JP2011037068A - Network printer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a network printer which can shorten the time required for completing loading of a language processing program when returning from a low power consumption state. <P>SOLUTION: A network composite machine 1 with the printer function includes an NIC 10, and a recording part 12 which can take the low power consumption state and prints printing data to a paper. The NIC 10 has a receiving part 10a which receives the printing data, a transmission origin specifying part 10d which specifies a transmission origin of the printing data, a storage part 10b which stores history information of the printing data for every transmission origin, a power state judging part 10c which judges a power state of the recording part 12, a loading information generating part 10e which generates loading information for loading the language processing program in accordance with the history information of the transmission origin to the recording part 12 when a session establishment request signal is received and the recording part 12 is in the low power consumption state, and an output part 10f which outputs a starting signal for starting the recording part 12 and the loading information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a network printer, and more particularly to a network printer capable of taking a low power consumption state.

In recent years, there has been a social demand for lower power consumption of electrical devices from the viewpoint of reducing CO ₂ emissions. For example, in a network printer that is used by connecting to a network such as a LAN, the power consumption of the device is reduced by shifting to a low power consumption state in which power supply to the printer controller, printer engine, etc. is stopped during standby. It has been known. Generally, in such a network printer, only the network interface controller (NIC) is operated when in a low power consumption state, and print data sent from an external computer or the like is awaited and the print data is received. When received, the printer controller or the like is configured to return from the low power consumption state to the normal power state.

  When the power supply to the printer controller is restarted and the printer controller is started, various language processing programs and font data stored in a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory are loaded into a volatile memory such as a RAM. The Here, when all the language processing programs and font data are loaded when the network printer supports a plurality of printer languages, there is a problem that loading takes time.

  On the other hand, in Patent Document 1, when a plurality of translators (print language analysis programs) for analyzing a print language and converting it into predetermined print data are installed, the translator to be used is determined based on the storage location and the version number. An image recording method for determination is disclosed. In this image recording method, a plurality of translators stored in a PROM, ROM-SIMM, ROM-DIMM, flash memory, etc. are searched at power-on, and priorities are determined based on the translator storage location and version number. The translator having the highest priority is loaded into the RAM and used.

JP 09-24658 A

  As described above, in the method described in Patent Document 1, only one translator is loaded. However, when the power is turned on, the translators stored in various storage locations are searched, and based on the storage location and the version number. It is necessary to load the translator after determining the priority. Therefore, when this method is applied to a network printer that can take a low power consumption state, when the print data is received and the printer controller or the like returns to the normal power state, the loading of the translator is completed and the print data processing is completed. It may take a long time before it becomes possible.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and is required to complete loading of a language processing program when returning from a low power consumption state in a network printer capable of taking a low power consumption state. An object of the present invention is to provide a network printer capable of reducing time.

  The network printer according to the present invention can take a communication means for communicating with a communication terminal connected via a network, a normal power state and a low power consumption state, and is in a normal power state. A recording unit that prints out the print data received by the communication unit onto a sheet, the receiving unit receiving the print data sent via the network, and a printer for the print data received in the past Storage means for storing history information of language, determination means for determining the power state of the recording means, a session establishment request signal is received through a predetermined port, and the recording means is determined to be in a low power consumption state Load information for causing the recording means to load a language processing program corresponding to the history information stored in the storage means. When a session establishment request signal is received and the recording means is determined to be in a low power consumption state, an activation signal for activating the recording means is output to the recording means And output means for outputting the load information generated by the generating means.

  According to the network printer of the present invention, printer language history information of print data received in the past is stored, and when a session establishment signal is received, a start signal for starting the recording means is output. Load information for loading a language processing program corresponding to the printer language stored in the history information is output. Therefore, it is possible to start loading the language processing program when the session establishment request signal is received, that is, before the session is established and print data (PDL data) is received. Therefore, when starting the recording means, the timing for completing the loading of the language processing program can be advanced. In addition, since the language processing program to be loaded is specified according to the past history information, it is not necessary to load all the language processing programs corresponding to all printer languages that can be processed by the own machine, and the load time of the language processing program Can be shortened. As a result, when returning from the low power consumption state, the time required to complete loading of the language processing program can be shortened. Note that the language processing program to be loaded may include corresponding font data.

  In the network printer according to the present invention, when the communication means receives a session establishment request signal through a predetermined port, the communication means analyzes the session establishment request signal and specifies the transmission source of the session establishment request signal Preferably, the storage unit stores the history information for each transmission source of the print data, and the generation unit generates the load information according to the history information of the transmission source specified by the specifying unit.

  In general, print data output from a specific transmission source is often described in the same printer language. That is, there is a high probability that the printer language once used by the transmission source will be used again. According to the network printer of the present invention, the history information of the printer language used for each transmission source is stored, and when the session establishment signal is received, the transmission source is specified, and the specified transmission source A language processing program to be loaded is specified according to the history information. Therefore, it is possible to estimate the printer language used with high probability before print data (PDL data) is received. Therefore, an appropriate language processing program can be loaded even before print data is received and the printer language being used is specified.

  In the network printer according to the present invention, the communication unit includes a printer language determination unit that analyzes the received print data and determines a printer language describing the print data, and the determination is performed by the printer language determination unit. If the printer language is not included in the stored history information, the storage means updates the printer language in addition to the history information, and the generation means records a language processing program corresponding to the printer language. It is preferable that load information to be loaded by the means is generated, and the output means outputs the load information generated by the generation means to the recording means.

  In this way, when the received print data is described in a printer language that is not recorded in the history information, the printer language is added to the history information and updated, and the printer data A language processing program corresponding to the language is loaded. Therefore, even when print data described in a printer language that has never been used is received, the received print data can be appropriately processed. Further, when the same printer language is used in the future, the corresponding language processing program can be loaded more quickly.

  In the network printer according to the present invention, it is preferable that the communication unit further includes a deletion unit that deletes, in the history information stored in the storage unit, history information of a printer language whose usage frequency does not reach a predetermined frequency. .

  In this case, since the history information of the printer language with low usage frequency is deleted, the history information can be updated according to the usage record. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the number of language processing programs loaded according to the usage record, and it is possible to further shorten the loading time of the language processing program.

  In the network printer according to the present invention, it is preferable that when the history information is not stored in the storage unit, the generation unit generates load information that causes the storage unit to load all stored language processing programs.

  In this way, when there is no history information, all language processing programs are loaded. Therefore, even when the printer language used from the history information cannot be estimated, the print data can be processed appropriately.

  According to the present invention, in a network printer that can take a low power consumption state, it is possible to shorten the time required to complete the loading of the language processing program when returning from the low power consumption state.

1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a network multifunction peripheral equipped with a network printer according to an embodiment. 6 is a flowchart (first page) illustrating a processing procedure of PC print data reception processing by the network multifunction peripheral. 10 is a flowchart (second page) illustrating a processing procedure of PC print data reception processing by the network multifunction peripheral. 10 is a flowchart (third page) illustrating a processing procedure of PC print data reception processing by the network multifunction peripheral. 10 is a flowchart (fourth page) illustrating a processing procedure of PC print data reception processing by the network multifunction peripheral. 10 is a flowchart (fifth page) illustrating a processing procedure of PC print data reception processing by the network multifunction peripheral.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each figure, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same element and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted. Here, a case where the network printer according to the embodiment is applied to a network multifunction peripheral (MFP) will be described as an example. Further, a network system in which a network multifunction peripheral is connected to a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “PC”) via a LAN will be described as an example. The illustrated network system has a simplified configuration for easy understanding. First, the overall configuration of the network MFP 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the network multifunction device 1 connected to the LAN 51.

  The network multifunction peripheral 1 is a network multifunction peripheral capable of taking a low power consumption state (energy saving state) during standby, and includes a scanner function that reads a document and generates image data, a copy function that records the read and generated image data on paper, and In addition to a FAX reception function for recording image data received by facsimile communication on paper, the PCs 30 and 31 connected via the LAN 51 (corresponding to the communication terminals described in the claims, hereinafter also referred to as “transmission source”). PC print function for recording the image data received from the printer on a sheet. The network multifunction device 1 has a PC-FAX function for facsimile transmission of image data received from external PCs 30 and 31 in addition to a FAX transmission function for facsimile transmission of the read image data. Further, the network multifunction device 1 also has an Internet FAX (IFAX) function for transmitting and receiving image data via an IP network using electronic mail. In order to realize these functions, the network multifunction peripheral 1 includes a NIC 10, a control unit 11, a recording unit 12, an operation unit 13, a display unit 14, a reading unit 15, a codec 16, an image storage unit 17, a modem 18, an NCU 19, An IFAX control unit 20 and a Web server 21 are provided. The above units are connected to each other via a bus (communication path) 23 so that they can communicate with each other.

  The NIC 10 is a network interface that performs transmission / reception control processing of various communication protocols, data analysis processing and data creation processing on various communication protocols. The NIC 10 is connected to the PCs 30 and 31 via the LAN 51, and performs data communication with the PCs 30 and 31, for example, according to TCP / IP. That is, the NIC 10 functions as communication means described in the claims. Note that power is supplied to the NIC 10 even during standby, that is, when the network multifunction peripheral 1 is in an energy saving state.

  The NIC 10 is received by a microprocessor that performs calculations, a ROM that stores a program for causing the microprocessor to execute each process, a communication chip (IC) that is controlled by the microprocessor and performs communication processing, and a communication chip. The RAM is configured to temporarily store received data read from the communication chip, and a backup RAM in which data is backed up. The NIC 10 may be configured using a microcomputer in which the above-described microprocessor, communication chip, ROM, RAM, and the like are housed in one chip.

  In the NIC 10, the reception unit 10a, the storage unit 10b, the power state determination unit 10c, the transmission source identification unit 10d, the load information generation unit 10e, the output unit 10f, the printer language determination unit 10g, and the deletion are performed according to the combination of hardware and software described above. Part 10h is constructed.

  The receiving unit 10a receives print data and the like from the PCs 30 and 31 (transmission source) via the LAN 51, for example. That is, the receiving unit 10a functions as receiving means described in the claims. The storage unit 10b is configured by the above-described RAM or backup RAM, and is a port number that receives print data for each print data transmission source, that is, in association with the IP address (or Mac address, host name) of the transmission source. The printer language type of the received print data (for example, PCL5e, PCLxl, PostScript, XPS, PDF, etc.), the reception date and time, the number of receptions, etc. are stored as history information. Further, the storage unit 10b is configured such that the transmission source of the received print data is not recorded in the history information, and the transmission source is recorded, but the port number and the printer language are not recorded in the history information. In this case, new information is added to the history information, and the history information is updated. That is, the storage unit 10b functions as a storage unit described in the claims.

  The power state determination unit 10c determines the power state of the recording unit 12 based on, for example, the level (Hi or Low) of the port connected to the recording unit 12. Specifically, when the port level is Hi (5 V), the power state determination unit 10 c determines the normal power state (normal mode), and when the port level is Low (0 V), the power state determination unit 10 c determines the low power consumption state (energy saving mode). To do. That is, the power state determination unit 10c functions as a determination unit described in the claims.

  When the session establishment request signal (SYN signal) is received through a predetermined port (for example, 9100 (Port 9100), 515 (LPD), 80 (IPP), etc.), the transmission source specifying unit 10d The establishment request signal is analyzed, the source IP address (or Mac address, host name) is extracted, and the source of the session establishment request signal is specified. That is, the transmission source specifying unit 10d functions as specifying means described in the claims.

  The load information generation unit 10e indicates the transmission source history information identified by the transmission source identification unit 10d when the session establishment request signal is received and the recording unit 12 is determined to be in the low power consumption state. Load information (for example, program name, version information, etc.) for specifying a language processing program and font data corresponding to a printer language (used in the past) to be loaded from the nonvolatile flash memory to the RAM of the recording unit 12 Generated). If a plurality of printer languages are recorded in the history information of the specified transmission source, load information including a plurality of corresponding language processing programs and font data is generated. Further, the load information generation unit 10e loads the printer language determined from the PJL language information by the printer language determination unit 10g when it is not included in the stored history information, that is, when returning to the normal power state. If the language processing program does not correspond to the printer language of the received print data, load information for causing the recording unit 12 to load the language processing program corresponding to the printer language is generated. Further, the load information generation unit 10e loads all the language processing programs stored in the non-volatile flash memory into the RAM of the recording unit 12 when the history information of the transmission source is not stored in the storage unit 10b. Load information to be generated. That is, the load information generation unit 10e functions as a generation unit described in the claims.

  When the session establishment request signal is received and the recording unit 12 (network multifunction peripheral 1) is determined to be in the low power consumption state, the output unit 10f sends the recording unit 12 to the recording unit 12. An activation signal for returning from the low power consumption state to the normal power state is output. When an activation signal is output from the output unit 10f, power supply to the recording unit 12 and the like is started. Then, start processing such as program loading is executed in the recording unit 12, and the recording unit 12 is started. When the activation of the recording unit 12 is completed, the port level described above is set to Hi. The output unit 10f outputs the load information generated by the load information generation unit 10e after outputting the activation signal. Furthermore, the output unit 10f displays the load information generated by the load information generation unit 10e when the printer language determined by the printer language determination unit 10g is not included in the stored history information. Output for. That is, the output unit 10f functions as output means described in the claims.

  The printer language determination unit 10g analyzes the received print data, extracts PJL language information, and determines the printer language describing the print data. That is, the printer language determination unit 10g functions as a printer language determination unit described in the claims.

  The deletion unit 10h deletes the history information of the printer language whose usage frequency does not reach a predetermined frequency from the history information stored in the storage unit 10b. More specifically, the deletion unit 10h deletes printer language history information that has not been used for a predetermined period (for example, one month) and / or a predetermined number of times (absolute or relative number). That is, the deletion unit 10h functions as a deletion unit described in the claims.

  The control unit 11 includes a microprocessor that performs calculations, a ROM that stores programs for causing the microprocessor to execute each process, a RAM that temporarily stores various data such as calculation results, and a backup RAM that stores backup data. Etc. The control unit 11 comprehensively controls hardware configuring the network multifunction peripheral 1 by executing a program stored in the ROM.

  The recording unit 12 is an electrophotographic printer, and prints out print data (PDL data) received from external PCs 30 and 31 connected via the LAN 51 on a sheet, for example. That is, the recording unit 12 functions as a recording unit described in the claims. The recording unit 12 prints out the image data read and generated by the reading unit 15 and the image data received by FAX, IFAX, or the like on a sheet. Therefore, the recording unit 12 includes a printer controller 12a and a printer engine 12b.

  When the printing process is not continuously performed for a predetermined time or more, the recording unit 12 is stopped (turned off) and enters a low power consumption state. On the other hand, as described above, the recording unit 12 receives the activation signal output from the output unit 10f, starts power supply, and enters the normal power state.

  The printer controller 12a includes a microprocessor for performing calculations, a language processing program, a nonvolatile flash memory (ROM) for storing font data, and the like, a language processing program for causing the microprocessor to execute processing, font data, and the like from the flash memory. The RAM is configured to be loaded and stored, and to temporarily store various data such as calculation results. The printer controller 12a loads the language processing program and font data stored in the flash memory into the RAM based on the load information (for example, program name and version information) received from the output unit 10f of the NIC 10. The printer controller 12a executes a language processing program or the like loaded in the RAM, thereby realizing functions for expanding print data (PDL data) into raster data and controlling the printer engine 12b. The printer controller 12a outputs the developed raster data to the printer engine 12b.

  The printer engine 12b is a printing mechanism that performs printing. The printer engine 12b is controlled by the printer controller 12a and prints raster data input from the printer controller 12a on paper. More specifically, the printer engine 12b prints raster data by executing printing processes such as paper feeding, drum charging, laser irradiation, toner application, paper transfer, and fixing.

  The operation unit 13 includes a plurality of keys used for using each function of the network multifunction device 1, such as a numeric keypad, an abbreviated key, a start key, a stop key, and various function keys. The display unit 14 is a display device using an LCD or the like, and displays the operation state of the network multifunction peripheral 1 and / or various setting contents. The reading unit 15 includes a light source, a CCD, and the like, and reads a document such as a paper document for each line according to a set sub-scanning line density, and generates image data.

  The codec 16 encodes and compresses the image data read by the reading unit 15 and decodes the encoded and compressed image data. The image storage unit 17 is composed of a DRAM or the like. The image data encoded and compressed by the codec 16, the image data received by FAX, and the image data received from the external PCs 30 and 31 and encoded and compressed. Memorize etc.

  A modem (modem / demodulator) 18 performs modulation / demodulation between a digital signal and an analog signal. The modem 18 generates and detects various function information such as a digital command signal (DCS). An NCU (Network Control Unit) 19 is connected to the modem 18 and controls the connection between the modem 18 and the public switched telephone network (PSTN) 50. The NCU 19 has a function of transmitting a call signal corresponding to the destination facsimile number and detecting the incoming call.

  The IFAX control unit 20 manages an IFAX function using the Internet environment. The IFAX control unit 20 has a function of transmitting an electronic mail according to SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) and a function of receiving an electronic mail according to POP (Post Office Protocol). The IFAX control unit 20 attaches the transmission document to the e-mail as image data in the TIFF format or the like, and transmits it to the e-mail address (SMTP server). The IFAX control unit 20 receives an e-mail from the POP server at every set time and prints out the attached file. The Web server 21 makes it possible to access a data such as a home page, a login page, and a facsimile operation page described in HTML from the PCs 30 and 31 and execute a predetermined HTTP task.

  Next, PC print data reception processing by the network multifunction device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 6 are flowcharts showing the processing procedure of PC print data reception processing by the network multifunction device 1.

  In step S100, it is determined whether or not the SYN signal is received at the Port 9100, that is, whether or not there is a session establishment request (SYN signal) to the designated port (number 9100). If the SYN signal is not received by the Port 9100, the process proceeds to step S246 in FIG. On the other hand, when the SYN signal is received at the Port 9100, the process proceeds to Step S102.

  When the SYN signal is received by the Port 9100, in step S102, it is determined whether or not the recording unit 12 (network multifunction device 1) is in a low power consumption state. Here, when it is determined that the recording unit 12 is in the normal power state, the process proceeds to step S212 in FIG. On the other hand, when it is determined that the recording unit 12 is in the low power consumption state, the process proceeds to step S104. In step S <b> 104, an activation signal for activating the recording unit 12 is output, and power supply to the recording unit 12 is started.

  In the subsequent step S106, the SYN signal is analyzed to extract the source IP address (or Mac address, host name) to identify the source, and the identified source IP address and Port 9100 reception information are included. A determination is made as to whether or not it is recorded in the history information. Here, if the specified IP address of the sender and the received information of Port 9100 are not recorded, the process proceeds to step S108, and the flash memory of the own device is stored in the RAM of the printer controller 12a constituting the recording unit 12. The load information is generated so as to load all the language processing programs and font data stored in the printer, and is output to the printer controller 12a. The printer controller 12a that has received the load information loads all language processing programs and font data based on the load information. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S138.

  On the other hand, when the specified source IP address and the received information of Port 9100 are recorded in step S106, the process proceeds to step S110. In step S110, a determination is made as to whether reception information of PCL 5e is recorded in the history information. If the PCL 5e reception information is not recorded in the history information, the process proceeds to step S116. On the other hand, when the PCL 5e reception information is recorded in the history information, the process proceeds to step S112. In step S112, it is determined whether or not the language processing program for PCL 5e and font data have been loaded in the RAM of the printer controller 12a. Here, if already loaded, the process proceeds to step S116. On the other hand, if not loaded yet, in step S114, a language processing program for PCL 5e and load information for loading font data into the RAM of the printer controller 12a (for example, information including program name and version information) are generated. It is output to the printer controller 12a. The printer controller 12a that has received this load information loads a language processing program and font data for the PCL 5e based on the load information. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S116.

  In step S116, a determination is made as to whether PCLxl reception information is recorded in the history information. If PCLxl reception information is not recorded in the history information, the process proceeds to step S122. On the other hand, when PCLxl reception information is recorded in the history information, the process proceeds to step S118. In step S118, a determination is made as to whether or not the language processing program for PCLxl and font data have been loaded in the RAM of the printer controller 12a. Here, if already loaded, the process proceeds to step S122. On the other hand, if not loaded yet, in step S120, load information for loading the language processing program for PCLxl and font data into the RAM of the printer controller 12a is generated and output to the printer controller 12a. The printer controller 12a that has received this load information loads a PCLxl language processing program and font data based on the load information. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S122.

  In step S122, a determination is made as to whether postscript reception information is recorded in the history information. If postscript reception information is not recorded in the history information, the process proceeds to step S128. On the other hand, when the received information of PostScript is recorded in the history information, the process proceeds to step S124. In step S124, a determination is made as to whether the language processing program for PostScript and font data have been loaded in the RAM of the printer controller 12a. Here, if already loaded, the process proceeds to step S128. On the other hand, if it has not been loaded yet, in step S126, the PostScript language processing program and the load information for loading the font data are generated in the RAM of the printer controller 12a and output to the printer controller 12a. The printer controller 12a that has received this load information loads the language processing program and font data for PostScript based on the load information. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S128.

  In step S128, a determination is made as to whether XPS reception information is recorded in the history information. If XPS reception information is not recorded in the history information, the process proceeds to step S134. On the other hand, when XPS reception information is recorded in the history information, the process proceeds to step S130. In step S130, a determination is made as to whether or not the XPS language processing program and font data have been loaded in the RAM of the printer controller 12a. Here, if already loaded, the process proceeds to step S134. On the other hand, if not loaded yet, in step S132, load information for loading the language processing program for XPS and font data into the RAM of the printer controller 12a is generated and output to the printer controller 12a. The printer controller 12a that has received the load information loads an XPS language processing program and font data based on the load information. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S134.

  In step S134, a determination is made as to whether or not a PDF language processing program has been loaded in the RAM of the printer controller 12a. Here, if already loaded, the process proceeds to step S138. On the other hand, if not loaded yet, in step S136, load information for loading the language processing program for PDF into the RAM of the printer controller 12a is generated and output to the printer controller 12a. The printer controller 12a that has received the load information loads a language processing program for PDF based on the load information. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S138.

  In step S138, it is determined whether or not the recording unit 12 has returned from the low power consumption state to the normal power state, and whether or not the loading of the language processing program and font data to the printer controller 12a has been completed. If the recording unit 12 has returned to the normal power state and the loading of the language processing program or the like has been completed, the process proceeds to step S140 in FIG. On the other hand, when the recording unit 12 has not returned to the normal power state, or when loading of the language processing program or the like has not ended, the recording unit 12 has returned to the normal power state and loading of the language processing program or the like has ended. Until this is done, this step is repeated.

  In step S140 shown in FIG. 3, an ACK / SYN signal is transmitted as a response to the received SYN signal. In the subsequent step S142, it is determined whether or not an ACK signal from the transmission source has been received as a response to the transmitted ACK / SYN signal. Here, when the ACK signal is received, a session is established with the transmission source, and the process proceeds to step S144. On the other hand, when the ACK signal has not been received yet, this step is repeatedly executed until the ACK signal is received.

  If the session is established, PJL (Printer Job Language) data and PDL (Page Description Language) data are received in step S144. In subsequent step S146, a determination is made as to whether language information of PJL data has been received. Here, when the language information of the PJL data is received, the language information of the received PJL data is stored in the storage unit 10b of the NIC 10 in step S170, and then the process is performed in step S172 shown in FIG. Transition. On the other hand, when the language information of the PJL data is not received, the process proceeds to step S148.

  In step S148, a determination is made as to whether a FIN signal from the transmission source has been received. If a FIN signal is received, an ACK / FIN signal is returned to the transmission source in step S150. Thereafter, in step S152, a determination is made as to whether or not an ACK signal from the transmission source has been received. If an ACK signal is received here, the session is canceled and the process ends. On the other hand, when the ACK signal is not received, this step is repeatedly executed until the ACK signal is received.

  When the FIN signal from the transmission source is not received in step S148, the process proceeds to step S154. In step S154, a determination is made as to whether or not the storage unit 10b of the NIC 10 has an available capacity for storing PJL data and PDL data. Here, when there is no free space or when there is little free space (that is, when reading from the reception buffer is impossible), the process proceeds to step S156. On the other hand, if there is free space, the process proceeds to step S158.

  In step S156, an ACK (win = 0) in which the windows size is zero is returned. When ACK (win = 0) is returned, the transmission source periodically sends out a signal TCP Zero Window Probe (win = 0) inquiring whether or not the reception buffer is empty. In response to this signal, the NIC 10 returns a signal TCP Zero Window Probe ACK (win = 0) indicating that there is no free space in the reception buffer, thereby performing continuous connection control (keep alive control). That is, while the persistent connection control is maintained, a TCP Zero Window Probe ACK (win = 0) is returned to the TCP Zero Window Probe (win = 0). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S144, and the processes in steps S144 and above are repeatedly executed.

  On the other hand, in step S158, the received PJL data and PDL data are read from the reception buffer and stored in the storage unit 10b of the NIC 10. Subsequently, in step S160, ACK (win = xxx) in which the receivable data amount xxx corresponding to the free capacity of the reception buffer of the NIC 10 is set is transmitted to the transmission source. Next, in step S162, a determination is made as to whether or not the loading of the language processing program and font data for the printer controller 12a has been completed. If the loading has not been completed, the process proceeds to step S144, and the above-described processes from step S144 are executed again. On the other hand, when the loading is completed, in step S164, the PJL data and the PDL data stored in the storage unit 10b of the NIC 10 are transferred to the recording unit 12 (printer controller 12a). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S144, and the processes in steps S144 and above are repeatedly executed. The recording unit 12 (printer controller 12a) processes the transferred PJL data and PDL data (that is, print data), and prints out the print data on paper.

  In step S170 described above, the language information of the received PJL data is stored in the storage unit 10b of the NIC 10. Then, in step S172 shown in FIG. 4, the language information extracted from the PJL data (that is, the printer language of the PDL data). ) Is a PCL 5e. If the printer language is not PCL5e, the process proceeds to step S180. On the other hand, when the printer language is PCL5e, the process proceeds to step S174. In step S174, it is determined whether or not the language processing program for PCL 5e and font data have been loaded in the RAM of the printer controller 12a. Here, if already loaded, the printer language information of the history information stored in the storage unit 10b is updated in step S176 shown in FIG. 3, and then the process proceeds to step S154. On the other hand, if not loaded yet, in step S178, the load processing information for loading the language processing program for PCL 5e and font data into the RAM of the printer controller 12a is generated and output to the printer controller 12a. The printer controller 12a that has received this load information loads a language processing program and font data for the PCL 5e based on the load information. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S202.

  If the printer language is not PCL5e, it is determined in step S180 whether the printer language is PCLxl. If the printer language is not PCLxl, the process proceeds to step S186. On the other hand, when the printer language is PCLxl, the process proceeds to step S182. In step S182, a determination is made as to whether or not the language processing program for PCLxl and font data have been loaded in the RAM of the printer controller 12a. Here, if already loaded, the printer language information of the history information stored in the storage unit 10b is updated in step S176 shown in FIG. 3, and then the process proceeds to step S154. On the other hand, if not loaded yet, in step S184, load information for loading the PCLxl language processing program and font data into the RAM of the printer controller 12a is generated and output to the printer controller 12a. The printer controller 12a that has received this load information loads a PCLxl language processing program and font data based on the load information. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S202.

  If the printer language is not PCLxl, a determination is made in step S186 as to whether the printer language is PostScript. If the printer language is not PostScript, the process proceeds to step S192. On the other hand, when the printer language is PCLxl, the process proceeds to step S188. In step S188, a determination is made as to whether or not the language processing program for PostScript and font data have been loaded in the RAM of the printer controller 12a. Here, if already loaded, the printer language information of the history information stored in the storage unit 10b is updated in step S176 shown in FIG. 3, and then the process proceeds to step S154. On the other hand, if not loaded yet, in step S190, a PostScript language processing program and load information for loading font data are generated in the RAM of the printer controller 12a, and are output to the printer controller 12a. The printer controller 12a that has received this load information loads the language processing program and font data for PostScript based on the load information. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S202.

  If the printer language is not PostScript, it is determined in step S192 whether the printer language is XPS. If the printer language is not XPS, the process proceeds to step S198. On the other hand, when the printer language is XPS, the process proceeds to step S194. In step S194, a determination is made as to whether the language processing program for XPS and font data have been loaded in the RAM of the printer controller 12a. Here, if already loaded, the printer language information of the history information stored in the storage unit 10b is updated in step S176 shown in FIG. 3, and then the process proceeds to step S154. On the other hand, if not loaded yet, in step S196, load information for loading the XPS language processing program and font data into the RAM of the printer controller 12a is generated and output to the printer controller 12a. The printer controller 12a that has received the load information loads an XPS language processing program and font data based on the load information. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S202.

  If the printer language is not XPS, in step S198, a determination is made as to whether or not a language processing program for PDF has been loaded in the RAM of the printer controller 12a. Here, if already loaded, the printer language information of the history information stored in the storage unit 10b is updated in step S176 shown in FIG. 3, and then the process proceeds to step S154. On the other hand, when not loaded yet, in step S200, load information for loading the language processing program for PDF into the RAM of the printer controller 12a is generated and output to the printer controller 12a. The printer controller 12a that has received the load information loads a language processing program for PDF based on the load information. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S202.

  In step S202, the printer language information of the history information stored in the storage unit 10b is updated. Thereafter, in step S204, it is determined whether or not the loading of the language processing program and font data for the printer controller 12a has been completed. If the loading has not been completed, the process proceeds to step S206. On the other hand, when the loading is finished, the process proceeds to step S208.

  In step S206, an ACK (win = 0) with a windows size of zero is transmitted, whereby persistent connection control (keep alive) is executed. Thereafter, the process returns to step S204, and the above-described processes of steps S204 and S206 are repeatedly executed until loading of the language processing program and font data for the printer controller 12a is completed.

  On the other hand, in step S208, the ACK (win = xxx) (where xxx represents the receivable data amount) in which the size of the receive buffer of the NIC 10, that is, windows size corresponding to the receivable data amount is set, is sent to the transmission source. Sent. Subsequently, in step S210, the PJL data and the PDL data stored in the storage unit 10b of the NIC 10 are transferred to the recording unit 12 (printer controller 12a). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S144 shown in FIG. 3, and the processes of steps S144 to S144 described above are executed.

  If it is determined in step S102 (see FIG. 2) that the recording unit 12 is in the normal power state, the SYN signal is analyzed in step S212 shown in FIG. The MAC address, the host name) are extracted, and the transmission source is specified, and whether or not the specified transmission source IP address and the received information of the Port 9100 are recorded in the history information is determined. If the IP address of the specified transmission source and the received information of Port 9100 are not recorded, the process proceeds to step S214, and the flash memory of the own device is stored in the RAM of the printer controller 12a constituting the recording unit 12. The load information is generated so as to load all the language processing programs and font data stored in the printer, and is output to the printer controller 12a. The printer controller 12a that has received the load information loads all language processing programs and font data based on the load information. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S244.

  On the other hand, in step S212, when the specified IP address of the transmission source and the reception information of Port 9100 are recorded, the process proceeds to step S216. Here, since the processing contents of steps S216 to S242 shown in FIG. 5 are the same as the processing contents of steps S110 to S136 described above, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  After the processing in step S214 or step S242 is completed, in step S244, it is determined whether or not the loading of the language processing program and font data for the printer controller 12a has been completed. Here, when the loading of the language processing program or the like has been completed, the processing moves to step S140 in FIG. On the other hand, when the loading of the language processing program or the like is not finished, this step is repeatedly executed until the loading of the language processing program or the like is finished.

  In the above-described step S100 (see FIG. 2), when it is determined that the SYN signal is not received by the Port 9100, that is, when the SYN signal is received by the LPD (515) (or IPP (80)). In step S246 shown in FIG. 6, it is determined whether or not the recording unit 12 (network multifunction device 1) is in the low power consumption state. Here, when it is determined that the recording unit 12 is in the normal power state, the process proceeds to step S212 in FIG. On the other hand, when it is determined that the recording unit 12 is in the low power consumption state, the process proceeds to step S248. Here, since the processing contents of steps S248 to S282 are the same as or similar to the processing contents of steps S104 to S138 described above, detailed description thereof is omitted here. In addition, after the process of step S282 is complete | finished, a process transfers to step S140 shown by FIG. Since the process after step S140 is as above-mentioned, the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted here.

  According to the present embodiment, history information of the printer language of print data received in the past is stored, and an activation signal for activating the recording unit 12 is output when a session establishment signal (SYN signal) is received. In addition, load information for loading a language processing program corresponding to the printer language stored in the history information is output. Therefore, it is possible to start loading the language processing program when the session establishment request signal is received, that is, before the session is established and print data (PDL data) is received. Therefore, when the recording unit 12 is activated, the timing for completing the loading of the language processing program can be advanced. In addition, since the language processing program to be loaded is specified according to the past history information, it is not necessary to load all the language processing programs corresponding to all printer languages that can be processed by the own machine, and the load time of the language processing program Can be shortened. As a result, when returning from the low power consumption state, the time required to complete loading of the language processing program can be shortened.

  In general, print data output from a specific transmission source is often described in the same printer language. That is, there is a high probability that the printer language once used by the transmission source will be used again. According to this embodiment, the history information of the printer language used for each transmission source is stored, and when the session establishment signal is received, the transmission source is specified, and the history information of the specified transmission source is included. A language processing program to be loaded is specified accordingly. Therefore, it is possible to estimate the printer language used with high probability before print data (PDL data) is received. Therefore, an appropriate language processing program can be loaded even before print data is received and the printer language being used is specified.

  According to the present embodiment, when the received print data is described in a printer language that is not recorded in the history information, the printer language is added to the history information and updated, and the print data A language processing program corresponding to the printer language is loaded. Therefore, even if print data written in a printer language that has never been used in the past is received, the received print data can be processed appropriately and the same printer language will be used in the future. In this case, the corresponding language processing program can be loaded more quickly.

  According to this embodiment, since history information of a printer language with a low usage frequency is deleted, the history information can be updated according to the usage record. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the number of language processing programs loaded according to the usage record, and it is possible to further shorten the loading time of the language processing program.

  According to this embodiment, when there is no history information, all language processing programs are loaded. Therefore, even when the printer language used from the history information cannot be estimated, the print data can be processed appropriately.

  According to the present embodiment, the loading of the language processing program, font data, etc. to the printer controller 12a is completed, and the PJL data and PDL data stored in the storage unit 10b of the NIC 10 can be transferred to the printer controller 12a. In the meantime, the persistent connection control is executed to prohibit the transmission of data to the transmission source while maintaining the state where the session is established with the transmission source. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a large-capacity memory for temporarily storing data on the NIC 10 side. In this way, since the session has already been established when the persistent connection control is terminated, it is possible to quickly start receiving print data.

  Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the language processing program and font data corresponding to all printer languages recorded in the history information in association with the transmission source are configured to be loaded, but considering the usage frequency for each printer language, For example, a configuration may be adopted in which a language processing program corresponding to a printer language having the highest use frequency is loaded. In this way, the load time can be further shortened.

  In the above embodiment, when no past history information is recorded, all language processing programs and font data stored in the flash memory are loaded. However, all language processing programs and the like are loaded. Instead of this, for example, a language processing program set in advance as a default may be loaded.

1 Network MFP 10 NIC
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10a Receiving part 10b Memory | storage part 10c Power state determination part 10d Transmission origin specific | specification part 10e Load information production | generation part 10f Output part 10g Printer language determination part 10h Deletion part 11 Control part 12 Recording part 12a Printer controller 12b Printer engine 13 Operation part 14 Display part 15 Reading Unit 16 Codec 17 Image Storage Unit 18 Modem 19 NCU
20 IFAX control unit 21 Web server 23 Bus 30, 31 Personal computer 50 PSTN
51 LAN

Claims (5)

A communication means for communicating with a communication terminal connected via a network;
A recording unit that can take a normal power state and a low power consumption state, and prints out the print data received by the communication unit on a sheet when in the normal power state;
The communication means includes
Receiving means for receiving print data sent over a network;
Storage means for storing history information of printer language of print data received in the past;
Determining means for determining the power state of the recording means;
When a session establishment request signal is received through a predetermined port and when it is determined that the recording unit is in a low power consumption state, the language processing program corresponding to the history information stored in the storage unit is recorded. Generating means for generating load information for causing the means to load;
When the session establishment request signal is received and the recording means is determined to be in a low power consumption state, an output signal for starting the recording means is output to the recording means, Output means for outputting the load information generated by the generating means,
A network printer characterized by that. The communication means comprises a specifying means for analyzing the session establishment request signal when the session establishment request signal is received through the predetermined port and identifying the transmission source of the session establishment request signal,
The storage means stores the history information for each transmission source of print data,
The network printer according to claim 1, wherein the generation unit generates the load information according to history information of a transmission source specified by the specifying unit. The communication unit includes a printer language determination unit that analyzes the received print data and determines a printer language describing the print data.
When the printer language determined by the printer language determination unit is not included in the stored history information, the storage unit updates the printer language in addition to the history information, and the generation unit Load information for causing the recording unit to load a language processing program corresponding to a printer language is generated, and the output unit outputs the load information generated by the generation unit to the recording unit. The network printer according to claim 1 or 2.   The said communication means is further provided with the deletion means which deletes the history information of the printer language from which the utilization frequency does not reach predetermined frequency among the history information memorize | stored in the said memory | storage means. The network printer according to any one of the above. 5. The generating unit generates load information for loading all stored language processing programs into the recording unit when history information is not stored in the storage unit. The network printer according to any one of the above.

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