JP2008047069A - Output processing system, information processor, output device, output processing method, information processing method, output method, information processing program, and output program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To set an output for even a function peculiar to an output device, while eliminating times and labors for providing an output information generating means coping with the plurality of types of output devices, and to prevent trouble from being generated caused by competition or the like with other means, without acquiring information of the plurality of output device when executing the output. <P>SOLUTION: A PC 100 is provided with a printer driver 107 for generating PJL data including common function setting information for indicating the setting of the common function provided in printers 130, 160, and including print data, and a communication part 108 for transmitting the PJL data generated by the printer driver 107, to the printer 130, and the printer 130 is provided with a communication part 135 for receiving the PJL data from the PC 100, and a function setting part 139 for setting a peculiar function provided in the printer 130, out of functions other than the common function in the common function setting information of the PJL data received by the communication part 135. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an output processing system, an information processing device, an output device, an output processing method, an information processing method, an output method, an information processing program, and an output setting system that performs output settings corresponding to output functions in a plurality of output devices that output data, and The present invention relates to an output processing program, and in particular, an output processing system, an information processing device, an output device, an output processing method, an information processing method, an output method, and information for performing output setting corresponding to the output function of each of the plurality of output devices The present invention relates to a processing program and an output program.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, output devices such as printers are known that have various functions related to output. When data is transmitted from an information processing device such as a PC (Personal Computer) connected to the output device via a network or the like to output data, the driver software dedicated to the model of the output device is used in the information processing device. (Output information generation means) and the like were necessary. Therefore, in an information processing apparatus to which a plurality of output devices are connected, driver software dedicated to each model in the plurality of output devices is required. This is because the function of the output device varies depending on the model of the output device. For example, a certain model has functions such as stapling and punching, but other models do not have the same function. .

  With the recent spread of information processing apparatuses such as PCs, the driver software as described above has been installed in each user's information processing apparatus. This has caused a burden on the system administrator in a company or the like in which each individual uses an information processing apparatus and manages a large number of information processing apparatuses. For example, every time a new output device is purchased and installed, new driver software must be installed in the information processing devices of all users. In addition, it is also necessary to check whether the driver software to be installed does not cause problems such as a conflict with other software.

  Therefore, the model-dependent information of the functions that each connected printer (output device) uniquely has is acquired, and the acquired model-dependent information is collectively displayed on the host device (information processing device) and used. A technique is disclosed that allows a user to select a printer and make print settings (output settings) by making the dependency information selectable (for example, Patent Document 1). Also, the modules used by multiple types of printing devices (output devices) are stored as catalog files, and only the necessary functions are listed by loading the modules stored according to the platform capabilities. A technique for executing a printer driver (driver software) that realizes the above is also disclosed (for example, Patent Document 2).

JP 2004-133653 A JP 2005-135326 A

  However, in the above Patent Document 1, it is necessary to acquire model-dependent information for each of a plurality of connected printers (output devices) when performing output, and a model to be displayed by increasing / decreasing or changing the number of connected printers. Since the dependency information is different, it is necessary to acquire model-dependent information of each printer connected when printing. Further, in Patent Document 2, a printer driver (driver software) that implements only necessary functions is executed. However, if the printer device (output device) is different, the printer driver is different. A printer driver is required for each printing apparatus.

  It is also conceivable to perform output using output information including output settings generated by driver software common to a plurality of output devices connected to the information processing device. However, in that case, it is impossible to set the output device for the unique function because the common driver software cannot set the output for the unique function for the multiple output devices. there were.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and sets output by common output information for common functions in a plurality of output devices, and outputs on the output device side for functions unique to the output device. By making settings, output settings can be made for the unique functions of the output device while saving the trouble of providing output information generation means corresponding to multiple types of output devices. Output processing system, information processing apparatus, output device, output processing method, information processing method, output method, information without causing trouble due to competition with other means without acquiring information on a plurality of output devices An object is to obtain a processing program and an output program.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention includes an information processing device that generates output target data, and a plurality of output devices that are connected to the information processing device via a network and output the output target data Output information generating means for generating output information including common function setting information indicating common function settings of the plurality of output devices and the output target data. And first communication means for transmitting the output information generated by the output information generating means to the output device, and each of the plurality of output devices sends the output information from the information processing device. Of the functions other than the common function in the common function setting information of the output information received by the second communication means and the output information received by the second communication means, And function setting means for setting a unique function of the output device has an output processing system characterized by comprising a.

  In the present invention, the information processing apparatus receives the unique function information including the unique function setting method from the output apparatus after the output information is transmitted to the output apparatus by the first communication unit. 1 function setting communication means, wherein the output information generation means is a setting method selected by the user for the unique function from the unique function information received by the first function setting communication means. The first function setting communication unit transmits the selection information generated by the output generation unit to the output device, and each of the plurality of output devices stores the unique function information. And when the output information is received by the storage means and the second communication means, the unique function information stored in the storage means is transmitted to the information processing apparatus, Second function setting communication means for receiving selection information from the information processing apparatus, and the function setting means is included in the output device in accordance with the selection information received by the second function setting communication means. The unique function is set.

  The present invention is also directed to an output processing system comprising: an information processing device that generates output target data; and a plurality of output devices that are connected to the information processing device via a network and output the output target data. The processing device has an output setting selection screen for accepting selection of a setting method for a unique function possessed by each of the plurality of output devices among functions other than the common function setting method possessed by the plurality of output devices. A display input receiving means for receiving a display of a unique function setting item for receiving selection of a setting method for the unique function; and a display method for the unique function when receiving the display of the unique function setting item by the display input receiving means. A first function setting for transmitting a request for the unique function information including the request to the output device and receiving the unique function information from the output device. Communication means, generating output information including common function setting information indicating the setting of the common function and the output target data, and further receiving the unique function information received by the first function setting communication means Output information generating means for generating unique function selection information indicating a setting method selected by the user for the unique function, and the output for generating the unique function selection information generated by the output information generating means. Output information adding means for adding to the information; and first communication means for transmitting the output information to which the unique function selection information has been added by the output information adding means to the output device; Each of the storage unit stores the unique function information, and the request for the unique function information is received from the information processing apparatus and stored in the storage unit. A second function setting communication means for transmitting the unique function information to the information processing apparatus; and the output to which the unique function selection information is added after the unique function information is transmitted by the second function setting communication means. Second communication means for receiving information from the information processing apparatus; and function setting means for setting the common function and the unique function of the output apparatus according to the output information received by the second communication means. And an output processing system.

  In addition, the present invention provides a common function setting indicating a setting of a common function of the plurality of output devices in an information processing apparatus that is connected to a plurality of output devices that output the output target data through a network and generates the output target data. Output information generating means for generating output information including information and the output target data; and communication means for transmitting the output information generated by the output information generating means to the output device. Is an information processing apparatus.

  In addition, the present invention further includes a display device capable of displaying information, and the output information generating means is further used for a unique function that each of the plurality of output devices has among functions other than the common function. A unique function use selection screen for accepting selection of presence / absence of the display on the display device, and accepting either use information indicating that the unique function is used or non-use information indicating that the unique function is not used. Features.

  Further, in the present invention, the output information generating means generates unique function presence / absence information including either the usage information or the non-use information, and adds the generated unique function presence / absence information to the output information, It is characterized by.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that the output information generating means acquires specific information for specifying the content of the output information, and adds the acquired specific information to the output information.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that the output information generating means acquires the specific information including user information which is information unique to a user who gives an instruction to output the output target data.

  Moreover, the present invention is characterized in that the output information generation means acquires the specific information including output target data information that is information unique to the output target data to be output.

  The present invention further includes function setting communication means for receiving unique function information including the unique function setting method from the output device after transmitting the output information to the output device by the communication means, The output information generation means generates selection information indicating a setting method selected by the user for the unique function from the unique function information received by the function setting communication means, and the function setting communication means The selection information generated by the output information generation means is transmitted to the output device.

  Further, according to the present invention, the output information generation means further displays a setting method selection screen for accepting selection of the setting method of the unique function on the display device by the unique function information received by the function setting communication means. The selection of the setting method of the unique function is received from the setting method selection screen, and the selection information is generated by the received setting method of the unique function.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that the output information generating means generates the selection information in a structured document format.

  In addition, the present invention provides an information processing apparatus that is connected to a plurality of output devices that output output target data via a network and generates the output target data, and a common function setting method that the plurality of output devices have, and the common Among the functions other than the functions, the display for receiving the display of the unique function setting item for accepting the selection of the unique function setting method on the output setting selection screen for accepting the selection of the unique function setting method of each of the plurality of output devices When the display of the unique function setting item is accepted by the input accepting means and the display input accepting means, a request for unique function information including the unique function setting method is transmitted to the output device, and the unique function information is transmitted to the output device. A function setting communication means for receiving from the output device, common function setting information indicating the setting of the common function, and the output Generating output information including target data, and further generating unique function selection information indicating a setting method selected by the user for the unique function from the unique function information received by the function setting communication unit Output information generation means, output information addition means for adding the unique function selection information generated by the output information generation means to the generated output information, and the unique function selection information added by the output information addition means An information processing apparatus comprising: communication means for transmitting the output information to the output apparatus.

  The present invention further includes a display device capable of displaying information, and the display input receiving means includes the unique function setting method according to the unique function information received by the function setting communication means. The unique function setting item is displayed on the display device, the selection of the setting method of the unique function is received from the unique function setting item, and the output information generating unit is the setting method of the unique function received by the display input receiving unit. To generate the unique function selection information.

  In addition, the present invention provides a common function that indicates a setting of common functions of the output device and other output devices in the output device that is connected to an information processing device that generates output target data via a network and outputs the output target data. Of the functions other than the common function in the common function setting information of the output information received by the communication means, and the communication means that receives the output information including the setting information and the output target data from the information processing device, An output device comprising: function setting means for setting a unique function of the output device.

  Further, the present invention provides an operation display unit capable of displaying information and inputting from a user, an analysis unit for analyzing the output information received by the communication unit, and the output information analyzed by the analysis unit, First determination means for determining whether or not unique function presence / absence information indicating whether or not the unique function is used is included, and the first determination means determines that the unique function presence / absence information is included. A second determination unit that determines whether or not the unique function presence / absence information includes use information indicating that the unique function is used, and the function setting unit includes the second determination unit. If it is determined by the means that the usage information is included, a setting method selection screen for accepting selection of the setting method for the unique function is displayed on the operation display unit, and the unique device is displayed from the setting method selection screen. Receiving a selection of setting method, by performing the setting of the unique function by the setting method of the unique features of the accepted characterized.

  Further, in the present invention, when the first determination unit determines that the unique function presence / absence information is not included, does the output information include unique function setting information indicating the setting of the unique function? If the third determination means and the third determination means determine that the output information does not include the unique function setting information, the predetermined function of the predetermined function is determined. When detecting that the detection unit accepts selection of the setting method of the unique function, the detection unit that detects presence / absence of accepting selection of the setting method and the function setting unit detect the setting method selection screen Displaying on the operation display section, receiving selection of the setting method of the unique function from the setting method selection screen, and setting the unique function by the received setting method of the unique function. To.

  Further, the present invention includes an output information storage unit capable of storing the output information received by the communication unit, and is specific to a user who issues an output instruction for the output target data in the output information analyzed by the analysis unit. The function setting unit includes: a fourth determination unit that determines whether or not the user information that is information on the output or the output target data information that is unique information is included in the output target data to be output; When the fourth determination means determines that the user information or the output target data is included, the output information is stored in the output information storage means.

  Further, the present invention displays an output information selection screen for selecting the output information stored in the output information storage means when receiving an output instruction of the output target data by the user from the operation display unit, It further comprises display control means for accepting selection of the output information by a user from the output information selection screen, and the analysis means analyzes the output information accepted for selection by the display control means. .

  Further, the present invention provides storage means for storing unique function information including the setting method of the unique function, and when the output information is received by the communication means, the unique function information stored in the storage means is stored in the storage means. A function setting communication unit that transmits to the information processing apparatus and receives selection information indicating the setting method selected by the user for the unique function from the information processing apparatus, and the function setting unit includes: According to the selection information received by the function setting communication means, the unique function of the output device is set.

  Further, the present invention is an output device that is connected to an information processing device that generates output target data through a network and outputs the output target data. Among the functions other than the common functions of the plurality of output devices, Storage means for storing unique function information including a setting method for unique functions possessed by each of the output devices, and the unique function information stored in the storage means when the request for the unique function information is received from the information processing apparatus Is transmitted to the information processing apparatus, and unique function selection information indicating a setting method selected by the user for the unique function after the unique function information is transmitted by the function setting communication means. Output information including common function setting information indicating the setting of the common function and the output target data is received from the information processing apparatus. And communication means, in accordance with the output information received by the communication unit, an output device being characterized in that and a function setting means for setting the common function and the unique function wherein the output apparatus.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that the storage means stores the unique function information generated in a structured document format.

  In addition, the present invention is executed by an output processing system including an information processing device that generates output target data, and a plurality of output devices that are connected to the information processing device via a network and output the output target data. In the output processing method, an output information generation step of generating output information including common function setting information indicating common function settings of the plurality of output devices and the output target data by the information processing device, and the information processing A first communication step of transmitting the output information generated by the output information generation step by the device to the output device, wherein the output device receives the output information from the information processing device. And the common device for the output information received in the second communication step by the output device. Among the functions other than the common function in the setting information, which is an output processing method characterized by comprising: a function setting step of setting the unique function of the output apparatus.

  In addition, the present invention is executed by an output processing system including an information processing device that generates output target data, and a plurality of output devices that are connected to the information processing device via a network and output the output target data. In the output processing method, the information processing device selects a common function setting method possessed by the plurality of output devices and a unique function setting method possessed by each of the plurality of output devices among functions other than the common function. A display input receiving step for receiving a display of the unique function setting item for receiving selection of the setting method for the unique function on the output setting selection screen, and the information input device accepting the display of the unique function setting item by the display input receiving step. When the display is accepted, a request for unique function information including the method for setting the unique function is sent to the output device. And receiving the request for the unique function information from the information processing apparatus, and transmitting the unique function information stored in the storage means to the information processing apparatus. A second function setting communication step; a reception step of receiving the unique function information from the output device by the information processing device; a common function setting information indicating the setting of the common function by the information processing device; and the output Unique function selection information for generating output information including target data and indicating a setting method selected by the user for the unique function from the unique function information received in the first function setting communication step Generating the output information, and generating the unique function selection information generated by the output information generating step. An output information adding step for adding to the information; a first communication step for transmitting the output information to which the unique function selection information has been added in the output information adding step to the output device; and A second communication step of receiving the output information to which the unique function selection information is added from the information processing apparatus after transmitting the unique function information by the function setting communication step of 2; And a function setting step for setting the common function and the unique function of the output device according to the output information received in the communication step.

  In addition, the present invention provides an information processing method that is connected to a plurality of output devices that output output target data via a network and that is executed by the information processing device that generates the output target data. The common function of the plurality of output devices Output information generation step for generating output information including common function setting information indicating the setting of the output and the output target data, and a communication step for transmitting the output information generated by the output information generation step to the output device; , Including an information processing method.

  In addition, the present invention provides an information processing method that is connected to a plurality of output devices that output output target data via a network and that is executed by the information processing device that generates the output target data. The common function of the plurality of output devices Among the functions other than the common function, and a unique function that accepts the selection of the unique function setting method on the output setting selection screen that accepts selection of the unique function setting method of each of the plurality of output devices A display input receiving step for receiving a display of setting items; and a display of the unique function setting item received by the display input receiving step, a request for unique function information including a method for setting the unique function is transmitted to the output device. A function setting communication step of receiving the unique function information from the output device, and the common function A setting selected by the user for the unique function from the unique function information received by the function setting communication step, generating output information including common function setting information indicating settings and the output target data An output information generating step for generating unique function selection information indicating a method; an output information adding step for adding the unique function selection information generated by the output information generating step to the generated output information; and the output information adding step. A communication step of transmitting the output information to which the unique function selection information is added to the output device.

  In addition, the present invention relates to an output method that is connected to an information processing device that generates output target data through a network and that is executed by the output device that outputs the output target data. A common step in the common function setting information of the output information received in the communication step, and the output information received in the communication step A function setting step for setting a unique function of the output device among other functions.

  Further, the present invention provides a function other than the common functions of the plurality of output devices in an output method that is connected to an information processing device that generates output target data through a network and is executed by the output device that outputs the output target data. A request for unique function information including a unique function setting method of each of the plurality of output devices is received from the information processing device, and the unique function information stored in the storage unit is received by the information processing device. A function setting communication step for transmitting, and after transmitting the unique function information by the function setting communication step, unique function selection information indicating a setting method selected by a user for the unique function is added, Communication step of receiving output information including common function setting information indicating common function setting and the output target data from the information processing apparatus , In accordance with the output information received by the communication step, an output method characterized by including a function setting step of performing setting of the common function and the unique function wherein the output apparatus.

  The present invention is an information processing program that causes a computer to execute the information processing method according to claim 25 or 26.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an output program that causes a computer to execute the output method according to claim 27 or 28.

  According to the present invention, in the information processing apparatus, the output information generation unit generates output information including common function setting information indicating the setting of the common function included in the plurality of output apparatuses and output target data, and the first communication The means transmits the generated output information to the output device. In each of the plurality of output devices, the first communication means receives the output information from the information processing device, and the function setting means shares the received output information. Of the functions other than the common functions in the function setting information, the unique function of the output device is set. Therefore, on the information processing device side, the common function is set by common output information for the common functions in the plurality of output devices, and on the output device side, the unique function of the output device is set. On the side, output setting can be made for the unique function of the output device, while saving the trouble of providing output information generating means corresponding to a plurality of types of output devices. Further, in the information processing apparatus, there is no effect of causing troubles due to competition with other means by providing various output information generation means without acquiring information of a plurality of output apparatuses when performing output. Play.

  According to the present invention, in the information processing apparatus, after the first function setting communication means transmits the output information to the output apparatus, the first function setting communication means receives the unique function information including the unique function setting method from the output apparatus and outputs it. The information generation means generates selection information indicating the setting method selected by the user for the unique function from the received unique function information, and the first function setting communication means sends the generated selection information to the output device. In each of the plurality of output devices, the unique function information is stored by the storage means. When the second function setting communication means receives the output information, the unique function information stored in the storage means is stored as information. The information is transmitted to the processing device, and the selection information is received from the information processing device, and the function setting means sets the unique function of the output device according to the received selection information.

  Therefore, after transmitting output information including settings for common functions in a plurality of output devices generated on the information processing device side to the output device, selection information indicating a setting method for the unique functions of the output device further generated on the information processing device side Of the setting method for the unique function of the output device in the information processing device while saving the trouble of providing output information generation means corresponding to the output device of a plurality of models on the information processing device side. Selection becomes possible. Further, in the information processing apparatus, there is no effect of causing troubles due to competition with other means by providing various output information generation means without acquiring information of a plurality of output apparatuses when performing output. Play.

  Further, according to the present invention, in the information processing apparatus, the display input receiving unit includes a unique function setting method of the common function possessed by the plurality of output apparatuses, and each of the plurality of output apparatuses among the functions other than the common functions. When the display of the unique function setting item that accepts the selection of the setting method of the unique function on the output setting selection screen that accepts the selection of the setting method is accepted, and the first function setting communication means accepts the display of the unique function setting item The unique function information request including the unique function setting method is transmitted to the output device, the unique function information is received from the output device, and the output information generating means has the common function setting information indicating the setting of the common function and the output target data. Output information including the unique function selection information indicating the setting method selected by the user for the unique function from the received unique function information. And the output information adding means adds the generated unique function selection information to the generated output information, and the first communication means transmits the output information to which the unique function selection information is added to the output device. In each of the output devices, the unique function information is stored by the storage means, and the second function setting communication means receives the request for the unique function information from the information processing apparatus, and the unique function information stored in the storage means After the second communication means transmits the unique function information, the output information to which the unique function selection information is added is received from the information processing apparatus, and the function setting means receives the received output information. Accordingly, the common function and unique function of the output device are set.

  Therefore, the original function selection information indicating the setting method for the unique function of the output device generated on the information processing device side is added to the output information including the setting for the common function in the plurality of output devices generated on the information processing device side and transmitted. By setting the common function in the information processing apparatus and setting the unique function of the output apparatus in the information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus saves the trouble of providing output information generating means corresponding to a plurality of types of output apparatuses on the information processing apparatus side. Can be selected. Further, in the information processing apparatus, there is no effect of causing troubles due to competition with other means by providing various output information generation means without acquiring information of a plurality of output apparatuses when performing output. Play.

  Further, according to the present invention, the output information generation unit generates the output information including the common function setting information indicating the setting of the common function included in the plurality of output devices and the output target data, and the communication unit is generated. Send output information to the output device. Accordingly, output information including settings for common functions in a plurality of output devices generated on the information processing device side can be transmitted to the output device, so output information generation corresponding to a plurality of types of output devices on the information processing device side is possible. The trouble for providing the means can be saved. Furthermore, there is an effect that troubles due to competition with other means due to the provision of various output information generation means do not occur without acquiring information of a plurality of output devices when performing output.

  Further, according to the present invention, the output information generating means displays the unique function use selection screen for accepting selection of whether or not to use the unique function of each of the plurality of output devices among the functions other than the common function. Displayed on a possible display device, accepts either usage information indicating that the unique function is used or non-use information indicating that the unique function is not used. Accordingly, since the information processing apparatus can select whether or not the output apparatus uses the unique function, it is possible to specify a processing method for the unique function in the output apparatus when an output instruction is issued.

  Further, according to the present invention, the output information generation means generates unique function presence / absence information including either usage information or non-use information, and adds the generated unique function presence / absence information to the output information. Therefore, by transmitting the unique function presence / absence information in which the presence / absence of use of the unique function in the output device is transmitted, when the unique function is not used, an instruction to that effect can be transmitted to the output device. Further, the presence / absence of the unique function presence / absence information has an effect that it is possible to determine whether the output information is common output information for a common function in a plurality of output devices or output information dedicated to a specific output device.

  Further, according to the present invention, the output information generating means acquires specific information for specifying the content of the output information, and adds the acquired specific information to the output information. Therefore, since the output information transmitted from the information processing apparatus to the output apparatus can be specified, the output information can be selected by the output apparatus.

  Further, according to the present invention, the output information generation unit acquires specific information including user information that is information unique to a user who issues an output instruction for output target data. Therefore, user information can be included in the output information transmitted from the information processing apparatus to the output apparatus, so that the user can select his / her output information in the output apparatus.

  Further, according to the present invention, the output information generation means acquires specific information including output target data information that is information unique to the output target data to be output. Therefore, since the output target data information can be included in the output information transmitted from the information processing device to the output device, the output device can select the output information including the target output target data. Play.

  Further, according to the present invention, after the function setting communication means transmits the output information to the output device, the function setting communication means receives the unique function information including the unique function setting method from the output device, and the output information generating means receives the received unique function information. Selection information indicating the setting method selected by the user for the unique function is generated from the function information, and the function setting communication unit transmits the generated selection information to the output device. Therefore, after transmitting output information including settings for common functions in a plurality of output devices generated on the information processing device side to the output device, selection information indicating a setting method for the unique functions of the output device further generated on the information processing device side Of the setting method for the unique function of the output device in the information processing device while saving the trouble of providing output information generation means corresponding to the output device of a plurality of models on the information processing device side. Selection becomes possible. Further, in the information processing apparatus, there is no effect of causing troubles due to competition with other means by providing various output information generation means without acquiring information of a plurality of output apparatuses when performing output. Play.

  Further, according to the present invention, the output information generating means displays a setting method selection screen for accepting selection of the setting method of the unique function on the display device based on the received unique function information, and sets the unique function from the setting method selection screen. Selection of a method is accepted, and selection information is generated by the accepted setting method of the unique function. Therefore, on the information processing device side, the selection information indicating the setting method for the unique function of the output device generated by the unique function setting method received from the setting method selection screen is transmitted to the output device. In the information processing apparatus, it is possible to select a setting method for the unique function of the output device while omitting the trouble of providing output information generation means corresponding to a plurality of types of output devices. Further, in the information processing apparatus, there is no effect of causing troubles due to competition with other means by providing various output information generation means without acquiring information of a plurality of output apparatuses when performing output. Play.

  According to the present invention, the output information generating means generates selection information in a structured document format. Therefore, there is an effect that the selection information can be generated even for the unique function of the output device which is unknown on the information processing device side.

  Further, according to the present invention, the display input receiving means selects a common function setting method possessed by a plurality of output devices and a unique function setting method possessed by each of the plurality of output devices among functions other than the common functions. If the function setting communication means accepts the display of the unique function setting item, the display of the unique function setting item accepts the selection of the unique function setting method on the output setting selection screen. A request for unique function information is transmitted to the output device, the unique function information is received from the output device, and the output generation unit generates output information including common function setting information indicating the setting of the common function and output target data, Furthermore, from the received unique function information, unique function selection information indicating the setting method selected by the user for the unique function is generated, and the output information adding means generates The self function selection information, added to the generated output information, communication means, the output information unique function selection information is added, to the output device.

  Therefore, the original function selection information indicating the setting method for the unique function of the output device generated on the information processing device side is added to the output information including the setting for the common function in the plurality of output devices generated on the information processing device side and transmitted. Thus, the information processing device can save the trouble of providing output information generation means corresponding to a plurality of types of output devices, and before the information processing device transmits an output instruction to the output device, the common function Along with the setting, the setting method for the unique function of the output device can be selected. Further, in the information processing apparatus, there is no effect of causing troubles due to competition with other means by providing various output information generation means without acquiring information of a plurality of output apparatuses when performing output. Play.

  Further, according to the present invention, the display input accepting means displays the unique function setting items including the unique function setting method on the display device capable of displaying information according to the received unique function information, and sets the unique function. The selection of the setting method of the unique function is received from the item, and the output information generation unit generates the unique function selection information by the received setting method of the unique function. Therefore, the unique function of the output device generated by the unique function setting method received from the unique function setting item on the information processing device side in the output information including the setting for the common function in the plurality of output devices generated on the information processing device side By adding the unique function selection information indicating the setting method for and transmitting, the information processing device side saves the trouble of providing output information generation means corresponding to the output device of a plurality of models, in the information processing device, Before the output instruction is transmitted to the output device, it is possible to select the setting method for the unique function of the output device together with the setting of the common function. Further, in the information processing apparatus, there is no effect of causing troubles due to competition with other means by providing various output information generation means without acquiring information of a plurality of output apparatuses when performing output. Play.

  Further, according to the present invention, the communication means receives the output information including the common function setting information indicating the setting of the common function possessed by the output device and the other output device and the output target data from the information processing device, The setting means sets a unique function that the output device has among functions other than the common function in the common function setting information of the received output information. Therefore, even if there is a unique function that is not included in the common output information for the common function in the plurality of output devices received from the information processing device, the output device can be set for the unique function. Play.

  Further, according to the present invention, the analyzing means analyzes the received output information, and the first determining means includes the unique function presence / absence information indicating whether or not the unique function is used in the analyzed output information. If the second determination means determines that the unique function presence / absence information is included, whether or not the unique function presence / absence information includes usage information indicating that the unique function is used is determined. When the function setting means determines that the usage information is included, a setting method selection screen for accepting selection of the setting method of the unique function is displayed on the operation display unit, and the setting of the unique function is displayed from the setting method selection screen. Accepts the setting method selection and sets the unique function according to the accepted unique function setting method. Therefore, by receiving the output information including the unique function presence / absence information in which the presence / absence of use of the unique function is selected, when using the unique function, the output device can set the unique function. Further, the presence / absence of the unique function presence / absence information has an effect that it is possible to determine whether the output information is common output information for a common function in a plurality of output devices or output information dedicated to a specific output device.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the third determining means determines that the unique function presence / absence information is not included, whether or not the output function includes the unique function setting information indicating the setting of the unique function. And when the detection means determines that the output information does not include the unique function setting information, the function setting means detects whether or not the selection of a predetermined unique function setting method is accepted. However, when it is detected that the selection of the setting method of the unique function is accepted, the setting method selection screen is displayed on the operation display unit, the selection of the setting method of the unique function is accepted from the setting method selection screen, and the received Set the unique function according to the setting method. Therefore, when it is predetermined that the selection of the setting method for the unique function is accepted even when the unique function presence / absence information for selecting whether to use the unique function is not included in the received output information, the output device You can make settings for unique functions on the side. Further, the presence / absence of the unique function presence / absence information has an effect that it is possible to determine whether the output information is common output information for a common function in a plurality of output devices or output information dedicated to a specific output device.

  Further, according to the present invention, the fourth determination means includes user information, which is information specific to a user who issues an output instruction for output target data in the analyzed output information, or specific to the output target data to be output. It is determined whether or not output target data information that is information is included, and if the function setting means determines that user information or output target data is included, the output information is stored in the output information storage means To do. Therefore, when output information from a plurality of users is received, or when output information for a plurality of output target data from one or more users is received, output is performed in an order different from the order of the received output information. There is an effect that can be.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the display control unit receives an instruction to output the output target data from the operation display unit, the output information selection screen for selecting the output information stored in the output information storage unit is displayed. Displaying and receiving the selection of the output information by the user from the output information selection screen, the analysis means analyzes the output information that has received the selection. Therefore, when receiving output information from a plurality of users or receiving output information for a plurality of output target data from one or more users, the user can select his / her output information. In addition, it is possible to select output information including target output target data.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the function setting communication unit receives the output information, the function setting communication unit transmits the unique function information stored in the storage unit to the information processing apparatus and is selected by the user for the unique function. Selection information indicating the setting method is received from the information processing apparatus, and the function setting means sets the unique function of the output apparatus according to the received selection information. Therefore, by receiving the output information including the setting for the common function in the plurality of output devices generated on the information processing device side and the selection information indicating the setting method for the unique function of the output device generated on the information processing device side, On the processing device side, it is possible to perform output without setting common functions and unique functions on the output device side while omitting the trouble of providing output information generation means corresponding to a plurality of types of output devices. There is an effect.

  Further, according to the present invention, the function setting communication means receives the request for the unique function information from the information processing apparatus, transmits the unique function information stored in the storage means to the information processing apparatus, and the communication means After transmitting the function information, the unique function selection information indicating the setting method selected by the user is added to the unique function, and the output includes the common function setting information indicating the setting of the common function and the output target data. Information is received from the information processing apparatus, and the function setting means sets common functions and unique functions of the output apparatus according to the received output information. Accordingly, by receiving the output information including the setting for the common function in the plurality of output devices generated on the information processing device side, to which the unique function selection information indicating the setting method for the unique function of the output device is added, the information processing device On the output side, the output device side receives the settings of the common function and the unique function at the same time, and saves the effort for providing output information generation means corresponding to the output devices of a plurality of models. There is an effect that it can be performed.

  Further, according to the present invention, the storage means stores the unique function information generated in the structured document format. Therefore, it is possible to transmit unique function information that can generate selection information in the information processing apparatus even for the unique function of the output apparatus that is unknown on the information processing apparatus side.

  Exemplary embodiments of an output processing system, an information processing device, an output device, an output processing method, an information processing method, an output method, an information processing program, and an output processing program according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. This will be described in detail. In the following embodiment, an example in which the information processing apparatus according to the present invention is applied to a PC (Personal Computer) is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and output information for performing output in the output apparatus is shown. The present invention can be applied if it can be generated. In the following embodiments, an example in which the output device according to the present invention is applied to a printer is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a copying machine, a facsimile device, a scanner device having a function of performing output, The present invention can be applied to any apparatus having an output function, such as an MFP (multifunction device, multi-function peripheral) in which a plurality of functions such as copying, faxing, and printers are housed in one casing.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an output processing system including a PC and a printer according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the PC 100 according to the present embodiment is connected to a printer 130 and a printer 160 via a network 190. In this embodiment, the PC 100 is connected to two printers 130 and 160. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of connected printers can be increased or decreased.

  The network 190 is a telephone line, a wireless network, the Internet, and the like, and connects the PC 100 and the printers 130 and 160. In addition, as a connection method of the printers 130 and 160 and the PC 100, a case of a one-to-one connection by IEEE 1284, IEEE 1394, USB connection, or the like may be considered, but in this case, the printer 100 is mainly moved by moving as a mobile terminal. 130 and 160 will be connected.

  Next, details of the PC 100 will be described. The PC 100 generates print data that can be printed by the printers 130 and 160 and transmits a print instruction to the printers 130 and 160. The input device 101, the display device 102, the storage unit 120, and the input control unit 103, a display control unit 104, an application 105, a spooler 106, a printer driver 107, and a communication unit 108.

  The display device 102 is a device that displays characters and images, and displays various screens.

  The input device 101 is a pointing device such as a mouse, a trackball, or a trackpad, a keyboard, or the like. The user performs an operation input on the screen displayed on the display device 102, or the user creates various data. Input.

  The storage unit 120 is a storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a memory that stores various data.

  The input control unit 103 performs control to accept an operation input to the screen displayed on the display device 102 when the user operates the input device 101.

  The display control unit 104 performs control to display various screens generated by a printer driver 107 described later on the display device 102.

  The application 105 is software that operates on the PC 100, and edits and processes characters and images displayed on the display device 102 connected to the PC 100. For example, text editing software, spreadsheet software, image editing software, and the like. Corresponds to this. The application 105 passes various data to be printed and a print command to a printer driver 107 (to be described later) via a spooler 106 (to be described later).

  The spooler 106 temporarily stores (spools) various data and print instructions to be subjected to print instructions for the printers 130 and 160 in the storage unit 120 and sequentially passes them to the printer driver 107 described later.

  The printer driver 107 is software that generates print data that can be printed by the printers 130 and 160 from various data stored in the PC 100. Specifically, the printer driver 107 prints various data to be printed by the application 105. When an instruction is received via the spooler 106, PJL (Printer Job Language) data (output information) that can be interpreted by the printers 130 and 160 is generated from the data and the print instruction. In other words, the printer driver 107 has a common function that the printers 130 and 160 (a plurality of printers) have in common, that is, common function setting information that indicates the setting of the functions that all the connected printers have and the generated print data. Generate PJL data including.

  The printer driver 107 also receives a selection of whether or not to use a unique function that each of the printers 130 and 160 has among functions other than the common function, for example, a function that the printer 130 has but the printer 160 does not have. A function use selection screen is displayed on the display device 102, and either use information indicating that the unique function is used or nonuse information indicating that the unique function is not used is received from the input device 101. That is, when the usage information is received, it means that the unique functions are set in the printers 130 and 160, and when the usage information is received, it means that the unique functions are not set in the printers 130 and 160. To do. Then, the printer driver 107 generates unique function presence / absence information including either received use information or non-use information, and adds the generated unique function presence / absence information to the PJL data. Here, the common function is a function that all printers have in common, for example, functions such as paper size, paper feed tray, image quality, etc. The unique function is a plurality of functions other than the common function. The printer has functions such as a staple function and a punch function. However, these are not limited to the functions described above, and can be appropriately changed depending on the printer or PC to be applied.

  Details of the PJL data will be described here. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of PJL data generated by the printer driver. As shown in FIG. 2, the PJL data includes common function setting information indicating common function settings such as “A4” for the paper size and “Tray 2” for the paper feed tray. As shown in FIG. 2, the usage information (@PJL DEVICEDEPENDNTFEATURE = DEVICE) or the non-use information (@PJL DEVICEDEPENDNTFEATURE = OFF) selected by the user is included as the unique function presence / absence information. Further, print data is included. The common function setting information, usage information, and non-use information are generated by a PJL (Printer Job Language) command.

  The communication unit 108 transmits PJL data generated by the printer driver 107 to the printers 130 and 160.

  Next, details of the printer 130 will be described. The printer 130 prints print data received from the PC 100, and includes an operation display unit 131, a printing unit 132, a storage unit 150, a display input control unit 133, a print control unit 134, and a communication unit 135. The analyzing unit 136, the determining unit 137, the detecting unit 138, the function setting unit 139, and the stapling unit 140 are mainly provided.

  The operation display unit 131 includes a liquid crystal display unit and an operation unit (not shown), and various inputs can be made by the user from the operation unit, and the liquid crystal display unit can display various screens. Yes. Further, it may be configured such that various inputs can be made by a touch operation by a user from the screen displayed on the liquid crystal display unit.

  The printing unit 132 prints print data generated by the PC 100 on a paper medium or the like.

  The storage unit 150 is a storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a memory that stores print data received from the PC 100.

  The display input control unit 133 displays various screens for performing various settings on the liquid crystal display unit in the operation display unit 131 and performs operation inputs from the user to the screens displayed on the liquid crystal display unit from the operation unit. The control to accept is performed.

  The print control unit 134 performs control such as printing the print data received from the PC 100 by the printing unit 132.

  The communication unit 135 receives PJL data including common function setting information and print data generated in the PC 100 from the PC 100.

  The analysis unit 136 analyzes the PJL data received by the communication unit 135. Specifically, PJL data is read in units of lines by a known method, and PJL commands are analyzed.

  The determination unit 137 determines whether or not the PJL data analyzed by the analysis unit 136 includes unique function presence / absence information indicating whether or not the unique function is used. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the unique function presence / absence information is included in the analyzed PJL data depending on whether or not the @PJL DEVICEDEPENDNTFEATURE command shown in FIG. 2 exists. If the unique function presence / absence information is included, it is understood that the data is PJL data generated by the printer driver that generates PJL data for the common function, while if the unique function presence / absence information is not included, the print data It can be seen that the data is PJL data generated by a printer driver provided exclusively for the model of the printer that prints. That is, it can be determined by which printer driver the PJL data is generated based on the presence / absence of the unique function presence / absence information.

  If the determination unit 137 determines that the unique information presence / absence information is included in the print information, the unique function presence / absence information further includes whether the use information or the non-use information is included. Determine whether. Specifically, when @PJL DEVICEDEPENDNTFEATURE = DEVICE, it is determined that usage information is included, and when @PJL DEVICEDEPENDNTFEATURE = OFF, it is determined that non-use information is included. When the usage information is included, it is generated by the printer driver that generates PJL data for the common function, and it is understood that the printer 130 sets the unique function. On the other hand, when the non-use information is included, it is generated by the printer driver that generates PJL data for the common function, but it is understood that the unique function is not set in the printer 130. Use the set value.

  If it is determined that the unique function presence / absence information is not included, the determination unit 137 determines whether or not the PJL data includes unique function setting information (not shown) indicating the setting of the unique function. To do. Here, the unique function setting information is information indicating the setting of the unique function generated by the printer driver dedicated to the printer model that prints the print data. When the unique function setting information is included in the PJL data, the unique function setting is included in the PJL data generated by the printer driver dedicated to the printer model that prints the print data. On the other hand, if the PJL data does not include unique function setting information, it is not a printer driver dedicated to the printer model that prints the print data, but a printer driver of another printer, that is, a printer that desires printing of the print data It can be seen that the data is PJL data generated by the printer driver that is provided exclusively for other printer models.

  When the determination unit 137 determines that the unique function presence / absence information is not included in the PJL data, and the determination unit 138 determines that the unique function setting information is not included in the PJL data, the detection unit 138 stores the unique function setting information in the storage unit 150. The presence / absence of accepting selection of the setting method of the unique function is detected by the predetermined printer 130. That is, when it is determined that the selection of the setting method of the unique function is accepted, the setting of the unique function is performed in the printer 130, and when it is determined that the selection of the setting method of the unique function is not accepted, the printer In 130, the unique function is not set, and the unique function uses a standard set value.

  When the determination unit 137 determines that the usage information is included in the unique function presence / absence information of the PJL data, the function setting unit 139 displays a setting method selection screen for accepting selection of a unique function setting method on the operation display unit 131. indicate. In addition, the function setting unit 139 accepts selection of a setting method for the unique function by the user from the setting method selection screen. Then, the function setting unit 139 sets the unique function for the print data included in the PJL data by the received unique function setting method, and the print data is set according to the common function setting information included in the PJL data. Is used to set common functions. Further, when the determining unit 137 determines that the unique function presence / absence information of the PJL data includes non-use information, the function setting unit 139 sets the unique function for the print data with a standard setting value. The common function is set for the print data by the common function setting information included in the PJL data.

  In addition, when the PJL data does not include the unique function presence / absence information and the PJL data includes the unique function setting information, the function setting unit 139 uses the unique function setting information to specify the unique function for the print data. Settings are made, and common functions are set for the print data according to the common function setting information included in the PJL data.

  Further, when it is detected by the detection unit 138 that the selection of the setting method for the unique function is accepted, the function setting unit 139 displays a setting method selection screen on the operation display unit 131 as in the case where the usage information is included. indicate. In addition, the function setting unit 139 accepts selection of a setting method for the unique function by the user from the setting method selection screen. Then, the function setting unit 139 sets the unique function for the print data by the received unique function setting method, and sets the common function for the print data by the common function setting information included in the PJL data. Do. On the other hand, when the detection unit 138 detects that the selection of the setting method of the unique function is not accepted, the function setting unit 139 sets the unique function with the standard setting value for the print data and is included in the PJL data. The common function is set for the print data according to the common function setting information.

  The function setting unit 139 displays the setting method selection screen on the operation display unit 131 of the printer 130, but the function setting unit 139 is not limited to this, and the user can select the selection method by a method such as voice, radio wave, vibration, or the like. Any method may be used as long as the method is selectable by the user, such as presenting.

  The stapling unit 140 is a unique function of the printer 130 and performs a stapling process for binding a paper medium or the like on which print data is printed by the printing unit 132. For example, a process of binding the upper left point of the paper medium and a process of binding the left two points of the paper medium are performed.

  Next, details of the printer 160 will be described. Similar to the printer 130, the printer 160 prints print data received from the PC 100, and includes an operation display unit 131, a printing unit 132, a storage unit 150, a display input control unit 133, and a print control unit 134. A communication unit 135, an analysis unit 136, a determination unit 137, a detection unit 138, a function setting unit 139, and a punch unit 170. Here, the operation display unit 131, the printing unit 132, the storage unit 150, the display input control unit 133, the print control unit 134, the communication unit 135, the analysis unit 136, the determination unit 137, and the detection unit 138. Since the configuration and functions of the function setting unit 139 are the same as those of the printer 130, the description thereof is omitted.

  The punch unit 170 is a unique function of the printer 160, and performs a punching process for making a hole in a paper medium or the like on which print data is printed by the printing unit 132. For example, a process of making a hole at one upper left point of the paper medium or a process of making a hole at the two left points of the paper medium is performed.

  Next, a printing process in the output processing system including the PC 100 and the printers 130 and 160 according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be described. First, processing in the PC 100 will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of information processing by the PC according to the first embodiment. Hereinafter, an example in which print data transmitted from the PC 100 is printed by the printer 130 will be described.

  First, when the input control unit 103 receives an operation input of a print instruction by a user from the input device 101, the application 105 sends various data to be printed and a print instruction to the printer driver 107 via the spooler 106. hand over. Based on the received data and the print instruction, the printer driver 107 PJL data for the common functions of the printers 130 and 160 (a plurality of printers), that is, common function setting information and print data indicating the settings of the common functions of the printers 130 and 160. PJL data including these is generated (step S301).

  Next, the printer driver 107 displays on the display device 102 a unique function use selection screen that accepts selection of whether or not the unique function is used (step S302). Here, the unique function use selection screen displayed on the display device 102 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the unique function use selection screen displayed on the display device. As shown in FIG. 4, on the unique function use selection screen, check boxes for “use by setting with a printer” and “do not use” whether or not the unique function is used are displayed. Then, when the user selects the former check box and inputs the click operation of the “OK” button, it means that the usage information indicating that the unique function is used has been accepted, and the latter check box is selected to select “OK”. When the user clicks on the "" button, the non-use information indicating that the original function is not used is accepted.

  Then, the printer driver 107 determines whether usage information has been received from the unique function usage selection screen (step S303). When the usage information is received from the unique function usage selection screen (step S303: Yes), the usage information is added to the PJL data generated in step S301 (step S304).

  On the other hand, when non-use information is received from the unique function use selection screen (step S303: No), the non-use information is added to the PJL data generated in step S301 (step S305). Then, the communication unit 108 transmits the PJL data generated by the printer driver 107 to the printer 130 (step S306).

  Next, processing in the printer 130 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the printing process by the printer in the first embodiment. In the following, as in FIG. 3, an example in which print data transmitted from the PC 100 is printed by the printer 130 is shown.

  First, the communication unit 135 receives PJL data transmitted from the PC 100 (step S501). Next, the analysis unit 136 analyzes the PJL data received by the communication unit 135 (step S502). Then, the determination unit 137 determines whether or not the unique function presence / absence information is included in the PJL data analyzed by the analysis unit 136 (step S503). When it is determined that the unique function presence / absence information is included (step S503: Yes), the determination unit 137 determines whether the unique function presence / absence information includes usage information (step S504). When it is determined that the usage information is included in the unique function presence / absence information (step S504: Yes), the function setting unit 139 displays a setting method selection screen for accepting selection of the setting method of the unique function on the operation display unit 131. (Step S505).

  Here, the setting method selection screen displayed on the operation display unit 131 will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting method selection screen displayed on the operation display unit. As shown in FIG. 6, in the unique function use selection screen, as a setting method for stapling processing that is a unique function of the printer 130, an “off” check box indicating that stapling processing is not performed, and stapling processing at one point on the upper left are performed. A check box of “1 point on the upper left” indicating that it is to be applied and a check box of “2 points on the left” indicating that the stapling process is to be applied to the left 2 points are displayed. Then, a check box for any setting method by the user and a click operation input of the “OK” button are received from the operation display unit 131, and the unique function is set by the received setting method.

  Next, the function setting unit 139 determines whether or not the user has selected the setting method for the unique function from the setting method selection screen (step S506). If the selection of the unique function setting method by the user is not accepted (step S506: No), the process returns to step S506 again to perform the process. On the other hand, when the selection of the unique function setting method by the user is received (step S506: Yes), the function setting unit 139 is unique to the print data included in the PJL data by the received unique function setting method. The function is set, and the common function is set for the print data according to the common function setting information included in the PJL data (step S507). For example, in the stapling process, which is a unique function of the printer 130, when a setting method for performing stapling on the upper left point is selected, setting for performing stapling on the upper left point on the print data is performed.

  In step S504, when the determination unit 137 determines that the usage information is not included in the unique function presence / absence information, that is, when it is determined that the non-use information is included (step S504: No), A unique function is set as a standard setting value for the print data, and a common function is set for the print data by the common function setting information included in the PJL data. For example, in a stapling process that is a unique function of the printer 130, when a setting method that does not perform stapling is selected as a standard setting value, a setting that does not perform stapling is performed on print data.

  In step S503, when the determining unit 137 determines that the unique function presence / absence information is not included in the PJL data (step S503: No), the function setting unit 139 includes the unique function setting information in the PJL data. It is determined whether or not it is (step S508). If it is determined that the unique function setting information is included in the PJL data (step S508: Yes), the function setting unit 139 sets the unique function for the print data based on the unique function setting information. The common function is set for the print data according to the common function setting information included in (step S507). For example, in the stapling process, which is a unique function of the printer 130, if the PJL data includes unique function setting information indicating that stapling is performed at the upper left point, the stapling process is performed on the print data at the upper left point. Set up.

  On the other hand, in step S508, when the function setting unit 139 determines that the unique function setting information is not included in the PJL data (step S508: No), the detection unit 138 is predetermined in the storage unit 150. The printer 130 detects whether or not the selection of the setting method for the unique function is accepted. That is, the printer 130 displays a setting method selection screen to detect whether or not to accept a setting method selection (step S509).

  When the detection unit 138 detects that the printer 130 accepts the setting method selection (step S509: Yes), the process proceeds to step S505, and the setting method selection screen is displayed as in the case where the usage information is included in the PJL data. Then, the selection of the setting method for the unique function is accepted (steps S505 and S506). Then, the function setting unit 139 sets the unique function for the print data by the received unique function setting method, and sets the common function for the print data by the common function setting information included in the PJL data. This is performed (step S507).

  On the other hand, when the detection unit 138 detects that the setting method selection is not accepted by the detection unit 138 in step S509 (step S509: No), the unique function is set with the standard setting value for the print data, and the PJL data The common function is set for the print data according to the common function setting information included in (step S507). Then, according to the function set by the function setting unit 139, the print control unit 134 performs print processing of print data included in the PJL data (step S510).

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the PJL data including the common function setting information, the print data, and the unique function presence / absence information generated by the printer driver 107 in the PC 100 is transmitted to the printer 130. When the unique function of the printer 130 is used, the unique function is set and the print data is printed. In other words, the PC 100 performs common function settings, and the printer 130 performs unique function settings of the printer 130, thereby saving the trouble of providing the PC 100 with printer drivers corresponding to a plurality of types of printers. Print settings can be made for 130 unique functions. Further, the PC 100 does not acquire information about a plurality of printers when printing, and does not suffer from problems due to competition with other printer drivers due to the provision of various printer drivers (software).

  Further, since the PC 100 can select whether or not to use the unique function of the printer 130, the processing method for the unique function in the printer 130 can be selected by the PC 100 when issuing a print instruction. Further, by transmitting the unique function presence / absence information in which the presence / absence of use of the unique function in the printer 130 is selected, an instruction to that effect can be transmitted to the printer 130 when the unique function is not used. Also, it can be determined whether the PJL data is common to a common function in a plurality of printers, or is PJL data dedicated to a specific printer, based on the presence / absence of unique function presence / absence information.

  In the printer 130, even if there is a unique function that is not included in the PJL data received from the PC 100, the printer 130 can set the unique function. That is, by receiving the PJL data including the unique function presence / absence information in which the presence / absence of use of the unique function is selected, when using the unique function, the printer 130 can set the unique function. Also, it can be determined whether the PJL data is common to a common function in a plurality of printers or is PJL data dedicated to a specific printer, depending on the presence / absence of unique function presence / absence information. Furthermore, if it is determined in advance that the selection of the setting method for the unique function is accepted even when the unique function presence / absence information for selecting whether to use the unique function is not included in the received PJL data, You can make settings for unique functions.

(Second Embodiment)
The output processing system according to the first embodiment adds the unique function presence / absence information to the PJL data in the PC and transmits it to the printer. However, in the output processing system according to the second embodiment, the PJL is further executed in the PC. The specific information for specifying the contents of the PJL data is added to the data and transmitted to the printer.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an output processing system including a PC and a printer according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, a PC 700 according to this embodiment is connected to a printer 730 and a printer 760 via a network 190. In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the PC 700 is connected to two printers 730 and 760. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of printers to be connected is not limited to this. It is possible to increase or decrease. Here, the function and configuration of the network 190 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  Next, details of the PC 700 will be described. The PC 700 generates print data that can be printed by the printers 730 and 760, and transmits a print instruction to the printers 730 and 760. The input device 101, the display device 102, the storage unit 120, and the input control unit 103, a display control unit 104, an application 105, a spooler 106, a printer driver 707, and a communication unit 708.

  Here, the functions and configurations of the input device 101, the display device 102, the storage unit 120, the input control unit 103, the display control unit 104, the application 105, and the spooler 106 are the same as those in the first embodiment. Therefore, the description is omitted.

  The printer driver 707 acquires specific information for specifying the contents of the PJL data in addition to the function of the printer driver in the first embodiment, and adds the acquired specific information to the PJL data. Here, the specific information includes a user name that is information specific to a user who issues a print data print instruction, a document name that is information specific to the print data, and the like. That is, the printer driver 707 acquires the user name and document name as such specific information from the PJL data, and adds the acquired user name and document name to the PJL data. Note that the specific information is not limited to the user name and the document name, and any information can be used as the specific information as long as it specifies the contents of the PJL data. For example, as specific information, instead of a user name, information that can identify a user such as a user ID or an IP address, or a login name that can be easily recognized by the user (person) and other users, Can also be used. Further, as the specific information, any information can be used as long as the information represents not the document name but the contents of the document.

  The communication unit 708 transmits PJL data including the user name and document name generated by the printer driver 707 to the printers 730 and 760.

  Next, details of the printer 730 will be described. The printer 730 prints print data received from the PC 700, and includes an operation display unit 131, a printing unit 132, a storage unit 150, a data storage unit 751, a display input control unit 733, and a print control unit 134. A communication unit 735, an analysis unit 736, a determination unit 737, a detection unit 138, a function setting unit 739, and a stapling unit 140.

  Here, the functions and configurations of the operation display unit 131, the printing unit 132, the storage unit 150, the print control unit 134, the detection unit 138, and the stapling unit 140 are the same as those in the first embodiment. Description is omitted.

  The communication unit 735 receives, from the PC 700, common function setting information, print data, and PJL data including a user name and document name as specific information generated in the PC 700.

  The data storage unit 751 is a storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a memory that can store the PJL data received by the communication unit 735.

  In addition to the function of the display input control unit in the first embodiment, the display input control unit 733 is stored in the data storage unit 751 when receiving a print data print instruction from the operation display unit 131 by the user. A data selection screen for selecting PJL data including print data to be printed is displayed on the operation display unit 131 from the PJL data being received, and the user selects PJL data from the data selection screen.

  The analysis unit 736 analyzes the PJL data received by the display input control unit 733 in addition to the function of the analysis unit in the first embodiment.

  The determination unit 737 includes, in addition to the function of the determination unit in the first embodiment, the PJL data analyzed by the analysis unit 736 includes a user name that issues a print data print instruction or a print data document name to be printed. This is to determine whether or not As a result, even when a plurality of users use the printer 130 at the same time, it is possible to eliminate the inconvenience that it is impossible to determine which user has issued a print instruction.

  If the determination unit 737 determines that the user name or the document name is included in addition to the function of the function setting unit in the first embodiment, the function setting unit 739 stores the PJL data in the data storage unit 751. To save.

  Next, details of the printer 760 will be described. The printer 760 prints print data received from the PC 700, and includes an operation display unit 131, a printing unit 132, a storage unit 150, a data storage unit 751, a display input control unit 733, and a print control unit 134. And a communication unit 735, an analysis unit 736, a determination unit 737, a detection unit 138, a function setting unit 739, and a punch unit 170. Here, the operation display unit 131, the printing unit 132, the storage unit 150, the data storage unit 751, the display input control unit 733, the print control unit 134, the communication unit 735, the analysis unit 736, and the determination unit. Since the configurations and functions of 737, the detection unit 138, and the function setting unit 739 are the same as those of the printer 730, description thereof is omitted. Moreover, since the structure and function of the punch part 170 are the same as that of 1st Embodiment, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Next, print processing in the output processing system including the PC 700 and printers 730 and 760 according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be described. First, processing in the PC 700 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of information processing by the PC according to the second embodiment. In the following, an example in which print data transmitted from the PC 700 is printed by the printer 730 is shown.

  The processing from the generation of PJL data by the printer driver 707 to the addition of non-use information to the PJL data (steps S801 to S805) is the same as the processing in the PC of the first embodiment, and the description is omitted ( Steps S301 to S305).

  Next, the printer driver 707 acquires a user name as specific information from the PJL data (step S806). In addition, the printer driver 707 acquires a document name as specific information from the PJL data (step S807). Next, the printer driver 707 adds the acquired user name to the PJL data (step S808). In addition, the printer driver 707 adds the acquired document name to the PJL data (step S809). Then, the communication unit 708 transmits the PJL data generated by the printer driver 707 to the printer 730 (step S810).

  Next, processing in the printer 730 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of PJL data storage processing by the printer according to the second embodiment. Hereinafter, an example in which the PJL data transmitted from the PC 700 is stored in the printer 730 will be described.

  First, the communication unit 735 receives PJL data transmitted from the PC 700 (step S901). Next, the analysis unit 736 analyzes the PJL data received by the communication unit 735 (step S902). Then, the determination unit 737 determines whether or not the PJL data analyzed by the analysis unit 136 includes a user name or document name as specific information (step S903). If the determination unit 737 determines that neither the user name nor the document name is included (step S903: No), the process is directly exited.

  On the other hand, when the determination unit 737 determines that the user name or document name is included (step S903: Yes), the function setting unit 739 stores the received PJL data in the data storage unit 751 (step S904). .

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a print processing procedure by the printer according to the second embodiment. In the following, as in FIG. 8, an example in which print data transmitted from the PC 700 is printed by the printer 730 is shown.

  First, the display input control unit 733 receives a print instruction from a user (step S1001). When receiving the print instruction, the display input control unit 733 determines whether or not PJL data is stored in the data storage unit 751 (step S1002). If the PJL data is not stored in the data storage unit 751 (step S1002: No), the process is left as it is.

  On the other hand, when PJL data is stored in the data storage unit 751 (step S1002: Yes), the display input control unit 733 displays a data selection screen for selecting PJL data on the operation display unit 131 (step S1003). Here, the data selection screen displayed on the operation display unit 131 will be described. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data selection screen displayed on the operation display unit. As shown in FIG. 11, the data selection screen displays a plurality of user names such as “Suzuki” and document names such as “conference holding notification” included in the PJL data stored in the data storage unit 751. ing. Then, selection of PJL data desired to be printed by the user and input of clicking operation of the “OK” button are received from the operation display unit 131, and the received PJL data is processed.

  Then, the display input control unit 733 determines whether or not the user has received selection of PJL data from the data selection screen (step S1004). When selection of PJL data is not accepted (step S1004: No), the process returns to step S1004 again to perform processing.

  On the other hand, when the selection of PJL data is received by the display input control unit 733 (step S1004: Yes), the analysis unit 736 analyzes the PJL data that has received the selection (step S1005). The flow from the determination of whether or not the unique function presence / absence information is included in the PJL data by the determination unit 737 to the print processing of the print data by the print control unit 134 (steps S1006 to 1013) is the first implementation. Since it is the same as the process in the embodiment, the description is omitted (steps S503 to 510).

  In this embodiment, the target PJL data is selected using the user name (user information) and the document name (output target data information) as specific information. May be used. For example, in addition to the above, information useful for selecting PJL data, such as printing time, number of printed sheets, number of copies, whether color printing or black-and-white printing, and double-sided printing, is added to the PJL data as specific information and transmitted to the printer. May be. In addition, these pieces of information are used by the user who has issued a print instruction in the printer to search for target print data, and are easily distinguished when a single user transmits a plurality of print data. Both the user name and the document name are transmitted, but it is not always necessary to transmit both, and it is sufficient to transmit the PJL data including information that can be appropriately selected on the printer side.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, PJL data generated by the printer driver 707 in the PC 700 and including the common function setting information, print data, unique function presence / absence information, the user name and the document name as specific information is printed on the printer. The printer 730 stores the received PJL data. Then, when performing printing, after selecting desired print data to be printed, when the unique function of the printer 730 is used, the unique function is set and the print data is printed. In other words, the PC 700 sets common functions, and the printer 730 sets the unique functions of the printer 730, thereby saving the trouble of providing the PC 700 with printer drivers corresponding to a plurality of types of printers. The print setting can be made for the unique function 730. Furthermore, the PC 700 does not acquire information on a plurality of printers when printing, and does not suffer from problems due to competition with other printer drivers due to the provision of various printer drivers (software).

  Further, since the PJL data can be specified by including the user name and document name in the PJL data transmitted from the PC 700 to the printer 730, the user can select his / her own PJL data in the printer 730. Or PJL data including target print data can be selected. That is, when PJL data from a plurality of users is received or PJL data for a plurality of print data from one or a plurality of users is received, printing is performed in an order different from the order of the received PJL data. Can do.

(Third embodiment)
In the output processing system according to the first embodiment, printing is performed by selecting a setting method for the unique function of the printer on the printer side. However, in the output processing system according to the third embodiment, On the PC side, the setting method for the unique function of the printer is selected, and the selected setting method for the unique function is transmitted to the printer for printing.

  FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an output processing system including a PC and a printer according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, the PC 1200 according to the present embodiment is connected to a printer 1230 and a printer 1260 via a network 190. In the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the PC 1200 is connected to two printers 1230 and 1260. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of printers to be connected is not limited to this. It is possible to increase or decrease. Here, the function and configuration of the network 190 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  Next, details of the PC 1200 will be described. The PC 1200 generates print data that can be printed by the printers 1230 and 1260, and transmits print instructions to the printers 1230 and 1260. The input device 101, the display device 102, the storage unit 120, and the input control unit 103, a display control unit 104, an application 105, a spooler 106, a printer driver 1207, a communication unit 708, an analysis unit 1209, and a function setting communication unit 1210.

  Here, the functions and configurations of the input device 101, the display device 102, the storage unit 120, the input control unit 103, the display control unit 104, the application 105, and the spooler 106 are the same as those in the first embodiment. Since the function and configuration of the communication unit 708 are the same as those of the second embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  The function setting communication unit 1210 receives the unique function information from the printers 1230 and 1260 after transmitting the PJL data to the printers 1230 and 1260 by the communication unit 708. Here, the unique function information is data including the unique functions provided in the printers 1230 and 1260, the unique function setting method, the display method of the setting method, and the like. It is generated in the XML (eXtensible Markup Language) format. In this embodiment, the unique function information is generated in the XML format. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and is generated in a structured document format other than XML, or generated in another format. You may comprise as follows.

  Here, the details of the unique function information will be described. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of unique function information transmitted from the printer to the PC. As shown in FIG. 13, the unique function information is generated in the XML format, and there are three unique function setting method options (OPTION) for the unique function (FEATURE) STAPLE of the printer 1230. , OFF (off), TOPLEFT (upper left one point), and LEFTTWO (left two points). Further, in TOPLEFT, it is instructed to set the display character string (DISPLAYNAME) to ““ one point on the upper left ”, and image data such as an icon to be displayed at that time is attached. In addition, when the setting method of this TOPLEFT (upper left one point) is selected by the user, the information to be sent as selection information indicating the selected setting method is "" @PJL SET STAPLE = TOPLEFT \ x0A "" Is also described. As described above, the printer driver 1207 can acquire information such as the name of the unique function, the setting method candidate, and the display name thereof from the received unique function information. Display the selection screen.

  Also, the function setting communication unit 1210 transmits selection information generated by the printer driver 1207 and indicating the setting method selected by the user for the unique function to the printers 1230 and 1260.

  Here, details of the selection information will be described. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of selection information transmitted from the PC to the printer. As shown in FIG. 14, the selection information is generated in the XML format, and indicates that the unique function setting method TOPLEFT (one point on the upper left) is selected for the unique function STAPLE. Yes. Accordingly, the printer that has received the selection information can obtain the same result as the setting method of the unique function received from the setting method selection screen in FIG. 6 of the first embodiment.

  The analysis unit 1209 analyzes the unique function information received by the function setting communication unit 1210. In the present embodiment, the unique function information is generated in an XML (eXtensible Markup Language) format that is one of structured document formats. For this reason, the analysis unit 1209 is, for example, an XML parser. Here, XML is a markup language having both a function for defining a logical structure of a document provided in SGML (Standard Generalized Markup Language) and a function for distributing information on the Web (World Wide Web). By separating the definition of the format information from the definition of the structure, the definition of the document structure can be strictly performed.

  In addition to the functions of the printer driver in the second embodiment, the printer driver 1207 selects the unique function setting method while analyzing the unique function information in the XML format received by the function setting communication unit 1210 by the analysis unit 1209. The received setting method selection screen is displayed on the display device 102. The printer driver 1207 displays the received unique function information in the XML format, thereby displaying information such as the name of the unique function, the setting method candidate, and the display name thereof on the setting method selection screen. Then, the printer driver 1207 accepts selection of the unique function setting method by the user from the setting method selection screen, and generates selection information by the accepted unique function setting method. This selection information is also generated in the XML format, like the unique function information. Further, the selection information may be generated not only in a structured document format other than XML but also in other formats.

  Next, details of the printer 1230 will be described. The printer 1230 prints print data received from the PC 1200, and includes an operation display unit 131, a printing unit 132, a storage unit 150, a data storage unit 751, a display input control unit 733, and a print control unit 134. A communication unit 735, an analysis unit 1236, a function setting unit 1239, a function setting communication unit 1241, and a stapling unit 140.

  Here, the functions and configurations of the operation display unit 131, the printing unit 132, the printing control unit 134, and the stapling unit 140 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the data storage unit 751, the display input control unit, and the like. Since the functions and configurations of 733 and the communication unit 735 are the same as those of the second embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  The storage unit 150 is a storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a memory that stores unique function information to be transmitted in response to a request from the PC 1200 in addition to the function of the storage unit in the second embodiment.

  The function setting communication unit 1241 transmits the unique function information stored in the storage unit 150 to the PC 1200 when the communication unit 735 receives the PJL data transmitted from the PC 1200. The function setting communication unit 1241 receives selection information transmitted from the PC 1200.

  The analysis unit 1236 analyzes the selection information received by the function setting communication unit 1241 in addition to the function of the analysis unit in the second embodiment, and is, for example, an XML parser.

  In addition to the function of the function setting unit in the second embodiment, the function setting unit 1239 has the printer 1230 for print data according to the selection information received by the function setting communication unit 1241 and analyzed by the analysis unit 1236. This is for setting unique functions.

  Next, details of the printer 1260 will be described. The printer 1260 prints print data received from the PC 1200, and includes an operation display unit 131, a printing unit 132, a storage unit 150, a data storage unit 751, a display input control unit 733, and a print control unit 134. A communication unit 735, an analysis unit 1236, a function setting unit 1239, a function setting communication unit 1241, and a punch unit 170. Here, the operation display unit 131, the printing unit 132, the storage unit 150, the data storage unit 751, the display input control unit 733, the print control unit 134, the communication unit 735, the analysis unit 1236, and the function setting. The configurations and functions of the unit 1239 and the function setting communication unit 1241 are the same as those of the printer 730, and thus description thereof is omitted. Moreover, since the structure and function of the punch part 170 are the same as that of 1st Embodiment, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Next, print processing in the output processing system including the PC 1200 and the printers 1230 and 1260 according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be described. First, the flow of print processing performed in the output processing system will be described. FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the flow of printing processing in the output processing system. In the following, an example in which print data transmitted from the PC 1200 is printed by the printer 1230 is shown.

  First, when the PC 1200 receives a print instruction operation input from the user, the PC 1200 generates PJL data (step S1301). Then, the PC 1200 transmits the generated PJL data to the printer 1230 (step S1302). Upon receiving the PJL data, the printer 1230 transmits unique function information to the PC 1200 (step S1303).

  The PC 1200 displays a setting method selection screen from the received unique function information, and generates selection information according to the unique function setting method selected by the user received from the setting method selection screen (step S1304). The PC 1200 transmits the generated selection information to the printer 1230 (step S1305). Upon receiving the selection information, the printer 1230 performs print data printing processing according to the PJL data and the selection information (step S1306).

  Next, processing in the PC 1200 will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of information processing by the PC according to the third embodiment. First, after performing the processing in FIG. 8 in the second embodiment, the PC 1200 performs the processing in FIG. 16 described below.

  First, after the PJL data is transmitted in step S810 of FIG. 8 by the communication unit 708, the function setting communication unit 1210 enters a connection wait state waiting for connection from the printer 1230 (step S1401). The connection waiting state indicates a state in which, for example, a socket that is an application program interface (AIP) for a network is created in TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) communication, and waiting for input by a listen command. .

  Then, the function setting communication unit 1210 determines whether or not there is a connection from the printer 1230 (step S1402). If there is no connection from the printer 1230 (step S1402: No), the process returns to step S1401 again to perform processing. On the other hand, when there is a connection from the printer 1230 (step S1402: Yes), the function setting communication unit 1210 receives the XML-format unique function information transmitted from the printer 1230 (step S1403). Upon reception by the function setting communication unit 1210, the analysis unit 1209 analyzes the unique function information in the XML format (step S1404). The printer driver 1207 displays the unique function information on the display device 102 as a setting method selection screen while analyzing the unique function information in the XML format by the analysis unit 1209 (step S1405). This setting information selection screen is the same as the setting information selection screen described with reference to FIG. 6 of the first embodiment.

  Next, the printer driver 1207 determines whether or not the user has received selection of the setting method for the unique function from the setting method selection screen (step S1406). If selection of the unique function setting method has not been accepted (step S1406: NO), the process returns to step S1406 again to perform processing. On the other hand, when the selection of the unique function setting method is received (step S1406: YES), the printer driver 1207 generates selection information in the XML format by the received unique function setting method (step S1407).

  The function setting communication unit 1210 transmits the selection information generated by the printer driver 1207 to the printer 1230 (step S1408).

  Next, processing in the printer 1230 will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a print processing procedure by the printer according to the third embodiment. In the following, as in FIG. 16, an example in which print data transmitted from the PC 1200 is printed by the printer 1230 is shown.

  First, the communication unit 735 receives PJL data transmitted from the PC 1200 (step S1701). When the PLJ data is received by the communication unit 735, the function setting communication unit 1241 determines whether or not it can be connected to the PJL data transmission source, that is, the PC 1200 (step S1702). If connection to the PC 1200 is not possible, that is, connection is impossible (step S1702: No), the process returns to step S1701 again to perform processing.

  On the other hand, if connection to the PC 1200 is possible (step S1702: Yes), the function setting communication unit 1241 transmits the unique function information stored in the storage unit 150 to the PC 1200 (step S1703).

  Next, the function setting communication unit 1241 determines whether selection information has been received from the PC 1200 (step S1704). When selection information is not received from PC1200 (step S1704: No), it returns to step S1704 again and performs a process. On the other hand, when selection information is received from the PC 1200 (step S1704: YES), the analysis unit 1236 analyzes the selection information received by the function setting communication unit 1241 (step S1705). The analysis unit 1236 analyzes the PJL data received by the communication unit 735 in step S1701 (step S1706).

  Then, the function setting unit 1239 sets a unique function for the print data included in the PJL data based on the analyzed selection information, and is common to the print data based on the common function setting information included in the PJL data. A function is set (step S1707). For example, in the stapling process, which is a unique function of the printer 1230, when a setting method for performing stapling on the upper left point is selected, setting for performing stapling on the upper left point is performed on the print data. Then, according to the function set by the function setting unit 1239, the print control unit 134 performs print processing of the print data included in the PJL data (step S1708).

  In the present embodiment, the unique function information transmitted from the printer to the PC for setting the unique function has a configuration having a choice of a unique function name and a unique function setting method. It can also be stored as a database on the side. In this case, for example, by transmitting information that can identify the model such as the product name of the printer from the printer, it is possible to identify the unique function of the corresponding printer model in the PC. In addition, as in the present embodiment, the printer can send information about the unique function even when the unique model is upgraded in the same model. Furthermore, although XML format data is used in this embodiment, any data format may be used as long as necessary information can be transmitted. Further, since the XML format is a meta language in which an extension method is defined, there is an advantage that it can easily be applied to a new printer model in the future.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, after the PC 1200 transmits PJL data to the printer 1230, the unique function information is received from the printer 1230, and the printer driver 1207 generates selection information from the received unique function information. Then, the generated selection information is transmitted to the printer 1230. Then, the printer 1230 that has received the PJL data and the selection information sets the common function and the unique function of the printer 1230 according to the received PJL data and the selection information, and performs printing. As a result, it is possible to select a setting method for the unique function of the printer 1230 in the PC 1200 while omitting the trouble of providing the PC 1200 with printer drivers corresponding to a plurality of types of printers. Furthermore, the printer 1200 does not acquire information on a plurality of printers when printing, and does not suffer from problems due to competition with other printer drivers due to the provision of various printer drivers (software).

  In addition, the printer 1230 transmits the unique function information generated in the XML format to the PC 1200, and the printer driver 1207 in the PC 1200 generates selection information in the XML format. Accordingly, the PC 1200 can transmit unique function information that can generate selection information even for the unique function of the printer 1230 that is unknown to the PC 1200, and the PC 1200 can also generate selection information for the unique function of the printer 1230 that is unknown. it can. Further, by generating information to be transmitted / received between the printer 1230 and the PC 1200 in the XML format, it is possible to extend and understand future unknown functions.

  Also, when setting the unique functions of the printer on the printer side, the user moves to the printer after giving a print instruction on the PC, and after the print function is set after further setting of the unique function on the printer, printing is performed. When there are a large number of copies, the user has to wait until the printing process is completed in front of the printer. However, in this embodiment, since the PC 1200 can set common functions and unique functions, printing can be performed. Even if the number of copies is large, it is not necessary to wait on the printer 1230 side.

(Fourth embodiment)
In the output processing system according to the third embodiment, after transmitting the PJL data, the PC selects a setting method for the unique function of the printer, and transmits the selected unique function setting method to the printer for printing. However, in the fourth embodiment, the PC selects the setting method for the unique function of the printer, and the selected unique function setting method is included in the PJL data and transmitted to the printer. Printing is performed.

  Since the configurations of the PC and the printer according to this embodiment are the same as those of the third embodiment, a configuration having functions different from those of the third embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. . First, the PC 1200 will be described.

  The printer driver 1207 displays on the display device 102 a print setting selection screen for accepting selection of a common function setting method possessed by the printers 1230 and 1260 and a unique function setting method possessed by each of the printers 1230 and 1260. This print setting selection screen is provided with a common function setting tab displayed to accept selection of a common function setting method and a unique function setting tab displayed to accept selection of a unique function setting method. The printer driver 1207 receives the display of the unique function setting tab when the user presses the unique function setting tab.

  Also, the printer driver 1207 accepts the common function setting method selected by the user from the common function setting tab, and, as with the printer driver in the third embodiment, PJL including common function setting information and print data. Generate data. Further, after receiving the display of the unique function setting tab, the printer driver 1207 is received by the function setting communication unit 1210 described later, and the setting method of the unique function included in the unique function information analyzed by the analysis unit 1209 is displayed. The unique function setting tab including the unique function setting method is displayed on the display device 102 by the display method or the like, and the setting method of the unique function selected by the user from the unique function setting tab is received. Also, the printer driver 1207 generates unique function selection information by the received unique function setting method, and adds the generated unique function selection information to the generated PJL data.

  When the printer driver 1207 accepts the display of the unique function setting tab, the function setting communication unit 1210 transmits a request for unique function information including the unique function setting method to the printers 1230 and 1260, and sends the unique function information to the printers 1230 and 1230. 1260 is received.

  The communication unit 708 transmits the PJL data to which the unique function selection information is added by the printer driver 1207 to the printers 1230 and 1260.

  Next, the printer 1230 will be described. The printer 1260 is different in that the printer 1260 does not include the staple unit 140 and includes the punch unit 170, but the other configurations are the same functions and configurations as the printer 1230, and thus description thereof is omitted. Moreover, since the structure and function of the punch part 170 are the same as that of 1st Embodiment, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The function setting communication unit 1241 receives the request for unique function information transmitted from the PC 1200, and transmits the unique function information stored in the storage unit 150 to the PC 1200.

  The communication unit 735 receives the PJL data added with the unique function selection information from the PC 1200 after the unique function information is transmitted by the function setting communication unit 1241.

  The function setting unit 1239 receives the common function and the unique function of the printer 1230 for the print data according to the common function setting information and the unique function selection information received by the communication unit 735 and analyzed by the analysis unit 1236. The function is set.

  Next, print processing in the output processing system including the PC 1200 and the printers 1230 and 1260 according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be described. First, the flow of print processing performed in the output processing system will be described. FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the flow of printing processing in the output processing system. In the following, an example in which print data transmitted from the PC 1200 is printed by the printer 1230 is shown.

  First, when the user presses the unique function setting tab on the print setting selection screen displayed on the display device 102, the PC 1200 transmits a request for unique function information to the printer 1230 (step S1801). When receiving the request for the unique function information, the printer 1230 transmits the unique function information stored in the storage unit 150 to the PC 1200 (step S1802).

  When receiving the unique function information, the PC 1200 displays a unique function setting tab including the setting method of the unique function from the received unique function information, and sets the unique function by the user's selection received from the unique function setting tab. To generate unique function selection information (step S1803). Further, the PC 1200 generates PJL data by the common function setting method received from the common function setting tab (step S1804). Then, the PC 1200 adds unique function selection information to the PJL data (step S1805).

  Next, the PC 1200 transmits PJL data including unique function selection information to the printer 1230 (step S1806). Upon receiving the PJL data, the printer 1230 performs print data printing processing according to the PJL data (step S1807).

  Next, processing in the PC 1200 will be described. FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of information processing by the PC according to the fourth embodiment.

  First, the printer driver 1207 displays a print setting selection screen on the display device 102. Here, details of the print setting selection screen will be described. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print setting selection screen displayed on the display device. As shown in FIG. 20, on the print setting selection screen, “paper” for selecting a paper size to be printed, “tray” for selecting a paper feed tray storing paper, and an image quality of print data to be printed are selected. A common function setting tab for accepting selection of a method for setting a common function of “image quality” and an original function setting tab for accepting selection of a setting method for an original function are provided and displayed on the display device 102. When one of the tabs is pressed by the user, the display of each tab is accepted. In FIG. 20, a common function setting tab of “paper” is displayed, and check boxes of “A4”, “A5”, and “A3” indicating various paper sizes are displayed. Then, the user clicks and inputs a check box for one of the paper sizes, and similarly, selects the setting method displayed on each tab, inputs the check box by clicking, and further clicks the “OK” button. The input is accepted from the operation display unit 131, and the common function and the unique function are set by the accepted setting method.

  Then, the display of the unique function setting tab is accepted when the user presses the unique function setting tab provided on the print setting selection screen (step S1901). Upon receiving the display of the unique function setting tab, the function setting communication unit 1210 transmits a request for unique function information to the printer 1230 (step S1902).

  When the request for the unique function information is transmitted, the function setting communication unit 1210 enters a connection waiting state for waiting for connection from the printer 1230 (step S1903). Then, the function setting communication unit 1210 determines whether or not there is a connection from the printer 1230 (step S1904). If there is no connection from the printer 1230 (step S1904: NO), the process returns to step S1903 again to perform processing. On the other hand, when there is a connection from the printer 1230 (step S1904: Yes), the function setting communication unit 1210 receives the unique function information transmitted from the printer 1230 (step S1905). Upon reception by the function setting communication unit 1210, the analysis unit 1209 analyzes the unique function information (step S1906).

  Then, the printer driver 1207 displays a unique function setting tab including the unique information setting method on the display device 102 by a display method of the unique function setting method included in the unique function information analyzed by the analysis unit 1209. It is displayed (step S1907). Here, details of the print setting selection screen on which the unique function setting tab is displayed will be described. FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print setting selection screen on which a unique function setting tab is displayed on the display device. As shown in FIG. 21, the print setting selection screen has a common function setting tab for accepting selection of a common function setting method of “paper”, “tray”, and “image quality”, as well as FIG. A unique function setting tab for accepting selection of a method is provided and displayed on the display device 102. In FIG. 21, a unique function setting tab is displayed. As a setting method for stapling processing, which is a unique function of the printer 1230, an “off” check box indicating that stapling processing is not performed and a staple at the upper left point are displayed. A check box of “1 point on the upper left” indicating that the processing is performed and a check box of “2 points on the left” indicating that the stapling process is performed on the left 2 points are displayed. Then, the user clicks and inputs one of the setting method check boxes. Similarly, the user selects the setting method displayed on the common function setting tab, clicks and inputs the check box, and clicks the “OK” button. A click operation input is received from the operation display unit 131, and common functions and unique functions are set according to the received setting method.

  Next, the printer driver 1207 determines whether or not the setting method for the unique function selected by the user from the unique function setting tab has been received (step S1908). If the unique function setting method has not been accepted (step S1908: NO), the process returns to step S1908 again to perform processing. On the other hand, when the unique function setting method is received (step S1908: Yes), the unique function selection information is generated by the received unique function setting method (step S1909). Also, the printer driver 1207 accepts the common function setting method selected by the user from the common function setting tab, and, like the printer driver in the third embodiment, PJL including common function setting information and print data. Data is generated (step S1910).

  Then, the printer driver 1207 adds the generated unique function selection information to the generated PJL data (step S1911). Then, the communication unit 708 transmits the PJL data generated by the printer driver 1207 to the printer 1230 (step S1912).

  Details of the PJL data generated by the printer driver 1207 will be described here. FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of PJL data generated by the printer driver. As shown in FIG. 22, the PJL data first includes common function setting information indicating common function settings such as “A4” for the paper size and “Tray 2” for the paper feed tray. As shown in FIG. 22, as the unique function selection information, the unique function setting method “@PJL SET STAPLE = TOPLEFT” indicating that the staple processing is performed on the upper left point is set as the unique function setting method selected by the user. ¥ xOA ”is included. Further, print data is included. The common function setting information and the unique function selection information are generated by PJL commands.

  Next, processing in the printer 1230 will be described. FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a print processing procedure by the printer according to the fourth embodiment. In the following, as in FIG. 19, an example in which print data transmitted from the PC 1200 is printed by the printer 1230 is shown.

  First, the function setting communication unit 1241 receives a request for unique function information transmitted from the PC 1200 (step S2301). Upon reception of the unique function information request, the function setting communication unit 1241 determines whether or not the unique function information request source, that is, the PC 1200 can be connected (step S2302). If connection to the PC 1200 is not possible, that is, connection is impossible (step S2302: No), the process returns to step S2301 again to perform processing.

  On the other hand, when the connection to the PC 1200 is possible (step S2302: Yes), the function setting communication unit 1241 transmits the unique function information stored in the storage unit 150 to the PC 1200 (step S2303).

  Next, the communication unit 735 determines whether or not PJL data has been received from the PC 1200 (step S2304). If PJL data has not been received from the PC 1200 (step S2304: NO), the process returns to step S2304 again to perform processing. On the other hand, when PJL data is received from the PC 1200 (step S2304: Yes), the analysis unit 1236 analyzes the received PJL data (step S2305).

  Then, the function setting unit 1239 uses the common function setting information and the unique function selection information included in the PJL data analyzed by the analysis unit 1236, and the common function that the printer 1230 has for the print data included in the PJL data. Then, the unique function is set (step S2306). For example, in the stapling process, which is a unique function of the printer 1230, when a setting method for performing stapling on the upper left point is selected, setting for performing stapling on the upper left point is performed on the print data. Then, according to the function set by the function setting unit 1239, the print control unit 134 performs print processing of print data included in the PJL data (step S2307).

  As described above, in the fourth embodiment, when the display of the unique function setting tab is received in the PC 1200, the unique function information is received from the printer 1230, and the unique function is selected from the unique function information received by the printer driver 1207. Information, output information including common function setting information and print data is generated, and PJL data to which the generated unique function selection information is added is transmitted to the printer 1230. Then, the printer 1230 that has received the PJL data sets the common function and the unique function of the printer 1230 according to the received PJL data, and performs printing. This makes it possible to select the setting method for the unique function of the printer 1230 as well as the common function setting in the PC 1200, while saving the trouble of providing the printer driver corresponding to a plurality of types of printers in the PC 1200. Further, the PC 1200 does not acquire information on a plurality of printers when printing, and does not cause problems due to competition with other printer drivers due to the provision of various printer drivers. Further, the printer 1230 can simultaneously receive the settings of the common function and the unique function, and can output them without performing these settings.

  FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the PC according to the first to fourth embodiments. The PC according to the first to fourth embodiments includes a control device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 5001, a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) 5002 and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 5003, and an HDD (Hard Disk). Drive), an external storage device 5004 such as a CD drive device, a display device 5005 such as a display device, an input device 5006 such as a keyboard and a mouse, a communication I / F 5007, and a bus 5008 for connecting them. It has a hardware configuration using a normal computer.

  The information processing program executed by the PC according to the first to fourth embodiments is an installable or executable file, and is a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). And the like recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.

  Further, the information processing program executed on the PC according to the first to fourth embodiments may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. good. The information processing program executed on the PC according to the first to fourth embodiments may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  Further, the information processing program of the first to fourth embodiments may be provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like.

  The information processing program executed on the PC according to the first to fourth embodiments includes the above-described units (input control unit 103, display control unit 104, application 105, spooler 106, printer driver 107, communication unit 108). As actual hardware, a CPU (processor) reads out and executes an information processing program from the storage medium, and the above-described units are loaded onto the main storage device. The input control unit 103 and the display control unit 104, an application 105, a spooler 106, a printer driver 107, and a communication unit 108 are generated on the main storage device.

  FIG. 25 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the printer according to the first to fourth embodiments. As shown in FIG. 25, the printers of the first to fourth embodiments have a configuration in which a controller 10 and an engine unit (Engine) 60 are connected by a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus. The controller 10 is a controller that controls the entire printer, drawing, communication, and input from an operation unit (not shown). The engine unit 60 is a printer engine that can be connected to a PCI bus, and is, for example, a monochrome plotter, a one-drum color plotter, a four-drum color plotter, a scanner, or a fax unit. The engine unit 60 includes an image processing part such as error diffusion and gamma conversion in addition to a so-called engine part such as a plotter.

  The controller 10 includes a CPU 11, a north bridge (NB) 13, a system memory (MEM-P) 12, a south bridge (SB) 14, a local memory (MEM-C) 17, and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). 16 and a hard disk drive (HDD) 18, and the north bridge (NB) 13 and the ASIC 16 are connected by an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 15. The MEM-P 12 further includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12a and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12b.

  The CPU 11 performs overall control of the printer, has a chip set including the NB 13, the MEM-P 12, and the SB 14, and is connected to other devices via the chip set.

  The NB 13 is a bridge for connecting the CPU 11 to the MEM-P 12, SB 14, and AGP 15, and includes a memory controller that controls reading and writing to the MEM-P 12, a PCI master, and an AGP target.

  The MEM-P 12 is a system memory used as a memory for storing programs and data, a memory for developing programs and data, a memory for drawing a printer, and the like, and includes a ROM 12a and a RAM 12b. The ROM 12a is a read-only memory used as a program / data storage memory, and the RAM 12b is a writable / readable memory used as a program / data development memory, a printer drawing memory, or the like.

  The SB 14 is a bridge for connecting the NB 13 to a PCI device and peripheral devices. The SB 14 is connected to the NB 13 via a PCI bus, and a network interface (I / F) unit and the like are also connected to the PCI bus.

  The ASIC 16 is an IC (Integrated Circuit) for image processing applications having hardware elements for image processing, and has a role of a bridge for connecting the AGP 15, PCI bus, HDD 18 and MEM-C 17. The ASIC 16 includes a PCI target and an AGP master, an arbiter (ARB) that is the core of the ASIC 16, a memory controller that controls the MEM-C 17, and a plurality of DMACs (Direct Memory) that perform rotation of image data by hardware logic. Access Controller) and a PCI unit that performs data transfer between the engine unit 60 via the PCI bus. An FCU (Fax Control Unit) 30, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) 40, and an IEEE 1394 (the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 1394) interface 50 are connected to the ASIC 16 via a PCI bus. The operation display unit 20 is directly connected to the ASIC 16.

  The MEM-C 17 is a local memory used as an image buffer for copying and a code buffer, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 18 is a storage for storing image data, programs, font data, and forms. It is.

  The AGP 15 is a bus interface for a graphics accelerator card proposed for speeding up graphics processing. The AGP 15 speeds up the graphics accelerator card by directly accessing the MEM-P 12 with high throughput. .

  The output program executed by the printers of the first to fourth embodiments is provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like.

  The output program executed by the printers of the first to fourth embodiments is a file in an installable format or an executable format, and is a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). For example, the program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.

  Furthermore, the output program executed by the printer according to the first to fourth embodiments may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. . The output program executed by the printers of the first to fourth embodiments may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  The output program executed by the printers of the first to fourth embodiments includes the above-described units (display input control unit 133, print control unit 134, communication unit 135, analysis unit 136, determination unit 137, detection unit 138, function The module configuration includes a setting unit 139). As actual hardware, a CPU (processor) reads out and executes an output program from the ROM, and the respective units are loaded onto the main storage device, and display input control is performed. A unit 133, a print control unit 134, a communication unit 135, an analysis unit 136, a determination unit 137, a detection unit 138, and a function setting unit 139 are generated on the main storage device.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an output processing system including a PC and a printer according to a first embodiment. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of PJL data generated by a printer driver. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the information processing by PC in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the original function use selection screen displayed on the display apparatus. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of print processing by the printer according to the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting method selection screen displayed on the operation display part. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the output processing system provided with PC and printer concerning 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the information processing by PC in 2nd Embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of PJL data storage processing by a printer according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of print processing by a printer according to the second embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the data selection screen displayed on the operation display part. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the output processing system provided with PC and printer concerning 3rd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the original function information transmitted to a PC from a printer. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the selection information transmitted to a printer from PC. It is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of printing processing in the output processing system. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the information processing by PC in 3rd Embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of print processing by a printer according to a third embodiment. It is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of printing processing in the output processing system. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the information processing by PC in 4th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the print setting selection screen displayed on the display apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the printing setting selection screen by which the original function setting tab was displayed on the display apparatus. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of PJL data generated by a printer driver. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of print processing by a printer according to a fourth embodiment. It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of PC of 1st-4th embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the printer of 1st-4th embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

100, 700, 1200 PC
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Input device 102 Display device 103 Input control part 104 Display control part 105 Application 106 Spooler 107,707,1207 Printer driver 108,135,708,735 Communication part 120,150 Storage part 1210,1241 Function setting communication part 130,160, 730, 760, 1230, 1260 Printer 131 Operation display unit 132 Printing unit 133, 733 Display input control unit 134 Print control unit 136, 736, 1209, 1236 Analysis unit 137, 737 Judgment unit 138 Detection unit 139, 739, 1239 Function setting Section 140 Staple section 170 Punch section 751 Data storage section 190 Network

Claims (30)

In an output processing system comprising: an information processing device that generates output target data; and a plurality of output devices that are connected to the information processing device through a network and output the output target data.
The information processing apparatus includes:
Output information generating means for generating output information including common function setting information indicating the setting of common functions of the plurality of output devices and the output target data;
First output means for transmitting the output information generated by the output information generating means to the output device,
Each of the plurality of output devices is
Second communication means for receiving the output information from the information processing apparatus;
Among the functions other than the common function in the common function setting information of the output information received by the second communication means, function setting means for setting a unique function of the output device;
An output processing system comprising: The information processing apparatus includes:
After the output information is transmitted to the output device by the first communication means, further comprising first function setting communication means for receiving the unique function information including the unique function setting method from the output device,
The output information generation means generates selection information indicating a setting method selected by the user for the unique function from the unique function information received by the first function setting communication means,
The first function setting communication unit transmits the selection information generated by the output generation unit to the output device,
Each of the plurality of output devices is
Storage means for storing the unique function information;
When the output information is received by the second communication means, the unique function information stored in the storage means is transmitted to the information processing apparatus, and the selection information is received from the information processing apparatus. A function setting communication means,
The function setting means sets the unique function of the output device according to the selection information received by the second function setting communication means;
The output processing system according to claim 1. In an output processing system comprising: an information processing device that generates output target data; and a plurality of output devices that are connected to the information processing device through a network and output the output target data.
The information processing apparatus includes:
The unique function on the output setting selection screen for accepting selection of the unique function setting method possessed by each of the plurality of output devices among the functions other than the common function and the common function setting method possessed by the plurality of output devices Display input accepting means for accepting the display of the unique function setting item for accepting the selection of the setting method,
When the display of the unique function setting item is accepted by the display input accepting unit, a request for unique function information including the unique function setting method is transmitted to the output device, and the unique function information is received from the output device. First function setting communication means,
Output information including common function setting information indicating the setting of the common function and the output target data is generated, and further, the unique function information is received from the unique function information received by the first function setting communication unit. Output information generating means for generating unique function selection information indicating the setting method selected by the user;
Output information adding means for adding the unique function selection information generated by the output information generating means to the generated output information;
First output means for transmitting the output information to which the unique function selection information is added by the output information adding means to the output device;
Each of the plurality of output devices is
Storage means for storing the unique function information;
Second function setting communication means for receiving the request for the unique function information from the information processing apparatus and transmitting the unique function information stored in the storage means to the information processing apparatus;
Second communication means for receiving the output information to which the unique function selection information is added from the information processing apparatus after transmitting the unique function information by the second function setting communication means;
Function setting means for setting the common function and the unique function of the output device according to the output information received by the second communication means;
An output processing system comprising: In an information processing apparatus that is connected to a plurality of output devices that output output target data through a network and generates the output target data,
Output information generating means for generating output information including common function setting information indicating the setting of common functions of the plurality of output devices and the output target data;
Communication means for transmitting the output information generated by the output information generating means to the output device;
An information processing apparatus comprising: A display device capable of displaying information is further provided,
The output information generation means further displays, on the display device, a unique function use selection screen that accepts selection of presence / absence of use of the unique function of each of the plurality of output devices among functions other than the common function, Receiving either usage information indicating that the unique function is used or non-use information indicating that the unique function is not used;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 4. The output information generating means generates unique function presence / absence information including either the usage information or the non-use information, and adds the generated unique function presence / absence information to the output information;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 5. The output information generating means acquires specific information for specifying the content of the output information, and adds the acquired specific information to the output information;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 6. The output information generating means acquires the specific information including user information that is information unique to a user who issues an output instruction for the output target data;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 7. The output information generation means acquires the specific information including output target data information that is information specific to the output target data to be output;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: After transmitting the output information to the output device by the communication means, further comprising function setting communication means for receiving the unique function information including the unique function setting method from the output device,
The output information generation means generates selection information indicating a setting method selected by a user for the unique function from the unique function information received by the function setting communication means,
The function setting communication means transmits the selection information generated by the output information generation means to the output device;
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 9. The output information generating means further displays on the display device a setting method selection screen for accepting selection of the setting method for the unique function based on the unique function information received by the function setting communication means, and the setting method selection screen Receiving the selection of the setting method of the unique function from, and generating the selection information by the received setting method of the unique function,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 10. The output information generating means generates the selection information in a structured document format;
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 11. In an information processing apparatus that is connected to a plurality of output devices that output output target data through a network and generates the output target data,
The unique function on the output setting selection screen for accepting selection of the unique function setting method possessed by each of the plurality of output devices among the functions other than the common function and the common function setting method possessed by the plurality of output devices Display input accepting means for accepting the display of the unique function setting item for accepting the selection of the setting method,
When the display of the unique function setting item is accepted by the display input accepting unit, a request for unique function information including the unique function setting method is transmitted to the output device, and the unique function information is received from the output device. A function setting communication means,
Output information including the common function setting information indicating the setting of the common function and the output target data is generated, and further, from the unique function information received by the function setting communication unit, the user with respect to the unique function Output information generating means for generating unique function selection information indicating the selected setting method;
Output information adding means for adding the unique function selection information generated by the output information generating means to the generated output information;
Communication means for transmitting the output information to which the unique function selection information has been added by the output information adding means to the output device;
An information processing apparatus comprising: A display device capable of displaying information is further provided,
The display input accepting means displays the unique function setting items including the unique function setting method on the display device based on the unique function information received by the function setting communication means, and from the unique function setting items, the Accept selection of the setting method of the original function,
The output information generating means generates the unique function selection information by the unique function setting method received by the display input receiving means;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 13. In an output device that is connected to an information processing device that generates output target data through a network and outputs the output target data,
Communication means for receiving, from the information processing apparatus, output information including common function setting information indicating common function settings of the output device and other output devices and the output target data;
Among the functions other than the common function in the common function setting information of the output information received by the communication means, function setting means for setting a unique function of the output device;
An output device comprising: An operation display unit capable of displaying information and inputting from a user;
Analyzing means for analyzing the output information received by the communication means;
First determination means for determining whether or not the output information analyzed by the analysis means includes unique function presence / absence information indicating whether or not the unique function is used;
When it is determined by the first determination means that the unique function presence / absence information is included, it is determined whether the unique function presence / absence information includes usage information indicating that the unique function is used. 2 determination means,
The function setting means displays a setting method selection screen for accepting selection of the setting method of the unique function on the operation display unit when the second determination means determines that the usage information is included, Accepting selection of the setting method of the unique function from the setting method selection screen, and setting the unique function by the accepted setting method of the unique function;
The output device according to claim 15. If it is determined by the first determination means that the unique function presence / absence information is not included, it is determined whether or not the output information includes unique function setting information indicating the setting of the unique function. A third determining means;
Detecting whether or not to accept selection of a predetermined setting method of the unique function when the third determining means determines that the output information does not include the unique function setting information Means,
The function setting means displays the setting method selection screen on the operation display unit when the detection means detects that the selection of the setting method for the unique function is accepted, and the unique function is displayed from the setting method selection screen. Accepting the selection of the setting method of, and setting the unique function by the accepted setting method of the unique function,
The output device according to claim 15. Comprising output information storage means capable of storing the output information received by the communication means;
In the output information analyzed by the analyzing means, user information that is information specific to a user who gives an instruction to output the output target data, or output target data information which is information specific to the output target data to be output A fourth judging means for judging whether or not
The function setting means stores the output information in the output information storage means when it is determined by the fourth determination means that the user information or the output target data is included.
The output device according to claim 17. When an output instruction for the output target data is received from the operation display unit by the user, an output information selection screen for selecting the output information stored in the output information storage means is displayed, and the output information selection screen is displayed. Further comprising display control means for accepting selection of the output information by the user,
The analysis means analyzes the output information received by the display control means;
The output device according to any one of claims 16 to 18. Storage means for storing unique function information including a setting method of the unique function;
When the output information is received by the communication means, the unique function information stored in the storage means is transmitted to the information processing apparatus, and a selection method selected by the user for the unique function is selected A function setting communication means for receiving information from the information processing apparatus,
The function setting means sets the unique function of the output device according to the selection information received by the function setting communication means;
The output device according to claim 19. In an output device that is connected to an information processing device that generates output target data through a network and outputs the output target data,
Among functions other than the common functions of the plurality of output devices, storage means for storing unique function information including a unique function setting method possessed by each of the plurality of output devices;
Function setting communication means for receiving the request for the unique function information from the information processing apparatus and transmitting the unique function information stored in the storage means to the information processing apparatus;
After the unique function information is transmitted by the function setting communication means, unique function selection information indicating a setting method selected by the user is added to the unique function, and the common function indicating the setting of the common function Communication means for receiving output information including setting information and the output target data from the information processing apparatus;
Function setting means for setting the common function and the unique function of the output device according to the output information received by the communication means;
An output device comprising: The storage means stores the unique function information generated in a structured document format;
The output device according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that: In an output processing method executed by an output processing system comprising: an information processing device that generates output target data; and a plurality of output devices that are connected to the information processing device via a network and output the output target data.
An output information generating step of generating output information including common function setting information indicating the setting of common functions of the plurality of output devices and the output target data by the information processing device;
A first communication step of transmitting the output information generated by the output information generation step by the information processing device to the output device;
A second communication step of receiving the output information from the information processing device by the output device;
Among the functions other than the common function in the common function setting information of the output information received by the second communication step by the output device, a function setting step for setting a unique function of the output device;
An output processing method comprising: In an output processing method executed by an output processing system comprising: an information processing device that generates output target data; and a plurality of output devices that are connected to the information processing device via a network and output the output target data.
Output setting selection that accepts selection of a common function setting method possessed by the plurality of output devices and selection of a unique function setting method possessed by each of the plurality of output devices among the functions other than the common function by the information processing device A display input receiving step for receiving a display of the unique function setting item for receiving selection of the setting method of the unique function on the screen;
First function setting communication for transmitting a request for unique function information including a setting method for the unique function to the output device when the display of the unique function setting item is accepted by the display input accepting step by the information processing apparatus. Steps,
A second function setting communication step of receiving, by the output device, the request for the unique function information from the information processing device, and transmitting the unique function information stored in a storage unit to the information processing device;
A reception step of receiving the unique function information from the output device by the information processing device;
The information processing device generates output information including common function setting information indicating the setting of the common function and the output target data, and further, from the unique function information received by the first function setting communication step, An output information generation step for generating unique function selection information indicating a setting method selected by the user for the unique function;
An output information adding step for adding the unique function selection information generated by the output information generating step to the generated output information;
A first communication step of transmitting the output information to which the unique function selection information has been added in the output information adding step to the output device;
A second communication step of receiving the output information to which the unique function selection information is added from the information processing device after transmitting the unique function information by the second function setting communication step by the output device;
A function setting step for setting the common function and the unique function of the output device according to the output information received by the second communication step by the output device;
An output processing method comprising: In an information processing method that is connected to a plurality of output devices that output output target data through a network and that is executed by the information processing device that generates the output target data,
An output information generating step for generating output information including common function setting information indicating a setting of a common function included in the plurality of output devices and the output target data;
A communication step of transmitting the output information generated by the output information generation step to the output device;
An information processing method comprising: In an information processing method that is connected to a plurality of output devices that output output target data through a network and that is executed by the information processing device that generates the output target data,
The unique function on the output setting selection screen for accepting selection of the unique function setting method possessed by each of the plurality of output devices among the functions other than the common function and the common function setting method possessed by the plurality of output devices A display input accepting step for accepting display of an original function setting item for accepting a selection of a setting method;
When the display of the unique function setting item is accepted by the display input accepting step, a request for unique function information including the unique function setting method is transmitted to the output device, and the unique function information is received from the output device. A function setting communication step,
Generate output information including common function setting information indicating the setting of the common function and the output target data, and further, from the unique function information received by the function setting communication step, by the user for the unique function An output information generation step for generating unique function selection information indicating the selected setting method;
An output information adding step for adding the unique function selection information generated by the output information generating step to the generated output information;
A communication step of transmitting the output information to which the unique function selection information has been added in the output information adding step to the output device;
An information processing method comprising: In an output method that is connected to an information processing device that generates output target data through a network and that is executed by the output device that outputs the output target data,
A communication step of receiving, from the information processing apparatus, output information including common function setting information indicating setting of a common function possessed by the output device and another output device and the output target data;
Among the functions other than the common function in the common function setting information of the output information received by the communication step, a function setting step for setting a unique function of the output device;
An output method comprising: In an output method that is connected to an information processing device that generates output target data through a network and that is executed by the output device that outputs the output target data,
Among the functions other than the common functions possessed by the plurality of output devices, a request for unique function information including a method for setting a unique function possessed by each of the plurality of output devices is received from the information processing device and stored in the storage means. A function setting communication step of transmitting the unique function information to the information processing apparatus;
After transmitting the unique function information in the function setting communication step, unique function selection information indicating a setting method selected by the user is added to the unique function, and the common function indicating the setting of the common function A communication step of receiving, from the information processing device, output information including setting information and the output target data;
A function setting step for setting the common function and the unique function of the output device according to the output information received in the communication step;
An output method comprising:   An information processing program that causes a computer to execute the information processing method according to claim 25 or 26.   An output program for causing a computer to execute the output method according to claim 27 or 28.

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