Printer control program and printer control device

Abstract

This provides a printer control program that does not require any modifications even if changes to the preset information become necessary. [Solution] The printer control program controls a printer control device that controls multiple printers connected via a network. To do this, the computer processor constituting the printer control device provides the user with an acquisition environment to acquire model information that is pre-configured for each printer model. In response to a user request for acquisition of model information, the program acquires the model information and registers it in the preset information. It also provides the user with a selection environment to select model information from the preset information, registers the model information selected by the user in the set information, and uses the set information to provide the user with an instruction environment to instruct a job to be sent to the printer, and instructs the printer to send the job instructed by the user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a printer control program and a printer control device.

Background Art

[0002] A printer control device that controls a plurality of printers placed in a workplace is known. The printer control device is connected to a plurality of printers via a network.

[0003] The printer is, for example, a barcode printer. The barcode printer has various parameters necessary for printing. Also, the number of parameters and the setting range of the parameters usually differ depending on the model of the barcode printer.

[0004] Printer control programs dedicatedly developed for barcode printers include mobile applications, desktop applications, SDKs (Software Development Kits), and the like. These printer control programs have various uses respectively, but ultimately often give a print instruction to the barcode printer.

[0005] [[ID=2S]] Therefore, each printer control program statically holds, as internal information, preset information such as parameters and setting ranges necessary for a print instruction, by the number of models of the barcode printer. Specifically, the preset information is hard-coded. That is, the preset information is directly embedded in the source code.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] Given this background, when new barcode printer models are developed or upgrades are made, and changes to the preset information become necessary, modifications must be made to each printer control program.

[0008] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a printer control program and a printer control device that do not require modification even when it becomes necessary to change the preset information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The printer control program according to this embodiment is a program that controls a printer control device that controls multiple printers connected via a network. The printer control program causes the processor of the computer constituting the printer control device to provide the user with an acquisition environment for acquiring model information that is pre-configured for each printer model, and in response to a user request for acquisition of model information, it acquires the model information and registers it in the preset information. The printer control program also causes the processor to provide the user with a selection environment for selecting model information from the preset information, and registers the model information selected by the user in the set information. Furthermore, the printer control program causes the processor to provide the user with an instruction environment for instructing the printers to perform jobs using the set information, and instructs the printers to perform the jobs instructed by the user. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of a printer system including a printer control device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of some model information written in XML format. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of a sequence of printer control operations by a printer control device. [Figure 4]Figure 4 shows the acquisition UI screen of the acquisition UI, which is the environment for acquiring printer model information. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the selection UI screen, which is the selection environment for selecting printer model information. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows the settings instruction UI screen of the job instruction UI, which is used to instruct the printer to perform a job to update print settings. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] (Printer control device) First, with reference to Figure 1, a printer system 1000 including a printer control device 1001 according to an embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of a printer system 1000 including a printer control device 1001 according to an embodiment.

[0012] The printer system 1000 includes a printer control unit 1001 and a plurality of printers 1002. The printer control unit 1001 is connected to the plurality of printers 1002 via a network, such as a LAN (Local Area Network) 1003. The printer control unit 1001 and each printer 1002 can communicate with each other via the LAN 1003.

[0013] The printer control unit 1001 instructs each printer 1002 to perform jobs such as setting up or printing. For example, the printer control unit 1001 is composed of a computer.

[0014] The printer 1002 receives job execution instructions from the printer control device 1001 and performs settings, printing, etc. The printer 1002 is, for example, a barcode printer. The barcode printer is, for example, a thermal printer with a thermal head.

[0015] The printer control device 1001 includes a processor 1011, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 1012, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 1023, a storage 1014, a display unit 1015, an input unit 1016, a LAN transmission / reception unit 1017, a connection unit 1018, a communication unit 1019, and a system bus 1020.

[0016] The processor 1011 is an arithmetic element that performs calculations. The processor 1011 controls the printer control device 1001 according to software programs stored in the ROM 1012 and storage 1014. The processor 1011 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit).

[0017] ROM1012 is a non-volatile memory that constitutes part of the main memory. ROM1012 non-temporarily stores the startup program necessary for starting the printer control device 1001. ROM1012 is composed of, for example, EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) and stores various startup configuration data in addition to the startup program.

[0018] RAM1013 is a volatile memory that constitutes part of the main memory. RAM1013 temporarily stores the programs necessary for processing by processor 1011 and the data necessary for executing those programs. RAM1013 functions as the working memory of processor 1011.

[0019] Storage 1014 is an auxiliary storage device, for example, a non-volatile memory such as a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a SSD (Solid State Drive). Storage 1014 stores programs executed by the processor 1011 and data necessary for the execution of the programs non-temporarily. Hereinafter, simply referred to as programs including data necessary for execution. That is, a program includes data necessary for execution. Programs stored in Storage 1014 will be described later.

[0020] The display unit 1015 is an output device that presents information to the user. Specifically, it is a display device that presents information to the user by display. For example, it is composed of a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, etc.

[0021] The input unit 1016 receives operations by the user of the printer control device 1001. The input unit 1016 includes a keyboard, a mouse, a numeric keypad, a touch pad, etc.

[0022] The LAN transceiver 1017 communicates with a plurality of printers 1002 via the LAN 1003. The LAN may be configured either wired or wirelessly. For example, the LAN transceiver 1017 transmits instructions for executing jobs such as settings and printing to each printer 1002, and receives various information such as model information and setting information from each printer 1002.

[0023] The connection unit 1018 is a device that enables connection to an external device. The connection unit 1018 has, for example, a USB port and controls an external device connected to the USB port. External devices include a USB memory, a smartphone, etc. For example, the connection unit 1018 reads the model information file 1040 from an external device holding the model information file 1040 output by the printer 1002.

[0024] The communication unit 1019 communicates with external devices or the cloud, for example, via a network such as a WAN (Wide Area Network). For example, the communication unit 1019 receives programs stored in the storage 1014 from external devices or the cloud.

[0025] The system bus 1020 is a communication path between the processor 1011, ROM 1012, RAM 1013, storage 1014, display unit 1015, input unit 1016, LAN transceiver unit 1017, connection unit 1018, and communication unit 1019. The processor 1011, ROM 1012, RAM 1013, storage 1014, display unit 1015, input unit 1016, LAN transceiver unit 1017, connection unit 1018, and communication unit 1019 can send and receive information, data, control signals, commands, responses, etc. via the system bus 1020.

[0026] The printer control device 1001 operates by deploying various software programs installed in the storage 1014 to the RAM 1013, and then having the processor 1011 execute them.

[0027] For example, the storage device 1014 has an operating system (OS) 1031 and a printer control program 1032 installed on it.

[0028] The operating system 1031 is system software that is loaded into RAM 1013 and executed by the processor 1011, and provides the operating base for software programs such as the printer control program 1032.

[0029] The printer control program 1032 is a software program for controlling the printer 1002. The printer control program 1032 also includes various files and configuration information necessary for program execution. The printer control program 1032 is loaded into RAM 1013 by the processor 1011 and executed, causing the processor 1011 to perform various operations. The operations performed by the processor 1011 will be described later.

[0030] The printer control program 1032 holds set information 1033 and preset information 1035 related to the printer 1002. The preset information 1035 contains model information 1036. Model information 1036 is parameter information pre-set for each model of printer 1002. The preset information 1035 may contain multiple model information 1036. The set information 1033 contains one model information 1034. Model information 1034 is selected by the user from the model information 1036 in the preset information 1035. In other words, model information 1034 is one of the model information 1036 in the preset information 1035.

[0031] The model information 1036 is supplied by the printer 1002. The model information 1036 is written in XML format. Therefore, the printer 1002 has the function of outputting the model information 1036 in XML format, and the printer control device 1001 has the function of parsing the model information 1036 in XML format. A partial example of the model information 1036 written in XML format is shown in Figure 2.

[0032] In one example, the model information 1036 is supplied from the printer 1002 to the LAN transceiver 1017 of the printer control device 1001 via the LAN 1003. In another example, the model information 1036 is first output externally as a model information file 1040 from the printer 1002, and then the model information file 1040 is imported into the printer control device 1001. For example, the model information 1036 is saved as a model information file 1040 in a USB memory inserted into the printer 1002, and then the USB memory containing the model information file 1040 is inserted into the connection unit 1018, and the model information file 1040 in the USB memory is read into the printer control device 1001.

[0033] The program installed in storage 1014 is provided to the printer control device 1001, for example, via a recording medium. For example, the program may be stored in a USB memory stick and provided to the printer control device 1001 via a connection unit 1018 into which the USB memory stick is inserted. Alternatively, the program may be stored on a server on a network and provided to the printer control device 1001 by downloading it via a communication unit 1019 that communicates with the server.

[0034] For example, when the computer starts up, the processor 1011 executes the startup program in ROM 1012 and starts the OS 1031. Under the control of OS 1031, the processor 1011 monitors command inputs and the connection of external devices. Also, under the control of OS 1031, the processor 1011 sets up a program area and a data area in RAM 1013.

[0035] For example, the processor 1011 controls each device of the printer control device 1001 and controls the printer control device 1001 as a whole by deploying and executing various function control applications stored in the storage 1014 into the RAM 1013.

[0036] Furthermore, for example, the processor 1011 executes the printer control function by loading the printer control program stored in the storage 1014 into the RAM 1013 and executing it.

[0037] (Example of operation) Next, an example of the printer control operation of the printer control device 1001 will be described. The printer control device 1001 performs printer control operations by having the processor 1011 execute the printer control program 1032. In other words, the printer control program 1032 causes the processor 1011 to execute such printer control operations.

[0038] The processor 1011, which executes the printer control program 1032, has the function of providing a user interface (UI), which is an environment for exchanging information with the user. The interface (UI) is, for example, a graphical user interface (GUI). The graphical user interface (GUI) includes a display unit 1015 and an input unit 1016.

[0039] The following describes an example of printer control operation by the printer control device 1001, with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence of printer control operations by the printer control device 1001.

[0040] Printer control operations are performed by the processor 1011 executing various operations according to the printer control program 1032. For convenience, the following description will focus on the printer control program 1032, which causes the processor 1011 to execute various operations. In other words, when the printer control program 1032 performs an operation, it means that the printer control device 1001 performs that operation as a result of the processor 1011 executing the printer control program 1032.

[0041] The printer control program 1032 performs UI processing, such as building and updating the UI, and actual processing, such as responding to user requests through the UI.

[0042] In printer control operations, the printer control program 1032 performs three main tasks: acquiring model information (ACT100), selecting model information (ACT200), and issuing a job instruction (ACT300).

[0043] In the model information acquisition process (ACT100), the printer control program 1032 provides the user with an acquisition UI, which is an acquisition environment for acquiring printer model information. Figure 4 shows the acquisition UI screen of the acquisition UI, which is an acquisition environment for acquiring printer model information.

[0044] On the acquisition UI screen, the user selects the destination printer by specifying / selecting the I / F information of the LAN interface and clicking, for example, the OK button (ACT101). In this example, the I / F information of the LAN interface is the IP address and port number.

[0045] The printer control program 1032 registers the information of the connected printer selected on the acquisition UI screen (ACT102).

[0046] After registration is complete, the printer control program 1032 notifies the user of the registration completion through the acquisition UI screen (ACT103, ACT104). For example, the registration completion is notified via a pop-up on the acquisition UI screen.

[0047] Subsequently, the user performs the operation to acquire the model information 1036 by clicking the acquire button on the acquisition UI screen, for example (ACT105). The model information 1036 is parameter information that is pre-set for each model of printer 1002.

[0048] The printer control program 1032 receives a request to acquire model information 1036 through the acquisition UI screen (ACT106) and sends a model information acquisition command to the printer 1002 (ACT107). Upon receiving the model information acquisition command, the printer 1002 sends the model information 1036 to the printer control device 1001, and the printer control program 1032 acquires the model information 1036 (ACT108).

[0049] The printer control program 1032 registers the received model information 1036 with the preset information 1035 (ACT 109). After registration is complete (ACT 110) and acquisition is complete (ACT 111), the printer control program 1032 updates the UI (ACT 112). Updating the UI does not necessarily mean a change in the UI screen, but rather a change in internal parameters in the UI processing. Internal parameters include, for example, information such as numbers and strings displayed on the UI screen.

[0050] With the above steps complete, the device information acquisition process (ACT100) is finished, and the process moves on to the device information selection process (ACT200).

[0051] In the model information selection process (ACT200), the printer control program 1032 provides the user with a selection UI, which is a selection environment for selecting the model information of the printer 1002. Figure 5 shows the selection UI screen, which is the selection environment for selecting the model information of the printer 1002.

[0052] On the selection UI screen, the user performs the operation to select the model information 1036 for printer 1002 (ACT201). For example, the operation to select the model information is performed by clicking the expand button on the pull-down list window to display the model information in the pull-down list, and then clicking on one of the model information items. In Figure 5, the pull-down list shows one option because there is only one model information item that has been acquired, but if there are multiple model information items that have been acquired, multiple options will be displayed.

[0053] The selection operation of model information 1036 in ACT201 is a request to register set information 1033. The printer control program 1032 receives the request to register model information 1036 through the selection operation on the selection UI screen (ACT202), obtains the selected model information 1034 from the model information 1036 of the preset information 1035 (ACT203), and after the acquisition is complete (ACT204), registers the acquired model information 1034 in set information 1033 (ACT205).

[0054] After the printer control program 1032 completes the registration of the model information 1034 to the set information 1033 (ACT206, ACT207), it updates the UI based on the set information 1033. As mentioned above, updating the UI means changing the internal parameters in the UI processing.

[0055] With the above steps complete, the model information selection process (ACT200) is finished, and the process moves on to the job instruction process (ACT300).

[0056] In the job instruction process (ACT300), the printer control program 1032 provides the user with a job instruction UI for instructing the printer 1002 to perform a job. Jobs for the printer 1002 include updating print settings and executing print. As an example of a job, Figure 6 shows the setting instruction UI screen of the job instruction UI that instructs the printer 1002 to perform a job to update print settings when the job is to update print settings.

[0057] The settings instruction UI screen has multiple settings items, each setting item has a selection of settings or an input field, and each setting item reflects the default value of the parameter in the set information 1033 and the model information 1034. The user can change the selection of settings or the input value for each setting item as appropriate, and then, for example, click the update button to execute the print settings update job operation (ACT301).

[0058] The printer control program 1032 receives a job execution request for updating print settings through the job execution operation on the setting instruction UI screen (ACT302), and sends a job execution command for updating print settings to the printer 1002 (ACT303).

[0059] Upon receiving the print settings update job execution command, printer 1002 updates the print settings accordingly (ACT304) and notifies printer control device 1001 that the print settings update job is complete (ACT305).

[0060] Upon receiving notification of the completion of the print settings update job (ACT306), the printer control program 1032 updates the UI (ACT307). As mentioned above, updating the UI means changing internal parameters in the UI processing.

[0061] With the above steps completed, the print settings update job instruction process (ACT300) is finished. For example, if the user then requests a print job instruction, the printer control program 1032 provides the user with a print UI screen to instruct the user to execute the print job, and in response to the user's print job execution operation, the print execution job instruction process (ACT300) is performed in the same manner as the print settings update.

[0062] (effect) In this embodiment, the printer control program 1032 does not statically store the preset information 1035 as immutable internal information, but retrieves it from the printer 1002 as needed. Therefore, even if it becomes necessary to change the preset information 1035 due to the development of a new model or version upgrade of the printer 1002, there is no need to make any changes to the printer control program 1032.

[0063] Furthermore, since the preset information 1035 is stored in the storage 1014, it is possible to easily accommodate an increase in the number of printers 1002 within the storage capacity of the storage 1014.

[0064] Furthermore, the printer control program 1032 acquires preset information 1035 from the finished printer 1002 and stores it as modifiable external information. Therefore, there is no constraint requiring close information exchange between the development team of the printer control program 1032 and the development team of the printer 1002 during the development phase.

[0065] The program according to this embodiment may be transferred while stored on an electronic device, or it may be transferred while not stored on an electronic device. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network, or it may be transferred while stored on a storage medium. The storage medium is a non-temporary tangible medium. The storage medium is a computer-readable medium. The storage medium can be any medium that is capable of storing a program and is readable by a computer, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, and its form is not limited.

[0066] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 1000...Printer system, 1001...Printer control unit, 1002...Printer, 1011...Processor, 1012...ROM, 1013...RAM, 1014...Storage, 1015...Display unit, 1016...Input unit, 1017...LAN transmission / reception unit, 1018...Connection unit, 1019...Communication unit, 1020...System bus, 1031...Operating system, 1032...Printer control program, 1033...Set information, 1034...Model information, 1035...Preset information, 1036...Model information, 1040...Model information file.

Claims

1. A printer control program for controlling a printer control device that controls multiple printers connected via a network, wherein the processor of the computer constituting the printer control device is configured to control a printer control device. The system provides the user with an acquisition environment to obtain pre-configured model information for each printer model, and in response to a user request for acquisition of the model information, the system acquires the model information and registers it in the preset information. The user is provided with a selection environment to select the model information from the preset information, and the model information selected by the user is registered in the set information. Using the set information, the system provides the user with an instruction environment for instructing the printer to perform jobs, and instructs the printer to perform the jobs instructed by the user. Printer control program.

2. The processor is instructed to acquire the model information from the printer via the network. The printer control program according to claim 1.

3. The processor is instructed to analyze a model information file in which the model information is described in XML format to obtain the model information. The printer control program according to claim 1.

4. The processor is made to construct user interfaces that constitute the acquisition environment, the selection environment, and the instruction environment, respectively. The printer control program according to claim 1.

5. The printer is a barcode printer having a thermal head. The printer control program according to claim 1.

6. A printer control device that controls multiple printers connected via a network, The computer includes a storage device that stores a printer control program for controlling the printer, and a processor that executes the printer control program. The aforementioned processor, The system provides the user with an acquisition environment to acquire pre-configured model information for each printer model, and in response to a user request for acquisition of the model information, it acquires the model information and registers it in the preset information. The system provides the user with a selection environment to select the model information from the preset information, and registers the model information selected by the user in the set information. Using the set information, the system provides the user with an instruction environment for instructing the printer to perform a job, and instructs the printer to perform the job instructed by the user. Printer control unit.

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