JP2000112684A - Document printing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance printing efficiency by eliminating data conversion or reducing data transfer quantity in a printing processing. SOLUTION: This system is provided with a spooler 205 to connect a printer 201 with plural pieces of computer terminal equipment via a communication network/an external interface so that duplex communication is enabled and to coincide with an OS(operating system) on the computer terminal equipment, a printer driver 207 and a storage device 203 to store and bold a part/the entire part of PDL printing data which is transferred to a printer controller on the printer 201 and a page image bit map to be created from the data, the received printing data is collated with the stored and held printing data and when the page image bit maps as their development system are the same, the printer 201 is made to execute printing and output by using the stored and held applicable page image bit map by the printer controller 202.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a document print processing system for printing a document / image created / edited by a personal computer / workstation using a printer externally connected to a network such as a LAN or a serial / parallel network. About.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been a document print processing system in which a plurality of personal computers / workstations (hereinafter, referred to as PC / WS) share a network such as a LAN or an externally connected printer such as a serial / parallel printer. Are known.

The printing flow in the above-described system is usually performed as follows. That is, an application is started on the PC / WS to create a document, or a stored document file is opened, and after an editing process or the like, printing is performed by an operation on the application. Printing is performed from the application on the PC / WS.
The printer driver is called by an intermediate module under S (operating system) management. The called printer driver creates print data (PDL) that can be interpreted by the controller of the printer that performs printing, and transfers the created print data (PDL) to the printer controller. The controller creates a page image bitmap for each page in order to interpret the print data and cause the printer to print, and requests the printer to print.

As a conventional reference technical document,
For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-214707 discloses an "image processing apparatus" in which the amount of data to be stored is changed according to the type of data from an external device to efficiently receive data.

[0005]

However, in the conventional document print processing system as described above, data conversion and transfer are involved until the data is actually printed by the printer, and the print processing itself is complicated. Therefore, there is a problem that the print processing efficiency is reduced.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above, and has as its object to improve print processing efficiency by omitting data conversion in print processing or reducing the amount of data transferred.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, in a document print processing system according to the first aspect, a printer and a plurality of computer terminal devices are connected via a communication network or an external interface. Printing-related module connected to the computer terminal device so as to be communicable with the printer, and PDL print data transferred to a printer controller on the printer, and a page created based on the data. In a document print processing system having a data storage / storing means for storing / storing a part or all of an image bitmap, the printer controller stores / receives received print data and the data storage / storing means. Compares with print data and develops it If over-di image bitmap are the same, in which to execute the print output to the printer by using the stored and archived page image bitmap corresponding with.

In the document print processing system according to the second aspect of the present invention, the PDL print data further includes a field for adding information on an application that has performed printing and information on a file to be printed. Checks the contents of the received print data field and the print data field stored and stored in the data storage / storage means, and if they are the same, invalidates the data received thereafter and stores the stored / stored data. This is to cause the printer to execute print output using the corresponding page image bitmap.

Further, in the document print processing system according to the third aspect, the printer controller further comprises a field for adding information of an application that has performed printing and information of a file to be printed to the PDL print data. Matches the contents of the received print data field with the print data field stored / stored in the data storage / storage means, and if they are the same, the page image bitmap which is the development system is the same. And causes the printer to execute printout using the corresponding page image bitmap stored and stored.

Further, in the document print processing system according to the present invention, the information of the application that has been created and managed by the printer controller and the information of the file to be printed and the information of the file to be printed are identified by the print data. A list-type data structure having an ID, the list-type data structure being obtained in advance by the computer terminal device from the printer, and comparing the obtained list-type data structure with the current print data; If the list-type data structure includes a data structure that matches the current print data, the printer controller determines that print data to be printed already exists, and causes the printer to execute print output based on the ID. It is.

Further, in the document print processing system according to the fifth aspect, the information of the application that has performed printing and the information of the file to be printed are defined by a list type data structure having an ID for identifying print data. Then, the data is stored and stored in the data storage / storage means, and the printer controller specifies the print designated by the ID by the computer terminal device, specifies the page image bitmap from the ID, and outputs the printout to the printer. It is something to be executed.

Further, in the document print processing system according to the present invention, the information of the application that has been created and managed by the printer controller and the information of the file to be printed and the information of the file to be printed are identified by the print data. A list-type data structure having an ID, the list-type data structure being obtained by the computer terminal from the printer at the time of data printing, and comparing the obtained list-type data structure with the current print data; If the obtained list-type data structure includes a data structure that matches the current print data, the printer controller determines that a page image bitmap, which is a development system of print data to be printed, already exists, and determines based on the ID. And causes the printer to execute print output.

Further, in the document print processing system according to the present invention, the print data is further developed and the page image bitmap is stored and stored in the data storage and storage means together with the management data with ID. The printer controller controls the I / O by the computer terminal device.
For the printing specified by D, a page image bitmap is specified from the ID, and the printer executes the printing output.

[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a document print processing system according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[First Embodiment] (System Configuration) FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a document print processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a multi-function type color image forming apparatus having a scanner function, a printer function, a copy function, and the like. The present invention is not limited to this example, and may be a single printer function, for example. The color image forming apparatus 101 is L
It is connected to a network 103 such as an AN. Reference numerals 102, 104, and 105 denote personal computers / workstations (hereinafter, PC / WS), which are connected to a network 103.

The color image forming apparatus 101 is a dedicated or general-purpose (parallel, bidirectional parallel, etc.) I / O.
PC / WS102, PC / WS10 by F cable
4, You may be directly connected with PC / WS105. In this case, the connected PC / WS can also serve as a printer server.

(Structure of Document Print Processing and Control Part) FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main structure of the document print processing and control part in the document print processing system shown in FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is. In the figure, 20
Reference numeral 1 denotes a printer that prints out print data supplied to recording paper, and is, for example, a color image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG.
Equivalent to 01. Reference numeral 202 denotes a printer controller which receives print data from a spooler to be described later and actually develops a print image.

Reference numeral 203 denotes a storage device such as a memory or an HDD, which transfers the transferred (received) print data (PDL) and a part or all of the page image bitmap created as a result of interpreting the print data (PDL). A storage device as data storage / storing means for storing / storing, 205 is a spooler for receiving print data from an intermediate module, and 206 is, for example, a GDI (Graphical).
Device Interface (Interface for describing an application program used to display graphics on the screen of a personal computer) is an intermediate module under OS management.

Reference numeral 207 denotes a printer driver having functions to be described later, and 209 denotes a PC / WS 10 shown in FIG.
2, an application that runs on the PC / WS 104 and the PC / WS 105.

(Operation of Document Printing Process and Control Part) Next, the operation of the document printing process and control part configured as shown in FIG. 2 will be described. The approach of this printing process is performed as follows. In other words, the user sends the application 209 or the like to the PC / WS 102, the PC / WS 1
04, the program is executed on an OS operating on the PC / WS 105, and a document / image to be printed is opened and displayed on its display. Then, after the display is performed, printing is selected using a command on the application, various options are added, and printing is performed.

The printing options are the printer driver 2
In step 07, the command information is converted into command information of a print instruction and transferred to the printer 201. The print data is also transferred after being created by the printer driver 207. Note that the order of these two is not particularly defined in the present embodiment since it is sufficient that the printer controller 202 can interpret the order.
After that, printing (printing) on the recording paper is executed in the processing after the printer controller 202.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a document printing process according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This processing is
C / WS102, PC / WS104, PC / WS105
The OS is started normally in any of the above cases, and is started in a state where the printer printing environment is prepared.

In FIG. 3, first, application 2
09 is started, and an action for printing a document or an image is caused (S301). Subsequently, the intermediate module 20
6 to perform intermediate module processing (S302), and print data is created by the printer driver 207 (S302).
303). The print data created by the printer driver 207 is sent to the printer controller 202 via a spooler process (S304).

The printer controller 202 creates a print image (page image bitmap) based on the print data and various information accompanying the print data (S30).
5) Recording paper output processing (printing) in printer paper output processing
(S306), and the printing is completed.

Further, the above operation will be described in more detail. The printer controller 202 has a function of storing (storing) all the transmitted (received) print data or an arbitrary means for managing a part of the transmitted data. In addition, a print image (page image bitmap) that interprets print data and creates it
Is stored (stored) in the storage device 203 using any managed means associated with the previous print data.

Next, based on the above-described configuration and its basic operation, an operation which is a feature of the present invention (Operation Example 1)
-1), (Operation Example 1-2), and (Operation Example 1-3).

(Operation Example 1-1) Here, all print data is stored, and a page image bitmap is stored.
In the current printing, the printer controller 202 that has received the current print data sequentially compares the print data with a plurality of print data already stored in the storage device 203. At this time, it is more efficient to use cache control or the like in consideration of the hit ratio.

If, in the above comparison, an arbitrary condition that the content of the print data is regarded as the same is satisfied, the page image bitmap stored in association with the stored print data is used. Request the printer 201 for printer paper output processing.

On the other hand, if it is determined in the above comparison that the contents of the print data are different, the print data and the page image bitmap are stored in the associated storage device 203. Printing processing is performed using the page image bitmap. If it is determined that they are the same, processing such as adjustment of the search priority of the cache or the like is performed.

(Operation Example 1-2) Here, all print data is stored. In the current printing, the printer driver prints the name of the application that performed the printing in the print data. The version of the application that performed the printing. The document file name to be printed. The document file stamp to be printed. The page number to be printed. , And initialize it to transfer print data.

The printer controller 202 which receives the print data refers to the field which will be located at the beginning of the print data and sequentially compares it with the field data in a plurality of print data already stored in the storage device 203. . At this time, it is more efficient to use cache control or the like in consideration of the hit ratio.

If, in the above comparison, an arbitrary condition that the contents of the print data are considered to be the same is satisfied, the page image bitmap as the development system is also considered to be the same, and the stored print data is considered to be the same. A page image bitmap stored in association with is created, and the printer 201 is requested to perform printer paper output processing. Then, the remaining print data transferred for this page may be discarded. In any system, while receiving the data to be discarded,
In some cases, a page image bitmap is created.

On the other hand, if it is determined in the above comparison that the contents of the print data are different, the print data is stored in the storage device 203. If it is determined that they are the same, processing such as adjustment of the search priority of the cache or the like is also performed.

(Operation Example 1-3) Here, the print data stores the field data and the page image bitmap, which are part of the print data. In the current printing, the printer driver 207 initializes the fields described in the above (Operation example 1-2) and transfers the print data.

When the print data is received, the printer controller 202 refers to the field which will be located at the beginning of the print data, and has already referred to the storage device 2.
03 is sequentially compared with field data in a plurality of print data stored in the print data. At this time, it is more efficient to use cache control or the like in consideration of the hit ratio.

If, in the above comparison, any condition for determining that the contents of the print data are the same is satisfied, the page image bitmap which is the development system is also considered to be the same, and the stored print data is considered to be the same. A page image bitmap stored in association with is created, and the printer 201 is requested to perform printer paper output processing. Then, the remaining print data transferred for this page may be discarded. In any system, while receiving the data to be discarded,
In some cases, a page image bitmap is created.

On the other hand, if it is determined in the above comparison that the contents of the print data are different, the print data is stored in the storage device. If it is determined that they are the same, processing such as adjustment of the search priority of the cache or the like is also performed.

Further, an example of each operation in the above-described first embodiment will be additionally described. In the present invention, the data to be stored / stored has been described with reference to the unit of page. However, the data may be extended to all the pages to be printed, or may be stored at a print break called a print job.

The print data (PDL) can be roughly divided into “field data” described in (Operation Examples 1-2 and 1-3) and an option at the time of printing (from which paper feed tray the recording paper is Paper feed, what size, how to print, which output tray (bin) to output, whether or not sorting is specified, multiple pages are printed on one sheet, overlay specification, density / contrast adjustment , Print setting data) and “page data” which is data of a page to be printed.
Consists of two elements. Note that the definition of print data in the present invention does not particularly limit its range. For example, the print data may be page data, or may be print data and page data. In (Operation Examples 1-2 and 1-3), field data will also be included.

[Second Embodiment] (System Configuration) The system configuration in the second embodiment is the same as that in FIG. 1 in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

(Structure of Document Print Processing and Control Part) FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a main structure of the document print processing and control part in the document print processing system shown in FIG. 1 according to the second embodiment. In the configuration of FIG. 2 described above, the PC / WS 102, P
A line 401 connecting the C / WS 104 and the PC / WS 105 to the printer 201;
2 and a communication processing module 40 for performing communication via a network or serial / parallel (bidirectional)
2 is added. Further, the communication processing module 402 passes information to the printer driver 207 as a result of the communication, or manages and manages data by itself.
It plays the role of keeping. Therefore, other components and their functions are the same as those in the first embodiment.
The same reference numerals are given and the description is omitted.

(Operation of Document Printing Process and Control Part) Next, the operation of the document printing process and the control part configured as shown in FIG. 4 will be described. The approach of this printing process is performed as follows. In other words, the user sends the application 209 or the like to the PC / WS 102, the PC / WS 1
04, the program is executed on an OS operating on the PC / WS 105, and a document / image to be printed is opened and displayed on its display. Then, after the display is performed, printing is selected using a command on the application, various options are added, and printing is performed.

The printing option is the printer driver 2
In step 07, the command information is converted into command information of a print instruction and transferred to the printer 201. The print data is also transferred after being created by the printer driver 207. Note that the order of the two is not particularly defined in the present embodiment. That is, it is only necessary that the printer controller 202 can interpret. After that, printing (printing) on the recording paper is executed in the processing after the printer controller 202.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a document printing process according to the second embodiment of the present invention. This processing is
C / WS102, PC / WS104, PC / WS105
The OS is started normally in any of the above cases, and is started in a state where the printer printing environment is prepared.

In FIG. 5, first, application 2
09 is activated, and an action for printing a document or an image is caused (S501). Subsequently, the intermediate module 20
6 to perform intermediate module processing (S502), and print data is created by the printer driver 207 (S502).
503). The print data created by the printer driver 207 is sent to the printer controller 202 via a spooler process (S504).

The printer controller 202 creates a print image (page image bitmap) based on the print data and various information accompanying the print data (S50).
6), Printing paper output processing (printing) in printer paper output processing
(S507), and the printing is completed. In parallel with the above processing, the communication processing module 402 communicates with the printer controller 202 over a network or a serial
A communication module process for performing communication via parallel (bidirectional) is executed (S505). As a result of the communication processing module processing, the information is passed to the printer driver 207, or the data itself is managed and stored.

The above operation will be described in more detail. The printer controller 202 has a function of storing (storing) all the transmitted (received) print data or an arbitrary means for managing a part of the transmitted data. In addition, a print image (page image bitmap) that interprets print data and creates it
Is stored (stored) in the storage device 203 using any managed means associated with the previous print data.

As for the stored data, FIG.
As shown in the example of the management data shown in (1), the management data is included or associated, and is identified by the ID including the print data or the page image bitmap. The management data is transferred at an arbitrary timing from the PC / WS via a network or a bidirectional interface by a read command.

Next, based on the above-described configuration and its basic operation, an operation which is a feature of the present invention (Operation Example 2)
-1), (Operation Example 2-2), (Operation Example 2-3), and (Operation Example 2-4).

(Operation Example 2-1) Here, the reading of the management data identifiable by the ID is performed at an arbitrary timing not related to printing by a network or a bidirectional interface (parallel or the like) using the PC / WS 102, PC /
The printer controller 202 responds to a request from the WS 104 or the PC / WS 105. In this embodiment, the portions are limited for the sake of convenience in order to indicate the processing role, so that other dedicated processing portions may be provided instead of the printer controller 202.

PC / WS102, PC / WS104, P
The C / WS 105 stores the management data read by the communication processing module 402. For this storage, it is more efficient to use cache control or the like in consideration of the hit ratio. Then, at the time of printing, the information relating to the current printing is compared with the stored list of management data that may exist, and it is determined in step S503 in FIG.

As a result of the collation, if there is a match, the ID attached to the corresponding management data is output together with the command information of another print instruction as print data. As a result, a print instruction can be issued using only an ID for identifying print data stored in the printer (controller) 201 instead of sending data representing a page as print data (PDL). , PC / WS102, PC / WS104, PC / WS
It is possible to omit or simplify the print data creation processing and the data transfer processing on the computer 105, and it is possible to expect a significant reduction in printing time.

The printer controller 202 instructed by the PC / WS process to print data by ID specifies print data stored and managed by ID in the printer control process of step S506 in FIG. A page image bitmap is created using the print data, and is printed on recording paper in the print paper output process in step S507 in FIG.

On the other hand, as a result of the collation of the management data in the PC / WS, if it is determined that the corresponding data is not in the printer 201, the print to be newly registered / stored (stored) in the printer 201 instead of the ID. The data (PDL format) is passed through the spooler 205 and the printer controller 20
Transfer to 2. The transferred print data is used for print processing, and at the same time, the printer controller 202 and the management data with ID are stored in the storage device 20.
Store and store in 3.

(Operation Example 2-2) Here, in contrast to the above-mentioned (Operation Example 2-1), in the printer control process of step S506 in FIG. 5, the page memory bitmap into which the print data is expanded is stored together with the management data with ID. The data is accumulated and stored in the storage device 203. Printer controller 20 instructed to print by ID from PC / WS
In step 2, the page image bitmap is specified from the ID and printed on the recording paper in the print paper output process in step S507 in FIG.

On the other hand, as a result of the collation of the management data by the PC / WS, if it is determined that the corresponding data is not in the printer 201, a new printer is used instead of the ID as in the above-mentioned (Operation Example 2-1). The print data (PDL format) to be registered / accumulated (stored) in 201 is transferred to the printer controller 202 via the spooler 205. The transferred print data is used for print processing, and at the same time, the printer controller 202 accumulates and stores it in the storage device 203 together with management data with ID.

(Operation Example 2-3) Here, similarly to the above-mentioned (Operation Example 2-1), the reading of the management data identifiable by the ID is performed at any timing not related to the printing on the network or the network. PC / WS102, PC / WS10 with bidirectional interface (parallel etc.)
4, the printer controller 202 responds to a request from the PC / WS 105. In this embodiment, the parts are limited for convenience to indicate the processing role.
In place of the processing in 02, another dedicated processing part may be provided.

PC / WS102, PC / WS104, P
The C / WS 105 stores the management data read by the communication processing module 402. For this storage, it is more efficient to use cache control or the like in consideration of the hit ratio. Then, at the time of printing, the information relating to the current printing is compared with the stored list of a plurality of management data that may exist, and it is determined in the printer driver process of step S503 in FIG.

As a result of the collation, if there is a match, the ID attached to the corresponding management data is replaced with another print control code (control information on page breaks, sheet feed / discharge, etc.) as print data. ) And output. Accordingly, the print instruction can be issued using only the ID for identifying the print data stored in the printer (controller) instead of sending the data representing the page as the print data. , P
The print data creation processing and the data transfer processing on the C / WS 104 and the PC / WS 105 can be omitted or simplified, and a significant reduction in printing time can be expected.

The printer controller 202 instructed by the PC / WS process to print data by ID specifies print data stored and managed by ID in the printer control process of step S506 in FIG. A page image bitmap is created using the print data, and is printed on recording paper in the print paper output process in step S507 in FIG.

On the other hand, as a result of collation of the management data in the PC / WS, if it is determined that the corresponding data does not exist in the printer, the print data to be newly registered / stored (stored) in the printer instead of the ID. (PDL format) is transferred to the printer controller 202 via the spooler 205. The transferred print data is used for print processing, and at the same time, the printer controller 202 accumulates and stores it in the storage device 203 together with management data with ID.

(Operation Example 2-4) Here, in contrast to the above-described (Operation Example 2-3), in the printer control process of step S506 in FIG. 5, the page memory bitmap in which the print data is expanded is stored together with the ID-added management data. The data is accumulated and stored in the storage device 203. Printer controller 20 instructed to print by ID from PC / WS
In step 2, the page image bitmap is specified from the ID and printed on the recording paper in the print paper output process in step S507 in FIG.

On the other hand, as a result of the collation of the management data by the PC / WS, if it is determined that there is no corresponding data in the printer, a new printer is used instead of the ID, as in the above-mentioned (operation example 2-1). The print data (PDL format) to be registered / stored (stored) is passed through the spooler 205,
The data is transferred to the printer controller 202. The transferred print data is expanded for print processing, a page image bitmap is generated, and the page image bitmap is used for print processing. At the same time, the printer controller 202 and the management data with ID are stored in the storage device. Store and store in 203.

Further, an example of each operation in the above-described second embodiment will be additionally described. In the present invention, the data to be stored / stored has been described with reference to the unit of page. However, the data may be extended to all the pages to be printed, or may be stored at a print break called a print job.

The print data (PDL) can be roughly divided into options for printing (where the recording paper is fed from a paper feed tray, what size, and how to print).
"Printing" to specify which output tray (bin) to output, whether or not sorting is specified, multiple pages are printed on one sheet, and various printing conditions such as overlay specification, density / contrast adjustment, and dither specification are specified. "Setting data" and "page data" which is data of a page to be printed. For example, the print data may be page data, or may be print data and page data.

The page image bitmap stored / stored by the printer controller 202 has a characteristic that the underlying print data has a property of a plurality of pages. A plurality (all pages or arbitrary pages) may be managed as one ID, or one page image bitmap may be defined and managed as one ID.

[0067]

As described above, according to the document print processing system of the present invention (claim 1), the printer controller converts the received print data with the previously received and accumulated print data. The collation is performed, and when it is determined that the page image data as the development system is the same, printing is performed by the printer using the stored page image data, thereby converting the print data to the page image bitmap. Since the expansion is omitted, the printing processing efficiency is improved.

Further, according to the document print processing system of the present invention (claim 2), a field for adding the information of the application that has performed the printing and the file information to be printed to the PDL print data is provided, and the printer controller The above field in the print data obtained is compared with the field of the print data received and accumulated previously, and
If they match, it is determined that they are the same, the data received thereafter is ignored, a page image bitmap is created using the stored print data, and the printer prints the data. Even if it is not received, the conversion from the print data to the page image bitmap is performed quickly, so that the print processing efficiency is improved.

According to the document print processing system of the present invention, the PDL print data is provided with a field for adding information of an application that has performed printing and information of a file to be printed. The contents of the received print data field and the print data field stored / stored in the data storage / storage means are collated, and if they are the same, it is determined that the page image bitmap as the development system is the same. Deemed,
By causing the printer to execute printout using the stored / stored page image bitmap, the page image bitmap can be established without receiving all the print data, and the page data can be converted from the print data. Since the expansion to the image bitmap is omitted,
Print processing efficiency is improved.

According to the document print processing system of the present invention (claim 4), if the obtained list-type data structure has a data structure that matches the current print data, the data is already printed on the printer controller. Since it is determined that the print data exists and the printer is caused to execute the print output based on the ID, the print data creation time and the print data transfer time are excluded, and the print processing efficiency is further improved.

Further, according to the document print processing system of the present invention, the information of the application that has performed printing and the information of the file to be printed are stored in a list-type data structure having an ID for identifying print data. Defined, stored and stored in the data storage / storage means, and the printer controller specifies the page image bitmap from the ID and prints the print specified by the ID from the computer terminal device. Data creation time, print data transfer time, and development time are eliminated, and the printing processing efficiency is dramatically improved.

According to the document print processing system of the present invention (claim 6), the document print processing system creates /
The ID of the print data that manages the information of the application that performed printing and the information of the file to be printed
A list-type data structure having the following. The list-type data structure is obtained from the preceding printer by the computer terminal device at the time of data printing, and the obtained list-type data structure is compared with the current print data. If there is a data structure that matches the current print data in the type data structure, the printer controller determines that there is already a page image bitmap, which is a development system of print data to be printed, and prints out to the printer based on the ID. , The print data creation time, the print data transfer time, and the development time are excluded, and the printing processing efficiency is dramatically improved.

According to the document print processing system of the present invention, the print data is developed and the page image bitmap is stored and stored in the data storage and storage means together with the management data with ID. The printer controller specifies the print specified by the ID by the computer terminal device, specifies the page image bitmap from the ID,
Since the printer executes the print output, the time for creating the print data, the time for transferring the print data, and the time for developing the print data are excluded, and the print processing efficiency is further improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a document print processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of a document print processing and control part in the document print processing system shown in FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a document printing process according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of a document print processing and control part in the document print processing system shown in FIG. 1 according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a document printing process according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of management data by ID according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 101 color image forming apparatus 102, 104, 105 PC / WS 103 network 201 printer 202 printer controller 203 storage device 205 spooler 206 intermediate module (GDI) 207 printer driver 209 application 401 line 402 communication processing module

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A printing-related module which connects a printer and a plurality of computer terminals via a communication network or an external interface so as to be capable of two-way communication, and which is compatible with an operating system on said computer terminal. Data storage / storage for storing / storing PDL print data transferred to a printer controller on a printer and part or all of a page image bitmap created based on the data.
In the document print processing system having storage means, the printer controller checks the received print data against the print data stored and stored in the data storage / storage means, and develops a page image bit map as a development system thereof. A document print processing system that causes the printer to execute print output using the corresponding page image bitmap stored and stored if the two are the same. 2. A printer according to claim 1, further comprising: a field for adding information on an application that has performed printing and information on a file to be printed to the PDL print data. The contents of the print data field stored and stored in the means are collated, and if they are the same, the data received thereafter is invalidated, and the printout is output to the printer using the corresponding page image bitmap stored and stored. 2. The document print processing system according to claim 1, wherein 3. A PDL print data further comprising a field for adding information of an application that has performed printing and information of a file to be printed, wherein the printer controller includes a field for the received print data and a field for storing and storing the data. The contents of the print data fields stored and stored in the means are compared, and if they are the same, the page image bitmap that is the development system is regarded as the same, and the corresponding page image bitmap stored and stored. 2. The document print processing system according to claim 1, wherein the printer is caused to execute print output by using a printer. 4. A list-type data structure having an ID for identifying print data, wherein information on an application which has been created and managed by the printer controller and which has performed printing, and information on a file to be printed are defined. The computer terminal device obtains a data structure in advance from the printer, compares the obtained list-type data structure with the current print data, and matches the current print data in the obtained list-type data structure. 2. The document print processing system according to claim 1, wherein when there is a data structure, the printer controller determines that print data to be printed already exists, and causes the printer to execute print output based on the ID. . 5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: defining information of an application that has performed printing and information of a file to be printed in a list type data structure having an ID for identifying print data, and storing and storing the information in the data storage and storage unit. 2. The document according to claim 1, wherein the printer controller causes the computer to execute printing specified by the ID, specifies a page image bitmap from the ID, and causes the printer to execute print output. Print processing system. 6. A list-type data structure having an ID for identifying print data, wherein information of an application created and managed by the printer controller and information of a file to be printed is defined. The computer terminal device obtains the data structure from the printer at the time of data printing, compares the obtained list type data structure with the current print data, and matches the current print data in the obtained list type data structure. If there is a data structure to execute, the printer controller determines that a page image bitmap, which is a development system of print data to be printed, already exists, and causes the printer to execute print output based on the ID. The document print processing system according to claim 1. 7. The printer controller further develops print data and stores and stores a page image bitmap together with management data with ID in the data storage / storing means.
2. The document print processing system according to claim 1, wherein a page image bitmap is specified from the ID for the print designated by D, and the printer performs print output.