JP2008059034A - Printer and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent large amounts of media from being wasted in print processing. <P>SOLUTION: This printer is provided with a print processing part for printing an image on a medium; a condition storage part 15 for storing conditions for performing the partial printing of print results desired by a user; an execution content storage part 16 for storing the conditions and the execution content for performing partial printing corresponding to the conditions; a decision part 17 for deciding whether or not the print conditions for acquiring the print results satisfy the conditions; a print data preparation part 18 for specifying the execution content for performing the partial printing corresponding to the conditions according to the decision result showing that the print setting satisfies the conditions; and a control part for controlling the print processing part to perform printing on the basis of the execution content. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus for printing an image on a medium, and a program for controlling the printing apparatus.

  Conventionally, documents have been digitized in offices and the like. Such an electronic document is printed and used by a printing apparatus. Some of such printing apparatuses perform printing that outputs a part of the printing result prior to printing that outputs a printing result desired by the user (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2). ).

In the printing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, print data transferred from a higher-level machine is stored in a page buffer, and the result of trial printing (first 1) is performed while the printer unit is stopped after trial printing is executed by the trial printing execution unit. Sheet). Subsequently, the main print can be executed by the main print execution means. Further, when a defect is found as a result of the trial printing, the resumption of printing can be stopped by the reset means.
In the printing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 2, the printer apparatus includes a print data storage unit that stores print data of a plurality of pages received from a higher model. Then, after the received print data is test-printed, a reprint executing unit is provided for acquiring and reprinting the stored print data. As a result, a test print of the entire document of a plurality of pages can be performed.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-299936 (page 2-6, FIG. 2) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-154071 (page 2-4, FIG. 3)

  By the way, when the user has a function of printing (test printing) for outputting a part of the printing result prior to printing for outputting the desired printing result, the test printing is not automatically performed under a predetermined condition and confirmed. The problem is that unnecessary copies / pages are printed. For example, if the user gives a print instruction for multiple copies and forgets to give a test print instruction, even if he / she wants to output only the first copy in order to check the layout, color, etc. of the printed page, This is not preferable because the second and subsequent copies unnecessary for confirmation are printed. In addition, for example, an apparatus that prints a front page as an automatic test print often does not print a matter to be confirmed such as a layout and a color, and prints a page unnecessary for the confirmation. It is not preferable.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to prevent a large amount of media from being wasted in a printing process.

  For this purpose, in the printing apparatus of the present invention, a printing unit that prints an image on a medium, a storage unit that stores conditions for printing a part of a printing result desired by a user, and a printing result are obtained. Determining means for determining whether or not a print setting for satisfying the condition, and a control means for controlling the printing means to perform printing of a part of the print setting in accordance with a determination result that the print setting satisfies the condition , It can be characterized by comprising.

  Further, as such a printing apparatus, the storage unit stores the condition and the contents of execution of the portion corresponding to the condition, and the control unit determines the condition when the determination unit determines that the condition is satisfied. The printing means is controlled so as to perform printing of a part thereof according to the implementation content corresponding to the above.

Further, as such a printing apparatus, when it is determined that the determination unit satisfies a plurality of conditions, the control unit performs printing of a part of the content according to a combination of a plurality of execution contents respectively corresponding to the plurality of conditions. The printing means may be controlled.
Furthermore, as such a printing apparatus, the control unit can change a printing process for obtaining a printing result performed after printing a part of the printing apparatus according to the condition.

  On the other hand, the present invention can also be understood as a program for controlling a printing apparatus. In this case, in the computer, a storage function for storing a condition for printing a part of the print result desired by the user, a recognition function for recognizing print settings for obtaining the print result, and a print result are obtained. A determination function that determines whether or not the print setting satisfies the condition, a control function that controls the printing apparatus so that a part of the print setting is printed according to a determination result that the print setting satisfies the condition, It can be characterized by realizing.

  In addition, as such a program, the storage function stores the conditions and the contents of execution of the portion corresponding to the conditions, and the control function corresponds to the conditions when the determination function determines that the conditions are satisfied. The printing apparatus may be controlled so as to perform printing of a part thereof according to the implementation contents.

Further, as such a program, when the control function determines that the determination function satisfies a plurality of conditions, a part of the control function is printed according to a combination of a plurality of execution contents respectively corresponding to the plurality of conditions. The printing apparatus may be controlled.
Furthermore, as such a program, the computer can be further realized with a reception function for receiving the condition and the implementation content in accordance with a user operation.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, as compared with the case where the invention according to the first aspect is not adopted, it is possible to more appropriately obtain a print of a part of the print result desired by the user.
According to the invention of claim 2, as compared with the case where the invention of claim 2 is not adopted, it is possible to more preferably print a part of the print result desired by the user for each condition.
Further, according to the invention of claim 3, as compared with the case where the invention of claim 3 is not adopted, a part of the print result desired by the user can be printed corresponding to a plurality of conditions. .
Furthermore, according to the invention of claim 4, compared with the case where the invention of claim 4 is not adopted, it is possible to improve the printing after printing a part of the print result desired by the user.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, as compared with the case where the invention according to the fifth aspect is not adopted, printing of a part of the print result desired by the user can be appropriately realized by the computer.
Further, according to the invention of claim 6, compared to the case where the invention of claim 6 is not adopted, it is possible to realize that printing of a part of the print result desired by the user is more preferably performed for each condition. Can do.
Furthermore, according to the invention of claim 7, compared with the case where the invention of claim 7 is not adopted, a part of the print result desired by the user can be printed corresponding to a plurality of conditions. Can be made.
Furthermore, according to the invention of claim 8, it is possible to reflect the user's request to the computer more than when the invention of claim 8 is not adopted.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a mode for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “embodiment”) will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a system configuration to which this embodiment is applied.
The system configuration according to this embodiment includes a host computer 100A, a host computer 100B, a host computer 100C, a printing apparatus 300, and a network 200.

The host computers 100A to 100C are control devices that control the printing apparatus 300, and are realized by a computer device such as a PC (personal computer), for example. The printing apparatus 300 is an apparatus that prints an image on a medium using print data received from the host computer 100A to the host computer 100C. The network 200 is, for example, the Internet or an intranet.
Here, although not shown, the printing apparatus 300 includes A, B, C, and D supply trays for storing media to be supplied, and X, Y, and Z discharge trays for storing discharged media. Have. Here, the medium may be anything that can be printed by the printing apparatus 300, such as paper or an OHP sheet. Further, although three host computers 100A to 100C are shown, the number is not limited to this.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a hardware configuration of the host computer 100A to which the present embodiment is applied and a hardware configuration of the printing apparatus 300. Here, the description of the hardware configuration of the host computer 100B and the host computer 100C is omitted because it is the same as the hardware configuration of the host computer 100A.

FIG. 2A is a diagram for explaining the hardware configuration of the host computer 100A. As shown in the figure, the host computer 100A includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101 that is a calculation means, a main memory 102 that is a storage means, and a magnetic disk device (HDD: Hard Disk Drive) 103. Here, the CPU 101 executes various types of software such as an OS (Operating System) and applications (printer driver), and realizes functions described below. The main memory 102 is a storage area for storing various software and data used for execution thereof, and the magnetic disk device 103 is a storage area for storing input data for various software, output data from various software, and the like. .
Furthermore, the host computer 100A includes a communication I / F (interface) 104 for performing communication with the outside, a display mechanism 105 including a video memory and a display, and an input device 106 such as a keyboard and a mouse.

  FIG. 2B is a diagram for explaining the hardware configuration of the printing apparatus 300. As shown in the figure, the printing apparatus 300 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301 that is a calculation unit and a main memory 302 that is a storage unit. Here, the CPU 301 executes various types of software that controls the operation of the printing apparatus 300 and realizes functions described below. The main memory 302 is a storage area for storing various software, data used for executing the software, and the like. The printing apparatus 300 includes a communication I / F 303 for performing communication with the outside, a printing mechanism 304 that performs printing on a medium, a supply mechanism 305 that supplies the medium, and a discharge mechanism 306 that discharges the medium. Is provided.

(Detailed description of the host computer 100A)
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a functional block configuration of the host computer 100A (see FIG. 2) to which the present embodiment is applied. The host computer 100A includes a display unit 10 that displays a printer driver UI (user interface) and the like, and an operation determination unit 11 that determines user operation information. And the image memory | storage part 12 which memorize | stores an image is provided. Further, a condition setting unit 13 for setting trial printing execution conditions and an execution content setting unit 14 for setting trial printing execution content are provided. And the condition memory | storage part 15 which memorize | stores trial printing execution conditions, and the implementation content storage part 16 which memorize | stores trial printing implementation content are provided. Further, a determination unit 17 is provided for determining whether or not the print setting designated by the user (the print setting for the main print) satisfies the test print execution condition. Further, a print data creation unit 18 for creating print data is provided.

Here, the test print execution conditions are conditions that are referred to when the printer driver determines whether or not to force the printing apparatus to perform the test prints. The test print execution contents are the test print execution conditions. This is an execution content of trial printing by the trial printing method set for the printer. Note that the trial print is a print that outputs a part of the print result of the main print prior to the main print, and the main print is a print that outputs a print result finally desired by the user.
The print data is data for instructing printing of an electronic document, and is data described in a page description language such as PDL (Page Description Language), for example.

  The display unit 10 displays a printer driver UI. The operation determination unit 11 determines an operation by a user, for example, a user operation for setting a test print execution condition using the UI of the printer driver, a test print execution content, a print setting for the main print, and the like. The image storage unit 12 stores image data to be printed. The condition setting unit 13 sets test print execution conditions in accordance with instructions from the operation determination unit 11. The execution content setting unit 14 sets trial print execution content in accordance with an instruction from the operation determination unit 11. The condition storage unit 15 receives the test print execution condition from the condition setting unit 13 and stores the test print execution condition. The implementation content storage unit 16 receives the trial print implementation content from the implementation content setting unit 14 and stores the trial print implementation content. At this time, the test print execution content and the test print execution condition are associated with each other.

  The determination unit 17 determines whether the print setting for the main print received from the operation determination unit 11 satisfies the test print execution condition read from the condition storage unit 15. The print data creation unit 18 creates print data based on the image data read from the image storage unit 12. Further, the test print execution content corresponding to the test print execution condition determined to be satisfied by the determination unit 17 is read from the execution content storage unit 16 and the print setting of the main print is received from the determination unit 17. Then, the print data creation unit 18 adds the test print execution contents and the print setting information for the main print to the print data, and sends the print data to the printing apparatus 300 (see FIG. 2).

(Settings for test print execution conditions and test print execution contents by printer driver)
FIG. 4 is an example of a flowchart showing the flow of print processing of the printer driver stored in the host computer 100A (see FIG. 1). In this process, the printer driver sets trial print execution conditions and test print execution contents.
First, the operation determination unit 11 (see FIG. 3) recognizes an operation for setting the test print execution condition and the test print execution content specified by the user (step 101). Next, according to the operation, the operation determination unit 11 instructs the condition setting unit 13 (see FIG. 3) to set the test print execution condition, and the execution content setting unit 14 (see FIG. 3) performs test printing. Instruct to set implementation details. Then, the condition setting unit 13 sets trial printing execution conditions, and the execution content setting unit 14 sets trial printing execution content (step 102). Next, the condition storage unit 15 (see FIG. 3) stores the test print execution condition, and the execution content storage unit 16 (see FIG. 3) stores the test print execution content (step 103). At this time, the trial printing execution condition and the trial printing execution content are associated with each other. Then, the process of the printer driver for setting the trial printing execution condition and the trial printing execution content is ended.

(Print processing by printer driver)
FIG. 5 is an example of a flowchart showing the flow of print processing of the printer driver stored in the host computer 100A (see FIG. 2).
First, the print data creation unit 18 (see FIG. 3) reads the image data to be printed from the image storage unit 12 (see FIG. 3) in accordance with the user operation determined by the operation determination unit 11 (see FIG. 3) (step) 201). Next, the determination unit 17 (see FIG. 3) recognizes the print setting (print setting for the main print) instructed by the user in accordance with the user operation determined by the operation determination unit 11 (step 202). Then, the determination unit 17 reads the test print execution condition from the condition storage unit 15 (see FIG. 3) (step 203). Next, the determination unit 17 determines whether the print setting instructed by the user satisfies the test print execution condition (step 204). If the determination in step 204 is “Match”, the process proceeds to Step 205; if “Just not be met”, the process proceeds to Step 208 (described later).

If the determination in step 204 is “resolve”, the print data creation unit 18 displays the test print execution content for the test print execution condition satisfied by the print setting designated by the user as the execution content storage unit 16 (see FIG. 3). (Step 205). The print data creation unit 18 creates print data based on the image data read in step 201 (step 206). Thereafter, the print data creation unit 18 adds the test print execution content read in step 205 to the print data (step 207). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step 209 (described later). If the determination in step 204 is “not seen”, the print data creation unit 18 creates print data based on the image data read in step 201 (step 208).
Thereafter, the print data creation unit 18 adds the print setting information designated by the user recognized in step 202 to the print data (step 209). Then, the print data creation unit 18 sends the print data to the printing apparatus 300 (see FIG. 2) (step 210). Then, the printer driver process ends.

(Specific examples of test print execution conditions and test print execution contents)
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of test print execution conditions and test print execution contents corresponding to the conditions. FIG. 6A shows a specific example of the test print execution condition, and FIG. 6B shows a specific example of the test print execution content.
First, FIG. 6A will be described. The column “ID” is an identification number for associating the trial printing execution condition with the contents of trial printing. In this case, “No. of print copies” is set as a test print execution condition in “ID” “No. 1”. “No. 2” of “ID” is set as “the total number of pages (N pages) exceeds L pages” as a test print execution condition. The “N page” is recognized by the print data creation unit 18 (see FIG. 3) in step 202 (see FIG. 5). The “L page” is set by the condition setting unit 13 (see FIG. 3) in step 102 (see FIG. 4).

  “No. 3” of “ID” is set as a test print execution condition “total number of pages to be color printed (P pages) exceeds Q pages”. Note that “P page” is recognized by the print data creation unit 18 in step 202. The “Q page” is set by the condition setting unit 13 in step 102. In “ID” “No. 4”, “output paper is high-quality paper” is set as a test print execution condition. In step 202, the determination unit 17 (see FIG. 3) recognizes whether the output paper is high-quality paper. Here, “ID” is limited to “No. 4”, and the content of the test print execution condition for each ID is set as described above, but this is merely an example. The number of IDs may be 4 or more, and the content of each test print execution condition is not limited to these conditions.

Next, FIG. 6B will be described. The column “ID” is an identification number for associating the trial printing execution condition with the contents of trial printing. Therefore, the contents of “1” to “4” of “ID” of the contents of trial printing correspond to “1 to 4” of “ID” of the trial printing execution condition, respectively.
Then, “print one copy” is set as “1” in “ID” as a test print execution content. “Print page 1 to M (<L)” is set in “ID” “No. 2” as the contents of trial printing. Note that “M page” is the number of pages set by the execution content setting unit 14 (see FIG. 3) in step 102 (see FIG. 4), which is smaller than the L page. “No. 3” of “ID” is set as “printing pages for color printing from small pages to R (<Q) pages” as the contents of trial printing. Note that “R page” is set by the execution content setting unit 14 (see FIG. 3) in step 102. “Print on recycled paper” is set in “ID” “No. 4” as the test print execution content.

  As described above, for example, when the determination unit 17 (see FIG. 3) determines that the print setting instructed by the user in step 204 (see FIG. 5) satisfies the condition that “the number of print copies is plural”, printing is performed. The data creating unit 18 (see FIG. 3) reads “print one copy” as the test print execution condition in step 205 (see FIG. 5).

(Detailed description of the printing apparatus 300)
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a functional block configuration of a printing apparatus 300 (see FIG. 2) to which the present embodiment is applied. The printing apparatus 300 includes a communication unit 20 that performs communication via the network 200 (see FIG. 1) and a control unit 21 that controls the printing apparatus 300. A control unit 21 that controls the operation of the printing apparatus 300 and a storage unit 22 that stores information such as print data received from the host computer 100A via the communication unit 20 are provided. The printing data processing unit 23 that creates printing data for operating the printing apparatus 300 based on the printing data, and the printing processing unit 24 that causes the printing mechanism 304 (see FIG. 2) to print using the printing data. . Furthermore, a display unit 25 that displays a printing apparatus UI (displayed by software) and the like, and an operation determination unit 26 that determines a user operation on the printing apparatus UI are provided.

The communication unit 20 communicates with the host computer 100A. The control unit 21 interprets user operations on the printing apparatus UI, and controls functions performed by the printing apparatus 300 based on the interpretation. For example, the printing apparatus UI is displayed on the display unit 25 or the print data is stored in the storage unit 22. In addition, the print data processing unit 23 is caused to create print data and the print processing unit 24 is controlled. The storage unit 22 stores information such as print data received from the host computer 100A via the communication unit 20. The print data processing unit 23 determines whether or not test print execution contents are added to the print data, or creates print data for operating the printing apparatus 300 based on the print data. The print processing unit 24 causes the printing mechanism 304 to execute printing based on the printing data. The display unit 25 displays various information such as the printing apparatus UI. The operation determination unit 26 determines a user operation on the printing apparatus UI.
Here, the determination unit 17 functions as part of the determination unit and the recognition unit. The print data creation unit 18 functions as a part of the control unit. Furthermore, the condition storage unit 15 and the execution content storage unit 16 function as a part of the storage unit. And the operation discrimination | determination part 11 functions as a part of reception means.

(Example of printing process by printing apparatus 300)
FIG. 8 is an example of a flowchart showing a flow of printing processing by the printing apparatus 300 (see FIG. 2).
First, the control unit 21 (see FIG. 7) receives print data from the host computer 100A (see FIG. 2) via the communication unit 20 (see FIG. 7). The storage unit 22 (see FIG. 7) stores the print data (step 301). Next, the print data processing unit 23 (see FIG. 7) analyzes the print data (step 302). Then, the print data processing unit 23 determines whether or not test print execution contents are added to the print data (step 303). If it is determined in step 303 that the test print execution content has been added to the print data, the process proceeds to step 304. If it is determined that the print data has not been added, the process proceeds to step 312 (described later).

  When the print data processing unit 23 determines in step 303 that the test print execution content is added to the print data, the print data processing unit 23 creates test print data using the print data and the test print execution content. (Step 304). Next, the control unit 21 receives the test print data and stores it in the storage unit 22 (step 305). Further, the print processing unit 24 (see FIG. 7) causes the printing mechanism 304 (see FIG. 2) to perform trial printing using the trial printing data (step 306). Thereafter, the display unit 25 (see FIG. 7) displays a UI for selecting whether or not to execute the main printing in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 21. Then, the control unit 21 determines whether or not to execute the main printing in accordance with the recognition of the user operation of the UI by the operation determination unit 26 (see FIG. 7) (step 307). If it is determined in step 307 that the actual printing is not performed, the process proceeds to step 314 (described later), and the process ends. If it is determined in step 307 that actual printing is to be performed, the process proceeds to step 308.

If the control unit 21 determines in step 307 that the main printing is to be performed, whether or not the test printing result can be directly used as the main printing result according to the recognition of the user operation of the UI by the operation determination unit 26. (Step 308). If it is determined in step 308 that the information cannot be used, the process proceeds to step 312 (described later). If it is determined in step 308 that the information can be used, the process proceeds to step 309.
If the control unit 21 determines in step 308 that the data can be used, the test print data and print data are read from the storage unit 22 (step 309). Then, the control unit 21 sends the test print data and the print data to the print data processing unit 23. The print data processing unit 23 uses the test print data and the print data to create print data other than the test print target (step 310). Next, the print processing unit 24 causes the printing mechanism 304 (see FIG. 2) to perform actual printing using the printing data (step 311). Then, the process proceeds to step 314 (described later).

Further, the control unit 21 reads the print data from the storage unit 22 and sends it to the print data processing unit 23. The print data processing unit 23 creates print data using the print setting information and print data specified by the user added to the print data in step 209 (see FIG. 5) (step 312). Then, the print processing unit 24 causes the printing mechanism 304 (see FIG. 2) to perform actual printing using the printing data (step 313). Then, the process proceeds to step 314.
Then, the control unit 21 deletes (initializes) the print data, trial print data, and the like stored in the storage unit 22 (step 314). Then, a series of printing processes is completed. Accordingly, the printing apparatus 300 can perform the printing process using the printing data processed by the host computer 100A (see FIG. 2).
Although the display unit 25 displays the UI here, the UI may be a hardware key.

(First embodiment of printing process)
FIG. 9 is an example of a flowchart showing the flow of the entire printing process between the host computer 100A (see FIG. 2) and the printing apparatus 300 (see FIG. 2) in the printing process including the trial printing and the main printing. It is. In this embodiment, the print processing in the case where the print setting instructed by the user pays attention only to whether or not the test print execution condition (see FIG. 6A) that “the number of print copies is plural” is satisfied. It is an example.
First, the determination unit 17 (see FIG. 3) determines whether or not the print setting instructed by the user satisfies the test print execution condition “printing a plurality of copies” (step 401). If the determination in step 401 is “mitai”, the process proceeds to step 402 (described later), and if “not met”, the process proceeds to step 405 (described later). Then, when the determination in step 401 is “resolve”, the print data creation unit 18 (see FIG. 3) reads out the trial print execution content for the corresponding test print execution condition from the execution content storage unit 16 (see FIG. 3). Here, since the print data creation unit 18 corresponds to “the number of print copies is plural” in the trial print execution condition (see FIG. 6A), the print data creation unit 18 recognizes “ID” “No. 1”. Then, the print data creation unit 18 reads “print one copy”, which is the test print execution content (see FIG. 6B) corresponding to the “ID” number, from the execution content storage unit 16. Therefore, the print processing unit 24 (see FIG. 7) forcibly causes the printing mechanism 304 (see FIG. 2) to perform only one trial printing (step 402).

Thereafter, the display unit 25 (see FIG. 7) displays a UI for selecting whether or not to perform the main printing in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 21 (see FIG. 7). Then, the control unit 21 determines whether or not to perform the main printing in accordance with the recognition of the user operation of the UI by the operation determination unit 26 (see FIG. 7) (step 403). This determination is determined by the user's subjective determination as to whether the test print result is good. If it is determined in step 403 that actual printing is to be performed, the process proceeds to step 404. If it is determined that actual printing is not to be performed, the printing process is terminated. The print processing unit 24 (see FIG. 7) determines that the print setting designated by the user is “multiple copies” from 1 (one copy printed as a test print) when the determination in step 403 is “perform actual printing”. The number of copies minus (equivalent) is printed (step 404). Then, the printing process ends.
As a result, it is possible to divert the test print result obtained by printing only one copy, and obtain the actual print results of the number (a plurality) of copies designated by the user.

If the determination in step 401 is “not seen”, the print processing unit 24 prints with the print settings instructed by the user (step 405). The number of print copies here is only one because the print setting designated by the user is not “printing a plurality of copies”. Then, the printing process ends.
As a result, it is possible to obtain the actual printing result of the number of copies (only one) designated by the user.

(Second embodiment of printing process)
FIG. 10 is an example of a flowchart illustrating the flow of the overall printing process in the host computer 100A (see FIG. 2) and the printing apparatus 300 (see FIG. 2) in the printing process including the trial printing and the main printing. It is. In this embodiment, only whether or not the print setting designated by the user satisfies the trial print execution condition (see FIG. 6A) that “the total number of pages (N pages) exceeds L pages”. It is an example of printing processing when attention is paid.
First, the determination unit 17 (see FIG. 3) determines whether or not the print setting instructed by the user satisfies a test print execution condition that “the total number of pages exceeds L pages” (step 501). If the determination in step 501 is “Match”, the process proceeds to Step 502, and if “Just not be met”, the process proceeds to Step 505 (described later). Then, if the determination in step 501 is “resolve”, the print data creation unit 18 (see FIG. 3) reads out the test print execution content for the corresponding test print execution condition from the execution content storage unit 16 (see FIG. 3). Here, since the print data creation unit 18 corresponds to “the total number of pages exceeds L pages” in the trial printing execution condition (see FIG. 6A), the “ID” “No. 2” is recognized. . Then, the print data creation unit 18 stores “print page 1 to page M”, which is the test print execution content (see FIG. 6B) corresponding to the “ID” number, as shown in FIG. 3). Therefore, the print processing unit 24 (see FIG. 7) forcibly causes the printing mechanism 304 (see FIG. 2) to perform test printing of pages 1 to M (step 502).

Thereafter, the display unit 25 (see FIG. 7) displays a UI for selecting whether or not to perform the main printing in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 21 (see FIG. 7). Then, the control unit 21 determines whether or not to perform the main printing according to the recognition of the user operation of the UI by the operation determination unit 26 (see FIG. 7) (step 503). This determination is determined by the user's subjective determination as to whether the test print result is good. If it is determined in step 503 that actual printing is to be performed, the process proceeds to step 504. If it is determined that actual printing is not to be performed, the printing process is terminated. The print processing unit 24 (see FIG. 7) prints the M + 1 page to the last page (N page), which are pages other than the print settings designated by the user, when the determination in step 503 is “perform actual printing”. (Step 504). Then, the printing process ends.
Thereby, the test print result can be used to obtain the main print result for all pages.

If the determination in step 501 is “not seen”, the print processing unit 24 prints with the print settings (print all pages) specified by the user (step 505). Then, the printing process ends.
Thereby, the main print result of all pages can be obtained.

As described above, the flow of the printing process including the test printing and the main printing has been described using the first and second embodiments. However, these are only examples.
For example, when the print setting instructed by the user satisfies a plurality of test print execution conditions, the print data creation unit 18 (see FIG. 3) sets the test print execution contents combining the test print execution contents respectively corresponding to these conditions. You may create it. For example, if the print setting designated by the user is composed of “the number of print copies is plural” and “the total number of pages (N pages) exceeds L pages”, the “first copy” “ “1 page to M page” can be forcibly set as the contents of trial printing.

In addition, when the test print execution contents (see FIG. 6B) do not print all pages (for example, when printing 1 to M pages), the main print is performed according to other test print execution contents to be combined. Partially change the process.
For example, when the other test print execution contents are “fasten the result of the test print with the stapler”, all the printing is performed from the first page in the main printing. This is because the test print result is not printed as a result of the main print because all the pages are not printed with the stapler.
Further, for example, when the M page (see FIG. 6) is an odd page in “double-sided printing”, the main print is reprinted from the Mth page. This is because the result of the trial printing in which the Mth page is printed is that the content of the (M + 1) th page to be printed by the main printing is not printed on the back side.

  For example, in the case of “Nup and single-sided printing” where the M page is not a multiple of N, in the actual printing, a numerical value obtained by adding 1 to a maximum value that is smaller than M and larger than N. Reprint from the page. In the case of “Nup and double-sided printing” where the M page is not an even number multiple of N, the actual print is a numerical value that is smaller than M and has a value obtained by adding 1 to the maximum number among even multiples of N. Reprint from the page. This is because the result of the trial printing in which the Mth page is printed is that the contents after the (M + 1) th page to be printed in the main printing are not printed. Here, Nup means that images of N pages are arranged and printed on the surface of the medium.

Further, when the other test print execution content is “print on recycled paper” (see FIG. 6B), in the main printing, printing is performed on the designated paper (quality paper) from the first page. This is because the results of the trial printing are all printed on recycled paper.
When trial printing is performed under the two trial printing implementation contents of “print one copy” and “print on recycled paper”, the number of copies specified by the user is printed in the main printing. This is because the first copy is all printed on recycled paper and cannot be used as a result of the actual printing.

Further, in the case of “booklet printing”, when the number of M pages is larger than 4S times the designated number of separated volumes (S is the number of separated volumes), the main printing is reprinted from the page that is 1 times the number of 4S times of the designated number of separated volumes. This is because a booklet obtained by trial printing a page subsequent to a page corresponding to 4S times the number of separate volumes is not the content to be printed in the main printing.
Note that a booklet is a saddle-stitched booklet when printed media (paper sheets) are overlapped and folded in the middle. Specifically, it means that two pages are printed on the surface of one medium with a long edge and an image of a total of four pages is printed on both sides of the medium. In addition, the booklet is a booklet that is divided, and is printed so that the booklet becomes the original booklet when the booklet is folded in half and overlapped. The designated number of volumes means the number of media designated to constitute one volume.

  In addition, when performing trial printing, a means for notifying the user of a message to perform trial printing may be provided. Further, if the document has been subjected to trial printing in the past and the contents have not been changed thereafter, the trial printing may not be performed even when the trial printing is automatically performed. For example, the history of the printing apparatus 300 (see FIG. 2) and the time stamp of the document, the history of the host computer 100A (see FIG. 2) and the time stamp of the document, Alternatively, it is possible to refer to information embedded in the document (last update date / time, presence / absence of trial printing, date / time of trial printing, etc.).

Thus, when the test print execution condition satisfies the print setting designated by the user, the test print is automatically performed. Then, the processing content of the main printing is appropriately changed according to the test printing execution content. Finally, the user can obtain a desired result of actual printing without wastefully consuming a large amount of medium in the printing process.
In the embodiment, the host computer 100A (see FIG. 2) has a function of specifying test print execution contents such as the determination unit 17 (see FIG. 3) and the print data creation unit 18 (see FIG. 3). However, it is not limited to this. The printing apparatus 300 (see FIG. 2) may receive and store the settings of the test print execution condition and the test print execution content by the user. Then, the printing apparatus 300 may recognize the print setting instructed by the user and determine whether or not the print setting satisfies the test print execution condition. Further, the printing apparatus 300 may specify the test print execution execution content based on the determination.

It is explanatory drawing of the system configuration | structure of this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the hardware constitutions of this embodiment. It is the figure which showed the functional block structure of the host computer. It is an example of the flowchart which showed the flow of the process of a host computer. It is another example of the flowchart which showed the flow of the process in a host computer. It is a specific example of test printing execution conditions and test printing execution contents. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a functional block configuration of a printing apparatus. It is an example of the flowchart which showed the flow of the process of the printing apparatus. 3 is an example of a flowchart illustrating a processing flow of the printing system. It is another example of the flowchart which showed the flow of the process of this printing system.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 13 ... Condition setting part, 14 ... Execution content setting part, 15 ... Condition storage part, 16 ... Execution content storage part, 17 ... Determination part, 18 ... Print data creation part, 21 ... Control part, 22 ... Storage part, 23 ... Print data processing unit, 24 ... print processing unit, 100A ... host computer, 300 ... printing apparatus

Claims (8)

Printing means for printing an image on a medium;
Storage means for storing conditions for printing a portion of the print result desired by the user;
Determining means for determining whether a print setting for obtaining the print result satisfies the condition;
Control means for controlling the printing means to perform printing of the part in accordance with a determination result that the print setting satisfies the condition;
A printing apparatus comprising: The storage means stores the conditions and contents of performing the printing of the part corresponding to the conditions,
2. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein when the determination unit determines that the condition is satisfied, the control unit controls the printing unit to perform the printing of the part according to the implementation content corresponding to the condition. Printing device.   When the determination unit determines that the plurality of conditions are satisfied, the control unit causes the printing unit to perform printing of the part according to an implementation content obtained by combining a plurality of the implementation content respectively corresponding to the plurality of conditions. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the printing apparatus is controlled.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit changes a printing process for obtaining the printing result performed after the printing of the part according to the condition. On the computer,
A storage function for storing conditions for printing a part of a print result desired by the user;
A recognition function for recognizing print settings for obtaining the print result;
A determination function for determining whether a print setting for obtaining the print result satisfies the condition;
A control function for controlling the printing apparatus to perform printing of the part according to a determination result that the print setting satisfies the condition;
A program that realizes The storage function stores the condition and an implementation content for printing the part corresponding to the condition,
6. The control device according to claim 5, wherein when the determination function determines that the condition is satisfied, the control function controls the printing apparatus to perform the printing of the part according to the implementation content corresponding to the condition. Program.   When the determination function determines that the plurality of conditions are satisfied, the control function causes the printing apparatus to perform printing of the part according to an implementation content that is a combination of the plurality of implementation content respectively corresponding to the plurality of conditions. The program according to claim 6, wherein the program is controlled. On the computer,
The program according to claim 6, further realizing a reception function for receiving the condition and the implementation content according to a user operation.

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