JP2002091729A - Printing controller, printing control method for the same, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To automatically set an optimal recording method in the case of transmitting image data received from an application program (AP) to a recorder and recording them on a recording medium by automatically discriminating the kind of these image data. SOLUTION: A printer driver 1101A receives image data to be transmitted to the recorder from the AP, analyzes the received image data, discriminates the kind of these image data, automatically sets the optimal recording method for printing these image data on the basis of the discriminated kind of the image data and transmits the image data to the recorder after adding the automatically set recording method thereto.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a print control apparatus for transmitting image data from an application program via a printer driver to a recording apparatus and recording the image data on a recording medium, a print control method in the print control apparatus, and a storage medium. It is.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there are various printing systems for transmitting image data from an application program to a recording apparatus and recording the image data on a recording medium.

In the past, there has been a method in which a printer driver is included in an application program itself, image data is converted into a data format for a printer, transmitted to a recording device, and recorded on a recording medium. In this system, a printer driver must be provided for each application program, and the system is very inefficient in both development and maintenance of the application program.

[0004] As a result, the printer driver is able to use the application program and API (Application).
By communicating according to a common protocol called “Programming Interface”, a system that can operate independently from an application program and can be commonly used by each application program has become available.

Therefore, it is not necessary to have a printer driver for each application program, and the inefficiency in the development and maintenance of application programs has been eliminated.

However, the printer driver is a printer driver that can operate independently of the application program and can be used in common by each application program. The image data is transmitted from the application program to the recording apparatus via the printer driver, and is stored in the recording medium. Although it is a printing system for recording, it simply converts image data into a data format for a printer and transmits it to a recording device.

Therefore, the user can make various settings in a printer driver setting for an optimal recording method when image data is transmitted to a recording device and recorded on a recording medium so as to further respond to the needs of the user. It became.

[0008]

On the other hand, on the other hand, there is a disadvantage that it can respond to the needs of the user in detail.
It is very detailed and difficult for the user to understand, so the user does not know what to set,
In most cases, default settings are selected and printing is performed with the default settings.

Although the default setting differs depending on the image data, printing is performed without setting the type of image data, resulting in a situation in which only a very poor print quality can be obtained. The point was pointed out.

[0010] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and a first object of the present invention is to receive image data to be transmitted to the recording apparatus from an application program, and to convert the received image data. Analyzing, determining the type of the image data, automatically setting an optimal recording method for printing the image data based on the determined type of the image data, and setting the automatically set recording method to By adding the image data to the recording device and transmitting the image data to the recording device, the type of the image data is automatically determined based on the information on the type of the image data received from the application program, and the image data is transmitted to the recording device and stored in the recording medium. A print control apparatus, a print control method, and a print control method that can automatically set an optimum print method for printing and have excellent operability and convenience. To provide a storage medium.

A second object is to display the set optimum recording method on a print setting screen, and to instruct the change when the optimum recording method displayed on the print setting screen is changed. Based on the above, by changing the optimal recording method set by the setting means, by adding the changed recording method to the image data and transmitting the image data to the recording device, the automatically set optimal recording method Even if there is, the user can explicitly confirm the automatically set recording method and adjust the recording method according to the user's preference and recording purpose. An object of the present invention is to provide an excellent print control device, print control method, and storage medium.

A third object is to analyze image data received from an application without automatically setting a recording method, display the type of the image data on a print setting screen, and display the type on the print setting screen. The recording method is instructed to change the recording method, and the displayed recording method is changed based on the change instruction, and the changed recording method is added to the image data and transmitted to the recording device. A print control apparatus and print control excellent in operability and convenience capable of allowing the user to explicitly confirm the method and adapting the user's preference and recording purpose to prioritize a custom setting of the recording method by the user. A method and a storage medium are provided.

A fourth object is to analyze image data received from an application without automatically setting a recording method, display the type of the image data on a print setting screen, and then, based on a change instruction, change the type of the image data. By automatically setting an optimal recording method for printing image data, adding the automatically set recording method to the image data and transmitting the image data to the recording device, the recording is adapted to a change instruction by a user, and the recording is performed. With a simple operation that the user simply instructs the method,
An object of the present invention is to provide a print control apparatus, a print control method, and a storage medium that are excellent in operability and convenience, and that can set a recording method based on user settings and automatic settings.

A fifth object is to display a recording method based on a user setting and an automatic setting on a print setting screen, instruct a change of the recording method displayed on the print setting screen, and, based on the change instruction, By changing the displayed recording method, the user can confirm the contents of the recording method automatically set by a simple instruction, and finally, the operability and the convenience can be set so that the user can set the optimum recording method. An object of the present invention is to provide an excellent print control device, print control method, and storage medium.

[0015]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print control apparatus for transmitting image data from an application program via a printer driver to a recording device and recording the image data on a recording medium. Receiving means for receiving image data to be transmitted from the application program to the printing apparatus (the printer driver 1 shown in FIG. 3)
101A), and determining means (corresponding to the functional processing by the printer driver 1101A shown in FIG. 3) which analyzes the image data received by the receiving means and determines the type of the image data. Based on the type of image data determined by the determination unit,
First setting means (the printer driver 1 shown in FIG. 3) for automatically setting an optimum recording method for printing the image data.
101A) and a first transmission unit (a printer driver 1101A shown in FIG. 3) for adding the recording method automatically set by the first setting unit to the image data and transmitting the image data to the recording apparatus. (Corresponding to the function processing by the above).

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a setting status display means (function processing by the printer driver 1101A shown in FIG. 3) for displaying an optimum recording method set by the first setting means on a print setting screen. And change instructing means (including an input device (including a pointing device, a keyboard, etc.) of the PC 1101 shown in FIG. 3) for instructing to change the optimum recording method displayed on the print setting screen by the setting state display means. 3) and first changing means (FIG. 3) for changing the optimum recording method set by the setting means based on the change instruction by the change instructing means.
The first transmitting unit adds the recording method changed by the first changing unit to the image data and transmits the image data to the recording device. Is what you do.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first type display unit for analyzing image data received by the receiving unit and displaying the type of the image data on a print setting screen (see FIG. 3). Printer function 1101A), first change instructing means for instructing to change the recording method displayed on the print setting screen by the first type display means, and the first change instructing A second changing means (FIG. 3) for changing the recording method displayed by the first type display means based on a change instruction by the means.
The first transmitting unit adds the recording method changed by the second changing unit to the image data and transmits the image data to the recording device. Is what you do.

A fourth invention according to the present invention is directed to a second setting means (FIG. 3) for automatically setting an optimum recording method for printing the image data based on a change instruction from the first change instruction means. 3) and a second transmitting unit (see FIG. 3) that adds the recording method automatically set by the second setting unit to the image data and transmits the image data to the recording apparatus. (Corresponding to the function processing by the printer driver 1101A).

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a second type display means (a function of the printer driver 1101A shown in FIG. 3) for displaying, on a print setting screen, a recording method automatically set by the second setting means. And a second change instructing means (an input device (pointing device, pointing device, Keyboard, etc.)) and the second
A third changing means (corresponding to the function processing by the printer driver 1101A shown in FIG. 3) for changing the recording method displayed by the first type display means based on the change instruction by the change instructing means. And a third transmitting unit (corresponding to the function processing by the printer driver 1101A shown in FIG. 3) for adding the recording method changed by the third changing unit to the image data and transmitting the image data to the printing apparatus.

A sixth invention according to the present invention is a print control method in a print control apparatus for transmitting image data from an application program via a printer driver to a recording apparatus and recording the image data on a recording medium. Receiving image data to be transmitted to the printing apparatus from the printer (step S31 in FIG. 6)
01), a determination step of analyzing the image data received in the receiving step and determining the type of the image data (step S3103 in FIG. 6), and a type of the image data determined in the determination step. A first setting step for automatically setting an optimum recording method for printing the image data, and a recording method automatically set by the first setting step being added to the image data and transmitted to the recording apparatus. And a first transmission step (steps S3104 to S3108 in FIG. 6).

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a setting state displaying step (step S3203 shown in FIG. 7) for displaying an optimum recording method set in the first setting step on a print setting screen. A change instruction step (step S3204 shown in FIG. 7) for instructing to change the optimum recording method displayed on the print setting screen by the setting state display step, and the setting step based on the change instruction in the change instruction step. A first changing step of changing the set optimum recording method (step S3204 shown in FIG. 7), wherein the first transmitting step includes the step of changing the recording method changed by the first changing step. The image data is transmitted to the recording device in addition to the image data.

An eighth invention according to the present invention is directed to a first type displaying step (see FIG. 7) for analyzing the image data received in the receiving step and displaying the type of the image data on a print setting screen. Step S3203), a first change instruction step of instructing to change the recording method displayed on the print setting screen by the first type display step (Step S3204 shown in FIG. 7), and the first change Second change step of changing the recording method displayed in the first type display step based on the change instruction in the instruction step (step S320 shown in FIG. 7)
4), wherein the first transmitting step adds the recording method changed by the second changing step to the image data and transmits the image data to the recording device.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, a second setting step (FIG. 7) for automatically setting an optimum recording method for printing the image data based on the change instruction in the first change instruction step. Steps S3206 to S32 shown in
08) and a second transmission step of adding the recording method automatically set in the second setting step to the image data and transmitting the image data to the recording apparatus (step S3 shown in FIG. 7).
211, S3212).

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a second type display step (step S3209 shown in FIG. 7) for displaying the recording method automatically set in the second setting step on a print setting screen. A second change instruction step (step S3209 shown in FIG. 7) for instructing to change the recording method displayed on the print setting screen by the second type display step, and a change instruction in the second change instruction step A third change step (step S3210 shown in FIG. 7) for changing the recording method displayed by the first type display step based on the first type display step, and a recording method changed by the third change step to the image data. And a third transmission step (steps S3211 and S3212 shown in FIG. 7) for transmitting to the recording apparatus in addition to the above.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print control apparatus for transmitting image data from an application program via a printer driver to a recording apparatus and recording the image data on a recording medium. A receiving step of receiving image data to be performed (step S3101 in FIG. 6); a determining step of analyzing the image data received in the receiving step to determine the type of the image data (step S3103 in FIG. 6); A first setting step of automatically setting an optimum recording method for printing the image data based on the type of the image data determined in the step, and a recording method automatically set in the first setting step. A first transmission step of adding the image data to the recording apparatus and transmitting the image data to the recording apparatus; (The steps of FIG. 6 S3104~S
3108) is a computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing the above.

In a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a setting status display step (step S3203 shown in FIG. 7) for displaying an optimum recording method set in the first setting step on a print setting screen. A change instruction step (step S3204 shown in FIG. 7) for instructing to change the optimum recording method displayed on the print setting screen by the setting state display step, and the setting step based on the change instruction in the change instruction step. A first changing step of changing the set optimum recording method (step S3204 shown in FIG. 7), wherein the first transmitting step includes the step of changing the recording method changed by the first changing step. The image data is transmitted to the recording device in addition to the image data.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, a first type display step (see FIG. 7) for analyzing the image data received in the receiving step and displaying the type of the image data on a print setting screen. Step S3203),
A first change instruction step (step S3204 shown in FIG. 7) for instructing to change the recording method displayed on the print setting screen by the first type display step, and a change instruction in the first change instruction step , A second change step (step S32 shown in FIG. 7) for changing the recording method displayed in the first type display step.
04), and wherein the first transmitting step includes:
The recording method changed by the changing step is added to the image data and transmitted to the recording device.

A fourteenth invention according to the present invention is directed to a second invention for automatically setting an optimum recording method for printing said image data based on a change instruction in said first change instruction step.
(Steps S3206 to S3 shown in FIG. 7)
208), and a second transmission step of adding the recording method automatically set in the second setting step to the image data and transmitting the image data to the recording apparatus (step S shown in FIG. 7).
3211 and S3212).

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a second type display step (step S3209 shown in FIG. 7) in which the recording method automatically set in the second setting step is displayed on a print setting screen. A second change instruction step (step S3209 shown in FIG. 7) for instructing to change the recording method displayed on the print setting screen by the second type display step, and a change instruction in the second change instruction step A third changing step of changing the recording method displayed by the first type display means based on
And a third transmission step (steps S3211 and S3212 shown in FIG. 7) of adding the recording method changed by the third change step to the image data and transmitting the image data to the recording apparatus. Things.

[0030]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view for explaining the configuration of a printing apparatus to which a print control apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a carriage on which a recording head 102 and a cartridge guide 103 are mounted, and can scan along a guide shaft 104 and a guide shaft 105. The drive mechanism of the carriage 101 is not shown.

Reference numeral 106 denotes a recording medium, which is fed into the main unit by a paper feed roller 107, and
08, a pinch roller (not shown), and a paper holding plate 109
The recording paper is sent to the front of the recording head 102 while being sandwiched between the recording heads 102 and recorded.

Reference numeral 110 denotes a color cartridge which contains three color inks of yellow, magenta and cyan.
Black cartridge 11 containing black ink
1 are individually inserted into the cartridge guide 103 and connected to the recording head 102.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view for explaining a main configuration of the recording head 102 of the recording apparatus shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the recording head 1
In the front portion of No. 02, ejection port groups for yellow, magenta, cyan, and black inks are arranged in a straight line. The discharge port groups for yellow, magenta, and cyan have 24 discharge ports, and the discharge port group for black has 64 discharge ports. There is an interval longer than the nozzle pitch. Each of these discharge ports is provided with an ink liquid path communicating with the discharge port, and a common liquid chamber (not shown) for supplying ink to these liquid paths is provided at a rear portion of these ink liquid paths. Z) is provided.

In the ink passage corresponding to each of the discharge ports,
An electrothermal converter that generates thermal energy used for discharging ink droplets from these discharge ports, and an electrode wiring for providing electric power thereto are provided. These electrothermal transducers and electrode wiring are formed on a substrate 2 made of silicon or the like.
01 is formed by a film forming technique.

Further, a partition wall, a top plate, and the like made of a resin or a glass material are laminated on the substrate 201,
The above-described discharge port, ink liquid path, and common liquid chamber are configured. Behind the substrate 201, a driving circuit for driving the electrothermal transducer on the basis of the recording signal is provided on the printed circuit board 2
02 is provided.

The substrate 201 and the printed circuit board 202
Are fixed to the same aluminum plate 203. Ink cartridge 110 and ink cartridge 111
1 (see FIG. 1) is inserted into the cartridge guide 103 (see FIG. 1) substantially along the aluminum plate 203, and is connected to pipes 204, 205, 206, and 207 protruding along the aluminum plate 203. .

The pipe 204 is for yellow, the pipe 205 is for magenta, the pipe 206 is for cyan, and the pipe 207 is for black. These pipes 204-2
07 project from a plastic member (also referred to as a “distributor”) 208 extending in a direction orthogonal to the substrate, and each pipe 204 to 207 passes through a flow path in the plastic member 208 to a corresponding outlet group. (Yellow, magenta, cyan, blank).

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a control circuit configuration of the print control apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 1101 denotes a personal computer (PC), which transmits recording data to a recording device as a host device. Reference numeral 1102 denotes an I / F unit that receives a recording device from a host device. 1103 is a CPU
(Central processing unit) executes various control programs stored in the ROM 1104 to execute communication control with the host, engine control, and the like. 1105 is a RAM, a CPU
It functions as a work memory of 1103. Note that 110
Reference numeral 1A denotes a printer driver that operates in accordance with a print request from an application, performs processing for transmitting print data to and from a printing apparatus, and acquires status and resource information from the printing apparatus. A monitor device (monitor) 1101B displays a print setting screen described later by the printer driver 1101A.

Reference numeral 1106 denotes a custom IC (gate array)
(GA) which controls the bidirectional interface (I / F unit) 1102;
CR motor 1108 via R motor driver 1107
, Control of the LF motor 1110 via the LF motor driver 1109, control of the first recording medium sensor (not shown), control of the second recording medium sensor (not shown), and driving control of the recording head.

Reference numeral 1113 denotes a flexible cable which connects the recording head 1115. Reference numeral 1114 denotes a carriage terminal pad, which forms a contact point with a coupling portion with the recording head 1115. A driving unit 1116 drives the recording head 115 to eject ink droplets.

Reference numeral 1117 denotes a heating element.
The ink droplets are ejected from the recording head 1115 by the heat generation of No.7. In the recording apparatus, the recording head 1115 is a CR motor 1
Recording is performed by scanning at 108.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between an application program and a printer driver in the print control apparatus according to the present invention.

In FIG. 4, reference numeral 2101 denotes a first application program (AP1). 2102 is the second
Application program (AP2). 21
03 is an N-th application program APN.

Reference numeral 2104 denotes an API (Applicatio)
n Programming Interface), and the printer driver 2105
By communicating through the PI, it can operate independently and independently of the application program 2101 and the like, and can be used in common by each application program.

Reference numeral 2105 denotes a printer driver, and only one printer driver exists in one printing system.
Reference numeral 2106 denotes an I / F unit, which is a host device and the recording device 21.
07. A recording device 2107 receives image data from the printer driver 2105 and records it on a recording medium (such as the recording medium 106 shown in FIG. 1).

FIG. 5 shows the printer driver 2 shown in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print setting screen for the PC 105, which is displayed on the display device of the PC 1101 illustrated in FIG. 3 when a print instruction is issued from an application.

In FIG. 5, reference numeral 2201 denotes an entire screen for setting the printer driver. An image name area 2202 displays an image name (in this example, “ABC”).
An image preview area 2203 displays an image in a reduced size.

Reference numeral 2204 denotes a printing end line, which receives information on the printing end from the recording device and grays out the area where the printing ends. Reference numeral 2205 denotes a printer information area, which includes a printer status (currently displaying a “printable” status) and ink information (currently “K is 80%, C is 50%,
(Information indicating that M is 60% and Y is 30%). 22
Reference numeral 06 denotes an image type area, which displays the type of image data (any of text, graph, and photo can be displayed, and a photo is currently being displayed). The type of the image data is received together with the image data from the application program.

Reference numeral 2207 denotes a basic setting area, which automatically sets an optimal recording method when transmitting image data to a recording apparatus and recording the image data on a recording medium based on information on the type of image data received from the application program. Default values are set for items that are not directly related to information about the type of image data.

Reference numeral 2208 denotes a detailed setting area for automatically setting a more detailed and optimal recording method according to the setting contents of the basic setting items. Default values are set for items that are not directly related to the basic settings.

Reference numeral 2209 denotes a detailed setting button, which is selected when a more detailed recording method is set. Reference numeral 2210 denotes an OK button, which is selected when printing is performed using the settings displayed on the printer driver setting screen. 22
A cancel button 11 is selected when canceling printing. Reference numeral 2212 denotes a button for returning to the default.
Select this to return all printer driver settings to the default settings. Reference numeral 2213 denotes a help button, which is selected when displaying help information on printer driver settings.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the first data processing procedure in the print control apparatus according to the present invention, and corresponds to the operation procedure for setting the printer driver according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. In addition, S3101 to S3
108 indicates each step.

First, in step S3101, image data is received from an application program. Next, in step S3102, information on the type of image data is received from the application program. In step S3103, the type of the image data is determined. If it is determined that the type of the image data is a character, the process proceeds to step S31.
At 04, the optimum recording method for the character is automatically set.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3103 that the type of image data is a graph, the process proceeds to step S3103.
At 3105, the optimal recording method for the graph is automatically set.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3103 that the type of image data is a photograph, the process proceeds to step S3103.
At 106, the optimal recording method for the picture is automatically set.

Then, finally, when the OK button 2210 shown on the setting screen as shown in FIG. 5 is selected, in step S3107, the optimum recording method for the image data to be printed is transmitted to the recording apparatus. Further, step S31
At 08, the image data to be printed is transmitted to the recording device, and the process ends.

[Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment,
Although the setting example in which the setting by the user is not performed before the determination of the type of the image data has been described, the setting of the recording method may be controlled so that the optimum recording method can be set, including the selection by the user. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the second data processing procedure in the print control apparatus according to the present invention, and corresponds to the operation procedure of the printer driver setting of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. Note that S3201 to S3
212 indicates each step.

First, in step S3201, image data is received from an application program. Next, in step S3202, information on the type of image data is received from the application program. In step S3203, information about the type of image data received from the application program is displayed, for example, as an image type 2206 on the setting screen shown in FIG.

Next, in step S3204, if the information on the type of image data received from the displayed application program is different from the user's needs, the user operates a pointing device (not shown) to display the image type 2206. In the selection state, an intended image type is selected and its contents are changed.

In step S3205, the type of the image data is determined. If it is determined that the type of the image data is a character, in step S3206, an optimal recording method for the character is automatically set.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3205 that the type of image data is a graph, the process proceeds to step S3205.
At 207, the optimal recording method for the graph is automatically set.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3205 that the type of image data is a photograph, the process proceeds to step S32
At 08, the optimal recording method for the picture is automatically set.

In step S3209, the automatically set optimum recording method is displayed on the setting screen shown in FIG. Next, in step S3210, if the automatically set optimal recording method is different from the user's needs, the user changes the recording method.

Finally, if an OK button 2210 on the setting screen shown in FIG. 5 is instructed to be selected, step S3211
In step (1), a recording method optimal for the image data to be printed is transmitted to the recording apparatus. Further, in step S3212, the image data to be printed is transmitted to the recording device, and the process ends.

Step S320 in the above steps
3 and omitting step S3204, and determining the type of image data in step S3205 without displaying and changing the information on the type of image data received from the application program, as in the first embodiment. You may.

Step S320 in the above steps
9 and step S3210 may be omitted, and the next recording may be advanced similarly to the first embodiment without displaying and changing the automatically set optimal recording method.

As a result, the optimum recording method can be automatically set based on the information on the type of image data received from the application program, and the setting can be freely switched and set according to the user's preference. It is possible to build a printing system that meets each need.

In the above embodiment, the case where the printer engine is a recording apparatus equipped with an ink jet type color printer engine has been described as an example. However, a recording apparatus having a laser beam printer engine capable of monochrome and halftone expression is described. Also, the present invention can be applied to an information processing apparatus including a printer driver that transfers print data to a recording apparatus equipped with a color laser printer engine.

The automatic mode shown in the first embodiment,
The user selection mode shown in the second embodiment can be selected and registered and managed in the non-volatile memory as a user setting for each user or for each application name, and for each file extension. Alternatively, the configuration may be such that automatic selection or user setting can be performed for each extension.

Further, the recording method may be set in accordance with the type of image data and the type of paper detected or selected from the recording apparatus by a sensor or the like. As a result, it is possible to reduce the recording processing time for plain paper, reduce consumption of consumables such as ink, and suppress deformation of paper.

According to the above-described embodiment, the optimum recording method when the user automatically determines the type of image data to be printed, transmits the image data to the recording device, and records the image data on the recording medium is automatically determined. , The user can record the image data on the recording medium by an optimal recording method without doing anything.

The user can change various settings in the printer driver settings as needed, so that the recording method can be changed according to the needs of the user.

As a result, the user can easily obtain a print result of the highest print quality of the image data to be printed, and can easily tune the print result of the image data according to the user's preference. , CS (C
The degree of customer satisfaction is high and the user can be sufficiently satisfied.

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

FIG. 8 is a view for explaining a memory map of a storage medium for storing various data processing programs which can be read by a printing system to which the printing control apparatus according to the present invention can be applied.

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

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

The functions shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 in this embodiment may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. And in that case, CD-ROM, flash memory, FD
The present invention can be applied to a case in which a group of information including a program is supplied to an output device from a storage medium such as the above or from an external storage medium via a network.

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

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

Examples of the storage medium for supplying the program code include a floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, and C
D-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, etc. can be used.

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

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

[0088]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the fifteenth aspect, image data transmitted from the application program to the recording device is received, the received image data is analyzed, the type of the image data is determined, and the type of the determined image data is determined. Automatically sets an optimal recording method for printing the image data, and adds the automatically set recording method to the image data and transmits the image data to the recording apparatus. The type of image data is automatically determined based on the information on the type of the image data, and the optimum recording method when the image data is transmitted to the recording apparatus and recorded on the recording medium can be automatically set.

Further, the set optimum recording method is displayed on the print setting screen, and when the optimum recording method displayed on the print setting screen is instructed to be changed, the optimum printing method is displayed based on the change instruction. By changing the optimal recording method set by the setting means, adding the changed recording method to the image data and transmitting the image data to the recording device, even if the optimal recording method is automatically set, The user can explicitly confirm the automatically set recording method, and can prioritize the user's setting for the recording method according to the user's preference and recording purpose.

Further, the image data received from the application is analyzed without automatically setting the recording method, and the type of the image data is displayed on the print setting screen.
The recording apparatus instructs to change the recording method displayed on the print setting screen, changes the displayed recording method based on the change instruction, and adds the changed recording method to the image data. , The user can explicitly confirm the recording method, and can prioritize the user's custom setting for the recording method according to the user's preference and recording purpose.

Also, without automatically setting the recording method,
After analyzing the image data received from the application and displaying the type of the image data on the print setting screen, based on the change instruction, the optimum recording method for printing the image data is automatically set, and the automatic Since the set recording method is added to the image data and transmitted to the recording apparatus, user setting and automatic setting can be performed by a simple operation in which the user easily instructs the recording method in response to a change instruction from the user. And a recording method based on the above.

Further, a recording method based on the user setting and the automatic setting is displayed on the print setting screen, and the recording method displayed on the print setting screen is instructed to be changed. Since the recording method is changed, the user can confirm the contents of the recording method automatically set by a simple instruction, and finally, the user can set the optimum recording method.

Therefore, the optimum recording method for the type of image data received from the application can be set automatically or freely according to the user's preference, and various recording methods can be performed without causing operation errors or confusion of operation instructions. It is possible to reliably and easily adjust and set a recording method that provides an optimal recording result in a recording apparatus according to the type of individual image data generated by a user executing an arbitrary application.
CS (customer Satisfaction)
It is advantageous in that it is possible to freely construct a recording operation environment that can easily obtain a recording result that is high in recording quality and can sufficiently satisfy the user.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view illustrating a configuration of a recording apparatus to which a print control apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a main configuration of a recording head of the recording apparatus illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a control circuit configuration of the print control apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a relationship between an application program and a printer driver in the print control device according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print setting screen for the printer driver illustrated in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure in the print control apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second data processing procedure in the print control apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by a printing system to which a print control device according to the present invention can be applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1101 PC 1101A Printer driver 1101B Monitor 1102 I / F unit 1103 CPU 1104 ROM 1105 RAM 1106 Controller (GA)

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. A print control apparatus for transmitting image data from an application program via a printer driver to a recording apparatus and recording the image data on a recording medium, comprising: receiving image data transmitted from the application program to the recording apparatus; Means for analyzing the image data received by the receiving means, determining means for determining the type of the image data, and for printing the image data based on the type of image data determined by the determining means First setting means for automatically setting an optimum recording method; and first transmitting means for adding the recording method automatically set by the first setting means to the image data and transmitting the image data to the recording apparatus. A print control device, comprising: 2. A setting status display means for displaying an optimum recording method set by the first setting means on a print setting screen; and the optimum status displayed on the print setting screen by the setting status display means. Change instruction means for instructing a change in the recording method, and first change means for changing the optimum recording method set by the setting means based on the change instruction from the change instruction means, 2. The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting unit adds the recording method changed by the first changing unit to the image data and transmits the image data to the recording device. A first type display unit that analyzes the image data received by the receiving unit and displays a type of the image data on a print setting screen; First change instructing means for instructing to change the recording method displayed on the screen; and changing the recording method displayed by the first type display means based on the change instruction by the first change instructing means. And a second changing unit, wherein the first transmitting unit adds the recording method changed by the second changing unit to the image data and transmits the image data to the recording device. Item 2. The print control device according to Item 1. 4. A second setting means for automatically setting an optimum recording method for printing the image data based on a change instruction from the first change instruction means, and an automatic setting by the second setting means. 4. The printing control apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: a second transmitting unit that adds the printing method to the image data and transmits the image data to the printing apparatus. 5. A second type display means for displaying a recording method automatically set by the second setting means on a print setting screen; and a second type display means for displaying the recording method on the print setting screen by the second type display means. Second change instructing means for instructing to change the recording method, and third changing means for changing the recording method displayed by the first type display means based on the change instruction by the second change instructing means. 4. The printing control apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: a third transmission unit that adds the recording method changed by the third changing unit to the image data and transmits the image data to the recording device. . 6. A print control method in a print control device for transmitting image data from an application program via a printer driver to a recording device and recording the image data on a recording medium, the image being transmitted from the application program to the recording device. A receiving step of receiving data; a determining step of analyzing the image data received in the receiving step to determine a type of the image data; and a step of determining the type of the image data based on the type of the image data determined in the determining step. A first setting step for automatically setting an optimum recording method for printing; and a first transmission for adding the recording method automatically set in the first setting step to the image data and transmitting the image data to the recording apparatus. And a print control method. 7. A setting state displaying step of displaying an optimum recording method set in the first setting step on a print setting screen, and the optimum state displayed on the print setting screen by the setting state displaying step. And a first change step of changing an optimum recording method set by the setting step based on a change instruction by the change instruction step. 7. The print control method according to claim 6, wherein, in the transmitting step, the recording method changed in the first changing step is added to the image data and transmitted to the recording device. 8. A first type display step of analyzing the image data received in the receiving step and displaying a type of the image data on a print setting screen, and the print setting is performed by the first type display step. A first change instruction step for instructing a change of the recording method displayed on a screen, and a change instruction in the first change instruction step,
And a second change step of changing the recording method displayed by the first type display step. The first transmitting step includes a step of changing the recording method changed by the second changing step to the image data. 7. The print control method according to claim 6, further comprising: 9. A second setting step for automatically setting an optimum recording method for printing the image data based on a change instruction in the first change instruction step, and an automatic setting by the second setting step. 9. A print control method according to claim 8, further comprising: a second transmission step of adding the performed recording method to the image data and transmitting the image data to the recording apparatus. 10. A second type display step of displaying the recording method automatically set by the second setting step on a print setting screen, and displayed on the print setting screen by the second type display step. A second change instruction step of instructing the recording method to change, and a change instruction by the second change instruction step,
A third changing step of changing the recording method displayed by the first type displaying step; and a third method of adding the recording method changed by the third changing step to the image data and transmitting the image data to the recording device. 9. The print control method according to claim 8, further comprising the step of: 11. A print control device for transmitting image data from an application program to a recording device via a printer driver and recording the image data on a recording medium, a receiving step of receiving image data transmitted from the application program to the recording device. Analyzing the image data received in the receiving step to determine the type of the image data; and determining the type of the image data based on the type of the image data determined in the determining step. A first setting step of automatically setting a recording method, and a first transmitting step of adding the recording method automatically set in the first setting step to the image data and transmitting the image data to the recording apparatus. -Readable storage medium storing program of program 12. A setting state displaying step of displaying an optimum recording method set in the first setting step on a print setting screen, and the optimum state displayed on the print setting screen by the setting state displaying step. And a first change step of changing an optimum recording method set by the setting step based on a change instruction by the change instruction step. 12. The storage medium according to claim 11, wherein the transmitting step adds the recording method changed by the first changing step to the image data and transmits the image data to the recording device. 13. A first type display step of analyzing the image data received in the receiving step and displaying a type of the image data on a print setting screen, and the print setting is performed by the first type display step. A first change instruction step for instructing a change of the recording method displayed on a screen, and a change instruction in the first change instruction step,
And a second change step of changing the recording method displayed by the first type display step. The first transmitting step includes a step of changing the recording method changed by the second changing step to the image data. The storage medium according to claim 11, wherein the storage medium is transmitted to the recording apparatus in addition to the storage medium. 14. A second setting step for automatically setting an optimal recording method for printing the image data based on a change instruction in the first change instruction step, and an automatic setting by the second setting step. 14. The storage medium according to claim 13, further comprising: a second transmission step of adding the performed recording method to the image data and transmitting the image data to the recording apparatus. 15. A second type display step of displaying a recording method automatically set by the second setting step on a print setting screen; and a second type display step of displaying the recording method on the print setting screen by the second type display step. A second change instruction step of instructing the recording method to change, and a change instruction by the second change instruction step,
A third change step of changing the recording method displayed by the first type display means, and a method of adding the recording method changed by the third changing step to the image data and transmitting the image data to the recording apparatus. 15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising:
The storage medium according to the above.