JP2007004332A - Information processor, print control method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a print environment of higher added value, by permitting optimum document editing according to a usable print function, detailed usable print function restrictions according to authentication information, and use of a standard print function, a printer device function realizable by incorporating an option device or the like, and an advanced printer driver realization function. <P>SOLUTION: There is provided a configuration such that from an application program 103, authentication information for the application program 103 is notified to a printer driver 102, on the basis of the notified authentication information, print setting information is selected for performing print for which the printer driver 102 can operate and function and is notified to the application program 103, and on the basis of the notified print setting information, edition and print settings for a document are controlled on the application program 103. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a print control method, and a program in which a printer driver generates a print job for a document based on document print control processing in a predetermined application program and transmits the print job to the printing apparatus.

  Regarding printing from a document creation / printing application program executed on a conventional operating system, the following methods (1) and (2) have been common.

  (1) In an operating system environment represented by Windows (registered trademark), a common application program interface (API) is provided in the Software Development Kit (SDK), and minimum print attribute setting and printing are performed using this. How to make instructions.

  (2) A typical printer driver operation, as typified by "Print processing apparatus and method for computer system" in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-44388, designates an optional device on the user interface (dialog box) to the user. The final print data is created based on the option information and transmitted to the printing apparatus.

  Furthermore, there are the following conventional techniques in access control by program authentication.

As described in “Method and apparatus for controlling access to resources based on an authentication method” in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-30149, this technology is provided with resources in computers and computer networks via an operating system. Controls access and auditing based on user or group login information to objects (files / folders / programs / printers /...).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-44388 JP 2003-30149 A

  However, the conventional example has the following problems when printing from a document creation / print application program.

  Development kits attached to an operating system such as Windows (registered trademark) SDK can only set general printing attributes and printing instructions of a printing apparatus, and some general printing apparatuses have high functions. Only functions were used, and other high value-added functions could not be used.

  The usable functions of the printing apparatus cannot be recognized unless the user explicitly confirms the user interface (dialog box) or the like. For example, when creating a document to be printed by a printing apparatus that cannot perform color printing, a situation has occurred in which a user creates and edits a document in color without knowing that color printing is not possible.

  Conventionally, access control for using application programs or data files and objects has been used, but depending on the purpose of use of the application program or the purpose of operation, restrictions on the printing functions to be used and permission to use functions that are not publicly available There is no authentication mechanism for performing access control, and fine access control cannot be performed.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. An object of the present invention is to generate a print job for a document based on a document print control process in a predetermined application program and print it. In the information processing apparatus to be transmitted to the apparatus, the authentication information of the application program is notified from the application program to the printer driver, and based on the notified authentication information, the printer driver performs printing that can operate and function. The print setting information is selected and notified to the application program, and based on the notified print setting information, the editing of the document and the print setting on the application program are controlled, so that the print function can be used. Depending on the best document In addition to the standard printing functions, the printer device functions and advanced functions that can be realized by installing optional devices in addition to the standard printing functions are possible. It is to provide an information processing apparatus, a print control method, a program, and a storage medium capable of using a printer driver realization function and providing a print function with higher added value.

  The present invention provides an information processing apparatus in which a printer driver generates a print job for a document based on document print control processing in a predetermined application program and transmits the print job to the printing apparatus. Authentication information of the application program is obtained from the application program. A first notifying unit for notifying the printer driver, and print setting information for performing printing that can be operated and functioned by the printer driver based on authentication information notified by the first notifying unit; Second notification means for notifying the application program, and control means for controlling document editing and print settings on the application program based on the print setting information notified by the second notification means. It is characterized by that.

  According to the present invention, in an information processing apparatus in which a printer driver generates a print job for a document based on document print control processing in a predetermined application program and transmits the print job to the printing apparatus, the application program authenticates the application program. Information to the printer driver, and based on the notified authentication information, the printer driver selects print setting information for performing operation and functionable printing, notifies the application program, and is notified. Since document editing and print settings on the application program are controlled based on the print setting information, it is possible to perform optimum document editing according to the available print functions, and to make fine adjustments according to the authentication information. Available printing press In addition to standard printing functions, printer device functions and advanced printer driver implementation functions that can be implemented by installing optional devices, etc. can be used, and higher value-added printing functions are used. There is an effect that a possible printing environment can be provided.

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

[First Embodiment]
<Outline of operation example in this embodiment>
A printing system comprising a Windows (registered trademark) operating (OS), a document creation / printing application program, a printer driver program, and a printing apparatus (printer) connected thereto on a host computer system (hereinafter referred to as a host computer). An example of the printing system of the present invention will be described.

  In the printing system of the present invention, an application program interface (API) having an arbitrarily programmable function or data format as means for mutually reporting various information and various data in an application program and printer driver program running on a host computer system. ). This API can be recognized and executed on an operating system on the host computer on which the application program and printer driver operate.

  In this printing system, printing function attribute information and printing capability attribute information corresponding to the access control level of the application program are generated by the printer driver in response to notification of authentication information from the application program, and notified to the application program using the API. . The application program shows an example in which the target print document is processed based on the print function attribute information and the print capability attribute information notified from the printer driver, and various print attribute settings and print instructions are similarly performed using the API. .

<Description of OS, Application, Printer Driver, and Printer System Configuration (FIG. 1)>
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of a printing system showing an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, an API between elements of a system including a Windows (registered trademark) operating system (OS), a document creation / print application program, a printer driver program, and a printing apparatus (printer) connected thereto. And the flow of various data.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes a host computer. On the program memory of the host computer 100, a Windows (registered trademark) operating system (OS) 101, a printer driver program 102, and a document creation / print application program 103 are operated and executed.

  A printer 104 is connected to the host computer 100. In the printer 104, reference numeral 105 denotes document printing output from the printer 104.

  Next, the operation / action of the printing system of the present invention will be described in detail.

  When the application program 103 executed on the OS 101 operating on the program memory of the host computer 100 is initialized, the printer driver 102 is loaded into the OS 101. As a result, various information and data can be transmitted / received to / from the printer driver 102 also from the application program 103.

  Further, at the time of initialization, a library group (printer driver SDK (Software Development Kit) API) including a program function serving as an API is also loaded in the application program 103.

  Then, the application program 103 notifies the printer driver of authentication information based on the access authority corresponding to the purpose of use or the purpose of operation in the printing system. The authentication information here is information for identifying the application program such as the name of the application program, the corresponding OS, and the version number, and information such as an access ID and a password that are given to the corresponding application program 103 in advance. This is information for determining the access authority for the printing function / capability or performance used in the program. The authentication information may be configured to include the user ID and password of the user of the application program 103, or may be configured to change the authentication information of the application program for each user.

  Further, the application program 103 inquires of the printer driver 102 about printing function attribute information and printing capability attribute information via the OS 101 using the printer driver SDK API at the time of initialization. Here, the print function attribute information indicates information representing a print function that can be executed in the printing apparatus and a print function that can be executed by the print control process of the printer driver 102. The printing capability attribute information indicates information representing the execution range of various printing functions that can be executed by the OS 101 and the printer driver 102 based on the various printing function information. Specific examples of the print function attribute information and the print capability attribute information will be described later.

  The printer driver 102 receives an inquiry by the printer driver SDK API from the application program 103, and refers to an authentication information database provided and managed in the printer driver 102. The authentication information database stores and stores access control level information of each application program for each authentication information of the application program.

  The printer driver 102 authenticates the application program 103 based on the authentication information notification by the API from the application program 103, and determines an access control level for a printing function / capability or performance that can be used by the currently operating application program. To do.

  Further, the printer driver 102 generates printing function attribute information and printing capability attribute information according to the access control level of the application program 103. The print function attribute information specifically includes a paper feed method, a paper discharge method, a duplex printing function, an N-up printing (multiple page layout printing) function, a stapling function, a punch function, a trimming function, and a paper Z. Various finishing functions such as the folding function, and the printing functions that can be executed by the printer driver, such as a bookbinding function realized by combining these functions, a stamp (Watermark) function, a font download function, a font replacement function, and a form overlay function Indicates attribute information. The print capability attribute information specifically includes the number of gradations during monochrome printing, the color depth during color printing, the color tone, the color space, and a settable color profile, matching method, settable resolution, vector / Graphics drawing methods such as image drawing and dithering, printable paper size and paper type, maximum number of copies that can be set, number of print settings that can be set during N-up printing (number of pages that can be assigned during multi-page assignment printing) The printing capability attribute information for executing various printing functions in the printer driver 102 is shown.

  Then, the printer driver 102 notifies the application program 103 via the OS 101 of the generated printing function attribute information and printing capability attribute information as a return to the printer driver SDK API function called from the application program 103. .

  The application program 103 performs various setting processes in the application program based on the printing function attribute information and the printing capability attribute information notified from the printer driver 102. For example, when the color printing function is disabled in the printing function attribute information and the printing capability attribute information, the color editing (color document creation) in the application program 103 is set to be disabled. If the bookbinding function is disabled, the bookbinding designation on the print dialog in the application program 103 is set to be impossible. Further, when the stamp function is disabled, the stamp designation on the print dialog in the application program 103 is set to be impossible. Then, in the application program 103 set in this way, the user performs document creation and appearance processing.

  Further, when the user makes print settings and print instructions on the application program 103, the application program 103 uses the printer driver SDK API to set various print attributes, print instructions, and / or GDI of the normal OS 101. A print setting (for example, a print setting using a DEVMODE structure) and a print instruction using Windows (registered trademark) SDK API provided by (Graphical Device Interface) are performed to the printer driver 102.

  When various print attribute settings and print instructions using the printer driver SDK API are made from the application program 103, the printer driver 102 generates a print control command based on the print attribute settings and outputs the print control instruction. It is transmitted to the printer 104 in combination with the print data based on it. On the other hand, when a print setting and a print instruction using a normal Windows (registered trademark) SDK API are made from the application program 103, the printer driver 102 is based on the print attribute setting and the print instruction function called from the OS 101. A print control command is generated and transmitted to the printer 104 in combination with print data based on the print instruction. As a result, the print output 105 of the target document can be performed from the printer 104.

  The printing system of the present embodiment has the configuration as described above.

  Here, although Windows (registered trademark) has been described as an example of the OS 101 serving as various program environments on the host computer 100, the present invention can also be applied to other operating systems.

<Explanation of Block Diagram showing Flow of Processing of OS, Application, and Printer Driver (FIG. 2)>
2 shows the internal and configuration of each component from initialization to printing using the printer driver SDK API in the OS 101, application program 103, printer driver 102, and printer 104 on the host computer 100 shown in FIG. It is a block diagram showing the flow of processing between elements. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same thing as FIG.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 300 denotes a Windows (registered trademark) GDI (hereinafter simply referred to as GDI) of the OS 101.

  Hereinafter, the flow from the application program 103, the GDI 300, and the printer driver 102 to document data transmission to the printer 200 and document printing will be described in detail. Note that S201 to S207 in FIG. 2 correspond to steps of the application program 103. S211 to S213 correspond to steps of the GDI300. Further, S221 to S229 correspond to the steps of the printer driver 102.

  As shown in step S201 of FIG. 2, first, the application program 103 secures a memory area required for various operation processes, initializes various attribute parameters, creates a device context for the display and the printer 104, font / pen / brush, etc. Perform initialization processing such as object creation.

  The GDI 300 receives various initialization processes for document generation and printing of the application program 103, and secures a memory area required for various operation processes in the GDI 300 and initializes various attribute parameters (S211).

  The printer driver 102 also receives various initialization processes for document printing of the application program 103 and the GDI 300, secures a memory area required for various operation processes in the printer driver 102, and initializes various attribute parameters (S221). ).

  Next, the application program 103 notifies the printer driver 102 of authentication information based on the access authority corresponding to the purpose of use or operation of the application program 103 on the system using the printer driver SDK API (S202). .

  The printer driver 102 receives the authentication information notification from the application program 103, refers to the authentication information database, and performs authentication and verification of the authentication information (S222). Further, the printer driver 102 determines an access control level for the printing function and printing capability / performance related to document printing of the application program 103 (S223).

  Subsequently, the application program 103 makes an inquiry to the printer driver 102 using the printer driver SDK API regarding the print function and print capability / performance related to document printing that is currently valid and usable (S203).

  In response to this inquiry, the printer driver 102 selects the printing function and the printing capability / performance according to the access control level for the printing function and printing capability / performance related to document printing of the application program 103 (S224). Further, the printer driver 102 generates printing function attribute information and printing capability attribute information for notifying the application program 103 of the selected printing function and printing capability / performance (S225). Further, the printer driver 102 notifies the generated print function attribute information and print capability attribute information to the application program 103 as a return value of the printer driver SDK API called for the inquiry from the application program 103 ( S226).

  Here, the printing function and the printing capability / performance are a paper feeding method, a paper discharging method, a duplex printing function, an N-up printing (multiple page layout printing) function, a stapling function, a punching function, a trimming function, and a paper Z folding function. Printing function attribute information that can be executed by the printer driver such as a bookbinding function that combines these functions, a stamp function (Watermark) function, a font download function, a font replacement function, a form overlay function, etc. And monochrome printing, color depth, color tone, color space, configurable color profile, matching method, configurable resolution, graphics / drawing methods such as vector / image drawing, dithering, etc. Paper size and paper type, maximum number of copies that can be set, N-up mark It is a print that can be set N-up Suto of time.

  The application program 103 acquires the printing function attribute information and the printing capability attribute information notified from the printer driver 102, and performs various settings on the application program 103 (S204). Specifically, for example, when the color printing function is disabled by the printing function attribute information and the printing capability attribute information, color editing (color document creation) by the application program 103 is set to be disabled. If the bookbinding function is disabled, bookbinding designation on the print dialog in the application program 103 is set to be impossible.

  Then, the application program 103 receives document editing and document formatting from the user via the GDI drawing engine of the GDI 300 and the Windows (registered trademark) SDK API (S204, S212).

  Then, the application program 103 sets various print attributes by the print dialog of the application from the user (S205), and when a print instruction is given, instructs the GDI 300 to print a document (S206). Note that these various print attribute settings and instructions can also be performed using the printer driver SDK API.

  The GDI 300 performs a document printing process for converting to a device driver interface (DDI) related to printing based on various printing attribute settings and document printing instructions by the Windows (registered trademark) SDK API from the application program 103, and then sends the above information to the printer driver 102. The DDI is called to issue a print instruction (S213).

  The printer driver 102 performs various character / graphic / image drawing processes based on various DDI calls from the GDI 300 (S227), generates a print control command for the printer 200 (S228), and transmits the print control command to the spooler (S229). Document printing 105 is performed from the printer 104.

<Description of SDK API calling sequence diagram between GDI, application, and driver (FIG. 3)>
FIG. 3 is a calling sequence diagram from initialization of the printer driver SDK API to printing in the OS 101, the application program 103, and the printer driver 102 on the host computer 100 shown in FIG. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  Transmission / reception of information and data between the application program 103 and the printer driver 102 using the normal Windows (registered trademark) SDK API and the printer driver SDK API is performed via the GDI 300 of the OS 101.

  First, the application program 103 calls a CreateDC () function 303 that is a Windows (registered trademark) SDK API to create a device context for the printer 104. When there are a plurality of corresponding printers, a dialog may be displayed at this timing so that the user can select a printer to be used. At this time, the application program 103 loads a printer driver SDK library constituting an application program interface (API) function group prepared in combination with the printer driver 102.

  Next, the application program 103 shifts to an initialization process, calls the StartDoc () function 304 that is a Windows (registered trademark) SDK API, and starts a print job on a designated printer device.

  In the printer driver 102, the StartDoc () function 303 called from the application program 103 is converted by the GDI 300, and the DrvStartDoc () function 305 that is DDI is called from the GDI 300. As a result, the printer driver 102 performs various initialization processes for printing within this function.

  At the same time as the initialization process, the application program 103 notifies the authentication information based on the access authority according to the purpose of use or the purpose of operation in this system, which is the printer SDK API, and the function 401 (details are shown in FIG. 4). ).

  Further, the application program 103 calls a FS_GetFuncItem () function 402 (details are shown in FIG. 4) for acquiring function information and capability information regarding printing in the printer and printer driver which are printer SDK APIs.

  Based on the FS_GetFuncItem () function 402 call, the printer driver 102 notifies the application program 103 of print capability information and print function information as a return of the FS_GetFuncItem () function 402 via the GDI 300. Here, the print capability information specifically refers to the number of gradations during monochrome printing, the color depth during color printing, the color tone, the color space, the settable color profile, the matching method, the settable resolution, the vector / Various types of printing in the printer driver 102 such as graphics drawing methods such as image drawing and dithering, printable paper size and paper type, maximum settable number of copies, printable N-up number for N-up printing, etc. Print capability information for function execution is shown. The printing function information includes various finishing functions such as a paper feeding method, a paper discharging method, a duplex printing function, an N-up printing function, a stapling function, a punching function, a trimming function, and a paper Z folding function, and these functions. The print function information that can be executed by the printer driver 102, such as a bookbinding function, a stamp function (Watermark) function, a font download function, a font replacement function, and a form overlay function, which are realized by combining the above.

  In the application program 103, various setting processes in the application program 103 are performed based on the print capability information and the print function information acquired by the FS_GetFuncItem () function 402, and the document is edited and formatted by the user. Become.

  Further, when a print setting and a document print instruction are issued from the user, the application program 103 specifies various print settings to the printer driver 102 based on the various print settings from the user. For example, the FS_SetDuplexPrint () function 308 that sets the duplex printing attribute, which is the printer driver SDK API, or the FS_SetStaplePrint () function 309 that sets the staple printing attribute is called to specify the final document output form.

  Thereafter, each print attribute is set using the printer driver SDK API in the same manner. For example, it is possible to set a function with higher added value (unusual printing function) such as a bookbinding function when a plurality of sizes of paper are mixed.

  As for general print settings, the normal print attribute setting values are set in the DEVMODE structure, and the Windows (registered trademark) SDK API ResetDC () is called to specify the print attributes. Good.

  The printer driver 102 receives various print attribute settings by the printer driver SDK API, and in each function process, generates a printer control command or image rendering such as resolution, color / monochrome output, vector / image rendering, dithering, etc. Perform initialization setting processing for the.

  Subsequently, the application program 103 calls the StartPage () function 310 that is a Windows (registered trademark) SDK API in order to shift to document output processing, and instructs the printer driver 102 to start receiving a new page. . Thereafter, the application program 103 writes and transmits the Windows 3 (registered trademark) SDK API, the printer driver SDK API functions 312 and the print data that constitute the document page.

  In the printer driver 102, the StartPage () function 310 called from the application program 103 is converted by the GDI 300 and the DrvStartPage () function 311 that is DDI is called from the GDI 300. Within this function, the printer driver 102 performs various processes for printing a new page.

  Further, the application program 103 calls an EndPage () function 313 that is a Windows (registered trademark) SDK API for each document page, and notifies the printer driver 102 that writing of one page is completed.

  In the printer driver 102, the EndPage () function 313 called from the application program 201 is converted by the GDI 300, and the DrvEndPage () function 314, which is DDI, is called from the GDI 300. Within this function, the printer driver 102 performs various processes for ending the page.

  When the writing and transmission of all the document pages are completed, the application program 103 calls the EndDoc () function 315 that is a Windows (registered trademark) SDK API, and ends the print job started by the StartDoc () function 304. To do.

  In the printer driver 102, the EndDoc () function 317 called from the application program 103 is converted by the GDI 300, and the DrvEndDoc () function 316 that is DDI is called from the GDI 300. Within this function, the printer driver 102 performs various processes for ending the job.

  Then, the application program 103 completes all the printing processes, calls the DeleteDC () function 317 that is a Windows (registered trademark) SDK API, deletes the device context created by the CreateDC () function 303, and The session with the driver 102 is terminated.

<Description of Function for Acquiring Authentication Function, Printing Function Attribute Information, and Printing Capability Attribute Information (FIG. 4)>
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the FS_FNCertificate () function 401 for notifying authentication information and the FS_GetFuncItem () function 402 for acquiring / notifying printing function attribute information and printing capability attribute information, which are the printer driver SDK API shown in FIG. .

  The FS_FNCertificate () function 401 is a function of the printer driver SDK API that notifies the printer driver 102 of authentication information based on the access authority corresponding to the purpose of use or the purpose of operation in the printing system in the application program 103.

  When this function is called from the application program 103, the printer driver 102 refers to a database that is provided in the printer driver and stores / stores access control level information of each managed application program. The printer driver 102 authenticates the application program based on the referred information and the authentication information of the notified application program, and an access control level for a printing function / capability or performance that can be used by the currently operating application program To decide.

  The application program 103 includes, for example, identification information and seed authentication in a program structure type-defined by CERTIFICATION passed as a memory buffer pointer secured on the application program 103 side, which is one of the parameters of the FS_FNCertificate () function 401 By substituting information and returning, the printer driver 102 is notified and the printer driver 102 can refer to the authentication information.

  The identification information indicates information for identifying the application program such as the application program name, the corresponding OS, and the version number of the application program. The type authentication information indicates various types of authentication information such as an access ID and a password given to the application program in advance. Further, the authentication information may include a user ID, a password, or the like, or the authentication information of the application program may be changed for each user.

  The FS_GetFuncItem () function 402 is a function of the printer driver SDK API that inquires and acquires the above-described print function attribute information and print capability attribute information in the application program 103.

  When this function is called from the application program 103, the printer driver 102 corresponds to the access control level for the printing function / capability or performance based on the authentication information of the corresponding application program previously notified by the FS_FNCertificate () function 401. In addition, printing function attribute information and printing capability attribute information relating to the currently effective printing are determined and generated, and notified to the application program 103.

  For example, the printer driver 102 stores various printing function information and a program structure defined by FUNCITEM as a memory buffer pointer secured on the application program 103 side, which is one of the parameters of the FS_GetFuncItem () function 402. By substituting printing capability information and returning, the application program 103 is notified of the various printing function information and printing capability information.

<Explanation of each component block diagram in 32-bit operating system environment (FIG. 5)>
FIG. 5 shows operating system GDI, application program, printer driver and printer driver SDK under 32-bit operating system environment such as Windows (registered trademark) NT4.0 / Windows (registered trademark) 2000 / Windows (registered trademark) XP. It is a figure which shows each structural example of a library.

  In FIG. 5, reference numeral 501 denotes a 32-bit application program. Reference numeral 502 denotes a GDI provided in a 32-Bit operating system such as Windows (registered trademark) NT4.0 / Windows (registered trademark) 2000 / Windows (registered trademark) XP.

  Reference numeral 503 denotes PDSDK.dll as a printer driver SDK library, which is configured of a 32-bit function group so that it can be operated and executed under a 32-bit operating system environment. The PDSDK.dll 503 is loaded when the application program 501 is initialized. Then, by calling a function defined in the library PDSDK.dll 503 in the application program 501, a function implemented in the printer driver 504 is called.

  The above-described FS_FNCertificate () function 401 and FS_GetFuncItem () function 402 shown in FIG. 4 are also defined in the SDK library PDSDK.dll 503.

  When a Windows (registered trademark) SDK API that performs normal print attribute setting and print instruction is called from the application program 501, it is converted to DDI via the GDI 502 and calls each function of the printer driver 504.

  On the other hand, when the application driver 501 calls the printer driver SDK library PDSDK.dll 503 that performs more advanced and detailed print attribute settings based on the print function attribute information and the print capability attribute information, the printer driver 504 directly To notify.

<Description of block diagram of each component in 16-Bit operating system environment (FIG. 6)>
FIG. 6 shows the operating system GDI, application program, printer driver, and printer driver SDK library under a 16-bit operating system environment such as Windows (registered trademark) 95 / Windows (registered trademark) 98 / Windows (registered trademark) Me. It is a figure which shows each structural example.

  In FIG. 6, reference numeral 601 denotes a 32-bit application program that is generally present. Reference numeral 602 denotes a GDI provided in a 16-bit operating system such as Windows (registered trademark) 95 / Windows (registered trademark) 98 / Windows (registered trademark) Me.

  PDSDK.dll 603 as a printer driver SDK library is configured by a 32-bit function group so that it can operate and execute under a 32-bit operating system environment.

  The FS_FNCertificate () function 401 and the FS_GetFuncItem () function 402 shown in FIG. 4 are also defined in the SDK library PDSDK.dll 603.

  Reference numeral 604 denotes an SDK32.dll as a printer driver SDK library. This SDK32.dll receives the 32-bit function group and 32-bit data type called from the 32-bit printer driver SDK library PDSDK.dll 603, converts it into a 16-bit function group and 16-bit data type, It becomes an input / output interface with the 16-bit GDI 602.

  Reference numeral 605 denotes a printer driver SDK library SDK16.dll. This SDK16.dll 605 is composed of a 16-bit function group that handles a 16-bit data type so that it can operate and execute under the 16-bit operating system environment, and a printer driver composed of a 16-bit data type and a function group. It becomes an input / output interface with 606.

  The PDSDK.dll 603, SDK32.dll 604, and SDK16.dll 605 are loaded when the application program 601 is initialized. By calling a function defined in PDSDK.dll 603 in the application program 601, the data type is changed in each of SDK32.dll 604 and SDK16.dll 605, and a function implemented in the printer driver 606 is called.

  When a Windows (registered trademark) SDK API that performs normal print attribute setting and print instruction is called from the application program 601, it is converted to DDI via the GDI 602 and calls each function of the printer driver 504.

  On the other hand, when the application driver 501 calls the printer driver SDK library PDSDK.dll 603 that performs more advanced and detailed print attribute settings based on the print function attribute information and the print capability attribute information, the SDK32.dll 604 and the SDK 16. Notification is made directly to the printer driver 504 via the dll 605.

<Description of Host Computer and Printer Connection Configuration Diagram (FIG. 7)>
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a hardware connection configuration of the host computer 100 and the printer 104 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 7, reference numeral 1001 denotes an input device, which corresponds to a keyboard, a mouse, or the like that inputs to the host computer 100. Reference numeral 1002 denotes a display device (Display) 1002 that performs display output. Reference numeral 1003 denotes a disk, which corresponds to an external storage device such as a hard disk for inputting and outputting files.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of the host computer 100 will be described in detail.

  In the host computer 100, reference numeral 1004 denotes a CPU which executes a series of processes such as control of the host system and each input / output device connected thereto and output control in accordance with input instructions, and various programs. A ROM 1005 is a memory for storing a boot program for operating the CPU 1004, various data, and the like. The disk 1003 stores an OS 101, a printer driver program 102, an application program 103, an SDK library, and various data.

  A RAM 1006 is a memory used as a work area for various processes for executing / operating various print attribute settings and document printing related to the printer. On the RAM 1006, the CPU 1004 loads and executes various programs from the ROM 1005 and the disk 1003. The CPU 1004 loads the OS 101, printer driver 102, application program 103, and printer SDK library from the disk 1003 onto the RAM 1006, performs a series of print control processes using these programs, and outputs a document from the printer 104.

  Reference numeral 1007 denotes a keyboard controller, which has an interface for the input device 1001. Reference numeral 1008 denotes a display controller, which includes an interface for performing display output on the display 1002. A disk controller 1009 has an input / output interface to the disk 1003.

  Reference numeral 1010 denotes an Ethernet (registered trademark) interface, which connects the host computer 100 and the printer 104 and performs input / output via a network line such as Ethernet (registered trademark) having a communication protocol for performing communication. Network interface. Here, the Ethernet (registered trademark) interface is used, but other network interfaces may be used. Reference numeral 1011 denotes a CPU bus, which connects the components 1004 to 1011.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of the printer 104 will be described in detail.

  In the printer 104, reference numeral 1014 denotes a CPU that executes programs such as a series of processes such as print control and communication control control processes in accordance with various input / output controls connected to the printer 104, and input instructions.

  Reference numeral 1015 denotes a ROM, which is a memory storing various input / output control, communication control processing, a series of processing such as print control according to input instructions, a program for operating the printer such as control command analysis processing, and various data. .

  Reference numeral 1016 denotes a RAM, which is a memory used as a work area for the CPU 1014 to execute and process various programs. Various programs are loaded into the RAM 1016 from the ROM 1015 and executed by the CPU 1014.

  Reference numeral 1017 denotes an Ethernet (registered trademark) interface, which connects the host computer 100 and the printer 104 and inputs / outputs via a network line such as Ethernet (registered trademark) having a communication protocol for exchanging data. It is a network interface that performs Here, the Ethernet (registered trademark) interface is used, but other network interfaces may be used.

  A disk controller 1018 has an input / output interface to a disk 1013 such as a hard disk. An engine control processing unit 1019 is a video interface that mechanically outputs a pattern, and includes an input / output interface that exchanges data and signals with the printing apparatus drive system (engine unit) 1021. Reference numeral 1020 denotes a CPU bus, which is a bus for connecting the components 1014 to 1019.

  The engine unit 1021 is a laser beam method, an electrophotographic method other than the laser beam method (for example, an LED method), a liquid crystal shutter method, an ink jet method, a thermal transfer method, a sublimation method, or any other printing method. The present invention is also applicable.

  Further, instead of a network having a communication protocol such as TCP / IP constructed by the Ethernet (registered trademark) interface 1010 of the host computer 100 and the Ethernet (registered trademark) interface 1017 of the printer 104, a USB, a Centronics interface, The present invention can also be applied to various interfaces having a communication protocol such as a serial interface and SCSI.

  Hereinafter, the control processing and operation of the OS 101 including the Windows (registered trademark) SDK library (loaded) on the program memory RAM 1006 in the host computer 100, the application program 103, the printer driver 102, and the printer driver SDK library will be described in detail. explain.

  First, the operation in the application program 103 will be described.

  The application program 103 (loaded) on the RAM 1006 in the host computer 100 loads and activates the printer driver via the operating system in the process of performing various initialization processes for document creation, appearance processing, and print output. The printer driver SDK library is loaded.

  Here, the application program 103 recognizes the functions and capabilities currently available in the printer 104 and the printer driver 102 in addition to various initialization processes using the normal Windows (registered trademark) SDK API. Using the API included in the printer driver SDK library, the authentication information based on the access authority corresponding to the purpose of use or the purpose of operation of the application program is notified to the printer driver 102. Further, the application program 103 inquires of the printer driver 102 about printing function attribute information and printing capability attribute information.

  Then, the application program 103 acquires the print function attribute information and the print capability attribute information notified from the printer driver 102 in response to the inquiry about the print function attribute information and the print capability attribute information. Based on this, the application program 103 Make various settings. Specifically, for example, when the color printing function is disabled by the printing function attribute information and the printing capability attribute information, color editing (color document creation) by the application program 103 is set to be disabled. If the bookbinding function is disabled, bookbinding designation on the print dialog in the application program 103 is set to be impossible.

  In the application program 103 set as described above, the user creates and forms a document in a desired output form by the input unit 1001.

  Further, in the application program 103, the user performs various print attribute settings and print instructions with the input unit 1001 in order to realize a desired output form.

  In response to the print instruction from the user, the application program 103 transmits the above-described various print settings and print instructions together with document data using the Windows (registered trademark) SDK API and the printer driver SDK API.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the printer driver 102 will be described.

  The printer driver 102 on the RAM 1006 in the host computer 100 is loaded on the OS 101 and activated when the application program 103 is activated and initialized.

  By calling Windows (registered trademark) SDK API based on various initialization processes for document creation and printing in the application program 103, it is converted to DDI via the GDI 300 of the OS 101, and is called. Initialization processing in the printer driver 102 is started.

  At the same time, the application program 103 notifies the printer driver 102 of authentication information based on the access authority corresponding to the purpose of use or operation of the application program using the printer SDK API.

  In response to an inquiry from the application program 103 for the print function attribute information and the print capability attribute information by the printer SDK API, the printer driver 102 performs the above-described printing based on the resource information of the printer device and the print function information of the printer device. Function attribute information and printing capability attribute information are generated and notified to the application program 103 as a return of the printer driver SDK API that has received an inquiry from the application program 103.

  The resource information of the printer device includes various paper feeding devices that determine a paper feeding method, various paper ejection devices that determine a paper output method, a duplex printing device, a stapling device, a puncher device, a trimmer device, A finishing device such as a paper Z-folding device, a storage device such as a memory and a hard disk, a paper size and paper type that can be output by being mounted on a device, and a font that is mounted. The printing function information possessed by the printer device includes monochrome / color printing function, resolution, graphics drawing method, paper printing direction, maximum number of copies, N-up printing function, job store function, font download function, and the like. .

  Further, the printer driver 102 calls various printing attribute settings for performing target document printing from the application program 103 when the Windows (registered trademark) SDK API and the printer driver SDK API are called via the GDI 300. Accordingly, various print attribute setting processes are performed based on the DDI called by the printer driver 102.

  The printer driver 102 performs input processing of data such as graphic / character and image pattern data, size, drawing output start position, and various setting information based on the document data together with the document print instruction from the application program 103. Do. Further, the printer driver 102 performs an analysis process for analyzing the read print attribute setting information and the like. Further, the printer driver 102 performs a drawing output form control process for determining a drawing output form of a document to be configured based on each setting parameter that instructs a size, a drawing output form, and the like. Further, the printer driver 102 performs output control command conversion processing for converting and generating a printer control command for the printer 104 in order to print the determined document. Further, the printer driver 102 performs output control command transmission control processing for transmitting the generated print output control command to the printer. Through these series of processes, the printer driver 102 outputs a target document from the printer 104.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the printer 104 will be described.

  The document output operation by the print output control process in the control program on the memory ROM 1015 in the printer 104 will be described in detail.

  First, the control program in the printer 104 displays the currently supported paper size, paper type, and the presence or absence of a finisher with a stapling function, such as effective functions for printing, and printer configuration information of resources using Ethernet (registered trademark). Notify the printer driver 102 on the RAM 1006 of the host computer 100 via the interface 1017.

  The control program in the printer 104 receives a control command for initializing the printer transmitted from the printer driver 102 on the program memory RAM 1006 in the host computer 100, and performs an initialization process.

  Subsequently, the control program in the printer 104 performs a print control command input process in which a printer print control command transmitted from the host computer 100 for printing by the printer 104 is input. Further, the control program in the printer 104 performs control setting parameter analysis processing for analyzing the input printer printing control command and various setting parameters. Further, the control program in the printer 104 generates a bitmap based on the print control command and the control setting parameter, and performs a series of bitmap development processing for developing the bitmap in the bitmap memory. The control program in the printer 104 transmits the generated bitmap data to the print output device drive system (engine unit) 1021 through the video interface 1019 that performs input / output with the engine control processing unit 1021, and Is output (105).

<Each control process in the application program of this embodiment (FIG. 8)>
Hereinafter, the control processing of the application program 103 on the program memory of the host computer 100 in this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a first control processing procedure in the printing system of the present invention.

  In FIG. 8, the steps shown in S701 to S709 correspond to each process in the application program 103 (executed by the CPU 304 on the RAM 306) in the host computer 100 according to the present embodiment. In these processes, the printer driver SDK library is used to notify the authentication information of the application program 103 to the printer driver 102, and the printing function attribute information and the printing capability attribute corresponding to the access control level determined from this authentication information. It corresponds to a series of control processes for acquiring information and performing target document creation, appearance processing, and printing instructions.

  First, step S701 is an initialization process performed when the application program is activated (CreateDC () 303 and StartDC () 304 are called). At this time, the printer driver is also loaded on the OS 101 and activated.

  At the same time, in step S702, the application program 103 also loads the printer driver SDK API library.

  In step S703, the application program 103 uses the FS_FNCertificate () function 401 (FIG. 4), which is the printer driver SDK API, for the printer driver 102, depending on the purpose of use or operation of the application program. Notify authentication information based on access authority. The authentication information here is information for identifying the application program such as the name of the application program, the corresponding OS, and the version number, and information such as an access ID and a password that are given to the corresponding application program 103 in advance. This is information for determining the access authority for the printing function / capability or performance used in the program. Further, the authentication information may include a user ID, a password, or the like, or the authentication information of the application program may be changed for each user.

  Next, in step S704, the application program 103 uses the FS_GetFuncItem () function 402 (FIG. 4), which is the printer driver SDK API, to query the printer driver 102 for printing function attribute information and printing capability attribute information. And the information is acquired from the printer driver 102.

  In step S705, the application program 103 performs various settings in the application program based on the acquired printing function attribute information and printing capability attribute information. Specifically, for example, when the color printing function is disabled by the printing function attribute information and the printing capability attribute information, color editing (color document creation) by the application program 103 is set to be disabled. This is shown in FIG. If the stamp function and the bookbinding function are disabled, the stamp designation and bookbinding designation on the print dialog in the application program 103 are set to be impossible. This situation is shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the editing screen and color setting screen of the application program 103 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 9, reference numeral 1300 denotes an editing screen of the application program 103. Reference numeral 1301 denotes a color setting dialog of the application program 103. Here, the color printing function is disabled by the printing function attribute information and the printing capability attribute information, and the color selection portion is displayed in gray (or not displayed) as indicated by 1302, and the color selection is disabled. That is, it is controlled so that color editing by the application program 103 is impossible.

  10 and 11 are diagrams showing an example of the print dialog of the application program 103 shown in FIG.

  10 and 11, reference numeral 1400 denotes a print dialog of the application program 103. Reference numeral 1401 denotes a portion set based on the printing function attribute information and the printing capability attribute information notified from the printer driver 102.

  In FIG. 10, the stamp function (Watermark) function is disabled by the print function attribute information and the print capability attribute information. As shown by 1402, the stamp setting portion is displayed in gray (or not displayed), and the stamp (Watermark) function is displayed. Corresponds to the case where it is set as unusable.

  In FIG. 11, the bookbinding function is disabled by the print function attribute information and the print capability attribute information, and as shown in 1403, the product setting part is displayed in gray (or not displayed), and the bookbinding function is set to be unusable. Corresponds to the case.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG.

  Next, in step S705, the application program 103 displays the edit screen 1300 set based on the print function attribute information and the print capability attribute information in step S704 as shown in FIG. 9, as shown in FIG. Is displayed on the display 1002, and editing operations by the user such as drawing operations and appearance manipulations of characters and figures constituting the document for creating the target document are accepted.

  Next, in step S706, the application program 103 is set based on the print function attribute information and the print capability attribute information in step S704 as shown in FIGS. The displayed print dialog 1400 is displayed on the display 1002 to accept various settings and print instructions from the user.

  When the user issues a print instruction (when the “OK” button of the print dialog 1400 is instructed by the input device 1001), in step S 707, the application program 103 follows the settings in the general print attribute setting field 1301. (Registered Trademark) General print attribute setting is performed using the SDK API, and the printer driver SDK API is used according to the setting value of the advanced print attribute setting field 1302, and the printer 104 and the printer driver 102 have Set advanced printing attributes. Here, the advanced print attribute setting means, for example, when papers of different sizes are mixed and bookbinding settings are made, the print processing is automatically reduced or enlarged to print on one size of paper. A setting for using this function is shown for a printing apparatus having a high function for bookbinding processing. Note that advanced print settings are not limited to this example, and include all settings of print functions other than print functions that are generally prepared.

  Further, the application program 103 uses the Windows (registered trademark) SDK API to send the character / graphic data subjected to the drawing process to the printer driver 1002 together with a document print instruction.

  After transmitting all the document data, in step S708, the application program 103 proceeds to a print end process, and in step S709, unloads the printer driver SDK API library and ends the process.

<Authentication and Print Function / Capability Information Notification Control Processes in Printer Driver of this Embodiment (FIGS. 12 and 13)>
Hereinafter, the control processing of the printer driver program 104 in the program memory of the host computer 100 in this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a second control processing procedure in the printing system of the present invention.

  In FIG. 12, the steps shown in S801 to S809 are verification and printing of authentication information notified from the application program 103 in the printer driver program 102 (executed by the CPU 304 on the RAM 306) in the host computer 100 according to the present embodiment. This corresponds to a series of control processes for notifying the application program 103 of printing function attribute information and printing capability attribute information corresponding to the access control level for the function / capability.

  First, in step S801, the printer driver 102 secures a program memory area for the printer driver to operate and initializes various parameters. It also initializes a library that performs various functions of the printer driver SDK API.

  In step S <b> 802, the printer driver 102 accepts authentication information notification from the application program 103. This authentication information notification is performed when the application program 103 calls the FS_FNCertificate () function 401 that is a printer driver SDK API.

  In step S <b> 803, the printer driver 102 performs authentication information collation processing (which is FS_FNCertificate () function 401 module processing in the printer driver 102), and outputs an access control level or an authentication failure status based on the authentication information. Details of this authentication information collating process are shown in FIG.

  Next, in step S804, based on the processing result of the authentication information collation process (FS_FNCertificate () function 401 module process) in step S803, the printer driver 102 has successfully authenticated and has determined the access control level of the application program 103. Determine whether or not (authentication failed).

  If it is determined in step S804 that the printer driver 102 has succeeded in authentication and the access control level of the application program 103 has been determined, the process proceeds to step S805, and according to the determined access control level. The selected printing function and printing capability are selected, and the process proceeds to step S807. It is assumed that information on the printing function and printing capability according to the access control level is stored in the printer driver 102.

  On the other hand, if the printer driver 102 determines in step S804 that the authentication has failed, the process proceeds to step S806, the default print function and print capability are selected, and the process proceeds to step S807. Normally, the default printing function and printing capability are limited to general printing function and printing capability selection. The default printing function and printing capability may be configured so that an administrator or the like can freely set.

  In step S <b> 807, the printer driver 102 receives an inquiry notification for printing function attribute information and printing capability attribute information from the application program 103. The inquiry notification of the print function attribute information and the print capability attribute information is performed from the application program 103 by a FS_GetFuncItem () function 402 call that is a printer driver SDK API.

  Next, in step S808, the printer driver 102 creates printing function attribute information and printing capability attribute information from the selection result of the printing function and printing capability in step S805 or step S806.

  Next, in step S809, the printer driver 102 copies the printing function attribute information and printing capability attribute information created in step S808 to a memory buffer pointer that is a parameter of the FS_GetFuncItem () function 402 called from the application program 103. Then, by returning, the application program is notified and the process is terminated.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a third control processing procedure in the printing system of the present invention, and corresponds to the authentication information collation processing shown in step S803 of FIG.

  In FIG. 12, each step shown in S901 to S907 is FS_FNCertificate (), which is an authentication information collation process executed by the printer driver program 102 (executed by the CPU 304 on the RAM 306) in the host computer 100 according to the present embodiment. This corresponds to an example of processing in the function 401 module.

  First, in step S901, the printer driver 102 inputs authentication information notified from the application program that called the FS_FNCertificate () function 401 in step S703 in FIG.

  The area indicated by the pointer to the CERTIFICATION program structure, which is a parameter of the FS_FNCertificate () function 401, includes information for identifying the application program 103 such as the application program name, the corresponding OS, and the version number of the application program 103 and the corresponding information. Various authentication information such as an access ID and a password given to the application program 103 are stored. Further, the authentication information may include a user ID, a password, or the like, or the authentication information of the application program may be changed for each user.

  In step S <b> 902, the printer driver 102 refers to an authentication information database (authentication information DB) stored in a data definition area or resource (for example, a predetermined area in the disk 1003) of the printer driver 102. The authentication information DB includes information for identifying the application program such as the application program name, the corresponding OS, and the version number regarding a plurality of application programs, various authentication information such as an access ID and a password given to the application program in advance, and The access control levels corresponding to these are stored / stored / managed. The authentication information here is information for identifying the application program such as the name of the application program, the corresponding OS, and the version number, and information such as an access ID and a password that are given to the corresponding application program 103 in advance. This is information for determining the access authority for the printing function / capability or performance used in the program. Further, the authentication information may include a user ID, a password, or the like, or the authentication information of the application program may be changed for each user.

  Next, in step S903, the printer driver 102 is registered in the authentication information database referred to in step S902 based on the information for identifying the application program 103 in the authentication information notified / input from the application program 103 in step S901. The application program 103 is searched (registered application program search).

  In step S904, the printer driver 102 determines whether the search has succeeded or failed based on the search result of the registered application program in step S903.

  If it is determined in step S904 that the printer driver 102 has succeeded in the search, the process proceeds to step S905, where the registered access ID and password of the application program searched from the authentication information DB and the application program 103 are used. The access ID, password, etc. in the notified authentication information are verified. The authentication information here is information for identifying the application program such as the name of the application program, the corresponding OS, and the version number, and information such as an access ID and a password that are given to the corresponding application program 103 in advance. This is information for determining the access authority for the printing function / capability or performance used in the program. You may comprise so that collation of a user ID, a password, etc. may be included.

  In step S906, the printer driver 102 determines whether the collation has succeeded or failed based on the collation result in step S905.

  If the printer driver 102 determines in step S906 that the collation is successful, the process proceeds to step S907, and the access control level for the print function and print capability of the collated application program is acquired and output from the authentication information DB. Then, the process ends.

  On the other hand, if the printer driver 102 determines in step S904 that the search was not successful (failed), the process proceeds to step S908, an authentication failure status is output, and the process ends.

  If the printer driver 102 determines in step S906 that the collation has not succeeded (failed), the process proceeds to step S908 and the authentication failure status is output as in the case where the search has failed. Then, the process ends.

<Description of Print Control Processing in Printer Driver Program (FIG. 14)>
Hereinafter, the print control process of the printer driver program 102 on the program memory RAM 1006 of the host computer 100 in this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a fourth control processing procedure in the printing system of the present invention.

  14 correspond to print control processing in the printer driver program 102 (executed by the CPU 304 on the RAM 306) in the printer 104 according to the present embodiment.

  The printer driver 102 is activated by a print instruction to the printer from an external document input program such as a character, graphic, image creation, editing, or print application program 103, and executes steps S1101 to S1111.

  First, in step S1101, the printer driver program 102 prints various print attribute setting parameters passed from the application program 103 via the Windows (registered trademark) SDK API and character / graphic / image data constituting the document instructed to be printed from the application. Enter the print instruction.

  In step S1102, the printer driver program 102 analyzes the parameters and data input in step S1101.

  Steps S1101 and S1102 are executed each time various print attribute setting parameters and character / graphic / image data print instructions are input.

  Next, in step S1103, the printer driver program 102 prepares for printing such as paper size, printing direction, drawing resolution setting, and coordinate system unit setting based on the analysis result of the input data in step S1102. Each setting parameter is converted and generated into a printer control command and transmitted to the printer 104 to perform initialization processing of the printer 104.

  Note that step S1103 is executed each time the output attribute is different for each page / group / chapter in the job.

  In step S1104 and step S1106, the printer driver program 102 separates the parameters and data analyzed in step S1102 into character data, graphic data, and image data.

  For the data determined by the printer driver program 102 as character data in step S1104, the character print control processing module performs character print control processing in step S1105.

  For the data determined by the printer driver program 102 as graphic data in steps S1104 and S1106, the graphic drawing control processing module performs graphic drawing control processing in step S1107.

  Further, for the data determined by the printer driver program 102 as image data in steps S1104 and S1106, the image drawing control processing module performs image drawing control processing in step S1108.

  In step S1109, the printer driver program 102 executes the drawing output attribute and size in the document configuration control processing module based on the character printing control process in step S1105, the graphic drawing control process in step S1107, and the image drawing control process in step S1108. A pattern output form such as calculation and drawing output position is determined, and processing (document composition processing) is performed for placement on the output page of the printer.

  In step S1110, the printer driver program 102 converts the document output control data configured in step S1109 into a print control command for the printer to output the document to the printer by the print control command generation processing module. Generate processing (print control command generation processing).

  In step S <b> 1111, the printer driver program 102 performs processing (output transmission processing) for transmitting the print control command generated in step S <b> 1110 to the printer 104 in the output transmission processing module to the printer. To print.

  Note that the processing in steps S1104 to S1111 is executed for each print attribute setting parameter and each print instruction of character / graphic / image data.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the Windows (registered trademark) operating system environment, together with the Windows (registered trademark) SDK API library that is normally used in the document creation / print application program, By using the printer driver SDK API library, in addition to the standard printing function, the printer device function and printer driver function that can be realized by installing optional devices can be used. It is possible to provide.

  Furthermore, since these printing functions perform function expansion and function restriction based on the access control level in accordance with the purpose of use or operation of the application program, the application program type and application program user (user) have a specific purpose. For this purpose, it is possible to provide a printing system that is optimal in use and high in operability such as function expansion or simple document printing operation.

  In addition, since the printing function and printing capability are provided by authentication, it is possible to construct a document printing system that improves security.

[Second Embodiment]
In the second embodiment, the determination of the access control level for the printing function and the printing capability / performance of the application program 103 performed by the printer driver 102 shown in FIG. 2 of the first embodiment is applied to department management or billing management. Configure as follows.

  Department management can be realized by changing the access control level for each department by changing the authentication information of the application program for each department, and managing the printing function, printing capability and performance that can be used and operated. It becomes.

  In charge management, select and determine the print function and print capability / performance that can be used and operated based on the use upper limit charge frequency (use upper limit cost) for each user and the access control level of the printer driver. Thus, it can be realized by managing printing functions and printing capabilities / performances that can be used and operated by applications and users.

  Hereinafter, an example of application program authentication and access control level determination based on billing management will be described with reference to FIGS.

<Explanation of Block Diagram showing Flow of Control Processing in Billing Management of This System (FIG. 15)>
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of each control process of the document print billing management system including the application program, printer driver, printer, and various databases according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same thing as FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the application program 103 and the printer driver 102 notify the authentication information of the application program 103 to the printer driver 102 using the printer driver SDK API, as in the first embodiment, and the printer driver. Based on this authentication information 102, the access control level for the printing function and the printing capability / performance is determined.

  Further, the printer driver 102 receives a print function attribute based on the access control level in response to an inquiry about a print function and print capability / performance that can be currently used / operated using the printer driver SDK API from the application program 103. Information and print capability attribute information are generated and notified to the application program.

  On the other hand, the application program 103 performs document editing / processing based on information notified from the printer driver 102, and issues a document print instruction to the printer driver 102.

  The printer driver 102 converts and generates various print control processes and printer print control commands related to character, figure, and image drawing output based on the print instruction from the application program 103, and passes through the spooler 1202 of the OS 101. The document is output to the printer 104 and the document output 105 is performed.

  Note that the printer driver 102 according to the present exemplary embodiment acquires the access control level and the usage upper limit charge frequency (usage upper limit cost) for each user according to the access control level from the authentication information DB 1200.

  In addition, the printer driver 102 of this embodiment can access a function / capability cost information database 1208 constructed on a server (not shown). This function / capacity cost information database 1208 includes various finishing functions such as a paper feeding method, a paper discharging method, a duplex printing function, an N-up printing function, a stapling function, a punching function, a trimming function, and a paper Z folding function. Print function attribute information that can be executed by the printer driver such as a bookbinding function, a stamp function (Watermark) function, a font download function, a font replacement function, a form overlay function, and the like, which are realized by combining these functions, and gradation in monochrome printing Number, color depth during color printing, color tone, color space and configurable color profile, matching method, configurable resolution, vector / image drawing, graphics drawing methods such as dithering, printable paper size and paper type, Maximum number of copies that can be set, print settings available for N-up printing This is a database that allocates and manages usage costs, publication costs (expenses for specifying / using more advanced functions), etc., to various printing functions and printing capabilities such as the number of functions N-up. In addition, both the above “use cost” and “publication cost (expense for specifying / using more advanced functions)” are charged when used, but “use cost” is a general printing. Corresponding to the usage cost of the attribute setting, the “publication cost (expense for specifying / using more advanced functions)” is, for example, when papers of different sizes are mixed and bookbinding is set. It corresponds to the cost of using this function for a printing apparatus having a high function such as automatically reducing or enlarging, printing on a single size paper, and bookbinding. “Publication costs (expenses for specifying / using more advanced functions)” is not limited to this example, but costs for using printing functions other than printing functions prepared in general printing devices. Are all included.

  In the printer driver 102, when selecting and determining the printing function and the printing capability / performance to be notified to the application program 103, the function / capability cost information database 1208 is referred to in accordance with the access control level and the above-mentioned usage upper limit charging frequency. The printing function and printing capability to be charged (below the upper limit charging frequency) are selected and determined and notified to the application program 103.

  Also, the printer driver 102 generates a print control command based on various print attribute setting information transmitted from the application program 103 together with the print instruction, transmits the print control command to the printer 104 via the spooler 1202 of the OS 101, and outputs the document output 105. Do. The printer driver 102 generates information to be charged based on the usage record of the various print attribute setting information (1206), refers to the function / capability cost information database 1208, and the user who has printed the document Charge calculation processing is performed every time (1207), and the charge result is stored in the charge information database 1209.

  The function / capacity cost information database 1208 and the billing information database 1209 are generally operated by being constructed on a server with which the host computer 100 can communicate.

<Authentication and Print Function / Capability Information Notification Control Processes in Printer Driver of Second Embodiment (FIGS. 16 and 17)>
Hereinafter, the control processing of the printer driver program 104 on the program memory of the host computer 100 in the second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a fifth control processing procedure in the printing system of the present invention. In addition, the same step number is attached | subjected to the step same as FIG.

  In FIG. 16, steps S801 to S802, S1601 to S160, and S805 to S809 are notified from the application program 103 in the printer driver program 102 (executed by the CPU 304 on the RAM 306) in the host computer 100 according to the present embodiment. This corresponds to a series of control processes for notifying the application program 103 of the authentication function verification, the print function attribute information according to the access control level for the print function / capability, and the print capability attribute information.

  Only the steps different from those in FIG. 12 will be described below.

  In step S <b> 1601, the printer driver 102 performs authentication information collation processing (FS_FNCertificate () function 401 module processing in the printer driver 102), and outputs an access control level based on the authentication information, an upper limit charge frequency, or an authentication failure status. To do. Details of this authentication information collating process are shown in FIG.

  In step S1602, the printer driver 102 succeeds in the authentication based on the processing result of the authentication information collation process (FS_FNCertificate () function 401 module process) in step S803, and determines the access control level and the upper limit charge frequency of the application program 103. Is determined (whether authentication has failed).

  If it is determined in step S1602 that the printer driver 102 has succeeded in authentication and it is determined that the access control level and the upper limit charge frequency of the application program 103 have been determined, the process proceeds to step S1603, and the determined access is performed. The printing function and printing capability corresponding to the control level and the upper limit charging frequency are selected, and the process proceeds to step S807.

  On the other hand, if the printer driver 102 determines in step S1602 that the authentication has failed, the process proceeds to step S806.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of a sixth control processing procedure in the printing system of the present invention, and corresponds to the authentication information matching processing shown in step S1601 of FIG. The same steps as those in FIG. 13 are given the same step numbers.

  In FIG. 12, each step shown in S901 to S906, S908, and S1701 is an authentication information collating process executed by the printer driver program 102 (executed by the CPU 304 on the RAM 306) in the host computer 100 according to the present embodiment. This corresponds to an example of processing in a certain FS_FNCertificate () function 401 module.

  If the printer driver 102 determines in step S906 that the collation is successful, the process proceeds to step S1701, and the access control level and the upper limit charge frequency for the print function and print capability of the collated application program are authenticated. Obtained and output from the DB, and the process ends.

<Description of Print Control Processing in Printer Driver Program (FIG. 18)>
Hereinafter, the print control process of the printer driver program 102 in the program memory RAM 1006 of the host computer 100 according to the second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of a seventh control processing procedure in the printing system of the present invention. The same steps as those in FIG. 14 are denoted by the same step numbers.

  18 correspond to print control processing in the printer driver program 102 (executed by the CPU 304 on the RAM 306) in the printer 104 according to the present embodiment.

  When printing of the document on the printer 104 is completed, the printer driver program 102 generates information to be charged based on the use results of the various print attribute setting information in the print processing in step S1801, and the function / capability With reference to the cost information database 1208, the accounting calculation process is performed for each user who has printed the document, the accounting result is accumulated in the accounting information database 1209, and the process is terminated.

  According to the present embodiment, the department management or billing management of the first embodiment is further performed, so that the printing system can be constructed and operated at an optimum cost in order to obtain the printing function and the printing capability / performance.

[Third Embodiment]
In the third embodiment, the authentication information database of the application program 103 provided in the printer driver 102 in the first embodiment is provided in an external file format. For example, by adopting a plug-in form / operation to the printer driver 102, the various authentication information or access control level can be rewritten as necessary.

  According to the present embodiment, for example, when the application program is upgraded, the printing function / capability and the user restriction release are performed, the printer driver provider or the user system administrator performs the above various authentication information or access control level. Can be updated, and efficient and flexible system construction and operation can be realized.

[Fourth Embodiment]
In the fourth embodiment, the authentication information database of the application program provided in the printer driver in the first embodiment may be configured on an external server.

  For example, in the second embodiment, the function / capability cost information database 1208 and the billing information database 1209 may be configured on the server.

  According to the present embodiment, for example, in a large-scale system, authentication information of a large number of application programs and a large number of application program users can be centrally managed. Even when the department management or billing management according to the second embodiment is applied, it is possible to realize efficient system construction and operation.

[Fifth Embodiment]
In the fifth embodiment, a plurality of pieces of authentication information corresponding to each level such as an operating environment and a special purpose user are prepared on the application program 103 side and set on the application program 103 side.

  According to the present embodiment, since it is possible to determine the access control level for the printing function and the printing capability / performance intended on the application program side, it is possible to provide an application program and a document printing system with high security.

[Sixth Embodiment]
In each of the above embodiments, the configuration in which the printer SDK API library is provided as a program library format that can be read from the application program 103 and the printer driver program 102 on the host computer 100 has been described.

  This printer SDK API library may be a static link library built in each program in advance in the application program 103 and printer driver program 102 on the host computer 100, or an external file format (dynamic link library). As an alternative, the configuration may be such that an external library file is loaded onto the program memory and used as needed at an arbitrary timing.

  The configuration and contents of various information and screens such as printing capability information and printing function information shown in the above embodiments are not limited to this, and various configurations and contents may be used depending on applications and purposes. Needless to say, it consists of content.

  Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention can take an embodiment as, for example, a system, apparatus, method, program, or storage medium, and specifically includes a plurality of devices. The present invention may be applied to a system including a single device.

  Note that embodiments in which any or all of the above embodiments are combined are also included in the present invention.

  As described above, the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment has not only a general printing function but also various functions by adding resources such as options of the printing apparatus and high value-added functions that are realized by the printer driver. Along with the Windows (registered trademark) SDK library that is used as standard in the document creation / printing application program for use from the application program, the available functions can be applied from the printer driver using the application program interface (API). By notifying the program, it is possible to perform document formatting according to the printable function in the application program, and in addition to the standard printing function, it can be realized by installing optional devices. It is possible to use a printer device function and an advanced printer driver implementation function, and to provide a printing function with higher added value.

  Further, the application program authentication information is notified to the printer driver using the application program interface (API) according to the purpose of use or operation of the application program, so that the purpose of use, operation purpose, and use of the application program on the system are obtained. Applications that use specific application programs, special-purpose application programs, and undisclosed functions for individual users because authentication can be performed according to restrictions on the use of printing functions for each user, and access control of printing functions and printing capabilities / performances can be performed. It is possible to realize a printing system with high security in terms of functions and capabilities, application programs that make full use of printer functions such as programs and bookbinding functions. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the cost of developing an application program and a printing system, and to provide a printing system with low cost and high construction / operability.

  Further, the authentication can be applied such that access control of the printing function is performed based on department management and billing management.

  The configuration of a data processing program that can be read by the information processing apparatus (host computer 100) constituting the printing system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the memory map shown in FIG.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining a memory map of a storage medium (recording medium) storing various data processing programs readable by the information processing apparatus (host computer 100) constituting the printing system according to the present invention. is there.

  Although not particularly illustrated, information for managing a program group stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, creator, etc. is also stored, and information depending on the OS on the program reading side, for example, a program is identified and displayed. Icons may also be stored.

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

  The functions shown in FIGS. 8, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, and 18 in this embodiment may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when an information group including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Is.

  As described above, a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus is stored in the storage medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code.

  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.

  Therefore, as long as it has the function of the program, the form of the program such as an object code, a program executed by an interpreter, or script data supplied to the OS is not limited.

  As a storage medium for supplying the program, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, DVD, etc. Can be used.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  As another program supply method, a browser on a client computer is used to connect to a homepage on the Internet, and the computer program itself of the present invention or a compressed file including an automatic installation function is stored on a storage medium such as a hard disk from the homepage. It can also be supplied by downloading. It can also be realized by dividing the program code constituting the program of the present invention into a plurality of files and downloading each file from a different homepage. That is, a WWW server, an ftp server, and the like that allow a plurality of users to download a program file for realizing the functional processing of the present invention on a computer are also included in the claims of the present invention.

  In addition, the program of the present invention is encrypted, stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, distributed to users, and key information for decryption is downloaded from a homepage via the Internet to users who have cleared predetermined conditions. It is also possible to execute the encrypted program by using the key information and install the program on a computer.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) or the like running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

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

  Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. In this case, by reading a storage medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention into the system or apparatus, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications (including organic combinations of the embodiments) are possible based on the spirit of the present invention, and these are excluded from the scope of the present invention. is not.

  Although various examples and embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will not limit the spirit and scope of the present invention to the specific description in the present specification.

  As described above, the authentication information corresponding to the use / operation purpose of the application is notified from the application to the printer driver using the SDK API, and the driver determines the access control level for various printing functions and printing capabilities / performances based on the authentication information. Then, the application inquires the driver about the currently available printing function and printing capability / performance by the API, and the driver notifies the application of the printing function attribute information and the printing capability attribute information based on the access control level. Based on this information, document editing / processing and print settings are controlled, and document printing is performed to provide access control levels for various printing functions to be used according to the use / operation purpose of the application. It is possible to provide a function restriction, and it is possible to provide a high function or a simple function according to the purpose by the application use and the user. In addition, since the function can be restricted by the authentication by API, it is possible to provide a printing system with high operability for improving security at low cost.

1 is a system configuration diagram illustrating an example of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Using the printer driver SDK API in the OS, application program, printer driver, and printer on the host computer shown in FIG. 1, the flow of processing inside each component and between components is shown from initialization to printing. It is a block diagram. FIG. 2 is a calling sequence diagram from initialization of the printer driver SDK API to printing in the OS, application program, and printer driver on the host computer shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an FS_FNCertificate () function for notifying authentication information and a FS_GetFuncItem () function for acquiring / notifying printing function attribute information and printing capability attribute information, which are the printer driver SDK API shown in FIG. 3. Configuration of GDI, application program, printer driver and printer driver SDK library of operating system under 32-bit operating system environment such as Windows (registered trademark) NT4.0 / Windows (registered trademark) 2000 / Windows (registered trademark) XP It is a figure which shows an example. Configuration examples of operating system GDI, application program, printer driver and printer driver SDK library under 16-bit operating system environment such as Windows (registered trademark) 95 / Windows (registered trademark) 98 / Windows (registered trademark) Me FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware connection configuration of a host computer and a printer illustrated in FIG. 1. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first control processing procedure in the printing system of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the edit screen and color setting screen of the application program 103 shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the print dialog of the application program 103 shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the print dialog of the application program 103 shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 2nd control processing procedure in the printing system of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 3rd control processing procedure in the printing system of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 4th control processing procedure in the printing system of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example in the flow of each control processing of the document printing charge management system comprised from the application program, printer driver, printer, and various databases in 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 5th control processing procedure in the printing system of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 6th control processing procedure in the printing system of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 7th control processing procedure in the printing system of this invention. It is a figure explaining the memory map of the storage medium (recording medium) which stores the various data processing program which can be read with the information processing apparatus which comprises the printing system which concerns on this invention which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

100 Host computer system 101 Operating system (OS)
102 Printer Driver 103 Application Program 104 Printer

Claims (11)

An information processing apparatus in which a printer driver generates a print job for a document based on document print control processing in a predetermined application program and transmits the print job to the printing apparatus.
First notification means for notifying the printer driver of authentication information of the application program from the application program;
Second notification means for selecting print setting information for performing printing that the printer driver can operate and function based on the authentication information notified by the first notification means, and notifying the application program;
Control means for controlling document editing and print settings on the application program based on the print setting information notified by the second notification means;
An information processing apparatus comprising: The authentication information is in accordance with the purpose of use or operation of the application program,
A first storage means for storing and managing access control level information corresponding to the authentication information;
The second notifying unit acquires an access control level from the first storage unit by performing an authentication process in the printer driver based on the authentication information notified by the first notifying unit, and acquires the access control level. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: selecting print setting information for performing an operation and a functionable print according to the access control level and notifying the application program.   The print setting information includes a print function that can be executed by the printing apparatus and print function attribute information that represents a print function that can be executed by print control processing of the printer driver, and various types that can be executed by the printer driver based on the print function information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising print capability attribute information representing an execution range of the print function.   The printing function attribute information includes various finishing functions such as a paper feeding method, a paper discharging method, a double-sided printing function, a multi-page layout printing, a stapling function, a punching function, a trimming function, a paper Z folding function, and a combination of these functions. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising print function information executable by the printer driver, such as a bookbinding function, a stamp function, a font download function, a font replacement function, and a form overlay function.   The print capability attribute information includes the number of gradations in monochrome printing, color depth in color printing, color tone, color space and settable color profile, matching method, settable resolution, vector / image drawing, dithering, and other graphics. Including printing capability information for executing various printing functions in the printer driver of the image drawing method, printable paper size and paper type, the maximum number of copies that can be set, and the number of assignable pages at the time of multi-page assignment printing. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3 or 4.   The first notification means and the second notification means transmit and receive data to and from the application program and the printer driver program by using a common programming function or data format programming interface. Item 6. The information processing apparatus according to any one of Items 1 to 5.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a print setting unit that instructs the printer driver to perform print settings using the application program interface from the application program.   Print control means for generating a print control instruction based on the print setting instructed by the print setting means in the printer driver, and transmitting the print control instruction and print document data from the application program to the printing apparatus in combination. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is provided. In a print control method in an information processing apparatus in which a printer driver generates a print job for a document based on document print control processing in a predetermined application program and transmits the print job to the printing apparatus.
A first notification step of notifying the printer driver of authentication information of the application program from the application program;
A second notification step of selecting print setting information for performing printing that the printer driver can operate and function based on the authentication information notified in the first notification step, and notifying the application program;
A control step for controlling document editing and print settings on the application program based on the print setting information notified in the second notification step;
A printing control method characterized by comprising:   A program for causing a computer to execute the printing control method according to claim 9.   A storage medium storing a computer-readable program for causing a computer to execute the printing control method according to claim 9.

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