JP2007179275A - Printing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing system wherein a printer, a copying machine, a composite machine or the like are connected to host equipment, especially allowing easy use of the printer, and performing print processing on the basis of format information for eliminating waste of consumables to consider the global environment. <P>SOLUTION: In this printing system, a personal computer 3 that is the host equipment simulates the format information when performing the print processing on the copying machine or the composite machine connected to the personal computer 3 by a simulation tool 11, and stores it into an HDD 14 or an IC card. The format information is read in the copying machine or the composite machine, the print processing is performed on the basis of the format information, and the print processing is easily and rapidly performed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing system in which a printing apparatus, a copying machine, a multifunction machine, and the like are connected to a host device.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, not only ordinary printer apparatuses but also multifunction peripherals (hereinafter referred to as MFP (multifunction printer / multifunction printer)) having multiple functions such as a scanner function and a copy function have been widely used. Also, various types of printing apparatuses such as an ink jet system and an electrophotographic recording system are used. The operability of such a printing apparatus is remarkably improved as represented by the increase in size and color of the operation panel.

Patent Document 1 exchanges information between a multifunction device equipped with a server and a terminal device. The server acquires information on an operation screen and a setting screen of the multifunction device and presents the information to the terminal device. An invention is disclosed in which various file information is acquired and displayed on a multi-function peripheral for the convenience of the user.
JP 2005-57549 A

However, the impression that the printing apparatus has been simplified as a whole is thin, despite the progress of higher functionality in the printing apparatus and the improvement in operability as a whole.
Even in the category of basic functions of the printing apparatus, it is not easy to obtain an optimal enlargement ratio when, for example, a business card size paper piece is enlarged and copied on A4 size paper. In such an unfamiliar operation, it may be confused by advanced usage. As a result, unintended useless output is performed, the sheet is wasted unnecessarily, and the subsequent user is kept waiting.

  Accordingly, the present invention provides a printing system that allows a printing apparatus to be used quickly, eliminates waste of consumables, and considers the global environment.

  According to the printing apparatus of the present invention, in the printing system in which the host device is connected to at least one of the copying machine or the multifunction device, the host device virtually operates the copying machine or the multifunction device. And a storage unit for storing the format information set by the simulation operation unit, and the copying machine or the multi-function peripheral reads out the format information from the storage unit and prints it out. This can be achieved by providing a printing system having means.

  Here, the host device is a higher-level device for the copying machine or the multifunction device, and stores the format information simulated by the host device. For example, the format information is sent to the copying machine or the multifunction device via a portable storage means and copied. In this configuration, a printing process using the format information is performed by a machine or a multifunction machine.

  With this configuration, it is not necessary to set the format information by operating the operation panel or the like in the copying machine or the multifunction machine, and the printing process can be performed efficiently and quickly.

  Further, the copying machine or the multifunction machine and the host device are configured to have an authentication means for authenticating an operator, for example. With this configuration, it is possible not only to ensure security but also to acquire information on an operator who uses a copying machine or a multifunction machine.

  Further, according to the printing apparatus of the present invention, in the printing system in which the host device, the image reading device, and the printing device are connected, the host device prints the document image read from the image reading device. And a storage unit that stores the format information set by the pseudo operation unit, and the printing apparatus includes a print control unit that reads the format information from the storage unit and prints it out. This can be achieved by providing a printing system having.

  The present invention preliminarily simulates and accumulates format information settings for a document image, and reads and prints out the print information as necessary, thereby reducing the format information settings in the print device and quickly performing print processing. It is the structure which performs.

  Further, the print control unit reads, for example, the format information from the storage unit, changes the format information corresponding to a document to be printed, and performs a printing process based on the changed format information. It is.

By configuring in this way, the basic format information can be shared and used as necessary, and a common interface for the format information can be constructed.
Further, the format information is, for example, information setting for reducing consumables, and is configured to monitor the transition of the implementation status of the information setting. For example, the format information is information on double-sided printing or divided printing setting, and the transition of the implementation status of the information setting is monitored. With this configuration, functions such as consideration for the global environment and reduction of expendables purchase costs can be achieved.

  Further, each printing system can be realized by a corresponding printing method.

  According to the present invention, it is not necessary to set format information in a copying machine or a multi-function peripheral. For example, in a copier or multi-function peripheral located at a distant place, printing processing can be quickly performed using the format information. it can.

In addition, format information can be set visually while viewing the screen displayed on the display of the host device.
In addition, a common interface for the format information can be constructed, and a part of the driver of the printing apparatus can be reduced.

  Furthermore, by monitoring the transition of the implementation status after setting the format information, it is possible to fulfill functions such as consideration for the global environment and reduction of consumable purchasing costs.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram of the printing system of the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, a copying machine 1, a multifunction machine 2, and a personal computer (PC) 3 are connected by a LAN (local area network). A personal computer (PC) 3 is a host device of the copying machine 1 and the multifunction machine 2, and outputs document data created according to an application and print data such as an image to the copying machine 1 and the multifunction machine 2.

  A keyboard 3 b and a mouse (not shown) are connected to the personal computer 3, and the created print data is output to the multifunction device 2, for example. The copying machine 1, the multifunction device 2, and the personal computer 3 are provided with authentication devices (for example, reader / writers) 1a, 2a, and 3a so that the IC card 20 can be attached to the authentication devices 1a, 2a, and 3a. It is composed.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of the personal computer 3. In the figure, the personal computer 3 includes a CPU 4, a storage unit 5, a display control unit 6, an input control unit 7, a USB communication control unit 8, and a LAN communication control unit 9. The storage unit 5 includes a ROM 12, a RAM 13, and a hard disk (HDD) 14. The HDD 14 stores an authentication engine 10 that controls and processes the authentication device 3a, and a simulation tool 11.

  The authentication device 3 a described above is connected to the USB communication control unit 8 and reads authentication data from the IC card 20 under the control of the USB communication control unit 8. The simulation tool 11 is a tool for simulating operations on the copying machine 1 and the multifunction machine 2 by the personal computer 3. Printing using the copying machine 1 or the multifunction machine 2 in advance using the simulation tool 11. Simulate processing.

  On the other hand, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of the copying machine 1. The copying machine 1 includes a scanner unit 21, a copy control unit 22, and a printer unit 23. The scanner unit 21 includes a reading mechanism unit 21 a. A document image placed on the document table is read by driving the reading mechanism unit 21 a and transmitted to the copy control unit 22.

  The copy control unit 22 includes a main copy control unit 24, a reading mechanism control unit 25, an authentication control unit 26, a display operation control unit 27, a LAN communication control unit 28, a storage device control unit 29, and a storage device unit (HDD) 30. It is configured. The reading mechanism control unit 25 performs mechanism control of the reading mechanism unit 21 a provided in the scanner unit 21 described above, and transmits document data read by the scanner unit 21 to the main copy control unit 24.

  The display operation control unit 27 outputs an operation signal based on an operation of a key or the like provided in the display operation unit 31 to the main copy control unit 24. Further, display data output from the main copy control unit 24 is displayed on the display operation unit 31. In addition, the storage device control unit 29 performs data writing to the storage device unit (HDD) 30 and reading control of data stored in the storage device unit (HDD) 30.

  For example, the authentication device 1 a configured by a card reader / writer reads the data of the IC card 20 and outputs the data to the main copy control unit 24 via the authentication control unit 26.

  Further, the printer unit 23 includes a printer control unit 32 and a printing mechanism unit 33, and outputs a printing result based on control processing of the printer control unit 32. The printing mechanism unit 33 includes a print head and other mechanism units such as an image forming unit, a developing unit, and a transfer unit.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of the multifunction machine 2. The multifunction machine 2 includes a scanner unit 35, an MFP control unit 36, and a printer unit 37. The scanner unit 35 includes a reading mechanism unit 35 a, the document image placed on the document table is read by driving the reading mechanism unit 35 a, and document data is transmitted to the MFP control unit 36.

  The MFP control unit 36 includes an MFP main unit 38, a reading mechanism control unit 39, an authentication control unit 40, a display operation control unit 41, a FAX communication control unit 42, a LAN communication control unit 43, an Internet communication control unit 44, and a storage device control unit. 45 and a storage unit (HDD) 46. As described above, the reading mechanism control unit 39 controls the mechanism of the reading mechanism unit 35 a provided in the scanner unit 35, and transmits document data read by the scanner unit 35 to the MFP main control unit 38.

  Display operation control unit 41 outputs an operation signal based on an operation of a key or the like provided in display operation unit 47 to MFP main control unit 38. In addition, display data output from the MFP main control unit 38 is displayed on the display operation unit 47. Further, the storage device control unit 45 performs data writing to the storage device unit (HDD) 46 and reading control of data stored in the storage device unit (HDD) 46.

  Further, the authentication device 2 a configured by, for example, a card reader / writer reads the data of the IC card 20 described above and outputs it to the MFP main control unit 38 via the authentication control unit 40 described above.

  On the other hand, the printer unit 37 includes a printer control unit 48 and a printing mechanism unit 49, and outputs a printing result based on control processing of the printer control unit 37. As described above, the print mechanism unit 49 includes a print head and other mechanism units such as an image forming unit, a developing unit, and a transfer unit.

Next, the processing operation of this example will be described.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the processing operation of this example. First, an authentication process of an operator who performs a simulation is performed (step (hereinafter referred to as S) 1). In this case, the IC card 20 is brought close to the authentication device 3a, and the authentication device 3a is made to read the data of the IC card 20. This data is sent to the CPU 4 via the USB communication control unit 8 and the operator is authenticated using the authentication engine 10 described above.

  Next, a copy format simulation is performed (S2). This simulation is performed in the host device using the simulation tool 11 described above, and is not a direct operation instruction for the copying machine 1 or the multifunction machine 2, and is not an actual operation for handling a copied document. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for specifically explaining this simulation process.

  First, what original is to be copied is set (S2-1). For example, “1”, one “2”, multiple “3” books, and magazines shown in FIG. Also, any one of “4” original size, “5” enlargement, and “6” reduction is set by zoom processing. A specific method for this process will be described later.

  Next, how to lay out is set (S2-2). Furthermore, whether to perform double-sided printing (S2-3) or where and how to bind is set (S2-4). A specific example of the above processing is shown in FIG.

  First, layout setting (S2-2) is selected from “1” composition, “2” division, “3” weekly magazine binding, and “4” bookbinding binding shown in FIG. In the figure, a specific example of the layout is shown. For “1” composition, the number of faces to be synthesized is further specified, such as two-face / four-face composition. Similarly, regarding “division”, the number of pages to be divided is further specified, such as 2-page / 4-page division.

  Next, the selection of double-sided printing (S2-3) may or may not be possible depending on the above settings. The circles shown in Table 1 indicate that double-sided printing is always set, and the triangles indicate double-sided printing, A single-sided setting is possible, and a cross indicates that double-sided printing cannot be set. This display is performed, for example, on the display of the host device 1, and the operator performs settings while viewing this display.

  Next, it is set where and how to bind (S2-4). This setting is performed according to Table 2. Also in this case, the conditions shown in Table 2 are displayed on the display, and each setting is performed by a visual method.

  Here, as to where to bind, the arrangement is performed in three ways: binding position, staple, and hole punch. Specifically, a binding margin, a staple position and number, a hole punch position, and the like are set. For example, the binding margin is set according to the case from long side / short side binding, right / left binding, and top / bottom binding. Staples are set in a manner corresponding to the binding position. Further, the hole punch is set in a form corresponding to the binding position. In the figure, “5” and “6” indicate examples of stable, and “7” indicates an example of hole punch.

  The “binding method” is also as follows. That is, an arbitrary selection is possible in the standard, an arbitrary selection is possible in the synthesis, a selection is not possible in the division, and a binding method is limited in the weekly magazine binding.

  Note that the enlargement / reduction process (zoom process) shown in FIG. 6 is specifically performed as shown in FIG. In this case, it is a simulation, and a visual setting screen in “Zoom Handling” is displayed on the display (FIG. 8A). Note that the initial screen is displayed with the same scale as the original. Then, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the copy original is overlapped on the screen to acquire the original size. Then, for example, the mouse is operated to set an enlarged image of the document while changing the display scale. By this operation, information on the enlargement ratio and the arrangement position in the sheet is set.

  The format information set as described above is stored in, for example, the HDD 14, transferred to the authentication device 3 a via the USB communication control unit 8, and written in the IC card 20 (S 3). At this time, the format information is registered with a format name.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the memory configuration of the IC card 20, which is composed of a user area and a system area. Area identification numbers U01 to Unn are set in the user area, and the format information is written therein. Further, area identification numbers S01 to Snn are set in the system area. For example, a UID (user ID) is registered in the system area S01. FIG. 10 shows a description example of the format information in this example. As shown in the figure, the format information created by the above-described simulation tool, such as the format name, document paper size, output paper size, zoom magnification, etc., is registered.

  In the following, an example of a copy output obtained from the copying machine 1 or the multifunction machine 2 using the format information will be described. This process is a process after step 4 shown in FIG. 5 described above. First, an authentication process is executed (S4). In the case of the copying machine 1, this authentication process brings the IC card 20 close to the authentication device 1a and causes the authentication device 1a to read the data on the IC card 20. In the case of the multifunction device 2, the IC card 20 is brought close to the authentication device 2a, and the authentication device 2a is caused to read the data of the IC card 20. In the case of the copying machine 1, this data is sent to the main copy control unit 24 via the authentication control unit 26, and in the case of the multifunction machine 2, this data is sent to the MFP main control unit 38 via the authentication control unit 40 to authenticate the operator. Is done.

  Next, the copying machine 1 or the multifunction machine 2 takes out the format information recorded on the IC card 20 (S5). FIG. 11 is a flowchart specifically explaining this process. First, it is determined whether format information is registered in the IC card 20 (S5-1). If the format information is not registered, the process is terminated (S5-1 is No). On the other hand, when the format information is registered (S5-1 is Yes), the registered format information is selected (S5-2). Then, it is determined whether or not the selected format information can be immediately applied (S5-3). When the format information is to be applied immediately (Yes in S5-3), a printing process is performed according to the read format information (S6).

  Specifically, processing is performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, application of registered format information is started (S6-1). For example, when the format information is the information shown in FIG. 10, the document size is A4 size, and an A4 size document is placed on the contact glass surface. (S6-2). Further, incidental format information is set as necessary (S6-3).

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining this process. As ancillary format information, it is determined whether there is a place where the setting is to be acquired or temporarily changed (S6-4), and if there is a place to be changed (S6-4 is Yes), the display operation unit 31 or 47 is operated. Then, a setting change is instructed (S6-5). Then, it is determined whether or not the setting change contents are reflected in the format information (S6-6), and if so, the format information is rewritten (S6-7).

Next, the start of exclusive control is determined (S6-8). This exclusive control is to suspend the discharge of the output material accompanying the other processes until the output material by the processing of this example is discharged.
With the above settings, a copy process is executed (S6-9), and for example, a print process based on the format information shown in FIG. 10 is performed (S7).

As described above, according to this example, the copying machine 1 or the multifunction machine 2 is simulated on the host device, and the printing process is performed according to the obtained format information. Can be omitted. Further, it is not necessary to perform the setting operation of the format information by operating the operation panel of the copying machine 1 or the multifunction machine 2, and an easy and quick printing process can be performed.
The format information can be created while looking at the screen displayed on the display, and the format information can be created by visual operation.

In this example, the IC card 20 is used as the authentication means, but other authentication media can also be used.
(Embodiment 2)
Next, Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 13 is a system configuration diagram of the printing system of the present embodiment. In the figure, an image reading device (scanner) 50, a printing device 51, and a personal computer 52 are connected by a LAN (local area network). The personal computer 52 is the host device of the image reading device 50 and the printing device 51 as in the above-described embodiment, and outputs document data created according to an application and print data such as a drawing to the printing device 51.

  As in the first embodiment, a keyboard 52b and a mouse (not shown) are connected to the personal computer 52. The personal computer 52 and the printing apparatus 51 are provided with authentication devices 51a and 52a so that the authentication IC card 20 can be mounted.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of the personal computer 52. The configuration of the personal computer 52 used in this example is the same as that of the personal computer 3 shown in FIG. 1, and the same members as those in FIG.

  The personal computer 52 of this example is provided with a drive tool 54 for reading a document image placed on the image reading device 50. The drive tool 54 is stored in the HDD 14 and is driven when reading a document image.

  FIG. 15 shows the configuration of the image reading apparatus 50. The image reading device 50 includes a scanner control unit 55, a reading mechanism control unit 56, a reading mechanism unit 57, a display operation control unit 58, a display operation unit 59, a LAN communication control unit 60, an Internet communication control unit 61, and a storage device control unit. 62. Here, the LAN communication control unit 60 is connected to the personal computer 52 described above, and drives the reading mechanism unit 57 to read the original data via the reading mechanism control unit 56, the scanner control unit 55, and the LAN communication control unit 60. The data is output to the personal computer 52.

  On the other hand, FIG. 16 shows the configuration of the printing apparatus 51. The printing apparatus 51 includes an authentication control unit 64, a printer control unit 65, a display operation control unit 66, a display operation unit 67, a LAN communication control unit 68, a storage device control unit 69, an HDD 70, and a printing mechanism unit 71. As described above, the authentication control unit 64 receives the operator information from the IC card 20 and performs an authentication process.

Also, print data supplied from the personal computer 52 via the LAN communication control unit 68 is sent from the printer control unit 65 to the print mechanism unit 71 to perform print processing.
In this configuration, the processing operation of this example will be described below.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining the processing operation of this example. FIG. 17A shows processing performed by the personal computer 52, FIG. 17B shows processing performed by the image reading apparatus 50, and FIG. The process which the printing apparatus 51 performs is shown.

  First, an authentication process for an operator who operates the personal computer 52 is performed (step (hereinafter referred to as ST) 1). In this case, the IC card 20 is brought close to the authentication device 52a as described above, and the authentication device 52a is caused to read the data of the IC card 20. This data is sent to the CPU 4 via the USB communication control unit 8, and the operator is authenticated using the authentication engine 10 described above.

  Next, the driving tool 54 for reading the document image is activated, and an image information reading instruction is given to the image reading device 50 (ST2). A document is placed on the contact glass surface of the image reading device 50 (ST3), and an image data reading instruction is awaited.

  Next, the personal computer 52 sets the format of the read image (ST4), reads the target image, and acquires the target image (ST5). That is, the document (target image) placed on the contact glass surface is output to the personal computer 52 via the reading mechanism control unit 56, the scanner control unit 55, and the LAN communication control unit 60.

  Next, the personal computer 52 performs format information simulation based on the acquired image data (ST6). This simulation is executed using the simulation tool 11 described above, and sets the format information such as the content of the document, the layout, and the presence / absence of double-sided printing.

The format information thus created is stored in the HDD 14 (ST7). Thereafter, confidential print settings are made and transmitted to the printer 52 (ST8).
The printing device 52 first performs an operator authentication process (ST9), and when the authentication is completed, performs a printing process according to the format information (ST10). That is, when the authentication match is confirmed, for example, the print processing of the print file held in the printing device 52 with the operator name is performed using the format information.

  As described above, according to this example, when there is divertable format information stored in the personal computer 52, the format information is read out and applied at the time of printing to be formatted in the printing apparatus 51. It is not necessary to set information, and the printing process can be performed efficiently.

Further, operation and format information can be shared, and a common interface can be used between printing apparatuses connected to the system.
FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram when the printing apparatus 51 performs a printing process using registered format information. In this case, the format information list to be used is selected with reference to the registered format information list screen shown in FIG. For example, in the example of the figure, the format information of “monthly progress confirmation meeting material (for responsible person distribution)” is read from the list and applied.

  Note that, for example, a corresponding list on the list screen may be selected to display its properties, and a format overview such as a layout image may be displayed as a selection material. In addition, a newly applied format information file may be given a new name (for example, given the name “circulation for sales 1 section” as shown in the figure) and saved.

  Further, FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a modification of this example, and is a flowchart obtained by slightly changing the process shown in FIG. This example is the same until the personal computer 52 simulates the format information and stores the created format information in the HDD 14 (ST1 to ST5).

  However, the registered format information is then selected (ST6), and the determined format information is applied to the print setting of the target image (ST7-1). For example, when a plurality of format information are stored, an approximate format is used and the print setting is changed to an image to be printed.

By processing in this way, it is possible to save labor related to the setting of format information, and it is possible to perform a printing process that matches the image desired to be printed.
(Embodiment 3)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

20 and 21 are diagrams for explaining this embodiment. In this example, the basic printing system shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is also applied. This will be specifically described below.
FIG. 20 shows the items shown in FIG. 7 described above, in addition to the items that can be expected to be effective for the purpose of global environmental considerations and cost reduction (composite / double-sided printing), as well as the use of backing paper and paper output avoidance (using electronic files). Presents a case that can be taken as a setting option, and encourages its application.

  For example, in the format information, all options can be selected for the standard. As for synthesis, all options can be selected except for its own synthesis setting. Further, regarding the division, selection can be made regarding the use of the back paper and the avoidance of paper output. For weekly magazine binding, selection can be made regarding composition and paper output avoidance. Further, the bookbinding binding can be selected for composition and paper output avoidance.

  In addition, regarding setting options, 1) Incorporate into the default (initial) format information as a setting value, 2) Incorporate as the default (initial) setting value for the printer driver, 3) As a setting value for format information, consider the global environment and expenses Paper output not allowed when item settings related to compression measures are not selected 4) Paper when item settings related to global environment considerations and cost compression measures are not selected as printer driver settings A possible countermeasure is to disallow output.

  FIG. 21 is an example in which the print processing is performed based on the format information, and the implementation status of the setting option is graphed and periodically output with respect to the total number of prints. The example illustrated in FIG. The ratio of double-sided printing, composite printing, and backside printing is shown by a graph.

  By processing in this way, it is possible to improve the application rate for global environmental considerations and cost reduction measures, and it is possible to monitor the transition of actual performance.

2 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of a personal computer 3. FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a printing system according to an embodiment. 1 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a copying machine. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a multifunction machine. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation according to the first embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining a simulation process concretely. It is a figure which shows the specific example of a process. FIG. 10 is a diagram specifically explaining an enlargement / reduction process (zoom process). It is a figure which shows the memory structure of an IC card. It is a figure which shows the example of a description of format information. 5 is a flowchart for specifically explaining the processing of the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart for specifically explaining the processing of the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a system configuration diagram of a printing system according to a second embodiment. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of a personal computer. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of an image reading apparatus (scanner). It is a figure which shows the internal structure of a printing apparatus. 10 is a flowchart for specifically explaining the processing of the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram when a printing apparatus performs printing processing using registered format information. 10 is a flowchart for explaining processing of a modified example of the second embodiment. It is a figure explaining the selection process of the item which can anticipate an effect for the purpose of global environment consideration and cost reduction among various elements. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a graph used in Embodiment 3. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Copy machine 2 ... Multifunction machine 3 ... Personal computer (PC)
4 ... CPU
5 ... Storage unit 6 ... Display control unit 7 ... Input control unit 8 ... USB communication control unit 9 ... LAN communication control unit 10 ... Authentication engine 11 ... Simulation tool 12 ... ROM
13. RAM
14. HDD
20. IC card 21. Scanner unit 22. Copy control unit 23. Printer unit 24. Main copy control unit 24. Reading mechanism control unit 26. Authentication control unit 27. Display operation control unit 28. -LAN communication control unit 29-Storage device control unit 30-Storage device unit (HDD)
31 .. Display operation unit 32.. Printer control unit 33... Printing mechanism unit 35.. Scanner unit 36.. MFP control unit 37. Authentication control unit 41 ..Display operation control unit 42 ..FAX communication control unit 43 ..LAN communication control unit 44 ..Internet communication control unit 45 ..storage device control unit 46 ..storage device unit (HDD)
50. ・ Image reading device (scanner)
51 .. Printing device 52. Personal computer 54. Driving tool 55. Scanner control unit 56. Reading mechanism control unit 57. Reading mechanism unit 58. Display operation control unit 59. Display operation unit 60. LAN communication control unit 61..Internet communication control unit 62..Storage device control unit 64..Authentication control unit 65..Printer control unit 66..Display operation control unit 67..Display operation unit 68..LAN communication control unit 69 .. Storage device controller 70.. HDD
71 .. Printing mechanism

Claims (11)

In a printing system in which a host device and at least one of a copier or a multifunction device are connected,
The host device has pseudo operation means for virtually simulating operations on the copying machine or multifunction machine, and storage means for storing format information set by the pseudo operation means,
The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the copying machine or the multifunction peripheral includes a printing control unit that reads out the format information from the storage unit and prints out the format information.   The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the copying machine, the multifunction peripheral, and the host device have authentication means for authenticating an operator.   The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit is a portable storage unit. In a printing system in which a host device, an image reading device, and a printing device are connected,
The host device includes a pseudo operation unit that simulates a printing process of a document image read from the image reading device, and a storage unit that stores format information set by the pseudo operation unit.
The printing apparatus includes a printing control unit that reads the format information from the storage unit and prints out the format information.   The printing unit reads the format information from the storage unit, changes the format information corresponding to a document to be printed, and performs a printing process based on the changed format information. The printing system according to claim 4.   6. The printing system according to claim 4, wherein the printing apparatus and the host device have an authentication unit for authenticating an operator.   The printing system according to claim 4, wherein the storage unit is a portable storage unit.   8. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the format information is information for reducing consumables, and a transition of an implementation status of the format information is monitored. A printing method in a system in which a host device and at least one of a copier or a multifunction device are connected,
The host device performs a pseudo operation process for virtually simulating an operation on the copying machine or a multifunction machine, and a storage process for storing the format information set by the pseudo operation process in a storage unit,
The printing method, wherein the copying machine or the multifunction device performs a print control process of reading the format information from the storage unit and printing it out. A printing method in a system in which a host device, an image reading device, and a printing device are connected,
The host device performs a pseudo operation process for simulating a printing process of a document image read from the image reading device, and a storage process for storing format information set by the pseudo operation process in a storage unit,
The printing apparatus performs a print control process of reading the format information from the storage unit and printing out the format information.   The print control process reads the format information from the storage unit, changes the format information corresponding to a document to be printed, and prints out the format information based on the changed format information. Item 11. The printing method according to Item 10.