JP2007036987A - Printing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To operate two or more printers and a compound machine by using one driver without installing a PC with printer drivers corresponding to each device under environment, in which a personal computer installed with printer drivers corresponding to two or more printers and a compound machine are connected with two or more printers and the compound machine with different functions and performances through a network cable or a local cable. <P>SOLUTION: According to functions and performances, the printer and the compound machine generate a setting scene of a printer driver dynamically as HTML/XHTML data inside the device and is distributed to the PC. Similarly, the printing setting is carried out by using the HTML/XHTML, the printing job is generated and transmitted to the device and the printing is carried out in this configuration. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printer driver software that operates on a host computer and generates print data in a host computer and a printing apparatus connected via a network cable or a local cable, and print data transmitted from the software. An object of the present invention is to provide a printing system for printing and a control method thereof.

  Currently, there are printing apparatuses capable of multi-functional print settings such as monochrome / full color printing, single-sided / double-sided printing, high resolution / low resolution printing, multi-tone / single-tone printing, Nin1 printing, and the like.

  In addition, there are a great variety of printing devices such as printers specialized for printing functions and multi-function machines that combine multiple functions such as printer, copy, scanner, and FAX functions.

  If the functions and performances of the printer and the multifunction machine are different, application software called a printer driver that generates print data must correspond to all types of printing apparatuses.

  Furthermore, because the native language and distribution language differ depending on the country in which the printing device is used, it is necessary to support multiple languages for the printing device, and the printer driver for controlling the printing device must also be compatible with multiple languages. It is.

As another conventional example, Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2 can be cited.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-063451 JP 2004-086889 A

  However, as the types and number of printing apparatuses having different functions, performances, and supported languages increase, the types and number of software such as printer drivers that control them are also increasing.

  In particular, since printers and multifunction machines have different functions and performance, there are many cases where an optimum print result cannot be obtained unless software suitable for the printing apparatus is used.

  In addition, the internal state of printers and multifunction devices is constantly changing, and especially consumables such as printing paper and toner change significantly. However, there are many cases where these changes are not conscious when printing, so consumables There are also cases where printing cannot be performed due to the exhaustion of the printer.

  The display language used when displaying the function and status of the software is the same, and if the language is not displayed using a language that can be understood by the user of the printing apparatus, the convenience is reduced.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, in the present invention, in a printing system including a host computer and a printing apparatus connected via a network cable and a local cable, application software operating on the host computer and the printing apparatus are bidirectionally communicated. Means for generating a function setting screen for performing function setting for the printing apparatus as HTML or XHTML format data, and HTML or XHTML format data to be generated. Means for dynamically generating according to the function of the printing apparatus; means for dynamically generating HTML or XHTML format data to be generated according to the function setting status of the printing apparatus and the internal state of the printing apparatus; , Generate HTML or XHTML format data on the printer In accordance with a plurality of types of language settings such as Japanese / English used for the operation screen display, means for dynamically generating using the same language and HTML generated by the printer for the application software Or a means for requesting XHTML format data distribution using a network protocol such as HTTP, and the printing apparatus sends generated HTML or XHTML format data such as HTTP in response to a distribution request from application software. Means for distributing using a network protocol, means for application software analyzing HTML or XHTML format data received from the printing apparatus, and performing monitor display on the host computer, and using the display to the printing apparatus The function setting input method and the print data that reflects the input settings Means for generating data by application software, means for transmitting print data generated by the application software to the printing apparatus, and means for receiving the transmitted print data and performing printing processing by the printing apparatus It is characterized by that.

  As described above, according to the present invention, a personal computer installed with a printer driver corresponding to the functions of a plurality of printers and multifunction devices, and a plurality of printers and multifunction devices having different functions and performances are connected to network cables, In an environment connected via a local cable, multiple printer drivers can be installed on the PC by dynamically generating and displaying the optimal operation screen on the PC according to the printer or multifunction device used. Even without this, it is possible to operate a plurality of printers and multi-function peripherals with a single printer driver.

  In addition to being able to automatically generate the optimal operation screen according to the internal state of the printer or multifunction device, it is also possible to automatically generate a linked operation screen according to the display language setting of the printer or multifunction device. Is possible.

  Next, details of the present invention will be described in accordance with the description of the embodiments.

  In this embodiment, a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC) having a printer driver installed corresponding to the functions of a plurality of printers and multifunction devices, and a plurality of printers and multifunction devices having different functions and performances are connected to network cables, In the environment connected via a local cable, a method for dynamically generating an optimal operation screen according to a printer or a multifunction device to be used and displaying it on a PC will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the form of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  Reference numeral 10 denotes a network (LAN) composed of a PC and a printer / multifunction machine.

  Reference numerals 20 to 23 denote desktop PCs and notebook PCs.

  Reference numerals 30 to 33 denote printers and multi-function peripherals, which have functional differences depending on respective printing apparatuses such as those capable of full color printing and those capable of monochrome printing only.

  Software called printer driver 40 for generating PDL (PageDescriptionLanguage page description language) data can be installed in the PCs 20 to 23 in order to perform printing by the printers / multifunction peripherals 30 to 33.

  The method for installing application software such as the printer driver 40 in the PC will not be described in this embodiment. The printer driver 40 installed in the PCs 20 to 23 is integrated software that supports all the functions of the printer and multifunction devices 30 to 33, and a specific example thereof will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 shows a list of printable conditions in the printers / multifunction peripherals 30-33.

  For example, the printer 32 can perform printing by switching full color / monochrome printing, resolution 1200/600/300 dpi switching, single-sided / double-sided printing switching, and printing paper size A3 / A4 switching.

  On the other hand, the printer driver 40 installed in the PCs 20 to 23 can be printed by the printers / multifunction devices 30 to 33, and is software corresponding to all printing conditions, and any combination of PDL data output is possible. And

  The configurations of the PCs 20 to 23 and the printers / multifunction machines 30 to 33 in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The PCs 20 to 23 are configured by 50 to 55 modules described below.

  Reference numeral 50 denotes a CPU for controlling the PC.

  Reference numeral 51 denotes an Ethernet (registered trademark) interface for connection to the LAN 10.

  A display unit 52 displays the printer driver on a monitor.

  An operation unit 53 includes a keyboard for starting various application software, operating instructions, and inputting information.

  A RAM 54 is used as a work memory for operating various application software stored in the HDD 55, and stores data in HTML / XHTML format received from the printer / multifunction peripherals 30 to 32, and a display unit 52 is used to display the image on the screen.

  Reference numeral 55 denotes an HDD which stores application software such as a Web browser for browsing data in the HTML / XHTML format received from the printer driver 40 and the printers / multifunction peripherals 30 to 33.

  Assume that the printers / multifunction peripherals 30 to 33 are configured by modules 60 to 67 described below.

  Here, the explanation will be given by taking the multifunction machines 32 and 33 as an example.

  Reference numeral 60 denotes a CPU for controlling the multifunction machines 32 and 33.

  An operation unit 61 includes an operation instruction for the scanner unit 62 and the print engine unit 63, a key for inputting information, and a display device for displaying information.

  A scanner unit 62 reads a document and converts it into image data.

  Reference numeral 63 denotes a print engine unit for printing out print data.

  In addition to the control of the CPU 60, the control of the scanner unit 62, the control of the print engine unit 63, 64 dynamically generates data in HTML / XHTML format according to the function settings of the multifunction devices 32 and 33 and the internal state of the device. This is a ROM in which a program for executing is stored.

  Reference numeral 65 denotes a RAM, which is used as a work memory for the control program, and is used for temporarily storing image data read by the scanner unit 62 and printing out print data.

  Reference numeral 66 denotes an Ethernet (registered trademark) interface for connection to the LAN 10.

  Reference numeral 67 denotes a Web server for distributing the generated HTML / XHTML format data to the PCs 20 to 23 via the LAN 10.

  An example in which HTML / XHTML format data generated in the printers / multifunction devices 30 to 33 is displayed by a Web browser operating on the PCs 20 to 23 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 4 shows HTML / XHTML format data generated by the multi-function device 32. Since the multi-function device 32 has a large number of items that can be set, such as color settings, print surface settings, paper size settings, and resolution settings, as shown in FIG. Data in HTML / XHTML format is generated.

  On the other hand, FIG. 5 shows HTML / XHTML format data generated by the printer 30. Since the printer 30 can only set resolution settings, the other setting items are fixed as shown in FIG. The function setting is not possible.

  In FIGS. 4 and 5, not only setting items such as color setting, printing surface setting, paper size setting, resolution setting, etc., but also the remaining amount of paper and the remaining amount of toner as shown in FIG. Information that changes sequentially may be included.

  However, it is assumed that information such as the remaining amount of paper and the remaining amount of toner also has a function difference for each printing apparatus in conjunction with information such as color setting and paper size setting.

  Next, the operation flow when the HTML / XHTML format data in FIGS. 4 and 5 is acquired from the printers / multifunction peripherals 30 to 33, the function is set using the data, and printing is executed with reference to FIG. explain.

When printing with word processor software or spreadsheet software, the printer driver 40 is activated. (Step 101)
A method for starting up the printer driver 40 is well known and description of the method is omitted, but a selection screen for the printer driver 40 is displayed by pressing a print key prepared in word processor software or spreadsheet software. Is common.

When the printer driver is started, a selection screen is displayed for selecting a plurality of printers / multifunction peripherals 30 to 33 connected to a network such as an Ethernet (registered trademark) cable, or locally connected such as a Centronics cable or a USB cable. The printer used for printing is selected. (Step 102)
An example of the startup screen of the printer driver 40 is shown in FIG. 7, and a list of available printers / multifunction devices connected to a network cable or a local cable is displayed.

  FIG. 7 shows an operation example when the network is configured in FIG. 1, and lists printers / multifunction machines 30 to 33.

  When printing is performed, the printing apparatus used for printing is selected from the displayed printers / multifunction peripherals 30 to 33, and the operation after step 103 is started by pressing the start key.

  In the prior art, in order to perform printing with the printers / multifunction peripherals 30 to 33, printer drivers corresponding to the respective printing apparatuses have to be installed in advance on the PCs 20 to 23.

  For example, four types of printer drivers corresponding to the respective printers / multifunction machines 30 to 33 must be installed in the PC 20, and the other PCs 21 to 23 are also compatible with the respective printers / multifunction machines 30 to 33. The four types of printer drivers had to be installed.

  However, in this embodiment, only one printer driver that can be used in common for all the printers / multifunction machines 30 to 33 needs to be installed in the PCs 20 to 23. Functional information depending on performance is appropriately acquired from the printing apparatus in steps 103 to 106.

  First, in step 103, activation processing for the printing apparatus selected in step 102 is performed.

  The startup process refers to a process of acquiring data in HTML / XHTML format for the printer / multifunction devices 30 to 33, and the printer driver 40 transmits HTML / XHTML to the Web server 67 in the printer / multifunction devices 30 to 33. Send a request packet.

  In step 104, in response to the request in step 103, data in HTML / XHTML format is generated inside the printers / multifunction devices 30-33.

  The generation result is data in HTML / XHTML format as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, and the configuration differs for each printing apparatus due to the functional difference shown in the function list in FIG. 2.

When the generation of HTML / XHTML format data is completed in step 104, the data is distributed to the PCs 20 to 23 in response to the request in step 103. (Step 105)
In step 106, the printer driver 40 receives data in the HTML / XHTML format, and in step 107, the printer driver 40 analyzes the data and performs display processing on the display unit 52.

  The display results are the display screens of FIGS. 4 and 5, and the printer driver 40 may analyze the data in the HTML / XHTML format and perform the display, or the printer driver 40 may launch a Web browser. Then, the analysis / display processing of data in the HTML / XHTML format may be executed by a Web browser.

Next, after the operation screens as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 are displayed on the display unit 52, function settings are performed as necessary. (Step 108)
For example, in FIG. 4, the setting can be made for a plurality of function setting items held by the multi-function device 32, whereas in FIG. 5, the number of function setting items held by the printer 30 is small. Will be limited.

  4 and 5, after setting the desired function (step 108), when the print execution key is pressed in step 109, the printing process is executed in step 110 and subsequent steps.

  On the other hand, when the cancel key is pressed in step 109, the above operation flow is terminated.

  In step 110, print data reflecting the function setting in step 108 is generated.

  In the print data generation process, pressing the print execution key in step 109 causes the printer driver 40 to start the print data generation process.

  Print data generation processing is well known, and detailed description of the processing is omitted, but data that can be printed by the printers / multifunction peripherals 30 to 33 is created.

  The print data generated in step 110 is transmitted to the printers / multifunction peripherals 30 to 33 in step 111, and print processing is executed.

  The operation flow of the printing process in step 111 will be described with reference to FIG.

  Upon receiving the print data (step 200), the printers / multifunction peripherals 30 to 33 perform print data analysis processing to generate a print image (step 201), and convert the image data into a video signal (step 201). 202), the same signal is transferred to the print engine unit 63 to perform printing (step 203), and the printing paper is discharged (step 204).

  When the printing process is finished in step 204, the above operation flow is finished.

  Note that the printing process itself is well known, and in the present embodiment, since there is no patentability from the image generation process to the print paper discharge process, detailed description of the process is omitted.

  Further, the print data generated in step 110 of FIG. 6 is image format data such as PDL (page description language), PDF (Portable Document Format), JPEG format, TIFF format, and the like.

  Detailed description of PDL, PDF, JPEG, and TIFF is omitted in this embodiment.

  Also, HTML / XHTML format data and print data are transport protocols up to the transport layer called TCP / IP, and upper layers called HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol), IPP (Internet Printing Protocol), and FTP (File Transfer Protocol). Although they are transmitted using a combination with a communication protocol, since these are well known, detailed description thereof will be omitted in this embodiment.

  Next, the case where the laser beam printing method is used as the print engine unit 63 of the printers / multifunction machines 30 to 33 to which the present embodiment is applied will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 9, reference numeral 63 denotes a print engine unit main body.

  First, the print image data generated in step 201 in FIG. 8 is converted into a video signal and output to the laser driver 1002.

  The laser driver 1002 is a circuit for driving the semiconductor laser 1003, and switches on / off the laser light 1004 emitted from the semiconductor laser 1003 in accordance with the input video signal.

  The laser beam 1004 is shaken in the left-right direction by the rotary polygon mirror 1005 to scan and expose the electrostatic drum 1006.

  As a result, an electrostatic latent image of the output image is formed on the electrostatic drum 1006.

  This latent image is developed by a developing unit 1007 disposed around the electrostatic drum 1006, and then transferred to printing paper.

  The printing paper is stored in a printing paper cassette 1008 mounted on the print engine main body, taken into the apparatus by a paper feed roller 1009 and transport rollers 1010 and 1011, and supplied to the electrostatic drum 1006.

  Further, the printer to which this embodiment is applied is not limited to the laser beam printer, and other printers such as an ink jet printer, a sublimation printer, and a silver salt printer may be used.

  As described above, according to the present invention, a personal computer installed with a printer driver corresponding to the functions of a plurality of printers and multifunction devices, and a plurality of printers and multifunction devices having different functions and performances are connected to network cables, In an environment connected via a local cable, multiple printer drivers can be installed on the PC by dynamically generating and displaying the optimal operation screen on the PC according to the printer or multifunction device used. Even without this, it is possible to operate a plurality of printers and multi-function peripherals with a single printer driver.

  In the first embodiment, the case where the function setting screen is appropriately switched according to the function difference of the printing apparatus has been described. However, in the second embodiment, the function setting screen is displayed according to the internal state of the printing apparatus. The purpose is to switch appropriately.

  The second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the present embodiment, an operation when the function setting screen changes according to the internal state of the multifunction device 32 will be described.

  The operation flow in the second embodiment is the same as the operation flow in the first embodiment and operates according to FIG. 6, but the difference from the first embodiment is that in step 104 of FIG. When print resources such as printing paper and toner are depleted, the structure of data in the HTML / XHTML format changes in conjunction with these various conditions.

  FIG. 10 shows data in HTML / XHTML format when the A4 paper is depleted and the toner of magenta (one of the three primary colors such as printing ink and red purple) is depleted.

  Since the A4 paper is depleted, the A4 paper cannot be selected in the paper size setting item, and only the printing using the A3 paper can be executed.

  Furthermore, because magenta and toner are depleted, full color printing cannot be selected in the color setting items, and only monochrome printing can be performed.

  Other setting items are not changed because they are not affected by the depletion of A4 paper and magenta / toner.

  Further, the remaining amount of paper and the remaining amount of toner are configured to reflect the depletion status.

  In the second embodiment, when executing printing by appropriately switching to a function setting screen reflecting the constantly changing internal state of the printer or multifunction device, including changes in consumables such as printing paper and toner, etc. Is intended to operate with awareness of these changes.

  In the first embodiment, the case where the function setting screen is appropriately switched according to the function difference of the printing apparatus has been described. However, in the third embodiment, the function setting screen is also displayed according to the display language setting for the printing apparatus. The purpose is to switch appropriately.

  The third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  In this embodiment, the operation unit 61 having a display device for displaying information of the multifunction device 32 has a plurality of display languages on the display device, and a function setting screen according to the display language set by the user. A description will be given of the operation in the case of changing.

  The operation flow in the third embodiment is the same as the operation flow in the first embodiment and operates according to FIG. 6, but differs from the first embodiment in step 104 of FIG. In this manner, data in HTML / XHTML format is generated in conjunction with the display language set by the user.

  FIG. 11 shows an example in which “English” is selected as the display language on the operation unit 61 of the multifunction machine 32.

  As shown in FIG. 11, all the function setting items are written in English, and the configuration reflects the display language setting of the multifunction device 32.

  In the third embodiment, by generating HTML / XHTML format data linked to the display language setting on the printing apparatus, the display language on the printing apparatus and the function setting display language on the PC are linked to each other. The purpose is to improve performance.

The block diagram which shows the form in 1st Example of this invention The figure which shows the functional difference of the printing apparatus in 1st Example of this invention. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a PC and a multifunction peripheral in a first embodiment of the present invention. The figure which shows the data of the HTML / XHTML format in the 1st Example of this invention The figure which shows the data of the HTML / XHTML format in the 1st Example of this invention The figure which shows the operation | movement flow until the printing process in 1st Example of this invention. The figure which shows the starting screen of the printer driver in 1st Example of this invention The figure which shows the operation | movement flow of the printing process in 1st Example of this invention. The figure which shows the print engine part in 1st Example of this invention. The figure which shows the data of the HTML / XHTML format in the 2nd Example of this invention The figure which shows the data of the HTML / XHTML format in the 3rd Example of this invention

Explanation of symbols

10 LAN
20-23 PC
30 to 33 Printer / Multifunction Device 40 Printer Driver 50 CPU
51 Ethernet (registered trademark)
52 Display unit 53 Operation unit 54 RAM
55 HDD
60 CPU
61 Operation unit 62 Scanner unit 63 Print engine unit 64 ROM
65 RAM
66 Ethernet (registered trademark)
67 Web server 1002 Laser driver 1003 Semiconductor laser 1004 Laser light 1005 Rotating polygon mirror 1006 Electrostatic drum 1007 Development unit 1008 Printing paper cassette 1009 Paper feed roller 1010 Transport roller 1011 Transport roller

Claims (3)

In a printing system comprising a host computer and a printing device connected via a network cable or a local cable,
Means for two-way communication between the application software running on the host computer and the printing device;
Means for generating a function setting screen for performing function setting for the printing apparatus as data in HTML or XHTML format inside the printing apparatus;
Means for dynamically generating HTML or XHTML format data to be generated according to the function of the printing device;
Means for dynamically generating HTML or XHTML data to be generated according to the function setting status of the printing apparatus and the internal state of the printing apparatus;
Means for dynamically generating using the same language in accordance with a plurality of types of language settings such as Japanese / English used for operation screen display having HTML or XHTML format data on the printing apparatus;
The application software requests the printing device to distribute HTML or XHTML format data generated by the printing device using a network protocol such as HTTP,
The printing apparatus distributes the generated HTML or XHTML format data using a network protocol such as HTTP in response to a distribution request from the application software;
Means for analyzing data in HTML or XHTML format received by the application software from the printing apparatus and performing monitor display on the host computer;
Means for inputting function settings to the printing apparatus using the display;
Means for generating print data reflecting the input settings in the application software;
Means for transmitting print data generated by the application software to the printing apparatus;
A printing system comprising means for receiving transmitted print data and performing a printing process in a printing apparatus. The printing system according to claim 1,
The application software includes printer driver software that generates PDL data for printing using the PDL function installed in the printing apparatus;
A printing system which is management software for monitoring an internal state of a printing apparatus. In the printing system according to claim 1, the means for dynamically generating data in HTML or XHTML format according to the function of the printing apparatus includes:
Means for setting the above functions as monochrome / full color printing function, single-sided / double-sided printing function, printing paper size setting function, high resolution / low resolution printing function, multi-tone / single-tone printing function, Nin1 printing function, etc. The printing system characterized by being.

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