U.S. patent application number 08/076784 was filed with the patent office on 2002-04-25 for information processing apparatus and output apparatus.
Invention is credited to MITSUHASHI, SHUNYA, MORITA, TETSUYA, NAGATA, SATOSHI, NISHIJIMA, TAKANORI, OKAMOTO, YOSHIFUMI, SATO, NOBUHIKO, SHIMURA, AKIHIRO, UNISHI, MASAKI.
Application Number | 20020048038 08/076784 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 16187014 |
Filed Date | 2002-04-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020048038 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MITSUHASHI, SHUNYA ; et
al. |
April 25, 2002 |
INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS AND OUTPUT APPARATUS
Abstract
An information processing apparatus includes an acquiring unit
for acquiring information from a printer connected through a
bidirectional interface, and a control unit for controlling a
display status of a virtual printer, which is displayed on a
display screen and represents the printer, on the basis of the
information acquired by the acquiring unit. An output apparatus
includes a setting unit for setting an operating environment, and a
changing unit for changing operating environment information set by
the setting unit on the basis of information acquired from an
information processing apparatus connected through a bidirectional
interface.
Inventors: |
MITSUHASHI, SHUNYA; (TOKYO,
JP) ; NAGATA, SATOSHI; (TOKYO, JP) ; OKAMOTO,
YOSHIFUMI; (YOKOHAMA, JP) ; MORITA, TETSUYA;
(KAWASAKI, JP) ; SHIMURA, AKIHIRO; (TOKYO, JP)
; SATO, NOBUHIKO; (YOKOHAMA, JP) ; NISHIJIMA,
TAKANORI; (TOKYO, JP) ; UNISHI, MASAKI;
(TOKYO, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FITZPATRICK CELLA HARPER & SCINTO
30 ROCKEFELLER PLAZA
NEW YORK
NY
10112
US
|
Family ID: |
16187014 |
Appl. No.: |
08/076784 |
Filed: |
June 15, 1993 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
358/1.15 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06K 15/00 20130101;
G06F 3/033 20130101; G06F 3/121 20130101; G06F 3/1204 20130101;
G06F 3/1285 20130101; G06F 3/1229 20130101; G06F 3/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
358/1.15 |
International
Class: |
B41B 001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 19, 1992 |
JP |
4-186360 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An information processing apparatus comprising: acquiring means
for acquiring information from a printer connected through a
bidirectional interface; control means for controlling a display
status of a virtual printer, which is displayed on a display screen
and represents said printer, on the basis of the information
acquired by said acquiring means.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the information is
stored in a memory of said printer and indicates an operating
environmental status of said printer.
3. An apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising: displaying
means for displaying said virtual printer and designating means for
designating portions of said virtual printer, so that information
concerning a portion of said virtual printer designated by said
designating means is displayed on said display screen.
4. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when the information
concerning the portion of said virtual printer designated by said
designating means is displayed on said display means, said
designating means changes the information concerning the portion,
thereby setting an operating environment corresponding to said
printer connected to said information processing apparatus.
5. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the information
concerning the portion of said virtual printer designated by said
designating means indicates an operation panel of said printer
connected to said information processing apparatus.
6. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said information
processing apparatus is a host computer.
7. An output apparatus comprising: setting means for setting an
operating environment; and changing means for changing operating
environment information set by said setting means on the basis of
information acquired from an information processing apparatus
connected through a bidirectional interface.
8. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said setting means is
an operation panel of said output apparatus.
9. An apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising:
inhibiting means for causing said setting means to inhibit setting
the operating environment information performed said changing means
changes the operating environment information on the basis of the
information acquired.
10. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said information
processing apparatus is a host computer.
11. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said output
apparatus is a laser beam printer.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to an information processing
apparatus for sending data to an output apparatus, such as a
printer, which is connected through a bidirectional interface, and
an output apparatus for receiving data from an information
processing apparatus, such as a host computer, which is connected
through a bidirectional interface, and performing output
processing.
[0003] 2. Related Background Art
[0004] Recently, a recording apparatus or a recording system
capable of executing processing of the above sort is constructed by
a host computer and a printer which is connected to the host
computer through an interface (e.g., a Centronics interface). The
recording apparatus or the recording system analyzes output
information supplied from the host computer and develops bit-map
data as output data of, e.g., a laser beam printer. The apparatus
or the system then scan-exposes a photosensitive drum with a laser
beam modulated on the basis of this developed data, thereby
performing image recording.
[0005] In the case of a printer with an emulation function, a
plurality of printer control language systems can be processed; the
printer can execute printing while switching between an emulation
mode and a native mode in accordance with applications that a user
executes. The printer of this type has switches for switching the
printer control languages and card slots for giving switching
designation.
[0006] In addition, as the printing control functions of a printer
have been increased in number in recent years, operations of an
operation panel of a printer main body have become complicated.
Therefore, a so-called "setup utility" by which a host computer
performs various settings of a printer connected to the host
computer generally has set items appearing in the form of a menu on
a display.
[0007] Such a "setup utility" allows a host computer to perform
operations which are usually performed from an operation panel of a
printer. In many cases, however, the host computer performs
operations for selecting items one-sidedly for the printer, so the
status of the printer is not reflected on the display in real time.
In addition, a real-time display of a paper feed condition of the
printer is often performed on only the panel of the printer main
body.
[0008] Furthermore, if some error occurs in a printer located apart
from a host computer, an operator operating the host computer moves
to the installation location of the printer to perform a recovery
operation for that error, checking an error code displaying on a
display panel of a printer operating unit while referring to a
manual, and executing a necessary error recovery operation.
[0009] As described above, when the environment of a printer system
is constructed by a host computer and a printer connected to the
host computer through a predetermined interface, an operator cannot
visually understand the settings, status, and error recovery of the
printer. This results in very poor operability due to heavy loads
of a printer environment setting operation and an error recovery
operation on the operator.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention has been made to solve the above
problems, and has as its object to provide an information
processing apparatus and an output apparatus, in which the setting
statuses of a printer connected and a virtually displayed printer
are monitored and set to correspond to each other, operation
designation for the printer can be realized by operation
designation on the virtual printer by simulating the printing
status and the printer panel display status of the printer on the
virtual printer, and the status of a printing sequence of the
printer can be visually checked on the virtual printer.
[0011] In order to achieve the above object of the present
invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus
comprising acquiring means for acquiring information from a printer
connected through a bidirectional interface, and control means for
controlling a display status of a virtual printer, which is
displayed on a display screen and represents the printer, on the
basis of the information acquired by the acquiring means.
[0012] In order to achieve the above object of the present
invention, there is provided an output apparatus comprising setting
means for setting an operating environment, and changing means for
changing operating environment information set by the setting means
on the basis of information acquired from an information processing
apparatus connected through a bidirectional interface.
[0013] As described above, the operating environmental status
information of a printer connected to a host computer via a
bidirectional interface is acquired, and the simulated operation
display status of a virtual printer displayed on the display screen
of the host computer is controlled on the basis of the acquired
operating environmental status information. In addition,
designation information for the virtual printer is acquired from
the host computer, and the operating environmental status of the
printer is set to correspond to that of the virtual printer on the
basis of the acquired designation information. Therefore, the
connected printer can be displayed as a visual cubic image on the
screen of the host computer by means of the virtual printer. It is
also possible to display the status and settings of the printer on
the virtual printer and reflect the settings of the virtual printer
on the connected printer.
[0014] Furthermore, the panel setting status information of a
printer connected to a host computer through a bidirectional
interface is acquired, and the simulated operation display status
of a virtual panel displayed on the display screen of the host
computer is controlled on the basis of the acquired panel setting
status information. The designation information for the virtual
panel is also acquired from the host computer, and the panel
setting status of the printer is set to correspond to that of the
virtual panel on the basis of the acquired designation information.
This makes it possible to display the panel status and settings of
the printer on the virtual panel and reflect the settings of the
virtual panel on the panel of the printer.
[0015] A user, therefore, can activate the panel simulation or the
setup utility of the printer by a simple operation of designating a
desired portion of the printer virtually displayed on the screen of
the host computer. This enables the user to confirm the printer
status and perform environmental setting of the printer without
making any mistakes while visually monitoring the printer virtually
displayed on the host computer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the arrangement of a
first recording apparatus to which the present invention is
applicable;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the outer appearance of
a second recording apparatus to which the present invention is
applicable;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining the control system
of the second recording apparatus shown in FIG. 2;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining the arrangement of
a printer control system according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a virtual printer display
sequence in the printer control system according to the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a view showing a virtual printer display
transition status in the printer control system according to the
present invention;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a view showing a virtual printer display
transition status in the printer control system according to the
present invention;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a view showing a virtual printer display
transition status in the printer control system according to the
present invention;
[0024] FIG. 9 is a view showing a virtual printer display
transition status in the printer control system according to the
present invention;
[0025] FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a virtual panel simulation
sequence shown in FIG. 5;
[0026] FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a printer panel locking
sequence shown in FIG. 5;
[0027] FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing another printer panel
locking sequence different from that shown in FIG. 5;
[0028] FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing a power switch (P/S)
simulation sequence shown in FIG. 5;
[0029] FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing an attached card simulation
sequence shown in FIG. 5;
[0030] FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing an interface simulation
sequence shown in FIG. 5;
[0031] FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing a paper feed cassette
simulation sequence shown in FIG. 5;
[0032] FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing a paper feed tray simulation
sequence shown in FIG. 5;
[0033] FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing an option slot simulation
sequence shown in FIG. 5;
[0034] FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing a paper delivery tray
simulation sequence shown in FIG. 5; and
[0035] FIG. 20 is a view showing contents in a cross section
display mode of a virtual printer in the printer control system
according to the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0036] Before an explanation of the arrangement of this embodiment,
the arrangements of a laser beam printer and an ink jet printer
suitable for this embodiment will be described below with reference
to FIGS. 1 to 3. Note that a printer to which this embodiment is
applied is not limited to the laser beam printer and the ink jet
printer but may be a printer of another printing system.
[0037] FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the arrangement of a
first recording apparatus, for example, a laser beam printer (LBP),
to which the present invention is applicable.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 1, an LBP main body 1500 receives and
stores print information (e.g., character codes), form information,
or macro instructions supplied from an externally connected host
computer. The LBP main body 1500 forms character patterns or form
patterns corresponding to the input information and forms images on
recording paper as a recording medium. The LBP main body 1500
includes an operation panel 1501, on which switches and LED
indicators for operations are arranged, and a printer control unit
1000 for controlling the overall LBP main body 1500 and analyzing
character information and the like supplied from the host computer.
The printer control unit 1000 primarily converts character
information into a video signal with the corresponding character
pattern and applies the signal to a laser driver 1502. The laser
driver 1502 is a circuit for driving a semiconductor laser 1503;
the laser driver 1502 switches on and off a laser beam 1504 emitted
from the semiconductor laser 1503 in accordance with the input
video signal. The laser beam 1504 scan-exposes an electrostatic
drum 1506 while being oscillated sideways by a rotary polygon
mirror 1505. As a result, an electrostatic latent image of the
character pattern is formed on the electrostatic drum 1506. This
latent image is developed by a developing unit 1507 arranged around
the electrostatic drum 1506 and transferred onto recording paper.
Cut sheets are used as the recording paper, and these cut sheets
are housed in a paper cassette 1508 attached to the LBP main body
1500. The cut sheets are fed into the printer and supplied to the
electrostatic drum 1506 by a paper supply roller 1509 and paper
feed rollers 1510 and 1511.
[0039] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the outer appearance of
a second recording apparatus, for example, an ink jet recording
apparatus (IJRA), to which the present invention is applicable.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 2, a carriage HC engaging with a spiral
groove 5004 of a lead screw 5005 which is rotated in association
with the forward and backward rotations of a drive motor 5013 via
driving force transmission gears 5011 and 5009 has a pin (not
shown) and is therefore reciprocated in directions indicated by
arrows a and b. An ink jet cartridge IJC is mounted on the carriage
HC. A paper holding plate 5002 urges paper against a platen 5000
over the full width in the carriage moving direction. Photocouplers
5007 and 5008 function as home position detecting means for
checking the presence of a lever 5006 of the carriage in this area
and performing switching between the rotational directions of the
motor 5013. A support member 5016 supports a cap member 5022 for
capping the entire surface of a recording head, and a sucking means
5015 for sucking the interior of the cap to perform
suction-recovery for the recording head through an opening 5023
inside the cap. A cleaning blade 5017 can be moved forward and
backward by a member 5019. A main body support plate 5018 supports
the members 5017 and 5019. A lever 5012 for starting suction of the
suction-recovery moves in association with the movement of a cam
5020 which engages with the carriage, controlling the driving force
from the drive motor through a known transmitting means, such as
clutch switching.
[0041] The apparatus is arranged such that capping, cleaning, and
suction-recovery can be performed at their respective positions by
the action of the lead screw 5005 when the carriage moves to an
area on the home position side; that is, a desired operation need
only be performed at a timing known to those skilled in the
art.
[0042] FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining the control system
of the second recording apparatus shown in FIG. 2.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 3, this control system includes an
interface 1700 for applying recording signals, an MPU 1701, a
program ROM 1702 for storing, e.g., control programs to be executed
by the MPU 1701, and a DRAM 1703 for storing various data (such as
the recording signals and recording data to be supplied to a head).
A gate array 1704 controls the supply of the recording data to a
recording head 1708 and also controls the transfer of data between
the interface 1700, the MPU 1701, and the DRAM 1703. A carriage
motor 1710 carries the recording head 1708, and a paper feed motor
1709 feeds recording paper. A head driver 1705 drives the recording
head, a motor driver 1706 drives the paper feed motor 1709, and a
motor driver 1707 drives the carriage motor 1710.
[0044] In the recording apparatus with the above arrangement, when
a recording signal is applied from a host computer 100 (to be
described later) through the interface 1700, this recording signal
is converted into recording data for printing by the gate array
1704 and the MPU 1701. Then the motor drivers 1706 and 1707 are
driven, and the recording head is also driven by the recording data
supplied to the head driver 1705, thereby executing printing.
[0045] The MPU 1701 can perform communications with the host
computer 100 (to be described later) through the interface 1700;
the MPU 1701 can inform the host computer 100 (to be described
later) of memory information related to the DRAM 1703 and resource
data (including operating environmental status information and
panel setting status information to be described later).
Embodiment
[0046] FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining the arrangement of
a printer control system according to one embodiment of the present
invention. The first embodiment will be described below by taking
the laser beam printer (FIG. 1) as an example. Note that the
present invention can be applied to any of a single apparatus, a
system comprising a plurality of apparatuses, and a system in which
processing is executed via a network, such as a LAN, provided that
the functions of the present invention are executed.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 4, the host computer 100 has a CPU 1 for
executing processing for documents consisting of graphics, images,
characters, tables (including spreadsheets, and the like on the
basis of document processing programs stored in a ROM 2. The CPU 1
systematically controls individual devices connected to a system
bus 4.
[0048] The ROM 2 stores the control programs of the CPU 1 shown in
the flow charts of FIG. 5 and the like. A RAM 3 serves as a main
memory and a work area for the CPU 1. A keyboard controller (KBC) 5
controls key inputs from a keyboard 9. A CRT controller (CRTC) 6
controls a display on a CRT display (CRT) 10. A disk controller
(DKC) 7 controls access to a hard disk (HD) 11 and a floppy disk
(FD) 12 which store boot programs, various applications, font data,
user files, edit files, and virtual printer image data (to be
described later). A printer controller (PRTC) 8 is connected to the
printer 1500 through a predetermined bidirectional interface
(interface) 13 and executes processing for controlling
communications with the printer 1500. Interface circuits 8a and 18a
control command communication processing and recording information
processing executed between the printer 1500 and the host computer
100 through the interface 13.
[0049] The CPU 1 executes processing for developing (rasterizing)
an outline font into a display information RAM set in the RAM 3,
allowing WYSIWYG on the CRT 10. The CPU 1 also opens various
registered windows on the basis of commands designated by a mouse
cursor (not shown) or the like on the CRT 10, executing various
tasks of data processing. In addition, the CPU 1 manages the
virtual printer image data or the virtual panel image data stored
in the hard disk 11. That is, the CPU 1 controls the setting of a
printer mode on the basis of designation by a pointing device (not
shown) for the virtual printer displayed on the CRT 10 and displays
the setting status on the virtual display unit. The CPU 1 then
transfers the mode setting information to the printer 1500, and the
CPU 14 controls the setting of the display status on the operation
panel 1501 so that the printer setting statuses of the actual and
virtual printers correspond to each other. The setting information
(stored in the RAM 16) on the operation panel 1501 is also informed
to the host computer 100. The CPU 1 controls the display of the
virtual printer so that the display status of the virtual printer
also corresponds to the mode setting status of the printer.
[0050] In the printer 1500, a printer CPU 14 systematically
controls access to various devices connected to a system bus 17 on
the basis of control programs and the like (indicated by the flow
chart shown in FIG. 11) stored in a ROM 15 and outputs image
signals as print data to a printer mechanism (printer engine) 20
connected through a printer interface 19. The memory capacity of a
RAM 16 can be extended by an optional RAM connected to an expansion
port. Note that the RAM 16 stores operating environmental status
information and panel set status information (to be described
later), and the information is sequentially updated by the CPU
14.
[0051] The printer control system also includes at least one card
slot (not shown) so that optional font cards and cards (emulation
cards) storing programs for interpreting printer control languages
of different language systems can be connected and used, in
addition to internally stored fonts. Note that the above-mentioned
panel setting status information and the like may be stored in an
NVRAM (not shown).
[0052] In the printer control system with the above arrangement,
when the CPU 1 acquires operating environmental status information
from the RAM 16 in the printer connected to the host computer 100
through the bidirectional interface 13, the CPU 1 controls the
simulated operation display status of the virtual printer displayed
on the display screen (CRT 10) of the host computer 100. In
addition, when the CPU 14 acquires designation information for the
virtual printer from the host computer 100, the CPU 14 sets the
matching between the operating environmental statuses of the
printer and the virtual printer on the basis of the acquired
designation information. Therefore, the connected printer can be
displayed as a visual cubic image on the screen of the host
computer by means of the virtual printer. It is also possible to
display the status and settings of the printer on the virtual
printer and reflect the settings of the virtual printer on the
printer.
[0053] The virtual printer control operation will be described
below with reference to the flow chart shown in FIG. 5 and the
virtual display statuses shown in FIGS. 6 to 9.
[0054] FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a virtual printer display
sequence performed by the CPU 1 in the printer control system
according to the present invention, in which processing steps (1)
to (15) are illustrated.
[0055] In step (1), the CPU 1 checks whether a display of the
virtual printer is requested by designation by the pointing device
(not shown) or the keyboard 9 of the host computer 100. If YES in
step (1), the flow advances to step (2), and, as shown in FIG. 6,
the CPU 1 displays a 3D image (three-dimensional image) of the
virtual printer corresponding to the connected printer 1500 in a
window W1 on the CRT 10.
[0056] Subsequently, in step (3), the CPU 1 checks whether a
viewpoint and scroll bars SB1 and SB2 are designated by a cursor K
through the use of the pointing device (not shown). If YES in step
(3), the CPU 1 rotates the cubic image of the virtual printer in
the directions designated by the scroll bars SB1 and SB2 in step
(6), and the flow returns to step (2).
[0057] In step (4), the CPU 1 checks whether any of desired
positions P1 to P6 in virtual printer images PIM1 to PIM3 shown in
FIGS. 6 to 8 is designated by the cursor. If NO in step (4), the
CPU 1 executes other corresponding processes in step (5). If YES in
step (4), the CPU 1 determines the position designated by the
cursor K, activating one of simulators (to be described in detail
later) corresponding to the designated position (steps (8) to
(15)), and ending the processing.
[0058] As described above, the operating environmental status
information (stored in the RAM 16) of the printer 1500 connected to
the host computer 100 through the bidirectional interface (e.g.,
RS232C) 13 is acquired, and the simulated operation display status
of the virtual printer displayed on the display screen of the host
computer 100 is controlled on the basis of the acquired operating
environmental status information. In addition, the designation
information for the virtual printer (virtual printer images PIM1 to
PIM3) is acquired from the host computer 100, and the operating
environmental status of the printer 1500 is set to correspond to
that of the virtual printer on the basis of the acquired
designation information. Therefore, the printer 1500 connected can
be displayed as a visual cubic image on the screen of the host
computer 100 by means of the virtual printer. It is also possible
to display the status and settings of the printer 1500 on the
virtual printer and reflect the settings of the virtual printer on
the printer 1500.
[0059] Furthermore, the panel setting status information stored in
the RAM 16 of the printer 1500 connected to the host computer 100
through the bidirectional interface 13 is acquired, and the
simulated operation display status of the virtual panel (the panel
image PI shown in FIG. 9) displayed on the display screen of the
host computer is controlled on the basis of the acquired panel
setting status information. The designation information for the
virtual panel is also acquired from the host computer 100, and the
setting status of the operation panel 1501 of the printer 1500 is
set to correspond to that of the virtual panel on the basis of the
acquired designation information. This makes it possible to display
the panel status and the panel settings of the printer 1500 on the
virtual panel and reflect the settings of the virtual panel on the
panel of the printer 1500.
[0060] FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a virtual panel simulation
sequence shown in FIG. 5 that is performed by the CPU 1, in which
processing steps (1) to (10) are illustrated.
[0061] First, in step (1), the CPU 1 of the host computer 100 waits
until current panel setting status information (stored in the RAM
16) set in the printer 1500 is transferred. In step (2), in
accordance with the input panel setting data, the CPU 1 displays
the virtual panel by using the virtual panel image PI such that the
display on a display D and indications of indicators L1 to L5 shown
in FIG. 9 correspond to those of the operation panel 1501 of the
printer 1500.
[0062] Subsequently, in step (3), the CPU 1 checks whether key-lock
for disabling depression of all keys or keys except that for
releasing errors of the printer 1500 is designated. If YES in step
(3), the CPU 1 executes the routine of a printer panel locking
process (to be described later) in step (10) and ends the
processing.
[0063] If No in step (3), the CPU 1 checks in step (4) whether any
of virtual keys KEY1 to KEY8 on the virtual panel image IP is
designated. If NO in step (4), the flow returns to step (2). If YES
in step (4), the CPU 1 displays items corresponding to the virtual
keys KEY1 to KEY8 in a window or pulldown in step (5). In step (6),
the CPU 1 updates the virtual panel mode display currently being
set in accordance with the selected item. In step (7), the CPU 1
transfers the key setting status file corresponding to the settings
of the keys KEY1 to KEY8 to the printer 1500. The CPU 1 then
updates the setting status of the operation panel 1501 of the
printer 1500 in step (8) and waits until the display status of the
operation panel 1501 of the 1500 is updated in step (9), thereby
ending the processing. This enables the display status of the
operation panel 1501 of the printer 1500 to correspond to that of
the virtual panel in accordance with the key operations and the
mode display on the virtual panel image PI.
[0064] As described above, since the display status of the virtual
panel image IP on the CRT 10 of the host computer 100 changes in
association with the operations on the operation panel 1501 of the
printer 1500, the operating environmental status of the printer
1500 can be easily confirmed on the screen of the host computer
100. In addition, in operating the virtual keys KEY1 to KEY8
corresponding to the virtual panel image PI on the CRT 10 of the
host computer 100, an operator can perform the key operation while
monitoring all items that can be set, and this key operation is
reflected on the set result on the operation panel 1501 of the
printer 1500. Note that in transferring data between the host
computer 100 and the printer 1500, information may be exchanged
between the host computer 100 and the printer 1500 whenever the key
operation is performed. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the
reaction (change in menu display or the like) for each key
operation is simulated by the host computer 100, and, after the
setting is completed by the host computer 100, the set contents are
transferred to the printer 1500. However, the processing for
selecting and displaying set items may also be executed by
receiving information from the printer 1500. Consequently, a user
can set the printer 1500 from the host computer 100 and can also
check the environmental setting status of the printer 1500 without
moving to the installation location of the printer.
[0065] FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a printer panel locking
sequence shown in FIG. 5 that is performed by the CPU 14, in which
processing steps (1) to (11) are illustrated.
[0066] First, in step (1), the CPU 14 of the printer 1500 checks
whether some command is input from the host computer 100. If NO in
step (1), the CPU 14 checks in step (5) whether a flag for
permitting inputs from the keys arranged on the operation panel
1501 of the printer 1500 is currently permissible. If NO in step
(5), the flow returns to step (1). If YES in step (5), the CPU 14
waits until a key input is supplied from the keys arranged on the
operation panel 1501 of the printer 1500. If the key input is
obtained in step (6), the CPU 14 executes a key input process in
step (7), and the flow returns to step (1).
[0067] If YES in step (1), on the other hand, the CPU 14 checks in
step (2) whether the input command is a command for permitting the
panel operation on the operation panel 1501 of the printer 1500. If
YES in step (2), the CPU 14 sets the state "permissible" for the
flag for permitting inputs from the keys arranged on the operation
panel 1501 of the printer 1500 in step (3) and turns a panel lamp
on in step (4), thereby ending the processing.
[0068] If NO in step (2), the CPU 14 checks in step (8) whether the
input command is a command for inhibiting the panel operation on
the operation panel 1501 of the printer 1500. If NO in step (8),
the CPU 14 executes other corresponding processes in step (11) and
ends the processing.
[0069] If YES in step (8), the CPU 14 sets the state "inhibited"
for a flag for inhibiting inputs from the keys arranged on the
operation panel 1501 of the printer 1500 in step (9) and turns the
panel lamp off in step (10), thereby ending the processing.
[0070] As described above, while the printer operating environment
is being set from the virtual panel, the settings on the virtual
panel are given priority by disabling the designation for the panel
setting operation of the printer. Therefore, in a system in which
the environment of the printer 1500 can be set from the setup
utility, the panel simulation, or the like of the host computer
100, the operation on the operation panel of the printer 1500 can
be temporarily inhibited by a command from the host computer 100.
This effectively avoids an undesirable event in which another user
carelessly changes the environmental settings of the printer 1500
in situations where the host computer and the printer 1500 are
located apart from each other, i.e., where the printer functions as
a so-called shared printer, thereby obtaining desired printing
results. If, however, the panel operation inhibited state set in
the printer 1500 continues for a long period of time, the function
of the shared printer may be impaired. Therefore, as shown in FIG.
12, the system may be modified such that the inhibition time is
managed by the counter function of the CPU 14, and, if a
predetermined inhibition release time has elapsed, operations of
the keys of the printer 1500 are enabled.
[0071] FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing another printer panel
locking sequence different from that shown in FIG. 5 that is
performed by the CPU 14, in which processing steps (1) to (15) are
illustrated.
[0072] First, in step (1), the CPU 14 of the printer 1500 checks
whether some command is input from the host computer 100. If NO in
step (1), the CPU 14 activates its internal counter in step (12)
and checks in step (13) whether the value of the counter is equal
to or larger than a count value which is set to release the panel
operation inhibition. If NO in step (13), the flow advances to step
(5) and the subsequent steps. If YES in step (13), the CPU 14 sets
the state "permissible" for the flag for permitting inputs from the
keys arranged on the operation panel 1501 of the printer 1500 in
step (14) and turns the panel lamp on (15).
[0073] Subsequently, in step (5), the CPU 14 checks whether the
flag for permitting inputs from the keys arranged on the operation
panel 1501 of the printer 1500 is currently permissible. If NO in
step (5), the flow returns to step (1). If YES in step (5), the CPU
14 waits until a key input is supplied from the keys arranged on
the operation panel 1501 of the printer 1500 in step (6). If the
key input is obtained in step (6), the CPU 14 executes a key input
process in step (7), and the flow returns to step (1).
[0074] If YES in step (1), the CPU 14 checks in step (2) whether
the input command is a command for permitting the panel operation
on the operation panel 1501 of the printer 1500. If YES in step
(2), the CPU 14 sets the state "permissible" for the flag for
permitting inputs from the keys arranged on the operation panel
1501 of the printer 1500 in step (3) and turns the panel lamp on in
step (4), thereby ending the processing.
[0075] If NO in step (2), the CPU 14 checks in step (8) whether the
input command is a command for inhibiting the panel operation on
the operation panel 1501 of the printer 1500. If NO in step (8),
the CPU 14 executes other corresponding processes in step (11) and
ends the processing.
[0076] If YES in step (8), the CPU 14 sets the state "inhibited"
for the flag for inhibiting inputs from the keys arranged on the
operation panel 1501 of the printer 1500 in step (9) and turns the
panel lamp off in step (10), thereby ending the processing.
[0077] With the above arrangement, even when the key operation on
the operation panel 1501 of the printer 1500 is disabled by the
command designation from the host computer 100, the key operation
enable state can be automatically restored. Note that the control
may be performed to enable the error release key operation on the
operation panel 1501 of the printer 1500 if a paper feed jam or the
like occurs during execution of the printer sequence by the printer
mechanism 20 of the printer 1500.
[0078] FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing a power source switch
simulation sequence shown in FIG. 5 that is performed by the CPU 1
and the CPU 14, in which processing steps (1) to (5) are
illustrated.
[0079] This sequence is started when, for example, the position P2
is designated by the pointing device (not shown) on the display
screen shown in FIG. 6. First, in step (1), the CPU 1 checks the
ON/OFF state designated by the virtual switch. If ON is determined
in step (1) and the printer is the laser beam printer shown in FIG.
1, power supply to H.V. is started and the printer mechanism 20 is
warmed up in step (2). If the printer is the bubble jet printer as
shown in FIG. 2, power supply to various drivers is started in
order to activate the cleaning mechanism of the printer head.
[0080] Subsequently, when printing becomes possible in step (3),
the CPU 14 transfers a printer status signal indicating a printer
enable status to the host computer 100 in step (4) and ends the
processing.
[0081] If OFF is determined in step (1), power supply to parts
except a communication unit for performing communications with the
host computer 100 is stopped, setting an apparent off-line
status.
[0082] FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing an attached card simulation
sequence shown in FIG. 5 that is performed by the CPU 1 and the CPU
14, in which processing steps (1) to (9) are illustrated.
[0083] First, in step (1), the CPU 14 waits until card attachment
data is acquired from the printer 1500. In step (2), the CPU 14
analyzes the card attachment data acquired to determine the card
type. After this determination, in step (3), the CPU 14 checks
whether the card is attached to or detached from the printer 1500.
If YES in step (3), the CPU 14 waits until the card attachment data
is again acquired in step (8). When the card attachment data is
acquired, the CPU 1 updates the virtual card display status on the
CRT 10 of the host computer 100 in step (9), and the flow returns
to step (2).
[0084] If NO in step (3), the CPU 14 checks in step (4) whether the
attached card is a font card (style font card for determining,
e.g., the printed style or the Gothic type). If YES in step (4),
the CPU 1 displays the type and contents of the font together with
the virtual printer image PIM1 in step (7) and ends the
processing.
[0085] If NO in step (4), the CPU 14 checks in step (5) whether the
attached card is a control card for, e.g., emulation. If NO in step
(5), the flow returns to step (3). If YES in step (5), the CPU 1
displays the type and contents of the card together with the
virtual printer image PIM1 in step (6) and ends the processing.
[0086] FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing an interface simulation
sequence shown in FIG. 5 that is performed by the CPU 1, in which
processing steps (1) and (2) are illustrated.
[0087] First, in step (1), the CPU 1 of the host computer 100
acquires interface status data from the printer 1500. Subsequently,
in step (2), the CPU 1 displays, e.g., the interface type, the
communication protocol, and the buffer capacity allocated to that
interface together with the printer image PIM1 in step (2) and ends
the processing.
[0088] FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing a paper feed cassette
simulation sequence shown in FIG. 5 that is performed by the CPU 1,
in which processing steps (1) and (2) are illustrated.
[0089] First, in step (1), the CPU 1 of the host computer 100
acquires paper feed cassette status data from the printer 1500.
Subsequently, in step (2), the CPU displays the paper size and the
number of remaining papers or paper sheets of the paper feed
cassette which is enabled to perform paper feeds together with the
virtual printer image PIM1, and ends the processing. If a plurality
of paper feed cassettes can be stacked in a stack, the paper size
and the number of remaining paper sheets of a paper feed cassette
that is given priority for paper feed may be displayed together
with the virtual printer image PIM1.
[0090] FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing a paper feed tray simulation
sequence shown in FIG. 5 that is performed by the CPU 1, in which
processing steps (1) and (2) are illustrated.
[0091] First, in step (1), the CPU 1 of the host computer 100
acquires paper teed tray status data from the printer 1500.
Subsequently, in step (2), the CPU 1 displays the paper size and
the number of remaining paper sheets of a paper feed tray which is
enabled to perform paper feed, together with the virtual printer
image PIM1, and ends the processing.
[0092] FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing an option slot simulation
sequence shown in FIG. 5 that is performed by the CPU 1, in which
processing steps (1) and (2) are illustrated.
[0093] First, in step (1), the CPU 1 of the host computer 100
acquires paper feed tray status data from the printer 1500.
Subsequently, in step (2), the CPU 1 displays the contents of an
optional ROM board and/or an optional RAM board attached to the
option slot, together with the virtual printer image PIM3, in the
message window MW as shown in FIG. 8, and ends the processing.
[0094] FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing a paper delivery tray
simulation sequence shown in FIG. 5 that is performed by the CPU 1,
in which processing steps (1) to (11) are illustrated.
[0095] First, in step (1), the CPU 1 of the host computer 100
checks from printer status information acquired whether the printer
1500 is executing paper delivery. If NO in step (1), the CPU 1
checks whether the position P6 corresponding to the paper delivery
tray shown in FIG. 6 has been designated by the cursor K with the
pointing device (not shown) for a predetermined time. If YES in
step (2), the CPU 1 switches the 3-dimensional display of the
virtual printer to a cross section display as shown in FIG. 20 in
step (3), displaying paper feed paths PATH1 to PATH3. If a paper
feed jam occurs during the paper feed, the CPU 1 cause a
corresponding lamp to flicker at the position of the jammed paper.
Note that in this printer cross section display mode, the condition
of paper being fed is displayed as graphics in real time.
[0096] Subsequently, in the same printer cross section display
state, if the paper delivery unit is designated by the cursor in
step (4), and, if a predetermined time has elapsed in this
designation state in step (5), the CPU 1 releases the printer cross
section display mode and acquires current printer status data of
the printer 1500 in step (6). The CPU 1 then switches to the
3-dimensional display of the virtual printer in step (7) and ends
the processing. Note that the switching between the printer cross
section display mode and the virtual printer need not be executed
by the designation described above but may be performed at any
given timing by another designation on the screen or designation
from the key board or by detecting the change in designation status
of the printer 1500.
[0097] If YES in step (1), the CPU 1 displays a paper deliver
simulation on the CRT 10 of the host computer 100 in step (8). In
this case, if the top page of virtual sheets of paper currently
being delivered is designated by the cursor K with the pointing
device (not shown), the CPU 1 displays the preview image of that
page on the CRT 10 of the host computer 100 in step (10). The CPU 1
then waits until the paper delivery is ended in step (11), and,
when the paper delivery is ended, ends the processing.
[0098] Although the printer 1500 and the host computer 100 are
connected through an RS232C in the above embodiment, the present
invention is, of course, applicable to any bidirectional interface
regardless of whether the interface is of a wired or radio
type.
[0099] In some cases, a printer that is additionally registered as
a usable printer is present or the key shape or the key position of
a printer is changed by changes in version or the like. Even in
these situations, however, the virtual display processing can be
realized for any such commercially available printer by registering
or updating virtual printer image data or virtual panel image data
from a floppy disk drive (not shown) connectable to the host
computer 100 or from a network.
* * * * *