GB2271208A

GB2271208A - Image output control system for a computer peripheral device

Info

Publication number: GB2271208A
Application number: GB9320287A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Yuichi Niwa
Original assignee: Ricoh Co Ltd
Current assignee: Ricoh Co Ltd
Priority date: 1992-10-02
Filing date: 1993-10-01
Publication date: 1994-04-06
Anticipated expiration: 2013-10-01
Also published as: GB9320287D0; DE4333576A1; GB2271208B; JPH06119281A; JP3453659B2

Abstract

An image output control system which allows a plurality of users to commonly use a single image outputting unit such as a printer, with a simple operation for selling each user's own operating conditions. The system comprises a plurality of host computers, at least one image outputting unit for outputting an image in accordance with image data supplied by the host computers, and a control unit for controlling said image outputting unit, the image outputting unit being connected with the control unit by a bidirectional interface. A context information loading unit is provided for loading, from the image outputting unit to the control unit, context information representing a current operating condition of the image outputting unit. A sending unit is further provided for sending context information to the image outputting unit so that the image outputting unit can be set to the condition the same as said current operating condition after the image outputting unit is set to another selling condition.

Description

1 "IMAGE OUTPUT CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A COMPUTER PERIPHERAL DEVICW The

present invention relates to an image output control system for a computer peripheral device, which control system is used in a network system comprising a plurality of host computers and a computer peripheral device such as a printer, a scanner, or a network facsimile machine.

In a printer that is one of such computer peripheral devices, selections are made for many operating conditions, such as a selection of a supply tray and an eject tray, selection of a paper size, selection of a font, or selection for single side printing or double sided printing. The setting information made by these selections is generally stored in a non-volatile memory provided in the printer.

When the above-mentioned conventional printer is commonly used by a plurality of users (host computers), each user must set his/her own setting conditions to the printer each time the user uses the printer because the conventional printer cannot store a plurality of setting conditions, each setting condition being assigned to a.respective user. When P1 sending setting condition information to the printer. the user initializes first the printer, and then a control command for setting a setting condition is sent to the printer. After that. the user can send a control command for the job which the user desires the printer to perform. Accordingly. a user is forced to perform an operation for initializing the printer and for sending the userts own setting condition information to the printer each time the user performs a print job by using the printer. 10 It is a general aim of the present invention to provide a novel and useful image output control system used in a computer network system in which image output control system the above-mentioned disadvantages are eliminated. 15 A more specific aim of the present invention is to provide an image output control system which allows a plurality of users to commonly use a single computer peripheral device such as a printer with a simple operation for setting each 20 user's own operating conditions.

According to the present invention there is provided an image output control system for use in a computer network system, the image output control system 25 P, 3 1 comprising:

a plurality of host computers; at least one image outputting unit for outputting an image in accordance with image data supplied by the host computers; a control unit for controlling said image outputting means, the image outputting means being connected with the control unit by a bidirectional interface; a context information loading unit for loading, from the image outputting means to the control unit, context information representing a current operating condition of the image outputting unit; and a sending unit for sending context information to the image outputting unit so that the image outputting unit can be set to a condition the same as said current operating condition after the image outputting unit is set to another setting condition.

According to the present invention, context information for a specific host computer can be automatically sent to the image outputting unit when the print data produced by the specific host computer is being processed. Thus, the user working on the 91 1 host computer is not required to perform an inconvenient setting operation for the image outputting unit.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Fig.1 is a block diagram of a computer network system in which an image output control system according to the present invention is used; Fig.2 is a block diagram of the image output control system according to the present invention; Figs.3A and 3B are parts of a flow chart for explaining an operation of the image output control system shown in Fig.2; and Figs.4A and 4B are parts of a flow chart for explaining an operation of the image output control system shown in Fig.2.

A description will now be given of an embodiment of a control system according to the present invention. Fig.1 shows a block diagram of a computer network system in which an image output control system according to the present invention is used.

In Fig.1, a plurality of host computers 1 1 are connected with a network printer 3 via a printer control unit 2. The host computers 1, the printer control unit 2 and other computer peripheral units (not shown in the figure) are connected with each other to form a network system. The network printer 3 is connected to the printer control unit 2 via a bidirectional interface so that data can be sent from the printer control unit 2 to the network printer 3 or from the network printer 3 to the printer control unit 2. The printer control unit 2 controls an operation of the network printer 3 in accordance with commands from the host computers 1. Since a structure of the network printer 3 is the same as that of a conventional printer, description of the structure of the printer 3 is omitted.

In the network system shown in Fig.1, when a user works on one of the host computers (serving as a work station), for example a host computer A, and desires to print out results of his/her work, the user can send a print file from the host computer A to the network printer 3 via the printer control unit 2 so as to print out the print file. At this time, operating conditions of the network printer 3 are automatically set to the user's specific conditions by means of the image output control system according to the present W 1 invention. The image output control system recognizes the origin of the print file and sets the network printer 3 in the operating condition corresponding to the host computer A, which operating condition has been priorly established for the host computer A. That is, each user can use the network printer 3 as if it is his/her own printer without a setting operation of the network printer 3 being required. The image output control system comprises software installed in the printer control unit 2 and in the host computers 1.

A description will now be given, with reference to Fig.2, of the image output control system according to the present invention. Fig.1 shows a function of the control system according to the present invention.

In Fig.2, a print server 10 (hereinafter called PS10), which is a software installed in the print control unit 2, functions to load in a print file from a file server 2 and to store the print file in the print control unit 2. The print file is transferred from the host computers 1 to the file server 2. The stored print file is transferred to the network printer 3 after setting the network printer 3 in a specific print operating condition for each user 011 1 who requires a print out, and then the network printer 3 starts to print out the print file according to the print operating condition.

A client manager 14 (hereinafter called CM14) is a software installed in each of the host computers 1 and used with an application software 16. The CM14 communicates with the PS10 so as to function to interface the network printer 3 with the user. For example, the CM14 functions to set the network printer 3 in a specific print operating condition for each user. The CM14 also functions to report completion of a printing operation, and to report an error occurrence when there is an error in a printing operation performed by the network printer 3.

An administrator manager 15 (hereinafter called AM15) is a software which is one of application softwares and may be installed in one of the host computers 1. The CM15 functions to manage the PS10, the network printer 3 and each user (host computer).

Specifically, the CM15 functions to set a new parameter to the PS10 and the network printer 3 when a structure of the network printer 3 is altered in such a case where, for example, an additional tray is added to the network printer 3. The CM15 also functions to set an initial print operating condition which is 00 1 performed when a new user (host computer) is added to the network system, and to diagnose the network printer 3.

The PS10 is connected with a network controller 3a in the network printer 3 via a bidirectional interface 29 so that an operation of the network printer 3 is managed by the PS10. The network printer 3 prints out each user's print file under the corresponding print operating condition designated by the PS10. The network printer 3 can report the current operating condition thereof to the PS10, and if necessary, report to the PS10 the print operating condition set in the network printer 3.

The CM14 comprises a CM user interface 18 and a PS-CM API (Application Program Interface) 19, and the CM14 is connected to a network driver API 17. The network driver API 17 is an interface program for connecting programs in the network system with each other to establish communication in the network system. Conventional application program 16 is also connected to the network driver API 17. The CM user interface 18 communicates with the PS10 so as to perform a setting operation of a print operating condition which the user desires, an inquiry of the current printing status, an inquiry of the user's 00 1 printing request status, and control of user's print request. The user can establish interactive communications with the CM user interface 18 via an operational keyboard and a display provided to the host computer 1. The CM user interface 18 includes therein parameters representing the print operating condition, and the parameters can be altered or renewed freely. The PS-CM API 19 is a process program for interfacing with the PS10 and the CM user interface 18. The CM user interface 18 sends a command, through the network, to the PS10, in the form of a data packet, for requesting parameters. A message sent from the PS10 is received by the PS-CM API 19 via the network driver API 17, and is supplied to the CM user interface 18 so that the message is appropriately notified to the user on the display of the host computer 1. That is, the PS-CM API 19 performs a communication control between the CM user interface 18 and the network driver API 17.

The major functions to be managed by the CM14 are: an assignment of a printer to be used in a case where a plurality of printers 3 are provided as shown in Fig.2; a storage for the current setting values for the printing operation; display of current status of a print job; a response to errors and W 1 alterations; setting of the key function; and an alteration of the parameters (priority order, printing direction, printing time, etc.) The AM15 comprises an AM user interface 21 and a PS-AM API, and the AM15 is connected to a Network driver API 20 which functions similarly to the network driver API 17. The AM user interface 21 communicates with the PS10 so as to perform an initial setting operation of the parameters for a print operating condition, a monitor of the current setting values, a monitor and alteration of status of the PS10. The user can establish interactive communications with the AM user interface 21 via an operational keyboard and a display equipped to the host computer 1. The PS-AM API 22 is a process program for interfacing the PS10 and the AM user interface 21. The AM user interface 21 sends a command, through the network, to the PS10, in the form of a data packet, for requesting parameters. A message sent from the PS10 is received by the PS-AM API 22 via the network driver API 20, and is supplied to the AM user interface 21 so that the message is appropriately notified to the user on the display of the host computer 1. That is, the PS-AM API 22 performs a communication control between the AM user W, 1 interface 21 and the network driver API 20.

The major functions to be performed by the AM15 are: a management of the resources comprising registration and change of the password, a registration and change of a designation of a print server, a registration and alteration of print operating conditions, a designation of format, an initial registration, and setting of a print-eue buffer; a management of print jobs comprising control of interruption and continuation of the printing, a deletion of a print file, and an assignment of a priority order to a print file; a monitor of print operating conditions comprising a status of a printer and a status of a print job; and a management of system messages comprising a job record, job error, etc.

The PS10 comprises a PS resource processor 23, an AM API 24, a CM API 25, a job manager 26, a printer manager 27, and a printer I/0 driver 28. The printing operation performed by the printer 3 is controlled and managed by the PS10. The PS10 loads in the print file from the print server 2, which print file is requested by a user to be printed out.

The PS resource processor 23, which is a main part of the PS10, manages all resources of the 0.1 1 system and assigns the resources to each print job.

The AM API 24 controls a transmission and reception of files and messages performed between the AM15 and the PS resource processor 23. The CM API 25 controls a transmission and reception of files and messages performed between the AM15 and the PS resource processor 23. The job manager 26, which manages all the print jobs, loads in, from the file server 12, the print file requested by a user to be printed out, and transfers the print file to the printer manager 27 so as to print out the print file. The job manager 26 also performs a recovery process in case of error, and reporting of the completion of jobs. The printer manager 17 sets up the network printer 3 with print operating conditions in accordance with the parameters supplied by the PS resource processor 23, and allows the network printer 3 to perform a printing operation.

The printer manager 27 manages the network printer 3.

The printer I/0 driver 28 performs bidirectional data communication between the printer manager 27 and a network controller 3a of the network printer 3 via a bidirectional interface 29. The PS resource processor 23 and the CM API 25 are connected to the network system via a network driver API 30 which functions similarly to the network driver API 17.

00 1 One of the major functions to be performed by the PS10 is a management of the printer resources including: a standard form used in printing operation; a font used by the printer; items belong to each user including: number of copies to be produced, priority order of printing operation, language used by the printer, selection of an eject tray and a supply tray to be used, and a direction of printing. Other major functions of the PS10 comprise control of file server 12, management of print job history, and monitoring of the process performed by the PS10. The PS10 also performs functions for communication between the CM14 and the AM15, a management and output of a user job list, a management and output of values setting for each user, a cancellation of jobs, an alteration of a priority order assigned to jobs, and a management of the network printer 3.

It should be noted that the network printer 3 is required to be capable of performing a large number of printing jobs, and to be connected by a bidirectional interface so that the network printer 3 can send data representing a status thereof upon request from the PS10.

A description will now be given, with reference to Figs.3A, 3B, 4A and 4B, of an operation W 1 of the above-mentioned control system.

A user produces print data to be printed out by using a word processor software or table calculation software on the host computer 1. The user then selects one of the network printer 3 to be used.

After selecting the network printer 3, the user performs a setting operation needed for printing the print data.

In this embodiment, the CM14 is maintained to be stored in a memory of the host computer 1 when the CM14 has once been loaded to the host computer 1.

When pre-assigned combination of keys on the host computer 1 are pressed to start the CM14, the CM14 interrupts the software currently running in the host computer 1 so that the CM14 can be run in the host computer 1. When the user inputs a command for ending the CM14, the CM14 sets the host computer to resume the process of the interrupted software.

Figs.3A and 3B is a flow chart of the operation of the CM14. A user start up the CM14 by pressing predetermined keys. In step 1 (hereinafter step is abbreviated "S"), the CM14 locates a printer selected by the user. In S3, a setting information of the selected printer 3 is loaded in the CM14, which setting information has been previously set for the 00 1 present user and has been stored in a non-volatile memory, such as a hard disk. In S5, the CM14 requests an additional setting information to the PS10 via the network driver APIs 17 and 20 by using a predetermined data format and protocol, and then loads the additional setting information in the CM14. Upon reception of the request for additional setting information from the CM14, the PS10 requires information concerning a current operating condition of the network printer 3 via the interface 29, which operating condition varies with passage of time, variation being relevant to, for example, positions of the eject tray and a supply tray of paper sheets, whether or not the printer 3 is in printing operation, or an operating condition of a printer engine. In S7, the CM14 retrieves the current setting condition of the network printer 3 together with the variable operating condition.

In Sg, the CM14 changes the setting information for the selected printer 3 in accordance with the additional setting information and information for the current operating condition of the printer 3, and the routine proceeds to Sil. In S11, the CM14 determines whether or not all necessary resource information in the setting information is W - 16 1 available from the previous setting information obtained in the step 3. If all resource information is available from the previous setting information, the routine proceeds to S21. If not all resource information is available from the previous setting information, the routine proceeds to S13 where it is judged whether or not the resource information which is absent from the setting information can be automatically restored in the CM14. If it is possible to automatically restore the resource information, the resource information is automatically restored and, then the routine proceeds to S21. For example, if there is no font which is used in the previous printing operation, a condition that can be handled by the AM14-PS10 function, the necessary font is automatically loaded from a memory of the printer 3.

If the resource information cannot be restored automatically, the routine proceeds to S15 where the user enters the necessary resource information to the CM14, and the routine proceeds to S17. For example, if there is no recording paper the same as that used in the previous operation, a condition that cannot be handled by the CM14-PS10 function, the user supplies the recording paper to the printer 3.

In S17, it is determined whether or not all W 1 resource information is stored in the CM14. If not, the routine returns to S15 to repeat the operation for entering the necessary resource information. If it is judged, in S17, that all resource information is restored, the routine proceeds to S21.

The process in S21 is performed when the user determines that the operation of the CM14 is completed. In S21, the CM14 informs the PS10 of the userys setting information, and then in S23, the CM14 informs the PS10 of the download font which is necessary for the user's desired print job. In S25 the CM14 sends the necessary download font file to the PS10, and the routine ends. These steps S21 to S25 are performed so that the PS10 can send the setting information and the download font immediately before print data for the user is supplied to the printer 3.

After the above-mentioned setting operation performed by the CM14 has been completed, the user sends print data to the printer 3. In this embodiment, the print data is temporarily stored in the file server 12, and the file sever 12 informs the PS10 of the fact that the print data is stored in the file server 12. Upon reception of the information, the PS10 loads in the print data from the file server 12, and then transfers the print data to the printer so 1 3.

Figs.4A and 4B shows parts of a flow chart of an operation performed by the PS10. In step T1 (hereinafter the word "step" is omitted), the PS10 retrieves from the file server 12 the print data to be processed by the printer 3. In T3, it is judged whether or not the user of the print data obtained in T1 is the same as the user of the print data currently processed by the printer 3. If yes, the routine directly proceeds to T13. If not, the routine proceeds to T5 where the PS10 reads printer context information from the printer 3. The printer context information represents information tor all operating conditions for the printer to perform a printing job for a respective user. The printer context information read in T5 is stored, in T7, in a memory associated with the PS10, such as a non-volatile memory. Then, in T9, the printer context information corresponding to the user sending the print data to be processed is retrieved and is sent, in T11, to the printer 3.

In T13, the print data to be processed is sent to the printer 3, and the print job is performed by the printer 3. While the print job is being performed by the printer 3, it is judged, in T15, W 1 whether or not there is message from the printer 3.

If there is a massage from the printer 3 to the PS10, the routine proceeds to T17 where it is judged whether or not the operation for the print job has ended.

If it is judged in T17 that the print job has ended, the routine proceeds to T25 where the fact that the print job has ended is reported to the user.

The end message is sent from the PS10 to the CM14 via the network driver APIs 30 and 17. The CM14 reports the end of the print job to the user. After the PS10 sends the end message to the CM14, the routine ends.

If it is judged, in T17, that the print job has not ended, the routine proceeds to T19. It is judged, In T19, whether or not the message sent from the printer 3 is an error message. If it is judged that the message is an error message, the routine proceeds to T21 where an error occurrence in the printer 3 is reported to the user. Similarly to the end message, the error message is sent to the CM14 and is displayed on a display apparatus of the host computer. The routine then returns to T15. If it is judged, in T19, that the message is not an error message, the PS10 performs a necessary process corresponding to the message, and the routine returns to T15.

1 It should be noted that the AM15 is a software provided for managing the PS10 and the printer 3 by establishing communication with the PS10.

When the AM15 is started, the AM15 finds the PS10 through the driver API 20 and establishes a communication channel with the PS10. Then the AM15 retrieves from the PS10 the current setting information for the printer 3 and displays the information on a display of the computer 1. The user can cheek and reset various setting items stored in the PS10 by observing the displayed information on the display.

The present invention is not limited to the specifically disclosed embodiments, and variation and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

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Claims

An image output control system for use in a computer network system, the image output control system comprising: a plurality of host computers; at least one image outputting means for outputting an image in accordance with image data supplied by said host computers; a control unit for controlling said image outputting means, said image outputting means being connected with said control unit by a bidirectional interface; context information loading means for loading, from said image outputting means to said control unit. context information representing a current operating condition of said image outputting means; and sending means for sending context information to said image outputting means so that said image outputting means can be set to a condition the same as said current operating condition after 00 1 said image outputting means is set to another setting condition.
2. The image output control system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising changing means for changing a setting information for an operating condition of said image outputting means, said setting information being included in the context information.
3. The image output control system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, further comprising determining means for determining whether or not image data to be processed by said image outputting means has been produced by the host computer having produced the image data currently being processed by said image outputting means.

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4. The image output control system as claimed in claim 3, further comprising retrieving means for selecting and retrieving context information corresponding to the host computer having produced the image data to be processed, the selection being made when the host computer corresponding to the context information which was loaded from said image outputting means is determined, by said determining means, to be different from the host computer having produced said image data to be processed.
5. The image output control system as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3 or 4 further comprising reporting means for reporting to a user a status of an image outputting operation performed by said image outputting means.

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6. The image output control system as claimed in claim 5, wherein said reporting means is designed to report the end of the image outputting operation.
7. The image output control system as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein said reporting means is designed to report an error occurrence in the image outputting operation.
8. The image output control system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said context information loading means and said sending means are installed in said control unit.

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9. The image output control system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said context information loading means and said sending means are installed in each of said host computers.
10. An image output control system as constructed and arranged to operate as substantially hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

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