Printer and program

Abstract

To provide a printer and a program capable of surely executing each processing even when a plurality of processing requests are processed in parallel.SOLUTION: A printer is a printer communicably connected to an external device, and includes: reception means for receiving a processing request from the external device; execution means for executing a process requested by the processing request; and adjustment means for adjusting a predetermined parameter related to execution of the process when the execution means executes the plurality of processes.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD An embodiment of the present invention relates to a printer and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there exist printers that have a router function or an access point function (hereinafter, also collectively referred to as an access point function) for connecting a communication terminal such as a mobile terminal to a network.

[0003] In such printers, when the processing load of the access point function that connects the communication terminal to the network increases, the performance of the printer's original printing function decreases. For this reason, technologies have been proposed to more appropriately control connections between devices and prevent the performance of the printing function from decreasing (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] However, in conventional technology, the printer's connection resources are allocated during connection control, i.e., processing priorities are set, so low-priority processing may encounter a state where it is not possible to continue (hereinafter referred to as a timeout). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a printer and a program that can reliably execute each process even when a plurality of processing requests are processed in parallel. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The printer of the embodiment is a printer that is communicatively connected to an external device, and is equipped with an acceptance means that accepts a processing request from the external device, an execution means that executes the processing requested in the processing request, and an adjustment means that, when the execution means executes multiple of the processing, adjusts predetermined parameters related to the execution of the processing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of a printer system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the printer according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of a tethering table according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of a job table according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of a job attribute identification table according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of a parameter table according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the store clerk terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the printer, the store clerk terminal, and the POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a control process of the printer system according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the control unit 200 of the printer 2 according to this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the printer system 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment.

[0009] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of a printer system 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the printer system 1 includes a printer 2, a store clerk terminal 3, and a POS terminal 4.

[0010] The printer 2, the clerk terminal 3, and the POS terminal 4 are installed, for example, in a store etc. The printer 2 and the clerk terminal 3 are installed, for example, in a checkout area etc. in the store.

[0011] The printer 2 and the clerk terminal 3 are communicatively connected via a connection line Na such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable. The printer 2 and the POS terminal 4 are communicatively connected via a network Nb such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The network Nb is communicatively connected to a network Nc such as the Internet via communication devices such as a hub or router (not shown).

[0012] The number of devices connected to the connection line Na and the network Nb is not limited to the illustrated example. The printer 2 and the store clerk terminal 3 may be connected via wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0013] The printer 2 is, for example, a printer device such as a receipt printer, etc. The printer 2 has an access point function for connecting the store clerk terminal 3 to the network Nc.

[0014] The printer 2 accepts various processing requests (hereinafter also referred to as requests) from external devices. Specifically, the printer 2 accepts a processing request from the clerk terminal 3 for processing to connect to the network Nc using the printer 2 (hereinafter also referred to as tethering). The printer 2 also accepts processing requests from the clerk terminal 3, the POS terminal 4, etc. for processing processes that can be executed by the printer 2 (hereinafter also referred to as jobs).

[0015] Here, the tethering request is instruction information that includes, for example, a terminal ID that can identify the clerk terminal 3, and instructs the control unit 200 of the printer 2 to execute tethering. Also, the job request is instruction information that includes, for example, the terminal ID of the clerk terminal 3 or the POS terminal 4 and a processing type (described later), and instructs the control unit 200 of the printer 2 to execute various processes.

[0016] Furthermore, when the printer 2 receives a request from the clerk terminal 3 or the POS terminal 4, it executes the processing instructed by the request. For example, when the printer 2 receives a tethering request from the clerk terminal 3, it executes tethering with the clerk terminal 3, enabling connection to the network Nc via the printer 2. Furthermore, when the printer 2 receives a job request from the clerk terminal 3 or the POS terminal 4, it executes the received job.

[0017] Here, a typical job request transmitted from the clerk terminal 3 or the POS terminal 4 is, for example, a print process (print job) using the printing unit 210 of the printer 2. Note that the tethering and the job may be executed in parallel by the control unit 200 of the printer 2.

[0018] Furthermore, when the printer 2 executes multiple processes in parallel, it changes information related to the execution of the processes. Specifically, when multiple processes are being executed in parallel, the printer 2 acquires the number of processes being executed. Then, the printer 2 changes parameters related to the execution of the processes according to the number of processes being executed.

[0019] The clerk terminal 3 is a terminal device such as a tablet computer used by a clerk in a store. The clerk terminal 3 sends various requests to the printer 2. Specifically, the clerk terminal 3 sends a tethering request to the printer 2.

[0020] The POS terminal 4 is a product sales data processing device that processes product sales data of products sold in a store. For example, the POS terminal 4 performs a registration process to register products purchased by customers and a payment process for the products registered in the registration process. The POS terminal 4 also sends requests to the printer 2. Specifically, the POS terminal 4 sends a job request to the printer 2. For example, the POS terminal 4 sends a request to print a receipt showing the transaction details of the products purchased in one transaction.

[0021] Next, the configuration of the printer 2 described above will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the printer 2 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the printer 2 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, which is an example of a processor, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203, and a memory unit 204.

[0022] The control unit 200 also includes a timekeeping unit (not shown) such as an RTC (Real Time Clock) The timekeeping unit has a timekeeping function for keeping track of the current date and time, a timer function for keeping track of the passage of time, and the like.

[0023] The CPU 201 comprehensively controls each unit of the printer 2. The ROM 202 stores various programs. The RAM 203 is a workspace for developing programs and various data. For example, the RAM 203 stores a tethering table 2031 and a job table 2032.

[0024] The tethering table 2031 is a data table or database that manages the tethering status. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the tethering table 2031. As shown in Fig. 3, the tethering table 2031 stores a terminal ID, a timeout error setting value, and a processing status flag.

[0025] The terminal ID is identification information for uniquely identifying the store clerk terminal 3. The timeout error setting value is an example of a parameter related to the execution of a process. The timeout error setting value is a parameter related to the timeout of a process. Details of the timeout error setting value will be described later.

[0026] The processing status flag is flag information that specifies whether tethering is in progress. The processing status flag is binary flag information that is, for example, "1" when the flag is enabled (hereinafter also referred to as the on state) and "0" when the flag is disabled (hereinafter also referred to as the off state). Specifically, when the processing status flag is on, the control unit 200 of the printer 2 determines that tethering is in progress with the clerk terminal 3 corresponding to the terminal ID associated with the processing status flag. On the other hand, when the processing status flag is off, the control unit 200 of the printer 2 determines that tethering is not in progress with the clerk terminal 3 corresponding to the terminal ID associated with the processing status flag.

[0027] Returning to Fig. 2, the job table 2032 is a data table or database for managing requests received by the printer 2. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the job table 2032. As shown in Fig. 4, the job table 2032 stores a process ID, a terminal ID, a process type, a timeout error setting value, a process status flag, etc.

[0028] The process ID is identification information for uniquely identifying a request accepted by the printer 2. The terminal ID is identification information for uniquely identifying the clerk terminal 3 and the POS terminal 4. The process type is attribute information indicating the attribute of the process identified by the job attribute identification table 2042, which will be described later.

[0029] The timeout error setting value is an example of a parameter related to the execution of a process. The timeout error setting value is a parameter related to the timeout of a process. Specifically, the timeout error setting value is a value that specifies the upper limit of the execution time when the CPU 201 executes a specific process. In other words, when the execution time of a specific process exceeds the timeout error setting value, the control unit 200 of the printer 2 determines that the process has timed out.

[0030] The processing status flag is flag information that specifies whether the processing associated with the processing ID is currently being executed. The processing status flag is binary flag information that is, for example, "1" when the flag is enabled (hereinafter also referred to as "on") and "0" when the flag is disabled (hereinafter also referred to as "off"). Specifically, when the processing status flag is on, the control unit 200 of the printer 2 determines that the processing of the processing ID associated with that processing status flag is currently being executed. On the other hand, when the processing status flag is off, the control unit 200 of the printer 2 determines that the processing of the processing ID associated with that processing status flag is not currently being executed, that is, is in a state of waiting for processing.

[0031] The memory unit 204 is a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off. The memory unit 204 includes a control program unit 2041, a job attribute specification table 2042, and a parameter table 2043.

[0032] The control program section 2041 stores a control program for controlling the printer 2. The CPU 201, ROM 202, RAM 203, and memory section 204 are connected to one another via a bus 211. The CPU 201, ROM 202, and RAM 203 constitute a control section 200 having a computer configuration. That is, the control section 200 executes a control process for the printer 2, which will be described later, by the CPU 201 operating in accordance with the control program section 2041 stored in the ROM 202 or memory section 204 and expanded in the RAM 203.

[0033] The job attribute identification table 2042 is a data table or database for identifying the attributes of jobs accepted by the printer 2. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the job attribute identification table 2042. As shown in Fig. 5, the job attribute identification table 2042 stores the processing type, the timeout error basic setting value, etc.

[0034] The process type is information indicating the type of process. The process type is, for example, numerical information indicating a numerical value representing the type, which is assigned in advance to each type of process executable by the printer 2. Here, the processes executable by the printer 2 include at least the above-mentioned tethering and print jobs. The timeout error basic setting value is a timeout error setting value that is set by default when the printer 2 accepts a request, and there is a one-to-one correspondence between the process type and the timeout error basic setting value. In other words, processes with the same process type also have the same timeout error basic setting value.

[0035] Returning to Fig. 2, the parameter table 2043 is a data table or database that stores the number of processes executed in parallel by the printer 2 and the adjustment values ​​of parameters related to the execution of the processes, in association with each other. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the parameter table 2043. As shown in Fig. 6, the parameter table 2043 stores the number of processes currently being executed, a timeout error adjustment value, a warning display flag, etc.

[0036] The number of ongoing processes is numerical information indicating the number of processes currently being executed by the printer 2. Specifically, the number of ongoing processes refers to the number of data items whose processing status flags are in the ON state in the tethering table 2031 and the job table 2032.

[0037] The timeout error adjustment value is an example of a parameter related to the execution of a process. Specifically, the timeout error adjustment value is a value added to the timeout error basic setting value depending on the number of processes currently being executed. The warning display flag is flag information that specifies whether the control unit 200 of the printer 2 outputs a notification (hereinafter also referred to as a timeout warning notification) to the display unit 208 indicating that a timeout error is likely to occur depending on the number of processes currently being executed.

[0038] The warning display flag is binary flag information that is, for example, "1" when the flag is enabled (hereinafter also referred to as "on state") and "0" when the flag is disabled (hereinafter also referred to as "off state"). Specifically, when the warning display flag is on, the control unit 200 of the printer 2 determines that there is a high possibility that a timeout error will occur, and outputs a timeout warning notice to the display unit 208.

[0039] Returning to FIG. 2, the control unit 200 is connected to a first communication unit 206, a second communication unit 207, a display unit 208, an operation unit 209, and a printing unit 210 via a controller 205 and a bus 211.

[0040] The first communication unit 206 is a communication interface for connecting to the store clerk terminal 3. The second communication unit 207 is a communication interface for connecting to the network Nb. The second communication unit 207 is also connected to the network Nc via a communication device (not shown).

[0041] The controller 205 is connected to a first communication unit 206, a second communication unit 207, a display unit 208, an operation unit 209, and a printing unit 210. The controller 205 controls each of the connected units based on instructions from the control unit 200.

[0042] The display unit 208 is a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). Under the control of the CPU 201, the display unit 208 displays various information related to the status and operation of the printer 2. The operation unit 209 is, for example, a touch panel provided on the display unit 208. The operation unit 209 accepts various operation instructions for the printer 2. The operation unit 209 may also be an input device such as a keyboard or a pointing device. The printing unit 210 includes a print head, a paper transport mechanism, etc., and performs printing (image formation) on a print medium based on instructions from the control unit 200. The printing method of the printing unit 210 is not particularly important.

[0043] The display unit 208 may be in the form of a control panel in which the display unit 208 and the operation unit 209 are integrated. The display unit 208 may also be in the form of a display that displays various information about the printer 2 to store staff and customers. The display unit 208 may also have a plurality of the above-mentioned display forms.

[0044] Next, the configuration of the above-mentioned clerk terminal 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the clerk terminal 3 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 7, the clerk terminal 3 includes a CPU 301, which is an example of a processor, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, and a memory unit 304.

[0045] The CPU 301 comprehensively controls each unit of the clerk terminal 3. The ROM 302 stores various programs. The RAM 303 is a workspace where programs and various data are developed.

[0046] The memory unit 304 is a non-volatile memory such as a HDD or flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off. The memory unit 304 includes a control program unit 3041.

[0047] Control program unit 3041 stores a control program for controlling clerk terminal 3. CPU 301, ROM 302, RAM 303, and memory unit 304 are connected to one another via bus 312. CPU 301, ROM 302, and RAM 303 constitute control unit 300, which has a computer configuration. That is, control unit 300 executes control processing for clerk terminal 3, which will be described later, by CPU 301 operating in accordance with control program unit 3041 stored in ROM 302 or memory unit 304 and expanded in RAM 303.

[0048] The control unit 300 is connected to a communication unit 306, a display unit 307, an operation unit 308, a reading unit 309, and an imaging unit 310 via a controller 305 and a bus 312. Here, the communication unit 306 is a communication interface for connecting to the printer 2 via a connection line Na.

[0049] The controller 305 is connected to a communication unit 306, a display unit 307, an operation unit 308, a reading unit 309, and an imaging unit 310. The controller 305 controls each of the connected units based on instructions from the control unit 300.

[0050] The display unit 307 is a display device such as an LCD. The display unit 307 displays various information under the control of the CPU 301. The operation unit 308 is a touch panel provided on the display unit 307. The operation unit 308 outputs operation contents input via an input device to the CPU 301. Note that the operation unit 308 may also be an input device such as a keyboard or a pointing device.

[0051] The reading unit 309 reads, for example, member information registered on a customer's member card. The reading unit 309 may also read registration information on a credit card used by the customer for payment, or the amount charged on an electronic money card, prepaid card, etc. The imaging unit 310 is an imaging device such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor).

[0052] Next, the configuration of the above-mentioned POS terminal 4 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the POS terminal 4 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 8, the POS terminal 4 includes a CPU 401, which is an example of a processor, a ROM 402, a RAM 403, and a memory unit 404.

[0053] The CPU 401 comprehensively controls each unit of the POS terminal 4. The ROM 402 stores various programs. The RAM 403 is a workspace for developing programs and various data.

[0054] The memory unit 404 is a non-volatile memory such as a HDD or flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off. The memory unit 404 includes a control program unit 4041.

[0055] The control program unit 4041 stores a control program for controlling the store clerk terminal 3. The CPU 401, ROM 402, RAM 403, and memory unit 404 are connected to one another via a bus 411. The CPU 401, ROM 402, and RAM 403 constitute a computer-configured control unit 400. That is, the control unit 400 executes control processing for the POS terminal 4, which will be described later, by the CPU 401 operating in accordance with the control program unit 4041 stored in the ROM 402 or memory unit 404 and loaded into the RAM 403.

[0056] The control unit 400 is connected to a communication unit 406, a display unit 407, an operation unit 408, a reading unit 409, and a scanner unit 410 via a controller 405 and a bus 411. Here, the communication unit 406 is a communication interface for connecting to a network Nb. The communication unit 406 also connects to a network Nc such as the Internet via a communication device (not shown).

[0057] The controller 405 is connected to a communication unit 406, a display unit 407, an operation unit 408, a reading unit 409, and a scanner unit 410. The controller 405 controls each of the connected units based on instructions from the control unit 400.

[0058] The display unit 407 is a display device such as an LCD. The display unit 407 displays various information under the control of the CPU 401. The operation unit 408 is a touch panel provided on the display unit 407. The operation unit 408 outputs operation contents input via an input device to the CPU 401. Note that the operation unit 408 may be an input device such as a keyboard or a pointing device.

[0059] The reading unit 409 reads, for example, member information registered on a customer's member card. The reading unit 409 may also read registration information on a credit card used by the customer for payment, or the amount charged on an electronic money card, prepaid card, or the like. The scanner unit 410 is a reading device capable of reading code symbols such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes. The scanner unit 410 decodes the code symbol to read information stored in the code symbol and outputs the read information to the CPU 401. For example, the scanner unit 410 reads a product code from a code symbol such as a barcode attached to a product.

[0060] Next, the functional configuration of each control unit of the printer 2, clerk terminal 3, and POS terminal 4 will be described with reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the printer 2, clerk terminal 3, and POS terminal 4 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 200 of the printer 2 includes, as functional components, a tethering processing unit 2001, a job execution processing unit 2002, a parameter adjustment unit 2003, and a display control unit 2004. The clerk terminal 3 includes, as functional components, a tethering request unit 3001 and a job request unit 3002. The POS terminal 4 includes, as functional components, a job request unit 4001. Note that the functional configurations of the printer 2, clerk terminal 3, and POS terminal 4 are not limited to these.

[0061] Specifically, the control unit 200 (CPU 201) of the printer 2 executes the control program unit 2041 stored in the memory unit 204 to realize the above-mentioned functional configuration. The control unit 300 (CPU 301) of the clerk terminal 3 executes the control program unit 3041 stored in the memory unit 304 to realize the above-mentioned functional configuration. The control unit 400 (CPU 401) of the POS terminal 4 executes the control program unit 4041 stored in the memory unit 404 to realize the above-mentioned functional configuration. In this embodiment, the above-mentioned functional configuration is a software configuration realized by cooperation between a processor and a program for each device, but is not limited to this, and a hardware configuration in which part or all of the functional configuration is realized by a dedicated circuit or the like may also be used.

[0062] First, the functional configuration of the printer 2 will be described. In response to a request from the clerk terminal 3, the tethering processor 2001 executes tethering, which enables connection of the clerk terminal 3 to the network Nc. Specifically, when the tethering processor 2001 receives a tethering request, it references the tethering table 2031 and changes the processing status flag corresponding to the terminal ID included in the tethering request to ON. The tethering processor 2001 then executes tethering by connecting the clerk terminal 3 to the network Nc via its own printer 2.

[0063] Furthermore, the tethering processing unit 2001 cooperates with the parameter adjustment unit 2003 to determine whether the currently running tethering is in a timeout state based on the timeout error setting value set in the tethering table 2031 .

[0064] Furthermore, when the tethering processing unit 2001 receives a notification from the control unit 200 that tethering has ended (hereinafter also referred to as a tethering end notification), it refers to the tethering table 2031 and changes the processing status flag corresponding to the terminal ID included in the tethering end notification to the OFF state. Accordingly, the tethering processing unit 2001 ends tethering related to the store clerk terminal 3.

[0065] The job execution processing unit 2002 is an example of a receiving unit and an executing unit. The job execution processing unit 2002 receives executable requests from the clerk terminal 3 and the POS terminal 4. The job execution processing unit 2002 also executes the processing of the received request. If the job execution processing unit 2002 cannot immediately execute the processing of the received request, it sets the processing status flag of the request to OFF and stores the flag in the job table 2032.

[0066] The job execution processing unit 2002 also determines whether a process whose processing status flag is OFF, i.e., a process waiting to be executed, is ready to be executed for each process stored in the job table 2032. If a process that is ready to be executed exists, the job execution processing unit 2002 changes the processing status flag of the process to ON, thereby making the process a target for processing. Whether a process is ready to be executed can be determined based on the process type of the process waiting to be executed, the processing load status of the printer 2, etc.

[0067] For example, in the case of a printing process, since only one printing process can be processed at a time, it can be determined that a waiting printing process is ready to be executed when the previous printing process has finished or when there is no printing process currently being executed. Also, when the processing load on printer 2 is high, the printing process (or other process) may be put on hold even if it is ready to be executed, and the printing process may be determined to be ready to be executed only when the processing load has decreased. In this case, for example, the utilization rate of CPU 201 of printer 2 may be used as an indicator of the processing load, and the printing process may be executed when the utilization rate is below a predetermined threshold.

[0068] Furthermore, the job execution processing unit 2002 cooperates with the parameter adjustment unit 2003 to determine whether a timeout state has occurred for the processing currently being executed, based on the timeout error setting value set in the job table 2032 .

[0069] Furthermore, when the currently executing process is completed, the job execution processing unit 2002 deletes the data entry related to the process ID of the process from the job table 2032.

[0070] The parameter adjustment unit 2003 is an example of an adjustment unit. The parameter adjustment unit 2003 cooperates with the tethering processing unit 2001 and the job execution processing unit 2002 to set and adjust (change) predetermined parameters related to various requested processes.

[0071] Specifically, when the tethering processing unit 2001 and the job execution processing unit 2002 accept a request, the parameter adjustment unit 2003 refers to the job attribute identification table 2042 and acquires the timeout error basic setting value corresponding to the processing type of the accepted request. Next, the parameter adjustment unit 2003 refers to the job table 2032 and acquires the number of processes whose processing status flags are in the ON state, i.e., the number of processes currently being executed. Then, the parameter adjustment unit 2003 determines whether the acquired number of processes currently being executed is one.

[0072] If the number of processes being executed is one, the parameter adjustment unit 2003 stores the acquired timeout error basic setting value as the timeout error setting value in the management tables (tethering table 2031, job table 2032) for the accepted request.

[0073] Furthermore, if there are multiple processes currently being executed, the parameter adjustment unit 2003 obtains the timeout error adjustment value corresponding to that number of processes from the parameter table 2043. Then, the parameter adjustment unit 2003 sets the value obtained by adding the timeout error adjustment value to the timeout error basic setting value as the timeout error setting value, and stores this value in the management tables (tethering table 2031, job table 2032) for the received request.

[0074] In addition, the parameter adjustment unit 2003 may obtain the number of processes currently being executed each time a process ends or a new process is executed, and adjust the timeout error setting value of the process currently being executed according to the obtained number of processes.

[0075] The display control unit 2004 is an example of an output unit. The display control unit 2004 outputs a timeout warning notice that notifies the user that a certain amount of time may be required to execute a process. Specifically, the display control unit 2004 cooperates with the parameter adjustment unit 2003 to cause the display unit 208 to display a timeout warning notice when a warning display flag corresponding to the number of processes currently being executed is in an on state.

[0076] Next, we will explain the functional configuration of the clerk terminal 3. The tethering request unit 3001 sends a tethering request to the printer 2. Specifically, in response to an operation on the operation unit 308 of the clerk terminal 3 by an operator, the tethering request unit 3001 sends a tethering request including the terminal ID of the clerk terminal 3 to the printer 2.

[0077] The job request unit 3002 transmits a job request to the printer 2. Specifically, in response to an operation on the operation unit 308 of the clerk terminal 3 by an operator, the job request unit 3002 transmits a job request including a terminal ID to the printer 2.

[0078] Next, we will explain the functional configuration of the POS terminal 4. The job request unit 4001 sends a job request to the printer 2. Specifically, the job request unit 4001 receives an operation on the operation unit 408 of the POS terminal 4 by an operator, and sends a job request including the terminal ID of the POS terminal 4 to the printer 2. Here, a job request is, for example, a request to print a receipt associated with the payment processing of the POS terminal 4.

[0079] Next, the control processing of the printer system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the control processing of the printer system 1 according to the embodiment. The sequence diagram shown in Fig. 10 shows an example of processing in which the printer 2 accepts a tethering request from the clerk terminal 3, then accepts a print processing request from the POS terminal 4, and sets a timeout error setting value according to the number of processes currently being executed by the printer 2.

[0080] First, the tethering request unit 3001 of the clerk terminal 3 receives an operation on the operation unit 308 of the clerk terminal 3 by an operator and sends a tethering request including the terminal ID of the clerk terminal 3 to the printer 2 (step S101). Upon receiving the tethering request, the tethering processing unit 2001 of the printer 2 refers to the tethering table 2031 and changes the processing status flag corresponding to the terminal ID included in the tethering request to ON (step S102).

[0081] Note that only tethering is turned on in step S102. In this case, the parameter adjustment unit 2003 obtains the timeout error basic setting value whose processing type corresponds to tethering from the job attribute identification table 2042 and stores it as the timeout error setting value in the tethering table 2031. The tethering table 2031 executes the requested tethering based on the timeout error setting value set in the parameter adjustment unit 2003.

[0082] Next, the job request unit 4001 of the POS terminal 4 receives an operation on the operation unit 408 of the POS terminal 4 by the operator and transmits a print job request including the terminal ID of the POS terminal 4 to the printer 2 (step S103). Upon receiving the print job request (step S104), the job execution processing unit 2002 of the printer 2 registers a data entry related to the request in the job attribute identification table 2042 and sets the processing status flag to ON.

[0083] At step S104, the processes in the ON state are tethering and a print job. The parameter adjustment unit 2003 acquires the number of processes in the ON state, that is, the number of processes currently being executed, and determines whether the acquired number of processes is one (or more than one) (step S105).

[0084] If the number of processes being executed is one, the parameter adjustment unit 2003 sets the timeout error basic setting value acquired from the job attribute identification table 2042 as the timeout error setting value, associates it with the corresponding print job, and stores it in the job table 2032 (step S106).

[0085] Furthermore, if there are multiple processes currently being executed, the parameter adjustment unit 2003 refers to the parameter table 2043 and acquires a timeout error adjustment value corresponding to the number of processes currently being executed acquired by the job execution processing unit 2002. Then, the parameter adjustment unit 2003 sets the timeout error setting value to the timeout error basic setting value acquired from the job attribute identification table 2042 plus the timeout error adjustment value, associates it with the corresponding print job, and stores it in the job table 2032 (step S107).

[0086] As described above, through the above-described processing, the printer system 1 can receive and execute a tethering request from the clerk terminal 3. The printer system 1 can also receive and execute a job request from the POS terminal 4. The printer system 1 can also reduce the occurrence of timeout errors by changing parameters related to the execution of processing depending on the number of processes currently being executed.

[0087] Next, the control process of the control unit 200 of the printer 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the process performed by the control unit 200 of the printer 2 according to this embodiment. The flowchart shown in Fig. 11 shows an example of the process when changing parameters related to the execution of the process.

[0088] First, the tethering processing unit 2001 and the job execution processing unit 2002 determine whether or not a request (processing request) has been received (step S11). If no request has been received (step S11; No), the process proceeds to step S19.

[0089] When the tethering processing unit 2001 or the job execution processing unit 2002 receives a request in step S11 (step S11; Yes), the parameter adjustment unit 2003 references the tethering table 2031 and the job table 2032 to acquire the number of processes whose processing status flags are in the ON state, i.e., the number of processes currently being executed. Then, the parameter adjustment unit 2003 determines whether the number of processes currently being executed is one (step S12).

[0090] If the number of processes currently being executed is one (Step S12; Yes), the parameter adjustment unit 2003 acquires a timeout error basic setting value corresponding to the process type of the currently executed process from the job attribute identification table 2042. Then, the parameter adjustment unit 2003 sets the acquired timeout error basic setting value as a timeout error setting value in the job table 2032 in association with the data entry of the currently executed process (Step S13), and proceeds to Step S18.

[0091] On the other hand, if there are multiple processes currently being executed (Step S12; No), the parameter adjustment unit 2003 refers to the parameter table 2043 and acquires a timeout error adjustment value corresponding to the number of processes currently being executed (Step S14). The parameter adjustment unit 2003 also refers to the job table 2032 and adds the acquired timeout error adjustment value to the basic timeout error setting value of each process currently being executed, thereby calculating an adjusted timeout error setting value for each process. The parameter adjustment unit 2003 then associates the calculated timeout error setting value with the data entry of the corresponding process and sets it in the job table 2032 (Step S15).

[0092] Next, the display control unit 2004, in cooperation with the parameter adjustment unit 2003, determines whether a warning display flag corresponding to the number of processes being executed is in an on state (step S16). If the warning display flag is in an on state (step S16; Yes), the display control unit 2004 causes the display unit 208 to display a timeout warning notice (step S17), and proceeds to step S18. If the warning display flag is in an off state (step S16; No), the display control unit 2004 proceeds to step S18.

[0093] In the next step S18, the tethering processing unit 2001 or the job execution processing unit 2002 executes the requested process based on the timeout error setting value set in step S13 or step S15 (step S18). Furthermore, if the timeout error setting value for a process that is already being executed is updated, the tethering processing unit 2001 or the job execution processing unit 2002 continues the process based on the updated timeout error setting value.

[0094] Next, the tethering processing unit 2001 and the job execution processing unit 2002 determine whether any of the processes being executed has finished (step S19). If it is determined that none of the processes has finished (step S19; No), the process returns to step S11. If it is determined that any of the processes has finished (step S19; Yes), the job execution processing unit 2002 determines whether any process is waiting to be executed and whether it is executable (step S20). Note that in this embodiment, the process waiting to be executed occurs in the process handled by the job execution processing unit 2002. Therefore, step S20 may be skipped for the tethering processing unit 2001.

[0095] If a process waiting to be processed exists and is executable (step S20; Yes), the job execution processing unit 2002 turns on the process status flag for that process and then returns to step S12, whereby the process waiting to be processed is treated as a new process currently being executed.

[0096] Furthermore, in step S20, if there is no process waiting to be processed or if the process is not in an executable state (step S20; No), the parameter adjustment unit 2003 determines whether the current number of processes is zero (step S21). If the number of processes is not zero, the parameter adjustment unit 2003 adjusts the timeout error setting value to the current number of processes (step S22) and returns the process to step S11. If the number of processes currently being executed is zero (step S21; Yes), the process ends.

[0097] As described above, in the printer system 1 of this embodiment, the printer 2 receives and executes a tethering request from the clerk terminal 3. The printer 2 also receives and executes a job request from the POS terminal 4. The printer 2 then changes parameters related to the execution of processing according to the number of jobs currently being executed. The printer 2 also displays a timeout warning notice on the display unit 208 of the printer 2 according to the number of jobs currently being executed.

[0098] As a result, in the printer system 1 of this embodiment, when it is estimated that the processing load on the CPU 201 of the printer 2 is large due to an increase in the number of jobs executed in parallel, it is possible to change parameters related to the execution of processing. Therefore, in the printer system 1 of this embodiment, by dynamically changing the executable time for each processing request to be executed, it is possible to avoid interruptions of processing due to timeouts and the like, and to process processing requests in parallel.

[0099] The above-described embodiment can be modified as needed by partially changing the configuration or functions of each of the above-described devices. Therefore, several modifications of the above-described embodiment will be described below as other embodiments. The following mainly focuses on differences from the above-described embodiment, and detailed descriptions of commonalities with the content already described will be omitted. The modifications described below may be implemented individually or in appropriate combination.

[0100] (Variation 1) In the above-described embodiment, in step S17, the display control unit 2004 displays a timeout warning notification on the display unit 208, but this is not limited to this. The timeout warning notification may be sent to an external device connected to the printer 2 via the connection line Na and the network Nb, and the timeout warning notification may be displayed on the display unit of the external device.

[0101] (Variation 2) The POS terminal 4 may send a notification to the printer 2 to check whether a timeout error has occurred, and the printer 2 may check whether a timeout error has occurred.

[0102] (Variation 3) In the above-described embodiment, a uniform timeout error adjustment value is added in accordance with the number of processes currently being executed in parameter table 2043, but this is not limiting. For example, by storing a timeout error adjustment value corresponding to the number of processes for each process type in advance in parameter table 2043 or the like, the timeout error setting value can be derived using the timeout error adjustment value corresponding to the number of processes currently being executed and the process type.

[0103] The programs executed by printer system 1 of the embodiment and modified examples may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. Also, the programs executed by printer system 1 of the embodiment and modified examples may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0104] The programs executed by each device in the above-described embodiments are provided in a state where they are pre-installed in a ROM, a storage unit, etc. The programs executed by each device in the above-described embodiments may be provided by being recorded in an installable or executable file format on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a digital versatile disk (DVD).

[0105] Furthermore, the programs executed by each device in the above-described embodiments may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. Also, the programs executed by each device in the above-described embodiments may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0106] These novel embodiments and their modifications may be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, changes, and combinations may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the inventions, and are also included in the inventions described in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 1 Printer System 2. Printer 3. Store clerk terminal 4. POS terminals 2001 Tethering processing unit 2002 Job execution processing unit 2003 Parameter Adjustment Department 2004 Display control unit [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0108] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-157102

Claims

1. A printer communicably connected to an external device, a receiving means for receiving a processing request from the external device; an execution means for executing the processing requested by the processing request; an adjustment means for adjusting predetermined parameters related to the execution of the processes when the execution means executes a plurality of the processes; A printer comprising:

2. the predetermined parameters include a parameter related to a timeout of the processing requested by the processing request; The printer of claim 1 .

3. the external device includes a first external device connected to the external device in a first connection configuration, and a second external device connected to the external device in a second connection configuration different from the first connection configuration; the execution means accepts processing requests from the first external device and the second external device; The printer of claim 1 .

4. the first connection configuration is a connection configuration in which the first external device and the device itself are directly connected; The printer according to claim 3 .

5. further comprising an output means for outputting, when a plurality of the processing requests are being executed, a notice to a display unit informing that execution of the processing requested by the processing requests may take time; The printer of claim 1 .

6. A printer communicably connected to an external device, a receiving means for receiving a processing request from the external device; an execution means for executing the processing requested by the processing request; an adjustment means for adjusting predetermined parameters related to the execution of the processes when the execution means executes a plurality of the processes; A program to function as a

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