Print output control device with buffer management for communicating to and from a printer using one communication path and control method therefor

A print output control device operably connected to a printer, comprising:

• a communication circuit configured to communicate to and from the printer by using one communication path;
• a first buffer configured to sequentially store print data received from the printer;
• a second buffer configured to accumulate the print data stored in the first buffer;
• a status storage unit configured to store status information on the printer included in the print data;
• a data storage controller comprising a data analyzer configured to analyze whether or not the status information is included in the print data to be accumulated in the second buffer from the first buffer, the data storage controller being configured to:
• periodically check the presence of the the print data in the first buffer;
• accumulate the stored print data in the second buffer when the print data is stored in the first buffer;
• and
• store the status information in the status storage unit when it is determined based on an analysis result by the data analyzer that the status information is included in the print data;
• a first function controller configured to store, when a first function for acquiring the print data received from the printer is executed, in the third buffer, the print data accumulated in the second buffer to send back the stored print data as an acquisition value for the first function;
• and
• a second function controller configured to store, when a second function for acquiring specific information from the printer is executed, in a third buffer, the print data accumulated in the second buffer from when the second function is executed to send back the stored print data as an acquisition value for the second function.