JP2007148652A - Print system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a print system, in which a further high function or an easy function is provided to a user according to a purpose, and flexible operation can be performed at low cost with high security in a printer driver SDK API for performing setting and print instruction for various print functions provided by a printer and a printer driver in an application programming base. <P>SOLUTION: In this print system, function extension/restriction is provided based on various kinds of attribute information related to currently usable print according to the access authority of an application user. The print system is configured so that the function restriction can be performed by authentication by programming. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing control method using an application program interface and a system thereof in a printing system including an application program, a printer driver, and a printing apparatus.

  Regarding printing from a document creation / printing application program executed on a conventional operating system, the following method is generally used.

  (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. Give instructions.

  (2) As represented by Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-44388, “Printing Device and Method for Computer System”, the user can specify an optional device with a user interface (dialog box) by the operation of a general printer driver. Based on the option information, final print data is created and transmitted to the printing apparatus.

  Furthermore, in access control by program authentication, there are the following inventions and examples.

(3) Resources and objects (files) in a computer and a computer network via an operating system as described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-30149 “Method and apparatus for controlling access to resources based on an authentication method” Control access and auditing based on user or group login information to /folder/program/printer/...etc.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-44388 JP 2003-30149 A

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

  (1) With a development kit attached to an operating system such as Windows (registered trademark) SDK, only general printing attribute setting and printing instructions of a printing apparatus can be performed. Only general functions were used, and other high value-added functions could not be used.

  (2) When using optional functions and devices of the printing device, let the user explicitly select and specify options in the user interface (dialog box), etc., and finally, based on the option information Needed to create print data.

  (3) Although there was access control for using an application program or using a data file or an object, depending on various access authorities on the operating system for operating the printing system of the application program user, restrictions on the printing function to be used, In general, there was no authentication mechanism for performing access control of permission to use functions not disclosed.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional example. In addition to general printing functions, various functions by adding equipment resources such as options of a printing apparatus and high value-added functions realized by processing by a printer driver are provided. By using the application program interface (API) to notify the application program of available functions for use from the application program, by enabling the application program to process the document to be printed. The object is to solve the problems (1) and (2).

  In addition, application program authentication information, including access control levels for operation and usable printing functions, printing capabilities, and printing performance, based on various access rights on the operating system where the printing system of the application program user operates is applied. By notifying the printer driver using the program interface (API), the printer driver authenticates the application program from this authentication information, and further print function attribute information and printing capability related to printing according to the access control level The attribute information is notified to the application program using an application program interface (API), and the printing function attribute information is transmitted in the application program. Based on the print capability attribute information, various print attribute settings and print instructions for document generation / editing and output appearance processing are performed to enable document printing, thereby solving the problem (3). With the goal.

  Further, with respect to the authentication, applications such as operation control and usable print functions, print capability, and access control for print performance based on department management and billing management are possible.

  In order to achieve the above-mentioned problems / objects, the present invention comprises the following configurations and functions.

  In order to solve these problems / objectives, in a printing system comprising an operating system, an application program, a printer driver, and a printing device on a host computer system, the application program user's printing system is operated from the application program. Notify the printer driver of the authentication information of the application program, including access control levels for operation and usable printing functions, printing capabilities and printing performance based on various access rights on the operating system, and the application program prints documents The printer driver is inquired and inquired about the printing function, printing capability and printing performance.

  In the printer driver, application program authentication is performed based on the authentication information, and the printing function, printing capability, and printing performance are selected and determined according to the access control level, and printing function attribute information and printing capability attribute information are generated. To notify the application program.

  In the application program, based on the notified print function attribute information and print capability attribute information, various print attribute settings and print instructions are made to the printer driver, and document printing is performed.

  The application program and printer driver on the host computer system are provided with a function or data format application program interface (API) in the application program as a mutual information and data notification means for the printer driver. And recognition and execution on an operating system in the host computer system on which the application program is executed and operated.

  The application program uses an application program interface (API) to operate and use the print function, print capability, and print performance based on various access authorities on the operating system where the print system of this application program user operates. The authentication information of the application program including the access control level is notified to the printer driver. Similarly, the application program interface (API) is used to inquire the printer driver about the printing function, printing capability and printing performance related to document printing and An acquisition instruction is given.

  On the other hand, the printer driver includes a database for storing, storing, and managing information for identifying each application program and access control level information. By referring to the corresponding database, an application program interface ( Based on the authentication information notification by API), a printing function, a printing capability, and a printing performance corresponding to the access control level included in the authentication information are selected and determined, and a printing function that can be executed in the printing apparatus and a printing control process of the printer driver Print function attribute information representing a print function that can be executed by the printer, and print capability attribute information representing an execution range of various print functions that can be executed by the operating system and the printer driver based on the various print function information. Program through an interface (API), and notifies the application program.

  In response to this, the application program executes 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. Print function attribute information such as bookbinding function, font download function, font replacement function, form overlay function, etc., and the number of gradations for monochrome printing, color depth, color tone, color space and settings for color printing Color profile, matching method, settable resolution, vector / image drawing, graphics drawing method such as dithering, printable paper size and paper type, maximum number of copies that can be set, print setting for N-up printing N -Perform various printing functions in the printer driver, such as the number of ups Based on the printing capability attribute information, processed produce, edit and print style document.

  Subsequently, the application program performs various print attribute settings and print instructions to the printer driver via the application program interface (API) in order to print the generated and formatted target document.

  The printer driver performs various printing processes and generates various print control commands based on various print attribute settings and print instructions from an application program via an application program interface (API). The print document data from the program is combined and sent to the printing apparatus to print the document.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the printer driver SDK library of the present invention is used together with the Windows (registered trademark) SDK library that is used in the document creation / printing application program as a standard. In addition to a simple print function, it is possible to use a printer device function and an advanced printer driver realization function that can be realized by installing optional devices, and to provide a print function with higher added value.

  Furthermore, authentication is performed according to the purpose of use and the purpose of operation of the application program and the operating system of the user of the application program on the operating system and restrictions on the use of the printing function for each user, and the access control of the printing function and printing capability / performance is performed. Can be used for specific users, special-purpose application programs, application programs that use unpublished functions, application programs that make full use of printer functions such as bookbinding functions, and Since a high printing system can be realized, it is possible to reduce the cost of developing application programs and printing systems, and to provide a printing system that is low in cost and highly constructed and operated. A.

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

(Embodiment 1)
[Outline of operation example in this embodiment]
An application program interface (API) will be described below in a system comprising a Windows (registered trademark) operating system (OS), a document creation / printing application program, a printer driver, and a printing apparatus (printer) connected to the host computer system. Depending on the access control level for the printing function, printing capability, and printing performance included in the authentication information of the application program by the printer driver, using the authentication information notification and printing function, printing capability, and printing performance inquiry / acquisition instructions from the application program Also, printing function attribute information and printing capability attribute information are generated and notified to the application program using an application program interface (API). . In the application program, an example is shown in which an intended print document appearance is processed based on the print function attribute information and the print capability attribute information, and various print attribute settings and print instructions are performed using the application program interface (API).

[Description of OS, Application, Printer Driver, and Printer System Configuration (FIG. 1)]
FIG. 1 is a basic configuration diagram of an embodiment of the present invention, which includes a Windows (registered trademark) operating system (OS), a document creation / printing application program, a printer driver, and a printing apparatus (printer) connected thereto. 1 is a diagram showing an application program interface (API) flow and data flow between elements in a system.

  Reference numeral 100 denotes a host computer system in which a Windows (registered trademark) operating system (OS) 101, a printer driver 102, and a document creation / print application program 103 are operated and executed on the program memory.

  Reference numeral 104 denotes a printer connected to the host computer system 100, and reference numeral 105 denotes document printing output from the printer.

  Next, the operation and action of this system will be described in detail.

  When the application program 103 executed from the Windows (registered trademark) operating system 101 operating on the program memory of the host computer system 100 is initialized, the printer driver 102 is loaded into the operating system 101, and from the application program 103. In addition, various information and data can be transmitted to and received from the printer driver 102.

  A library group (printer driver SDK API) including a program function that becomes an application program interface (API) when the application program 103 is initialized is also loaded in the application program 103.

  The application program 103 is a print function, print capability, and print performance that can be used and operated based on various access authorities such as Administrator / Power User / User / Guest on the operating system where the printing system of the application program user operates. The printer driver is notified of the access control level and authentication information for identifying the application program 103. Here, the authentication information is information for identifying the application program such as the name of the application program, the corresponding OS, the version number, and the like, and the application program 103 such as an access ID and a password given to the corresponding application program in advance. Information.

  Further, the application program 103 can be executed by the printer driver 102 using the printer driver SDK API at the time of initialization by the print function that can be executed in the printer by the printer driver 102 and the print control processing of the printer driver via the operating system 101. Based on the print function attribute information representing the print function and the various print function information, the print capability attribute information representing the execution range of the various print functions executable by the operating system and the printer driver is inquired.

  The printer driver 102 receives the inquiry by the printer driver SDK API from the application program 103 and responds to the identification information of each application program and the access control level of each application program user, which is provided and managed in the printer driver. The application program is authenticated based on the authentication information notification including the access control level by the application program interface (API) from the application program with reference to a database storing and storing information on the printing function, printing capability, and printing performance. , A printing function, a printing capability and a printing performance which can be operated and used by a current application program user according to the access control level Print function attribute information and print capability attribute information are generated.

  The printing function attribute 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 a combination of these functions. Attribute information relating to print functions that can be executed by the printer driver, such as a bookbinding 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, etc. The present invention relates to a printing capability for executing various printing functions in the printer driver 102, such as a graphics drawing method, printable paper size and paper type, the maximum number of copy sets that can be set, and the number of print settings that can be set during N-up printing. It is attribute information.

  In the printer driver 102, the generated print function attribute information and print capability attribute information are returned to the printer driver SDK API function called from the application program 103, and the print function attribute information and print capability attribute information are converted into an operating system. The application program 103 is notified via 101.

  In the application program 103, based on the print function attribute information and the print capability attribute information notified from the printer driver 102, document creation and appearance processing are performed, and various print attribute settings and print instructions using the printer driver SDK API are performed. Or a print instruction using Windows (registered trademark) SDK API provided by a Graphical Device Interface (GDI) of a normal operating system.

  In response to this, in the case of various print attribute settings and print instructions using the printer driver SDK API from the application program 103, the printer driver 102 generates a print control command based on the print attribute settings, In combination with the print data based on the print instruction, the data is transmitted to the printer 104, and the print output 105 of the target document is performed.

  On the other hand, in the case of a print instruction using the normal Windows (registered trademark) SDK API from the application program 103, a print control command is issued based on a print attribute setting and a print instruction function called from the operating system 101. The generated document is combined with the print data based on the print instruction and transmitted to the printer 104 to perform the print output 105 of the target document.

[Explanation of Block Diagram showing Flow of Processing of OS, Application, and Printer Driver (FIG. 2)]
FIG. 2 shows the internals of each component from initialization to printing using the printer driver SDK API in the Windows (registered trademark) operating system, application program, printer driver and printer on the host computer system according to the present invention. It is a block diagram showing the flow of processing between the components.

  Reference numeral 200 denotes a printer, 201 denotes a document output from the printer, 202 denotes a printer driver, 203 denotes a Windows (registered trademark) GDI of the operating system, and 204 denotes an application program.

  The flow from the application program 204, Windows (registered trademark) GDI 203, and printer driver 202 of the present invention to document data transmission to the printer 200 and document printing will be described in detail.

  First, the application program 204 performs initialization processing such as securing a memory area required for various operation processes, initializing various attribute parameters, creating a device context, creating an object such as a font / pen / brush.

  The Windows (registered trademark) GDI 203 receives various initialization processes for document generation and printing of the application program 204, secures a memory area required for various operation processes in the GDI 203, and initializes various attribute parameters.

  The printer driver 202 also receives various initialization processes for document printing in the application program 204 and Windows (registered trademark) GDI 203, secures memory areas required for various operation processes in the printer driver 202, and initializes various attribute parameters. The process is performed.

  In the application program 204, an access control level related to the printing function, printing capability, and printing performance is determined based on the access authority of the application program user on the operating system on which the system operates.

  Next, the application program 204 notifies the printer driver 202 of authentication information including the access control level of the application program user and the identification information of the application program 204 using a printer driver SDK API.

  The printer driver 202 receives the authentication information notification from the application program 204, refers to the authentication information database, authenticates and collates the application program 204, and prints the print function related to document printing of the application program user. Recognize access control levels for capabilities and printing performance.

  Subsequently, the application program 204 uses the printer driver SDK API to inquire the printer driver 202 about the printing function, printing capability, and printing performance related to document printing that can be operated and used by the current application program user.

  In response to this, the printer driver 202 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 204, and sends it to the application program 204. Print function attribute information and print capability attribute information for notifying these are generated and notified to the application program as a return value of the printer driver SDK API called for the inquiry from the application program 204.

  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 function, a stapling function, a punching function, a trimming function, various finishing functions such as a paper Z folding function, Furthermore, printing function attribute information that can be executed by the printer driver such as bookbinding function, font download function, font replacement function, form overlay function, etc., and the number of gradations in monochrome printing, color printing Color depth, color tone, color space and settable color profile, matching method, settable resolution, vector / image drawing, graphics drawing methods such as dithering, printable paper size and paper type, maximum number of copies that can be set , N-up number of print settings that can be made during N-up printing.

  Based on the printing function attribute information and the printing capability attribute information notified from the printer driver 202, the application program 204 performs document editing and editing via the GDI drawing engine of Windows (registered trademark) GDI 203 and the Windows (registered trademark) SDK API. The document is processed, various print attributes are set, and a document print instruction is issued.

  The various print attribute settings and instructions can be performed using a printer driver SDK API.

  The Windows (registered trademark) GDI 203 is subjected to a document printing process for converting to a device driver interface (DDI) for printing based on various printing attribute settings and document printing instructions by the Windows (registered trademark) SDK API from the application program 204. The DDI is called to the printer driver 202 to give a print instruction.

  The printer driver 202 performs various character / graphic / image drawing processes based on various DDI calls from the Windows (registered trademark) GDI 203, generates a print control command for the printer 200, and transmits the print control command to the spooler. To the document printing 201.

[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 Windows (registered trademark) operating system 101, the application program 103, and the printer driver 102 on the host computer system according to the present invention.

  Reference numeral 300 denotes a graphical device interface (GDI) included in the Windows (registered trademark) operating system 101. Information and data are transmitted / received between the application program 301 and the printer driver 302 using the normal Windows (registered trademark) SDK API and the printer driver SDK API via the GDI 300 of the operating system 101.

  First, the application program 301 calls the CreateDC () function 303 that is a Windows (registered trademark) SDK API to create a device context for the printer.

  At this time, the application program 301 loads a printer driver SDK library constituting an application program interface (API) function group prepared in combination with the printer driver.

  Next, the application program 301 shifts to an initialization process, calls a 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 302, the StartDoc () function 303 called from the application program 301 is converted by the GDI 300, and the DrvStartDoc () function 305 that is a Device Driver Interface (DDI) is called from the GDI 300. The printer driver 302 performs various initialization processes for printing within this function.

  The application program 301 operates on the application program 301 based on the access authority of the application program user on the operating system on which the printing system operates, which is the printer SDK API, simultaneously with the initialization process. The FS_FNCertificate () function 306 is called to notify the authentication information consisting of the identification information and the access control level information for the printing function, printing capability and printing performance related to the usable document printing.

  Further, the application program 301 calls the FS_GetFuncItem () function 307 that acquires print function information, print capability information, and print performance information related to document printing in the printer and printer driver that are printer SDK APIs.

  Based on the FS_GetFuncItem () function 307 call, the printer driver 302 performs various functions such as a paper feed method, a paper discharge 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. Finishing function, printing function attribute information that can be executed by the printer driver 302 such as a bookbinding function, a font download function, a font replacement function, a form overlay function, and the like that are realized by combining these functions, and the number of gradations in monochrome printing Color depth, 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, printing settings for N-up printing In the printer driver 202, such as a possible N-up number printing capability attribute information for various printing functions performed via the GDI 300, the return of the FS_GetFuncItem () function 307, and notifies the application program 301.

  The application program 301 performs document creation and appearance processing processing based on the print function attribute information and the print capability attribute information acquired by the FS_GetFuncItem () function 307. For example, the double-sided print attribute that is the printer driver SDK API is set as described above. The final document output form is designated by calling the FS_SetDuplexPrint () function 308 to be set or the FS_SetStaplePrint () function 309 to set the staple printing attribute.

  Thereafter, each print attribute is set similarly using the printer driver SDK API.

  The printer driver 302 receives various print attribute settings by the printer driver SDK API, and in each function process, generates printer control instructions or draws images such as resolution, color / monochrome output, vector / image drawing, dithering, etc. Perform initialization setting processing.

  Subsequently, in order to shift to the document output process, the application program 301 calls the StartPage () function 310 that is a Windows (registered trademark) SDK API to instruct the printer driver to start receiving a new page, Thereafter, the Windows 3 (registered trademark) SDK API, the printer driver SDK API functions 312 and the print data constituting the document page are written and transmitted.

  In the printer driver 302, the StartPage () function 303 called from the application program 301 is converted by the GDI 300, and the DrvStartPage () function 311 that is DDI is called from the GDI 300. The printer driver 302 performs various processes for printing a new page within this function.

  The application program 301 calls an EndPage () function 313 that is a Windows (registered trademark) SDK API for each document page, and notifies the printer driver via the GDI 300 that the writing of one page has been completed.

  In the printer driver 302, 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. The printer driver 202 performs various processes for ending the page within this function.

  When the writing / transmission of all document pages is completed, the application program 301 calls the EndDoc () function 315 that is a Windows (registered trademark) SDK API, and ends the print job started by the StartDoc () function 304.

  In the printer driver 302, the EndDoc () function 317 called from the application program 301 is converted by the GDI 300 and the DrvEndDoc () function 316, which is DDI, is called from the GDI 300. The printer driver 302 performs various processes for ending the job within this function.

  The application program 301 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 printer driver 302. End the session with.

[Description of Function for Acquiring Authentication Function, Printing Function Attribute Information, and Printing Capability Attribute Information (FIG. 4)]
FIG. 4 shows an FS_FNCertificate () function for notifying authentication information as a printer driver SDK API, and an FS_GetFuncItem () function for acquiring / notifying printing function attribute information and printing capability attribute information.

  Reference numeral 401 denotes document printing that can be operated and used by the user on the application program 301 based on the access authority of the application program user on the operating system on which the printing system operates in the application program 301 of FIG. This is an FS_FNCertificate () function that is a printer driver SDK API that notifies the printer driver 302 of FIG. 3 of access control level information for the print function, print capability, and print performance, and authentication information including identification information for the application program 301.

  When this function is called from the application program 301, the printer driver 302 is provided in the printer driver and managed according to the identification information of each application program and the access control level of each application program user. , Referring to a database for storing and storing information on printing capability and printing performance, authenticating the application program based on the authentication information notification including the access control level, and using the current application program according to the access control level Printing function attribute information and printing capability attribute information related to a printing function, printing capability, and printing performance that can be operated and used by the user.

  For example, in this function example, a program structure type-defined by CERTIFICATION passed as a memory buffer pointer secured on the application program 301 side, which is one of the function parameters, is given the access authority of the corresponding application program user. Substituting information for identifying the application program such as the access control level and the application program name of the corresponding application program, the corresponding OS, and the version number, and various authentication information such as the access ID and password assigned to the corresponding application program in advance , The printer driver 302 is notified by returning, and authentication information can be referred to by the printer driver 302.

  Reference numeral 402 denotes an application program 301 in FIG. 3, in which various finishing functions such as a paper feeding method, a paper discharging method, a double-sided 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 302 in FIG. 3 such as a bookbinding function, a font download function, a font replacement function, a form overlay function, and the like, and the number of gradations for monochrome printing, Color depth, color tone, color space and settable color profile, matching method, settable resolution, vector / image drawing, graphics drawing methods such as dithering, printable paper size and paper type, maximum settings Possible number of copies, print settings for N-up printing A FS_GetFuncItem () function is a printer driver SDK API to query and obtained printing capability attribute information for various printing functions executed in the printer driver 302, such as the ability N-up number.

  When this function is called from the application program 301, the printer driver 302 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. Then, the printing function attribute information and the printing capability attribute information relating to the currently effective printing are determined and generated, and notified to the application program 301.

  For example, in this example function, various printing function information and printing capability information are substituted into a program structure defined by FUNCITEM that is passed as a pointer of a memory buffer secured on the application program 301 side, which is one of function parameters. Then, the application program 301 is notified by returning.

[Explanation of each component block diagram in the 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.

  Reference numeral 501 denotes a 32-bit application program.

  Reference numeral 502 denotes a graphical device interface (GDI) provided in a 32-bit operating system such as Windows (registered trademark) NT4.0 / Windows (registered trademark) 2000 / Windows (registered trademark) XP.

  PDSDK.dll 503 is a printer driver SDK library, and is configured of a 32-bit function group so that it can operate and execute under a 32-bit operating system environment. It is loaded when the application program 501 is initialized. By calling a function defined in this library in the application program 501, a function implemented in the printer driver 504 is called.

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

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

  On the other hand, the application program 501 uses the printer driver SDK library PDSDK.dll 503 to directly set higher-function and detailed print attribute settings directly to the printer driver 504 based on the print function attribute information and print capability attribute information. Against.

[Explanation of each component block diagram in the 16-Bit operating system environment (Fig. 6)]
FIG. 6 shows 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. It is a figure which shows each structural example.

  Reference numeral 601 denotes a general 32-bit application program.

  Reference numeral 602 denotes a graphical device interface (GDI) included in a 16-bit operating system such as Windows (registered trademark) 95 / Windows (registered trademark) 98 / Windows (registered trademark) Me.

  Reference numeral 603 denotes a printer driver SDK library PDSDK.dll, which includes 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.

  A printer driver SDK library SDK32.dll 604 receives a 32-bit function group and a 32-bit data type called from the 32-bit printer driver SDK library PDSDK.dll 603, and receives a 16-bit function group and 16-bit data. It is converted into a type and becomes an input / output interface with the 16-bit GDI 602.

  Reference numeral 605 denotes a printer driver SDK library SDK16.dll, which 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. It becomes an input / output interface with the configured printer driver 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.

  A Windows (registered trademark) SDK API that performs normal print attribute setting and print instruction is converted from the application program 601 to DDI via the GDI 602 and calls each function of the printer driver 606.

  On the other hand, the application program 601 further uses the printer driver SDK libraries PDSDK.dll 603, SDK32.dll 604, and SDK16.dll 605 to set more advanced and detailed print attribute settings based on the print function attribute information and print capability attribute information. Directly to the printer driver 606.

[Each control process in the application program of this embodiment (FIG. 7)]
With reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, each control process of the application program on the program memory of the host computer system in this embodiment will be described in detail.

  FIG. 7 uses the printer driver SDK library in the application program in the host computer system 100 according to the present embodiment to notify the authentication information of the application program to the printer driver, and at the access control level determined from this authentication information. 4 is a flowchart showing a series of control processes for acquiring corresponding print function attribute information and print capability attribute information, and performing target document creation, appearance processing, and print instructions.

  Step S701 is an initialization process performed when the application program is activated. At this time, the printer driver is also loaded on the operating system and activated.

  At the same time, in step S702, the printer driver SDK API library is also loaded.

  First, in step S703, the access of the application program user of the corresponding application program on the operating system on which the printing system is operated using the FS_FNCertificate () function 401 that is the printer driver SDK API for the printer driver. Based on the authority, the user notifies the application program 301 of authentication information including identification information and access control level information for the printing function, printing capability and printing performance related to document printing that can be operated and used on the application program.

  A step S704 uses the FS_GetFuncItem () function 402 that is the printer driver SDK API to the printer driver to inquire about the printing function attribute information and the printing capability attribute information related to the printing function, printing capability, and printing performance. Get from the printer driver.

  In step S705, based on the acquired printing function attribute information and printing capability attribute information, general printing attribute setting is performed using Windows (registered trademark) SDK API, and higher-function printing of the printer and the printer driver is performed. The attribute is set using the printer driver SDK API.

  In step S706, based on the acquired printing function attribute information and printing capability attribute information, editing such as drawing and appearance processing of characters and figures constituting a document for creating a target document is performed.

  In step S707, text / graphic data subjected to the drawing process is sent together with a document print instruction using Windows (registered trademark) SDK API.

  After all the document data has been transmitted, the process proceeds to the print end process in step S708, and in step S709, the printer driver SDK API library is unloaded.

[Control Processes for Authentication and Print Function / Capability Information Notification in Printer Driver of this Embodiment (FIGS. 8 to 9)]
Each control process in the printer driver of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 8 shows the verification of authentication information notified from the application program in the printer driver of the present embodiment, the printing function attribute information and the printing capability attribute information corresponding to the access control level for the printing function, printing capability, and printing performance in the application program. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing which performs notification.

  In step S801, a program memory area for operating the printer driver is secured and various parameters are initialized. It also initializes a library that performs various functions of the printer driver SDK API.

  In step S802, the authentication information notification from the application program is accepted. The FS_FNCertificate () function 401 that is the printer driver SDK API is called from the application program.

  In step S803, FS_FNCertificate () function 401 module processing in the printer driver performs verification processing of authentication information from the application program, and outputs an access control level or an authentication failure status based on the authentication information.

  Step S804 is a branch process for determining whether the authentication has succeeded or failed based on the processing result of the module processing of the FS_FNCertificate () function 401 in step S803. The access control level of the application program can be determined by successful authentication. If YES in step S805, the process advances to step S805 to select a print function and print capability according to the access control level.

  On the other hand, if the application program authentication fails in the FS_FNCertificate () function 401 module processing in step S803, a default printing function and printing capability are selected in step S806. Usually, the default remains in the general printing function and printing capability selection.

  In step S807, the print function attribute information and the print capability attribute information are received from the application program, and the inquiry is received by calling the FS_GetFuncItem () function 402 which is the printer driver SDK API.

  In step S808, printing function attribute information and printing capability attribute information are created from the selection result of the printing function and printing capability in step S805 or step S806.

  In step S809, the created printing function attribute information and printing capability attribute information are copied to a memory buffer pointer that is a parameter of a function called from the application program, and the application program is notified by returning.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the FS_FNCertificate () function 401 module, which is the authentication information collation processing in S803 of FIG.

  Step S901 is an input of authentication information notified from the application program that called the FS_FNCertificate () function. Information identifying the application program, such as the application program name, the corresponding OS, and the version number of the application program, and access given to the corresponding application program in advance, as a pointer to the CERTIFICATION program structure that is a parameter of the FS_FNCertificate () function Authentication information including various identification information such as an ID and a password and access control level information of each application program user is input.

  In step S902, information for identifying the application program, such as the application program name, the corresponding OS, and the version number, related to a plurality of application programs described in the data definition area or resource of the printer driver, and the access given to the corresponding application program in advance Reference is made to a database that stores and stores various types of identification information such as IDs and passwords, and information related to printing functions, printing capabilities, and printing performance according to the access control level of each application program user.

  In step S903, the application program registered in the authentication information database is searched based on the authentication information notified / input from the application program.

  Step S904 is a branch process for determining whether the search is successful or unsuccessful based on the search result of the registered application program in step S903. If the search is successful, the process proceeds to step S905, where the application program The registered access ID, password, and authentication information are verified.

  On the other hand, if the search fails according to the search result of the registered application program in step S903, an authentication failure status is output in step S908 and the process ends.

  Step S906 is a branching process for determining whether the collation is successful or unsuccessful based on the result of collating the registered access ID, password, and authentication information of the application program in Step S905. Then, the process proceeds to step S907, the access control level for the printing function and printing capability of the application program is output, and the process ends.

  On the other hand, if the verification fails as a result of the verification of the registration ID and authentication information of the corresponding application program in step S906, the authentication failure status is output in step S908 as in the case of the search failure. finish.

[Description of Host System Computer and Printer Connection Configuration Diagram (FIG. 10)]
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a connection configuration between the host computer system 100 and the printer 104.

  The host computer system 1000 is connected to an input 1001 such as a keyboard and mouse for input, a display device (display) 1002 for display output, a disk 1003 for input / output of files, and the corresponding host computer system 1000. In a system including the printer 1012, a series of print control processes are performed by the operating system 101, the printer driver 102, the application program 103, and the printer SDK library of the present invention on the program memory (RAM) 1006 in the host system 1000. The document is output from the printer 1012.

  In FIG. 10, the configuration of the host system 1000 will be described in more detail.

  A CPU 1004 controls a host system and each input / output device connected thereto, a series of processes such as output control according to an input instruction, a CPU that executes various programs, and a computer 1005 includes various operating systems for operating the CPU 1004. It is a memory ROM that stores the basic program. Reference numeral 1006 denotes a RAM which is a memory used as a work area for various processes for causing the CPU 1004 to execute / operate various print attribute settings and document printing according to the printer of the present invention.

  Reference numeral 1007 denotes a keyboard controller that is connected to the host computer system 1000 and includes an interface for an input device 1001 such as a keyboard and mouse, and 1008 is a display controller that includes an interface for performing display output to the display 1002. Reference numeral 1009 denotes a disk controller having an input / output interface to the disk 1003.

  Reference numeral 1010 denotes an interface for connecting the host computer system 1000 and the printer 1012 and performing input / output via a network line such as Ethernet (registered trademark) having a communication protocol for performing communication. Reference numeral 1011 denotes a CPU bus for connecting each component.

  The configuration of the printer 1012 will be described in detail.

  A CPU 1014 controls various input / outputs connected to the printer, and executes a program such as a series of processes such as print control and a communication control control process in accordance with an input instruction. ROM, 1016, which is a memory for storing various data and the like, a program for operating the printer, such as control processing, a series of processing such as print control according to the input instruction, control command analysis processing, and the like. The RAM is a memory used as a work area for performing processing. Reference numeral 1017 denotes an interface for connecting the host computer system 1000 and the printer 1012 and performing input / output via a network line such as Ethernet (registered trademark) having a communication protocol for exchanging data. Reference numeral 1018 denotes a disk controller having an input / output interface to the disk 1013. Reference numeral 1019 denotes an engine control processing unit having an input / output interface for exchanging data and signals with the printing apparatus drive system (engine unit) 1021 by a video interface that mechanically outputs a pattern. Reference numeral 1020 denotes a CPU bus for connecting each component.

  Each control process and operation of the operating system, application program, printer driver, and printer driver SDK library including the Windows (registered trademark) SDK library on the program memory RAM 1006 in the host computer system 1000 will be described in detail.

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

  An application program on the RAM 1006 in the host computer system 1000 loads and activates a printer driver via the operating system and performs printer driver SDK in the course of performing various initialization processes for document creation, appearance processing, and print output. Load the library.

  Here, in addition to various initialization processes using the normal Windows (registered trademark) SDK API, the application program recognizes the functions and capabilities currently available in the printer and printer driver. Using the API included in the driver SDK library, the printer driver is inquired about printing function attribute information and printing capability attribute information.

  In response to the inquiry about the printing function attribute information and the printing capability attribute information, the printing function attribute information and the printing capability attribute information notified from the printer driver are acquired, and based on this, the document is converted into a target output form in the application program. Create and render.

  Further, in order to realize a desired output form, various print attribute settings and print instructions are performed using document (registered trademark) SDK API and printer driver SDK API together with document data.

  The operation in the printer driver will be described.

  The printer driver on the RAM 1006 in the host computer system 1000 is loaded on the operating system and activated when the application program is activated and initialized.

  Based on various initialization processes for document creation and printing in the application program, by calling the Windows (registered trademark) SDK API, it is converted to DDI via the GDI of the operating system, and is called. Initialization processing in the printer driver is started.

  At the same time, the authentication information based on the access authority corresponding to the purpose of use or the purpose of operation of the application program by the printer SDK API is notified from the application program.

  In response to an inquiry about the printing function attribute information and the printing capability attribute information by the printer SDK API from an application program, various paper feeding devices for determining a paper feeding method for printing paper, various paper discharging devices for determining a paper output method, double-sided Finishing devices such as a printing device, stapling device, puncher device, trimmer device, and paper Z folding device, storage devices such as memory and hard disk, paper size and paper type that can be mounted and output on the device, and fonts that are mounted Resource information and 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, etc. Device resource information and printing Based on the function information, based on the access control level determined from the authentication information, print function attribute information and print capability attribute information that can be currently realized by the printer and the printer driver are generated, and the printer driver SDK that receives the inquiry from the application program The application program is notified as an API return.

  Furthermore, based on the print function attribute information and the print capability attribute information notified to the application program, various print attribute settings for performing target document printing are called via Windows (registered trademark) SDK API and printer driver SDK API via GDI. As a result, various print attribute setting processes are performed based on the DDI called by the printer driver.

  In addition to the document print instruction from the application program, data for performing input processing such as graphic / character and image pattern data, size, drawing output start position, etc. and various setting information input processing based on the document data, the read A drawing output form control process for determining a drawing output form of a document to be configured based on input data for analyzing print attribute setting information and the like, information analysis processing, each setting parameter for instructing a size, a drawing output form, and the like; In order to print the determined document, a series of processing is performed in output control command conversion processing for converting / generating the printer control command of the printer 1012 and output control command transmission control processing for transmitting the generated print output control command to the printer, Target document from printer 1012 To output the door.

  An operation in the printer 1012 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 1012 will be described in detail.

  A control command for initializing the printer transmitted from the printer driver on the program memory RAM 1006 in the host computer system 1000 is received and an initialization process is performed.

  Subsequently, a print control command input process for inputting a printer print control command transmitted from the host computer system for printing to the printer 1012, and the input printer print control command and various setting parameters are analyzed. Based on the control setting parameter analysis process, the print control command, and the control setting parameter, a bit map is generated, and a series of processes are performed in the bit map expansion process that is expanded in the bit map memory, and input / output is performed with the engine control processing unit. The generated bitmap data is transmitted to the print output device drive system (engine unit) 1021 through the video interface 1019 to output a document 1022.

[Description of Print Control Processing in Printer Driver (FIG. 11)]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing details of print control processing in the printer driver on the program memory RAM 1006 in the host computer system 1000 of this embodiment.

  The printer driver 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, and executes steps S1101 to S1112.

  First, step S1101 is input of various print attribute setting parameters and character / graphic / image data constituting a document instructed to be printed from an application.

  These inputs are made using a Windows® SDK API and a printer driver SDK API.

  In step S1102, the input parameters and data are analyzed.

  In step S1103, based on the analysis result of the input data, in order to prepare for printing such as paper size, printing direction, drawing resolution setting, coordinate system unit setting, each setting parameter for the printer is converted and generated into a printer control command. Send the printer to initialize the printer.

  In step S1104 and step S1106, the analyzed parameters and data are separated into character data, graphic data, and image data.

  The character data, graphic data, and image data separated in steps S1104 and S1106 are the character print control processing unit (module), graphic drawing control processing unit (module), and image drawing in steps S1105, S1107, and S1108, respectively. Processing is performed by a control processing unit (module).

  Based on the character printing, graphic drawing, and image drawing control processing in step S1105, step S1107, and step S1108, in the document configuration control processing (module) in step S1109, the pattern output form such as drawing output attributes, size calculation, drawing output position, etc. Is placed on the output page of the printer.

  The document output control data configured in step S1109 is converted and generated into a print control command for the printer in order to output the document to the printer in the print control command generation process (module) in step S1110.

  In the output transmission process (module) to the printer in step S1111, the print control command generated in step S1110 is transmitted to the printer 1012, and the document is printed from the printer in step S1112.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, in the Windows (registered trademark) operating system environment, the printer driver SDK API of the present invention is used together with the Windows (registered trademark) SDK API library that is normally used in the document creation / print application program. By using the library, in addition to the standard printing function, it is possible to use printer device functions and printer driver functions that can be realized by installing optional devices, and provide higher-value-added printing functions. Is possible.

  In addition, these printing functions are provided for each group or user in order to perform function expansion or function restriction according to the access control level based on the access authority of the application program user on the operating system on which this printing system operates. It is possible for a program user to provide a printing system with high usage and high operability such as function expansion for a specific application or simple document printing operation.

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

(Embodiment 2)
In the second embodiment, the determination of an access control level for the printing function and printing capability / performance of the application program 204 performed by the printer driver 202 shown in FIG. 2 of the first embodiment is applied to department management or billing management. It is also possible.

  In department management, for each department, for each group or for each user, by changing the identification information of the application program and application program user and the authentication information consisting of the printing function, printing capability and printing performance related to document printing, This can be realized by department management of printing functions, printing capabilities and performance that can be used and operated for each department, group, or user.

  In the charge management, the authentication information of the application program is changed depending on the charge frequency, thereby charging and managing the operation on the application program and the printing function, printing power and printing performance related to usable document printing. This is possible.

  An example of access control level management based on application program authentication and application program user access authority based on billing management will be described below.

[Explanation of a block diagram showing the flow of each control process in billing management of this system (FIG. 12)]
FIG. 12 is an example showing the flow of each control process of the document printing charge management system composed of an application program, a printer driver, a printer, and various databases.

  The application program 1200 and the printer driver 1201 notify the authentication information of the application program 1200 to the printer driver 1201 using the printer driver SDK API as in the first embodiment, and based on the authentication information, the printing function and the print driver Select / determine access control level for capability / performance.

  Further, the application program 1200 makes an inquiry / acquisition about the print function and print capability / performance that can be used / operated according to the access control level based on the access authority of the application program user using the printer driver SDK API. In response to the instruction, the printer driver 1201 notifies printing function attribute information and printing capability attribute information based on the access control level.

  Based on these pieces of information, the application program 1200 performs document editing / processing, and issues a document print instruction.

  The printer driver 1201 converts / generates various print control processes and printer print control commands related to characters, graphics, and image drawing output based on a print instruction from the application program 1200, and transmits the printer via the operating system spooler 1202. It is configured to transmit to 1203 and perform document output 1204.

  Here, in the printer driver 1201, the printing function that can be used and operated by the application program 1200 and the access control level determination for the printing capability / performance, the paper feeding method, paper discharging method, duplex printing function, N-up printing function, Various finishing functions such as stapling function, punching function, trimming function, paper Z-folding function, etc., as well as bookbinding function that combines these functions, font download function, font replacement function, form overlay function, etc. Available printing function attribute information, 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, etc. Graphic Allocate usage costs, publication costs, etc. to various printing functions and printing capabilities, such as the drawing method, printable paper size and type, maximum number of copies that can be set, and number of print settings that can be set for N-up printing. By referring to the function / capability cost information database 1208 to be managed, an access control level is generated for the print function and print capability to be charged according to the charge, and the application program 1200 is matched with the authentication / collation of the application program 1200. Print function attribute information and print capability attribute information to be notified are selected and determined.

  On the other hand, based on the selection and use results of various printing function attribute information and printing capability attribute information with charging, information to be charged is generated 1206, and document printing is performed by referring to the function / capability cost information database 1208. Charge calculation processing 1207 is performed for each application program to be performed or for each user, and the charge result is stored in the charge information database 1209.

  The function / capability cost information database 1208 and the billing information database 1209 are generally operated by being constructed on a server.

  According to the present embodiment, in order to obtain the printing function and the printing capability / performance by further performing the department management or billing management based on the application program authentication and the access authority of the application program user according to the first embodiment, A printing system can be constructed and operated at an optimal cost.

(Embodiment 3)
In the third embodiment, the application program provided in the printer driver and the authentication information database of the application program user in the first embodiment are provided in an external file format. By adopting the operation, it is possible to realize the printing system according to the present invention by making it possible to rewrite various authentication information or access control levels as required.

  According to the present embodiment, for example, when the application program is upgraded, the printing function / capability and the user restriction release are performed, various authentication information or access control levels are set by the printer driver provider or the user system administrator. It becomes possible to update, and efficient and flexible system construction and operation can be realized.

(Embodiment 4)
In the fourth embodiment, the application program provided in the printer driver and the authentication information database of the application program user in the first embodiment are used as an external server, as an example. By constructing on the server together with the cost information database 1208 and the accounting information database 1209, the printing system according to the present invention can be realized.

  According to the present embodiment, for example, in a large-scale system, when applying a large number of application programs, centralized management of a large number of application program users, department management or billing management of the second embodiment, an efficient system Construction and operation can be realized.

(Embodiment 5)
The fifth embodiment relates to document printing by preparing and notifying an application program and application program user multiple authentication information corresponding to each level such as operating environment and special-purpose users on the application program side. It is also possible to realize the printing system according to the present invention by making it possible to determine the access control level for the printing function, printing capability and printing performance.

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

  In the present invention, a recording medium recording 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 stores the recording medium in the recording medium. Needless to say, this 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.

  As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

  In addition, the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by executing the program code read by the computer, and the OS running on the computer is part of the actual processing based on the instruction of the program code. Alternatively, the functions of the above-described embodiment can be realized by performing all of them and performing the processing.

  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. The CPU of the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments can also be realized by the processing.

  Note that the present invention can also be applied to a case where the program is distributed to a requester via a communication line such as personal computer communication from a storage medium in which the program code of the software realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded. Needless to say.

1 is a basic system configuration diagram including an operating system, an application program, a printer driver, and a printer connected to the operating system on a host computer system of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a flow of processing inside and between components from initialization to printing using a printer driver SDK API in the operating system, application program, and printer driver of the present invention. It is the figure which showed the content of the example of a calling sequence of printer driver SDK API concerning the printing system in the application of this invention, a printer driver, and a printing apparatus. It is an example of a function of an application program interface (API) of the present invention. Provided for an operating system (GDI), an application program, a printer driver, and a Windows (registered trademark) NT4.0 / 2000 / XP 32-bit environment operating system related to a printing system in the application, printer driver and printing apparatus of the present invention It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the library which comprises an application program interface (API) group. An application program interface (GDI), an application program, a printer driver, and an application program interface provided for a Windows (registered trademark) 98 / Me 16-bit environment operating system relating to a printing system in an application, a printer driver and a printing apparatus of the present invention ( It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the library which comprises an API) group. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing in an application program on a program memory of a host computer system, related to a printing system in an application, a printer driver, and a printing apparatus of the present invention. 6 shows an example of authentication, printing function attribute information, creation of printing capability attribute information, and notification control processing in a printer driver on a program memory of a host computer system, relating to a printing system in an application, printer driver and printing apparatus of the present invention. It is a flowchart. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of authentication information collation processing in a printer driver on a program memory of a host computer system, related to a printing system in an application, a printer driver, and a printing apparatus according to the present invention. 1 is a configuration diagram of a host computer system and a printer connected to the host computer system according to a printing system in an application, a printer driver, and a printing apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a print control process in a printer driver on a program memory of a host computer system according to a printing system in an application, a printer driver, and a printing apparatus of the present invention. It is a processing block diagram which shows an example at the time of making it apply to the department management and accounting management which are Embodiment 2 regarding the printing system in the application of this invention, a printer driver, and a printing apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

100 Host Computer System 101 Operating System 102 Printer Driver 103 Application Program 104 Printer 105 Print Output

Claims (14)

In a printing system comprising an operating system, an application program, a printer driver and a printing device on a host computer system,
Authentication information including access control levels for operations related to printing, usable printing functions, printing capabilities, and printing performance based on various access authorities on the operating system where the printing system of the application program user operates from the application program. Means for specifying / notifying the printer driver,
Means for inquiring of the printer driver from the application program about operations related to printing, usable printing functions, printing capabilities, and printing performance;
In the printer driver, authentication is performed based on the authentication information in response to the inquiry, and various printing attributes relating to operations, executable printing functions, printing capabilities, and printing performance according to the authentication result and the access control level. Means for notifying the application program of information;
A printing system comprising: means for performing printing by setting various printing attributes and printing instructions to the printer driver based on the various printing attribute information in the application program.   An application program interface (API) in an arbitrarily programmable function or data format in the application program as a mutual information and data notification / instruction means in the application program and printer driver on the host computer system. The printing system according to claim 1, further comprising a printing system.   The application program interface (API) according to claim 2 can be recognized and executed on an operating system in the host computer system on which the printer driver and the application program are executed and operated. The printing system according to 2. The application program interface (API) controls access to printing operations, usable printing functions, printing capabilities, and printing performance based on various access authorities on the operating system on which the printing system of the application program user operates. A means for specifying and notifying the printer driver of authentication information including the level is provided.
The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the application program includes means for specifying and notifying the authentication information to a printer driver using the application program interface (API). Furthermore, using the application program interface (API), it comprises means for inquiring the printer driver about the operation related to printing, the usable printing function, the printing capability and the printing performance, and instructing acquisition.
2. The application program according to claim 1, further comprising means for using the application program interface (API) to inquire the printer driver about the print function, print capability, and print performance and to obtain an acquisition instruction. The printing system described. The printer driver includes a database for storing, storing, and managing information for identifying each application program and access control level information, and an application program interface (API) from the application program by referring to the corresponding database. And a means for selecting / determining a printing function, a printing capability and a printing performance according to the access control level included in the authentication information based on the authentication information notification
As various print setting information to be notified to the application program based on the selection / determination of the print function, print capability and print performance,
Print function attribute information representing a print function that can be executed in the printing apparatus and a print function that can be executed in a print control process of the printer driver;
Based on the various printing function information, printing capability attribute information representing the execution range of various printing functions that can be executed by the operating system and the printer driver,
The printing system according to claim 1, further comprising means for notifying the application program via an application program interface (API). The application program interface (API) includes means for setting various printing attributes and instructing printing,
The application program includes means for processing document generation and printing based on the printing function, printing capability, and printing performance acquired from the printer driver;
The printing system according to claim 1, further comprising means for setting various printing attributes and instructing printing using the application program interface (API). The printer driver performs various printing processes and generates various print control commands from the previous application program through the application program interface (API) based on various print function attribute settings and print instructions. When,
The printing system according to claim 1, further comprising means for combining the various control instructions and print document data from the application program and transmitting the combined data to a printing apparatus.   The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the printing function attribute information includes various finishing functions and various printing function information that can be executed by the printer driver that realizes these functions in combination.   The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the printing capability attribute information further includes various types of printing capability information for executing various printing functions in the graphics drawing method and the printer driver.   The application program interface (API) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 includes means for supplying, as a program library, a storage medium storing a program that can be read by a host computer system. Printing system.   12. A printing system according to claim 1, wherein the printer driver comprises means for supplying a storage medium storing a program readable by the host computer system.   13. The printing system according to claim 1, further comprising means for supplying the application program as a storage medium storing a program that can be read by the host computer system.   The printing system according to claim 11, wherein the storage medium is detachable from a corresponding host computer system.

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