JP2007041703A - Print system, print control method, host system, and printer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a highly verstatile print system with a host device and a printer for efficiently operating proper control corresponding to the performance of each device. <P>SOLUTION: This print system is provided with a host device which makes a print request and a printer for performing print according to the print request, and the host device and the printer are respectively provided with any of the plurality of levels uniformly determined according to functions. Communication is established between the host device and the printer, and the level of the host device is compared with the level of the printer, and when the both levels are same, they operate in the level, and when those levels are different, they operate in the lower level. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing system including a host device and a printing device, and more particularly to a highly versatile printing system that can efficiently perform appropriate control according to the performance of each device.

  In general, printing is performed on a print medium such as paper by connecting a printer to a host device such as a personal computer with a cable or the like. In such a case, normally, print data including image data to be printed and a control command is generated on the host device side, and the data is transmitted to the printer to make a print request. Then, the printer side interprets the received print data and executes print processing according to the request.

  In such a case, the host device is provided with a printer driver for a printer that performs printing, and the printer driver generates the print data according to the performance and specifications of the printer that is the print request destination, and Control is performed so that printing in the printer is performed properly. In other words, the printer driver is created for a printer that performs the printing, and originally has specification information relating to the performance of the printer, and performs control suitable for the printer.

  However, due to the recent widespread use of networks and diversification of printers, there are more opportunities to connect to a plurality of printers from a single host device, and new functions are frequently added to printers. It has become. In such a case, the host device needs to include a plurality of printer drivers for each printer, and the printer driver needs to be updated each time a function is added.

In view of such a problem, Patent Document 1 below proposes that a host device acquires specification information of a printer to be used, and performs print control that reflects the acquired specification information. In recent years, considering that the host device side is also diversified and there are many types, the following Patent Document 1 also discloses specification information that the printer transmits to the host device according to the identifier of the host device. Shown to change.
JP 2002-86853 A

  However, the multifunctionality of various apparatuses has progressed, and it is expected that the printing function will be incorporated into various apparatuses in the future. As a result, the diversification of devices connected to the printer is further advanced, and it is considered that the performance of both the host device and the printer is diversified more than ever.

  Therefore, in consideration of this point, the above-described method of simply acquiring and using the specification information of the printer used by the host device is a waste of functions that cannot be used when the host device has a lower function than the printer. Inconsistent information may also be obtained, and inconsistencies may occur between the host device and the printer.

  Further, the above-described method for changing the specification information transmitted to the host device according to the identifier of the host device cannot be used unless the host device is recognized (registered) on the printer side. Registration work occurs every time it is used. Also, the amount of specification information provided for each identifier of the host device provided on the printer side will increase steadily.

  Therefore, the conventional method still has problems with the above-described environment, and a more versatile method suitable for the environment is desired.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a printing system including a host device and a printing device, and a highly versatile printing system that can efficiently perform appropriate control according to the performance of each device. It is.

  In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the present invention includes a host device that performs a printing request and a printing device that performs printing in accordance with the printing request, and the host device and the printing device each relate to a function. In a printing system having any one of a plurality of levels determined uniformly, communication is performed between the host device and the printing device, and the level of the host device and the level of the printing device are determined. In comparison, when both the levels are the same, the operation is performed at the level, and when the levels are different, the operation is performed at the lower level.

  Further, in the above invention, a preferable aspect thereof is that the host device acquires the level of the printing device through communication between the host device and the printing device, compares the level, and operates. A level is determined, specification information of the printing apparatus according to the determined level is acquired, and the print request is made based on the acquired specification information.

  Furthermore, in the above invention, a preferred aspect is that when the specification information is acquired, the host device transmits an acquisition command provided corresponding to each level to the printing device, and the specification of the printing device. The information is classified according to each level, and the printing apparatus transmits the classified specification information corresponding to the level of the transmitted acquisition command to the host apparatus.

  In the above invention, a preferable aspect thereof is that the host device displays a setting screen for a user of the host device to set printing conditions for the printing, and the setting screen is at a level at which the operation is performed. It is changed according to.

  In order to achieve the above object, another aspect of the present invention includes a host device that performs a printing request and a printing device that performs printing according to the printing request, and the host device and the printing device each have a function related thereto. In a printing control method in a printing system having any one of a plurality of levels determined uniformly, communication is performed between the host device and the printing device, and the level of the host device and the printing device When the two levels are the same, the operation is performed at the level, and when the two levels are different, the operation is performed at the lower level.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to still another aspect of the present invention, a printing system is constructed together with a printing apparatus having any one of a plurality of levels uniformly defined with respect to functions, and the functions are uniformly defined. In the host device having any one of a plurality of predetermined levels, the level of the printing device is received and compared with the level of the printing device, and the operating level is determined. An acquisition command corresponding to a level is transmitted to the printing apparatus, specification information of the printing apparatus corresponding to the determined level is acquired, and a printing request is made to the printing apparatus based on the acquired specification information. .

  Furthermore, in the above-described invention, a preferable aspect is that when the level of the printing apparatus and the own level are the same, the operation is performed at the level, and the level of the printing apparatus is different from the own level. Is characterized by operating at the lower level.

  In the above invention, according to one aspect, the plurality of levels include a first level and a second level higher than the first level, and the level of the printing apparatus and the own level. If both levels are the second level, a first acquisition command corresponding to the first level is transmitted to the printing apparatus, and first specification information corresponding to the first acquisition command is transmitted. And acquiring the second specification information corresponding to the second acquisition command by transmitting the second acquisition command corresponding to the second level to the printing apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to still another aspect of the present invention, a printing system is constructed with a host device having any one of a plurality of levels determined uniformly with respect to functions, and the functions are uniformly set. In a printing apparatus having any one of a plurality of predetermined levels, the specification information corresponding to the own level is stored, the level is transmitted to the host apparatus, and the level is determined among the levels. An acquisition command corresponding to a level is received from the host device, specification information corresponding to the level of the acquisition command is transmitted to the host device, and a print request transmitted from the host device based on the acquired specification information is transmitted. Printing based on this.

  Further, in the above invention, according to one aspect, the plurality of levels includes a first level and a second level higher than the first level, and the host has the level that the host has and the second level. If both levels are the second level, a first acquisition command corresponding to the first level is received from the host, and the first level is divided corresponding to the first acquisition command. The specification information is transmitted to the host device, the second acquisition command corresponding to the second level is received from the host, and the partitioned second specification information corresponding to the second acquisition command is received. It is characterized by transmitting.

  Further objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the embodiments of the invention described below.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, such an embodiment does not limit the technical scope of the present invention. In the drawings, the same or similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals or reference symbols.

  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram according to an embodiment of a printing system to which the present invention is applied. A printing system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a printing system according to this embodiment including a host device 2 and a printer 3, and both the host device 2 and the printer 3 are functionally leveled. Then, the function levels of both are grasped by communication between the host device 2 and the printer 3, and when the function levels are different, control is performed so as to operate at the lower function level. In this way, even if the functions of the host device 2 and the printer 3 are diversified, the printing system 1 efficiently performs printing conforming to these functions and improves versatility in such an environment. It is.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in the present printing system 1, an I / F unit 21 that is an interface circuit of a host device 2 and an I / F unit 31 that is an interface circuit of a printer 3 are connected via a cable 4. The I / F unit 21 and the I / F unit 31 are, for example, an interface circuit that performs communication according to the USB protocol, or an interface circuit that performs parallel communication.

  The host device 2 includes a processor 22, a host storage area 23, an input unit 26, and a display unit 27. The host storage area 23 is a storage area included in at least one of a memory and a hard disk. As shown in FIG. 1, for example, application software 24 that outputs image data and a printer driver 25 are stored in the host storage area 23. The printer driver 25 is a program for generating print data for the printer 3 from the image data output from the application software 24 and transmitting the data to the printer 3 to make a print request. The application software 24 and the printer driver 25 operate by being read by the processor 22 (for example, CPU). Specific contents of processing executed by the processor 22 in accordance with the printer driver 25 will be described later.

  The input unit 26 includes, for example, a plurality of input keys and a pointing device, and an input to the host device 2 is executed by a user operation on the input unit 26. The display unit 27 is configured by a so-called display screen or the like, and a print condition setting screen or the like using a GUI (graphical user interface) is displayed on the display unit 27. The input unit 26 and the display unit 27 may be integrated, for example, like a touch panel.

  The host device 2 having such a configuration can be realized by a so-called personal computer, but the host device 2 may be a game machine, various household electric appliances, or the like.

  Next, the printer 3 includes a controller 32, an engine controller 37, and an engine 38. The controller 32 is a part that generates data for print processing in the engine 38 based on the print data transmitted from the host device 2. The engine controller 37 is a part that controls the engine 38 based on the data generated by the controller 32. The engine 38 is a part for printing an object such as an image or a character on a print medium such as paper.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the controller 32 includes a processor 33 and a printer storage area 34. The printer storage area 34 is a storage area provided by one or more storage devices (for example, at least one of a volatile memory and a nonvolatile memory). In the printer storage area 34, for example, a software group 35 and performance specification information 36 are stored.

  The software group 35 includes a plurality of computer programs that operate by being read by a processor 33 (for example, a CPU). By executing processing according to these programs by the processor 33, for example, processing for generating data for print processing in the engine 38 is performed.

  The performance specification information 36 is information representing specifications for various functions (performance) of the printer 3, and includes, for example, what type of paper is supported as the paper type. Information such as what size paper is supported as the size is stored. The performance specification information 36 is composed of specification items such as the paper type, parameters indicating the contents (options) for the specification items, and commands related to the items.

  In the printing system 1, the performance specification information 36 is classified for each level, and this is one of the major features. Here, the level means a function (performance) level relating to printing, and is preliminarily determined uniformly between the host device 2 and the printer 3. In the example of the printing system 1, two levels are prepared, and the host device 2 and the printer 3 are leveled to level 1 or level 2, respectively. Level 2 is assumed to have a higher function level than level 1. Therefore, when the level of the printer 3 is level 2, the performance specification information 36 is classified into level 1 and level 2 according to the specification items, and level 1 relates to a function that supports both levels of devices. Specification information is included, and level 2 includes specification information related to functions supported only by level 2 devices.

  The printer 3 having such a configuration may be any type of printer. For example, a laser printer or an ink jet printer may be used.

  Next, a procedure of processing performed in the printing system 1 will be specifically described. The printing system 1 is characterized by the processing from the host device 2 side to the printing request to the printer 3, and here, this portion will be mainly described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing performed in the printing system 1.

  First, the host device 2 and the printer 3 are connected by the cable 4 (step S1). Then, both start bi-directional communication and issue a request to transmit the printer ID from the host device 2 to the printer 3 (step S2). In response to the request, the printer 3 transmits the printer ID, which is its own device ID, and the above-described own function level (printer level) to the host device 2 (step S3). As described above, in the printing system 1, the level 1 or level 2 are prepared, the printer 3 is determined in advance either level, it returns a level which is defined thereon.

  Next, the host device 2 determines an operation level based on the printer level transmitted from the printer 3 and its own function level (host device level) (step S4). Since the level of the host device 2 is also set in advance as either level 1 or level 2, the host device level is compared with the transmitted printer level, and if they are the same, the level is set as the operation level. If it is different, the lower level is determined as the operation level. That is, when either the host device level or the printer level is level 1, the operation level is level 1, and when both are level 2, the operation level is level 2. The operation level is a function level used when executing printing processing in the printing system 1. Further, processing on the host device 2 side from the determination of the operation level to the print request (S11) described later is performed according to the printer driver 25.

  When the operation level is determined in this way, the performance specification information 36 is acquired on the host device 2 side accordingly. Specifically, first, the host device 2 issues a request to the printer 3 to transmit level 1 specification information (step S5). That is, an acquisition command for level 1 is transmitted to the printer 3. In response to this request, the printer 3 reads the specification information corresponding to level 1 from the performance specification information 36 stored in the printer storage area 34 and transmits it to the host device 2 (step S6).

  FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the performance specification information 36 provided in the printer 3. The example shown in the figure is a case where the function level (printer level) of the printer 3 is level 2. As described above, the performance specification information is divided into level 1 (36a) and level 2 (36b). The level 1 specification information includes information related to functions supported by either level device, and the level 2 specification information includes specification information related to functions supported only by level 2 devices. Accordingly, the level 2 specification information (36b) is added to the level 1 specification information (36a), and both specification information are required to operate at the level 2 in the level 2 apparatus. . When the level of the printer 3 is level 1, only the level 1 (36a) is provided as the performance specification information 36.

  For example, the specification information (36a) of level 1 includes the paper type, paper size, print quality, and the like as the specification items. For example, the paper type is supported by the printer 3 as the parameter of each item. There are plain paper, glossy paper, postcards, etc. Also, the specification information (36b) of level 2 includes, for example, the presence / absence of a monochrome save mode that is a mode that uses less ink, the presence / absence of clear link, the size of special paper, and the number of ink colors used during printing as specification items. The presence / absence of an ink change function for changing the parameter, etc., and corresponding parameters are included.

  In response to the request (S5) from the host device 2, this level 1 specification information (36a) is transmitted (S6).

  In response to the transmission, the host device 2 stores the received level 1 specification information in the host storage area 23. Here, when the determined operation level is level 1, the acquisition of the performance specification information 36 by the host device 2 ends.

  On the other hand, if the determined operation level is level 2, the host device 2 subsequently issues a request for specification information of level 2 to the printer 3 (step S7). That is, an acquisition command for level 2 is transmitted to the printer 3. Upon receiving this request, the printer 3 transmits level 2 specification information (36b) to the host device 2 side (step S8). The host device 2 stores the received level 2 specification information in the host storage area 23.

  Thus, when the acquisition of the performance specification information 36 by the host device 2 is completed, the level adjustment between the host device 2 and the printer 3 in the printing system 1 and the advance preparation of the printing process are completed.

  Here, when there is a print request from the user, the host device 2 uses the acquired specification information to perform various processes for making a print request to the printer 3 in order to execute printing at the determined operation level. Execute. For example, first, a setting screen 28 for the user to set various printing conditions is generated and displayed on the display unit 27 described above (step S9). That is, a GUI for setting printing conditions is generated and displayed.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the setting screen 28. First, FIG. 4A illustrates the setting screen 28 when the function level of the host device 2 is level 1. Here, the specification information of level 1 transmitted from the printer 3 is used for generation of the setting screen 28, and as shown in FIG. The screen is generated and displayed so that the setting of) is performed. In each specification item (print condition item), a plurality of options are displayed by a pull-down menu, and the user selects and sets desired contents from them. As a result, as shown in the figure, when the contents of each item are set, the user selects a print button provided at the lower part of the setting screen 28 in order to execute printing under these conditions.

  FIG. 4B illustrates the setting screen 28 when the function level of the host device 2 is level 2 and the determined operation level is level 1. In other words, it is the setting screen 28 when the function level of the host device 2 is level 2 and the function level of the printer 3 is level 1. In this case, since the host device 2 originally has a performance capable of operating at level 2, the setting screen 28 for allowing the user to set each function item (specification item) corresponding to the specification information of level 2 described above. However, since it operates at level 1, a screen that cannot be set for items added at level 2 is generated and displayed.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4B, the part other than the items related to level 1, that is, the part added in level 2 (in this example, “printing detailed setting” (a) in the figure), The grayed out setting screen 28 is displayed. Accordingly, in this case as well, the user sets only the level 1 item and issues a print instruction.

  Next, FIG. 4C illustrates the setting screen 28 when the function level of both the host device 2 and the printer 3 is level 2, that is, the operation level is level 2. In this case, since the function relating to level 2 can be used as a matter of course, the item added to level 2 on the setting screen 28 (“printing detailed setting” (b in the figure)) can be set, and the user takes it. When setting an item, in this example, “printing detailed setting” is selected.

  Then, a setting screen for items added at level 2 as shown in FIG. 4D is displayed. Such a display screen is generated using the level 2 specification information sent from the printer 3 described above. When the user completes the setting by the same operation on the screen, the screen returns to (C) of FIG. 4 and then a printing instruction is given.

  In this way, when the display of the setting screen 28 in each case, the user setting for the screen, and the print instruction are completed, the contents of the instruction are input from the input unit 26, and the host device 2 The instruction is received (step S10), and the process for the print request to the printer 3 is continued.

  Specifically, print data for the printer 3 reflecting the printing conditions set by the user is generated in accordance with the determined operation level, and the print data is transmitted to the printer 3 to be sent to the printer 3. A print request is made (step S11). For the generation of the print data, the specification information of each level transmitted from the printer 3 is used as appropriate. The generated print data includes image data to be printed and control commands that are suitable for the operation level.

  In the printer 3 that has received such a print request, the controller 32, the engine controller 37, the engine 38, and the like operate as described above based on the received print data, and printing on the print medium is executed (step S12). ).

  In this way, the processing in the printing system 1 is executed, and printing conforming to the function levels of the host device 2 and the printer 3 is performed.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram conceptually showing level adjustment between the host device 2 and the printer 3. FIG. 5A shows a case where both the host device 2 and the printer 3 are at level 1. In this case, naturally, since the operation is performed at level 1, as shown in FIG. 1 specification information is communicated, and the above-described GUI for setting print conditions is used as it is for level 1.

  FIG. 5B shows a case where the host device 2 is at level 1 and the printer 3 is at level 2. In this case, as described above, since the operation is performed at level 1, Similarly to the case, the specification information of level 1 is communicated, and the GUI for setting the printing conditions is used as it is for level 1.

  FIG. 5C shows a case where the host device 2 is at level 2 and the printer 3 is at level 1. In this case as well, the operation is performed at level 1 as described above. The specification information of level 1 is communicated, but the GUI for setting the printing condition is used in a state in which the part related to level 2 is unusable (grayed out).

  FIG. 5D shows a case where both the host device 2 and the printer 3 are at level 2. In this case, since the operation is naturally performed at level 2, as shown in FIG. The specification information of level 1 and level 2 is communicated, and the GUI for setting the printing conditions is also used as it is for level 2.

  As described above, the printing system 1 operates in a so-called backward compatibility with respect to a predetermined function level.

  In the embodiment described above, when the operation level is level 2, the host device 2 first issues a request for specification information of level 1 and receives a response from the printer 3, and then Processing was performed in the order of issuing a request for level 2 specification information and receiving a response to it, but a command for requesting both level 1 and level 2 specification information was provided, and such a request could be made once. You may make it perform. When this request is made, the printer 3 transmits both level 1 and level 2 specification information all at once.

  In the above embodiment, the host device 2 determines the operation level. However, such determination may be performed on the printer 3 side. In such a case, for example, after the host device 2 and the printer 3 are connected (S1 in FIG. 2), when the host device 2 inquires about the printer ID (S2 in FIG. 2), its function level is transmitted together. The printer 3 receiving it determines the operation level in the same way as compared with its own function level. Subsequent processing contents are generally the same.

  In the above embodiment, the function level is two levels, but three or more levels may be provided. Even in such a case, the function levels of the host device 2 and the printer 3 are communicated, and if the two levels are different, the operation is controlled at the lower level. That is, it operates with so-called backward compatibility.

  As described above, in the printing system 1 according to the present embodiment, the host device 2 and the printer 3 are uniformly leveled with respect to functions, and before the printing process is executed, the functions of both of them are performed. The level information is compared, and the operation of the printing process is controlled at the level when the function level is the same, and at the lower level when the function level is different. Therefore, even if the host device 2 and the printer 3 are diversified and devices having various functions and performances are used, they have a uniformly defined function level, and it is impossible to do so. Since the operation is performed at a level that does not occur, trouble due to inconsistency between the host apparatus 2 and the printer 3 can be avoided, and appropriate printing according to the function (performance) of the apparatus can be performed.

  In the printing system 1, the specification information is also classified according to the unified function level. Therefore, only the specification information according to the determined operation level needs to be communicated and cannot be used. It is possible to eliminate the waste of transmitting up to useless information. Furthermore, the printer 3 only needs to always transmit its own specification information corresponding to the determined operation level, and it is not necessary to separately store the specification information for each host device 2, so that the data storage area is kept small. be able to.

  In addition, since the printing system 1 can operate if the function levels of the host device 2 and the printer 3 are known, even when a new model device is used, if the device is leveled according to the function level, a new one can be obtained. It can be used without performing any registration act.

  In the printing system 1, since the host device 2 acquires specification information of an appropriate function level each time, the printer driver 25 does not need to be provided for each printer 3, and the printer 3 to be used is a multi-model. However, it is sufficient to provide one.

  The protection scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but covers the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.

1 is a configuration diagram according to an embodiment of a printing system to which the present invention is applied. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing performed in the printing system. 6 is a diagram schematically showing performance specification information 36 provided in the printer 3. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a setting screen 28. 3 is a diagram conceptually illustrating level adjustment between a host device 2 and a printer 3. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1 printing system, 2 host device, 3 printer, 4 cable, 21 I / F section,
22 processor, 23 host storage area, 24 application software, 25 printer driver, 26 input section, 27 display section, 28 setting screen, 31 I / F section, 32 controller, 33 processor, 34 printer storage area, 35 software group, 36 Performance specification information, 37 engine controller, 38 engine

Claims (10)

A host device that performs a print request and a printing device that performs printing in accordance with the print request, and each of the host device and the printing device has any one of a plurality of levels that are uniformly defined in terms of functions. A printing system,
The communication between the host device and the printing device is performed, the level of the host device is compared with the level of the printing device, and when both the levels are the same, the level device operates at the level, A printing system characterized by operating at the lower level when both levels are different. In claim 1,
The host device is
Through the communication between the host device and the printing device, obtain the level that the printing device has, compare the level, determine the operating level,
Obtain specification information of the printing device according to the determined level,
A printing system, wherein the printing request is made based on the acquired specification information. In claim 2,
When acquiring the specification information, the host device transmits an acquisition command provided corresponding to each level to the printing device,
The specification information of the printing device is classified corresponding to each level, and the printing device transmits the classified specification information corresponding to the level of the transmitted acquisition command to the host device. And printing system. In any one of Claim 1 thru | or 3,
The host device displays a setting screen for the user of the host device to set printing conditions for the printing,
The printing system, wherein the setting screen is changed according to the operating level. A host device that performs a print request and a printing device that performs printing in accordance with the print request, and each of the host device and the printing device has any one of a plurality of levels that are uniformly defined in terms of functions. A printing control method in a printing system,
Communication is performed between the host device and the printing device, and the level of the host device is compared with the level of the printing device. When both levels are different, the printing control method is characterized by operating at a lower level. A host system that constructs a printing system together with a printing apparatus having any one of a plurality of levels determined uniformly with respect to the function, and has any one of the plurality of levels determined uniformly with respect to the function. There,
Receiving the level of the printing device and comparing it with the level of the printer, determining the level of operation;
Sending an acquisition command corresponding to the determined level to the printing device;
Obtain specification information of the printing device according to the determined level,
A host device that makes a print request to the printing device based on the acquired specification information. In claim 6,
When the level of the printing apparatus is the same as the own level, the printer operates at the level. When the level of the printing apparatus is different from the level of the printer, operate at the lower level. Features host device. In claim 6 or 7,
The plurality of levels include a first level and a second level higher than the first level, and the level of the printing apparatus and the own level are both the second level. A first acquisition command corresponding to the first level is transmitted to the printing apparatus to acquire first specification information corresponding to the first acquisition command;
A host apparatus, wherein a second acquisition command corresponding to the second level is transmitted to the printing apparatus to acquire second specification information corresponding to the second acquisition command. A printing apparatus in which a printing system is constructed together with a host device having any one of a plurality of levels determined uniformly with respect to a function, and which has any one of a plurality of levels determined uniformly with respect to a function. There,
Stores specification information corresponding to the level it owns,
Send the level to the host device,
Receiving an acquisition command corresponding to the determined level of each level from the host device;
Sends specification information corresponding to the level of the acquisition command to the host device,
A printing apparatus that performs printing based on a print request transmitted from the host apparatus based on the acquired specification information. In claim 9,
The plurality of levels include a first level and a second level higher than the first level, and the level that the host has and the level that the host has are both the second level. , Receiving a first acquisition command corresponding to the first level from the host, and transmitting first specification information segmented corresponding to the first acquisition command to the host device;
A printing apparatus that receives a second acquisition command corresponding to the second level from the host and transmits the classified second specification information corresponding to the second acquisition command.

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