US20010028472A1 - Network system having printers, printer for network system, server for network and terminal for network system - Google Patents
Network system having printers, printer for network system, server for network and terminal for network system Download PDFInfo
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- US20010028472A1 US20010028472A1 US08/939,714 US93971497A US2001028472A1 US 20010028472 A1 US20010028472 A1 US 20010028472A1 US 93971497 A US93971497 A US 93971497A US 2001028472 A1 US2001028472 A1 US 2001028472A1
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- printer
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- terminal
- server
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/12—Digital output to print unit, e.g. line printer, chain printer
- G06F3/1201—Dedicated interfaces to print systems
- G06F3/1278—Dedicated interfaces to print systems specifically adapted to adopt a particular infrastructure
- G06F3/1285—Remote printer device, e.g. being remote from client or server
- G06F3/1288—Remote printer device, e.g. being remote from client or server in client-server-printer device configuration
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/12—Digital output to print unit, e.g. line printer, chain printer
- G06F3/1201—Dedicated interfaces to print systems
- G06F3/1202—Dedicated interfaces to print systems specifically adapted to achieve a particular effect
- G06F3/1203—Improving or facilitating administration, e.g. print management
- G06F3/1204—Improving or facilitating administration, e.g. print management resulting in reduced user or operator actions, e.g. presetting, automatic actions, using hardware token storing data
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/12—Digital output to print unit, e.g. line printer, chain printer
- G06F3/1201—Dedicated interfaces to print systems
- G06F3/1223—Dedicated interfaces to print systems specifically adapted to use a particular technique
- G06F3/1236—Connection management
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a network system that is connected to terminals, printers, and servers via a network such as a LAN (local area network).
- the present invention also relates to a printer, a server, and a terminal, each used in the network system.
- the network system such as a LAN includes plural terminals (clients) 31 A and 31 B such as personal computers (two in figure), as shown in FIG. 6.
- the print server (server) 32 accepts print requests from the terminals 31 A and 31 B and then operates the printer 33 to execute the print request.
- printer 33 is used as a remote printer in the network system shown in FIG. 6, it just receives print request data, but does not issue a process request to the upper equipment (e.g. print server 32 or terminals 31 A and 31 B).
- the upper equipment e.g. print server 32 or terminals 31 A and 31 B.
- An object of the present invention is to provide a network system with a printer which can gain a transmission access from a printer side to an upper equipment side, thus providing an improved operability at a printing process and an effective printing work.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a printer used in a network system which can gain a transmission access from a printer side to an upper equipment side, thus providing an improved operability at a printing process and an effective printing work.
- Still another object of the present invention is to provide a server used in a network system which can gain a transmission access from a printer side to an upper equipment side, thus providing an improved operability at a printing process and an effective printing work.
- Further object of the present invention is to provide a terminal used for a network system which can gain a transmission access from a printer side to an upper equipment side, thus providing an improved operability at a printing process and an effective printing work.
- the network system connected to a terminal, a printer, and a server via a network the server operating the printer in response to a print request from the terminal, the printer executing a print request from the terminal, is characterized by the printer connected to the network via a bi-directional communicable interface unit.
- the printer used in a network system the printer connected to a terminal and a server via a network to execute a print request from the terminal accepted by the server, the printer executing a print request from the terminal, is characterized by the printer connected to the network via a bidirectional communicable interface unit.
- the server used in a network system the printer connected to a terminal and a printer via a network, the server operating the printer in response to a print request from the terminal so that the printer executes the print request from the terminal, is characterized by a control processing unit for executing a process corresponding to a process request in response to the process request from the printer.
- the terminal used for a network system the terminal connected to a printer and a server via a network, the terminal issuing a print request to the server to request the printer for printing, is characterized by request issuing means for issuing and transmitting a print control information setting request or print operation status reference request to the printer as a process request.
- the printer can not only receive data from an upper equipment side (a terminal or a server), but also gain a transmission access to an upper equipment side. Hence the operability in a printing process can be largely improved and the printing work can be effectively realized.
- FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an aspect of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a network system, a terminal constructing the network system, a server, and a printer each according to the first embodiment of the present embodiment;
- FIG. 3 is a flowchart used for explaining the normal operation of the printer according to the present embodiment
- FIG. 4 is a flowchart used for explaining the operation (printer status report sequence) of the present embodiment
- FIG. 5 is a flowchart used for explaining the operation (resource request sequence) of the present embodiment.
- FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a general network system having a printer.
- FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an aspect of the present invention.
- numeral 1 represents a terminal
- numeral 2 represents a server
- numeral 3 represents a printer.
- a network system is constructed by interconnecting the terminal 1 , the server 2 and the printer 3 via the network 4 .
- the server 2 receives a print request from the terminal 1 . If the server 2 accepts the print request, the server 2 operates the printer 3 to execute the print request from the terminal 1 .
- the printer 3 is connected to the network 4 via the bidirectional communicable interface unit 5 .
- the terminal 1 includes request issuing means 6 that issues and transmits a print control information setting request or print operation status reference request as a process request to the printer 3 .
- the printer 3 includes a control unit 7 that executes a process according to a process request from the terminal 1 received via the interface unit 5 .
- a process request from the terminal 1 is a print control information setting request
- the control unit 7 in the printer 3 sets and changes the print control information in the printer 3 according to the print control information setting request.
- a process request from the terminal 1 is a print operation status reference request
- the control unit 7 in the printer 3 transmits the operational status of the printer 3 via the interface unit 5 , according to the print operation status reference request.
- the control unit 7 in the printer 3 transmits the process request to the server 2 via the interface unit 5 .
- the server 2 includes a control processing unit 8 that executes a process according to a process request from the printer 3 .
- a process request from the printer 3 is a print operation status reporting request
- the control processing unit 8 in the server 2 transmits the operational condition of the printer 3 to the terminal 1 according to the print operation status reporting request.
- the control processing unit 8 in the server 2 transmits a necessary resource to the printer 3 according to the resource request.
- the printer 3 since the printer 3 is connected to the network 4 via the bi-directional communicable interface unit 5 , the printer 3 not only receives data from the upper apparatus (such as the terminal 1 or the server 2 ), but also gains a transmission access to the upper apparatus.
- the upper apparatus such as the terminal 1 or the server 2
- the control unit 7 executes a process according to the process request.
- a process request from the terminal 1 is a print control information setting request
- the control unit 7 in the printer 3 sets and changes the print control information in the printer 3 according to the print control information setting request.
- the printer 3 is located remotely from the terminal 1 , it is unnecessary to have an access to the installation of the printer 3 to change the setting state of the printer 3 .
- a process request from the terminal 1 is a print operation status reference request
- the control unit 7 in the printer 3 transmits the operational condition of the printer 3 according to the print operation status reference request via the interface unit 5 and then the terminal 1 can refer to the operational status of the printer 3 .
- control unit 7 in the printer 3 transmits it to the server 2 via the interface unit 5 .
- control processing unit 8 executes the process according to the process request.
- the control processing unit 8 in the server 2 transmits the operational condition of the printer 3 to the terminal 1 according to the print operation status reporting request.
- the terminal I recognizes the operational condition.
- a process request from the printer 3 is a resource request accompanying a printing operation
- the control processing unit 8 in the server 2 transmits a necessary resource to the printer 3 according to the resource request.
- the server 2 receives the resource so that the printing operation can be continued.
- the printer 3 not only receives data from the upper equipment (such as the terminal 1 or the server 2 ), but also can have a transmission access to the upper equipment side. As a result, this feature can largely improve the operability at the printing process and can realize the effective printing work.
- the terminal 1 issues a print control information setting request as a process request
- the print control information in the printer 3 can be easily set and changed according to the print control information setting request without directly gaining access to the printer 3 .
- the operability can be largely improved in the printing operation.
- the terminal 1 issues a print operation status reference request as a process request, the operational condition of the printer 3 is transmitted according to the print operation status reference request. Hence the terminal 1 can easily refer to the operational status of the printer 3 , thus contributing to an further improvement of the operability in a printing process.
- the printer 3 Since the printer 3 transmits a print operation status reporting request as a process request to the server 2 , the operational status of the printer 3 can be transmitted to the terminal 1 according to the print operation status reporting request. Hence, if an abnormal state such as paper jamming and paper shortage occurs on the side of the printer 3 , the fact can be informed immediately the terminal 1 . Even if the printer 3 is installed remotely from the terminal 1 , an abnormal state in the printer 3 is recognized immediately and is suitably dealt with. Thus the printing work can be effectively performed.
- FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a network system being an embodiment of the present invention, the network system including a terminal, a server, and a printer.
- numeral 11 represents a client (terminal) such as a personal computer
- numeral 12 represents a print server (server unit)
- numeral 13 represents a printer (printer unit).
- a network system according to the present embodiment is formed by interconnecting the client 11 , the print server 12 , and the printer 13 via a LAN (network) 14 .
- the network system is configured using the network 14 including the network system OS and the LAN protocol generally used.
- the print server 12 accepts a print request issued from the client 11 and then operates the printer 13 .
- the printer 13 executes the print request from the client 11 .
- the host computer 15 connected communicably to the print server 12 is arranged as a client.
- the printer 13 executes a print request from the host computer 15 .
- the host computer 15 consists of a server communication control unit 15 A that controls a communication to the print server 12 and an application program 15 B that executes a process in the host computer 15 .
- the client 11 consists of a LAN communication control unit 11 A that controls a communication to the LAN 14 , a printer control process application program (request issuing means such as Windows) 11 B that issues and transmits a print control information setting request or print operation status reference request as a process request to the printer 13 .
- the print control information setting request requests the printer 13 to set and change, for example, paper size, print enlargement, print reduction, and the like.
- the print operation status reference request requests the printer 13 to transmit the status (status information), thus referring to the print operation status.
- the client 11 transmits a print request (print data stream) to the printer 13 via the LAN communication control unit 11 A, the LAN 14 , and the print server 12 .
- the process request from the printer control process application program 11 B is transmitted to the printer 13 via the LAN communication control unit 11 A, the LAN 14 , and the print server 12 .
- the printer 13 consists of an interface board 16 , a MPU 17 , an operation panel 18 , a print mechanism 19 , a memory 20 , and a hard disk 21 .
- the memory 20 stores print control information (e.g. paper size designation, enlargement and reduction printing, device address, and device name) in the form of a control information table.
- the hard disk 21 stores various kinds of information needed for the process of the printer 13 , and saves and stores, if necessary, the information table stored in the memory 20 .
- the operation panel 18 which sets various kinds of print control information (attributes) includes setting switches and a display unit that displays the setting condition and operational condition of the printer 13 .
- the print mechanism 19 performs a printing process in response to a command from the MPU 17 .
- the interface board 16 acts as an interface unit which connects the printer 13 to the LAN 14 in a bidirectional communicable way.
- the MPU 17 acts as the LAN communication control unit 22 , the print control unit 23 , the print information control unit 24 , and the printer communication control unit 25 .
- the LAN communication control unit 22 controls the communication to the LAN 14 via the interface board 16 . If data received via the interface board 16 relates to print data, it is transmitted to the print control unit 23 . If the data received relates to a print control information setting request or a print operation status reference request, it is transmitted to the printer communication control unit 25 .
- the print control unit 23 controls the print mechanism 19 according to the print control information on the control information table stored in the memory 20 and the received print data to execute an actual printing process.
- both the print information control unit 24 and the printer communication control unit 25 act as a control unit which performs a process according to the process request.
- the print information control unit 24 manages the operation panel 18 , the print control unit 23 , and the printer communication control unit 25 .
- the printer communication control unit 25 receives a print control information setting request, the content of the print control information setting request is set and stored into the control information table or the hard disk 21 and is informed the operation panel 18 , the print mechanism 19 , and the print control unit 23 .
- the printer communication control unit 25 receives a print setting request in the size of A4 print paper, the print information control unit 24 controls the display unit of the operation panel 18 to display a message representing “A4 print” thereon.
- the printer communication control unit 25 also sets the A4 print information onto the control information table in the memory 20 , and informs the print mechanism 19 and the print control unit 23 of performing A4 print. Print data received later is printed in consideration of the set print information (A4 print).
- the print information control unit 24 requests the printer communication control unit 25 to transmit the status information representing the current print operational status of the printer 13 .
- the printer communication control unit 25 transmits the status information to the print server 12 via the LAN communication control unit 22 , the interface board 16 , and the LAN 14 , and then requests the print server 12 to send a report request (print operation status report request) of the status information to the client 11 .
- the print information control unit 24 displays the event on the display unit of the operation panel 18 or sounds a buzzer, in the conventional way.
- the print information control unit 24 requests the printer communication control unit 25 to transmit the event occurrence.
- the printer communication control unit 25 transmits the event occurrence as status information to the print server 12 via the LAN communication control unit 22 , the interface board 16 , and the LAN 14 to send the report request (print operation status report request) of the status information to the client 11 .
- the print control unit 23 transmits the resource request to the printer communication control unit 25 .
- the printer communication control unit 25 transmits the resource request to the print server 12 via the LAN communication control unit 22 , the interface board 16 , and the LAN 14 . Then the print server 12 performs a suitable process according to the resource request.
- the print server 12 consists of the LAN communication control unit 26 , the hard disk unit 27 , the print control processing unit 28 , the host communication control unit 29 , the printer control processing unit 30 , and the resource management processing unit 31 .
- the LAN communication control unit 26 controls the communication to the LAN 14 .
- the hard disk unit 27 stores various data needed for the process in print server 12 and spools print data from the client 11 .
- the print control processing unit 28 manages the print request to the printer 13 sent from the client 11 .
- the host communication control unit 29 controls communications to the host computer 15 .
- the printer control processing unit 30 and the resource management processing unit 31 act as a control processing unit that processes according to the print request.
- the printer control processing unit 30 which adds a value to the existing print service function of the print server 12 mediates the print operation status report request (status display request) or resource request which is sent from the printer 13 .
- the resource management processing unit 31 receives necessary resources (characters and overlay) for printing from the host computer 15 via the host communication control unit 29 and then manages them.
- the printer control processing unit 30 When receiving a print operation status report request from the printer 13 , the printer control processing unit 30 transmits the print operation status (status information) to the client 11 via the LAN communication control unit 26 and the LAN 14 to request the client 11 to display the status information.
- the printer control processing unit 30 When receiving a resource request from the printer 13 , the printer control processing unit 30 receives a necessary resource from the resource management processing unit 31 according to the response request and then transmits it to the printer 13 via the LAN communication control unit 26 and the LAN 14 .
- FIG. 3 is used to explain the normal operation of the printer 13 .
- the LAN communication control unit 22 decides whether the received data is print data or not (step S 12 ) when the LAN communication control unit 22 receives data via the interface board 16 (step S 11 ).
- the print control unit 23 performs a predetermined data processing (e.g. expanding process) (step S 13 ) and then requests the printer mechanism 19 to perform a printing operation (step S 14 ). Then the print control unit 23 performs a printing operation according to the print control information in the control information table stored in the memory 20 and carries out paper feeding and ejection (step S 15 ).
- a predetermined data processing e.g. expanding process
- the printer mechanism 19 e.g. expanding process
- the printer communication control unit 25 receives the process request to decide whether it is a print control information setting request or a print operation status reference request (step S 16 ).
- the process request is a print control information setting request
- the information to be set is specifiable information (e.g. paper size or enlargement/reduction print) in a print data stream or the information (e.g. device address or device name) regarding the printer 13 itself (step S 17 ).
- the print information control unit 24 writes directly it into the control information table stored in the memory 20 (step S 18 ) and then informs the operation panel 18 , the printing mechanism 19 , the print control unit 23 of the fact.
- the print information control unit 24 writes directly it into the hard disk 21 (step S 19 ).
- the specifiable information is rewritten in real time on the control information table in the memory 20 during a printing operation and is not saved basically into the hard disk 21 .
- the default is maintained and it is possible to save the information to the hard disk 21 by rewriting the default.
- the information regarding the printer 13 itself is saved into the hard disk 21 at a setting operation and is enabled by booting the system at the next power-on time.
- the printer 13 moves various information saved into the hard disk 21 due to the power-on operation onto the control information table stored in the memory 20 . Then the printer 13 uses the information on the control information table in the next printing process.
- the print information control unit 24 refers to the current printing operation status of the printer 13 (step S 20 ) and then requests the printer communication control unit 25 to transmit status information representing the print operation status.
- the printer communication control unit 25 transmits the status information to the print server 12 via the interface board 16 and the LAN 14 to request the print server 12 to send it to the client 11 .
- the print server 12 which receives the print operation status report request operates in the same way as the steps S 26 and S 27 (to be described later with FIG. 4).
- the print operation status of the printer 13 is displayed on the client 11 (e.g. “under printing”).
- the client 11 refers to the status of the printer 13 by issuing a print operation status reference request to the printer 13 according to the printer control process application program 11 B so that the condition of the printer 13 can be recognized at any time.
- step S 21 After the client 11 , the print server 12 , and the printer 13 are energized, the network system starts up and then the printer 13 proceeds its printing operation (step S 21 ). In this case, if an abnormal event such as paper jamming or paper shortage occurs in the printer 13 (step S 22 ), the print information control unit 24 manifests the fact on the display unit of the operation panel 18 in the conventional way (step S 23 ) (while a buzzer may be sounded).
- the print information control unit 24 requests the printer communication control unit 25 to transmit the event occurrence.
- the printer communication control unit 25 transmits the event occurrence as status information to the print server 12 via the LAN communication control unit 22 , the interface board 16 , and the LAN 14 and then requests the print server 12 to send a request of the status information to the client 11 (step S 24 ).
- the printer 13 waits for an interruption by the operator (process like a removal from paper jamming) (step S 25 ). Then the flow goes back to the printing process (step S 21 ).
- the print server 12 receives a print operation status report request (event report request) from the printer 13 (step S 26 ).
- the printer control processing unit 30 transmits the event content (status information) to the client 11 via the LAN communication control unit 26 and the LAN 14 and then requests the client 11 to display the event content (step S 27 ).
- the client 11 receives the event display request from the print server 12 (step S 28 )
- the event content e.g. “paper jamming”, “papar shortage”
- the client 11 can recognize immediately an abnormal event occurring in the printer 13 , thus can quickly deal with it.
- the print server 12 has the existing print service function which processes plural jobs without disturbing the host operator. Hence the running cost can be reduced by performing the printing process using the existing print service function.
- the network system starts up. Thereafter, in order to perform a host printing operation, the server communication control unit 15 A transmits and loads host registration resources from the host computer 15 to the print server 12 (step S 31 ) and then sends a print request to the print server 12 (step S 32 ).
- the print server 12 captures it into the printer control processing unit 30 . Then the resource management processing unit 31 registers and manages the host registration resources (step S 33 ).
- step S 34 It is decided whether a job print request has been received or not from the host computer 15 (step S 34 ). In response to the job print request, the job is queued (step S 35 ).
- the print control processing unit 28 transmits the job to the printer 13 via the LAN communication control unit 26 and the LAN 14 (step S 36 ).
- the flow goes back to the step S 34 to wait for the next job print request.
- the printer 13 When the printer 13 receives the job (print request data) from the print server 12 via the interface board 16 and the LAN communication control unit 22 (step S 41 ), it sends the print request data to the print control unit 23 .
- the print control unit 23 subjects the print request data to a data analysis (step S 42 ) to expand data for one page.
- step S 42 data analysis
- step S 43 data for one page has been expanded
- step S 44 the print mechanism unit 19 transfers to paper and then ejects the transferred paper
- the print control unit 23 decides whether a print request has occurred to resources not held in the printer 13 during the printing operation, or a resource request has been occurred (step S 45 ).
- step S 46 the data analysis is stopped (step S 46 ) to transmit the resource request from the print control unit 23 to the printer communication control unit 25 .
- the printer communication control unit 25 transmits the resource request to the print server 12 via the LAN communication control unit 22 , the interface board 16 , the LAN 14 to request the print server 12 of resources (step S 47 ).
- the print server 12 which has received the resource request receives necessary resources from the resource management processing unit 31 according to the resource request.
- the printer control processing unit transmits and loads the necessary resources to the printer 13 via the LAN communication control unit 26 and the LAN 14 (step S 38 ).
- step S 48 When the printer 13 receives the requested resources via the interface board 16 and the LAN communication control unit 22 (step S 48 ), the print control unit 23 reopens the data analysis (step S 49 ). Then the flow goes back to the step S 42 .
- the printer 13 can inform the printer server 12 of the resource request. Moreover, the print server 12 which has received the report can load the necessary resource to the printer 13 so that the host printing which requires special resources can be performed. Thus an extra value can be added to the existing print service.
- the client 11 issues a print control information setting request so that the print control information can be easily set and varied according to the print control information setting request without going to the printer 13 .
- the operability in the printing process can be largely improved.
- the printer 13 can transmit its operational status to the client 11 by transmitting a print operation status report request from the printer 13 to the print server 12 .
- a print operation status report request from the printer 13 to the print server 12 .
- the print server 12 returns a necessary resource to the printer 13 in response to a resource request transmitted from the printer 13 to the print server 12 .
- the printing process can continue by receiving it by the print server 12 . This feature further improves the efficiency of the printing work.
Abstract
Description
- 1) Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to a network system that is connected to terminals, printers, and servers via a network such as a LAN (local area network). The present invention also relates to a printer, a server, and a terminal, each used in the network system.
- 2) Description of the Related Art
- Generally speaking, the network system such as a LAN includes plural terminals (clients)31A and 31B such as personal computers (two in figure), as shown in FIG. 6. The print server (server) 32 accepts print requests from the
terminals printer 33 to execute the print request. - Where the
printer 33 is used as a remote printer in the network system shown in FIG. 6, it just receives print request data, but does not issue a process request to the upper equipment (e.g. print server 32 orterminals - Hence, normally, if trouble such as paper jamming or paper shortage occurs in the
printer 33, the abnormal state is alarmed to a user by displaying on the operator panel equipped on theprinter 33 or sounding a buzzer. However, with theprinter 33 located remotely away from theterminals printer 33, finding the abnormal state of theprinter 33 will be late. - If a print request for a resource (e.g. character resource) not stored in the
printer 33 has come while theprinter 33 is printing, any access cannot be performed to ask the upper equipment for the resource, whereby such a printing operation becomes impossible. - The present invention is made to overcome the above mentioned problems. An object of the present invention is to provide a network system with a printer which can gain a transmission access from a printer side to an upper equipment side, thus providing an improved operability at a printing process and an effective printing work.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a printer used in a network system which can gain a transmission access from a printer side to an upper equipment side, thus providing an improved operability at a printing process and an effective printing work.
- Still another object of the present invention is to provide a server used in a network system which can gain a transmission access from a printer side to an upper equipment side, thus providing an improved operability at a printing process and an effective printing work.
- Further object of the present invention is to provide a terminal used for a network system which can gain a transmission access from a printer side to an upper equipment side, thus providing an improved operability at a printing process and an effective printing work.
- In order to achieve the above objects, according to the present invention, the network system connected to a terminal, a printer, and a server via a network, the server operating the printer in response to a print request from the terminal, the printer executing a print request from the terminal, is characterized by the printer connected to the network via a bi-directional communicable interface unit.
- According to the present invention, the printer used in a network system, the printer connected to a terminal and a server via a network to execute a print request from the terminal accepted by the server, the printer executing a print request from the terminal, is characterized by the printer connected to the network via a bidirectional communicable interface unit.
- According to the present invention, the server used in a network system, the printer connected to a terminal and a printer via a network, the server operating the printer in response to a print request from the terminal so that the printer executes the print request from the terminal, is characterized by a control processing unit for executing a process corresponding to a process request in response to the process request from the printer.
- According to the present invention, the terminal used for a network system, the terminal connected to a printer and a server via a network, the terminal issuing a print request to the server to request the printer for printing, is characterized by request issuing means for issuing and transmitting a print control information setting request or print operation status reference request to the printer as a process request.
- As described above, according to the present invention, the printer can not only receive data from an upper equipment side (a terminal or a server), but also gain a transmission access to an upper equipment side. Hence the operability in a printing process can be largely improved and the printing work can be effectively realized.
- BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
- FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an aspect of the present invention;
- FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a network system, a terminal constructing the network system, a server, and a printer each according to the first embodiment of the present embodiment;
- FIG. 3 is a flowchart used for explaining the normal operation of the printer according to the present embodiment;
- FIG. 4 is a flowchart used for explaining the operation (printer status report sequence) of the present embodiment;
- FIG. 5 is a flowchart used for explaining the operation (resource request sequence) of the present embodiment; and
- FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a general network system having a printer.
- (a) Aspect of the Invention:
- FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an aspect of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1,
numeral 1 represents a terminal,numeral 2 represents a server, andnumeral 3 represents a printer. A network system is constructed by interconnecting theterminal 1, theserver 2 and theprinter 3 via thenetwork 4. In the network system, theserver 2 receives a print request from theterminal 1. If theserver 2 accepts the print request, theserver 2 operates theprinter 3 to execute the print request from theterminal 1. - According to the present invention, the
printer 3 is connected to thenetwork 4 via the bidirectionalcommunicable interface unit 5. - The
terminal 1 includes request issuing means 6 that issues and transmits a print control information setting request or print operation status reference request as a process request to theprinter 3. Theprinter 3 includes acontrol unit 7 that executes a process according to a process request from theterminal 1 received via theinterface unit 5. - Where a process request from the
terminal 1 is a print control information setting request, thecontrol unit 7 in theprinter 3 sets and changes the print control information in theprinter 3 according to the print control information setting request. Where a process request from theterminal 1 is a print operation status reference request, thecontrol unit 7 in theprinter 3 transmits the operational status of theprinter 3 via theinterface unit 5, according to the print operation status reference request. - When a process request occurs to the
server 2, thecontrol unit 7 in theprinter 3 transmits the process request to theserver 2 via theinterface unit 5. Theserver 2 includes acontrol processing unit 8 that executes a process according to a process request from theprinter 3. - Where a process request from the
printer 3 is a print operation status reporting request, thecontrol processing unit 8 in theserver 2 transmits the operational condition of theprinter 3 to theterminal 1 according to the print operation status reporting request. Where the process request from theprinter 3 is a resource request accompanying a printing operation, thecontrol processing unit 8 in theserver 2 transmits a necessary resource to theprinter 3 according to the resource request. - In the network system according to the present invention shown in FIG. 1, since the
printer 3 is connected to thenetwork 4 via the bi-directionalcommunicable interface unit 5, theprinter 3 not only receives data from the upper apparatus (such as theterminal 1 or the server 2), but also gains a transmission access to the upper apparatus. - When the request issuing means6 in the
terminal 1 issues a process request to theprinter 3 and theprinter 3 receives a process request from theterminal 1 via theinterface unit 5, thecontrol unit 7 executes a process according to the process request. - Where a process request from the
terminal 1 is a print control information setting request, thecontrol unit 7 in theprinter 3 sets and changes the print control information in theprinter 3 according to the print control information setting request. Where theprinter 3 is located remotely from theterminal 1, it is unnecessary to have an access to the installation of theprinter 3 to change the setting state of theprinter 3. - Where a process request from the
terminal 1 is a print operation status reference request, thecontrol unit 7 in theprinter 3 transmits the operational condition of theprinter 3 according to the print operation status reference request via theinterface unit 5 and then theterminal 1 can refer to the operational status of theprinter 3. - Furthermore, where there is a process request to the
server 2, thecontrol unit 7 in theprinter 3 transmits it to theserver 2 via theinterface unit 5. In theserver 2, thecontrol processing unit 8 executes the process according to the process request. - Where the process request from the
printer 3 is a print operation status reporting request, thecontrol processing unit 8 in theserver 2 transmits the operational condition of theprinter 3 to theterminal 1 according to the print operation status reporting request. Thus the terminal I recognizes the operational condition. - Where a process request from the
printer 3 is a resource request accompanying a printing operation, thecontrol processing unit 8 in theserver 2 transmits a necessary resource to theprinter 3 according to the resource request. Where there is a print request of a resource not be held in theprinter 3, theserver 2 receives the resource so that the printing operation can be continued. - As described above, according to the present invention, the
printer 3 not only receives data from the upper equipment (such as theterminal 1 or the server 2), but also can have a transmission access to the upper equipment side. As a result, this feature can largely improve the operability at the printing process and can realize the effective printing work. - In this case, since the
terminal 1 issues a print control information setting request as a process request, the print control information in theprinter 3 can be easily set and changed according to the print control information setting request without directly gaining access to theprinter 3. Hence the operability can be largely improved in the printing operation. - Since the
terminal 1 issues a print operation status reference request as a process request, the operational condition of theprinter 3 is transmitted according to the print operation status reference request. Hence theterminal 1 can easily refer to the operational status of theprinter 3, thus contributing to an further improvement of the operability in a printing process. - Since the
printer 3 transmits a print operation status reporting request as a process request to theserver 2, the operational status of theprinter 3 can be transmitted to theterminal 1 according to the print operation status reporting request. Hence, if an abnormal state such as paper jamming and paper shortage occurs on the side of theprinter 3, the fact can be informed immediately theterminal 1. Even if theprinter 3 is installed remotely from theterminal 1, an abnormal state in theprinter 3 is recognized immediately and is suitably dealt with. Thus the printing work can be effectively performed. - When a resource request as a process request is transmitted from the
printer 3 to theserver 2, a necessary resource can be sent back to theprinter 3 according to the resource request. Hence even if a print request is made for a resource which is not stored in theprinter 3, theserver 2 receives the resource to continue the printing process. This procedure contributes further to an effective printing work. - (b) Embodiment:
- An embodiment according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.
- FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a network system being an embodiment of the present invention, the network system including a terminal, a server, and a printer. Referring to FIG. 2, numeral11 represents a client (terminal) such as a personal computer, and numeral 12 represents a print server (server unit), numeral 13 represents a printer (printer unit). A network system according to the present embodiment is formed by interconnecting the
client 11, theprint server 12, and theprinter 13 via a LAN (network) 14. According to the present embodiment, the network system is configured using thenetwork 14 including the network system OS and the LAN protocol generally used. - In such a network system, the
print server 12 accepts a print request issued from theclient 11 and then operates theprinter 13. Theprinter 13 executes the print request from theclient 11. - In the embodiment, the
host computer 15 connected communicably to theprint server 12 is arranged as a client. Theprinter 13 executes a print request from thehost computer 15. Thehost computer 15 consists of a servercommunication control unit 15A that controls a communication to theprint server 12 and anapplication program 15B that executes a process in thehost computer 15. - In the embodiment, the
client 11 consists of a LANcommunication control unit 11A that controls a communication to theLAN 14, a printer control process application program (request issuing means such as Windows) 11B that issues and transmits a print control information setting request or print operation status reference request as a process request to theprinter 13. The print control information setting request requests theprinter 13 to set and change, for example, paper size, print enlargement, print reduction, and the like. The print operation status reference request requests theprinter 13 to transmit the status (status information), thus referring to the print operation status. - Conventionally the
client 11 transmits a print request (print data stream) to theprinter 13 via the LANcommunication control unit 11A, theLAN 14, and theprint server 12. The process request from the printer control process application program 11B is transmitted to theprinter 13 via the LANcommunication control unit 11A, theLAN 14, and theprint server 12. - According to the present embodiment, the
printer 13 consists of aninterface board 16, aMPU 17, anoperation panel 18, aprint mechanism 19, amemory 20, and ahard disk 21. - The
memory 20 stores print control information (e.g. paper size designation, enlargement and reduction printing, device address, and device name) in the form of a control information table. Thehard disk 21 stores various kinds of information needed for the process of theprinter 13, and saves and stores, if necessary, the information table stored in thememory 20. - The
operation panel 18 which sets various kinds of print control information (attributes) includes setting switches and a display unit that displays the setting condition and operational condition of theprinter 13. Theprint mechanism 19 performs a printing process in response to a command from theMPU 17. - The
interface board 16 acts as an interface unit which connects theprinter 13 to theLAN 14 in a bidirectional communicable way. - The
MPU 17 acts as the LANcommunication control unit 22, theprint control unit 23, the printinformation control unit 24, and the printercommunication control unit 25. - The LAN
communication control unit 22 controls the communication to theLAN 14 via theinterface board 16. If data received via theinterface board 16 relates to print data, it is transmitted to theprint control unit 23. If the data received relates to a print control information setting request or a print operation status reference request, it is transmitted to the printercommunication control unit 25. - When print data is received via the
interface board 16 and the LANcommunication control unit 22, theprint control unit 23 controls theprint mechanism 19 according to the print control information on the control information table stored in thememory 20 and the received print data to execute an actual printing process. - Where a process request (print control information setting request, print operation status reference request) from the
client 11 is received via theinterface unit 16 and the LANcommunication control unit 22, both the printinformation control unit 24 and the printercommunication control unit 25 act as a control unit which performs a process according to the process request. - The print
information control unit 24 manages theoperation panel 18, theprint control unit 23, and the printercommunication control unit 25. When the printercommunication control unit 25 receives a print control information setting request, the content of the print control information setting request is set and stored into the control information table or thehard disk 21 and is informed theoperation panel 18, theprint mechanism 19, and theprint control unit 23. - For example, the printer
communication control unit 25 receives a print setting request in the size of A4 print paper, the printinformation control unit 24 controls the display unit of theoperation panel 18 to display a message representing “A4 print” thereon. The printercommunication control unit 25 also sets the A4 print information onto the control information table in thememory 20, and informs theprint mechanism 19 and theprint control unit 23 of performing A4 print. Print data received later is printed in consideration of the set print information (A4 print). - When the printer
communication control unit 25 receives a print operation status reference request, the printinformation control unit 24 requests the printercommunication control unit 25 to transmit the status information representing the current print operational status of theprinter 13. The printercommunication control unit 25 transmits the status information to theprint server 12 via the LANcommunication control unit 22, theinterface board 16, and theLAN 14, and then requests theprint server 12 to send a report request (print operation status report request) of the status information to theclient 11. - Where an abnormal event such as paper cramming (paper jamming), paper shortage occurs in the
printer 13, the printinformation control unit 24 displays the event on the display unit of theoperation panel 18 or sounds a buzzer, in the conventional way. In the present embodiment, the printinformation control unit 24 requests the printercommunication control unit 25 to transmit the event occurrence. The printercommunication control unit 25 transmits the event occurrence as status information to theprint server 12 via the LANcommunication control unit 22, theinterface board 16, and theLAN 14 to send the report request (print operation status report request) of the status information to theclient 11. - Where a printing operation causes a print request regarding resources (character resource or the like) not held in the
printer 13, theprint control unit 23 transmits the resource request to the printercommunication control unit 25. The printercommunication control unit 25 transmits the resource request to theprint server 12 via the LANcommunication control unit 22, theinterface board 16, and theLAN 14. Then theprint server 12 performs a suitable process according to the resource request. - According to the present embodiment, the
print server 12 consists of the LANcommunication control unit 26, thehard disk unit 27, the printcontrol processing unit 28, the hostcommunication control unit 29, the printercontrol processing unit 30, and the resourcemanagement processing unit 31. - The LAN
communication control unit 26 controls the communication to theLAN 14. Thehard disk unit 27 stores various data needed for the process inprint server 12 and spools print data from theclient 11. The printcontrol processing unit 28 manages the print request to theprinter 13 sent from theclient 11. The hostcommunication control unit 29 controls communications to thehost computer 15. - When being received a process request (a print operation status report request, a resource request with a print operation) from the
printer 13, the printercontrol processing unit 30 and the resourcemanagement processing unit 31 act as a control processing unit that processes according to the print request. - The printer
control processing unit 30 which adds a value to the existing print service function of theprint server 12 mediates the print operation status report request (status display request) or resource request which is sent from theprinter 13. - Where a host printing (a print request from the host computer15) to be described later) is performed, the resource
management processing unit 31 receives necessary resources (characters and overlay) for printing from thehost computer 15 via the hostcommunication control unit 29 and then manages them. - When receiving a print operation status report request from the
printer 13, the printercontrol processing unit 30 transmits the print operation status (status information) to theclient 11 via the LANcommunication control unit 26 and theLAN 14 to request theclient 11 to display the status information. - When receiving a resource request from the
printer 13, the printercontrol processing unit 30 receives a necessary resource from the resourcemanagement processing unit 31 according to the response request and then transmits it to theprinter 13 via the LANcommunication control unit 26 and theLAN 14. - Next, the operation of the configuration according to the present invention will be described below with reference to with the flowcharts showing FIGS.3 to 5.
- FIG. 3 is used to explain the normal operation of the
printer 13. As shown in FIG. 3, if theprinter 13 is printable, the LANcommunication control unit 22 decides whether the received data is print data or not (step S12) when the LANcommunication control unit 22 receives data via the interface board 16 (step S11). - If the received data is print data, the
print control unit 23 performs a predetermined data processing (e.g. expanding process) (step S13) and then requests theprinter mechanism 19 to perform a printing operation (step S14). Then theprint control unit 23 performs a printing operation according to the print control information in the control information table stored in thememory 20 and carries out paper feeding and ejection (step S15). - If the LAN
communication control unit 22 receives data which is not print data, that is, a process request (print control information setting request or a print operation status reference request) from theclient 11, the printercommunication control unit 25 receives the process request to decide whether it is a print control information setting request or a print operation status reference request (step S16). - If the process request is a print control information setting request, it is decided whether the information to be set is specifiable information (e.g. paper size or enlargement/reduction print) in a print data stream or the information (e.g. device address or device name) regarding the
printer 13 itself (step S17). - Where the information to be set is the specifiable information, the print
information control unit 24 writes directly it into the control information table stored in the memory 20 (step S18) and then informs theoperation panel 18, theprinting mechanism 19, theprint control unit 23 of the fact. On the other hand, if the information to be set is the information regarding theprinter 13 itself, the printinformation control unit 24 writes directly it into the hard disk 21 (step S19). - The specifiable information is rewritten in real time on the control information table in the
memory 20 during a printing operation and is not saved basically into thehard disk 21. However, the default is maintained and it is possible to save the information to thehard disk 21 by rewriting the default. The information regarding theprinter 13 itself is saved into thehard disk 21 at a setting operation and is enabled by booting the system at the next power-on time. Theprinter 13 moves various information saved into thehard disk 21 due to the power-on operation onto the control information table stored in thememory 20. Then theprinter 13 uses the information on the control information table in the next printing process. - When it is decided that the process request is a print operation status reference request in the step S16, the print
information control unit 24 refers to the current printing operation status of the printer 13 (step S20) and then requests the printercommunication control unit 25 to transmit status information representing the print operation status. - The printer
communication control unit 25 transmits the status information to theprint server 12 via theinterface board 16 and theLAN 14 to request theprint server 12 to send it to theclient 11. - The
print server 12 which receives the print operation status report request operates in the same way as the steps S26 and S27 (to be described later with FIG. 4). The print operation status of theprinter 13 is displayed on the client 11 (e.g. “under printing”). - Therefore the
client 11 refers to the status of theprinter 13 by issuing a print operation status reference request to theprinter 13 according to the printer control process application program 11B so that the condition of theprinter 13 can be recognized at any time. - Next, the printer status report sequence according to the present embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 4.
- After the
client 11, theprint server 12, and theprinter 13 are energized, the network system starts up and then theprinter 13 proceeds its printing operation (step S21). In this case, if an abnormal event such as paper jamming or paper shortage occurs in the printer 13 (step S22), the printinformation control unit 24 manifests the fact on the display unit of theoperation panel 18 in the conventional way (step S23) (while a buzzer may be sounded). - According to the present embodiment, while the
operation panel 18 performs a displaying process, the printinformation control unit 24 requests the printercommunication control unit 25 to transmit the event occurrence. In response to the request, the printercommunication control unit 25 transmits the event occurrence as status information to theprint server 12 via the LANcommunication control unit 22, theinterface board 16, and theLAN 14 and then requests theprint server 12 to send a request of the status information to the client 11 (step S24). Thereafter, theprinter 13 waits for an interruption by the operator (process like a removal from paper jamming) (step S25). Then the flow goes back to the printing process (step S21). - After the
printer 13 performs the step S24, theprint server 12 receives a print operation status report request (event report request) from the printer 13 (step S26). Thus the printercontrol processing unit 30 transmits the event content (status information) to theclient 11 via the LANcommunication control unit 26 and theLAN 14 and then requests theclient 11 to display the event content (step S27). - When the
client 11 receives the event display request from the print server 12 (step S28), the event content (e.g. “paper jamming”, “papar shortage”) is displayed (step S29). - Hence, even if the
printer 13 is installed remotely from theclient 11, theclient 11 can recognize immediately an abnormal event occurring in theprinter 13, thus can quickly deal with it. - Since many users (clients11) usually use the
printer 13 in the daytime, it is desirable to perform collectively the host printing that thehost computer 15 performs a mass-printing using theprinter 13, in the night time during which theprinter 13 is used at low use frequency. Thus theprinter 13 can be utilized effectively. Theprint server 12 has the existing print service function which processes plural jobs without disturbing the host operator. Hence the running cost can be reduced by performing the printing process using the existing print service function. - In the use of such a host printing operation, some jobs may use special resources such as characters personally registered by a user. The case (resource request sequence) where the
printer 13 produces a resource request will be described below with reference to FIG. 5. - When the
host computer 15, theprint server 12, and theprinter 13 are energized, the network system starts up. Thereafter, in order to perform a host printing operation, the servercommunication control unit 15A transmits and loads host registration resources from thehost computer 15 to the print server 12 (step S31) and then sends a print request to the print server 12 (step S32). - When receiving host registration resources from the
host computer 15 via the hostcommunication control unit 29, theprint server 12 captures it into the printercontrol processing unit 30. Then the resourcemanagement processing unit 31 registers and manages the host registration resources (step S33). - It is decided whether a job print request has been received or not from the host computer15 (step S34). In response to the job print request, the job is queued (step S35).
- Then the print
control processing unit 28 transmits the job to theprinter 13 via the LANcommunication control unit 26 and the LAN 14 (step S36). When the job has been transmitted (step S37), the flow goes back to the step S34 to wait for the next job print request. - When the
printer 13 receives the job (print request data) from theprint server 12 via theinterface board 16 and the LAN communication control unit 22 (step S41), it sends the print request data to theprint control unit 23. Theprint control unit 23 subjects the print request data to a data analysis (step S42) to expand data for one page. When data for one page has been expanded (YES decision in the step S43), theprint mechanism unit 19 transfers to paper and then ejects the transferred paper (step S44). - If data for one page has not been expanded (NO decision in the step S43), the
print control unit 23 decides whether a print request has occurred to resources not held in theprinter 13 during the printing operation, or a resource request has been occurred (step S45). - If there is no resource request, the flow goes back to the data analysis in the step S42. If there is a resource request, the data analysis is stopped (step S46) to transmit the resource request from the
print control unit 23 to the printercommunication control unit 25. The printercommunication control unit 25 transmits the resource request to theprint server 12 via the LANcommunication control unit 22, theinterface board 16, theLAN 14 to request theprint server 12 of resources (step S47). - The
print server 12 which has received the resource request receives necessary resources from the resourcemanagement processing unit 31 according to the resource request. The printer control processing unit transmits and loads the necessary resources to theprinter 13 via the LANcommunication control unit 26 and the LAN 14 (step S38). - When the
printer 13 receives the requested resources via theinterface board 16 and the LAN communication control unit 22 (step S48), theprint control unit 23 reopens the data analysis (step S49). Then the flow goes back to the step S42. - According to the present embodiment, where a resource request occurs during the printing operation of the printer13 (print control unit 23), the
printer 13 can inform theprinter server 12 of the resource request. Moreover, theprint server 12 which has received the report can load the necessary resource to theprinter 13 so that the host printing which requires special resources can be performed. Thus an extra value can be added to the existing print service. - As described above, according to the present embodiment, the
client 11 issues a print control information setting request so that the print control information can be easily set and varied according to the print control information setting request without going to theprinter 13. Hence the operability in the printing process can be largely improved. - Issuing a print operation status reference request from the
client 11 enables transmitting the operational status of theprinter 13 from theprinter 13 to theclient 11. Hence theclient 11 can easily refer to the operational status of theprinter 13, thus improving further the operability in the printing operation. - Moreover, the
printer 13 can transmit its operational status to theclient 11 by transmitting a print operation status report request from theprinter 13 to theprint server 12. Hence, if an abnormal state occurs in theprinter 13, the fact can be immediately informed theclient 11. Even if theprinter 13 is installed remotely from theclient 11, thefault printer 13 can be quickly recognized. The above-mentioned feature can deal suitably with the abnormal state and contribute largely to the effective printing work. - Moreover, the
print server 12 returns a necessary resource to theprinter 13 in response to a resource request transmitted from theprinter 13 to theprint server 12. Hence, even if a print request not held in theprinter 13 occurs, the printing process can continue by receiving it by theprint server 12. This feature further improves the efficiency of the printing work.
Claims (16)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US08/939,714 US6384926B2 (en) | 1994-09-20 | 1997-09-29 | Network system having printers, printer for network system, server for network and terminal for network system |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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JP22533494A JPH0887390A (en) | 1994-09-20 | 1994-09-20 | Network system with printer, and printer, server device and terminal device for network system |
JP6-225334 | 1994-09-20 | ||
US45177695A | 1995-05-26 | 1995-05-26 | |
US08/939,714 US6384926B2 (en) | 1994-09-20 | 1997-09-29 | Network system having printers, printer for network system, server for network and terminal for network system |
Related Parent Applications (1)
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US45177695A Continuation | 1994-09-20 | 1995-05-26 |
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US6384926B2 US6384926B2 (en) | 2002-05-07 |
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US08/939,714 Expired - Lifetime US6384926B2 (en) | 1994-09-20 | 1997-09-29 | Network system having printers, printer for network system, server for network and terminal for network system |
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US (1) | US6384926B2 (en) |
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US6654137B1 (en) * | 1998-03-05 | 2003-11-25 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Print system, server, information processing apparatus, print control method, and recording medium |
US20070204045A1 (en) * | 2004-07-27 | 2007-08-30 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Printer management server, printer, and printer management system |
US20140036310A1 (en) * | 2012-08-02 | 2014-02-06 | Kyocera Document Solutions Inc. | Image forming system sharing resources |
US20150319118A1 (en) * | 1987-05-07 | 2015-11-05 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | Method and system for remote diagnostic, control, and information collection based upon a connection or connectionless communication method for sending messages to the resource manager |
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US6870633B1 (en) * | 1996-09-30 | 2005-03-22 | Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Printing device |
JP3876588B2 (en) * | 1999-05-24 | 2007-01-31 | セイコーエプソン株式会社 | Printer, printer control method, print system, and recording medium |
US7123372B2 (en) * | 2000-06-22 | 2006-10-17 | Konica Corporation | Image forming apparatus administration system |
JP2002215353A (en) * | 2001-01-19 | 2002-08-02 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Printing processing system |
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US7284277B2 (en) * | 2002-07-15 | 2007-10-16 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Secured printing |
US20040165211A1 (en) * | 2003-02-20 | 2004-08-26 | Herrmann William I. | Print authorization via an authorization device |
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US7580398B2 (en) * | 2004-06-30 | 2009-08-25 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Information processing device, printing device, printing system, system setting method, storage medium storing computer-readable program, and program |
JP2015069625A (en) * | 2013-10-01 | 2015-04-13 | コニカミノルタ株式会社 | Image processing system, mediation server, image forming apparatus, notification method, and notification program |
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US20150319118A1 (en) * | 1987-05-07 | 2015-11-05 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | Method and system for remote diagnostic, control, and information collection based upon a connection or connectionless communication method for sending messages to the resource manager |
US6654137B1 (en) * | 1998-03-05 | 2003-11-25 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Print system, server, information processing apparatus, print control method, and recording medium |
US20070204045A1 (en) * | 2004-07-27 | 2007-08-30 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Printer management server, printer, and printer management system |
US20140036310A1 (en) * | 2012-08-02 | 2014-02-06 | Kyocera Document Solutions Inc. | Image forming system sharing resources |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US6384926B2 (en) | 2002-05-07 |
JPH0887390A (en) | 1996-04-02 |
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