JPH096553A - Print control method and apparatus, printing apparatus, and printing system including the printing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Abstract] [PROBLEMS] To provide a print control method, a device for printing the same, a printing device and a printing system including the printing device, by which a communication control program can be easily downloaded by changing a communication protocol. With the goal. A print control device that receives print data from a host computer and outputs the print data to a printing device. The print control device receives print data from a host computer or a network interface unit and converts the print data into data that can be converted by a printer device. The data is converted, and the converted data is transmitted to the printer device. Further, when the downloaded program is received from the host computer, the received program is transmitted to the network interface section and stored therein. The network interface unit performs communication control according to the stored program and receives print data from the network.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a print control method for receiving print data from an external device and controlling printing, an apparatus therefor, a printing apparatus, and a printing system including the printing apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an environment in which printing is performed by connecting to a network, a network interface unit (board) is interposed between the network and a printing apparatus, and the interface unit interprets a network protocol to thereby perform a network operation. It is common to receive and print the print data from In such an interface board, when changing or adding the communication protocol to be controlled, the read-only memory (ROM) storing the program memory mounted on the interface board is replaced. It was common to do.

[0003]

However, when replacing the ROM of such an interface board, it takes a lot of time and labor for the replacement work and the operation confirmation. In addition, R that can be electrically partially erased and written
It is possible to install an OM (flash ROM etc.) and rewrite or add the program of the interface board via the network. However, in order to download such a protocol control program to the interface board, it is necessary to change the communication protocol used in the network.
Therefore, it is impossible to rewrite the interpretation program of the protocol or completely change the target protocol.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional example, and a print control method and its apparatus, printing apparatus, and printing apparatus in which the communication protocol can be easily changed to download the communication control program from an external device. An object of the present invention is to provide a printing system including the.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a print control method, a device therefor, a printing apparatus and a printing system including the printing apparatus, which can easily change the communication protocol to change the communication procedure for receiving print data. It is in.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a print control method capable of downloading a program from an external device, receiving print data from a network and printing, a device therefor, a printing device and a printing system including the printing device. To provide.

[0007]

To achieve the above object, a print control apparatus according to the present invention has the following arrangement.
That is, a print control device that receives print data from an external device and outputs it to a printing device, and receives print data from the external device or a network interface unit and converts it into data that can be converted by the printing device. Conversion means,
Transmitting means for transmitting the data converted by the converting means to the printing device; receiving means for receiving a download program from the external device; and transmitting means for transmitting the program received by the receiving means to the network interface unit. Have.

In order to achieve the above object, the print control method of the present invention includes the following steps. That is, it is a print control method of controlling to print by receiving print data from an external device, the print data being received from the external device or the network interface unit and converted into data that can be converted by the printing apparatus. It includes a step of converting, a step of transmitting the converted data to the printing device, a step of receiving a download program from the external device, and a step of transmitting the received program to the network interface unit.

Further, the printing system of the present invention has the following configuration. That is, a printing system including a printing device that receives print data from an external device and performs printing,
The printing apparatus receives data from the external device or a network interface unit and converts the data into printable data, and a printing unit that prints based on the data converted by the data conversion unit.
The network interface unit has a receiving unit that receives the download program from the external device, and a transmitting unit that transmits the program received by the receiving unit to the network interface unit, and the network interface unit stores the program. And a control unit that controls a communication protocol between the network and the printing apparatus according to a control program stored in the storage unit.

[0010]

With the above-described structure, the printing apparatus receives print data from an external device or a network interface unit, converts the print data into printable data, prints based on the converted data, and outputs the print data from the external device. The download program is received, and the received program is transmitted to the network interface unit. Then, the network interface unit stores the received program in the storage unit and operates so as to control the communication protocol between the network and the printing apparatus according to the stored control program.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before describing this embodiment in detail, the configuration of a laser beam printer to which this embodiment is applied will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the internal structure of a laser beam printer (hereinafter LBP) of this embodiment.
Is configured so that it is possible to register character patterns and affiliated forms (form data) from a data source (not shown).

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes an LBP main body, which is an external device (for example, the host computer 20 of FIG. 2).
1,202 etc.) character information (character code)
In addition to inputting and storing form information or macro commands, a corresponding character pattern or form pattern is created according to the information, and an image is formed on a recording sheet as a recording medium. Reference numeral 102 denotes an operation panel on which an LED display or an LCD display for displaying a switch operated by an operator, a printer status, and the like are arranged, and 103 controls the entire LBP 101 and analyzes character information supplied from an external device. Printer control unit. The printer control unit 103 mainly converts a character pattern corresponding to character information into a video signal and outputs the video signal to the laser driver 106. Laser driver 10
Reference numeral 6 denotes a circuit for driving the semiconductor laser 107, which corresponds to the input video signal.
The laser light 105 emitted from is switched on / off. The laser beam 105 is oscillated in the left-right direction by the rotary polygon mirror 104 to scan and expose the electrostatic drum 108. As a result, an electrostatic latent image of a character pattern is formed on the electrostatic drum 108. The electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing unit 109 arranged around the electrostatic drum 108 and then transferred to the recording paper. A cut sheet is used as the recording sheet, and the cut sheet recording sheet is stored in the sheet cassette 112 mounted on the LBP 101, and the sheet feeding roller 1
It is taken into the apparatus by the rotation of 11 and the conveyance roller 110 and is supplied to the electrostatic drum 108. The recording paper 114 thus transferred is rotated by the discharge roller 115,
The paper is discharged onto the tray 113 outside the apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The printing system according to the present embodiment is connected to the print control device 203, and print data and network.
A host computer 201 for transmitting an interface download program to the print control apparatus 203;
A host computer 202 that transmits print data to the print control apparatus 203 via the network 210, a print control apparatus 203 that has an interface unit and a data conversion unit that inputs print data, and the printing apparatus shown in the block diagram of FIG. It has a main body 101 and a network interface unit 205 that controls an interface between the network 210 and the print control apparatus 203.

The control program of the network interface unit 205 is an electrically erasable or writable ROM (flash ROM or EEPROM).
Etc.).

Next, the operation of the printing system having the above configuration will be described.

Now, when the host computer 202 performs print processing to the print control apparatus 203, it is assumed that data is transmitted using "network protocol 1". In this case, the network interface unit 205 needs to interpret the “network protocol 1”, extract the data from the packet of the “network protocol 1”, and transmit the data to the print control apparatus 203. After that, due to network expansion and changes,
When the protocol flowing through the network 210 is changed from “network protocol 1” to “network protocol 2”, the network interface unit 205 cannot receive print data from the network 210.

In such a case, the network
The network interface unit 205 without changing the program ROM of the interface unit 205.
An example in which an interpreter program of "network protocol 2" is installed is shown below.

First, an interpreting program of "network protocol 2" that can be executed by the network interface unit 205 from the host computer 201 is executed.
A header or the like is added to the program information and transmitted to the print control apparatus 203.

On the other hand, the print control device 203 determines whether the data received from the host computer 201 is a download program or print data, and if it is print data, it is converted into data that the printing device 101 can interpret. And sends it to the printing apparatus 101. On the other hand, if the data received from the host computer 201 is a download program, the data is transferred to the network interface unit 205.

Accordingly, the network interface unit 205 judges whether the data received from the interface unit of the print control apparatus 203 is the download program or the response data to the network 210, and the response data to the network 210 is sent. If so, the data is directly output to the network 210. On the other hand, if the data received from the print control device 203 is a download program, the program data is written to the flash ROM area designated by the header and the program can be executed.

As described above, this allows the host computer 202 to connect via the network 210.
The print data can be transmitted to the print control apparatus 203 to print using the “network protocol 2”.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of the print control apparatus 203 of this embodiment.

In FIG. 3, 301 is the network 21.
A network for receiving print data via
The interface unit 205 is an interface (IF) unit for connecting the interface unit 205, receiving print data from the network interface unit 205, and transmitting a download program sent from the host computer 201 to the network interface unit 205. An interface (IF) unit 302 is directly connected to the host computer 201 and receives print data and a download program to a network interface. Reference numeral 303 denotes an interface (I) for connecting to the printing apparatus 101 and transmitting print data converted into a data format that the printing apparatus 101 can interpret.
Part F). Reference numeral 303 denotes a microprocessor type central processing unit (CPU), which also has a function as a sequential circuit including, for example, a clock pulse generation circuit, a delay circuit, a gate circuit, and other logic circuits. A read-only memory (ROM) 304 stores a control program for the CPU 303 to supply a control signal to each unit. A readable / writable random access memory (RAM) 305 has an area for storing the operation state of each unit and a work area necessary for executing each process. A bus 306 is used to electrically connect the CPU 303 to each interface (IF) unit, the RAM 305, and the ROM 304, and transfer memory addresses, data, and various control signals.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the network interface unit 205 of this embodiment.

In FIG. 4, 401 is the network 21.
0 is an interface (IF) unit for receiving print data from the host computer 202. A print control device 2 is connected to the print control device 203, and receives print data received via the network 210.
03 is an interface (IF) unit for sending the downloaded program to the print control device 203 and for inputting the download program from the print control device 203. Reference numeral 403 denotes a central processing unit (CPU) in the form of a microprocessor, which has functions such as a clock pulse generation circuit, a delay circuit, a gate circuit, and a sequential circuit having other logic circuits. 404 is a ROM that can be partially electrically erased or written
(Flash ROM), which stores the above-described protocol interpretation program and the program downloaded from the host computer 201. Reference numeral 405 denotes a readable / writable random access memory (RAM), which has an area for storing the operation state of each device and a work area necessary for executing each process. Four
Reference numeral 06 denotes the CPU 403, each interface unit, and the RAM 4
05 and the ROM 404 are electrically connected to each other and are buses used for transferring memory addresses, data, and control signals.

FIG. 5 shows the host computer 2 of this embodiment.
10 is a diagram showing an example of a data format of a protocol interpretation program sent from 01 to the network interface unit 205 via the print control device 203. FIG.

The format of this download data is as follows: a protocol interpretation program (actual program part) 501, a data identification part ("PROG") 50 indicating that this data packet is a download program.
2, a comment (here, “ProtocolX”) 503 indicating the type of the downloaded program, and a download address (here, in hexadecimal notation in which the program ROM is stored in the flash ROM of the network interface unit 205). 1000 "address) 504
And various headers such as a download program length (here, "128" bytes or words of hexadecimal number) 505 indicating the length of the downloaded program are added.

Next, the operation of the print control device 203 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing a process when data is received from the host computer 201 via the interface unit 302 in the print control apparatus 203 of this embodiment. The control program for executing this process is stored in the ROM 305. Remembered

First, in step S1, data from the host computer 201 is input via the interface 302. Next, in step S2, step S
It is determined whether the data input in 1 is a download program or print data. If the input data is a download program, the process proceeds to step S3, and the input download program is output to the network interface unit 205 via the interface unit 301.

On the other hand, in step S2, step S
When the data input in 1 is print data, the process proceeds to step S4, and the received data is converted into a data format that the printing apparatus 101 can interpret. And step S
In step 5, the converted print data is output to the printing apparatus 101 via the interface unit 303 to print.

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
The processing operation in the network interface unit 205 of this embodiment will be described.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a process when data is received from the print control device 203 in the network interface unit 205 of this embodiment. A control program for executing this process is stored in the ROM 404.

First, in step S11, data is received from the printing apparatus 101 via the interface 402.
Next, in step S12, it is determined whether the data input in step S11 is a download program from the print control apparatus 203 or data to be output to the network 210.

In step S12, step S11
If the data input in step S13 is a download program, the process proceeds to step S13, and the flash ROM 4 of the network interface unit 205 is read according to the address information and the like shown in the header of the data format of FIG.
In 04, the downloaded protocol interpretation program, comment information, etc. are written so that the downloaded program can be executed.

On the other hand, when the data input in step S11 is not the download program (normal transmission data to the network), the network 210 (host)
Since the response is a response or a command, the data is directly output to the network 210 via the interface unit 401.

When data is received from the interface unit 401, the data is print data, and thus the data is output to the print control device 203 via the interface unit 402 as in the conventional case.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing a process when a communication protocol is designated in the network interface unit 205 of this embodiment. The control program for executing this process is stored in the ROM 404.

First, in step S21, the network 21
When a work protocol is designated by 0, step S2
Go to 2 and the program that communicates with that protocol is R
See if it is stored in OM404. If the program is stored, the process proceeds to step S23, and the program is read from the head address where the program is stored and executed, whereby communication by the specified communication protocol becomes possible.

On the other hand, if the communication program is not stored in step S22, the process advances to step S24 to notify the network 210 that communication by the protocol is impossible.

In the above embodiment, the host computer 20
The case in which the program downloaded from the No. 1 to the network interface unit 205 is a program that executes the control procedure of the protocol has been described, but it may be a program related to any process executed by the external interface unit other than this. . For example, in recent years, it has become possible to perform various settings for a printer connected to a network from a host computer that is installed remotely. However, it is possible to change or add various functions set by these remote setting programs. May be able to be performed.

The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of one device. The present invention can also be applied to the case where it is achieved by supplying a program for implementing the present invention to a system or an apparatus.

As described above, according to this embodiment, in the printing system connected to the network, even if the protocol used on the network is changed or added, the printing system can be easily performed without using physical exchange. It is possible to reconstruct a network printing system that supports the new protocol.

[0046]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily change the communication protocol and download the communication control program from the external device.

Further, according to the present invention, there is an effect that the communication protocol can be easily changed to change the communication procedure for receiving print data.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to download a program from an external device, receive print data from a network, and print.

[0049]

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an internal configuration of a laser beam printer of this embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a print control apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network interface unit of the present embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a data format of a protocol interpretation program sent from a host computer of the present embodiment to a network interface unit via a print control device.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a process when data is received from a host computer via an interface unit in the print control apparatus of this embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a process when data is received from the print control device in the network interface unit of the present embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing when a communication protocol is designated in the network interface unit of the present embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

101 printer device (LBP) 201, 202 host computer 203 print control device 301, 302, 303, 401, 402 interface (IF) unit 304, 403 CPU 305, 404 ROM 306, 405 RAM

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A print control device that receives print data from an external device and outputs the print data to a printing device, the print data being received by the external device or a network interface unit and convertable by the printing device. Converting means for converting the data to the printing apparatus, transmitting means for transmitting the data converted by the converting means to the printing device, receiving means for receiving a download program from the external device, and the network interface for the program received by the receiving means. A printing control device, comprising: 2. The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the network interface unit stores the program in a non-volatile memory. 3. The program is the network
The print control apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, which is a program for controlling a communication protocol between the interface unit and the network. 4. The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the program includes information regarding a head address of a memory that stores the program and a data amount of the program. 5. A print control method for controlling printing by receiving print data from an external device, the print data being received from the external device or a network interface unit, and the printing device can convert the print data. Of the converted data to the printing device, a step of receiving a download program from the external device, and a step of transmitting the received program to the network interface unit. A printing control method characterized by the above. 6. The print control method according to claim 5, wherein the network interface unit stores the program in a non-volatile memory. 7. The program is the network
7. The print control method according to claim 5, which is a program for controlling a communication protocol between the interface unit and the network. 8. The print control method according to claim 5, wherein the program includes information regarding a start address of a memory that stores the program and a data amount of the program. 9. A printing device for receiving print data from an external device and performing printing, comprising data conversion means for receiving print data from the external device or a network interface unit and converting the print data into print data. Printing means for printing based on the data converted by the data converting means, receiving means for receiving a download program from the external device, and transmitting means for transmitting the program received by the receiving means to the network interface section. A printing apparatus comprising: 10. The printing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the program is a program that controls a communication protocol between the network interface unit and a network. 11. A printing system including a printing device that receives print data from an external device and performs printing, wherein the printing device receives print data from the external device or a network interface unit and prints the print data. Data converting means for converting the data into possible data, printing means for printing based on the data converted by the data converting means, receiving means for receiving a download program from the external device, and the program received by the receiving means. A transmission unit for transmitting to the network interface unit, wherein the network interface unit stores the program, and communication between the network and the printing apparatus according to a control program stored in the storage unit. Having a control means for controlling the protocol. Printing system to a butterfly. 12. The printing system according to claim 11, wherein the storage unit stores the program in a nonvolatile manner. 13. The printing system according to claim 11, wherein the program is a program that controls a communication protocol between the network interface unit and a network. 14. The program includes information regarding a start address of a memory storing the program and a data amount of the program.
The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 13.