JP2000353139A - Printing system, information processor, printing processing method, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a printing system in which both of a host computer and a printer connected to the same network can easily store font data of the same design in the case of outputting data from the host computer to the printer. SOLUTION: Font data are downloaded to an external memory attached to a network printer (S601). Printer font management information managed by a server computer is updated (S602). Whether a computer has the same screen font as the downloaded printer font or not is discriminated (S603), and when there is computer having the same screen font, the screen font is transferred to a client computer not having the screen font data (S605). Then the screen font management information is updated (S606).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for registering font data from a host computer via a network to a printing device such as a printer when font data is stored in an external memory such as a hard disk attached to the printing device in advance. The present invention relates to a print system, an information processing apparatus, a print processing method, and a storage medium for performing printing processing of data transmitted from a host computer using font data registered in a memory of a printing apparatus, for example, when downloading (downloading).

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a host computer has a function of generating font data, and creates and transfers font data suitable for each of a display and a printer. So-called WYS that prints on a printing device with
An IWYG (What You See Is What You Get) environment has been realized. In such a printing environment, it is necessary to transfer font data to a printing device.

However, when transferring font data as described above, it takes time to process the font data. In recent years, font data has been registered in an external memory such as a hard disk attached to a printing apparatus in advance, and the data is stored in the external memory. By using this, the speed of the printing process is increased.

On the other hand, computers of a plurality of users share a printing apparatus via a network such as a LAN, and perform printing processing using font data downloaded to an external memory such as a hard disk attached to the printing apparatus. In this case, the environment is such that only the downloaded host computer can use the downloaded font data. Alternatively, the environment can be used after the information of the downloaded font data is confirmed from the individual host computers to the printing apparatus directly via the network.

As described above, by holding font data having a design equivalent to font data (printer font data) downloaded to a printing apparatus as data (screen font data) to be displayed on a display of a host computer, WYSIWY
G can be realized more comfortably.

[0006]

However, in an environment where only the host computer that has downloaded data in this way can use downloaded font data (printer font data), or from an individual host computer via a network. If the environment is such that the downloaded font data can be used directly after confirming the downloaded font data to the printing apparatus, the screen font having the same design as the printer font of the printing apparatus may not exist in the host computer. In such a case, it has been difficult to realize WYSIWYG.

Therefore, the present invention provides a printing system, an information processing apparatus, and a printing system in which when a host computer connected to the same network outputs to a printing apparatus, both the host computer and the printing apparatus can easily hold font data of the same design. It is an object to provide a print processing method and a storage medium.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, a printing system according to a first aspect of the present invention transmits from a data processing apparatus using printer font data registered in a memory of a printing apparatus. And a printer font data management unit that manages printer font data registered in a memory of the printing apparatus, and manages screen font data installed in the information processing apparatus. Screen font data management means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect, the screen font data having the same design as the printer font data used in the print processing is not mounted. The information processing apparatus further includes a transfer unit that transfers screen font data from another information processing apparatus.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the printing system according to the first or second aspect, the printer font data is applied to a client server system in which a client computer and a server computer are connected via a network. The management means and the screen font data management means are provided in the server computer.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus for transmitting data to a printing apparatus that performs a printing process using printer font data registered in a memory. Printer font data management means for managing printer font data, screen font data management means for managing screen font data installed in itself and other information processing apparatuses, and printer font data used in the printing process. Another information processing apparatus which does not have screen font data of the same design as the above is provided with a transfer means for transferring the screen font data.

A print processing method according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is a print processing method for printing data transmitted from an information processing apparatus using printer font data registered in a memory of a printing apparatus. A step of managing printer font data registered in a memory of the apparatus; a step of managing screen font data installed in the information processing apparatus; and a screen having the same design as the printer font data used in the printing process. Transferring the screen font data from another information processing device to an information processing device not equipped with the font data.

The storage medium according to the present invention is executed by a CPU that controls a printing apparatus, and prints data transmitted from an information processing apparatus using printer font data registered in a memory of the printing apparatus. In a storage medium storing a program for performing processing, the program manages a procedure for managing printer font data registered in a memory of the printing apparatus and manages screen font data installed in the information processing apparatus. And a step of transferring the screen font data from another information processing apparatus to an information processing apparatus that does not have screen font data of the same design as the printer font data used for the print processing. And

[0014]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the printing system, information processing apparatus, print processing method and storage medium of the present invention will be described.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a printing system according to a first embodiment.
In the figure, reference numeral 1000 denotes a host computer. The host computer 100 executes processing of a document in which graphics, images, characters, tables (including spreadsheets, etc.) are mixed based on a program ROM in the ROM 3 or a document processing program stored in the external memory 11. It has a CPU1. The CPU 1 generally controls each device connected to the system bus 4.

An operating program (hereinafter referred to as O) which is a control program executed by the CPU 1 is stored in a program ROM in the ROM 3 or the external memory 11.
S) are stored. The font ROM in the ROM 3 or the external memory 11 stores font data used for document processing. Further, the data ROM in the ROM 3 stores various data used when performing document processing or the like.

Reference numeral 2 denotes a RAM, which is a main memory of the CPU 1;
Functions as a work area. Reference numeral 5 denotes a keyboard controller (KBC), which controls a key input from a keyboard 9 or a pointing device (not shown).

Reference numeral 6 denotes a CRT controller (CRTC), which controls display on a CRT display (CRT) 10. Reference numeral 7 denotes a disk controller (DKC), which controls access to an external memory 11 such as a hard disk (HD) or a floppy disk (FD). A boot program, various applications,
Font data, a user file, an edit file, a character image data generation program (hereinafter, referred to as font rasterization), a printer control command generation program (hereinafter, referred to as printer driver), and the like are stored.

Reference numeral 8 denotes a printer controller (PRTC), which is connected to the printer via a predetermined bidirectional interface (interface) and executes communication control processing with the printer. In this embodiment, the network controller 100 (PRTC) NETC), and executes communication control processing with the printer 2000 or another computer connected to the network 4000 such as a LAN via a predetermined bidirectional interface 3000.

The CPU 1 executes, for example, a process of developing (rasterizing) the outline font in the display information RAM set in the RAM 2, and executes WYSIW on the CRT 10.
Enable YG. Further, the CPU 1 opens various registered windows based on commands specified by a mouse cursor or the like (not shown) on the CRT 10 and executes various data processing.

In the printer 2000, reference numeral 12 denotes a printer CPU, which is a system bus based on a control program stored in a program ROM in a ROM 13 or a control program stored in an external memory 14.
Printing unit interface (I / F) 16 connected to 5
And outputs an image signal as output information to a printing unit (printer engine) 17 via the.

The program ROM in the ROM 13 has C
A control program executed by the PU 12 is stored. The font ROM in the ROM 13 stores printer font data used when generating output information. Furthermore, in the case of a printer having no external memory 14 such as a hard disk, the host computer 1
000 is stored.

The CPU 12 can communicate with the host computer 1000 via the input unit 18 and can notify the host computer 1000 of information in the printer and the like. In the present embodiment, the input unit 18
Through a more predetermined bidirectional interface 3001,
The host computer 1000 connected to a network 4000 such as a LAN, another computer, or another printer can perform communication processing.

Reference numeral 19 denotes a RAM that functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like for the CPU 12, and is configured so that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an additional port (not shown). Note that the RAM 19
It is used for an output information development area, environment data storage area, NVRAM, and the like. An external memory 14 such as a hard disk (HD) or an IC card is provided by a memory controller (MC).
20 is access-controlled. The external memory 14 is connected as an option and stores printer font data, emulation programs, form data, and the like.

The external memory is not limited to one, but may be plural. The external memory may be connected to an optional font card, a card storing a program for interpreting a printer control language of a different language system, etc. in addition to the built-in font. It is good.

Further, the external memory includes a nonvolatile memory such as a floppy disk (FD), an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a magnetic tape, a flash memory, and an NVRAM, and a static R backed up by a power supply.
AM or the like may be used.

The operation unit 2001 is provided with switches for operating on an operation panel, an LED display, and the like. Using the operation unit 2001, the printer mode setting information may be stored in an external memory such as a nonvolatile memory such as an NVRAM.

FIG. 2 shows the CP of the host computer 1000.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a map of a memory accessed by U1. In the figure, reference numeral 120 denotes a basic I / O program stored in a program ROM in the ROM 3. 12
Reference numeral 1 denotes an operating system such as a window system which is loaded into the RAM 2 and becomes executable. An application 122 is loaded into the RAM 2 and becomes executable. This application includes a print processing program described later (see FIG. 6). Reference numeral 123 denotes related data which is loaded into the RAM 2 and becomes accessible. Reference numeral 124 denotes a work area used when executing each program.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a specific use environment to which the printing system of FIG. 1 is applied. In the figure, 21, 2
2, 23, 25, and 27 are various client computers, and 28 is a server computer. The client computers 21, 22, 23, 25, 27 and the server computer 28 have the same configuration as the host computer 1000 in FIG. Each of the devices 21 to 28 is connected via a network line 29.

Reference numerals 24 and 30 denote printers, and reference numeral 26 denotes a multifunction peripheral having functions such as a facsimile, a printer and a copying machine. The printer 2000 shown in FIG. 1 is realized as the printers 24 and 30 and the multifunction device 26 having a printing function in FIG.

The printers 24 and 30 and the multifunction device 26
Data is received in the form of a print job from a client computer 21, 22, 23, 25, 27 or a server computer 28 connected via a network line 29 and printed out.

In particular, the MFP 26 is connected to the network line 2
9 can also be connected to a public line, and can print facsimile (FAX) data received via the public line. Further, the multi-function device 26 converts FAX data received via the public line, its header information, and the like into data in the form of a print job, and performs print output in the same manner as a print job received via the network line 29.

The server computer 28 plays a role as a file server and a network line 29.
It has a role as a name server that stores a machine name and an IP address for identifying each device connected to the server.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the contents of the screen font management information managed by the server computer 28. FIG. 3A shows a client computer 2.
1, 22, 23, 25, 27 and management information of screen font data held by the server computer 28 for display on the CRT display 10 via the CRT controller 6. FIG. 4 shows only a part of the screen font management information.

For example, the client AAA holds “Mincho A” and “Gothic A” as screen fonts. The client BBB holds “Gothic A”. Server SSS is "Minchotai A",
It holds “Mincho B”, “Gothic A”, and “textbook A”. The management information of the screen font data is managed by the server computer 28.

On the other hand, an external memory 14 such as an HD attached to each network printer (printers 24, 30 and multifunction device 26) or a font ROM of the ROM 13
Is also stored in the server computer 28.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing printer font management information. The network printer “LBP1” indicated by “Printer Name” in FIG. 9A holds two types of printer font data, “Mincho A” and “Gothic A”. Similarly, “LBP2” is “Mincho A”
Holding. Note that FIG. 5 shows only a part of the printer font management information.

In the printing system having such a configuration, a printing process when "Minchotai B" is downloaded from the server computer SSS to the memory attached to "LBP2" will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a print processing procedure when “Minchotai B” is downloaded from the server SSS to the external memory attached to the network printer “LBP2”. This processing program is stored in the program ROM in the ROM 3 of the server computer 28 or the external memory 11,
It is executed after being temporarily loaded into the RAM 2 by the CPU 1.

First, in order to perform a printing process, font data is downloaded from any computer to the external memory 14 attached to the network printer (step S601). Here, as described above, “Minchotai B” is downloaded from the server SSS to the network printer “LBP2”. Then, the printer font management information managed by the server computer 28 is updated (step S602). FIG. 5B shows a state in which the printer font management information has been updated. That is, “Mincho B” is registered in the external memory 14 of the network printer “LBP2”.

It is determined whether or not either the server computer or the client computer has the same screen font as the downloaded printer font (step S603). If neither computer has the same screen font, the process ends.If any computer has the same screen font, the screen font data among the font data downloaded to the network printer is held. It is determined whether or not screen font data is to be installed in a client computer that does not have the same (step S604).

FIG. 4A shows that the client AAA and the client BBB do not have the screen font data of "Mincho B". It prompts each client computer to instruct whether to install a “Mincho B” screen font.

If it is instructed to install, the screen font data is transferred from a computer having the same screen font to a client computer having no screen font (step S605). On the other hand, if it is instructed not to install, the process ends.
Then, the screen font management information is updated (step S606).

FIG. 4B shows that the screen font data of “Mincho B” is transferred from the server SSS to the client AAA and the client BBB.

As described above, it becomes possible to install a screen font having the same design as the font data downloaded to the network printer in each computer. Therefore, both the client computer and the printer can easily hold the font data of the same design, the data transfer efficiency can be improved, and the printing environment can be improved.

It is needless to say that the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus. In this case, by reading out a storage medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention into a system or an apparatus, the system or the apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

In this embodiment, this program module is stored in the program ROM in the ROM 3 or in the external memory 11, and is temporarily stored in the RA1 by the CPU 1.
Executed after being loaded into M2. As a storage medium for supplying such a program module, in addition to a ROM, as an external memory, a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM,
A CD-R, a DVD, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, or the like can be used.

[0047]

According to the present invention, since information on a printing apparatus and information on printer font data, and information on a host computer and screen font data are managed by a server computer, the information can be transmitted from a host computer connected to the same network. When outputting to a printing device, both the host computer and the printing device can easily hold font data of the same design. Thereby, the data transfer efficiency can be improved, and the printing environment can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a map of a memory accessed by a CPU 1 of a host computer 1000.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a specific usage environment to which the printing system of FIG. 1 is applied;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing contents of screen font management information managed by a server computer 28;

FIG. 5 illustrates printer font management information.

FIG. 6 shows a network printer “LB” from the server SSS.
11 is a flowchart illustrating a print processing procedure when “Mincho B” is downloaded to an external memory attached to “P2”.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 CPU 3 ROM 11, 14 External memory 21, 22, 23, 25, 27 Client computer 24, 30 Printer 26 MFP 28 Server computer 29 Network line 1000 Host computer 2000 Printer 4000 Network

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2C062 AB00 5B021 EE04 JJ01 JJ05 5B089 GA13 JA35 JB22 KB04 KC60 LB12 9A001 BB01 BB03 BB04 BB05 CC08 DD02 DD06 DD13 HH32 HH34 JJ27 JJ35 KK31 KK42 KZ02

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A printing system for performing printing processing of data transmitted from an information processing apparatus using printer font data registered in a memory of a printing apparatus, wherein the printer font data registered in the memory of the printing apparatus is provided. And a screen font data management unit for managing screen font data installed in the information processing apparatus. 2. An information processing apparatus which does not have screen font data of the same design as the printer font data used for the print processing, further comprising a transfer unit for transferring the screen font data from another information processing apparatus. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The present invention is applied to a client server system in which a client computer and a server computer are connected via a network, wherein the printer font data management means and the screen font data management means are provided in the server computer. Claim 1 or Claim 2
The printing system as described. 4. An information processing apparatus for transmitting data to a printing apparatus that performs a printing process using printer font data registered in a memory, the printer managing the printer font data registered in the memory of the printing apparatus. Font data management means, screen font data management means for managing screen font data installed in itself and other information processing apparatuses, and screen font data having the same design as printer font data used for the printing process are installed. An information processing apparatus comprising: a transfer unit that transfers the screen font data to another information processing apparatus that does not perform the processing. 5. A print processing method for printing data transmitted from an information processing apparatus by using printer font data registered in a memory of a printing apparatus, comprising: a printer registered in a memory of the printing apparatus; A step of managing font data; a step of managing screen font data installed in the information processing apparatus; and an information processing apparatus that does not have screen font data of the same design as the printer font data used in the print processing. Transferring the screen font data from another information processing apparatus to the apparatus. 6. A program that is executed by a CPU that controls a printing apparatus and performs a printing process of data transmitted from an information processing apparatus using printer font data registered in a memory of the printing apparatus is stored. In the storage medium, the program includes a procedure for managing printer font data registered in a memory of the printing apparatus; a procedure for managing screen font data installed in the information processing apparatus; Transferring the screen font data from another information processing apparatus to an information processing apparatus that does not have screen font data of the same design as the printer font data to be processed.