JP2002269021A - Method and device for supplying software for controlling printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a software supplying device for printer control, which can update a table in shorter time by communication associated with the look-up table of printer control software. SOLUTION: A setup program film 22 and an LUT source data file 24 which can be converted into LUT by a setup program in the setup program file 22 are kept in the software supply device for printer control 10. Compression data on the LUT source data file 24 is down-loaded on a user requiring the update (version up and addition) of the look-up table. Unzipped software and the setup program which is previously down-loaded are performed on PC 6 of the user, and LUT is generated from the compressed LUT source data file 24 which is down-loaded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printer control software providing method and a printer control software providing apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Printer control software (a so-called printer driver) for creating print data to be supplied to a color printer includes RGB values such as CMYK values of ink and toner used in the color printer. A lookup table (a table in which RGB values are associated with CMYK values and the like on a one-to-one basis) is known in order to convert the values into values corresponding to the combinations of.
Since the look-up table is required for each type of paper and print quality, the ratio of the capacity of the look-up table group to the entire capacity of the printer control software is extremely large.

[0003]

Now, as is well known,
As a method of providing printer control software, a method using a portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM in a general table and a method using the Internet are used.

When the printer control software is provided to the user by the former method, there is no problem that the size of the lookup table is large. However, in this case, even if the software provider hurries, it may take several days to actually provide the latest printer control software to the user.

[0005] On the other hand, if the Internet is used, the latest printer control software can be immediately distributed to the user. However, since the size of the lookup table is large, it takes time to download the printer control software. There was a problem that would.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a printer control software providing method and a printer control software providing apparatus in which updating by download is completed in a short time. Is to provide.

[0007]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a method for providing printer control software according to the present invention utilizes one or more look-up tables and any one of the one or more look-up tables. In order to provide printer control software including a printer control program for generating print data for a predetermined type of printer to a user of a predetermined type of printer, a look-up table is created from the printer control program and data of a predetermined format. Lookup table generation program for generating, and 1 which is data in a predetermined format
One or more look-up table source data are distributed to a user who has received the printer control program, the look-up table generation program, and the one or more look-up table source data on the user's computer. The program causes the up-table generation program to perform a work for generating a look-up table from each of one or more lookup table original data.

That is, in the printer control software providing method of the present invention, not the lookup table itself, but the lookup table original data converted into the lookup table by the lookup table generation program by the user using some means. Distributed. Then, the lookup table is generated from the lookup table original data by the lookup table generation program on the user's computer, so that the computer includes one or more lookup tables and a printer control program. A state where the printer control software is present is formed.

If the printer control software and the look-up table generation program are provided to the user by this method, when the look-up table is upgraded (including addition), instead of the look-up table,
What is necessary is to distribute the lookup table original data to the user. Since the size of the compressed data of the lookup table original data is surely smaller than the size of the compressed data of the lookup table, using the printer control software providing method of the present invention makes it possible to update by downloading in a short time. An environment to be completed can be provided to the user.

Further, the printer control software providing apparatus of the present invention generates print data for a printer of a predetermined model using one or more look-up tables and one of the one or more look-up tables. A printer control software providing apparatus for providing printer control software including a printer control program to a user of a printer of a predetermined model, wherein the printer control program and data in a predetermined format are provided as objects that can be provided to the user. A look-up table generating program for generating a look-up table from the object, one or more look-up table original data, each of which is data of a predetermined format, and an object storage means, and a user of a predetermined model printer. Between that user By exchanging information via the computer in use, a recognition means for recognizing one or more objects stored in the object storage means from which the user has requested the download, and a download by the recognition means. Download means for transmitting a compressed file of one or more objects recognized as being requested to a computer used by the recognition means for information exchange with a user.

By using the printer control software providing apparatus, a lookup table original data, a lookup table generating program capable of generating a lookup table from the lookup table original data, and a printer control program can be distributed to the user. Since the size of the compressed file of the lookup table original data is surely smaller than the size of the compressed data file of the lookup table, the update by download can be performed in a short time by using the printer control software providing apparatus of the present invention. An environment to be completed can be provided to the user.

In implementing the printer control software providing apparatus of the present invention, it is desirable to employ a means for utilizing a Web page for information exchange as recognition means. In other words, a means that requires a special program to be installed on the computer side may be used as the recognizing means. However, by adopting the above-described recognizing means, a computer having a Web browser can be used. It is desirable that any computer can access the printer control software providing device.

[0013]

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

FIG. 1 shows the configuration and usage of a printer control software providing apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The printer control software providing apparatus 10 according to this embodiment provides each type of printer 50 user with printer control software (so-called printer driver) for the printer 50 used by the user. Device connected to the Internet 100 for use.

Further, the printer control software providing apparatus 10 is configured by storing various programs and data in a relatively sophisticated computer.

More specifically, an HDD (hard disk drive) 12 of the printer control software providing apparatus 10
Includes various Web page data files 21 together with various program files (not shown) executed in the printer control software providing apparatus 10.
The setup program file 22 is stored. In the HDD 12, a printer control program file 23 and a plurality of lookup table source data files 24 (in the figure, LU
T source data file 24) and a plurality of related files 25
Is stored.

The printer control program file 23 for a certain model stored in the HDD 12 is a file of a printer control program capable of generating print data for the printer 50 of that model. Also, H
When generating print data, each printer control program in the DD 12 uses a look-up table having a predetermined format and contents according to printing conditions (the type and printing quality of a specified medium). I have.

Each lookup table original data file 24 in the HDD 12 is a file of the lookup table original data. Here, the look-up table original data is data consisting of the minimum data necessary to generate the above-described look-up table of the predetermined format. In other words, the lookup table source data file 24 is a file that allows anyone who knows the format to generate a lookup table from the data contained therein.

The related files 25 stored in the HDD 12 for a certain model are utility program files and help files to be used simultaneously with the corresponding printer control program. For some models, a difference file for upgrading the printer control program is also stored as the related file 25.

The setup program file 22 includes:
A setup program file for performing a process of installing a printer control program and the like in a personal computer (PC) 60 using the printer 50. Although the details of the setup program will be described later, the setup program is provided with a function of generating a look-up table in the predetermined format from the look-up table original data.

The plurality of Web page data files 21 stored in the HDD 12 include HTML data for providing various Web pages such as a top page described later, template data thereof, image data, and the like. This is the file that was retained.

Hereinafter, the operation of the printer control software providing apparatus 10 and how to use the printer control software providing apparatus 10 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

Printer control software providing device 10
When the printer control software is downloaded from the user, the user activates the Web browser of his / her PC 60 and performs an operation such as inputting a predetermined URL, thereby transmitting a top page request, which is an HTTP request having predetermined contents, to the PC 60 Send.

When receiving the top page request, the printer control software providing apparatus 10 returns the top page data to the transmission source.

The data for the top page is HTML data using a script, and the PC 60 that has received the data for the top page writes a description (a description about the operation method) relating to its own page (top page). And a top page provided with a "driver investigation" button and a "connected device investigation" button.

The PC 60 displaying the top page
When the “Driver Survey” button is pressed, the PC 6
0 shows what program /
Investigate whether data is installed. That is, the PC 60 is connected to the installed printer 50.
The model name, printer control program version, look-up table type and version, and setup program version are checked. When it is confirmed that one or more printers 50 are installed, the PC 60 displays the model names of the one or more printers 50 on the top page. On the other hand, if it is not confirmed that the printer 50 has been installed, the PC 60 displays a message to that effect on the top page.

When the "check connected device" button is pressed, the PC 60 checks the type of the printer locally or network-connected to the PC 60. When it is detected that one or more printers 50 are connected, the PC 60 displays the model names of the one or more printers 50 on the top page. On the other hand, when it is not confirmed that the printer 50 is connected, the PC 60 displays a message to that effect on the top page.

When one model name is selected from several model names displayed on the top page, the PC 60 displays the survey result information indicating the survey result on the printer 50 having the selected model name. Is transmitted to the printer control software providing apparatus 10. When the model name is displayed by pressing the “driver search” button, the PC 60 transmits a confirmation page request including research result information including some information such as the version of the printer control program, and When the name is displayed by pressing the “connected device investigation” button, a confirmation page request including the model name selected by the user is transmitted as the investigation result information.

Upon receiving the confirmation page request, the printer control software providing apparatus 10 specifies all files desirably downloaded to the PC 60 that has transmitted the confirmation page request, based on the survey result information included in the request. That is, when only the model name is included, the printer 50 identified by the model name is included.
All files other than the update difference file are specified as files that are desirably downloaded to the PC 60. When the version of the printer control program is included, the PC 60 that has transmitted the confirmation page request is based on the information.
Are recognized as files that are required to keep the latest version of the program / data, and the recognized files are specified as files desirably downloaded to the PC 60.

If no file to be downloaded can be specified, the printer control software providing apparatus 10 transmits Web page data prepared in advance for notifying the user to the confirmation page. Return it to the sender of the request.

On the other hand, when one or more files to be downloaded can be specified, the printer control software providing apparatus 10 creates confirmation page data and returns it to the sender of the confirmation page request.

The confirmation page data is also HTML data using a script, and the PC 60 that has received the confirmation page data transmits a check box for each of one or more files to be downloaded and a transmission box. A confirmation page with a button is displayed. Note that some of the check boxes on this confirmation page include those linked to other check boxes (those that are automatically controlled to the same state as a specific check box).

After that, the PC 60 changes the content of the confirmation page (the state of each check box) according to the content of the user's operation.
Is changed, and when the transmission button is pressed, a download file request (DL file request in FIG. 2) including the information indicating the checked check box is transmitted.

The printer control software providing apparatus 10 which has received the download file request recognizes one or more files designated to be downloaded based on the information contained therein, and recognizes the recognized one or more files.
An archive file (in this embodiment, an LZH file) for one or more files is created and returned to the source of the download file request.

The PC 60 that has transmitted the download file request receives the archive file and saves it in a location designated by the user. After the archive file has been saved, the user activates the decompression software to activate the archive file. Unzip the file. Then, the user starts the setup program in the setup program file 22 obtained by the decompression or the setup program already installed in the own PC 60.

The activated setup program performs a process of installing each file obtained by the decompression on its own PC 60 (copying it to a predetermined folder,
S). At this time, the setup program generates a lookup table from the lookup table source data in the lookup table source data file 24 for the lookup table source data file 24 obtained by the decompression, and generates the generated lookup table. The table is installed on the PC 60. Note that the setup program itself is a file obtained by decompression (the PC itself is a PC 60).
Is not installed in PC6)
0 is performed.

As described above, when the printer control software providing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment provides the printer control software to the user, the lookup table itself is not provided to the user, but the setup table is provided. The present user is provided with a look-up table source table, and the user who does not have a setup program is provided with a setup program and look-up table source data.

The size of a compressed file by a general compression algorithm for some lookup table source tables and a setup program is as follows:
The size of the archive file of the look-up table generated from the look-up table source table does not change much or becomes smaller than the size. Also, a compressed file related to one lookup table original data is:
The size does not become larger than the size of the compressed file related to one lookup table generated from the lookup table original data.

Therefore, the printer control software providing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment provides an environment in which the printer control software can be downloaded in a shorter time. Can be provided to the user of the printer 50 in a shorter time. That is, when a new print medium for the printer 50 is developed or a new ink is developed,
If the lookup table source data file 24 is added in the printer control software providing apparatus 10, each user of the printer 50 can easily bring his or her PC 60 into a state where the print medium and the ink can be used effectively. You can do it in time.

<Modification> Although the printer control software providing apparatus 10 according to the embodiment uses a program common to a plurality of models as a setup program, a setup program is prepared for each model. May be. Further, the program for generating the lookup table from the lookup table original data may be a program different from the setup program.

Although the printer control software providing apparatus 10 is an apparatus using an LZH file as an archive file, another file in a compressed format (for example, a ZIP or self-extracting file) is used as an archive file. It goes without saying that the printer control software providing device 10 may be configured as a device for performing the above.

[0043]

According to the printer control software providing method and printer control software providing apparatus of the present invention, the user can be provided with an environment in which printer control software can be updated in a shorter time by communication related to a lookup table. You can do it.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration and a use form of a printer control software providing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of the printer control software providing apparatus according to the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Printer control software providing apparatus 12 HDD 21 Web page data file 22 Setup program file 23 Printer control program file 24 Lookup table original data file 25 Related file 50 Printer 60 Personal computer

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. Printer control software including one or more look-up tables and a printer control program for generating print data for a printer of a predetermined model using one of the one or more look-up tables A printer control software providing method for providing a user of the printer of the predetermined model with the printer control program, a lookup table generation program for generating the lookup table from data of a predetermined format, and Distributing one or more look-up table original data, which is data of the predetermined format, and receiving distribution of the printer control program, the look-up table generation program, and the one or more look-up table original data. The user On a computer, the printer control software provides a method, characterized in that to perform the work for generating the look-up table from the look-up table generation program each of the one or more lookup tables based on data. 2. Printer control software including one or more look-up tables and a printer control program for generating print data for a printer of a predetermined model using one of the one or more look-up tables. Is provided to a user of the printer of the predetermined model, wherein the lookup table is generated from the printer control program and data in a predetermined format as objects that can be provided to the user. And a look-up table generation program for storing, respectively, one or more look-up table original data that is the data of the predetermined format, an object storage means, and a user of the printer of the predetermined model, The computer that the user is using By recognizing the one or more objects stored in the object storage means from which the user has requested download, and recognizing that the download is requested by the recognition means. And a download unit for transmitting the compressed file of the one or more objects to a computer used by the recognition unit for information exchange with the user. 3. The information recognition apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
3. A means for using a page.
A printer control software providing device as described in the above.