JPH10833A - Printer system and printer system control method - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Problem] To provide a printer system connected to an information processing device, which can communicate with a main body when a printer error occurs. SOLUTION: The printer detects that the printer is abnormal, stops communication, temporarily disables communication when communication is impossible, receives a request from the main body, and notifies the main body of abnormality information. Also, a printer system for releasing a state of being temporarily enabled.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a printer system connected to an information processing device such as a computer or a word processor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a printer system connected to an information processing device such as a computer or a word processor, when an abnormality occurs in the printer system, the printer system processes the error by itself or intervenes with the information processing device. Had its own configuration.

[0003]

As described above, in the prior art, when an error occurs in the printer system in the information processing apparatus equipped with the printer system, the information processing apparatus performs a process corresponding to the abnormality. It was necessary to add a special configuration for communication.

[0004] The present invention provides a method for
It is an object of the present invention to provide a printer system capable of performing communication for obtaining a status of a printer.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a printer system capable of checking and writing in a nonvolatile memory after the printer system is incorporated in an information processing apparatus.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a printer system according to the present invention comprises a determining means for determining whether an error has occurred in a printer, and a determining means for determining that an error has occurred in the printer by the determining means. The first means for disabling communication with the higher-level device, the first receiving means for receiving a communication request at the time of error from the higher-level device in a state where communication with the higher-level device is not possible; (1) a second unit for canceling a communication-disabled state with a higher-level device based on a communication request at the time of an error received by the first receiving unit; a second receiving unit for receiving an error inquiry from the higher-level device; Response means for responding to an error condition based on the inquiry.

Further, the printer system according to the present invention comprises a determining means for determining whether or not the contents of a nonvolatile memory for storing parameters used for controlling the printer are normal, and a nonvolatile memory by the determining means. If it is determined that the contents of the memory are not normal, a response unit responding to the host device to that effect, and an instruction from the host device based on a write instruction to the nonvolatile memory from the host device in response to the response from the response unit. Means for writing the parameters to the nonvolatile memory.

A control method for a printer system according to the present invention includes a determining step of determining whether or not an error has occurred in the printer, and a step of determining whether an error has occurred in the printer by the determining step. A first step of disabling communication with the host device, a first receiving step of receiving an error communication request from the host device in a state where communication with the host device is impossible, and an error received by the first receiving step. To cancel the communication disabled state with the host device based on the communication request
And a second receiving step of receiving an error inquiry from a higher-level device; and a response step of responding to the error state based on the inquiry received in the second receiving step.

The method of controlling a printer system according to the present invention further comprises a determining step of determining whether the contents of a non-volatile memory for storing parameters used for controlling the printer are normal, and the determining step. When it is determined that the contents of the nonvolatile memory are not normal, a response step responding to the host device to that effect, and, based on a write instruction to the nonvolatile memory from the host device in response to the response in the response step, the host device And writing the parameter designated by the command to the nonvolatile memory.

[0010]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows an information processing apparatus 1 in which a printer system 10 and an installation destination system 9 are connected.
1 is an example of the configuration of FIG.

In the embodiment of the present invention, a CPU 3 completely independent of an installation destination system 9, a program ROM 4 for storing a processing program, and an EEPROM for storing parameters used by the printer system for control.
7. This is an intelligent system composed of a RAM 2 and the like used as a receiving buffer for printing and a developing buffer.

An embodiment of the present invention is aimed at reducing the processing load on the printing of the built-in system 9 by providing most of the control relating to printing in the printer system 10 as a program.

Reference numeral 1 denotes an interface for receiving print data and control information from the installation destination system 9.

Reference numeral 2 denotes a memory (RAM) for temporarily storing print data and control information and for developing the print data in order to match the print data with the actual physical configuration of the print head.
It is.

Reference numeral 3 denotes a CPU for converting print data and performing control for printing.

Reference numeral 4 denotes a ROM that stores a series of processing programs for the printer system 10.

Reference numeral 5 denotes a motor driver (LF driver) for controlling the paper feeding operation, and reference numeral 6 denotes a motor driver (CR driver) for moving the head of the printer left and right.
It is.

Reference numeral 7 denotes an EEPROM that stores parameters used by the printer system 10 for control.

Reference numeral 8 denotes a printer unit such as an ink-jet printer. Reference numeral 9 denotes a host system incorporating the printer system 10. The host system includes a keyboard, a display, a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a floppy disk drive, and various interfaces (not shown). Be composed.

FIG. 2 shows the interface section, and the data line 20 is one-way from the installation destination system to the printer system 10. Also, a plurality of status lines are provided, and a "BUSY22" indicating that the printer system cannot receive data by setting a signal having a direction from the printer system 10 to the installation destination to Low in the status lines. Signal Hi
gh to indicate that this printer system 10 is in error. Each line of “FAULT 23” and a signal having a direction from the installation destination system 9 to this printer system 10 are set to High, so that an error communication request is generated. "SELECT_IN21" is used in the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the control when an abnormality is detected in the built-in printer system 10 configured as described above. The program according to this flowchart is stored in the ROM 4 and processed by the CPU 3.

First, in step S3010, control information, print data, and the like (hereinafter, referred to as commands) sent from the installation destination system 9 are analyzed. Processing corresponding to each command analyzed in step S3020 is performed. In step S3030, it is determined whether or not an error (for example, a paper jam, an error in the printer unit 8, abnormal heat generation, or the like, hereinafter referred to as an error) has occurred during each process. For example, the process returns to step S3010 and proceeds to the next command analysis. In step S3040, the “BUSY22” line is set to “Low” to stop the command transmission from the installation destination system to notify that an error has occurred in the printer system 10, and “FAULT2” to notify the error.
Change the 3 ″ line to High.

Then, the process proceeds to step S3050, where "SEL" on the status line is output so that an error type acquisition command can be output in order to know what error the installation destination system has.
Wait for the change of “ECT_IN21”.
If the change of the ECT_IN21 ”line from Low to High can be determined, the process proceeds to step S3060 to“ BUS_BUS ”.
Y22 ”line is set to High, and“ FAULT23 ”
The line is changed to Low to temporarily enable communication. In step S3070, it is determined whether the command is an error type inquiry command from the installation destination system. If the received command is another command, the process advances to step S3090.

In the case of an inquiry command, step S3
If the error type corresponds to the error type inquired at 080, the "FAULT23" line is temporarily set to "HIG".
H "and then set to" LOW "for 60ms. If not, set to" HIGH "once and then set to" LO "for 30ms.
Notifying the result to the installation destination system 9 by setting to W ",
The process returns to step S3070, and waits for an error type inquiry. In step S3090, the installation destination system 9 can temporarily communicate when an error occurs (SELECT_IN
21 is changed) to determine whether it is a release command for returning the state of the printer system 10 to the internal state of the printer system 10. If not, the process returns to step S3070.

If it is a release command, step S3100
To adjust the status line to the state of the printer system 10. That is, if an error remains, "BU
The “SY22” line is set to “Low”, and the “FAULT23” line is set to “High” to indicate an error, and the process returns to step S3050.
The “SY” line is set to “High”, and the “FAULT” line is set to “Low” to set a normal communication enabled state, and the process returns to step S3010.

(Second Embodiment) The connection configuration between the printer system 10 and the installation destination system 9 is the same as that described in the first embodiment. In the embodiment of the present invention, the printer system
In particular, the processing in the case where there is an incorrect value in the EEPROM 7 will be described.

First, the EEPROM 7 stores parameters used by the printer system 10 for control (for example, an offset value when the auto feeder is mounted). If the determined value is not set, the printer system 10 Operation cannot be guaranteed. That is, there is a case where the initial value is not written.

The processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The program according to this flowchart is stored in the ROM 4 and processed by the CPU 3.

When the power is turned on, the printer system 1
In step S4010, the operation of the printer unit 8 including the LF driver 5 and the CR driver 6 is checked.

If an abnormality is found in step S4020, the control is transferred to step S4060. If the abnormality is found, the sum check of the ROM 4 and the RAM 2 are executed in step S4030.
Read / write check. Step S4040
If an error is detected, the process proceeds to step S4060, and if normal, the process proceeds to step S4050, and the EEPROM 7 is checked.

If normal in step S4060, the process moves to step S4180. If abnormal, step S4070
Proceed to. Notifying the result of the error to the installation destination system 9 from step S4070 to step S4110 is the same as in the embodiment of the first invention, and thus the description is omitted.

Thereafter, in step S4120, it is determined whether or not the error type is an error of the set value of EEPROM 7.
If not, the process moves to step S4150. If it is determined that there is a setting value error, the process proceeds to step S4130.
If it is determined that the command is an instruction for writing a value from the installation destination system 9 to the EEPROM 7, it is determined that the command is incorrect (step S4).
Return to 120. If so, the value designated by the installation destination system 9 is written to the EEPROM 7 in step S4140.

Thereafter, the flow returns to step S4120. In step S4150, the same determination as in step S3090 of the first embodiment of the present invention is performed.
Return to 100.

Step S4160 is the same process as step S3090 of the first embodiment of the present invention. afterwards,
The process advances to step S4170 to determine whether the printer system 10 has an error.
To start the printer system 10. If abnormal, the printer system has an abnormality in step S4190,
It is determined that normal operation cannot be performed, the printer system 10 is brought down, and the process is terminated.

Although the embodiments of the first and second aspects of the present invention have been described with respect to the built-in type printer system, it is apparent that the present invention can be carried out without the built-in type as long as the printer system is connected by the interface 1.

[0036]

According to the present invention, as described in detail,
It is possible to perform communication for obtaining the status of the printer when the printer system is abnormal. Further, after incorporating the information into the information processing apparatus, it is possible to write information necessary for controlling the printer system into the nonvolatile memory.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an information processing apparatus incorporating the present printer system.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an interface line.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating control performed when an abnormality occurs in the printer system.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating setting of a value in an EEPROM of the printer system.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Interface 2 RAM 3 CPU 4 ROM 5 Motor driver 6 Motor driver 7 EEPROM 8 Printer unit 9 Embedded system 20 Data line 21 SELECT as one of status lines
_IN signal line 22 BUSY signal line as one of status lines 23 FAULT signal line as one of status lines

Claims (30)

[Claims] A determining means for determining whether or not an error has occurred in the printer; and, if the determining means determines that an error has occurred in the printer, disabling communication with a host device. 1 means, 1st receiving means for receiving an error communication request from the upper apparatus in a state where communication with the upper apparatus is impossible, and communication with the upper apparatus based on the error communication request received by the first receiving means. Second means for canceling the impossible state, second receiving means for receiving an error inquiry from a higher-level device, and response means for responding to the error state based on the inquiry received by the second receiving means. And the printer system. 2. The printer system according to claim 1, further comprising a host device. 3. The printer system according to claim 1, further comprising a printer. 4. The printer system according to claim 1, wherein the host device includes a keyboard and a display. 5. The printer system according to claim 1, wherein said printer is an ink jet printer. 6. A third receiving means for receiving an error communication request release from a higher-level device, and a third state for returning to a communication disabled state with the higher-level device based on the error-time communication request release received by the first receiving means. 2. The printer system according to claim 1, further comprising: 7. The printer system according to claim 6, wherein said third means returns to a communication disabled state or sets a communication enabled state depending on a printer state. 8. A discriminating means for discriminating whether or not the contents of a non-volatile memory for storing parameters used for controlling the printer are normal, and when the discriminating means determines that the contents of the non-volatile memory are not normal. If determined, a response unit responding to the host device to that effect, based on a write instruction to the nonvolatile memory from the host device in response to the response from the response unit, the parameter specified by the host device to the nonvolatile memory And a writing unit. 9. A first means for disabling communication with a higher-level device when the content of the nonvolatile memory is determined to be abnormal by the determining means, and a state in which communication with the higher-level device is not possible. A first receiving means for receiving a communication request at the time of an error from a higher-level device, a second means for canceling a communication disabled state with the higher-level device based on the communication request at the time of an error received by the first receiving means, 9. The printer system according to claim 8, further comprising: a second receiving unit that receives an error inquiry, wherein the response unit responds based on the inquiry received by the second receiving unit. 10. The printer system according to claim 8, further comprising a host device. 11. The printer system according to claim 8, further comprising a printer. 12. The printer system according to claim 8, wherein said higher-level device includes a keyboard and a display. 13. The printer system according to claim 8, wherein said printer is an ink jet printer. 14. A third receiving means for receiving an error communication request release from a higher-level device, and a third mode for returning to a communication disabled state with the higher-level device based on the error-time communication request release received by the first receiving means. 9. The printer system according to claim 8, further comprising means. 15. The printer system according to claim 14, wherein said third means returns to a communication disabled state or sets a communication enabled state depending on a printer state. 16. A discriminating step of discriminating whether an error has occurred in a printer, and a step of disabling communication with a higher-level device when the discriminating step determines that an error has occurred in the printer. 1 step, a first receiving step of receiving an error communication request from the upper apparatus in a state where communication with the upper apparatus is impossible, and communication with the upper apparatus based on the error communication request received in the first receiving step. A second step of canceling the impossible state; a second receiving step of receiving an error inquiry from a higher-level device; and a response step of responding to the error state based on the inquiry received in the second receiving step. Printer system control method. 17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the printer system has a host device. 18. The method according to claim 16, wherein the printer system includes a printer. 19. The method according to claim 16, wherein the upper device includes a keyboard and a display. 20. The method according to claim 16, wherein the printer is an ink jet printer. 21. A third receiving step of receiving an error communication request release from a higher-level device, and returning to a communication disabled state with the higher-level device based on the error-time communication request release received in the first receiving step. 17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising the steps of: 22. The printer system control method according to claim 21, wherein said third step returns to a communication disabled state or sets a communication enabled state depending on a printer state. 23. A discriminating step of discriminating whether or not the contents of a non-volatile memory storing parameters used for controlling the printer are normal, and if the contents of the non-volatile memory are not normal in the discriminating step. If determined, a response step responding to the host device to that effect, based on a write instruction to the non-volatile memory from the host device in response to the response in the response step, the parameter specified by the host device to the nonvolatile memory And a writing step. 24. A first step of disabling communication with a higher-level device when the content of the nonvolatile memory is determined to be abnormal in the determining step, and a state in which communication with the higher-level device is not possible. A first receiving step of receiving a communication request at the time of error from a higher-level device, a second step of releasing a communication disabled state with the higher-level device based on the communication request at the time of error received in the first receiving step, 24. The control method according to claim 23, further comprising a second receiving step of receiving an error inquiry, wherein the response step responds based on the inquiry received in the second receiving step. 25. The method according to claim 23, wherein the printer system has a host device. 26. The method according to claim 23, wherein the printer system has a printer. 27. The method according to claim 23, wherein the host device includes a keyboard and a display. 28. The method according to claim 23, wherein the printer is an ink jet printer. 29. A third receiving step of receiving an error communication request release from a higher-level device, and returning to a communication disabled state with the higher-level device based on the error-time communication request release received in the first receiving step. The method according to claim 23, further comprising the steps of: 30. The printer system control method according to claim 29, wherein the third step returns to a communication disabled state or sets a communication enabled state depending on a printer state.