JP2000268478A - Device control device, method of monitoring device control device, and storage medium storing computer-readable program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the lifetime deciding accuracy by notifying a display part of equipment of the proper lifetime of a secondary storage device and monitoring the physical using state of the storage device to integrate a using variable if it's decided that the using variable exceeds its prescribed allowable value. SOLUTION: When a power OFF state is asserted, a power circuit of a hard disk part 23 turns off the power supplies of a hard disk and its peripheral circuit, reads the count value of a timer counter contained in a CPU 12, calculates the difference between the read count value and the value that is written when the power supply of the hard disk is turned on and stores the calculated energizing time. The hitherto using situation is read out of an NVRAM 22, added to the current energizing time and stored in the NVRAM 22. It's decided whether the calculated energizing time exceeds the set value, i.e., a standard of the lifetime of a hard disk part 23. If the energizing time exceeds the set value, a fact that the lifetime of the part 23 has nearly expired is displayed on a control panel.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a device control device for controlling a device to which a secondary storage device can be connected, a method of monitoring the device control device, and a storage medium storing a computer-readable program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a device for inputting and printing print data from a host device such as a host computer or the like, for example, a printing device, it is not enough to add a DRAM to perform large-scale printing. Was taken care of.

[0003]

However, a hard disk has a low reliability as a storage device, and has a problem that its life greatly varies depending on use conditions such as temperature and access time. Further, the hard disk is provided with a register for predicting a failure state in itself, but it is not perfect for predicting deterioration of the motor or the like.

As described above, the state of use of a hard disk mounted on a conventional device, for example, a printing apparatus, does not monitor the state of deterioration or the like. Therefore, if the hard disk is severely deteriorated, the received print information is stored. This makes it impossible to read the stored data and makes it impossible to perform print processing via the hard disk.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problem. In a device to which a secondary storage device can be connected, a use variable indicating the use status of the secondary storage device is stored in a nonvolatile storage device. By monitoring whether the usage variable exceeds the permissible value and notifying the usage life of the secondary storage device to the display unit of the device, thereby monitoring the physical usage status and determining the usage variable. A device control device and a device control device monitoring method capable of accurately determining the service life of a secondary storage device from a reference comparison between a value obtained by integration and an allowable value and notifying a user of the service life at an appropriate timing And a storage medium storing a computer-readable program.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a secondary storage device (a hard disk unit shown in FIG. 2).
A device control device for controlling a device to which the secondary storage device can be connected, wherein a measuring means (using an internal timer of the CPU 12 shown in FIG. 2) for monitoring a use situation to the secondary storage device and measuring a use variable; Means for storing the use variables measured by the means (NVRAM2 shown in FIG. 2)
2) and management means for integrating the usage variables measured by the measurement means with the usage variables stored in the nonvolatile storage means, and updating and storing the integrated usage variables in the nonvolatile storage means ( The CPU 12 shown in FIG.
13 based on a control program stored in the storage device, etc.), and it is determined whether or not the usage variables accumulated by the management unit and stored in the non-volatile storage unit exceed a preset allowable value. Judging means (FIG. 2
The CPU 12 performs a determination process based on a control program stored in the ROM 13 or the like). When the determination unit determines that the use variable exceeds a preset allowable value, the secondary storage Notification means for notifying the display unit of the device of the appropriate life of the device (C shown in FIG. 2)
The PU 12 performs a notification process on the operation unit 1501 based on a control program stored in the ROM 13 or the like).

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an instructing means for instructing cancellation of the notification by the notifying means (by the operation unit 1501 shown in FIG. 2), and a display of the device based on the instructing cancellation by the instructing means. Release means (CPU shown in FIG. 2) for releasing the display of the appropriate life of the secondary storage device for the
12 performs a release process based on a control program stored in the ROM 13 or the like).

[0008] In a third aspect of the present invention, the measuring means measures an energizing time to the secondary storage device as the use variable.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the measuring means measures the number of accesses to the secondary storage device as the use variable.

[0010] In a fifth aspect according to the present invention, the device comprises:
The printer is a printer that can communicate with a host computer via a predetermined communication medium.

A sixth invention according to the present invention is characterized in that the device comprises:
It is a host computer capable of communicating with a printer via a predetermined communication medium.

A seventh invention according to the present invention relates to a method of monitoring a device control device for controlling a device to which a secondary storage device (the hard disk unit 23 shown in FIG. 2) can be connected. A measurement step (step (12) shown in FIG. 3) for monitoring the usage status of the device and measuring a usage variable, and a writing step (FIG. 3) for writing the usage variable measured in the measurement step to a nonvolatile storage device. Step (13))
A management step of integrating the new usage variable measured in the measurement step with the usage variable written in the non-volatile storage device in the writing step, and writing the integrated usage variable in the non-volatile storage device (Step (26) shown in FIG. 4) and a judging step of judging whether or not the use variable accumulated in the management step and stored in the nonvolatile storage device exceeds a preset allowable value (FIG. 4). (27)), and when it is determined in the determination step that the usage variable exceeds a preset allowable value, the appropriate life of the secondary storage device is notified to the display unit of the device. Notification step (step (28) shown in FIG. 4).

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an instruction step (step (29) shown in FIG. 4) for instructing cancellation of the notification in the notification step, and display of the device based on the cancellation instruction in the instruction step. And a release step (step (29) shown in FIG. 4) for releasing the display of the appropriate life of the secondary storage device for the unit.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the measurement step, the energization time to the secondary storage device is measured as the use variable.

In a tenth aspect according to the present invention, in the measuring step, the number of accesses to the secondary storage device is measured as the used variable.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the device is a printer capable of communicating with a host computer via a predetermined communication medium.

In a twelfth aspect according to the present invention, the device is a host computer capable of communicating with a printer via a predetermined communication medium.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage medium storing a computer-readable program for controlling a device to which a secondary storage device (hard disk unit 23 shown in FIG. 2) can be connected, A measuring step (Step (12) shown in FIG. 3) of monitoring the usage status of the secondary storage device and measuring the usage variable, and a writing step of writing the usage variable measured in the measurement process to the nonvolatile storage device (Step (13) shown in FIG. 3) and integrating the new usage variable measured in the measurement step with the usage variable written in the nonvolatile storage device in the writing step, and using the integrated usage variable Management step of writing data into the nonvolatile storage device (step (26) shown in FIG. 4)
A determining step (step (27) shown in FIG. 4) for determining whether or not the use variable accumulated by the managing step and stored in the nonvolatile storage device exceeds a preset allowable value; A notification step of notifying the display unit of the device of an appropriate life of the secondary storage device when it is determined in the determination step that the use variable exceeds a preset allowable value (step shown in FIG. 2
8)) is stored in a storage medium.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an instruction step (step (29) shown in FIG. 4) for instructing cancellation of the notification in the notification step, and display of the device based on the cancellation instruction in the instruction step. A computer-readable program having a release step (step (29) shown in FIG. 4) for releasing the display of the appropriate life of the secondary storage device for the unit is stored in the storage medium.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the measuring step, a computer readable program for measuring a current supply time to the secondary storage device as the use variable is stored in a storage medium.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the measurement step, a computer-readable program for measuring the number of accesses to the secondary storage device as the use variable is stored in a storage medium.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the above-mentioned device, a computer-readable program, which is a printer capable of communicating with a host computer via a predetermined communication medium, is stored in a storage medium.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the device stores a program readable by a computer which is a host computer capable of communicating with a printer via a predetermined communication medium in a storage medium.

[0024]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Before describing the configuration of the present embodiment, a configuration of a laser beam printer suitable for applying the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
It should be noted that the printer to which the present embodiment (extension memory, interface part) is applied is not limited to a laser beam printer, and it goes without saying that a printer of another printing method may be used.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the structure of an output device to which the present invention can be applied.
P).

Referring to FIG. 1, reference numeral 1500 denotes an LBP body (printer) which inputs and stores print information (character codes, etc.), form information, macro instructions, and the like supplied from an externally connected host computer; A corresponding character pattern, form pattern, or the like is created according to the information, and an image is formed on a recording medium such as a recording sheet. 1501 is a switch for operation and L
An operation panel 1000 including an ED display and the like is a printer control unit 1000 for controlling the entire printer 1500 and analyzing character information and the like supplied from a host computer.

The printer control unit 1000 mainly converts character information into a video signal having a corresponding character pattern and outputs the video signal to the laser driver 1502. The laser driver 1502 is a circuit for driving the semiconductor laser 1503, and switches on / off a laser beam 1504 emitted from the semiconductor laser 1503 according to an input video signal. The laser beam 1504 is a rotary polygon mirror 1505
And scans and exposes the surface of the electrostatic drum 1506.

As a result, an electrostatic latent image of a character pattern is formed on the electrostatic drum 1506. This latent image is developed by a developing unit 1507 provided around the electrostatic drum 1506, and then transferred to a recording sheet.
A cut sheet is used as the recording paper, and the cut sheet recording paper is a paper cassette 1508 mounted on the printer 1500.
The paper feed roller 1509 and the transport roller 15
The toner is taken into the apparatus and supplied to the electrostatic drum 1506 by the transport rollers 1511 and 10.

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

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a print control system to which an output control device according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied. Note that, as long as the functions of the present invention are executed, the present invention is applicable to a single device, a system including a plurality of devices, and a system in which processing is performed via a network such as a LAN. It goes without saying that the invention can be applied.

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

The program ROM of the ROM 3
Stores a control program of the CPU 1 and the like.
The font ROM stores font data and the like used in the document processing, and the data ROM of the ROM 3 stores various data used in the document processing and the like.

A RAM 2 functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like for the CPU 1. A keyboard controller (KBC) 5 controls a key input from a keyboard (KB) 9 or a pointing device (not shown). 6 is C
The display of the CRT display (CRT) 10 is controlled by an RT controller (CRTC). Reference numeral 7 denotes a disk controller (DKC) for controlling access to an external memory 11 such as a hard disk (HD) for storing a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, and editing files, and a floppy disk (FD).

8 is a printer controller (PRTC)
A predetermined bidirectional interface (interface)
21 and is connected to the printer 1500 to execute communication control processing with the printer 1500.

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

In the printer 1500, reference numeral 12 denotes a printer CPU, which controls various devices connected to the system bus 15 based on a control program or the like stored in a program ROM of the ROM 13 or a control program or the like stored in the external memory 14. Control access to
An image signal as output information is output to a printing unit (printer engine) 17 connected via a printing unit interface 16.

The program RO of the ROM 13
M stores a control program of the CPU 12 and the like. R
The font ROM of the OM 13 stores font data and the like used when generating the output information.
The data ROM has an external memory 1 such as a hard disk.
In the case of a printer having no printer 4, information used on the host computer is stored.

The CPU 12 can communicate with the host computer via the input unit 18 and can notify the host computer 3000 of information in the printer 1500 and the like. Reference numeral 19 denotes a RAM that functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the CPU 12, and is configured so that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown).

The RAM 19 has an output information development area,
Used for environmental data storage area, NVRAM, etc. Access to the external memory 14 such as a hard disk (HD) and an IC card is controlled by a disk controller (DKC) 20. The external memory 14 is connected as an option and stores font data, an emulation program, form data, and the like. Also, 150
Reference numeral 1 denotes the above-described operation panel on which switches for operation, an LED display, and the like are arranged.

The above-mentioned external memory is not limited to one, and at least one external memory is provided. In addition to the built-in fonts, an optional font card and a plurality of external memories storing programs for interpreting printer control languages of different languages are connected. It may be configured to be able to do so. Furthermore, NV
The RAM 22 is a non-volatile memory that stores settings of the printing apparatus, and stores information such as interface settings, installed options, and the number of prints, and stores printer mode setting information from the operation panel 1501. You can also.

The hard disk unit 23 is a storage unit for holding information sent from the host computer 3000, like the RAM 19.

In the printer control system configured as described above, text data output from the host computer 3000 is stored in the input unit 18 first. CPU
12 translates the input information with reference to the ROM 13 and stores the translated content in the RAM 19. Here RA
M19 is stored in an intermediate form having a width of 16, 32, or 48 bits or stored as a bitmap memory.

Here, character data and image data are represented by R
When storing in the AM 19, the RAM 19, which has been used as one page memory, is divided into two page memories, one of which is defined as a character area and the other is defined as an image area.

Therefore, the present invention is characterized in that a form in which character information is expanded and a form in which image information is expanded are stored in respective areas. This storage method is
When an intermediate object is generated, it is recognized based on the respective headers of the character information and image information, and is developed in each area. The RAM 19 generally has 1
Since there is a memory area for pages, no additional memory is needed just for the character and image areas.
AM needs to be added.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a first data processing procedure in the output control device according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (13) indicate each step.

First, in step (1), the CPU 12 translates the data sent from the host computer 3000. In step (2), the data is stored in the hard disk unit 23 depending on the data size and data type, or is stored in the RAM.
It is determined whether the data is to be stored in the buffer area of the RAM 19 or both. If it is determined that the data is to be stored in the buffer area of the RAM 19, the translated data is stored in the buffer area of the RAM 19 in step (14). Then, the process proceeds to step (7) and subsequent steps. If the data is stored in both, steps (2) to (6) and steps (2), (14),
And (7) are processed in parallel.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (2) that the data is to be stored in the hard disk unit 23, the process proceeds to step (3).
Then, the CPU 12 is in the hard disk unit 23 in the hibernation state.
In order to supply power to the I / O port, the I / O port is accessed and a power ON signal is asserted.

At the same time, the CPU 12 accesses an internal timer (not shown) of the CPU 12 in step (12) to count the number of power-on operations, and then, in order to accumulate the power-on time to the hard disk unit 23.
In 3), the start time is stored in the memory.

Next, in step (4), when the power supply ON signal is asserted, the power supply circuit of the hard disk section 23 supplies power to the hard disk and its peripheral circuits, and at the same time, electrically disconnects it. The bus switch between the system bus 15 and the hard disk, which has been performed, is turned on, and the bus is connected.

Next, in step (5), the peripheral circuit to which the power has been supplied initializes the hard disk by asserting a reset signal to the hard disk for several milliseconds to several seconds. Then, in step (6), the translated data is stored in the hard disk unit 23.

Next, in step (7), the printing preparation of the printing unit 17 is started, and when printing can be started, the printing process is started based on the data stored in the hard disk unit 23 in step (8). I do. And step (9)
Then, it waits for data from the host computer 3000. In step (10), it is determined whether there is data input within a predetermined time. If YES, the process returns to step (1).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (10) that there is no data input within a predetermined time, step (11)
Then, the CPU 12 executes a power-off command to shut off the power circuit of the hard disk unit 23.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the second data processing procedure in the output control apparatus according to the present invention, and corresponds to the detailed procedure of the hard disk unit power OFF instruction processing shown in FIG. Note that (21) to (29) indicate each step.

When the first job process is completed as shown in FIG. 3, the next data receiving state is entered in step (10).
Reference numeral 12 determines a timeout, performs I / O access, and deasserts a power-off signal of the hard disk unit 23.

When the power-off is deasserted, the process is started. In step (21), the power supply circuit of the hard disk unit 23 turns off the power supply of the hard disk and the peripheral circuits. Set the bus switch of the connected hard disk signal line to O.
FF is performed, and in step (23), the hard disk is electrically disconnected and is put into a halt state.

On the other hand, at the same time when the CPU 12 deasserts the power-off signal,
Read the count value of the internal timer counter, calculate the difference from the value written when the hard disk power was turned on,
The calculated energization time is stored.

Next, in step (25), the usage status thus far is read from the NVRAM 22, and step (26)
Then, the sum of the current energization time is stored in the NVRAM 22.

Next, in step (27), it is determined whether or not the obtained energization time exceeds a set value which is a measure of the life of the hard disk unit 23. At 28), the CPU 12 displays on the operation panel 1501 that the hard disk unit 23 is approaching the end of its life. At step (29), the CPU 12 waits for a display clear instruction, and ends the processing.

The display in step (28) is configured so that the display cannot be cleared unless the user releases the display using the operation panel or driver software via a network.

In this embodiment, the means for storing the power-on time has been described. However, the means for storing the power-on time can be used for measuring the life of the hard disk unit 23, for example, based on the number of accesses. Needless to say.

According to the above embodiment, there is an effect that the usage status of the hard disk can be monitored. In addition, when the hard disk is used in a situation that is higher than the design value, the user is notified of the fact.

Further, the status of the hard disk can be monitored so that necessary data is not destroyed by the failure of the hard disk, and the usage status can be stored in the nonvolatile memory.

Further, when the usage status of the hard disk exceeds the set value, the operation panel is notified of the fact, and the status can be held until a release command is sent.

The devices to which the secondary storage device can be connected include:
The present invention is not limited to a printer, and may be a host computer or the like, and the present invention can be applied to any device that can be connected to a secondary storage device, irrespective of system or system. Further, the notification destination and the release destination of the service life may be a communicable host device.

Hereinafter, the configuration of a data processing program readable by a print control system to which the output control device according to the present invention can be applied will be described with reference to a memory map shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium for storing various data processing programs that can be read by a print control system to which the output control device according to the present invention can be applied.

Although not shown, information for managing a group of programs stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, a creator, etc., is also stored, and information dependent on the OS or the like on the program reading side, for example, a program is stored. An icon or the like for identification display may also be stored.

Further, data dependent on various programs is also managed in the directory. Also, a program for installing various programs on a computer, and a program for decompressing a program to be installed when the program to be installed is compressed, may be stored in some cases.

The functions shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 in this embodiment may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In that case, CD-ROM, flash memory, FD
The present invention can be applied to a case in which a group of information including a program is supplied to an output device from a storage medium such as the above or from an external storage medium via a network.

As described above, the storage medium storing the program codes of the software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or the apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MP) of the system or the apparatus is supplied.
It goes without saying that the object of the present invention is also achieved when U) reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, C
DR, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, RO
M, EEPROM and the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also an OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) And the like perform part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, The CPU provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

[0075]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the invention, there is provided a device control device for controlling a device to which a secondary storage device can be connected, wherein a measuring means for monitoring a use situation to the secondary storage device and measuring a use variable, and the measuring device Non-volatile storage means for storing the usage variable measured by, the use variable measured by the measurement means to the use variable stored in the non-volatile storage means, the integrated use variable Management means for updating and storing in the non-volatile storage means, and determination means for determining whether or not the usage variable accumulated by the management means and stored in the non-volatile storage means exceeds a preset allowable value; A notification that notifies the display unit of the device of an appropriate life of the secondary storage device when the determination unit determines that the use variable exceeds a preset allowable value. Since it has a step, compared to the conventional relative usage status monitoring, the physical usage status is monitored and the usage variables are integrated, so the accuracy of life determination is extremely improved and used at the appropriate timing The user can be notified of the lifetime.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the instructing means for instructing the cancellation of the notification by the notifying means, and the display of the appropriate life of the secondary storage device on the display unit of the device based on the canceling instruction by the instructing means. , The user can be surely confirmed that the secondary storage device is in the life state.

According to the third aspect, the measuring means measures the energizing time to the secondary storage device as the use variable, so that the use status is determined from the physical energizing time to the secondary storage device. Use variables to be obtained can be obtained.

According to the fourth aspect, the measuring means measures the number of accesses to the secondary storage device as the use variable, and thus determines the use status from the number of physical accesses to the secondary storage device. Use variables to be obtained can be obtained.

According to the fifth aspect, since the device is a printer capable of communicating with the host computer via a predetermined communication medium, a user of the printer can use a secondary storage device via a display unit of the printer. Can be accurately notified of the appropriate life of the device.

According to the sixth aspect, since the device is a host computer capable of communicating with the printer via a predetermined communication medium, a user using the host computer can access the printer via a display unit provided in the host computer. The appropriate life of the next storage device can be accurately notified.

According to the seventh and thirteenth aspects, there is provided a method of monitoring a device control device for controlling a device to which a secondary storage device can be connected, or a computer for controlling a device to which a secondary storage device can be connected. Is a storage medium storing a readable program, wherein a measuring step of monitoring a use state of the secondary storage device to measure a use variable, and a non-volatile storage of the use variable measured by the measurement step A writing step of writing to the device, and integrating the new usage variable measured in the measurement step with the usage variable written in the nonvolatile storage device in the writing step, and storing the integrated usage variable in the nonvolatile storage. A management step of writing to the device, and whether the usage variable integrated in the management step and stored in the nonvolatile storage device exceeds a preset allowable value. A determining step of determining whether or not the use variable exceeds a preset allowable value in the determining step; and notifying the display unit of the device of an appropriate life of the secondary storage device. Since it has a notification process, compared to the conventional relative usage status monitoring, the physical usage status is monitored and the usage variables are integrated.Accordingly, the accuracy of the life determination is extremely improved, and at the appropriate timing. The user can be notified of the service life.

According to the eighth and fourteenth aspects, an instruction step for instructing cancellation of the notification in the notification step, and the appropriateness of the secondary storage device with respect to the display unit of the device based on the cancellation instruction in the instruction step. Since there is a releasing step of releasing the display of the life, the user can be surely confirmed that the secondary storage device is in the life state.

According to the ninth and fifteenth aspects, in the measuring step, the energizing time to the secondary storage device is measured as the use variable. It is possible to obtain a use variable for determining the situation.

According to the tenth and sixteenth aspects, in the measuring step, the number of times of access to the secondary storage device is measured as the use variable. It is possible to obtain a use variable for determining the situation.

According to the eleventh and seventeenth aspects, since the device is a printer that can communicate with the host computer via a predetermined communication medium, a user using the printer can access the device via the display unit of the printer. The appropriate life of the next storage device can be accurately notified.

According to the twelfth and eighteenth aspects, since the device is a host computer capable of communicating with the printer via a predetermined communication medium, a user using the host computer is provided with a display unit provided in the host computer. The appropriate life of the secondary storage device can be notified accurately via the storage device.

Therefore, from the reference comparison between the value obtained by monitoring the physical usage status and integrating the usage variables and the allowable value,
This has the effect of accurately determining the service life of the secondary storage device and notifying the user of the service life at an appropriate timing.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a print control system to which an output control device according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a first data processing procedure in the output control device according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second data processing procedure in the output control device according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by a print control system to which the output control device according to the present invention can be applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 CPU 2 RAM 3 ROM 4 System bus 12 CPU 13 ROM 19 RAM 3000 Host computer 1500 Printer

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. A device control device for controlling a device to which a secondary storage device can be connected, comprising: a measuring unit that monitors a use status of the secondary storage device and measures a use variable; Non-volatile storage means for storing the measured use variable, and the use variable measured by the measurement means is added to the use variable stored in the non-volatile storage means, the integrated use variable is Management means for updating and storing in the non-volatile storage means; determining means for determining whether or not the usage variable integrated by the management means and stored in the non-volatile storage means exceeds a preset allowable value; A notification for notifying a display unit of the device of an appropriate life of the secondary storage device when the usage variable is determined to exceed a preset allowable value by a determination unit. Device control apparatus characterized by comprising: a stage, a. 2. Instructing means for instructing cancellation of notification by said notifying means, and canceling means for canceling display of an appropriate life of the secondary storage device on a display unit of the device based on an instruction of cancellation by the instructing means. The apparatus control device according to claim 1, comprising: 3. The device control device according to claim 1, wherein the measuring unit measures a power supply time to the secondary storage device as the use variable. 4. The apparatus control device according to claim 1, wherein the measuring unit measures the number of accesses to the secondary storage device as the use variable. 5. The device control device according to claim 1, wherein the device is a printer capable of communicating with a host computer via a predetermined communication medium. 6. The device control device according to claim 1, wherein the device is a host computer capable of communicating with a printer via a predetermined communication medium. 7. A method of monitoring a device control device for controlling a device to which a secondary storage device can be connected, comprising: a measuring step of monitoring a usage status of the secondary storage device and measuring a usage variable; A writing step of writing the used variables measured in the measuring step to the non-volatile storage device; and integrating the new used variables measured in the measuring step with the used variables written to the non-volatile storage device in the writing step. And a management step of writing the integrated usage variable in the nonvolatile storage device; and determining whether the usage variable integrated in the management process and stored in the nonvolatile storage device exceeds a preset allowable value. A determining step of determining whether the usage variable exceeds a preset allowable value in the determining step; Monitoring method for device control apparatus characterized by comprising: a notification step of notifying a positive life display part of the device, the. 8. An instructing step of instructing cancellation of the notification in the informing step, and a canceling step of canceling the display of the appropriate life of the secondary storage device on the display unit of the device based on the canceling instruction in the instructing step. The method of monitoring a device control device according to claim 7, comprising: 9. The method according to claim 7, wherein the measuring step measures a power-on time to the secondary storage device as the use variable. 10. The method according to claim 7, wherein in the measuring step, the number of accesses to the secondary storage device is measured as the use variable. 11. The method according to claim 7, wherein the device is a printer capable of communicating with a host computer via a predetermined communication medium. 12. The method according to claim 7, wherein the device is a host computer capable of communicating with a printer via a predetermined communication medium. 13. A storage medium storing a program readable by a computer that controls a device to which a secondary storage device can be connected, wherein a usage status of the secondary storage device is monitored to measure a usage variable. A measuring step, a writing step of writing the used variable measured in the measuring step to the non-volatile storage device, and a new measurement of the used variable written in the non-volatile storage device in the writing step by the measuring step. A management step of accumulating various use variables and writing the accumulated use variables in the non-volatile storage device; and a permission step in which the use variables accumulated in the management process and stored in the non-volatile storage device are set in advance. A judgment step of judging whether or not the value exceeds a value, and that the use variable exceeds an allowable value set in advance by the judgment step. If it is a constant, the storage medium from which a computer stores readable program characterized by having a notifying step for notifying the display unit of the device the proper life of the secondary storage device. 14. An instructing step of instructing cancellation of the notification in the informing step, and a canceling step of canceling the display of the appropriate life of the secondary storage device on the display unit of the device based on the cancellation instruction in the instructing step. 14. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program according to claim 13, comprising: 15. The storage medium according to claim 13, wherein said measuring step measures a power-on time to said secondary storage device as said use variable. 16. The storage medium according to claim 13, wherein the measuring step measures the number of accesses to the secondary storage device as the use variable. 17. The storage medium according to claim 13, wherein the device is a printer capable of communicating with a host computer via a predetermined communication medium. 18. The storage medium according to claim 13, wherein the device is a host computer capable of communicating with a printer via a predetermined communication medium.