JPH11191042A - Data processor, data processing method therefor, and storage medium stored with computer-readable program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To effectively manage a printing data file which can be read out of memory resources and printed all the times irrelevantly to the installation state of application. SOLUTION: Printing information based upon the application is stored and managed in an external memory 11 while a comment that a user intends is added to a print data file which can be printed by a printer; and a list of stored printing data files is displayed on a CRT 10 at any time and a printing data file that the user intends is transferred to a printer 1500 and printed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a data processing device capable of communicating with a printing device via a predetermined communication medium, a data processing method of the data processing device, and a storage medium storing a computer-readable program. is there.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when printing a document edited by application software or the like (text created in a multi-format, a spreadsheet used for spreadsheets, image data created by paint, etc.), Print information (print control code, character code, image data, etc.), form information, page layout information of a document printable by a print control processing unit (hereinafter, referred to as a printer driver) corresponding to an output device such as a printer as an output medium. Alternatively, according to print control information such as a macro command, print information such as a character pattern or a form pattern and image data corresponding to the print information can be generated and printed via a printer driver in a host computer. Print data is transferred to the printer and printed When complete is discarded each time,
That was normal, and even if it could be converted to a print data file, there was usually no dedicated utility for reprinting that data.

Further, some recent application software or printer drivers have a function of Collate (with sorting) / Uncollate (without sorting) at the time of printing, and printing is performed without manually rearranging the printing result. Documents can be sorted in the required order at the stage, but only one application software or one job can specify.

[0004]

However, in the above-described conventional example, when a necessary document is composed of data of several types of application software, printing is performed for each application software, and the print results are manually combined. The document needed to be completed.

[0005] In addition, there has been almost no printing means provided when a user uninstalls application software or wants to print in an environment where required application software is not installed.

Further, even if a print data file is stored, there is a problem that the data cannot be effectively used.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to store generated print data in a memory resource so that the print data can be used as needed regardless of the installation state of an application. An object of the present invention is to provide a data processing device capable of effectively managing a print data file that can be read from a memory resource and that can be subjected to print processing, a data processing method of the data processing device, and a storage medium storing a computer-readable program.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data processing device capable of communicating with a printing device via a predetermined communication medium, comprising a print file for print information based on an arbitrary application program. First instructing means for instructing creation, generating means for analyzing the print information in accordance with a print file creating instruction by the first instructing means, and generating a print data file printable by the printing apparatus; Storage means for storing a print data file generated by the storage means, a display control means for displaying a list of print data files stored in the storage means on a display unit, and a print data file displayed on the display unit by the display control means Second instructing means for selecting and instructing a file to be printed from the list, and instructing by the second instructing means Print information corresponding to the serial file read from said storage means and has a transfer means for transferring to the printing apparatus.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an input unit for inputting a desired comment to a print data file generated by the generation unit, and the storage unit stores the print data generated by the generation unit. The desired comment input by the input means is added to a file and stored.

[0010] A third invention according to the present invention is characterized in that a first setting means for setting a storage expiration date for the print data file stored in the storage means, and a print data file of each print data file stored in the storage means. A first file management unit for searching the storage expiration date and deleting the print data file whose storage expiration date has expired from the storage unit.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a second setting means for setting a storage capacity for the print data file stored in the storage means, and a deletion of the print data file stored in the storage means A third setting unit for setting a date and time, and a storage capacity of each print data file stored in the storage unit is monitored. And a second file management means for automatically deleting from the print data file whose deletion date and time is earlier by the third setting means.

A fifth invention according to the present invention has a sorting means for sorting the print data files listed on the display unit based on designated items.

In a sixth aspect according to the present invention, the display control means controls the storage means by the second setting means based on an environment setting item instruction on a print data file list screen displayed on the display unit. Set storage capacity and 3rd
Is switched to an environment setting screen for setting the deletion date and time for the print data file by the setting means.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the display control means switches to a file detail setting screen based on a file detail item instruction on a print data file list screen displayed on the display unit.

In an eighth aspect according to the present invention, the input means inputs a desired comment on the file detail setting screen.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data processing method for a data processing apparatus capable of communicating with a printing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, the method comprising creating a print file for print information based on an arbitrary application program. A first instructing step of instructing, a generating step of analyzing the print information in accordance with the print file creating instruction in the first instructing step, and generating a print data file printable by the printing apparatus; Storing the stored print data file in a memory resource, displaying a list of print data files stored in the memory resource by the storage step on a display unit, and displaying the list on the display unit by the display step. A second instruction step of selecting and instructing a file to be printed from a print data file list; In which the print information corresponding to the designated said file by shows step is read from the memory resource and a transfer step of transferring to the printing apparatus.

A tenth invention according to the present invention is a storage medium storing a computer-readable program for controlling a data processing apparatus capable of communicating with a printing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the storage medium stores an arbitrary application program. A first instruction step of instructing a print file creation for print information created by executing a program, and analyzing the print information in accordance with the print file creation instruction in the first instruction step to enable the printing apparatus to print. A generation step of generating a print data file, a storage step of storing the print data file generated by the generation step in a memory resource, and a display displaying a list of print data files stored in the memory resource by the storage step on a display unit And from the print data file list displayed on the display unit by the display step. A second instruction step of selecting and instructing a file to be printed, and a transfer step of reading print information corresponding to the file designated by the second instruction step from the memory resource and transferring the read information to the printing apparatus. Things.

[0018]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Before describing the configuration of this embodiment, a configuration of a laser beam printer suitable for applying this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

The printer to which the present embodiment is applied is not limited to a laser beam printer and an ink jet printer, and it goes without saying that a printer of another printing method may be used.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing an output device to which the present invention can be applied. For example, a laser beam printer (LB)
P).

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1500 denotes an LBP body (printer) for inputting and storing print information (character codes, etc.), form information, macro instructions, etc., supplied from an externally connected host computer. A corresponding character pattern, form pattern, or the like is created according to the information, and an image is formed on a recording medium such as a recording sheet.

An operation panel 1501 includes switches for operation, an LED display, and the like. 1000
Is a printer control unit for controlling the entire printer 1500 and analyzing character information and the like supplied from the host computer. The printer control unit 1000 mainly converts character information into a video signal having a corresponding character pattern and outputs the video signal to the laser driver 1502.

The laser driver 1502 is a semiconductor laser 1
A circuit for driving the laser beam 503 switches on / off a laser beam 1504 emitted from the semiconductor laser 1503 according to an input video signal. Laser light 15
Numeral 04 is swung right and left by a rotary polygon mirror 1505 to scan and expose an electrostatic drum 1506. As a result, an electrostatic latent image of a character pattern is formed on the electrostatic drum 1506.

The latent image is developed by a unit 1507 disposed around the electrostatic drum 1506, and then transferred to a recording sheet. A cut sheet is used as the recording paper, and the cut sheet recording paper is stored in a paper cassette 1508 mounted on the printer 1500, and is taken into the apparatus by a paper feed roller 1509, transport rollers 1510, and a transport roller 1511. It is supplied to the electric drum 1506.

The printer 1500 has at least one or more card slots (not shown) so that an optional font card and a card (emulation card) of a different language can be connected in addition to the built-in fonts.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the arrangement of a printing system to which a data processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention can be applied, in which both a host computer 3000 and a printer 1500 are used. This corresponds to the case where communication is possible via the communication interface 21, that is, the data processing unit 2000 of the host computer 3000 and the printer control unit 1000 are configured to be communicable.

Here, a laser beam printer (FIG. 1)
Will be described as an example. As long as the functions of the present invention are executed, the present invention is applicable to a single device, a system including a plurality of devices, and a system in which processing is performed via a network such as a LAN. It goes without saying that the invention can be applied.

In the host computer 3000, 1
Is a CPU for executing text processing in which graphics, images, characters, tables (including spreadsheets and the like) are mixed based on a document processing program or the like stored in the program ROM of the ROM 3. The CPU 1 generally controls each device connected to the system bus 4.

The font ROM of the ROM 3 stores font data and the like used in the above document processing.
The data ROM of the ROM 3 stores various data used when performing the document processing.

Reference numeral 2 denotes a RAM, which functions as a main memory, a work memory, and the like of the CPU 1. A keyboard controller (KBC) 5 controls a key input from a keyboard (KB) 9 or a pointing device (not shown). 6 is C
The display of the CRT display (CRT) 10 is controlled by an RT controller (CRTC). Reference numeral 7 denotes a disk controller (DKC) for controlling access to an external memory 11 such as a hard disk (HD) for storing a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, and editing files, and a floppy disk (FD).

8 is a printer controller (PRTC)
And a predetermined bidirectional interface (interface) 2
1 connected to the printer 1500 via the printer 1
A communication control process with the communication 500 is executed.

The CPU 1 executes, for example, a process of developing (rasterizing) the outline font in the display information RAM set on the RAM 2, and performs WY processing on the CRT 10.
SIWYG is possible. CPU 1 is a CRT
Various registered windows are opened based on commands specified by a mouse cursor or the like (not shown) on 10 to execute various data processing.

In the printer 1500, reference numeral 12 denotes a printer CPU (CPU),
M or the external memory 1
4 controls the access to various devices connected to the system bus 15 based on the control program stored in the printer 4 and outputs the output information to the printing unit (printer engine) 17 connected via the printing unit interface 16. As an image signal. The control program of the CPU 12 is stored in the program ROM of the ROM 13.

Further, the font ROM of the ROM 13 stores font data and the like used when generating the output information. In the case of a printer having no external memory 14 such as a hard disk in the data ROM of the ROM 13,
It stores information and the like used on the host computer. The external memory 14 such as a hard disk (HD) or an IC card is provided with a disk controller (DKC) 20.
The access is controlled by. Also, the external memory 14
It is connected as an option and stores font data, emulation programs, form data, and the like.

The above-mentioned external memory is not limited to one, and at least one external memory is provided. In addition to the built-in fonts, an optional font card and a plurality of external memories storing programs for interpreting printer control languages of different languages are connected. It may be configured to be able to.

Reference numeral 18 denotes an input unit.
, And communication with the host computer 3000 is possible, and information and the like in the printer 1500 can be notified to the host computer 3000.

Reference numeral 19 denotes a RAM, which is a main memory of the CPU 12,
It functions as a work area, and is configured so that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown). The RAM 19
Are the output information development area, environment data storage area, NVRA
Used for M etc. Further, an NVRAM (not shown) may be provided to store printer mode setting information from the operation panel 1501.

In a printing system to which the data processing apparatus configured as described above can be applied, a printer driver including a print data file generation program section, a print data file control program section, and a print data file storage control program section (actually, a printer driver). A control program) resides on the external memory 11 and operates by being loaded on the RAM 2. When a print data file generation instruction is issued in the printer driver, the print data file generation unit causes the print data file control unit to operate. Then, an instruction to save the data is issued to the print data file storage control unit. The printer driver is developed and executed on the RAM 2 via the disk controller (DKC) 7 when a start instruction is given by the keyboard 9 or a pointing device (not shown).

When the print data file is generated, the print data file storage control unit stores the print data file on the external memory 11.

Further, when the execution is started, the print data file control unit first reads out the print data file stored in the external memory 11, refers to the information in the data, and executes the print data file control unit. The user is instructed to create data for displaying the user interface screen of the CRT 10 on the screen of the CRT 10.

The information in the data referred to here means information that can be used by the print data file control unit specified by the user.

Then, the information referred to is judged and transferred to the print data file control unit, and the user interface screen of the print data file control unit is displayed on the CR.
It is displayed on the screen of T10.

FIG. 3 is a view showing an example of a user interface screen displayed on the CRT 10 shown in FIG.
After displaying the data corresponding to the user interface screen of the print data file control unit in the printer driver, the system waits for an operation instruction from a user using a pointing device (not shown).

In FIG. 4, reference numeral 400 denotes an outer frame of a user interface screen provided in the print data control unit, and corresponds to one window frame in an operating system (not shown). It should be noted that reference numerals 401 to 408, which will be described later, indicate display portions of the print data actually stored, in which the contents of all print data files currently stored are displayed.

Reference numeral 401 denotes a file name display portion, in which a file name of data stored in this portion is displayed. Reference numeral 402 denotes an application name display portion of the file, in which an application name of data stored in this portion is displayed. Reference numeral 403 denotes a file page number display portion, in which the number of pages of data stored in this portion is displayed. . Reference numeral 404 denotes a file size display portion on which the file size of data stored in this portion is displayed. Reference numeral 405 denotes a file creation date / time display portion, on which file creation date / time of data stored is displayed.

Reference numeral 406 denotes a scheduled file deletion date and time display portion, on which the scheduled file deletion date and time of the data stored is displayed. Reference numeral 407 denotes a comment display portion in which comments on data stored in this portion are stored. Reference numeral 408 denotes a print designation portion, on which information of a print designation made to data stored in this portion is displayed. It is possible to select the print data to be printed in this part and specify the printing order.

Reference numeral 409 denotes a file detail setting button.
It is used to set the file deletion scheduled date / time 406, comment 407, and print designation 408. When this button is selected, the file detailed setting screen shown in FIG.
Displayed on RT10.

An environment setting button 410 is used to make detailed settings in the print data control unit 304. When this button is selected, an environment setting screen shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the CRT 10.

Reference numeral 411 denotes a print button. When this button is selected, a print data control unit, which will be described later, transfers data to the print control program unit and performs printing based on the information set in the print designation 408 portion. .

The file name 401, application name 402, number of pages 403, file size 4
04 and file creation date and time 405 are information added from the beginning when a print data file is created by the print data generation unit.

Other file deletion scheduled date / time 406, comment 407, and print designation 408 can be entered and selected in the file detailed setting screen shown in FIG. 4 by selecting the detailed setting button 410 with a pointing device or the like.
The setting process becomes possible.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a file detail setting screen displayed on the CRT 10 shown in FIG.
6 is an example of a screen displayed when the user selects the file details setting button 409 of FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 500 denotes an outer frame of the detailed setting screen, which corresponds to one window frame in an operating system (not shown). Reference numeral 501 denotes a known information display portion, on which known information already possessed by the selected print data file is displayed. Reference numeral 502 denotes a file deletion scheduled date / time setting portion, which is normally input with a default value, and can be set to an arbitrary date / time of the user on this screen. In addition, indefinite items can be set for items that are not scheduled to be deleted. The value set in this part will be reflected in the scheduled file deletion date and time after the detailed setting screen ends.

Reference numeral 503 denotes a comment input section for the selected file, which allows the user to input any required character string. The value set in this part is reflected in the file comment 407 after the detailed setting screen is completed. 504
Is a print designation, which allows the user to select and input a desired print format, print order, and the like. The value set in this part is reflected in the print designation 408 after the detailed setting screen is completed.

Reference numeral 505 denotes an OK button for saving and closing only the detailed setting screen. 50
Reference numeral 6 denotes a Cancel button for closing the detailed setting screen without saving.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an environment setting screen displayed on the CRT 10 shown in FIG. 1, and is an example of a screen displayed on the CRT 10 when the environment setting button 410 in FIG. 3 is selected.

In the figure, reference numeral 600 denotes an outer frame of the environment setting screen, which corresponds to one window frame of an operating system (not shown). Reference numeral 601 denotes a default deletion scheduled time setting portion, which can set a default value of a value displayed in the file deletion scheduled date / time setting portion 502 in FIG. Based on the value set in this part, the print data control unit described later calculates the scheduled file deletion date and time from the file creation date and time 405 in FIG. 3 and displays it as a default value in the scheduled file deletion date and time setting part 502 and the scheduled file deletion date and time 406. I do.

Reference numeral 602 denotes a file maximum storage capacity setting portion, which can be arbitrarily set by the user as long as the file storage capacity is free. When the print data created by the print data generation unit described later exceeds this maximum capacity, the print data control unit determines the file deletion schedule date / time setting part 502 and the file deletion schedule date / time 406 that have the largest deletion schedule. It is possible to delete in order from the earliest one.

Reference numeral 603 denotes an OK button for saving and closing only the detailed setting screen. 60
Reference numeral 4 denotes a Cancel button for closing the detailed setting screen without saving.

Hereinafter, the characteristic configuration of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

A data processing device (host computer 3000) capable of communicating with a printing device (printer 1500) via a predetermined communication medium (including a network and an interface) configured as described above, and an arbitrary application program A first instruction unit (instructing on a screen (not shown) from a keyboard 9) to create a print file for print information based on the print information, and analyzing the print information according to a print file creation instruction by the first instruction unit. Generating means for generating a print data file printable by the printing apparatus (external memory 11, ROM
3 and the like, and the CPU 1 executes the control program and performs a generation process); and a storage unit (external memory 11, R) for storing the print data file generated by the generation unit.
AM2) and display control means (CPU 1 for executing a control program stored in ROM 3 and external memory 11 by display control means for displaying a list of print data files stored in the storage means on the display unit (CRT 10). CRT
Display on the CRT 10 via C6), and a second instruction for selecting a file to be printed from the print data file list displayed on the display unit by the display control means.
Instruction means (keyboard 9 or pointing device not shown), and transfer means (CPU 1) for reading out print information corresponding to the file specified by the second instruction means from the storage means and transferring the print information to the printing apparatus.
Executes the control program stored in the ROM 3 and the external memory 11 to perform the transfer process), and analyzes the print information according to a print file creation instruction for the print information based on an arbitrary application program. Since print data files that can be printed are generated and stored, even if any application program is subsequently uninstalled, the print data file can be read out at any time while checking on the screen without any influence. The print management function for printing can be significantly enhanced.

The print data file generated by the generation means has input means (by a keyboard 9 or the like) for inputting a desired comment. The storage means stores the print data file generated by the generation means. Since the desired comment input by the input means is added and stored, the print data file can be managed by externally adding a qualifying comment intended by the user which cannot be added by any application program. It can be used as a guide for searching when displayed.

Further, the storage means (external memory 11
Etc.), a first setting unit (CPU 1 is configured to set a storage expiration date for the print data file stored in the
3, by executing the control program stored in the external memory 11 and setting based on the data input from the keyboard 9), and searching for the storage expiration date of each print data file stored in the storage means. Since there is provided a first file management unit (CPU 1 executes and manages a control program stored in the ROM 3 and the external memory 11) to delete the print data file whose storage expiration date has expired from the storage unit, printing is performed. Even if it is a data file, it will occupy a finite memory capacity, so the subsequent print data file may transition to a state where it can not be stored, but if the expiration date set by the user has elapsed, printing will be automatically performed By deleting the data file, free space can be secured in the memory resource, and the capacity of the memory resource of the print data file by the user can be reduced. It is possible to reduce the administrative burden. Note that the expiration date can be set to “indefinite”.

Further, a second setting means for setting a storage capacity for the print data file stored in the storage means, and a third setting for setting a deletion date and time of the print data file stored in the storage means. Means for monitoring the storage capacity of each print data file stored in the storage means, and when the storage capacity is exceeded, the third setting means in the print data files stored in the storage means. Since it has the second file management means for automatically deleting a print data file having an earlier deletion date and time, even a print data file occupies a finite memory capacity, so that subsequent print data files cannot be stored. The print data file may be automatically deleted if the storage capacity exceeds the storage capacity set by the user. It is possible to ensure the capacity, it is possible to reduce the capacity management burden of the memory resources of the print data file by the user. Of course, it is also possible to keep storing as much as possible of the storage capacity.

Further, sorting means for sorting the print data files listed on the display unit based on the designated items (the CPU 1 executes the control program stored in the ROM 3 and the external memory 11 to perform the sort processing). Therefore, it is possible to search for an item intended by the user while dynamically changing the arrangement of the print data file intended by the user.

The display control means is provided on a print data file list screen displayed on the display section (see FIG. 3).
The screen is switched to an environment setting screen (see FIG. 5) for setting the storage capacity for the storage means by the second setting means and setting the deletion date and time for the print data file by the third setting means based on the instruction of the environment setting item. When the print data file list is displayed, the storage capacity for the related storage means or the deletion date and time for the print data file can be set continuously, and the work efficiency can be improved.

Further, the display control means switches to a file detail setting screen (see FIG. 4) based on a file detail item instruction on the print data file list screen (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display unit. When displaying the print data file list, it is possible to efficiently perform the work of individually confirming the details of each print data file.

Since the input means inputs a desired comment on the file detail setting screen, when displaying the print data file list, the user can check the details of each print data file and input an appropriate or intended comment. The user can arbitrarily input.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a data processing procedure in the print control apparatus according to the present invention.
For example, it corresponds to a data processing procedure by a print data file generation program section, a print data file control program section, and a print data file storage control program section constituting a printer driver which is loaded from the external memory 11 onto the RAM 2 and operates. (1)
(5) shows each step.

First, the CPU 1 which executes the print data file control program and functions as a print data file control unit displays the user interface screen of the print data file control unit shown in FIG.
In the state displayed above, the print button 411 or the file generation instruction state is monitored (1).
When the print instruction based on the instruction is received, the process proceeds to step (5), where the data and control are transferred to the print control program unit, and the print processing is executed.

On the other hand, if "Save File" is set on the printer driver setting screen (not shown) in step (1), the CPU 1 that executes the print data file generation program and functions as a print data file generation unit is required. Information is added to generate a print data file (2).

Next, the generated print data file is transferred to the data storage control program section of the printer driver and stored in a storage area secured on the external memory 11, for example (3).

The print data file stored in the storage area of the external memory 11 can be referred to by the print data file control program section of the printer driver.

Next, the print data file stored in the storage area of the external memory 11 based on the instruction on the user interface screen (FIGS. 3, 4 and 5) managed by the print data control program section of the print driver. (4), when a print instruction is issued, the corresponding print data file is delivered to the print control program unit based on the information set in the print data file control unit (5), and the process returns. Thereafter, the print data is transferred to the printer 1500 and subjected to print processing.

Hereinafter, the characteristic configuration of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

A data processing method of a data processing device (host computer 3000) capable of communicating with the printing device (1500) via a predetermined communication medium configured as described above, or via a predetermined communication medium A storage medium storing a program readable by a computer that controls a data processing device capable of communicating with a printing device, the first medium instructing creation of a print file for print information created by executing an arbitrary application program.
(Step (1) in FIG. 6) and a generation step (FIG. 6) that analyzes the print information in accordance with the print file creation instruction in the first instruction step and generates a print data file printable by the printing apparatus (FIG. Step 6 (1))
A storage step of storing the print data file generated in the generation step in a memory resource (step (1) in FIG. 6); and a list of print data files stored in the memory resource in the storage step (see FIG. 3). And a second instruction step of selecting and instructing a file to be printed from the print data file list displayed on the display unit by the display step (step (4) in FIG. 6). )) And a transfer step (step (5) in FIG. 6) of reading out print information corresponding to the file specified by the second specifying step from the memory resource and transferring the print information to the printing apparatus. The printing device analyzes the print information according to a print file creation instruction for the print information based on an arbitrary application program, and the printing device can print. Since the print data file is generated and stored, even if any application program is subsequently uninstalled, the print data file is read and printed as needed while checking the print data file on the screen without any influence. Management functions can be significantly enhanced.

Hereinafter, the configuration of a data processing program that can be read by a printing system to which the print control apparatus according to the present invention can be applied will be described with reference to a memory map shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a memory map of a storage medium for storing various data processing programs that can be read by a printing system to which the data processing device according to the present invention can be applied.

Although not shown, information for managing a group of programs stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, a creator and the like are also stored, and information dependent on the OS or the like on the program reading side, for example, An icon or the like for identification display may also be stored.

Further, data dependent on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, a program for installing various programs on a computer or a program for decompressing a program to be installed when the program to be installed is compressed may be stored.

The functions shown in FIG. 6 in this embodiment may be executed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when a group of information including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Things.

As described above, the storage medium storing the program codes of the software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or the apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MP) of the system or the apparatus is supplied.
It goes without saying that the object of the present invention is also achieved when U) reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

Examples of the storage medium for supplying the program code include a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, and C
DR, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, RO
M, EEPROM and the like can be used.

Further, when the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) And the like perform part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the program code is read based on the instruction of the program code. The CPU provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

According to the above embodiment, the following configuration is provided. That is, it includes a printer control program unit, a print data file generation unit, a print data file storage control unit, and a print data file control unit.

In such a configuration, the print data file generating section adds print data generated by the printer driver to various information usable in the print data file control section, and generates a print data file.

In this configuration, the print data file storage control section enables the print data generated by the print data file generation section to be stored in the storage area.

In such a configuration, the printer data file control unit enables the data generated by the print data file generation unit to be displayed on the screen with reference to information on each data.

In this configuration, when the printer control program unit receives an instruction to perform printing from the print data file control unit, the printer control program unit can transmit the necessary print information in the previously generated print data file to the printer and perform printing. To do.

There is provided a means for holding the generated print data in an external memory even after printing is completed. Even if a necessary document uses a plurality of application software, the held print data for each application can be stored. , Can be arbitrarily rearranged, the work after printing is reduced, and the output result intended by the user is obtained. The purpose is to provide users with different conveniences.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has means for holding the print data generated as described above in an external memory even after printing is completed. It is possible to perform printing even when there is no such application software, and to provide users with different conveniences.

[0094]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the invention, there is provided a data processing apparatus capable of communicating with a printing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the first instruction means instructs creation of a print file for print information based on an arbitrary application program; Generating means for analyzing the print information in accordance with a print file creation instruction by the first instruction means to generate a print data file printable by the printing apparatus; storage means for storing the print data file generated by the generation means; A display control unit for displaying a list of print data files stored in the storage unit on a display unit, and a second instruction for selecting and instructing a file to be printed from the print data file list displayed on the display unit by the display control unit. And print information corresponding to the file specified by the second instruction means. Transfer means for reading from the means and transferring the print information to the printing apparatus, the print information is analyzed in accordance with a print file creation instruction for the print information based on an arbitrary application program, and a print data file printable by the printing apparatus is generated. Therefore, even if a certain application program is uninstalled afterwards, a print management function that reads and prints the print data file at any time while checking it on the screen without any influence is significantly improved. Can be strengthened.

According to the second invention, there is provided input means for inputting a desired comment to the print data file generated by the generation means, and the storage means stores the print data file generated by the generation means in the print data file. Since the desired comment input by the input means is added and stored, the print data file can be managed by externally adding a qualifying comment intended by the user which cannot be added by any application program. It can be used as a guide for searching when displayed.

According to the third invention, the first setting means for setting the storage expiration date for the print data file stored in the storage means, and the storage validity of each print data file stored in the storage means. A first file management unit for searching for an expiration date and deleting the print data file whose storage expiration date has expired from the storage unit.
Even if it is a print data file, it will occupy a finite memory capacity, so the following print data file may transition to a state where it can not be stored, but automatically after the expiration date set by the user, By deleting the print data file, it is possible to secure a free space in the memory resource, and it is possible to reduce the burden on the user of managing the memory resource capacity of the print data file.

According to the fourth invention, the second setting means for setting the storage capacity for the print data file stored in the storage means, and the deletion date and time of the print data file stored in the storage means are set. Third setting means for setting, and monitoring the storage capacity of each print data file stored in the storage means, and when the storage capacity is exceeded, the print data files stored in the storage means are stored in the print data files. Since the third setting means has a second file management means for automatically deleting the print data file having the earlier deletion date and time, the print data file occupies a finite memory capacity. May change to a state where storage is not possible, but if the storage capacity set by the user is exceeded, the print data file is automatically deleted and Mori resources it is possible to ensure a free space, it is possible to reduce the capacity management burden of the memory resources of the print data file by the user.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the print data files listed on the display unit are sorted based on the designated item. Therefore, the arrangement of the print data files intended by the user can be dynamically changed. The user can search for the item intended by the user while changing to.

According to the sixth aspect, the display control means is configured to store the storage capacity for the storage means by the second setting means based on an environment setting item instruction on the print data file list screen displayed on the display unit. Is switched to an environment setting screen for setting the date and time of deletion of the print data file by the third setting means. When the print data file list is displayed, the storage capacity of the related storage means is set or the deletion date and time of the print data file is set. Settings can be made continuously, and work efficiency can be improved.

According to the seventh aspect, the display control means switches to the file detail setting screen based on a file detail item instruction on the print data file list screen displayed on the display unit. At the time of display, the operation of individually confirming details of each print data file can be efficiently performed.

According to the eighth aspect, the input means inputs a desired comment on the file detail setting screen. Therefore, at the time of displaying a list of print data files, it is possible to confirm the details of each print data file while checking the details. The user can arbitrarily input a desired or intended comment.

According to the ninth and tenth aspects of the present invention, there is provided a data processing method of a data processing device capable of communicating with a printing device via a predetermined communication medium, or communicating with a printing device via a predetermined communication medium. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program for controlling a possible data processing apparatus, wherein a first instruction step of instructing creation of a print file for print information created by executing an arbitrary application program; Generating a print data file that can be printed by the printing apparatus by analyzing the print information in accordance with a print file creation instruction in the first instruction step; and storing the print data file generated in the creation step in a memory resource. A storage step of storing and a list of print data files stored in the memory resource by the storage step are displayed. A display step of displaying on the display unit, a second instruction step of selecting and instructing a file to be printed from the print data file list displayed on the display unit by the display step, and an instruction of the second instruction step. Transferring the print information corresponding to the file from the memory resource and transferring the read information to the printing apparatus.
The print information is analyzed according to a print file creation instruction for print information based on an arbitrary application program, and the printing apparatus generates and stores a printable print data file. Thereafter, the arbitrary application program is uninstalled. Even if a situation occurs, the print management function of reading and printing the print data file as needed while checking the print data file on the screen without any influence can be remarkably enhanced.

Therefore, regardless of the installation state of the application, it is possible to effectively manage a print data file which can be read from the memory resource at any time and can be subjected to print processing.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing an output device to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system to which the data processing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface screen displayed on the CRT shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of a file detail setting screen displayed on the CRT shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an environment setting screen displayed on the CRT shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data processing procedure in the data processing device according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by a printing system to which the data processing device according to the present invention can be applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 CPU 2 RAM 3 ROM 10 CRT 11 External memory 12 CPU 13 ROM 19 RAM 21 Bidirectional interface 1501 Operation panel

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A data processing device capable of communicating with a printing device via a predetermined communication medium, comprising: first instruction means for instructing creation of a print file for print information based on an arbitrary application program; Generating means for analyzing the print information in accordance with a print file creation instruction by the instruction means to generate a print data file printable by the printing apparatus; storage means for storing the print data file generated by the generation means; A display control unit for displaying a list of print data files stored in the storage unit on a display unit, and a second instruction for selecting and instructing a file to be printed from the print data file list displayed on the display unit by the display control unit. Instruction means; and print information corresponding to the file specified by the second instruction means. And a transfer unit for reading from the stacking unit and transferring the read data to the printing apparatus. 2. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: input means for inputting a desired comment to a print data file generated by said generating means, wherein said storage means inputs said comment to said print data file generated by said generating means. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said desired comment is added and stored.
The data processing device according to claim 1. A first setting unit for setting a storage expiration date for the print data file stored in the storage unit; and searching for a storage expiration date of each print data file stored in the storage unit. 2. The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: first file management means for deleting a print data file whose storage expiration date has expired from said storage means. 4. A second setting means for setting a storage capacity for the print data file stored in the storage means, and a third setting for setting a deletion date and time of the print data file stored in the storage means. Means for monitoring the storage capacity of each print data file stored in the storage means, and when the storage capacity is exceeded, the third setting means in each print data file stored in the storage means 2. The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a second file management unit that automatically deletes a print data file having an earlier deletion date and time. 5. The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a sorting unit that sorts the print data files listed on the display unit based on designated items. 6. The display control means sets a storage capacity for the storage means by a second setting means based on an environment setting item instruction on a print data file list screen displayed on the display unit, and sets a third storage capacity. 2. The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the screen is switched to an environment setting screen for setting a deletion date and time for a print data file by a setting unit. 7. The data processing according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit switches to a file detail setting screen based on a file detail item instruction on a print data file list screen displayed on the display unit. apparatus. 8. The data processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the input unit inputs a desired comment on the file detail setting screen. 9. A data processing method for a data processing device capable of communicating with a printing device via a predetermined communication medium, comprising: a first instruction step of instructing creation of a print file for print information based on an arbitrary application program; Generating a print data file printable by the printing apparatus by analyzing the print information according to a print file creation instruction in the first instruction step; and storing the print data file generated in the generation step in a memory resource. A display step of displaying a list of print data files stored in the memory resources by the storage step on a display unit; and printing from the print data file list displayed on the display unit by the display step. A second instruction step of selecting and instructing a file to be performed; Transferring the print information corresponding to the file from the memory resource and transferring the read print information to the printing apparatus. 10. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program for controlling a data processing apparatus capable of communicating with a printing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, the program being created by executing an arbitrary application program. A first instructing step of instructing creation of a print file for print information; and a generating step of analyzing the print information in accordance with a print file creation instruction in the first instructing step and creating a print data file printable by the printing apparatus. A storage step of storing a print data file generated in the generation step in a memory resource; a display step of displaying a list of print data files stored in the memory resource in the storage step on a display unit; File to be printed from the print data file list displayed on the display unit A second instruction step of selecting and instructing; and a transfer step of reading print information corresponding to the file designated by the second instruction step from the memory resource and transferring the print information to the printing apparatus. Storage medium storing a computer-readable program to be executed.