JP2000066851A - Image forming system, computer readable recording medium recording a print condition setting program, print job converting device and computer readable recording medium recording print job conversion program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image print system capable of providing the same result according to the same indication in spite of the type of a printer. SOLUTION: Concerning the image print system for printing out image data through a printer 30, this system has a personal computer 10 for setting print conditions at the time of printing out the image data, applying an identification name to these conditions and executing a software for applying and outputting a print condition setting utility to be outputted and image data to be printed out and a printer server 20 for receiving the print conditions and image data, storing them and converting data so as to print out the image data of the same identification name as the stored print conditions according to the print conditions of the same name.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming system for printing out image data according to arbitrarily set print conditions, a computer-readable recording medium storing a print condition setting program, a print job conversion device, And a computer-readable recording medium recording a print job conversion program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Computers and printers are indispensable office equipment in general offices. In recent years, with the speeding up of printer output, the same document has been output in multiple copies. There are two types of output modes for such a plurality of copies: a format in which copies are output in units of copies, and a format in which pages of a plurality of copies are output instead of copies.

For example, in the case of printing three copies of a document consisting of three pages in which one copy of document data is "1-2-3", the output in copies is "1-2-3". ,
In this mode, “1-2-3” and “1-2-3” are output in page order for each copy. On the other hand, the output which is not a copy unit is the same as "1-1-1-2-2-2-3-3-3" when printing three copies of a document having "1-2-3" as one copy.
3 "and three pages of each page are output.

The setting of conditions for printing a plurality of copies is performed on a print instruction screen of document creation application software executed on a computer to which the printer is connected. By selecting whether or not to output in units, a desired output form is indicated.

[0005]

However, some printers have an output form that does not match the print instruction from the document creation application software as described above.

For example, in a certain printer, using the above example, if an instruction is given in units of a set, "1-2-3", "1-2-3", "1 -2-
Although the output results of three copies arranged in page order are obtained as “3”, the same applies to “1-2-3”, “1-2-3”, "1-2-
There is a case where three copies are output in the order of "3" (referred to as a first model). Of course, in another printer, a print result of three copies arranged in page order is obtained when the copy is set as instructed, and a print result in which the same page is prepared for the number of copies when the copy is not made is set (this is referred to as a second model). ).

The reason why the output form differs depending on the printer model is due to the difference in the print data processing method inside the printer.

The reason why such a difference occurs will be described. The print data output from the document creation application software is output after three pieces of data are created by the application software itself in the case of specific application software, and in the case of printing in sets, in the case of printout. In the above example, in the state where three parts of data are arranged in advance in the page order, [1-2-3-1-2-3-1-2-3],
This is output as one job. On the other hand, in the case of a print that is not a copy unit, image data for one copy and information on the number of output copies are output. In the above example, image data for one copy “1-2-3” and “ The output copy number data “3 copies” is output to the printer.

First, in the case of the first type of printer, in which the output is arranged in page order even in the case of prints not in copies, in the case of output in copies, the data for one job corresponds to the number of copies to be output in advance. In order to receive the data of one job arranged in page order, this is referred to as “1-2-3-1-2”.
… ”Are arranged in page order. However, when the first model printer receives one copy of image data and copy number information as data output in response to an instruction that the copy number is not set, the copy number information and the image data are temporarily stored in the internal memory of the printer. Then, since output is performed based on the stored copy number information, data for each copy is output for the number of copies. As a result, “1-2-3-1-2” is output.
... ", which is the same result as printing in copies.

On the other hand, in the case of a printer of the second model, in the case of printing in sets, a plurality of sets of data which have become one job are received and output as they are as described above. Is the same as the first model,
In the case of printing that is not a copy unit, only the copy number information is stored, and the transmitted image data is output for each page for the stored copy number. That is, when the first page is sent, it is output for the number of copies, and then the second page is output again for the number of copies. Street "1-1-1-2-
2 -... "is printed.

As described above, depending on the type of the printer, if the result is as specified or not, it is difficult for the user to use the printer.
This problem is particularly serious when a plurality of computers and a plurality of printers are connected via a network, such as in a LAN environment, and it is necessary to confirm a printer to be used one by one before issuing a print instruction. This is very annoying.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an image printing system which can obtain the same result by the same instruction operation regardless of the printer model.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a computer-readable recording medium storing a print condition setting program for setting and outputting print conditions so that the same print result can be obtained by the same instruction operation. To provide.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a print job conversion apparatus for obtaining the same result regardless of the type of printer by the same instruction operation, and a computer readable storage of print job conversion. It is to provide a recording medium.

[0015]

The object of the present invention is achieved by the following means.

(1) An image printing system for printing out image data by a printer, comprising: printing condition setting means for setting printing conditions for printing out image data; and printing condition setting means for setting the printing conditions. Print condition output means for giving an identification name to the print conditions and outputting the image data, image data output means for giving an identification name to the image data to be printed out and outputting the image data, and print conditions output from the print condition output means And print condition storage means for storing the image data, image data output by the image data output means, and image data storage means for storing the image data, and the print condition storage means. The image data having the same identification name as the printing condition is converted according to the printing condition with the same name. Image print system comprising: the printing means for printing out, a.

(2) A computer-readable recording medium in which a program for setting print conditions for printing out image data by a printer is recorded, and print condition setting for setting conditions for printing out image data. A computer-readable recording medium storing a print condition setting program, comprising: a print condition setting program for outputting a print condition set by the print condition setting procedure with an identification name added thereto.

(3) A print job conversion apparatus for converting a print job transmitted to a printer in accordance with print conditions set separately from the print job, and receives a print condition with an identification name. do it,
Printing condition storage means for storing the same, receiving means for receiving a print job transmitted to the printer,
It is determined whether or not the print condition stored in the print condition storage means includes a print condition having the same identification name as that of the job attached to the print job received by the reception means. Means for determining
When the determination unit determines that the print condition having the same identification name as the identification name of the received print job is stored, the print job received based on the print condition having the same identification name is stored. If the print job is converted by the job conversion unit, the converted print job is identified by the determination unit with the same identification name as that of the received print job. A job output unit for outputting the received print job to the printer when it is determined that the print condition having the name is not stored;
A print job conversion device, comprising:

(4) A computer-readable storage medium storing a print job conversion program for converting a print job transmitted to a printer in accordance with printing conditions set separately from the print job, and After receiving the print conditions with the name,
A print condition storing procedure for storing the print condition in a storage means in the computer, a reception procedure for receiving a print job transmitted to a printer, and a print condition stored in the storage means, A determining step of determining whether or not a print condition having the same identifier as that of the job attached to the received print job is stored; and determining, by the determining step, the same identifier as that of the received print job. A job conversion step of converting the received print job based on the print condition having the same identification name when it is determined that the print condition having the identification name is stored; and When the conversion is performed, the converted print job and the received print A job output procedure for outputting a received print job to a printer when it is determined that print conditions having the same identifier as the print job's identifier are not stored. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program.

[0020]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG.
An embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network computer system to which the present invention is applied. In this network computer system, a plurality of client computers 10, a printer server computer 20, and a digital copier 30
0, which is a system based on a general LAN environment.

The digital copying machine 30 used here
Is a multifunction peripheral having a function as a printer for performing printing in accordance with an instruction from the client computer 10 and a function as a facsimile connected to an external telephone line (not shown), in addition to the function as a copying machine. However, the function of the printer may be either the first model or the second model described above, and is not particularly limited.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of the digital copying machine 30.
Is shown in the block diagram of FIG. The digital copier 30 includes an image reader unit (IR) 36 for reading a document image used in a copier or facsimile transmission, a document image read by the image reader unit 36, an image received by facsimile, and a printer server computer. 2
An electrophotographic printer unit (PRT) 37 for printing out an image transmitted from the printer 0, a plurality of trays for stacking the printed sheets separately for each set, and a stapling process for each set. A post-processing device 39 having a stapling device, controlling these components, and
Enlarge / reduce the image to be printed out, or Ni
CPU that executes n1 printing and other image processing
31, a memory 32 for temporarily storing image data for processing by the CPU 31, an operation panel 38, an interface unit (IU) 33 for transferring data to and from the printer server computer 20, and a control program for a copying machine And a hard disk drive (HDD) 35 for storing data and programs. The hard disk drive (HDD) 35 stores programs necessary for image processing and printout processing.
By reading this program as appropriate, processes necessary for image processing and printout are executed. The hard disk drive 35 stores image data when receiving a large amount of image data or the like.

The function of the digital copying machine 30 is firstly a function as a copying machine, and the original image of the copy source read by the image reader unit 36 is stored in the memory 32,
Copy output for the number of copies input from the operation panel 38 is performed by the printer unit 37. Second, a function as a printer is performed by the printer unit 37 based on print data and print mode information (described later) sent from the printer server computer 20 and according to various conditions set by the print mode information. This is for printing. Third, a function as a facsimile, in which image data received by a G3 facsimile unit connected to a telephone line (not shown) is printed out by the printer unit 37.

The digital copier 30 has functions of image processing at the time of printout, such as image enlargement / reduction, double-sided printing, and a function of printing a plurality of images such as two pages and four pages on one sheet of paper. Nin1), and the post-processing device 39 has a function of sorting and stapling printed sheets in units of parts.

The client computer 10 and the printer server computer 20 are so-called personal computers, UN
This is a computer called an IX system or the like.
Since the client computer 10 and the printer server computer 20 are already widely used, a detailed description thereof will be omitted, and the schematic configuration in the case where a personal computer is used as the client computer 10 is shown in FIG. This will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG.

An ordinary personal computer has a CPU for executing processing.
11, a RAM 12 used for expanding data when executing a program, a ROM 13 storing a boot system required when starting up a personal computer, and a display 19
VRA that expands image data to display an image on top
M14, a hard disk drive (HDD) 15 storing programs and various data, a display device 19 for performing various displays, a keyboard 21 and a mouse 22 for inputting characters and instructions, and a network 50 for transmitting and receiving data. Interface circuit (I / F) 16 and the like. In many cases, such a personal computer reads and writes a recording medium such as a floppy disk or a CD-ROM (C).
A floppy disk drive (FDD) 17 and a CD-ROM drive (CDROMD) 18 for reading only the D-ROM) are provided.

The difference when such a personal computer is used for the client computer 10 and the printer server computer 20 is the function of the application software executed on the personal computer.
The basic configuration is almost the same except for the processing speed of the PU and the storage capacity of the HDD. In some cases, the exact same thing is used.
When such a personal computer is used as the client computer 10, only the network line 50 is connected to the interface circuit 16. However, when such a personal computer is used as the printer server computer 20, In addition to the line, an interface circuit for transferring data to and from the digital copying machine 30 is provided.

FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are drawings for explaining the print sequence. Here, after the user instructs printing on the client computer 10,
A procedure up to printing out by the digital copying machine 30 will be described.

Here, the client computer 10 includes document creation application software, a printer driver for transmitting print data corresponding to the printer function of the digital copying machine 30, and document creation application software and a printer driver. A print add-on mode setting utility for setting arbitrary print conditions is installed.

First, a user creates and edits a target document using document creation application software operating on the client computer 10 (S1).
The document creation application software is usually stored in the hard disk 15, and is loaded into the RAM 12 when needed by the user and executed by being controlled by the CPU 11. At this time, the document layout, print instruction information, and the like are displayed on the display 19. In addition, user's character input, image editing, print instruction, and the like are performed from the keyboard 21 and the mouse 22, and the information is notified to the CPU 11 and processed.

Next, when printing out the created document, first, before registering a print instruction by the printer driver, a print operation is performed to register arbitrary print conditions in the printer server computer 20. Start the add-on mode setting utility (S
2) The print conditions are set (S3). The print add-on mode setting utility is started by loading the software of the print add-on mode setting utility installed in the hard disk in the client computer 10 into the RAM 12 in advance. The print conditions (referred to as print add-on mode information) set here are given the same identification name as the print job for transferring the image data. Note that this identification name is composed of the document name of the document created and edited by the document creation application software that normally issues a print instruction and the name of the client computer that issues the print instruction, and is used when the print add-on mode setting utility is started. Is passed from the document creation application software to the print add-on mode setting utility.

The setting of the print add-on mode information is performed from the setting screens shown in FIGS. Items to be set can be set together with a print mode that cannot be set by the document creation application software or the printer driver, and an item that can be set by the printer driver described later. Specifically, as items that can be set by the printer driver as the first screen shown in FIG. 6, for example, a paper size (Paper Size) 51, a paper feed port (P
aper Source) 52, Resolution (Graphics Resolution) 5
3. Media Type 54, Number of Copies 5
5, the number of pages per copy (Pages) 56, whether or not to print a copy (Collate) 57, the paper orientation (Orientati
on) 58, etc., and by pressing the “Advanced” button 61 on the first screen,
In order to use the specific functions provided in the digital copying machine 30 as detailed settings, the second screen shown in FIG. 6 is displayed, and duplex printing (Duplex) 64 is performed, and sorting and stapling processing are performed in units of copies. Finisher 6 for
5. A layout setting (Layout) 66 such as inserting two or more pages on one side of one sheet (Nin1) is performed.

The settings made by the print add-on mode setting utility are stored as print add-on mode information in the printer server computer 2.
0 and registered in the printer server computer 20 (S4). When the print add-on mode information is normally registered, the printer server computer 20 notifies the client computer 10 that the registration has been completed.

Next, referring to FIG. 5, an instruction to start the printer driver is issued from the document creation application software running on the client computer (S12). The printer driver acquires document data from the document creation application software and converts the document data into a specific page description language.
0 and the status of the registered job are communicated with the printer server computer 20 and acquired.

In response to the status request from the printer driver, the printer server computer 20 communicates with the digital copying machine 30 to obtain the status of the digital copying machine,
0 and the state of the job spooled on the hard disk.
Notify 0.

In the printer driver, a normal print mode is set on the setting screen (S13). However, when the print condition is set by the print add-on mode setting utility, it is not necessary to set the detailed condition again by the printer driver. Number of copies, number of pages per copy,
Only the three conditions of whether or not printing should be performed in copies need only be the same as those set by the print add-on mode setting utility.

The print mode information set by the printer driver includes, when the printer driver is started, an identification name consisting of a document name and a client computer name in the same manner as when the print add-on mode setting utility is started. It is passed to the printer driver and stored in normal print mode information created by the printer driver. Note that this identification name becomes the job name for determining the print job as it is.

Next, print start is instructed from the document creation application software (S14). Thereby, the printer driver transmits the print mode information set by the printer driver and the image data converted into the page description language to the printer server computer 20.

Next, the printer server computer 20 that has received the print mode information and the image data, as described later in detail, stores the print add-on mode information transmitted from the print add-on mode setting utility and stored. Replaces the print mode information sent from the printer driver with the print add-on mode information of the same identification name. Then, the image data is rasterized into bitmap data (S1).
5). However, when the Nin1 print is specified as the layout, the Nin1 print of the digital copying machine 30 is performed.
Use features.

Thereafter, the rasterized image data is spooled on a hard disk in the printer server computer 20 (S16). As a result, even if there is another print job, a print request from the client controller 10 can be accepted while waiting for printing.

On the other hand, when the printer driver on the client computer 10 finishes transferring all the print data from the document creation application software to the printer server computer 20, it activates the status information display application software (S1).
8).

Next, the printer server computer 20 transfers the spooled print job and print mode information to the digital copying machine 30 at an appropriate timing. Then, the digital copying machine 30 prints out according to the received print mode information (S1).
7).

Upon completion of printing, the digital copying machine 30 notifies the printer server computer 20 of the completion of printing as status information. The printer server computer 20 receives this notification, updates the information in its own job management table, and notifies the client computer 10 of the print end.

Then, the client computer 10 displays the print end on the display 19 of the client computer 10 by the activated status display application software (S1).
9).

The above is the schematic procedure from the print instruction to the printout. Hereinafter, the operation of each unit will be further described in detail.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the operation procedure of the print add-on mode setting utility.

First, a variable Pg indicating the number of pages input as one copy of page information is cleared to zero (S31).

Next, the first screen shown in FIG. 6 is displayed as an initial window (S32). Then, it is determined which button on the screen has been pressed (actually, the mouse pointer on the display is positioned at each button position on the displayed screen and the mouse is clicked) (S3).
3).

If it is determined in step S33 that the pressed button is the "Cancel" button 60, the initial window is closed (S35), and the print add-on mode setting utility ends.

Next, if it is determined in step S33 that the "OK" button 59 has been pressed, it is determined whether the advanced setting and the number of copies are two or more (S).
41) If the advanced setting is made and the number of copies is 2 or more, an input window for inputting the number of pages per copy is displayed on the first screen, and the To enter the number of pages (S4
2). This display is continued until the input of the number of pages is completed and the “OK” button 59 is further pressed (S43). Then, the number of pages is input and "O
When the “K” button 59 is pressed, the setting is validated (S4
4), the number of pages input to the variable Pg is stored (S4).
5).

On the other hand, when the processing of steps S42 to S45 is completed, or when it is determined in step S41 that the advanced setting is made and the number of copies is not two or more, the initial window is closed (S35). Exit the print add-on mode setting utility.

Next, if it is determined in step S33 that the "Advanced" button 61 has been pressed, the second screen shown in FIG. 7 is displayed (S51).
After setting various functions on this second screen,
When the "OK" button 67 is pressed (S52), the contents set in the RAM 12 to make this setting effective are stored (S53). Although not shown in the flow chart shown in FIG. 8, when the cancel button 68 is pressed on the second screen, the second screen is closed, and when the help button 69 is pressed, help display is performed.

Next, in step S33, "Help"
If it is determined that the (Help) button 62 has been pressed, a help screen for print settings is displayed (S61). When it is determined that the "About" button 63 has been pressed, the application software information of the print add-on mode setting utility is displayed (S71).

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the printer driver activated in response to a print instruction operation from the client computer 10.

First, when a print instruction is issued on the document creation application software, a printer driver starts. Then, the activated printer driver acquires a status from the printer server (S101). If necessary, the print mode is set on the print mode setting screen of the printer driver (S10).
2). Then, the print data from the document creation application software is converted into a page description language and transferred to the printer server computer 20 as one job together with the print mode information (S103).

FIG. 10 is a subroutine flowchart showing a routine for transferring the print mode information and image data after the page description language conversion. First, the print mode information set by the printer driver is transferred to the printer server (S105). At this time, if there is a print instruction for a plurality of copies, the information on the number of copies is also included in the print mode information. Next, it is determined whether or not to print in copies (S106), and in the case of a copy, it is determined whether or not the number of copies exceeds one (S107).
If the number of copies exceeds 1, image data from the document creation application software is arranged in page order for the number of copies, and the image data is transferred to the printer server computer 20 as one job (S108). The image data of one job transferred here is, for example, one copy of “1”.
-2-3 ", and when three copies are printed in units of one copy, the data of one job is" 1--3 ".
2-3-1-2-3-1-2-3 "and three parts of image data are arranged in page order.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S106 that printing is not performed in copies, and in step S107.
If it is determined that the number of copies does not exceed 1, the image data for one copy is transferred to the printer server computer 20 as one job (S109).

Next, the operation of the printer server computer 20 will be described.

FIG. 11 shows the printer server computer 2
9 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure at 0.

First, initial settings necessary for normal processing are performed (S201). Then, set the internal timer (S
202), the communication port for the print add-on mode setting utility and the printer driver is checked (S203). Next, the communication port with the digital copying machine 30 is checked (S204). After waiting for the end of the internal timer, the process returns to step S202 (S20).
5).

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for checking the communication port with the print add-on mode setting utility and the printer driver in step S203.

First, it is checked whether or not there is received data (S211). If it is determined that there is no received data, the process returns to the main routine shown in FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is received data,
Next, the type of the received data is determined (S212).

If it is determined in step S212 that the received data is print add-on mode information, the received print add-on mode information is registered (S221), and notification that the reception has been completed is sent (S221).
222).

If the received data is a status request in step S212, the digital copier 3
A status of 0 is transmitted (S231).

If the received data is print mode information and image data from the printer driver in step S212, the received print mode information and image data are stored (S241).

Then, the image data is rasterized (S242) and spooled (S243). Here, in the rasterization, the received image data is rasterized only once for each page.

Next, it is determined whether or not the registered print add-on mode information includes print add-on mode information having the same job name (identification name) as the job name (identification name) of the image data received from the printer driver. A determination is made (S244). If there is print add-on mode information having the same job name, the add-on flag is set to 1 to indicate this (S351), and the print add-on mode information is stored in the print mode in the print job received from the printer driver. The information is written in the information, and the print mode information as the print job is replaced (S252). Then, the used print add-on mode information is deleted (S253).

Next, a job registration request is written to the communication port of the digital copying machine 30 (S246).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S244 that there is no print add-on mode information having the same job name as the job name of the image data received from the printer driver, the add-on flag is set to 0 to indicate this.
(S245), and write the job registration request to the communication port of the digital copying machine 30 as it is (S246).

Here, the exchange of the print add-on mode information and the print mode information from the printer driver will be described.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a data structure of image data to which print add-on mode information and print mode information from a printer driver are added.

As shown in FIG. 13A, the print add-on mode information is independent data by itself, and is registered in the memory or the hard disk of the printer server computer 20 as it is. On the other hand, the print mode information from the printer driver is stored in the memory or the hard disk of the printer server computer 20 as print job data accompanied by image data, as shown in FIG. 13B.

The data structures of the print add-on mode information and the print mode information from the printer driver are the same, so that the digital copying machine 30 that receives these data can decode the data. In the present embodiment, each data item is a digital copier 30.
Job data (document name and client name), which is an identification name for identifying each data, as shown in the figure. Computer name), number of copies, number of pages, paper size, single / double-sided, Nin1, staple, print direction, job offset, and the like. In this embodiment, the print add-on mode information and the print mode information from the printer driver have the same contents as shown in the figure. However, the print add-on mode information may include items that cannot be set by the printer driver. .

If the print add-on mode information has the same job name as the print mode information from the printer driver, the print add-on mode information is written in the print mode information portion with the image data. Then, these pieces of information are exchanged. As a result, the print mode information transferred to the digital copier becomes the print add-on mode information set by the print add-on mode setting utility, and the digital copier 30 performs printing in accordance with the print conditions set by the print add-on mode setting utility. Will be.

The above is the process of checking the communication port with the print add-on mode setting utility and the printer driver.

Next, the communication port check with the digital copying machine 30 in step S204 will be described.

FIG. 14 is a subroutine flowchart of a communication port check with the digital copying machine 30.

First, it is checked whether or not there is received data (S301). If it is determined that there is no received data, the process returns to the main routine shown in FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is received data,
Next, the type of the received data is determined (S302).

If it is determined in step S302 that the received data is status information from the digital copying machine 30, the received status information is stored (S311).

In step S302, if the received data is a signal permitting job registration, the add-on flag is checked to determine whether it is 1 (S32).
1). Here, when the add-on flag is not 1 (that is, the add-on flag is 0), the stored print mode information is transferred to the digital copying machine 30 as a normal print operation (S361), and then the image data is transferred. (S362), the job registration end is output (S36).
3) Return to the main routine.

On the other hand, when the add-on flag is 1, the print mode information portion is first transferred to the digital copying machine (S322). At this time, the copy number information in the print mode information to be transferred is transferred as one copy. Here, the copy number information in the print mode information to be transferred is set to one copy, regardless of whether printing is performed for each copy or when each page is printed by the number of copies, by a process described later. This is because the same processing is performed when viewed from the copying machine 30. However, the copy number information itself in the stored print mode information is left as it is without being rewritten. This is because the copy number information actually requested by the client computer to be printed is held in the printer server computer 20. It is.

Next, the print mode information is analyzed to determine whether or not to print in copies (S32).
3). Then, it is determined whether the value of the variable Pg indicating the number of pages per copy exceeds 0 (S324).

If Pg exceeds 0, the variable n is cleared to zero (S325).
It is determined whether or not g is equal to n (S326).
If g is not the same as n, one page of image data is transferred to the digital copying machine 30 (S327). After the transfer of the image data, the variable n is incremented by 1 (S328). Step S
Returning to 326, S326-S
The process of 328 is repeated.

If it is determined in step S326 that n and Pg are the same, the transfer of one copy of the job is completed, so that the registration of the job is instructed to instruct the end of one job. The data is output (S331). Then, the number of copies information is reduced by 1 (S332), and it is determined whether or not the number of copies exceeds 0 (S333). If it exceeds, a new job registration request is issued to output the next copy (S332).
334). Then, the print mode information with the number of copies information set to 1 is output to the digital copying machine 30 again (S33).
5) Return to step S325, execute steps S325 to S328, and output the next part. On the other hand, if the number of copies does not exceed 0 in step S333, the output of all copies has been completed, and the process returns to the main routine.

In the processing of steps S325 to S335, when a print instruction for a plurality of copies is issued together with a print instruction for each copy, the plurality of copies are divided into one job based on the number of pages per copy. This is the process to perform. By this processing, for example, when there is an instruction to print three copies of document data consisting of three pages of “1-2-3”, “1-2-3-1-2-3-3” in which one job continues
Even if the data is “1-2-3”, the job is divided into one job for each copy, so that the digital copying machine 30 can appropriately execute processes such as stapling and sorting, double-sided printing, and Nin1 printing in copies. Become like

On the other hand, in step S324, P
If it is determined that g is not larger than 0, the image data is sequentially transferred to the digital copying machine 30 for each page (S341). After the transfer, the end of the job registration in the digital copier 30 is output (S342), and the process returns to the main routine.

Here, the case where it is determined that Pg is not larger than 0, that is, the case where the variable Pg indicating the number of pages per copy is 0, this is one copy. This is not the case where there is no hit page (there is no image data to be printed), but the case where the number of pages has not been input during the setting made by the print add-on mode setting utility described above. In such a case, since the division processing for each copy based on the number of pages in steps S325 to S355 cannot be performed, the processing in steps S324 to S325 is performed here.
The image data received from the client computer 10 is directly output to a digital copying machine.

Next, when it is determined in step S323 that the print is not a print in copies, the image data for one page is copied by the number of prints specified and transferred to the digital copier 30 (S351). ).
Then, it is determined whether there is the next image data (S35).
2) If there is the next image data, that is, if there is image data of the next page in the image data composed of a plurality of pages, the process returns to step S351 to copy and transfer the image data similarly. This is repeated until there is no image data.
A registration end is output to indicate the end of the job (S35
3) Return to the main routine.

Even if it is instructed not to print a plurality of copies in units of S351 to S353, each page of one copy of image data is copied by the number of copies and transferred to the digital copier 30. As a result, the pages are printed out in a state where the pages are aligned. Specifically, for example, when one copy of data is composed of three pages of “1-2-3”, and this is not a set of three copies but a printout instruction is given, the printer driver sends the print data to the printer server computer 20. The data of the print job that has been sent includes print mode information including copy number information and 1
The image data “1-2-3” corresponding to the number of copies is copied by the number of copies for each page by the processing of steps S351 to S353, and “1-1-1” is obtained as data of one job.
Since the data “−2-2−2−3−3−3” is output to the printer, the print result is also “1-1−1-2−2−3−3−3−3”. ".

The above is the processing in the printer server computer 20.

The digital copier 30, which has received the print data processed in this manner, prints out the received image data in accordance with the print mode information for each job for which registration has been received.

Therefore, when the print conditions are set by the print add-on mode setting utility, the data of the print job received by the digital copying machine 30 always includes one piece of information indicating the number of copies in the print mode information. (FIG. 14, especially S321 and 3
22), the digital copier 30 simply prints out the received print data as it is, so that the printing function of a plurality of copies of the printer is not limited (either the first model or the second model). ), The printout is performed according to the contents of the job converted in the printer server computer 20. In other words, the same print result can be obtained regardless of the type of printer according to the print conditions set first.

As described above, in this embodiment, the print conditions are set by the print add-on mode setting utility, and if there is such a setting, the print server converts the print job data so as to meet the print conditions. Because it was decided to process, by using this print add-on mode setting utility, without affecting the function of the printer,
The same print result can be obtained at any time.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, utility software corresponding to a print add-on mode setting utility may be executed on a printer server.
The process of copying each page, which is performed in the printer server when printing is not performed for each copy, may be performed on the client computer side.

[0096]

According to the present invention described above, the following effects can be obtained for each claim.

The image printing system according to the first aspect of the present invention outputs a print condition and image data with a unique identification name attached thereto, receives and stores them, and stores the stored image data and image data. Since the printout is performed in accordance with the print condition of the same identification name, the image data can be printed out according to the print condition set arbitrarily. It is possible to print out according to the set print conditions even under conditions different from the print conditions possessed by the application software or the printer driver output for printout.

In the computer-readable recording medium storing the print condition setting program according to the present invention, the print conditions are set and output. Therefore, according to the arbitrarily set print conditions, Image data can be printed out.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a print job conversion apparatus according to the present invention receives and stores a print condition with an identification name, receives a print job with the same identification name, and receives the print condition. If the print condition with the same identifier as the print job stored is stored, the print job is converted and output based on the print condition with the same identifier, while if there is no print condition with the same identifier, Since the print job is output as it is, it is possible to convert the print job according to arbitrarily set print conditions. Therefore, even if the printing conditions are different from the printing conditions of application software or a printer driver for outputting a print job, printing can be performed according to arbitrarily set printing conditions regardless of the type of printer.

A computer-readable storage medium storing the print job conversion program according to the present invention receives a print condition with an identification name and stores the print condition in a storage means. When a print job having the same identification name as the received print job is received in the storage unit, the print job is converted based on the print condition with the same identification name. When there is no printing condition with the same identifier, the print job is output as it is. Since each procedure is stored, the print job conversion program stored in this storage medium is stored in a computer. Converts a print job according to the set print conditions by reading and executing Can be as becomes, even different conditions and printing conditions such as application software and a printer driver for outputting a print job,
Also, regardless of the type of printer, printing can be performed under arbitrarily set printing conditions.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a network computer system according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a digital copying machine used in the network computer system.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a personal computer used as a client computer in the network computer system.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a status flow in the network computer system.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a status flow in the network computer system.

FIG. 6 is a view showing a first screen of a print condition setting screen by a print add-on mode setting utility.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a second screen of a print condition setting screen by a print add-on mode setting utility.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure for setting print conditions using a print add-on mode setting utility.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a printer driver.

FIG. 10 is a subroutine flowchart showing a process of step S103 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a printer server computer.

FIG. 12 is a subroutine flowchart showing a process of step S203 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13: Print add-on mode information (FIG. 13A)
13 is a diagram showing a data configuration of the print mode information (FIG. 13B).

FIG. 14 is a subroutine flowchart showing a process of step S204 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 11;

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 client computer, 20 printer server computer, 30 digital copier.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of front page (54) [Title of the Invention] Image forming system, computer-readable recording medium recording print condition setting program, print job conversion device, and computer read recording print job conversion program Removable recording media

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An image printing system for printing out image data by a printer, comprising: printing condition setting means for setting printing conditions for printing out the image data; and A print condition output unit that adds an identification name to the print condition and outputs the image data; an image data output unit that assigns an identification name to the image data to be printed out and outputs the image data; and a print condition output from the print condition output unit. Print condition storage means for receiving and storing the same; image data storage means for receiving and storing the image data output by the image data output means; print stored in the print condition storage means Image data having the same identification name as the condition is printed in accordance with the printing condition with the same name. An image printing system, comprising: printing means for printing out. 2. A computer-readable recording medium on which a program for setting print conditions for printing out image data by a printer is recorded, wherein a print condition setting procedure for setting conditions for printing out image data is provided. And a print condition output procedure for adding an identification name to the print conditions set in the print condition setting procedure and outputting the print conditions, and a computer-readable recording medium storing a print condition setting program. 3. A print job conversion apparatus for converting a print job transmitted to a printer in accordance with print conditions set separately from the print job, the print job conversion device receiving a print condition with an identification name. A print condition storing means for storing the print job, a receiving means for receiving a print job transmitted to the printer, and a print condition stored in the print condition storage means, the print condition being received by the receiving means. Determining means for determining whether a print condition having the same identifier as that of the job attached to the print job is stored; and the same identifier as the identifier of the received print job by the determining means. If it is determined that the print condition having the same identification name is stored, the Job conversion means for converting the received print job, and, if the print job is converted by the job conversion means, the converted print job, and the identification name of the received print job by the determination means. And a job output means for outputting a received print job to a printer when it is determined that a print condition having the same identification name as that of the print job is not stored. 4. A computer-readable storage medium storing a print job conversion program for converting a print job transmitted to a printer according to print conditions set separately from the print job, comprising: A print condition storing procedure for receiving a print condition marked with, and storing the print condition in a storage unit in the computer; a reception procedure for receiving a print job transmitted to a printer; Determining whether print conditions having the same identifier as that of the job attached to the print job received by the receiving unit are stored in the print conditions. If a print condition having the same identifier as that of the received print job is stored. A job conversion procedure for converting the received print job based on print conditions having the same identification name when the print job is converted, and when the print job is converted by the job conversion procedure, the job is converted. The print job received is output to the printer if it is determined that the print conditions having the same identifier as the received print job are not stored in the print job. A computer-readable storage medium storing a print job conversion program, comprising: a job output procedure.