generating a time-out error based on the end state; a job discarding means (by the function of the job time-out control unit 107) for discarding the running job; Job continuation inquiry means (host I / F, I / F) for inquiring of the data supply source whether or not the running job may be discarded when a timeout error occurs by the error generation means.
O unit 105) and a job discarding determining unit (job timeout control) for determining whether or not the job being discarded by the job discarding unit can be discarded based on the status information from the data supply source in response to the inquiry by the job continuation inquiring unit. If a time-out error occurs when the job execution time set by the time-out error generation unit 106 elapses during execution of the job, the host I / F and the I / O unit 105 are executing. The host 102 inquires of the host computer 100 whether or not the job may be discarded, and based on the status information from the host computer 100, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the job being executed by the job timeout control unit 107 is discarded. Even if a timeout error occurs, the Without discarding the blanking makes it possible to perform an instruction from the outside possible to continue the job.

Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing one embodiment of the first job control method of the printing apparatus according to the present invention. In addition, (1) to (5) indicate each step.

A job timeout period is set for the laser beam printer 101 by an operation panel (not shown) or a job timeout setting command that can be set from the host computer 100 (1). This is the setting of the time during which one job can occupy the image processing unit, and the user can set any time.

When a predetermined time set during execution of the job has elapsed (2), the job timeout control unit 107 generates a job timeout to the host computer 100 via the host I / F and I / O unit 105. It is inquired whether or not it is good (3).

If the status from the host computer 100 in response to this inquiry is Yes, the job timeout control unit 107 instructs the job timeout generation unit 106 to cancel the running job, and the job timeout generation unit 106 Is canceled (4).

If the status from the host computer 100 is NO, the job timeout control unit 107 instructs the job timeout generation unit 106 not to cancel the job being executed, and the job timeout generation unit 1
06 does not cancel the job in order to continue the running job (5). Hereinafter, the correspondence between this embodiment and each step of the third invention and the operation thereof will be described with reference to FIGS.

According to the above embodiment, that is, in a job control method for a printing apparatus in which data from a data supply source is analyzed in units of jobs and printing is performed by a printer engine, the data from the data supply source (host computer 100) is used. A job execution time setting step of setting a job execution time for limiting the execution time of one job in a job control method of a printing apparatus that analyzes data in job units and performs printing by a printer engine (step in FIG. 5) (1)), a job execution time measuring step of measuring the job execution time set in the job execution time setting step (by a timer process not shown in steps (1) and (2) in FIG. 5), and During the execution of the job execution time measurement process, the timeout 5. A time-out error generating step (step (2) in FIG. 5) for generating a job, and when the time-out error occurs in the time-out error generating step, the data supply source determines whether or not the job being executed may be discarded. Continuation inquiry step (executed between step (2) and step (3) in FIG. 5) for inquiring about the job continuation inquiry step. A job discarding step means (step (3) in FIG. 5) for determining whether or not the job can be discarded, and a discarding step (step (5) in FIG. 5) for discarding the job being executed according to the job discarding decision are executed. Then, the job being executed is discarded in accordance with the job discarding decision, and the discarding of the job which has resulted in a timeout error by an external instruction is restricted. And ability.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of a printing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, 200 is a laser beam printer, 201 is a host computer, 202 is a CPU for controlling the laser beam printer 200, 203 is a ROM in which a program for controlling the laser beam printer 200 is stored, 204 is a RAM, 205 Reference numeral denotes a timeout processing selection unit, for example, an operation panel unit.

Reference numeral 206 denotes a time-out generating unit for generating a time-out when a specified time elapses. Reference numeral 207 denotes a bitmap control unit. When a time-out occurs by the time-out generating unit 206, the bitmap data processed up to that point is processed. This is to control whether to discard or to send the bitmap data to the printer engine 208 for printing.

According to the printing apparatus to which the printing control apparatus configured as described above is applied, a bitmap image control unit (bitmap control unit 207) for causing the printer engine 208 to print the generated bitmap image, When a timeout error occurs based on status information from the data supply source in response to the inquiry by the continuation inquiry unit (CPU 202), the job being executed is discarded by the job discarding unit (by the function of the CPU 20), or until a timeout error occurs. And a time-out processing selecting unit (time-out processing selecting unit 205) for selecting whether the generated bitmap image is to be printed by the printer engine by the bitmap image control means, and the bitmap image generated up to the time-out error is provided. Destroying Making it possible to present to Ku printed with an external instruction.

Hereinafter, the detailed operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing one embodiment of the second job control method of the printing apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (7) indicate each step.

First, a timeout process selection unit 205, for example, selects from the operation panel unit regarding timeout process (1).

In this embodiment, the time-out means, for example, a wait time-out (= for the purpose of limiting the time until receiving additional data for the job currently in progress), a job time-out (= job For the purpose of limiting the total time of execution). The selection of the process in the above step (1)
When a timeout occurs, the user selects whether to discard the bitmap image-processed up to that point or to send the bitmap data to the printer engine 208 for printing.

In the timeout processing selection unit 205, a specific time of a wait timeout or a job timeout can be set. The user sets an arbitrary time in the operation panel unit including, for example, an LCD display and a key switch, or in the host computer 201 by a time-out setting command (2).

When a print command is received from the host computer 201 and a job is being executed, the timeout process selecting unit 205
After the elapse of the predetermined time set by, the timeout generating unit 206 generates a timeout (3).

When a time-out occurs, it is determined whether or not the job is to be discarded according to the processing selected in step (1) (4). In the judgment of step (4), Y
In the case of es, the job being executed is discarded (5), and in the case of No, the bitmap control unit 207
Then, the bitmap data generated until the time-out occurs is sent to 8 (6). Then, the printer engine 20
8 performs printing based on the bitmap data (7).

[0061]

According to the above-described embodiment, when a timeout error occurs based on status information from the data supply source in response to the job continuation inquiry, the job being executed is discarded or generated until the timeout error occurs. Time-out processing selection step (steps (4) and (6) in FIG. 7 or step (4) in FIG. 7) for selecting whether to print the bitmap image by the printer engine.
(5)), it is possible to perform printing without discarding the bitmap image generated up to the time of the occurrence of the timeout error by an external instruction.

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.

[0064]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in response to an inquiry for inquiring the host computer whether or not the timeout is to be generated by the timeout generating means in accordance with the elapse of a set time, in response to a response to the inquiry,
Since it is determined whether or not to stop the continuation of the job, even if a timeout occurs, the job is not uniquely discarded, but the job is executed in accordance with the instruction of the user who has requested the processing of the job. Can be continued. In addition, when a timeout occurs according to the set time length, the user selects whether to discard the job or cause the printing unit to print the bitmap generated before the timeout occurs. Can be printed by the printing unit without discarding the generated bitmap image, and it is possible to improve the convenience by eliminating the disadvantage associated with the unique job discarding due to the occurrence of the conventional timeout. It works.

[0065]

[0066]

[0067]

[0068]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a printing apparatus to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of control of the printing apparatus illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a system configuration of a printing apparatus and a data source illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the printing apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a first job control method of the printing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of a printing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a second job control method of the printing apparatus according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 100 Host computer 102 CPU 103 ROM 104 RAM 105 Host I / F, I / O unit 106 Job timeout generation unit 107 Job timeout control unit

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G06F 3/12

Claims (8)

(57) [Claims] 1. A method for converting data from a data source into a job unit
A print control device for causing the printing unit to print the job and stopping the job continuation according to the set time length.
And timeout generating means for generating a time out, in accordance with the elapse of the set time, the time out
Is generated by the timeout generation means.
Inquiring means for inquiring of the host computer
If, according to the response to the query by the inquiry means
To determine whether to stop the continuation of the job
Print control apparatus characterized by comprising: a stage, a. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the time is additional data for a job.
2. A time period until a message is received.
3. The print control device according to claim 1. 3. The time is a total time for executing a job.
The print control apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that. 4. Data from a data source is converted into a job unit.
A printing control device for causing the printing unit to print the generated bitmap image.
A timeout according to the set map image control means and the set time length
Timeout generation means, and generation of the timeout by the timeout generation means
Either discard the job or timeout
The bitmap generated before the occurrence of the
Select whether to print on the printing unit by image control means
Print control device comprising:
Place. (5) Data from data source on a per job basis
And a printing control method for causing the printing unit to print the data, A task that stops the job from continuing for a set amount of time.
A timeout occurrence step for generating an timeout, Depending on the elapse of the set time, the timeout
Is generated by the timeout occurrence step
Inquiry to the host computer
Steps and Responding to the inquiry by the inquiry step.
To determine whether to stop the continuation of the job
And a print control method. 6. The time is additional data for the job
6. A time period until a message is received.
3. The printing control method according to 1. 7. The time is the total time to execute the job
6. The print control method according to claim 5, wherein: Claim 8. Data from data source on a per job basis
And a printing control method for causing the printing unit to print the data, A video that allows the printing unit to print the generated bitmap image.
A control map image control step; Timeout occurs according to set time length
A timeout occurrence step; The timeout by the timeout occurrence step
The job is discarded or the time
Out the bitmap generated up to the occurrence of
Whether to print on the printing unit by the map image step
Selecting step of selecting
Control method.