JP2006260383A - Printing setting changing system, printer, printing setting changing program, and printing setting changing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing setting changing system being suitable for reducing consumption of print forms. <P>SOLUTION: A print server 200 stores printing data including printing setting related to page layout into a storage device 62. It reads certification information from a given certification card when the certification card is given, retrieves print data corresponding to the read certification information from the storage device 62, and displays a list of the retrieved print data. When a plurality of print data are selected from among the list of print data, print setting of the selected print data is changed, these printing data are connected to perform layout of each page of the selected printing data continuously on printing papers, and the connected printing data is transmitted to a network printer 300. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a system, an apparatus, a program, and a method for changing print settings of print data, and in particular, a print setting change system, a printing apparatus, a print setting change program, and a program suitable for reducing consumption of printing paper, and The present invention relates to a method for changing print settings.

A general printer has an allocation printing function for printing a plurality of pages in a single page. The user can reduce printing paper consumption by performing layout printing.
In the conventional layout printing function, a layout method is set in advance by a PC that issues a print request. However, in a configuration in which print data from a PC is stored in a printer, server, etc., and the user selects print data and prints on the printer, server, etc., the print data for which no assignment setting has been made The assignment setting could not be made later. In such a configuration, a plurality of print data may be specified and printed together. However, the conventional layout print function can be used only for a single print data, and a plurality of print data may be used. The print data could not be collected.

As a solution to this problem, a printing apparatus described in Patent Document 1 has been proposed.
According to the invention described in Patent Document 1, a plurality of print data instructed to be printed by a user can be automatically assigned to the same page.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-193699

However, since the invention described in Patent Document 1 is a method of sequentially assigning print data to be transmitted, there is a high possibility that assignment unintended by the user is performed.
Also, depending on the print data transmission order, the consumption of printing paper may not necessarily be reduced.
FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a case where two pieces of print data are printed, and a case where the print data is printed on the same page.

  For example, when the print data A consists of 3 pages and the print data B consists of 2 pages, if printing is performed based on the print data A and B, as shown in FIG. It becomes a sheet. On the other hand, when printing is performed by assigning the print data A and B to the same page, as shown in FIG. 23 (b), the print paper to be consumed is similarly two sheets, which is not different from the case where each is performed. Not only that, it's harder to see because it is allocated to the same page.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made paying attention to such an unsolved problem of the conventional technology, and is suitable for reducing print paper consumption, a print setting changing system, a printing apparatus, and a print setting. An object of the present invention is to provide a change program and a print setting change method.

[Mode 1] In order to achieve the above object, a print setting change system according to mode 1 includes:
Print data storage means for storing print data including print settings;
Print data selection means for selecting the print data from the print data storage means;
And print setting change means for changing the print settings of the print data selected by the print data selection means.

With such a configuration, when the user selects print data from the print data storage unit by the print data selection unit, the print setting change unit changes the print setting of the selected print data.
As a result, the user can make print settings such as page assignment after printing for print data that has not been assigned a page. Further, in consideration of the contents of the print data, the print data can be selected in a combination that reduces the consumption of the printing paper. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an effect that consumption of printing paper can be reduced as compared with the conventional case.

Here, the print settings include, for example, the presence / absence of page assignment, the number of page assignments, the presence / absence of double-sided printing, the number of copies, and other settings related to printing. The same applies to the printing apparatus of form 7, the print setting change program of form 13, and the print setting change method of form 19.
Here, the print data storage means stores the print data at any time and at any time, and may store the print data in advance, or without storing the print data in advance, The print data may be stored by external input or the like during operation of the apparatus. Hereinafter, the same applies to the print setting change systems according to modes 2 and 6 and the printing apparatuses according to modes 7, 8 and 12.

  Further, the present system may be realized as a single device, terminal, or other device, or may be realized as a network system in which a plurality of devices, terminals, or other devices are communicably connected. In the latter case, each component may belong to any one of a plurality of devices and the like as long as they are connected so as to communicate with each other. Hereinafter, the same applies to the print setting change systems of modes 2 and 6.

[Mode 2] Furthermore, the print setting change system according to mode 2 includes:
Print data storage means for storing print data including print settings that define the allocation of pages to print paper;
Print data selection means for selecting a plurality of the print data from the print data storage means;
Print setting changing means for changing the print settings of the print data selected by the print data selecting means;
And print data combining means for combining the print data so that each page of the print data selected by the print data selecting means is continuously allocated to the print paper.

  With this configuration, when the user selects a plurality of print data from the print data storage unit by the print data selection unit, the print setting change unit changes the print setting of the selected print data. . As a result, the print setting relating to page allocation is changed. Then, the print data combining means combines the print data so that the pages of the selected print data are continuously allocated to the print paper.

As a result, the user can subsequently perform page allocation for print data for which page allocation has not been performed. Further, in consideration of the contents of the print data, the print data can be selected in a combination that reduces the consumption of the printing paper. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an effect that consumption of printing paper can be reduced as compared with the conventional case.
In addition, since the print data is combined so that each page of the plurality of print data is continuously allocated to the print paper, if printing is performed based on such print data, the consumption of the print paper can be further reduced. The effect of being able to be obtained.

  Here, the print settings include, for example, page assignment presence / absence, number of page assignments, presence / absence of double-sided printing, and other settings related to page assignment. The same applies to the print setting change system of form 6, the printing apparatus of forms 8 and 12, the print setting change program of forms 14 and 18, and the print setting change method of forms 20 and 24.

[Mode 3] Furthermore, the print setting change system of mode 3 is the same as the print setting change system of mode 2,
In the combination of the target print data and the other print data, the print data combining means combines the print data rather than the number of print sheets consumed when printing is performed based on the print data. Print data search means for searching the print data storage means for the other print data that reduces the number of print sheets consumed when printing is performed;
And print data presenting means for presenting the print data retrieved by the print data retrieving means.

  With such a configuration, the print data search means uses a combination of the target print data and other print data, and the number of print sheets consumed when printing is performed based on the print data. When the print data is combined by the print data combining means and printing is performed, other print data that reduces the number of print sheets consumed is searched from the print data storage means. As a result, when the corresponding print data is retrieved, the retrieved print data is presented by the print data presenting means.

  This makes it easier for the user to select a combination that reduces the consumption of printing paper by referring to the presented print data, so that it is possible to further reduce the consumption of printing paper.

[Form 4] Furthermore, the print setting change system of form 4 is the print setting change system of form 2,
In the combination of the target print data and the other print data, the number of print sheets consumed when printing is performed based on the print data, and the print data are combined by the print data combining unit. A difference number calculating means for calculating a difference number with respect to the number of print sheets consumed when printing is performed;
And a difference number presenting means for presenting the difference number calculated by the difference number calculating means in association with the other print data.

  With such a configuration, the number of print sheets consumed when printing is performed based on the print data in the combination of the target print data and other print data by the difference number calculation unit, and the prints A difference sheet number from the number of print sheets consumed when printing is performed by combining data is calculated. Then, the difference number presentation means presents the calculated difference number in association with other print data.

  This makes it easier for the user to select a suitable combination that reduces the consumption of printing paper by referring to the presented difference sheet number, so that the effect of further reducing the consumption of printing paper can be obtained.

[Form 5] Furthermore, the print setting change system of form 5 is the same as the print setting change system of form 2,
Free page area number calculating means for calculating the number of empty page areas when printing is performed based on the print data for each print data;
Combination determining means for determining a combination of the print data in which the number of empty page areas has a predetermined relationship based on the calculation result of the number of empty page areas calculating means;
And a combination presentation unit for presenting a combination of print data determined by the combination determination unit.

  With such a configuration, the number of empty page areas when printing is performed based on the print data is calculated for each print data by the number of free page areas calculation means, and the calculation result is obtained by the combination determination means. Based on the above, a combination of print data in which the number of empty page areas has a predetermined relationship is determined. The combination presenting means presents the determined combination of print data.

As a result, the user can grasp a combination in which the number of empty page areas has a predetermined relationship by referring to the combination of the presented print data, so that it becomes easy to select a combination that reduces the consumption of printing paper. Therefore, it is possible to further reduce the consumption of printing paper.
Here, the predetermined relationship includes, for example, a relationship in which the result of adding the number of empty page areas for a plurality of print data is an integral multiple of the number of pages allocated to the print paper. That is, if print data satisfying such a relationship is combined, consumption of printing paper can be effectively reduced. Hereinafter, the same applies to the printing apparatus of form 11, the print setting change program of form 17, and the print setting change method of form 23.

[Mode 6] Furthermore, the print setting change system according to mode 6 includes:
Print data storage means for storing print data including print settings that define the allocation of pages to print paper;
Empty page area number calculating means for calculating the number of empty page areas when printing is performed based on the print data for each print data in the print data storage means;
Combination determining means for determining a combination of the print data in which the number of empty page areas has a predetermined relationship based on the calculation result of the number of empty page areas calculating means;
Print setting changing means for changing the print settings of the print data determined by the combination determining means;
Print data combining means for combining the print data so that each page of the print data determined by the combination determining means is continuously allocated to the print paper.

  With such a configuration, the number of empty page areas when printing is performed based on the print data is calculated for each print data by the number of free page areas calculation means, and the calculation result is obtained by the combination determination means. Based on the above, a combination of print data in which the number of empty page areas has a predetermined relationship is determined. Next, the print setting of the determined print data is changed by the print setting changing unit. As a result, the print setting relating to page allocation is changed. Then, the print data combining means combines the print data so that each page of the determined print data is continuously allocated to the print paper.

  As a result, the print data is combined in a combination in which the number of empty page areas has a predetermined relationship. Also, the print data is combined so that each page of the plurality of print data is continuously allocated to the print paper. Therefore, if printing is performed based on such print data, it is possible to reduce the consumption of printing paper as compared with the conventional case.

[Mode 7] On the other hand, in order to achieve the above object, a printing apparatus according to mode 7
Print data storage means for storing print data including print settings;
Print data selection means for selecting the print data from the print data storage means;
And print setting change means for changing the print settings of the print data selected by the print data selection means.
With such a configuration, operations and effects equivalent to those of the print setting change system according to mode 1 can be obtained.

[Embodiment 8] Furthermore, the printing apparatus according to Embodiment 8 includes:
Print data storage means for storing print data including print settings that define the allocation of pages to print paper;
Print data selection means for selecting a plurality of the print data from the print data storage means;
Print setting changing means for changing the print settings of the print data selected by the print data selecting means;
And print data combining means for combining the print data so that each page of the print data selected by the print data selecting means is continuously allocated to the print paper.
With such a configuration, operations and effects equivalent to those of the print setting change system according to mode 2 can be obtained.

[Mode 9] Furthermore, the printing apparatus of mode 9 is the printing apparatus of mode 8,
In the combination of the target print data and the other print data, the print data combining means combines the print data rather than the number of print sheets consumed when printing is performed based on the print data. Print data search means for searching the print data storage means for the other print data that reduces the number of print sheets consumed when printing is performed;
And print data presenting means for presenting the print data retrieved by the print data retrieving means.
With such a configuration, operations and effects equivalent to those of the print setting change system according to mode 3 can be obtained.

[Mode 10] Furthermore, the printing apparatus of mode 10 is the printing apparatus of mode 8,
In the combination of the target print data and the other print data, the number of print sheets consumed when printing is performed based on the print data, and the print data are combined by the print data combining unit. A difference number calculating means for calculating a difference number with respect to the number of print sheets consumed when printing is performed;
And a difference number presenting means for presenting the difference number calculated by the difference number calculating means in association with the other print data.
With such a configuration, operations and effects equivalent to those of the print setting change system according to mode 4 can be obtained.

[Mode 11] Furthermore, the printing apparatus of mode 11 is the printing apparatus of mode 8,
Free page area number calculating means for calculating the number of empty page areas when printing is performed based on the print data for each print data;
Combination determining means for determining a combination of the print data in which the number of empty page areas has a predetermined relationship based on the calculation result of the number of empty page areas calculating means;
And a combination presentation unit for presenting a combination of print data determined by the combination determination unit.
With such a configuration, operations and effects equivalent to those of the print setting change system according to mode 5 can be obtained.

[Mode 12] Further, the printing apparatus according to mode 12 includes:
Print data storage means for storing print data including print settings that define the allocation of pages to print paper;
Empty page area number calculating means for calculating the number of empty page areas when printing is performed based on the print data for each print data in the print data storage means;
Combination determining means for determining a combination of the print data in which the number of empty page areas has a predetermined relationship based on the calculation result of the number of empty page areas calculating means;
Print setting changing means for changing the print settings of the print data determined by the combination determining means;
Print data combining means for combining the print data so that each page of the print data determined by the combination determining means is continuously allocated to the print paper.
With such a configuration, operations and effects equivalent to those of the print setting change system according to mode 6 can be obtained.

[Mode 13] On the other hand, in order to achieve the above object, the print setting change program of mode 13
A print data selection step for selecting the print data from print data storage means for storing print data including print settings;
A program for causing a computer to execute a process including a print setting changing step for changing the print setting of the print data selected in the print data selecting step is included.
With such a configuration, when the program is read by the computer and the computer executes processing according to the read program, the same operations and effects as those of the print setting change system according to mode 1 can be obtained.

[Form 14] Furthermore, the print setting change program according to form 14 includes:
A print data selection step of selecting a plurality of the print data from a print data storage means for storing print data including print settings defining the page assignment for the print paper;
A print setting change step for changing the print setting of the print data selected in the print data selection step;
Including a program for causing a computer to execute a process including a print data combining step of combining the print data so that each page of the print data selected in the print data selection step is continuously allocated to the print paper. It is characterized by.
With this configuration, when the program is read by the computer and the computer executes processing according to the read program, the same operation and effect as those of the print setting change system according to mode 2 can be obtained.

[Mode 15] Furthermore, the print setting change program of the form 15 is the same as the print setting change program of the form 14,
In the combination of the target print data and the other print data, the print data is combined by the print data combining step rather than the number of print sheets consumed when printing is performed based on the print data. A print data search step of searching the print data storage unit for the other print data that reduces the number of print sheets consumed when printing is performed;
A program for causing a computer to execute a process including a print data presentation step for presenting the print data retrieved in the print data search step is included.
With such a configuration, when the program is read by the computer and the computer executes processing according to the read program, the same operation and effect as those of the print setting change system according to mode 3 can be obtained.

[Mode 16] Furthermore, the print setting change program of mode 16 is the same as the print setting change program of mode 14,
In the combination of the target print data and the other print data, the number of print sheets consumed when printing is performed based on the print data, and the print data are combined by the print data combining step. A difference number calculating step for calculating a difference number with respect to the number of print sheets consumed when printing is performed; and
A program for causing a computer to execute a process including a difference number presentation step of presenting the difference number calculated in the difference number calculation step in association with the other print data is included.
With this configuration, when the program is read by the computer and the computer executes processing according to the read program, the same operation and effect as those of the print setting change system according to mode 4 can be obtained.

[Mode 17] Furthermore, the print setting change program according to mode 17 is the same as the print setting change program according to mode 14,
A free page area number calculating step for calculating the number of empty page areas when printing is performed based on the print data for each print data;
A combination determining step for determining a combination of the print data in which the number of empty page areas has a predetermined relationship based on the calculation result of the number of empty page areas calculating step;
A program for causing a computer to execute processing including a combination presentation step for presenting a combination of print data determined in the combination determination step is included.

  With such a configuration, when the program is read by the computer and the computer executes processing according to the read program, the same operation and effect as those of the print setting change system according to mode 5 can be obtained.

[Form 18] Furthermore, the print setting change program of form 18 includes:
For each print data of the print data storage means for storing print data including print settings that define the page allocation for the print paper, the number of empty page areas when printing is performed based on the print data is calculated. Calculating the number of free page areas to be performed;
A combination determining step for determining a combination of the print data in which the number of empty page areas has a predetermined relationship based on the calculation result of the number of empty page areas calculating step;
A print setting changing step for changing the print setting of the print data determined in the combination determining step;
Including a program for causing a computer to execute processing including a print data combining step of combining the print data so that each page of the print data determined in the combination determining step is continuously allocated to the print paper. Features.

  With such a configuration, when the program is read by the computer and the computer executes processing according to the read program, the same operation and effect as those of the print setting change system according to mode 6 can be obtained.

[Mode 19] On the other hand, in order to achieve the above object, the print setting change method according to mode 19 includes:
A print data selection step for selecting the print data from print data storage means for storing print data including print settings;
And a print setting changing step for changing the print setting of the print data selected in the print data selecting step.
Thereby, an effect equivalent to that of the print setting change system according to mode 1 can be obtained.

[Mode 20] Further, the print setting changing method according to mode 20 includes:
A print data selection step of selecting a plurality of the print data from a print data storage means for storing print data including print settings defining the page assignment for the print paper;
A print setting change step for changing the print setting of the print data selected in the print data selection step;
A print data combining step of combining the print data so that each page of the print data selected in the print data selection step is continuously allocated to the print paper.
Thereby, an effect equivalent to that of the print setting change system according to mode 2 can be obtained.

[Form 21] Furthermore, the print setting change method of form 21 is the same as the print setting change method of form 20,
In the combination of the target print data and the other print data, the print data is combined by the print data combining step rather than the number of print sheets consumed when printing is performed based on the print data. A print data search step of searching the print data storage unit for the other print data that reduces the number of print sheets consumed when printing is performed;
A print data presenting step for presenting the print data retrieved in the print data retrieving step.
Thereby, an effect equivalent to that of the print setting change system according to mode 3 can be obtained.

[Mode 22] Furthermore, the print setting change method of mode 22 is the same as the print setting change method of mode 20,
In the combination of the target print data and the other print data, the number of print sheets consumed when printing is performed based on the print data, and the print data are combined by the print data combining step. A difference number calculating step for calculating a difference number with respect to the number of print sheets consumed when printing is performed; and
And a difference number presenting step of presenting the difference number calculated in the difference number calculating step in association with the other print data.
Thereby, an effect equivalent to that of the print setting change system according to mode 4 is obtained.

[Form 23] Furthermore, the print setting change method of form 23 is the same as the print setting change method of form 20,
A free page area number calculating step for calculating the number of empty page areas when printing is performed based on the print data for each print data;
A combination determining step for determining a combination of the print data in which the number of empty page areas has a predetermined relationship based on the calculation result of the number of empty page areas calculating step;
A combination presentation step of presenting a combination of print data determined in the combination determination step.
Thereby, an effect equivalent to that of the print setting change system according to mode 5 is obtained.

[Form 24] Further, the print setting changing method of the form 24 includes:
For each print data of the print data storage means for storing print data including print settings that define the page allocation for the print paper, the number of empty page areas when printing is performed based on the print data is calculated. Calculating the number of free page areas to be performed;
A combination determining step for determining a combination of the print data in which the number of empty page areas has a predetermined relationship based on the calculation result of the number of empty page areas calculating step;
A print setting changing step for changing the print setting of the print data determined in the combination determining step;
A print data combining step of combining the print data so that each page of the print data determined in the combination determining step is continuously allocated to the print paper.
Thereby, an effect equivalent to that of the print setting change system according to mode 6 is obtained.

Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 to 12 are diagrams showing a first embodiment of a print setting changing system, a printing apparatus, a print setting changing program, and a print setting changing method according to the present invention.
In this embodiment, a print setting change system, a printing apparatus, a print setting change program, and a print setting change method according to the present invention are printed by a network printer 300 using an authentication card as shown in FIG. It applies to the case.

First, an outline of functions of a network system to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of functions of a network system.
As shown in FIG. 1, a host terminal 100 for use by a user, a network printer 300, and a print server 200 installed in the vicinity of the network printer 300 are connected to the network 199.

  The host terminal 100 includes a document data acquisition unit 10 that acquires document data, an authentication information acquisition unit 11 that acquires user authentication information, and authentication information and print settings based on the document data acquired by the document data acquisition unit 10. The print data generation unit 12 generates print data including the print data, and the print data transmission unit 13 transmits the print data generated by the print data generation unit 12 to the print server 200.

The print server 200 includes a print data storage unit 14, a print data reception unit 15 that receives print data, and a print data storage unit 16 that stores print data received by the print data reception unit 15 in the print data storage unit 14. It is configured.
The print server 200 further includes a card reader 17 that reads authentication information from a given authentication card, and a print data search unit that searches the print data storage unit 14 for print data corresponding to the authentication information read by the card reader 17. 18 and a print data selection unit 19 that allows the user to select a plurality of print data from the print data retrieved by the print data search unit 18.

  The print server 200 further prints continuously each page of the print data selected by the print data selection unit 19 and the print setting change unit 20 that changes the print settings of the print data selected by the print data selection unit 19. The print data combining unit 21 combines the print data so as to be allocated to the paper, and the print data transmission unit 22 transmits the print data combined by the print data combining unit 21 to the network printer 300. .

The network printer 300 includes a print data receiving unit 23 that receives print data and a printer engine 24 that performs printing based on the print data received by the print data receiving unit 23.
Next, the configuration of the host terminal 100 will be described.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the host terminal 100.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the host terminal 100 includes a CPU 30 that controls operations and the entire system based on a control program, a ROM 32 that stores a control program for the CPU 30 in a predetermined area, and data read from the ROM 32 and the like. And a RAM 34 for storing calculation results required in the calculation process of the CPU 30 and an I / F 38 for mediating input / output of data to / from an external device, which are signals for transferring data The buses 39 are connected to each other so as to be able to exchange data.

The I / F 38 includes, as external devices, an input device 40 such as a keyboard and a mouse that can input data as a human interface, a storage device 42 that stores data, tables, and the like as files, and a screen based on image signals. And a signal line for connecting to the network 199 are connected.
The CPU 30 includes a microprocessing unit and the like, starts a predetermined program stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 32, and executes a print request process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3 according to the program.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the print request process.
The print request process is a process for requesting printing to the print server 200. When the print request process is executed in the CPU 30, as shown in FIG. 3, first, the process proceeds to step S100.
In step S100, it is determined whether printing is requested from a document creation application or the like. When it is determined that printing is requested (Yes), the process proceeds to step S102, but when it is determined that printing is not required (No). The process waits in step S100 until printing is requested.

In step S102, document data to be printed is acquired from a document creation application or the like, the process proceeds to step S104, user information input by the user in a login process or the like is acquired as authentication information, and the process proceeds to step S106.
In step S106, raster data that can be printed by the network printer 300 is generated based on the acquired document data, and print data including the generated raster data, the acquired authentication information, and print settings that specify the number of pages allocated is generated. Then, the process proceeds to step S108.

In step S108, a print request is transmitted to the print server 200, the process proceeds to step S110, the generated print data is transmitted to the print server 200, a series of processes are terminated, and the original process is restored.
Next, the configuration of the print server 200 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the print server 200.

As shown in FIG. 4, the print server 200 connects the CPU 50, ROM 52, RAM 54, and I / F 58 via a bus 59, as with the host terminal 100, and the input device 60, storage device 62, display device 64, card reader 17 In addition, a signal line for connecting to the network 199 is connected to the I / F 78.
The CPU 50 activates a predetermined program stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 52, and executes the print data storage process and the authentication print control process shown in the flowcharts of FIGS.

First, the print data storage process will be described.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing print data storage processing.
The print data storage process is a process of storing print data in response to a print request from the host terminal 100. When the print data storage process is executed in the CPU 50, the process first proceeds to step S200 as shown in FIG.

In step S200, it is determined whether or not a print request has been received. When it is determined that a print request has been received (Yes), the process proceeds to step S202. When it is determined that this is not the case (No), a print request is received. Until it is received in step S200.
In step S202, print data is received, the process proceeds to step S204, where the received print data is stored in the storage device 62, a series of processes are terminated, and the original process is restored.

Next, the authentication print control process will be described.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the authentication print control process.
The authentication printing control process is a process for determining whether printing is possible based on the authentication information. When the authentication printing control process is executed in the CPU 50, as shown in FIG.
In step S300, it is determined whether or not an authentication card has been inserted into the card reader 17. When it is determined that an authentication card has been inserted (Yes), the process proceeds to step S302, but when it is determined that this is not the case (No). Waits in step S300 until an authentication card is inserted.

  In step S302, the authentication information is read from the authentication card by the card reader 17, and the process proceeds to step S304, where print data including the same authentication information as the read authentication information is searched from the storage device 62, and the process proceeds to step S306. It is determined whether or not the corresponding print data has been retrieved. If it is determined that the corresponding print data has been retrieved (Yes), the process proceeds to step S308.

  In step S308, a list of searched print data is displayed on the display device 64, and the process proceeds to step S310, where it is determined whether print processing execution processing is requested by pressing the “print” button or the like, and printing is performed. When it is determined that execution of the process is requested (Yes), the process proceeds to step S312. When it is determined that this is not the case (No), the process waits at step S310 until execution of the printing process is requested.

In step S312, it is determined whether any print data is selected from the list of print data. If it is determined that any print data is selected (Yes), the process proceeds to step S314. Then, a print request is transmitted to the network printer 300, and the process proceeds to step S316.
In step S316, it is determined whether or not a plurality of print data is selected from the list of print data. If it is determined that a plurality of print data is selected (No), the process proceeds to step S318.

  In step S318, for the selected print data, print settings that define the presence / absence of color printing, the presence / absence of page assignment, the number of page assignments, the presence / absence of double-sided printing, and the number of copies are determined. The new print setting is determined based on the print settings of the plurality of selected print data. For color printing, if any of the print settings includes color printing settings, the color printing is set. The page allocation number is set to one of the print settings with the largest page allocation number. With regard to duplex printing, if any of the print settings includes the duplex printing setting, the duplex printing is set.

Next, the process proceeds to step S320, and the print data are combined so that each page of the selected print data is continuously allocated to the printing paper. At this time, the print setting of the combined print data is replaced with the print setting determined in step S318.
Next, the process proceeds to step S322, where the combined print data is transmitted to the network printer 300, and a series of processing is terminated and the original processing is restored.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S316 that a plurality of print data has not been selected (No), the process proceeds to step S324, where the selected print data is transmitted to the network printer 300, and a series of processing is completed. To return to the original process.
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S312 that print data has not been selected (No), the process proceeds to step S310.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S306 that the corresponding print data is not searched (No), the process proceeds to step S326, an error message is displayed on the display device 64, the series of processes is terminated, and the original process is completed. Return to.
Next, the configuration of the network printer 300 will be described.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the network printer 300.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the network printer 300 includes a touch panel or the like in which a CPU 70, a ROM 72, a RAM 74, and an I / F 78 are connected by a bus 79 and data can be input and displayed as a human interface, as in the host terminal 100. The operation panel 80, the storage device 82, the printer engine 24, and signal lines for connecting to the network 199 are connected to the I / F 78.

The CPU 70 activates a predetermined program stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 72, and executes a print control process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8 according to the program.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the print control process.
The print control process is a process for controlling printing in response to a print request from the print server 200. When the print control process is executed in the CPU 70, the process first proceeds to step S400 as shown in FIG.

In step S400, it is determined whether or not a print request has been received. When it is determined that a print request has been received (Yes), the process proceeds to step S402. When it is determined that this is not the case (No), a print request is received. Is waited in step S400 until it is received.
In step S402, the print data is received, the process proceeds to step S404, a print process for printing by the printer engine 24 is executed based on the received print data, the series of processes is terminated, and the original process is restored. .

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.
The user uses the document creation application or the like on the host terminal 100 to make print settings such as the number of pages allocated and request printing.
In the host terminal 100, when printing is requested, document data and authentication information are acquired through steps S102 to S106, and print data including authentication information and print settings is generated based on the acquired document data. Then, the generated print data is transmitted to the print server 200 through steps S108 and S110.

In the print server 200, when the print data is received, the received print data is stored in the storage device 62 through step S204.
Next, in the host terminal 100, the user inserts an authentication card into a card writer (not shown), and writes authentication information into the authentication card with the card writer. Note that authentication information may be written in advance in the authentication card. In this case, the host terminal 100 may not be provided with a card writer.

The user goes to the print server 200 and inserts the authentication card into the card reader 17.
In the print server 200, when the authentication card is inserted, the authentication information is read from the authentication card through steps S302 and S304, and the print data corresponding to the read authentication information is searched from the storage device 62. As a result, when the corresponding print data is retrieved, a list of retrieved print data is displayed through step S308.

FIG. 9 is a print data selection screen.
In the selection screen of FIG. 9, an area 500 for displaying a list of print data, a button 502 for requesting execution of print processing, and a button 504 for requesting deletion of print data are arranged.
Here, the user made a print request for print data A (referred to as print data of “fileA.txt”, hereinafter abbreviated in the same manner), print data B, and print data C, but see the list. As a result, if it is desired to print them together, the print data A to C are selected by the input device 60 on the selection screen of FIG.

In the print server 200, when execution of print processing is requested with the print data A to C selected, new print settings are determined for the selected print data A to C through step S318.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a case where print settings are determined.
As shown in FIG. 10A, the print settings are stored in the header portions of the print data A to C, respectively. The print data A is set so that two pages are assigned to one print sheet in color printing and duplex printing. The print data B is monochrome printing and single-sided printing, and the number of pages allocated is one page. The print data C is color printing and double-sided printing, and the number of pages allocated is 4 pages. Accordingly, the print settings for the print data A and C include settings for color printing and double-sided printing, and since the number of pages allocated to the print data C is the largest, the new print settings are shown in FIG. As described above, the number of color printing, double-sided printing, and page allocation is determined as four pages. Then, a composite header portion is generated based on the determined print setting.

Next, through step S320, the print data A to C are combined so that each page of the selected print data A to C is continuously allocated to the printing paper.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a case where print data is combined.
As shown in FIG. 11, data portions A to C including raster data are extracted from print data A to C, respectively, and the extracted data portions A to C are combined in order to generate a new data portion. Then, the print data A to C are combined by adding the composite header portion to the generated header portion.

When the print data A to C are combined, the combined print data is transmitted to the network printer 300 through step S322.
In the network printer 300, when print data is received, printing is performed based on the received print data through step S404.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the number of print sheets consumed by printing.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the print data A has 7 pages in total, and double-sided printing and the number of pages allocated are 2. Therefore, when printing alone, INT ((7-1) / 2 / 2) + 1 = 2 consumes 2 sheets of printing paper. Since the print data B has 5 pages in total and the single-sided printing and the number of pages allocated to 1 page, INT ((5-1) / 1/1) + 1 = 5 print sheets are consumed. Since the print data C has 9 pages in total and double-sided printing and the number of pages allocated to 4 pages, INT ((9-1) / 4/2) + 1 = 2 print sheets are consumed. Therefore, when printing data A to C are printed, a total of nine printing sheets are consumed.

On the other hand, when the print data A to C are printed together, the total number of pages is 21, and double-sided printing and the number of pages allocated are 4, so INT ((21-1) / 4/2) + 1 = 3 printing papers are consumed. Thereby, it is possible to reduce 9-3 = 6 printing sheets as compared with the case of printing each.
If an authentication card in which unauthorized authentication information is recorded is used, the print server 200 cannot search for the corresponding print data, so that an error message is displayed and printing is not performed via step S326.

If execution of print processing is requested without selecting only one print data, the selected print data is transmitted to the network printer 300 via step S324.
In this way, in the present embodiment, the print server 200 stores print data including print settings relating to page allocation in the storage device 62, displays a list of print data, and selects a plurality of print data from the list of print data. When print data is selected, the print settings of the selected print data are changed, the print data are combined so that each page of the selected print data is continuously assigned to the print paper, and the combined print data is The data is transmitted to the network printer 300.

As a result, the user can subsequently perform page allocation for print data for which page allocation has not been performed. Further, in consideration of the contents of the print data, the print data can be selected in a combination that reduces the consumption of the printing paper. Therefore, the consumption of printing paper can be reduced as compared with the conventional case.
In addition, since the print data is combined so that each page of the plurality of print data is continuously allocated to the print paper, if printing is performed based on such print data, the consumption of the print paper can be further reduced. Can do.

  In the first embodiment, the print data storage unit 14 and the storage device 62 correspond to the print data storage unit in the first, second, seventh, eighth, thirteenth, fourteenth, nineteenth, and twentyth prints. The input device 60 corresponds to the print data selection unit in the form 1, 2, 7 or 8, and the print setting change unit 20 and step S318 correspond to the print setting change unit in the form 1, 2, 7 or 8. Yes. Step S318 corresponds to the print setting changing step of the form 13, 14, 19 or 20, the print data combining unit 21 and step S320 correspond to the print data combining means of the form 2 or 8, and step S320 is This corresponds to the print data combining step of form 14 or 20.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 13 to 18 are diagrams showing a second embodiment of the print setting changing system, the printing apparatus, the print setting changing program, and the print setting changing method according to the present invention.
In the present embodiment, the print setting change system, the printing apparatus, the print setting change program, and the print setting change method according to the present invention are applied to a case where printing is performed by the network printer 300 using an authentication card. The difference from the first embodiment is that the number of print sheets to be reduced is displayed according to the combination of print data, and the user determines the change contents of the print settings by referring to it. Hereinafter, only the parts different from the first embodiment will be described, and the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

First, the configuration of the print server 200 will be described.
The CPU 50 executes the authentication print control process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 13 instead of the authentication print control process of FIG.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the authentication print control process.
The authentication print control process is a process for determining whether printing is possible based on the authentication information. When the authentication print control process is executed in the CPU 50, as shown in FIG. 13, first, the process proceeds to steps S500 to S306. .

In step S500, it is determined whether or not a change in print setting is requested by pressing a “print setting” button or the like. If it is determined that a change in print setting is requested (Yes), the process proceeds to step S502. A print setting change process for changing the print setting is executed, and the process proceeds to step S308.
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S500 that a change in print settings is not requested (No), the process proceeds to step S504, where it is determined whether execution of print processing is requested, and execution of print processing is requested. When it is determined that it has been (Yes), the process proceeds to step S506.

In step S506, it is determined whether any print data is selected from the list of print data. If it is determined that any print data is selected (Yes), the process proceeds to step S508. Then, a print request is transmitted to the network printer 300, and the process proceeds to step S510.
In step S510, it is determined whether a plurality of print data is selected from the list of print data. If it is determined that a plurality of print data is selected (No), the process proceeds to step S512. Then, the print data is combined so that the pages of the selected print data are continuously allocated to the print paper, and the process proceeds to step S514, where the combined print data is transmitted to the network printer 300, and a series of processing is performed. End and return to the original process.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S510 that a plurality of print data has not been selected (No), the process proceeds to step S516, where it is determined whether the print settings have been changed by the print setting change process, and printing is performed. When it is determined that the setting has been changed (Yes), the process proceeds to step S518.
In step S518, the print settings of the selected print data are replaced with the contents changed by the print setting change process, and the process proceeds to step S520, where the selected print data is transmitted to the network printer 300, and a series of processes is performed. End and return to the original process.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S516 that the print setting has not been changed (No), the process proceeds to step S520.
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S506 that no print data has been selected (No) and when it is determined in step S504 that execution of print processing is not required (No), the process proceeds to step S500.

Next, the print setting change process in step S502 will be described.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing print setting change processing.
When the print setting change process is executed in step S502, the process first proceeds to step S600.
In step S600, it is determined whether or not the number of pages allocated for print data whose print settings are to be changed (hereinafter referred to as target print data) is two or more, and the number of pages allocated is two or more. When it is determined that there is (Yes), the process proceeds to step S602.

In step S602, the number of print sheets consumed when printing is performed based on the target print data is calculated, and the process proceeds to step S604 to store unprocessed print data other than the target print data. The data is read from the device 62, and the process proceeds to step S606.
In step S606, the number of print sheets consumed when printing is performed based on the read print data is calculated, and the process proceeds to step S608 to combine the target print data and the read print data in the process of step S512. The number of print sheets consumed when printing is performed based on the result is calculated. However, the printing in steps S606 and S608 is performed not based on the print setting of the read print data but based on the print setting of the target print data.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S610, the number of print sheets reduced is calculated by subtracting the number of print sheets calculated in step S608 from the total number of print sheets calculated in steps S602 and S606, and the process proceeds to step S612. It is determined whether or not the calculated reduction number is one or more. If it is determined that the reduction number is one or more (Yes), the process proceeds to step S614, and the read print data is set. The number of reductions is displayed on the display device 64, and the process proceeds to step S616.

In step S616, it is determined whether or not the processing in steps S604 to S614 has been completed for all the print data other than the target print data, and it is determined that the processing has been completed for all the print data other than the target print data. If (Yes), the process proceeds to step S618.
In step S618, it is determined whether or not the print setting of the target print data has been updated. If it is determined that the print setting has not been updated (No), the process proceeds to step S620 and the “Cancel” button is pressed. For example, it is determined whether or not cancellation of the change is requested. If it is determined that cancellation of the change is not requested (No), the process proceeds to step S622.

In step S622, it is determined whether confirmation of change and selection is requested by pressing an “apply” button or the like. If it is determined that confirmation of change and selection is requested (Yes), the process proceeds to step S624. Then, the content of the print setting of the target print data and the selection of the print data are confirmed, the series of processes are terminated, and the original process is restored.
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S622 that change and selection confirmation are not required (No), the process proceeds to step S626 to determine whether any one of the displayed print data is selected. When it is determined that the print data is not selected (No), the process proceeds to step S618.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S626 that print data has been selected (Yes), the current target print data and the selected print data are set as new target print data, and the process proceeds to step S604.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S620 that cancellation of the change has been requested (Yes), the series of processes is terminated and the original process is restored.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S618 that the print setting has been updated (Yes), the process proceeds to step S600.
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S616 that the processing is not completed for all print data other than the target print data (No), the process proceeds to step S604.
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S612 that the number of sheets to be reduced is less than 1 (No), the process proceeds to step S616.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S600 that the number of assigned pages is less than 2 pages (No), the process proceeds to step S618.
Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.
The user goes to the print server 200 and inserts the authentication card into the card reader 17.

In the print server 200, when the authentication card is inserted, the authentication information is read from the authentication card through steps S302 and S304, and the print data corresponding to the read authentication information is searched from the storage device 62. As a result, when the corresponding print data is retrieved, a list of retrieved print data is displayed through step S308.
FIG. 15 is a print data selection screen.

In addition to the list display area 500 and buttons 502 and 504, a button 506 for requesting a print setting change for each print data displayed in the list display area 500 is arranged on the selection screen in FIG.
Here, when the user clicks the button 506 corresponding to the print data A, a change screen for changing the print setting of the print data A is displayed.

FIG. 16 is a print setting change screen.
The change screen of FIG. 16 includes an area 520 for displaying the target print data, a text box 522 for inputting the number of pages allocated, a text box 524 for inputting the number of copies, and print data other than the target print data. An area 526 for displaying a list, a radio button 528 for selecting whether double-sided printing is possible, a button 530 for requesting cancellation of changes, and a button 532 for requesting confirmation of changes and selections are arranged. In the example of FIG. 16, the target print data is print data A, and the current print setting of print data A is 4 pages, the number of copies is 1, and duplex printing.

  In the print server 200, when the print data A change screen is displayed, steps S604 to S616 are repeated to calculate the reduced number of print data other than the print data A, and only the print data for which the reduced number is one or more is displayed. Is displayed. In the example of FIG. 16, print data B to D are displayed, and the number of reductions is all one. This indicates that when the print data A and B are printed together, one print sheet can be reduced as compared with the case where the print data A and B are printed together. The same applies to the combination with the print data C and D.

Here, when the user selects the print data B with the input device 60 on the change screen of FIG. 16, the change screen is updated.
FIG. 17 is a print setting change screen when print data B is selected.
When the print data B is selected, the print data A and B are set as target print data, and through steps S604 to S616, the reduced number of print data other than the print data A and B is calculated. As shown, only print data for which the number of sheets to be reduced is one or more is displayed. The example of FIG. 17 indicates that there is no combination of print data that can reduce print sheets for print data A and B. When the total number of pages of print data A and B is an integral multiple of the number of pages allocated, any combination cannot be reduced.

FIG. 18 is a print data selection screen.
Next, the user clicks the button 532 with the print data B selected.
In the print server 200, when the change and selection confirmation are requested in a state where the print data B is selected, the contents of the print settings of the target print data A and B and the selection of the print data B are confirmed through step S624. Then, as shown in FIG. 18, the print data selection screen is displayed again. In the example of FIG. 18, since print data B is selected for print data A, print data B is displayed along with print data A.

Next, the user clicks the button 502 with the print data A selected.
In the print server 200, when execution of print processing is requested in a state where the print data A is selected, the pages of the selected print data A and B are continuously allocated to the printing paper through steps S512 and S514. The print data A and B are combined, and the combined print data is transmitted to the network printer 300.

  In this way, in the present embodiment, the print server 200 is more than the number of print sheets consumed when printing is performed based on print data in a combination of target print data and other print data. When printing is performed by combining these print data, other print data that consumes less printing paper is searched, and the retrieved print data is displayed.

This makes it easier for the user to select a combination that reduces the consumption of printing paper by referring to the displayed print data, so that the consumption of printing paper can be further reduced.
Further, in the present embodiment, the print server 200 uses the combination of target print data and other print data, the number of print sheets consumed when printing is performed based on the print data, and the print data. Are reduced by the print data combining means and the number of printed sheets consumed when printing is performed is calculated, and the calculated reduced number of sheets is displayed in association with other print data.

Accordingly, the user can easily select a suitable combination for reducing the consumption of the printing paper by referring to the displayed reduction sheet number, and thus the consumption of the printing paper can be further reduced.
In the second embodiment, step S512 corresponds to the print data combining unit of the form 3, 4, 9 or 10, or the print data combining step of the form 15, 16, 21 or 22, and steps S602 to S612 are , Corresponding to the print data search means of form 3 or 9, or the print data search step of form 15 or 21. Steps S602 and S606 to S610 correspond to the difference number calculating means of form 4 or 10, or the difference number calculating step of form 16 or 22, and step S614 is the print data presentation means of form 3 or 9. Alternatively, it corresponds to ten difference number presenting means, form 15 or 21 print data presenting step, or form 16 or 22 difference number presenting step.

In the second embodiment, the print data for which the reduction number is one or more is displayed for the target print data. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the reduction number is one or more. It is also possible to display a combination of print data.
FIG. 19 is a print data selection screen.
In addition to the list display area 500 and buttons 502 and 504, a button 508 for requesting proposal of print data to be printed together is arranged for each print data displayed in the list display area 500 on the selection screen in FIG. Has been.

When the user clicks the button 508 corresponding to the print data A, the number of empty page areas when printing is performed based on the print data for each print data is calculated. The number of empty page areas can be calculated by the following expressions (1) and (2).

When printing on one side:
Number of free page areas = number of allocations-mod ((total number of pages) / number of allocations) (1)
When printing on both sides:
Number of free page areas = number of allocations x 2-mod ((total number of pages) / (number of allocations x 2)) (2)

In the above formulas (1) and (2), “mod ()” is an arithmetic expression for calculating the remainder of the division in parentheses.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a case where the number of empty page areas is calculated.
The example of FIG. 20A shows a case where the total number of pages of print data is 3 pages and the number of pages allocated is 4 pages. In this case, the number of empty page areas is one. The example of FIG. 20B shows a case where the total number of pages of print data is 1 page and the number of pages allocated is 4 pages. In this case, the number of empty page areas is three.

When the number of empty page areas is calculated for all the print data, a combination of print data for which the reduction number is one or more is determined based on the calculation result. Then, a change screen for changing the print setting of the print data A is displayed, and the determined combination of print data is displayed on the change screen.
FIG. 21 is a print setting change screen.

  21 includes areas 520 and 526, text boxes 522 and 524, buttons 530 and 532, an area 540 that displays whether double-sided printing is possible, an area 542 that displays a print preview image, and a reduction number. A display area 544 is arranged. In the example of FIG. 21, the target print data is print data A, and print data B, E, F, print data C, B, print data C, E, print data C are candidates for combinations with print data A. , F and print data D are displayed.

Here, when the user selects the print data C and E by the input device 60 on the change screen of FIG. 21, the print preview image and the reduction number when the print data A, C, and E are collectively printed are the areas 542 and 544. Is displayed.
Next, when the user clicks the button 532 with the print data C and E selected, and clicks the button 502 on the print data list screen, the pages of the selected print data A, C, and E are consecutive. Then, the print data A, C, and E are combined so as to be allocated to the printing paper, and the combined print data is transmitted to the network printer 300.

As a result, the user can grasp the combination in which the number of sheets to be reduced is one or more by referring to the combination of the displayed print data, so that it becomes easy to select the combination that reduces the consumption of the printing paper. Therefore, the consumption of printing paper can be further reduced.
In this case, the combination of print data for which the reduction number is 1 or more is displayed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the combination of print data for which the reduction number is 1 or more is automatically determined. It can also be configured to.

FIG. 22 is a print data selection screen.
In the selection screen of FIG. 22, in addition to the list display area 500 and the buttons 502 and 504, a combination of print data to be printed together is automatically determined for each print data displayed in the list display area 500. A button 510 for requesting is provided.
When the user clicks the button 510 corresponding to the print data A, the number of empty page areas when printing is performed based on the print data is calculated for each print data. Based on the calculation result, a combination of print data for which the number of sheets to be reduced is one or more is determined.

  For example, for print data with 4 pages allocated, single-sided printing, and one empty page area, search for one or more print data with a total number of pages of 4n-1 (n is an integer equal to or greater than 1). To do. Further, for example, for print data with 4 pages allocated, single-sided printing, and 3 free page areas, one or a plurality of print data with a total page number of 4n-3 is searched.

When the combination of the print data is determined, the print data are combined so that each page of the determined print data is continuously allocated to the printing paper, and the combined print data is transmitted to the network printer 300.
As a result, printing is performed by combining print data in a combination where the number of sheets to be reduced is one or more, so that the consumption of printing paper can be further reduced.

When there are a plurality of print data combination candidates, one of them is determined based on the following three criteria.
(1) Combining a large number of pages so that the number of print data to be combined is as small as possible. As a result, the number of print data to be combined can be minimized, and complexity due to mixing of documents can be reduced.
(2) A printer with a short print time is preferentially selected. As a result, print data that are highly likely to be related can be collectively printed.
(3) Select files with similar file names preferentially. As a result, print data that are highly likely to be related can be collectively printed.

In the first and second embodiments, the print data storage unit 14 is provided in the print server 200. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the print data is stored in the host terminal 100, the network printer 300, and other terminals. It can also be configured by providing the portion 14.
In the first and second embodiments, the ROMs 32, 52, and 72 are all used to execute the processes shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 3, 5, 6, 8, 13, and 14. Although the case where the control program stored in advance is executed has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and the program is read into the RAM 34, 54, 74 from the storage medium storing the program showing these procedures and executed. It may be.

  Here, the storage medium is a semiconductor storage medium such as RAM or ROM, a magnetic storage type storage medium such as FD or HD, an optical reading type storage medium such as CD, CDV, LD, or DVD, or a magnetic storage type such as MO. / Optical reading type storage media, including any storage media that can be read by a computer regardless of electronic, magnetic, optical, or other reading methods.

  In the first and second embodiments, the print setting change system, the printing apparatus, the print setting change program, and the print setting change method according to the present invention are printed by the network printer 300 using the authentication card. However, the present invention is not limited to this, but can be applied to other cases without departing from the gist of the present invention. Instead of the network printer 300, for example, a projector, electronic paper, home gateway, personal computer, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), network storage, audio equipment, mobile phone, PHS (registered trademark) (Personal Handyphone System), watch type PDA, It can be applied to STB (Set Top Box), POS (Point Of Sale) terminals, FAX machines, telephones (including IP telephones), and other devices.

It is a functional block diagram which shows the function outline | summary of a network system. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a host terminal 100. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating print request processing. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a print server 200. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating print data storage processing. It is a flowchart which shows an authentication printing control process. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a network printer 300. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating print control processing. It is a print data selection screen. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a case where print settings are determined. It is a figure which shows the case where print data are couple | bonded. It is a figure which shows the number of the printing paper consumed by printing. It is a flowchart which shows an authentication printing control process. 6 is a flowchart illustrating print setting change processing. It is a print data selection screen. It is a print setting change screen. It is a print setting change screen when print data B is selected. It is a print data selection screen. It is a print data selection screen. It is a figure which shows the case where the number of empty page areas is calculated. It is a print setting change screen. It is a print data selection screen. It is a figure which shows the case where two print data are each printed, and the case where it allocates and prints on the same page.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Host terminal, 200 ... Print server, 300 ... Network printer, 10 ... Document data acquisition part, 11 ... Authentication information acquisition part, 12 ... Print data generation part, 13, 22 ... Print data transmission part, 14 ... Print data storage , 15, 23 ... print data receiving unit, 16 ... print data storage unit, 17 ... card reader, 18 ... print data search unit, 19 ... print data selection unit, 20 ... print setting change unit, 21 ... print data combination unit 24, printer engine, 30, 50, 70 ... CPU, 32, 52, 72 ... ROM, 34, 54, 74 ... RAM, 38, 58, 78 ... I / F, 39, 59, 79 ... bus, 40, 60 ... Input device, 42,62,82 ... Storage device, 44,64 ... Display device, 80 ... Operation panel, 199 ... Network

Claims (15)

Print data storage means for storing print data including print settings;
Print data selection means for selecting the print data from the print data storage means;
A print setting change system comprising: a print setting change unit that changes the print setting of the print data selected by the print data selection unit. Print data storage means for storing print data including print settings that define the allocation of pages to print paper;
Print data selection means for selecting a plurality of the print data from the print data storage means;
Print setting changing means for changing the print settings of the print data selected by the print data selecting means;
A print setting changing system comprising: print data combining means for combining the print data so that each page of the print data selected by the print data selecting means is continuously allocated to the print paper. In claim 2,
In the combination of the target print data and the other print data, the print data combining means combines the print data rather than the number of print sheets consumed when printing is performed based on the print data. Print data search means for searching the print data storage means for the other print data that reduces the number of print sheets consumed when printing is performed;
A print setting changing system comprising: print data presenting means for presenting print data retrieved by the print data retrieving means. In claim 2,
In the combination of the target print data and the other print data, the number of print sheets consumed when printing is performed based on the print data, and the print data are combined by the print data combining unit. A difference number calculating means for calculating a difference number with respect to the number of print sheets consumed when printing is performed;
A print setting change system, comprising: a difference number presentation unit that presents the difference number calculated by the difference number calculation unit in association with the other print data. In claim 2,
Free page area number calculating means for calculating the number of empty page areas when printing is performed based on the print data for each print data;
Combination determining means for determining a combination of the print data in which the number of empty page areas has a predetermined relationship based on the calculation result of the number of empty page areas calculating means;
A print setting change system comprising: a combination presentation unit that presents a combination of print data determined by the combination determination unit. Print data storage means for storing print data including print settings that define the allocation of pages to print paper;
Empty page area number calculating means for calculating the number of empty page areas when printing is performed based on the print data for each print data in the print data storage means;
Combination determining means for determining a combination of the print data in which the number of empty page areas has a predetermined relationship based on the calculation result of the number of empty page areas calculating means;
Print setting changing means for changing the print settings of the print data determined by the combination determining means;
A print setting changing system comprising: print data combining means for combining the print data so that each page of the print data determined by the combination determining means is continuously allocated to the print paper. Print data storage means for storing print data including print settings;
Print data selection means for selecting the print data from the print data storage means;
A printing apparatus comprising: a print setting changing unit that changes the print setting of the print data selected by the print data selecting unit. Print data storage means for storing print data including print settings that define the allocation of pages to print paper;
Print data selection means for selecting a plurality of the print data from the print data storage means;
Print setting changing means for changing the print settings of the print data selected by the print data selecting means;
A printing apparatus comprising: a print data combining unit that combines the print data so that each page of the print data selected by the print data selection unit is continuously allocated to the print paper. Print data storage means for storing print data including print settings that define the allocation of pages to print paper;
Empty page area number calculating means for calculating the number of empty page areas when printing is performed based on the print data for each print data in the print data storage means;
Combination determining means for determining a combination of the print data in which the number of empty page areas has a predetermined relationship based on the calculation result of the number of empty page areas calculating means;
Print setting changing means for changing the print settings of the print data determined by the combination determining means;
A printing apparatus comprising: a print data combining unit that combines the print data so that each page of the print data determined by the combination determining unit is continuously allocated to the print paper. A print data selection step for selecting the print data from print data storage means for storing print data including print settings;
A print setting change program comprising: a program for causing a computer to execute a process including a print setting change step for changing the print setting of the print data selected in the print data selection step. A print data selection step of selecting a plurality of the print data from a print data storage means for storing print data including print settings defining the page assignment for the print paper;
A print setting change step for changing the print setting of the print data selected in the print data selection step;
Including a program for causing a computer to execute a process including a print data combining step of combining the print data so that each page of the print data selected in the print data selection step is continuously allocated to the print paper. A print setting change program characterized by this. For each print data of the print data storage means for storing print data including print settings that define the page allocation for the print paper, the number of empty page areas when printing is performed based on the print data is calculated. Calculating the number of free page areas to be performed;
A combination determining step for determining a combination of the print data in which the number of empty page areas has a predetermined relationship based on the calculation result of the number of empty page areas calculating step;
A print setting changing step for changing the print setting of the print data determined in the combination determining step;
Including a program for causing a computer to execute processing including a print data combining step of combining the print data so that each page of the print data determined in the combination determining step is continuously allocated to the print paper. A print setting change program. A print data selection step for selecting the print data from print data storage means for storing print data including print settings;
And a print setting changing step for changing the print setting of the print data selected in the print data selecting step. A print data selection step of selecting a plurality of the print data from a print data storage means for storing print data including print settings defining the page assignment for the print paper;
A print setting change step for changing the print setting of the print data selected in the print data selection step;
And a print data combining step of combining the print data so that each page of the print data selected in the print data selection step is continuously allocated to the print paper. For each print data of the print data storage means for storing print data including print settings that define the page allocation for the print paper, the number of empty page areas when printing is performed based on the print data is calculated. Calculating the number of free page areas to be performed;
A combination determining step for determining a combination of the print data in which the number of empty page areas has a predetermined relationship based on the calculation result of the number of empty page areas calculating step;
A print setting changing step for changing the print setting of the print data determined in the combination determining step;
And a print data combining step of combining the print data so that each page of the print data determined in the combination determining step is continuously allocated to the print paper.

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