JP2005182246A - Printer driver, computer storing printer driver, and print system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a print system for reducing the operation load of a user. <P>SOLUTION: A printer driver part 140 is configured to make a computer execute processing to output print data based on an object to be printed to a printer 200, and a host 100 is made to execute processing to acquire a printable sheet size from the printer 200 and processing to generate print data so that the object to be printed can fall into the sheet size. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing system technique, and more particularly to a technique for controlling a printer.

  Many companies and schools are trying to improve the efficiency of document use and storage by unifying the paper size. Documents used in business and educational environments are becoming A4 size documents. For this reason, printing systems used in businesses, schools, and the like often have only a specific paper size (for example, A4 size paper) in the paper feed tray of the printer.

  However, in a printing system provided only with printing paper of a specific paper size, if the printing size of the printing object (document) is different from the specific paper size, printing corresponding to a new printing object is performed. An operation for instructing a printing process by providing paper in the printer is required. Further, in the above printing system, when a print request is made while the print size planned for the document is different from the paper size of the print paper provided in the printer, a print process not corresponding to the document is performed.

  For example, if the print size planned for the document is larger than the paper size of the printing paper provided in the printer, the data for one page of the paper size planned for the document may be printed across multiple pages, or In some cases, it may be printed out of the printing paper. Also, for example, if the print size that the document is scheduled to be smaller than the paper size of the printing paper provided in the printer, printing may not be performed in a well-balanced manner on the page of the printing paper. In particular, when printing a document that you have not created, such as a data file that you received by e-mail, you often make a print request to the printer without checking the print size that the document is planning. .

  In a conventional printing system, when a print request is made while the print size that the document is scheduled to be different from the paper size of the print paper provided in the printer, a paper size error is notified to the user and printing is performed. There is one that interrupts processing (for example, Patent Document 1). With the configuration described above, the printing system described in Patent Document 1 can reduce useless printing costs caused by printing failures.

  In addition, a conventional printing system is provided with a double-sided printing function in a printer, and forcibly performs double-sided printing when the number of printing sheets necessary for printing is larger than a predetermined number. There is (for example, Patent Document 2). As described above, in the printing system of Patent Document 2, printing paper to be used is reduced by forcibly performing double-sided printing.

  Further, some conventional printers have a toner save mode in which printing processing is performed while suppressing toner consumption (for example, Patent Document 3). In this printer, the setting of the toner save mode is received from the user via the operation panel or printer host of the printer. When the toner save mode is set, the printing process is performed while suppressing the toner consumption. In this way, according to Patent Document 3, when it is desired to perform the printing process even when the print quality is lowered, for example, even when the remaining amount of toner falls below a predetermined amount, the toner save mode can be manually set. The printability of the printer can be increased.

Paragraphs 0005 and 0006 of JP-A-2003-320736

JP 2003-63090 A

JP-A-9-325653

  However, the printing system described in Patent Document 1 has the following problems. Specifically, in the printing system described in Patent Document 1, it is possible to prevent generation of useless printing costs. However, when the user wants to resume the interrupted printing process, the user can use a paper feed tray (paper feed) of the printer. Since printing paper corresponding to (cassette) is provided (after setting), it is necessary to make a printing request again, and the operation is complicated.

  Further, even if the printing process is performed with a paper size other than that specified by a company or the like, subsequent storage and use of the document is troublesome.

  The invention described in Patent Document 2 can reduce the number of print sheets to be used without requiring a complicated operation from the user. However, the above-mentioned Patent Document 2 does not particularly take into account the reduction of the operation burden when the print size planned for the document is different from the paper size of the print paper provided in the printer.

  In addition, the printing system described in Patent Document 3 requires a user to set the toner save mode in advance in order to use the toner save mode, and the operation is complicated.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a printing system that reduces the operation burden on the user.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a first aspect of the present invention is a computer storing a printer driver to be executed by a computer that performs processing for outputting print data based on a print object to a printer, and print data output by the computer. And a printer that performs a printing process based on the print data.

  Then, the printer driver causes the computer to execute a process of obtaining a printable paper size from the printer and a process of generating print data so that the print target is within the paper size.

  As described above, according to the first aspect, the print data is generated so as to fit within the paper size that can be printed by the printer. Therefore, even if a print request is made while the print size that the print object is scheduled to be different from the paper size of the print paper provided in the printer, the print object is automatically selected without causing the operator to operate it. Printing can be performed corresponding to the printing paper provided in the printer.

  Further, according to this aspect, the operator can unify documents to be automatically printed to a specific size by providing the printer with only a specific paper size (for example, A4). The printed document can be used and stored efficiently.

  Further, the process of generating the print data may be to generate print data in which the print object is reduced when the print size planned for the print object is larger than the paper size. With this configuration, even if the print size that the print object is planned is larger than the paper size of the print paper provided in the printer, one page of the paper size that the print object is planned Therefore, it is possible to prevent the minute data from being printed across a plurality of pages or printed out of the printing paper.

  The process of generating the print data may be to generate print data in which the print object is enlarged when the print size that the print object is scheduled is smaller than the paper size. By configuring in this way, even when the printing size that the printing object is scheduled is smaller than the paper size of the printing paper provided in the printer, printing can be performed in a balanced manner on the page of the printing paper. it can.

  Further, when the printer driver obtains information on whether or not double-sided printing is possible from the printer and print data for executing double-sided printing is acquired from the operator when information on whether or not double-sided printing is possible is obtained. It is also possible to cause the computer to execute the process of generating without accepting the instruction and outputting to the printer.

  Thus, according to the first aspect, when the printer has a double-sided printing function, the operator can cause the printer to perform double-sided printing without any particular operation. Therefore, in this aspect, if the printer is provided with only a specific size paper (for example, A4), the print size that the printing object is scheduled and the paper size of the print paper provided in the printer are determined. Even if a print request is made while being different, the document to be printed can be unified to a specific size and duplex printing can be performed.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a second aspect of the present invention is a printer that performs printing using toner, and can perform printing in a toner-saving mode that performs printing while suppressing the amount of toner used. And a computer that stores a printer driver that causes the computer to execute processing related to various controls of the printer.

  The printer driver obtains information on the amount of remaining toner from the printer, and print data to be printed in the toner save mode when the acquired information indicates that the amount of remaining toner is low. , Causing the computer to execute a process of generating without receiving an instruction from the operator and a process of outputting the generated print data to the printer.

  Thus, according to the second aspect, when the remaining amount of toner is low, the toner consumption amount of the printer can be automatically suppressed without causing the user to perform troublesome operations.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  First, the functional configuration of the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a printing system to which the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is applied. As shown in the figure, the printing system of this embodiment includes a host 100 and a printer 200. In the following, an example will be described in which the printer 200 includes a toner cartridge (not shown) and a laser printer that performs printing using toner contained in the toner cartridge is used.

  The printer 200 includes a communication control unit 210, a print execution unit 220, a status management unit 230, and a print paper feed unit 240.

  The communication control unit 210 controls transmission / reception of various data performed with the host 100. For example, when the communication control unit 210 receives print data transmitted from the host 100, the communication control unit 210 transmits the print data to the print execution unit 210. For example, the communication control unit 210 transmits status information indicating the state of the printer 200 stored in the status management unit 230 to the host 100 (the data structure of the status information will be described later).

  The print execution unit 220 receives print data transmitted from the host 100 and executes print processing on print paper. Specifically, the print execution unit 220 receives print data transmitted from the host 100 via the communication control unit 210, generates image information based on the received print data, and stores it in a frame buffer (not shown). Expand (draw). The print execution unit 220 reads the developed image information, feeds the printing paper to the printing paper feeding unit 240, and performs printing processing on the supplied printing paper.

  The print execution unit 220 has a function of performing double-sided printing on the printing paper fed to the printing paper feeding unit 240. When the print data transmitted from the host 100 includes data for instructing double-sided printing, the print executing unit 220 executes double-sided printing on the printing paper fed to the printing paper feeding unit 240.

  Further, the print execution unit 220 has two print modes: a normal print mode and a toner save mode (hereinafter referred to as “toner save mode”). The normal print mode is a print mode in which printing is performed with a normal toner consumption. The toner save mode is a print mode in which printing is performed while suppressing toner consumption compared to the normal print mode. The toner save mode is used when the user wants to perform print processing even when the print quality is lower than in the normal print mode. For example, when the remaining amount of toner stored in the toner cartridge is reduced, the printability of the printer 200 can be improved by printing in the toner save mode. In addition, for example, when printing a draft or the like of a document, the printing cost can be reduced by using the toner save mode.

  In the present embodiment, specific means for the toner save mode performed by the print execution unit 220 are not particularly limited. For example, when the print data transmitted from the host 100 instructs printing in the toner save mode, the print execution unit 220 thins out pixels when generating image information based on the received print data. Information may be generated. Further, when generating the image information based on the received print data, the print execution unit 220 may generate image information with a density lower than the density specified by the received print data.

  The printing paper feeding unit 240 feeds printing paper to the printing execution unit 220. Specifically, the printing paper feeding unit 240 has two paper feeding trays A241 and B242 for loading printing paper. Each of the two paper feed trays A241 and B242 is provided (set) with printing paper. Then, the printing paper feeding unit 240 supplies the printing paper from the paper feeding trays A241 and B242 to the printing execution unit 220 in accordance with a request from the printing execution unit 220. In the above description, the printing paper feeding unit 240 has two paper feeding trays, but this is only an example. For example, the number of paper feed trays may be one, or three or more.

  The status management unit 230 manages status information of the printer 200. Specifically, the status management unit 230 determines, as status information, at least data indicating the paper size of the printing paper provided in the paper feed trays A241 and B242 and whether or not the toner cartridge needs to be replaced. Holds the data shown. Then, the status management unit 230 transmits the held status information to the host 100.

  In the present embodiment, the specific means of status management performed by the status management unit 230 is not particularly limited, but can be performed as follows, for example. A status information DB 231 for storing status information is provided in the status management unit 230. An example of the data structure of the status information DB 231 is shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the status information DB 231 stores an entry 232 for storing data indicating whether or not the printer 200 has a double-sided printing function, and paper sizes provided in the paper feed trays A241 and B242, respectively. Entry 233, 234 and entry 235 for storing data indicating whether or not the toner cartridge needs to be replaced.

  Then, the status management unit 230 stores, in the entry 232 of the status information DB 231, data indicating either “present” or “absent” of the duplex printing function (data regarding duplex printing). In the present embodiment, the means for storing data in the entry 232 is not particularly limited. For example, the status management unit 230 may accept “Yes” or “No” data of the duplex printing function input by the manufacturer at the manufacturing stage of the printer 200 and store the data in the entry 232. In the description of the present embodiment, the case where the printer 200 has a double-sided printing function is described as an example. Therefore, “Yes” is stored in the entry 232 as illustrated.

  Further, the status management unit 230 acquires data indicating the paper size of the printing paper provided in the paper feed trays A241 and B242 of the printing paper feeding unit 240, and stores the data in the entries 233 and 234 of the status information DB 231 respectively. To do. In the present embodiment, the means for acquiring data indicating the paper size performed by the status management unit 230 is not particularly limited. For example, an input device (not shown in FIG. 1) may receive input of data indicating the paper size of the printing paper provided in the paper feed trays A241 and B242 from the user. Further, the paper size of the printing paper provided for each paper feed tray (A, B) may be determined in advance.

  Further, the status management unit 230 determines whether or not the toner cartridge mounted on the printer 200 needs to be replaced. When it is determined that the toner cartridge needs to be replaced, the status management unit 230 stores data indicating that the toner cartridge needs to be replaced (hereinafter referred to as “toner low”) in the entry 235 of the status information DB 231. On the other hand, when the status management unit 230 determines that it is not necessary to replace the toner cartridge, the status management unit 230 stores, in the entry 235, data indicating that the toner cartridge is not required to be replaced (hereinafter referred to as “full”). In the following, “toner low” or “full” is referred to as “data relating to the remaining amount of toner”.

  In this embodiment, specific means for determining whether or not the toner cartridge needs to be replaced is not particularly limited. For example, the status management unit 230 may measure the remaining amount of toner using a sensor or the like, and determine whether or not the replacement is necessary based on the measured remaining amount of toner.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the host 100 connected to the printer 200 will be described. The host 100 includes an OS unit 110, an application unit 120, an I / O unit 130, and a printer driver unit 140.

  The OS unit 110 comprehensively controls the application unit 120, the I / O unit 130, and the printer driver unit 140 of the host 100. For example, the application unit 120 transmits data indicating a print request of a document such as a document, a table, or an image created according to an instruction from the user to the printer driver unit 140.

  The I / O unit 130 controls transmission / reception of data performed with an external device connected to the host 100. For example, the I / O unit 130 transmits and receives various data to and from the externally connected printer 200, a display device (not shown in FIG. 1), and an input device (not shown in FIG. 1).

  The printer driver unit 140 includes a change condition setting unit 141, a status monitoring unit 142, and a print data generation unit 142.

  The status monitoring unit 142 monitors the status of the printer 200. Specifically, the status monitoring unit 142 transmits data requesting status information to the status management unit 230 of the printer 200. The status management unit 230 receives status information returned from the status management unit 230 of the printer 200 in response to the request.

  The change condition setting unit 141 receives data (change data) indicating a change condition for generating print data corresponding to the status of the printer 200. Specifically, the change condition setting unit 141 displays a setting screen on a display device (not shown in FIG. 1), and sets change data input by the user via the input device (not shown in FIG. 1). Accept and store (change data will be described later).

  The print data generation unit 143 receives data indicating a document print request transmitted from the application unit 120. The print data generation unit 143 also sets print conditions such as a print mode (normal print mode and toner save mode), the number of prints, and print density, which are input by the user via an input device (not shown in FIG. 1). Accept.

  Then, the print data generation unit 143 generates print data including a command group that can be interpreted by the printer 200 from data indicating a print request for a document created by the application in accordance with the print conditions. Is output to the printer 200. The print data generation process performed by the print data generation unit 143 will be described in detail later.

  Next, a hardware configuration for realizing the above functions will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the printing system according to the embodiment of this invention.

  First, the hardware configuration of the host 100 will be described. As shown in the figure, the host 100 controls a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101 that executes programs, a main storage device 102 that temporarily stores programs and data executed by the CPU 101, and the printer host 100. A general computer system having an auxiliary storage device 103 such as a hard disk in which the above program is stored in advance and an interface 104 that controls transmission / reception of data to / from a peripheral device such as a connected printer 200 is used. be able to. The printer host 100 may be connected to a display device 300 such as a CRT or a liquid crystal display and an input device 400 such as a keyboard or a mouse.

  In the general computer system shown in the figure, the above-described functions of the printer host 100 are performed by the CPU 101 by using each program (OS, application program, I / O program, print driver) stored in the auxiliary storage device 103. This is realized by loading into the main storage device 102 and executing it.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the printer 200 will be described. The printer 200 includes an interface 204 that controls transmission and reception of data, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201 that executes a program, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 202 that temporarily stores image data and the like, and a printer 200. ROM (Read Only Memory) 203 in which a program for controlling (a program for realizing each of the above functions) is stored in a nonvolatile manner in advance, a photosensitive unit including a laser unit, a photosensitive drum, a toner cartridge, Printing / separation mechanism with transfer charger and static eliminator, fixing unit with fixing roller and pressure roller, etc., printing mechanism 205 consisting of transfer belt, waste toner box, paper feed mechanism, etc. and printing on printing mechanism A paper feeding mechanism 206 for feeding paper. The functions of the printer 200 are realized by loading the programs for realizing the functions stored in the ROM 203 into the RAM 202 and executing the programs.

  Next, the process of receiving change data performed by the change condition setting unit 141 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a change data setting screen displayed on the display device 300 by the change condition setting unit 141. As shown in the figure, the setting screen 30 includes an area 31 for accepting a change in the paper size scheduled for the document, an area 32 for accepting whether or not double-sided printing is performed, and whether or not to perform printing in the toner save mode. And an area 34 in which a setting button and a cancel button can be provided.

  The area 31 includes an area 31a for inputting a print size planned for the document, and an area 31b for inputting data indicating a paper size to be printed by changing the print size input to the area 31a. In the example shown in the figure, settings are shown for a case where a document created with print sizes of “A3”, “B5”, and “B4” is reduced or enlarged to “A4” and printed by the printer 200. ing.

  The area 32 is provided with a setting button for receiving whether or not double-sided printing is performed. Then, the change condition setting unit 141 stores the change data received on the setting screen 30.

  The area 33 is provided with a setting button for accepting whether to perform printing in the toner save mode. The change condition setting unit 141 stores “toner save mode” as the change condition when accepting a tick of the toner save mode setting button via the input device 400. On the other hand, if the change condition setting unit 141 does not accept the tick of the setting button for the toner save mode, the change condition setting unit 141 stores “normal print mode” as the change condition.

  The change data shown in FIG. 4 is merely an example. FIG. 4 exemplifies a setting for reducing printing to “A4” when the paper size of the document is “A3”. For example, when the paper size of the document is “A3”, the magnification is not changed. You may make it receive the setting which divides | segments into 2 sheets and prints on the paper of "A4".

  Next, a flow of print data generation processing performed by the printing system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart of print data generation processing performed by the printing system of this embodiment.

  First, the print data generation unit 143 of the printer driver unit 140 receives a document print request transmitted from the application unit 120 (S1). In addition, the print data generation unit 143 receives settings of print conditions such as a print mode (normal print mode and toner save mode) and the number of prints, which are input by the user via the input device 400.

  In S2, the print data generation unit 143 causes the status monitoring unit 142 to acquire status information of the printer 200, and receives the acquired status information.

  Subsequently, the print data generation unit 143 determines whether or not the print mode accepted in S1 needs to be changed (S3). When the “data regarding the remaining amount of toner” in the received status information is “full”, the print data generation unit 143 receives the print mode (normal print) in the change data received and stored by the change condition setting unit 141. Regardless of the mode and the toner save mode), it is determined that it is not necessary to change the print mode accepted in S1, and the process proceeds to S5. In addition, when the setting of “toner save mode” is accepted in S1, the print data generation unit 143 proceeds to the process of S5 without changing the print mode regardless of the “data regarding the remaining amount of toner” acquired in S2. .

  On the other hand, the print data generation unit 143 is the case where the print mode accepted in S1 is “normal print mode” and the “data regarding the remaining amount of toner” in the acquired status information is “toner low”. Furthermore, when the print mode in the change data received and stored by the change condition setting unit 141 is “toner save mode”, the process proceeds to S4.

  In S4, the print data generation unit 143 sets the print mode corresponding to the document accepted in S1 to “toner save mode”, and proceeds to the process of S5.

  In S5, the print data generation unit 143 determines the “print size” scheduled for the document received in S1, and the “paper size” of the print paper provided in the printer 200 in the status information acquired in S2. Are the same. Then, the print data generation unit 143 proceeds to the process of S6 when the “print size” and the “paper size” are the same, and proceeds to the process of S7 when they are different.

  In S6, the print data generation unit 143 generates print data corresponding to the “print size” scheduled for the document received in S1, according to the print mode set above. For example, when the “print size” scheduled for the document received in S1 is “A4”, print data for causing the printer 200 to perform print processing corresponding to the print paper of “A4” is generated.

  In S <b> 7, the print data generation unit 143 generates print data corresponding to the “paper size” of the print paper provided in the printer 200 acquired in S <b> 2. Specifically, the print data generation unit 143 refers to the change data stored in advance by the change condition setting unit 141 and identifies the “paper size” of the print paper to be associated (see FIG. 4). Then, the print data generation unit 143 generates print data corresponding to the specified paper size in accordance with the print mode set above.

  In S <b> 8, the print data generation unit 143 determines whether to instruct the printer 200 to perform double-sided printing. The print data generating unit 143 proceeds to the process of S9 when determining that it is necessary to instruct double-sided printing, and proceeds to the process of S10 when determining that it is not necessary to instruct double-sided printing. Specifically, the print data generation unit 143 proceeds to the process of S10 when “data regarding the duplex printing function” in the status information acquired in S2 indicates “none”. If the change condition setting unit 141 is not set to perform duplex printing, the print data generation unit 143 proceeds to the process of S10 regardless of the acquired status information. On the other hand, the print data generation unit 143 is a case where “data regarding the double-sided printing function” in the status information acquired in S <b> 2 indicates “Yes”, and the change condition setting unit 141 is set to perform double-sided printing. If YES, the process proceeds to S9.

  In S9, the print data generation unit 143 adds data instructing duplex printing to the print data generated in S6 or S7, outputs the print data to the printer 200, and ends the process. On the other hand, in S10, the print data generation unit 143 adds data instructing single-sided printing to the print data generated in S6 or S7, outputs the print data to the printer 200, and ends the process.

  In FIG. 5, “processing related to change of print mode (S3-4)” is performed first, “process related to change of print size scheduled for the document (S5-7)” is performed, and finally, Although the case of performing the “processing related to duplex printing setting (S8 to 10)” has been described, this is merely an example. In the present embodiment, the order of processing relating to “change of print mode”, “change of print size scheduled for a document”, and “double-sided print setting” is not limited. For example, first, processing related to “change of print size scheduled for the document” may be performed, and thereafter processing related to “double-sided printing setting” and “change of print mode” may be performed.

  Subsequently, the processes of S3 to S10 described in the above flow are performed using “change data” set in the change condition setting unit 141, “print size expected by the document”, and “print condition” received in S1. A specific example of the “status information” acquired in S2 will be described.

Here, the “change data” stored in the change condition setting unit 141 is the data illustrated in FIG. 4 (in FIG. 4, “double-sided printing” is not set, and the print condition is “toner”. Save mode "is set). Then, the “print size expected by the document” received in S1 is set to “A3”, and the “print mode” set in S1 is set to “normal print mode”. Further, the “status information” acquired in S2 is the data shown in FIG. 2. In this case, in S3, the print data generation unit 143 acquires the print mode received in S1 as “normal print mode” and acquired in S2. Since the “data regarding the remaining amount of toner” in the status information is “toner low” and the “print mode” stored in the change condition setting unit 141 is the “toner save mode”, it is necessary to change the print mode. Judge that there is. Then, the print data generation unit 143 changes the print mode in the print condition to the toner save mode (S4).

  Subsequently, the print data generation unit 143 indicates that the data indicating the “paper size” of the printing paper in the status information is “A4” and “B4”, and the “print size expected by the document” received in S1. Since it is “A3”, the process proceeds to S7 (S5).

  In S <b> 7, the print data generation unit 143 corresponds to “A4” when the “print size planned for the document” is “A3” from the change data stored in the change condition setting unit 141. Change data indicating generation of print data is specified (see FIG. 4). The print data generation unit 143 generates print data that indicates the “toner save mode”, which is print data reduced to the paper size “A4” in accordance with the specified change data.

  In this example, since the change condition setting unit 141 is not set to perform double-sided printing (see FIG. 4), the print data generation unit 143 proceeds to the process of S10 and instructs single-sided printing to the generated print data. The data to be added is added and output to the printer 200.

  After that, the printer 200 that has received the print data output by the print data generation unit 143 performs printing in the toner save mode on one side of the “A4” print sheet using the received print data.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, print data corresponding to the status information acquired from the printer 200 is generated, and the print data is output to the printer 200. Therefore, even if the paper size planned for the document created by the application and the paper size of the printing paper provided in the printer 200 are different, the paper size of the printing paper provided in the printer 200 is set. Corresponding print processing can be performed. For example, when the printer 200 is provided with only “A4” paper, it is assumed that the user makes a print request for a document created with “B5”. In this case, the user can enlarge and print the document created in “B5” to the document “A4” without performing operations such as setting the printing conditions of the printer driver.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, by unifying the paper size of the printing paper provided in the printer 200 to a specific size, it is possible to automatically perform printing processing corresponding to the printing paper of the specific size. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to unify documents to be printed to a specific size without causing the user to perform a special operation. That is, according to this embodiment, printed documents can be used and stored efficiently, so that productivity of office work can be improved.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, if the change data to be changed to “double-sided printing” is set in the change condition setting unit 141, the double-sided printing can be performed in correspondence with the paper size set in the printer 200. Can do. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the printing process provided for the printer 200 and corresponding to the printing paper can be performed, and the printing paper can be saved. That is, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the printing cost without imposing a burden on the user.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, if the “toner save mode” is set in the change condition setting unit 141, the printing process is automatically performed in the toner save mode when the toner cartridge of the printer 200 needs to be replaced. It can be performed. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, once the “toner save mode” is set in the change condition setting unit 141 and the toner cartridge needs to be replaced, the user is not required to perform a special operation. The printability of the printer 200 can be automatically increased.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a printing system that reduces the operation burden on the user.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention. For example, in the present embodiment, the printer 200 has a double-sided printing function, but the present invention is not particularly limited to this. The printer 200 may not be provided with a duplex printing function. In this case, “none” is stored in the entry 232 of the status information DB 231 included in the status management unit 230 of the printer 200. Then, the change condition setting unit 141 of the host 100 is configured not to accept the “double-sided printing” change condition. With this configuration, the present invention can be applied to a printer that does not have a duplex printing function.

  In the description of the present embodiment, a case where a laser printer that performs printing processing using toner is used as the printer 200 has been described, but this is merely an example. A printer using a colorant (ink or the like) other than toner may be applied to the printing system of the present invention.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the printer 200 is provided with the toner save mode has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can be applied even if the toner save mode is not provided in the printer. In this case, the print data generation unit 143 of the host 100 is provided with a function of generating print data that suppresses toner consumption (for example, the density is compared with the document data sent from the application unit 120). Provide a function that can generate low print data). Then, when the data relating to the remaining amount of toner in the acquired status information is “toner low”, the print data generation unit 141 generates print data that suppresses the toner consumption amount of the printer 200, and the generated print data Transmit to the printer 200. By configuring in this way, even a printer that is not provided with the toner save mode can achieve the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment.

  Moreover, although the case where the host 100 and the printer 200 are connected on a one-to-one basis has been described in the above embodiment, this is merely an example. For example, the printer 200 may be configured as a network printing system in which a plurality of hosts 100 are connected.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of status information DB231. 1 is a block diagram illustrating hardware of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is the figure which illustrated the setting screen of the change data of this embodiment. It is a flowchart of the print data generation process of this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Host, 101 ... CPU, 102 ... Main storage device, 103 ... Auxiliary storage device, 104 ... Interface, 110 ... OS part, 120 ... Application part, 130 ... I / O part, 140 ... Printer driver part, 141 ... Change Condition setting unit 142 ... Status monitoring unit 143 ... Print data generation unit 200 ... Printer 201 ... CPU 202 ... RAM 203 ... ROM 204 ... Interface 205 ... Printing mechanism 206 ... Paper feed mechanism 210 ... Communication control unit, 220 ... print execution unit, 230 ... status management unit, 231 ... status information DB, 240 ... printing paper supply unit, 241 ... feed tray A, 242 ... feed tray B, 300 ... display device, 400 ... Input device

Claims (10)

A printer driver for causing a computer to execute a process of outputting print data based on an object to be printed to a printer,
Processing to obtain a printable paper size from the printer;
A printer driver that causes a computer to execute a process of generating print data so that an object to be printed fits in the paper size. The printer driver according to claim 1, wherein
The printer driver is characterized in that the process of generating the print data generates print data in which the print object is reduced when a print size planned by the print object is larger than the paper size. The printer driver according to claim 1, wherein
The process of generating the print data is a printer driver that generates print data obtained by enlarging the print object when the print size planned for the print object is smaller than the paper size. The printer driver according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Processing for obtaining information on whether double-sided printing is possible from the printer;
When information that allows double-sided printing is acquired, print data for executing double-sided printing is generated without accepting an instruction from an operator, and is output to the printer. Printer driver. A printer driver that performs printing using toner, and that causes a computer to execute processing for controlling a printer capable of printing in a toner-saving mode that performs printing while suppressing the amount of toner to be used,
Processing for obtaining information on the remaining amount of toner from the printer;
When the acquired information indicates that the amount of remaining toner is low, processing for generating print data to be printed in the toner save mode by the printer without receiving an instruction from an operator;
A printer driver that causes a computer to execute a process of outputting the generated print data to the printer.   A computer storing the printer driver according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A printing system comprising: a computer that performs a process of outputting print data based on a print object to a printer; and a printer that receives the print data output by the computer and performs a print process based on the print data.
The printer has means for transmitting data indicating a printable paper size to the computer in response to a request from the computer,
The computer
Means for requesting transmission of data indicating a printable paper size to the printer, and receiving data indicating the paper size transmitted by the printer in response to the request;
A printing system comprising: means for generating print data so that an object to be printed fits in the paper size. The printing system according to claim 7, comprising:
The printing system is characterized in that the means for generating the print data generates print data in which the print object is reduced when the print size planned for the print object is larger than the paper size. The printing system according to claim 7, comprising:
The printing system is characterized in that the means for generating the print data generates print data in which the print object is enlarged when the print size planned for the print object is smaller than the paper size. The printing system according to any one of claims 7 to 9,
The printer has means for transmitting to the computer information on whether or not double-sided printing is possible in response to a request from the computer,
The computer
Means for requesting the printer to transmit information indicating whether double-sided printing is possible, and receiving information indicating whether double-sided printing is possible, which the printer transmits in response to the request;
The means for generating print data generates print data for executing double-sided printing without receiving an instruction from an operator when receiving information indicating that double-sided printing is possible. system.

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