JP2000168198A - Printing system, control method thereof and recording medium readable by computer storing control program of printing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To certainly utilize the job spool function of a printer in the printing output of a plurality of sheets by reducing the data transmission load between a printer and a host computer. SOLUTION: In a host computer, a printer obtains the max. data size of printing data capable of being temporarily stored in a spool memory means (S505) and the total data size of the printing data formed by a printer driver and stored in a temporary file is compared with the obtained max. memory data size (S506) and the max. memory data size of the printer is reset when it is judged that the total data size of the printing data stored in the temporary file is larger than the obtained max. memory data size (S509) and, subsequently, the printing data stored in the temporary memory means is outputted to the printer to perform printing by the designated number of times by utilizing job spool function (S510).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a host computer which runs a print data generating program for generating print data, temporarily stores received data in a spool storage means, and receives print data a specified number of times. The present invention relates to a printing system including a printer having a job spool function for executing printing, a control method of the printing system, and a computer-readable storage medium storing a control program of the printing system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various configurations for printing a plurality of copies of a printed material including a plurality of pages in a printing apparatus are known.

For example, if print data constituting a plurality of pages is repeatedly transmitted from a host computer to a printer a plurality of times, output papers are stacked on a printer paper discharge unit in accordance with the number of times of transmission (hereinafter, referred to as “print paper”). Collate output ''
The user does not need to re-align (collate) the pages, but only binds one copy of the page (there is no need for this if there is a paper discharge mechanism such as a stapler). Copies are obtained.

However, according to the above-described process of repeatedly transmitting print data constituting a plurality of pages to a printer a plurality of times, the data communication load between the host computer and the printer increases in proportion to the number of transmissions. There's a problem.

[0005] In view of this point, recent printers have a storage printing function (hereinafter referred to as a storage printing function) that can temporarily store received data in a specific storage means and execute the data as if the data was repeatedly received a specified number of times. Some have a “job spool function” below. According to the job spool function, the collation output as described above can be realized with a communication load of transmitting print data about once (one copy) to the printer.

When collated output is performed using the job spool function of such a printer, a conventional printer driver operating on a host computer requires a temporary printer in addition to a printer control command group normally generated. A printer control command for specifying how many times the received data stored in the printer is to be processed is added and transmitted to the printer.

[0007]

However, as described above, the method of transmitting one copy of data to the printer in advance and using the job spool function of the printer to print the specified number of copies (the number of copies) is as follows. There is such a problem.

That is, since the total data size of the printer control command generated by the printer driver is not known until the end of the command generation processing, the maximum data size that can be temporarily stored in the printer is determined by the total data size of the printer control command. Could be exceeded.
Therefore, according to the conventional configuration, there is no guarantee that collation output using the job spool function of the printer will always succeed.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, if a conventional method in which a printer driver operating on a host computer simply repeatedly outputs a printer control command a specified number of times is used, the total number of printer control commands can be reduced. As described above, the problem that the communication load between the host computer and the printer increases greatly in proportion to the data size and the designated number of times.

Due to such an increase in the data communication load between the printer and the host computer, the performance of the entire system may be deteriorated depending on the system environment and conditions. In particular, such a problem is more likely to occur as a plurality of host computers and printers are connected to a network and the more resources are shared by the network.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the above problems, reduce the data communication load between a printer and a host computer, and ensure the job spool function of a printer in print output of a plurality of copies such as collated output. To ensure that it is available for use.

[0012]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to the present invention, a host computer which operates a print data generating program for generating print data, and temporarily stores received data in a spool storage means. And
A print system including a printer having a job spool function for executing printing as if print data has been received a specified number of times, a print system control method, and a computer-readable storage medium storing a print system control program , In the host computer,
The printer acquires the maximum data size of the print data that can be temporarily stored in the spool storage unit, the total data size of the print data generated by the print data generation program and stored in the temporary storage unit of the host computer, and Comparing the maximum storage data size with the maximum storage data size, and if the comparison indicates that the total data size of the print data stored in the temporary storage means is larger than the acquired maximum storage data size, After the data size is reset, the print data stored in the temporary storage unit is output to a printer, and the print data is printed a specified number of times using the job spool function.

Alternatively, if the total data size of the print data temporarily stored in the temporary storage means exceeds the acquired maximum storage data size even if the maximum storage data size of the printer is reset, A configuration is employed in which the print data stored in the storage means is output to the printer the specified number of times.

[0014] Alternatively, if it is determined by the comparison that the total data size of the print data temporarily stored in the temporary storage means is larger than the acquired maximum storage data size, the maximum storage data size of the printer is reset. After the setting, a first output process of outputting the print data stored in the temporary storage unit to a printer and printing the designated number of times using the job spool function;
Among the second output processing for outputting the print data stored in the temporary storage means to the printer the specified number of times, it is determined which processing can be performed at a high speed, and according to the determination result, A configuration is adopted in which any one of the first and second output processes is selected and executed.

[0015]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of a printing system employing the present invention. Here, a system including the host computer 3000 and the printer 1500 is shown for convenience, but a printing system including a single device in which the two are integrated may be used. Further, even if the printing system includes a plurality of devices, the number thereof is not limited, and a printing system in which devices such as a plurality of host computers and printers are interconnected via a network such as a LAN or a WAN. However, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 3000 denotes a host computer, which is used to store figures, images, characters, and the like based on a document processing program or the like stored in a program ROM of a ROM 3.
A CPU 1 for executing document processing in which tables (including spreadsheets and the like) are mixed is provided, and the above processing is performed by the CPU 1 totally controlling each device connected to the system bus 4.

The program RO in the ROM 3 shown in FIG.
The M or the external memory 11 (an external storage device such as a hard disk) stores an operating system program (hereinafter referred to as an OS), which is a control program of the CPU 1, and the like. ROM3 font ROM or external memory 1
Reference numeral 1 stores font data and the like used in the above-described document processing. The data ROM of the ROM 3 or the external memory 11 stores various data (eg, directory information, printer driver table) used in the above-described document processing and the like. Etc.) are stored.

The subject of control of the host computer 3000 is a CPU on hardware. On the other hand, the software is mainly controlled by application software called a printer control command generation program (hereinafter, printer driver). In the present embodiment, the OS is assumed to be, for example, Windows 95 (manufactured by Microsoft), but is not limited thereto.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 2 denotes a RAM, and a CPU 1
Function as a main memory and a work area. As will be described later, this RAM 2 is used as a work area also in the printer control of the present embodiment.

Reference numeral 5 denotes a keyboard controller (KB)
In C), key input from the keyboard 9 or a pointing device (not shown) is controlled. Reference numeral 6 denotes a CRT controller (CRTC) which controls display on a CRT display (CRT) 10. 7 is a disk controller (DKC)
Controls access to an external memory 11 such as a hard disk (HD) or a floppy disk (FD) for storing a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, edit files, printer drivers, and the like.

Reference numeral 8 denotes a printer controller (PRT)
In C), the printer 1500 is connected to the printer 1500 via the predetermined bidirectional interface 21 and executes communication control processing with the printer 1500. Bidirectional interface 2
As 1, IEEE 1284 or the like can be considered, but other interfaces such as SCSI, USB, IE
The host computer 300 is connected to a bus such as EE1394 or a network interface such as Ethernet.
0 and the printer 1500 may be connected.

The CPU 1 executes, for example, a process of developing (rasterizing) the outline font in the display information RAM set on the RAM 2, and executes a WYSIWYG (What You See Is Wh) using a GUI on the CRT 10.
at You Get) processing. CPU1
Opens various registered windows based on a command designated by a mouse cursor or the like (not shown) on the CRT 10 and executes various data processing.

In the printer 1500, a printer CPU 12 is a printing unit (printer) connected to a system bus 15 based on a control program or the like stored in a program ROM of a ROM 13 or a control program or the like stored in an external memory 14. (Engine) 17 outputs an image signal as output information.

The program ROM of the ROM 13
Stores a control program of the CPU 12 and the like. RO
An M13 font ROM stores font data and the like used when generating the output information, and a ROM 13 data ROM stores an external memory 14 such as a hard disk.
In the case of a printer having no printer, information used on the host computer is stored.

The CPU 12 is capable of communicating with the host computer via the input section 18 and is configured to notify the host computer 3000 of information in the printer and the like.

Reference numeral 19 denotes a RAM functioning as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the CPU 12, and the RAM 19
Area used for bitmap information expansion processing, environment data storage area, battery backed up NVRAM
It is allocated as an area. The RAM 19 is configured so that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an additional port (not shown).

The external memory 14 is connected as an option and includes font data, an emulation program,
Stores form data and the like. Reference numeral 1501 denotes an operation panel on which a switch, an LE, and the like are provided.
D, a display such as an LCD, and other components are arranged.

The above-mentioned external memory 14 is not limited to one, and at least one external memory is provided. In addition to built-in fonts, an optional font card and a plurality of external memories storing programs for interpreting printer control languages of different languages can be connected. It may be configured as follows. Further, an NVRAM (not shown) may be provided to store printer mode setting information from the operation panel 1501.

The external memory 14 such as a hard disk or an IC card is provided with a disk controller (DKC) 20.
The access is controlled by.

In the present embodiment, the RAM 19
Is a function that, when a specific printer control command is received, temporarily stores the data received thereafter without immediately processing it, and can process the data as if it were received continuously for the specified number of times. (Hereinafter referred to as a job spool function). The maximum size that can be allocated (secured) as the job spool storage area is determined by using a printer control command described later.
Can be set. This job spool storage area is secured by software, as described later, separately from the memory capacity expansion by adding the optional RAM.

Now, the printer 1500 of this embodiment is
When a specific printer control command is received, data received thereafter is not immediately processed, but is temporarily stored in the RAM 19, and the data can be processed as if it was continuously received a specified number of times. (Job spool function). The format of the printer control command for specifying the function is shown below.

@PJL JOBSPOOL COPIES = num ENDSTRING = "word"<CR><LF>… (1) num Numeric value indicating how many times the temporarily stored data is to be continuously processed. Word Character to indicate the end of print data. Column <CR> Carriage return character <LF> Line feed character Here, "@PJL" indicates the start of the printer control command.
“JOBSPOOL” is a mnemonic indicating the type of command. When the printer 1500 receives a command starting with “@PJL”, the data from immediately after the command to immediately before the character string specified by “word” is received. RA data
Save to M19. Then, after saving, the printer 15
00 successively processes the data stored in the RAM 19 as if it were received the number of times specified by "num" of the command.

By using such a job spooling function, it is possible to stack output papers into the printer discharge unit while collating them for the number of times specified by "word" (hereinafter collective output). Become.

Here, in the above job spool function, the received data size that can be temporarily stored in the printer 1500 is smaller than the maximum capacity preset in the printer due to the hardware capacity of the RAM 19 and other processes. Limited. If you want to change this maximum reserve,
A setting change is performed by a predetermined method using the operation panel 1501 or the following printer control command having the same effect is transmitted to the printer 1500, and the printer control for restarting the printer or updating the hardware setting is performed. Command (hereinafter a hardware reset command)
00 is transmitted.

@PJL SET SPOOL-SIZE = x <CR><LF> (2) x Numerical value indicating data size that can be temporarily stored (Mega-By
te unit) <CR> Carriage return character <LF> Line feed character Here, “@PJL” indicates the start of the printer control command.
“SET” is a mnemonic indicating the type of command, and is used to set the received data size that can be stored in the printer 1500 in the job spool function together with the subsequent “SPOOL-SIZE = x” part.

The maximum value of the reserved capacity of the job spool storage area secured by the above-described printer control command is naturally limited by the hardware maximum capacity of the RAM 19 and the storage area for other uses. There is. If the capacity of the job spool storage area requested from the host computer 3000 can be secured, the printer 15
00 returns a predetermined affirmative response to the host computer 3000 if it cannot be secured.

The capacity size set in the printer 1500 can be notified to the host computer 3000 when the host computer 3000 requests information acquisition by a specific printer control command.

Note that the printer 1500 shown in this embodiment
Is limited to storing the received data in the RAM 19 when the printer control command (1) is received.
May be stored in any storage means, or a combination of these may be used as storage means. For example,
If the required capacity of the job spool storage area on the RAM 19 cannot be secured, the free space of the external memory 11 is automatically checked, a proper amount of the space is secured as the job spool storage area, and the requirements of the host computer 3000 are satisfied. It is also possible to adopt a configuration for causing the above.

In the host computer 3000, B
The printer driver to which the information processing method according to the present invention is applied is a CPU
It works by. The BIOS is written in the program ROM 3, and the OS is written in the hard disk which is the external memory 11. When the power of the host computer 3000 is turned on, the IPL (Initial Program Loading) function in the BIOS program causes
The execution code image of S is transferred from hard disk to RAM2
And the operation of the OS starts.

The printer driver is actually operable when an application operating under the OS management on the host computer 3000 starts a printing process according to an instruction from a user or the like. From the stored medium such as the external memory 11, the OS
And when the printer driver is read out and loaded into the RAM 2 under the control of the BIOS.

Here, the printer driver of the present embodiment is not a driver in a narrow sense, that is, driver software only for driving a printer port, but setting of a job spool function of a printer described later, generation of the above-described printer control command, etc. And any part thereof may be stored in any storage location of any storage medium on the host computer before being loaded into the RAM 2.

An example in which the processing of the present invention is implemented in a printer driver will be described below. However, all or any part of the characteristic processing of the present invention is performed not only by the printer driver but also by application software. It can be implemented above.

FIG. 2 shows the memory map 21 in a state where the printer driver adopting the present invention is loaded into the RAM 2 on the host computer 3000 and becomes executable. Reference numeral 22 denotes a storage area for an application for printing, 23 denotes an unused memory, 24 denotes a data area for storing various parameters required for controlling the printer driver, 25 denotes a storage area of the printer driver main body, and 26 denotes an OS. Is a storage area of the BIOS (a part of the storage area may be allocated on the ROM). The memory arrangement of FIG. 2 is merely an example, and the OS
It may be arranged differently depending on the specifications and customs of the system.

Hereinafter, the processing of the printer driver to which the present invention is applied will be described in detail.

The printer driver to which the present invention is applied is an OS
FIG. 3 shows an outline of a process for sequentially generating a printer control command in response to a print request of an application via the PC.
Is shown in the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 4 shows the processing contents of step 303 of FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 shows the processing contents of step 307 of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3, from the start of the printing process to the end of the printing process, the printer driver continues to receive a print request from the application via the OS (step S301). First, it is determined whether the received print request indicates the start of printing (step S302). If so, step S303 (FIG. 4) is processed, and then a print request from the application is started again. .

After it is determined in step S302 that the print request does not indicate the start of printing, it is determined that the request indicates the end of printing (step S30).
4) In the case, the process proceeds to step S307 (FIG. 5), and thereafter, the printer control command generation process ends.

In steps S302 and S304,
If it is determined that the print request does not mean print start or print end, a printer control command corresponding to the content of the print request is generated (step S30).
5) Then, the printer control command is output to the printer 1500 via the system spooler managed by the OS (step S306).

Next, the printer driver process (step S303) when the print request from the application indicates the start of printing will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

First, the printer driver determines whether collation output has been designated by referring to the additional information obtained when the print start request has been received (step S401).
If it is determined that the print job is not specified, the print job is opened based on the output destination information including the output port name input from the application or the OS (step S405).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S401 that collation output is specified, the output destination information input from the application or the OS is stored in the RAM 2 of the host computer 3000 (step S4).
02), a full path name of a temporary file is generated using a function call provided by the OS (step S403). At the same time, the full path name of the temporary file is also stored in the RAM 2 (step S403).

Next, the printer driver proceeds to step S40.
3. The print job is opened by replacing the output destination information input from the application or the OS with the full path name of the temporary file generated in step 3 (step S40).
4).

By the way, by using a system spooler provided by the OS to open a print job specifying the full path name of the temporary file as an output destination and closing the print job at the end of printing, the result indicates the specified full path name. All printer control commands can be stored in a file. This is because if data is written to the system spooler using the identifier (handle) obtained when the print job is opened, data output to the output destination specified when the print job is opened is transparently performed by the system spooler. Because.

Next, the printer driver process (step S307) when the print request from the application indicates the end of printing will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

First, the printer driver closes the open print job (step S501).
Thereafter, it is determined whether collation output is designated by referring to the additional information obtained when the print end request is received (step S502). If it is determined in step S502 that collation output has not been designated, the process is terminated. If it is determined that collation output has been designated, the collation output is saved in step S402. The output destination information read from the RAM 2 is read, and a print job is newly opened based on the information (step S503).

Subsequently, the printer driver obtains the total data size of the printer control command temporarily stored in the temporary file by using a function call of the OS, and stores the total data size in the RAM 2 (step S504). Next, the printer driver acquires the maximum data size that can be temporarily stored by the printer 1500 when the job spool function is used, and stores it on the RAM 2 (step S50).
5). In the present embodiment, the printer 1500 is used.
The maximum data size that can be temporarily stored is determined by a dedicated application (for example, an installer of a printer driver or the like) at a predetermined timing by communicating with the printer 1500 and then to a predetermined location on the external memory 11. The printer driver reads the information into the RAM 2 by using a function call of the OS, and performs the process of step S505. However, the process of step S505 may be one in which the printer 1500 communicates with the printer 1500 and acquires the information each time the printer 1500 needs information of the maximum data size that can be temporarily stored in the job spool storage area.

Then, the printer driver proceeds to step S5
If the total data size of the printer control command acquired in step S04 is compared with the maximum storage data size in the job spool function of the printer 1500 acquired in step S505 (step S506), and if it is determined that the former is smaller or equal, The process immediately advances to step S510, and the printer control command indicated as (1) above is added to the head of the printer control command temporarily stored in the temporary file, and a character string for instructing the end of the print data is added to the tail. Output to the system spooler.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S506 that the former (total data size of the printer control command) is larger, it is determined whether the maximum storage data size of the job spool storage area of the printer 1500 can be updated. It is determined from the information, and if updated, it is determined whether or not an area sufficient to accommodate the total data size of the printer control command can be secured (step S507).

In step S507, the printer 15
If it is determined that the total data size of the printer control commands is still larger after updating the maximum storage data size of the job spool storage area of No. 00, the printer control commands temporarily stored in the temporary file are deleted. And outputs it to the system spooler (step S508).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S507 that the total data size of the printer control command can be temporarily stored in the printer 1500 by updating the maximum storage data size of the job spool storage area of the printer 1500, the printer 1500 A print job for updating the maximum storage data size of the job spool storage area is output to the system spooler (Step S509), and Step S5
Move to 10.

In step S509, the print job composed of the printer control command and the hardware reset command shown in the above (2) is transmitted via the system spooler (or not via the system spooler depending on the configuration of the OS or the like). The process of updating the maximum storage data size of the job spool storage area of the printer 1500 is performed by outputting to the printer 1500.

Then, subsequent to step S508 or 510, the printer driver closes the newly opened print job in step S503 (step S511), and performs the processing when collation output is specified (steps S503 to 511). finish.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when collated output is specified, the sequentially generated printer control commands are not immediately output to the printer 1500, but are output to the external device on the host computer 3000. Memory 1
1 and temporarily determines whether the total data size exceeds the maximum data size that can be temporarily stored by the printer 1500 when the job spool function is used. Since the printer 1500 issues a print job for updating the maximum data size that can be temporarily stored to the printer 1500 and then outputs a print job to which the job spool function is applied, collation output can be performed without overflow as in the related art. In print output of a plurality of copies as described above, it is possible to reliably guarantee a predetermined number of print outputs by using the job spool function of the printer, and to avoid an increase in communication load between the printer and the host computer. Has an excellent effect.

If the maximum storage data size of the printer exceeds the maximum storage data size obtained from the printer even when the maximum storage data size of the printer is reset, the print data stored in the temporary file is not used without using the job spool function. Since the data is output to the printer a specified number of times, there is an excellent effect that the print output can be reliably obtained without making the print output impossible.

Although the configuration in which the functions of the present invention are implemented in the printer driver has been described above, the functions of the present invention may be implemented in an externally installed program. In that case, the processing program to which the present invention is applied may be read from any computer-readable storage medium. That is, a processing program to which the present invention is applied outputs a group of information including the program from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network such as e-mail or personal computer communication. It can be supplied to a host computer or an output device by loading into a system including the device and the host computer.

[Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment, if the maximum storage data size for the job spool of the printer 1500 cannot be updated, the printer control command temporarily stored in the temporary file is repeated a predetermined number of times. Is output to the printer 1500 repeatedly. However, the above-described steps S506 to S510 in FIG. 5 are improved so that the printer control command temporarily stored in the temporary file is repeatedly output a predetermined number of times to the printer 1500. A print job for updating the maximum storage data size is output to the printer 1500, and then a print job to which the job spool function is applied is determined. There is also a conceivable configuration. Hereinafter, a configuration including such optimization of the printing process will be exemplified.

In the printer driver according to the present embodiment,
The processing shown in FIG. 6 is executed. Step S506 in FIG.
Steps S506 to S510 in FIG. 5 of the first embodiment.
It replaces 510. Of the reference numerals indicating the respective processing flows in FIG. 6, the processing flows denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 5 indicate exactly the same processing contents as those in the embodiment.

In step S506 in FIG. 6, if the total data size of the printer control commands stored as a temporary file in the external memory 11 of the host computer 3000 is smaller than or equal to the maximum data size that can be temporarily stored in the printer 1500. If determined, the process proceeds to step S510 as in the above-described embodiment,
Generate and output a print job to which the job spool function is applied.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S506 that the total data size of the printer control commands stored as the temporary file is larger than the maximum data size that can be temporarily stored in the printer 1500, Whether the storage data size can be updated is determined from the configuration information of the printer 1500, and if updated, it is determined whether a sufficient area for the printer control command to accommodate the total data size of the printer control command can be secured in the printer 1500 (step S507). .

If it is determined that the total data size of the printer control commands cannot be stored in the temporary storage area of the printer 1500 even after the maximum storage data size of the printer 1500 is updated, the temporary file The printer control command temporarily stored in the printer is repeatedly output a predetermined number of times to the printer 1500 (step S508).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S507 that the total data size of the printer control command can be temporarily stored in the printer 1500 by updating the maximum storage data size of the printer 1500, the process proceeds to step S50.
Each processing time required for the processing method indicated by 8 and the processing methods indicated by steps S509 and 510 is calculated (step S601).

The job spool function held by the printer 1500 shown in the present embodiment is a function of processing received data simply as if it was repeatedly received a specified number of times. Therefore, when comparing the processing times required for the two processing methods described above, it is only necessary to know the processing times required for the following processing contents.

1. 1. Processing time of print data generation processing on host computer 3000 Printer 1 on host computer 3000
2. Processing time of print data generation processing for updating the maximum storage data size of 500 The above 2. 3. Processing time for data communication processing from host computer 3000 to printer 1500 for print data of 4. Processing time for updating maximum storage data size in printer 1500 The above 1. Processing time for data communication processing from the host computer 3000 to the printer 1500 for the print data of the present embodiment. And 5. The processing time required for (4) increases in proportion to the data size to be handled simply, and the processing time required for (4) above is assumed to be substantially constant. Note that, as described in the above embodiment, the printer 150
Since the print job for updating the maximum storage data size of 0 is composed of the printer control command and the hardware reset command shown in (2), the data size of the print job itself is relatively very small. It will be. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the processing time required for the maximum storage data size update processing in the job spools of the printers 2 and 3 is ignored, and the processing times required for the two printing methods are calculated and compared. (Of course, if accuracy is required, the calculation may be performed in consideration of the processing time of the maximum storage data size update processing in the job spool).

Here, the total processing times required for the above processing times 1, 5, and 4 are represented by P, Q, and R (unit: ms
c), the processing speed p of 1-byte print data (unit: msec / byte, the speed required for reading a temporary file and preparing for transmission),
And the communication speed q of 1-byte print data (unit: ms)
ec / byte) is multiplied by the data size to be processed to obtain P and Q, respectively. Further, the total data size of the printer control command group stored as a temporary file on the external memory 11 of the host computer 3000 is S (unit: byte), and the number of collation (the number of collated copies) is T. And Then, the processing time of step S508 (when the printer command of the temporary file is transmitted a plurality of times) is set to γ (unit: mse
c) Steps S509 and S510
The total processing time when the processing of (when using the job spool function of the printer) is performed is θ (unit: ms)
ec), these γ and θ can be expressed by the following equations.

Γ (msec) = P (msec) + Q (msec) = (p (msec / byte) × S (byte)) × T + (q (msec / byte) × S (byte) × T) = ( p + q) × S × T θ (msec) = P (msec) + Q (msec) + R (msec) ≒ (p (msec / byte) × S (byte)) + (q (msec / byte) × S (byte)) + R ≒ (p + q) × S + R Therefore, in step S602, the printer driver according to the present embodiment uses the γ and θ calculated by the above equations.
Compare. Here, if it is determined that γ is smaller than or equal to θ, the process proceeds to step S508, but if it is determined that γ is larger, the process proceeds to step S509 to change the maximum storage data size of the printer 1500. The print job to be updated is sent to the printer 15 via the system spooler.
After outputting the print job to the print job 00, the print job to which the job spool function is applied is output (step S510). That is, if it is determined that sending the printer command of the temporary file a plurality of times is faster, the process proceeds to step S508. If it is determined that the job spool function of the printer is faster, the process proceeds to step S509.

According to the processing of this embodiment (FIG. 6), the total data size of the printer control command group temporarily stored on the host
Exceeds the maximum storage data size of
Even if the job spool function can be used by updating the maximum storage data size of 500, the processing speed is compared in advance with the method not using the job spool function, and one of these high-speed processing methods is selected. Can be executed, while performing relatively high-speed print processing,
There is an excellent effect that a collated paper output result for a predetermined number of times can be guaranteed.

A program for realizing the processing of the present invention and control data may be stored in an arbitrary storage medium of an arbitrary device such as a host computer and a printer constituting a printing system. In particular, various configurations are conceivable for the maximum data size that can temporarily store received data in the job spool function of the printer.

For example, a configuration is conceivable in which the maximum data size capable of temporarily storing the received data in the job spool storage area of the printer is stored in the storage means of the host computer. In this case, NVRAM in the host computer is used.
It can be stored in any storage means such as a non-volatile memory such as a non-volatile memory and a removable storage means. Further, the information about the maximum data size once obtained from the printer may be saved in an external storage device such as a hard disk when the OS is shut down in the form of a resource file or the like. In particular, according to the configuration in which the maximum data size is held in a nonvolatile manner as described above, the system can be continuously operated under the same conditions with respect to the job spool without performing a troublesome resetting operation. it can.

The maximum data size at which the received data in the job spool storage area of the printer can be temporarily stored is determined by the user interface of an arbitrary program operated by the host computer (for example, a user who customizes the operation of the printer driver). It is conceivable that a desired value can be set through an interface, a user interface of an application program that performs all kinds of information processing using a printer, and the like. With such a configuration, for example, the user can secure the necessary memory capacity on the printer for developing the fonts in the printer and downloading fonts from the outside to the printer according to the purpose of the printer. Become.

Further, as described above, the maximum data size capable of temporarily storing the received data in the job spool storage area of the printer is stored in the printer memory (built-in memory or detachable extended memory). By using an interface of a printer control command from the host computer side, it can be obtained via a bidirectional interface or a network and can be reset.

In particular, when a mechanism capable of storing the maximum data size is provided on the host computer side as described above, information on the maximum data size of the job spool storage area stored in the memory of the printer and the host computer It is necessary to synchronize the information of the maximum data size stored in the memory of the computer by any method. For this purpose, those skilled in the art may adopt any method as needed. For example, when collated printing is required as described above, it is acquired from the printer side, the contents of the memory of the host computer are synchronized with this, and if it is necessary to reset them, both are updated simultaneously. There are various methods.

Further, in each of the embodiments described above, up to the point where the maximum data size of the job spool function of the printer is reset, various configurations are conceivable for the subsequent processing. For example, the setting of the maximum data size of the job spool function may be left in the setting memory of the printer, or the maximum data size of the job spool function may be set when the processing of the output job that needs to be reset (collated) is completed. The setting of the size may be returned to a state before the job is started.

[0084]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, a host computer which operates a print data generating program for generating print data, temporarily stores received data in spool storage means, In a computer-readable storage medium storing a printing system, a printing system control method, and a printing system control program, the printing system comprises a printer having a job spool function for executing printing as if print data has been received for the number of times. In the computer, the printer acquires the maximum data size of the print data that can be temporarily stored in the spool storage unit, and calculates the total data size of the print data generated by the print data generation program and stored in the temporary storage unit of the host computer. Comparing the obtained maximum storage data size, If it is determined by the comparison that the total data size of the print data stored in the temporary storage unit is larger than the acquired maximum storage data size, after resetting the maximum storage data size of the printer, Since the print data stored in the temporary storage unit is output to the printer, and the print data is printed a specified number of times using the job spool function, the data communication load between the printer and the host computer is reduced. Moreover, there is an excellent effect that it is possible to guarantee that the job spool function of the printer can be reliably used in print output of a plurality of copies such as collated output.

Alternatively, if the total data size of the print data temporarily stored in the temporary storage means exceeds the acquired maximum storage data size even if the maximum storage data size of the printer is reset, By adopting a configuration in which the print data stored in the storage unit is output to the printer the specified number of times, the print output is not disabled, and the print output can be reliably obtained. There is an excellent effect.

Alternatively, if it is determined by the comparison that the total data size of the print data temporarily stored in the temporary storage means is larger than the acquired maximum storage data size, the maximum storage data size of the printer is reset. After the setting, a first output process of outputting the print data stored in the temporary storage unit to a printer and printing the designated number of times using the job spool function;
Among the second output processing for outputting the print data stored in the temporary storage means to the printer the specified number of times, it is determined which processing can be performed at a high speed, and according to the determination result, By adopting a configuration in which one of the first and second output processes is selected and executed,
Even if the job spool function can be used by updating the maximum storage data size of the printer, compare the processing speed with the method not using the job spool function in advance and select one of these high-speed processing methods This is an excellent effect that a collated paper output result can be guaranteed a predetermined number of times while performing a relatively high-speed printing process.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a printing system employing the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a memory map diagram in a state where a printer driver employing the present invention is loaded on a RAM of a host computer and becomes executable.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing of a printer driver employing the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process of step S303 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a process of step S307 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a changed part of FIG. 5 in a different embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 12 CPU 2, 19 RAM 3, 13 ROM 4, 15 System bus 5 KBC 6 CRTC 7, 20 DKC 8 PRTC 11, 14 External memory 18 Input unit 1500 Printer 1501 Operation panel 3000 Host computer

Claims (9)

[Claims] A host computer that runs a print data generation program that generates print data; temporarily stores received data in a spool storage unit; and performs printing as if the print data was received a specified number of times. In a printing system including a printer having a job spool function to be executed, a temporary storage unit for temporarily storing print data generated by the print data generation program in the host computer; and a printer temporarily storing the print data in the spool storage unit. Acquiring means for acquiring the maximum data size of print data that can be temporarily stored; comparing means for comparing the total data size of the print data stored in the temporary storage means with the maximum storage data size acquired by the acquiring means; The maximum data size that the printer can temporarily store Setting means for setting from a software program operating in the storage means, and the comparing means determines that the total data size of the print data stored in the temporary storage means is larger than the maximum storage data size obtained by the obtaining means. In this case, after setting the maximum storage data size of the printer by the setting unit, the print data stored in the temporary storage unit is output to the printer, and the specified number of times of printing is controlled using the job spool function. Means and a printing system. 2. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the total data size of the print data temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit is the maximum storage data size acquired by the acquisition unit even if the maximum storage data size of the printer is reset using the setting unit. 2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein when the number of times exceeds the limit, the print data stored in the temporary storage unit is output to the printer the specified number of times. 3. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the comparing unit determines that the total data size of the print data temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit is larger than the maximum storage data size acquired by the acquiring unit. After resetting the maximum storage data size, the print data stored by the temporary storage means is output to the printer,
Among a first output process for printing the designated number of times using the job spool function and a second output process for outputting the print data stored in the temporary storage unit to the printer for the designated number of times, 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein it is determined which of the processings can be performed at a high speed, and the first or second output processing is selected and executed according to a result of the determination. 4. Printing system. 4. A host computer that runs a print data generation program for generating print data, temporarily stores received data in a spool storage unit, and performs printing as if print data was received a specified number of times. A control method of a printing system including a printer having a job spool function to be executed, wherein the host computer obtains a maximum data size of print data that can be temporarily stored in the spool storage unit by the printer; A comparison step of comparing the total data size of the print data generated by the generation program and stored in the temporary storage unit of the host computer with the maximum storage data size obtained in the obtaining step; Total data of stored print data When it is determined that the size is larger than the maximum storage data size obtained in the obtaining step, after resetting the maximum storage data size of the printer, the print data stored in the temporary storage unit is output to the printer. And a control step of printing the specified number of times by using the job spool function. 5. When the total data size of the print data temporarily stored in the temporary storage means exceeds the maximum storage data size obtained in the obtaining step even if the maximum storage data size of the printer is reset. 5. The printer according to claim 4, wherein the print data stored in the temporary storage unit is output to the printer the specified number of times.
3. The method for controlling a printing system according to claim 1. 6. When the comparison step determines that the total data size of the print data temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit is larger than the maximum storage data size obtained in the obtaining step, the maximum storage data of the printer is determined. After the size is reset, the print data stored in the temporary storage unit is output to a printer, and a first output process for printing a specified number of times by using the job spool function is stored in the temporary storage unit. Outputting the stored print data to the printer the specified number of times.
Determining which one of the output processes can be processed at a high speed, and selecting and executing one of the first and second output processes according to a result of the determination. 6. The method for controlling a printing system according to 4 or 5. 7. A host computer that runs a print data generation program that generates print data, temporarily stores received data in a spool storage unit, and performs printing as if print data was received a specified number of times. In a computer-readable storage medium storing a control program of a printing system including a printer having a job spool function to be executed, in the host computer, a maximum data size of print data that the printer can temporarily store in the spool storage unit An acquisition step of acquiring; a comparison step of comparing the total data size of the print data generated by the print data generation program and stored in the temporary storage unit of the host computer with the maximum storage data size acquired by the acquisition step; By the comparison step, If it is determined that the total data size of the print data stored in the temporary storage unit is larger than the maximum storage data size obtained in the obtaining step, after resetting the maximum storage data size of the printer, A control step of outputting the print data stored in the storage means to the printer and printing the designated number of times using the job spool function, and a control program for executing the control step. A computer-readable storage medium storing a control program. 8. When the total data size of the print data temporarily stored in the temporary storage means exceeds the maximum storage data size obtained in the obtaining step even if the maximum storage data size of the printer is reset. 8. The computer-readable storage program according to claim 7, wherein a control program for outputting the print data stored in the temporary storage unit to the printer the specified number of times is stored. Possible storage medium. 9. When the comparison step determines that the total data size of the print data temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit is larger than the maximum storage data size obtained in the obtaining step, the maximum storage data size of the printer is determined. After the size is reset, the print data stored in the temporary storage unit is output to a printer, and a first output process for printing a specified number of times by using the job spool function is stored in the temporary storage unit. Outputting the stored print data to the printer the specified number of times.
Among the output processes, a control program for determining which process can be processed at a high speed, and selecting and executing one of the first and second output processes according to the determination result is stored. A computer-readable storage medium storing the control program for a printing system according to claim 7.