JP2008059137A - Printing system, printer, information processor, and printing method for printing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing system capable of preventing an unsuitable printer from being selected and also preventing an unsuitable printing from being performed by the unsuitable printer, and to provide a printing method therefor. <P>SOLUTION: Printers 3 and 5 and an information processor 2 are connected to a communication line network 4, and the printers 3 and 5 are configured to store printer setting information including network address information and model information, and to write and read it in an IC card 9 for writing the stored printer setting information in the IC card 9 by communicatively connecting to the IC card 9. The information processor 2 is configured to store the printer setting information, and to write and read it in the IC card 9, and to determine whether or not the printer model information is matched with the models of the printers 3 and 5, and to set the printers 3 and 5 of the stored network address information as print output destinations when they are matched, and to set the printer driver corresponding to the printer model information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing system in which a printer device and an information processing device are connected to a communication network, and more particularly to a printing system that selects and prints an appropriate printer using the communication network.

  As a printing system in which a printer device and an information processing device are connected to a conventional communication line network, for example, a PC card, which is a portable information storage means, is inserted into the printer device, and the printer network address, printer driver, and disclosure 2. Description of the Related Art A printing system is known in which a key is written on a PC card and then extracted and inserted into a personal computer that is an information processing apparatus.

  After that, on the personal computer side, the printer driver is read from the PC card and installed, the network address of the read printer device is set as the output destination, and the printer device is accessed via the communication line network. To the printer device to request authentication.

  On the printer device side, a printer device determined to be appropriate by giving authentication to the request of the personal computer is selected and printed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-101540 A

  However, the network address of the printer device and the printer driver information written in the PC card are not always the latest information, and the user on the information processing device side needs the information to be up-to-date or appropriate. Therefore, there is a problem that an inappropriate printer device is selected using old information or temporarily used information, and as a result, improper printing is performed.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and the latest and appropriate network address and printer driver of the printer apparatus are provided to the information processing apparatus side, and an inappropriate printer apparatus is selected. As a result, it is an object of the present invention to provide a printing system and a printing method thereof that are not improperly printed.

In order to achieve the above object, a printing system of the present invention is a printing system in which at least one printer device and at least one information processing device are connected to a communication line network,
The printer device includes at least printer-side storage means for storing at least network address information of the printer device and printer model information as printer device setting information.
Printer-side interface means capable of directly communicating with portable information storage means to write and read the printer device setting information to and from the portable information storage means;
Printer-side control means for reading out the printer device setting information recorded in the printer-side storage means and writing it in the portable information storage means via the printer-side interface means;
The information processing apparatus is preinstalled with a printer driver corresponding to the model of the printer apparatus, and stores at least network address information of the printer apparatus and printer model information as printer apparatus setting information. Side storage means;
An information processing apparatus-side interface means capable of directly connecting to and communicating with portable information storage means to write and read the printer apparatus setting information to and from the portable information storage means;
The read printer device setting information is written in the information processing device side storage means, and it is determined whether or not the printer model information matches the model of the printer device in which the printer driver is installed in advance. In this case, the information processing apparatus includes control means for setting a printer device having the network address information as a print output destination and setting a corresponding printer driver from the printer model information.

The printing system of the present invention is a printing system in which at least one printer device and at least one information processing device are connected to a communication network.
The information processing apparatus is preinstalled with a printer driver corresponding to the model of the printer apparatus, and stores at least network address information of the printer apparatus and printer model information as printer apparatus setting information. Side storage means;
An information processing apparatus-side interface means capable of directly connecting to and communicating with portable information storage means to write and read the printer apparatus setting information to and from the portable information storage means;
The printer device setting information recorded in the information processing device side storage means is read out and written to the portable information storage means via the printer side interface means, and the printer model information is preinstalled with a printer driver. Information processing apparatus that determines whether or not the printer model matches, and if the printer apparatus matches, sets the printer device of the network address information as a print output destination and sets a corresponding printer driver from the printer model information Side control means,
The printer device includes at least printer-side storage means for storing at least network address information of the printer device and printer model information as printer device setting information.
Printer-side interface means capable of directly communicating with portable information storage means to write and read the printer device setting information to and from the portable information storage means;
Printer-side control means for reading out the printer apparatus setting information via the printer-side interface means and writing it in the printer-side storage means.

The printing method of the printing system of the present invention is a printing method of a printing system in which at least one printer device and at least one information processing device are connected to a communication line network,
Storing at least network address information of the printer device and printer model information as printer device setting information in the printer device; and
Direct communication connection with portable information storage means and writing the printer device setting information into the portable information storage means;
Reading the printer device setting information and writing it into the portable information storage means;
In the information processing apparatus, a printer driver corresponding to the model of the printer apparatus is installed in advance;
Storing at least network address information of the printer device and printer model information as printer device setting information; and
Reading the printer device setting information by directly communicating with portable information storage means;
Reading the printer device setting information recorded in the portable information storage means;
Determining whether the printer model information matches a model of a printer device in which a printer driver is installed in advance;
In the case where they match in the determination of the step, there is a step of setting a printer device of the network address information as a print output destination and setting a corresponding printer driver from the printer model information.

The printing method of the printing system of the present invention is a printing method of a printing system in which at least one printer device and at least one information processing device are connected to a communication line network,
A printer driver corresponding to the model of the printer device is preinstalled in the information processing apparatus, and at least network address information of the printer device and printer model information are stored as printer device setting information;
Direct communication connection with portable information storage means to read the printer device setting information from the portable information storage means;
Writing the read printer device setting information into the portable information storage means;
Determining whether the printer model information matches a model of a printer device in which a printer driver is installed in advance;
A step of setting a printer device of the network address information as a print output destination and setting a corresponding printer driver from the printer model information when they match in the determination of the step;
Storing at least network address information of the printer device and printer model information as printer device setting information in the printer device; and
It comprises a step of directly communicating with portable information storage means and reading the printer apparatus setting information from the portable information storage means.

  In the printing system and the printing method according to the present invention, the latest and appropriate network address and printer driver of the printer device are provided to the information processing device, so that an inappropriate printer device is selected and, as a result, inappropriate printing is performed. Can be eliminated.

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

Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the printing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
In the printing system 1, for example, an information processing device 2 that can generate print data and send print data to a printer device, such as a personal computer, and a first printer that can print an image based on the print data A device 3 and a second printer device 5 are connected to the communication network 4. The IC card 9 can store and transmit / receive (communication) print data including control data with each of the information processing apparatus 2, the first printer apparatus 3, and the second printer apparatus 5. The communication network 4 may be a general local area network (LAN) or another communication network. Furthermore, it is not necessary to be a single communication line network. For example, a combination of a plurality of communication line networks or a LAN via the Internet may be used.

  The IC card 9 has a storage capacity capable of storing at least the network address information of the first printer device 3 or the second printer device 5 and the printer model information. As a communication method of print data between the IC card 9 and the information processing device 2 or between the IC card 9 and the first printer device 3 or the second printer device 5, for example, the IC card 9 and the information A method is known in which an antenna is provided in each of the processing device 2 and the first printer device 3 or the second printer device 5, and print data is transmitted and received by radio waves. In addition to the IC card 9 that has a built-in battery and transmits / receives print data, for example, an IC card that transmits and receives print data by activating a transmission / reception circuit when an internal coil generates an induced electromotive force in an electric field is known. ing.

  In this embodiment, a wireless IC card antenna and an interface (reader / writer) are provided on the information processing device 2 and the first printer device 3 or the second printer device 5 side, and the IC card 9 side is provided. Is described as being provided with an antenna and an interface for communicating with each of these devices in a wireless manner, and printing data is transmitted and received between the IC card 9 and each device wirelessly. For example, as long as sufficient communication capacity and storage capacity can be obtained, for example, an optical system using infrared rays or a magnetic recording system using a magnetic head may be used.

  The internal configuration of the first printer device 3 and the second printer device 5 will be described later with reference to FIG. 2, and the internal configuration of the information processing device 2 will be described later with reference to FIG. The configuration will be described later with reference to FIG.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic internal configuration of the first printer device 3 or the second printer device 5 shown in FIG.
The first printer device 3 and the second printer device 5 are devices that can be individually printed only by their own devices, and have the same configuration at the level of the block diagram although they have detailed differences.
The CPU 10 is a control unit that is connected to the printer internal bus 19 and controls the entire printer apparatus including a microprocessor or a central processing element.
The ROM 11 is connected to the printer internal bus 19 and is a read-only read-only memory that stores data such as programs and fonts.
The RAM 12 is a random access memory connected to the printer internal bus 19 and used for temporary storage of programs and data.
The HDD 13 is a hard disk drive device that is connected to the printer internal bus 19 and stores image data and various information as a nonvolatile memory.
The LCD 14 is connected to the printer internal bus 19 and includes a liquid crystal display device. The LCD 14 is a display unit that displays the current state of the printer device and the printing status so that the user can recognize it.

The RTC 15 is a real-time clock that is connected to the printer internal bus 19 and used as time notification means.
The IC card I / F 16 is connected to the printer internal bus 19 and converts information and data received from the IC card 9 into a format that can be used inside the printer device and outputs it to the internal bus 19. Are converted into a format that can be stored in the IC card 9 and output to the antenna 20.
The network I / F 17 is connected to the printer internal bus 19, converts information and data in a format that can be transmitted through the communication network 4 received from the communication network 4 into a format that can be used inside the printer, and outputs the converted data. Conversely, information and data in a format that can be used inside the printer apparatus are converted into a format that can be transmitted by the communication network 4 and output to the communication network 4.

The print engine 18 is connected to the printer internal bus 19. The print data received by the communication network 4 and the network I / F 17 is input via the internal bus 19 and converted into printable bitmap data for printing. .
The printer internal bus 19 is connected to the CPU 10, ROM 11, RAM 12, HDD 13, LCD 14, RTC 15, IC card I / F 16, and network I / F 17 to transmit various data and various control signals.
The antenna 20 is connected to the IC card I / F 16, transmits a signal input from the IC card I / F 16 to the IC card 9 by radio waves, receives a radio wave signal from the IC card 9, and receives the IC card I / F. Send to F16.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic internal configuration of the information processing apparatus 2 shown in FIG.
The CPU 21 is a control unit that is connected to the personal computer internal bus 29 and controls the entire information processing apparatus including a microprocessor or a central processing element.
The ROM 22 is connected to the personal computer internal bus 29, is a read-only read-only memory, and stores data such as programs and fonts.
The RAM 23 is a random access memory connected to the personal computer internal bus 29 and used for temporary storage of programs and data.
The HDD 24 is a hard disk drive device that is connected to the personal computer internal bus 29 and stores image data and various information as a nonvolatile memory.
The LCD 25 is connected to the personal computer internal bus 29 and includes a liquid crystal display device. The LCD 25 is a display unit that displays the current state of the information processing device, image data, printing status, and the like so that the user can recognize them.

The RTC 26 is a real-time clock that is connected to the personal computer internal bus 29 and used as time notification means.
The IC card I / F 27 is connected to the personal computer internal bus 29, converts the information and data received from the IC card 9 into a format that can be used inside the information processing apparatus and outputs the converted data or data to the internal bus 29, or conversely Information and data inside the apparatus are converted into a format that can be stored in the IC card 9 and output to the antenna 30.
The network I / F 28 is connected to the personal computer internal bus 29, converts information and data in a format that can be transmitted through the communication network 4 received from the communication network 4 into a format that can be used inside the information processing apparatus, and outputs the data. Conversely, information and data in a format that can be used inside the information processing apparatus are converted into a format that can be transmitted by the communication network 4 and output to the communication network 4.

The personal computer internal bus 29 is connected to the CPU 21, ROM 22, RAM 23, HDD 24, LCD 25, RTC 26, IC card I / F 27, and network I / F 28, and transmits various data and various control signals.
The antenna 30 is connected to the IC card I / F 27, transmits a signal input from the IC card I / F 27 to the IC card 9 by radio waves, receives a radio wave signal from the IC card 9, and receives the IC card I / F. Send to F27.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic internal configuration of the IC card 9 shown in FIG.
The CPU 51 is a control unit that is connected to the IC card internal bus 56 and controls the entire information processing apparatus including a microprocessor or a central processing element.
The ROM 52 is connected to the IC card internal bus 56, is a read-only read-only memory, and stores data such as programs and fonts.
The RAM 53 is a random access memory connected to the IC card internal bus 56 and used for temporary storage of programs and data.
The EEPROM 54 is connected to the IC card internal bus 56 and is a read-only memory of a nonvolatile memory, but can be electrically read and written, and stores image data, various information, data such as programs, and the like.

The PCI / F 55 is connected to the IC card internal bus 29, converts information and data received from the information processing apparatus 2 into a format usable in the IC card and outputs the converted data to the internal bus 56, or conversely, Are converted into a format that can be processed inside the information processing apparatus 2 and output to the antenna 57.
The IC card internal bus 56 is connected to the above-described CPU 51, ROM 52, RAM 53, EEPROM 54, and PCI / F 55, and transmits various data and various control signals.
The antenna 57 is connected to the PCI / F 55, transmits a signal input from the PCI / F 55 to the information processing apparatus 2 by radio waves, receives a radio wave signal from the information processing apparatus 2, and sends the signal to the PCI / F 55. .

FIG. 5A is a diagram showing the storage contents for each block unit of the storage area divided into examples of the apparatus setting information of the printer apparatus stored in the IC card 9 shown in FIGS. (B) is the figure which showed the more specific example of the 1st area | region of (a).
The storage blocks 41 to 43 in FIG. 5A are first areas for storing the apparatus setting information of the first printer apparatus 3. The storage block 41 stores the network address of the first printer apparatus 3, and the storage block 42 stores the apparatus setting information. The time when the network address of the first printer device 3 is written to the IC card 9 and the model name of the first printer device 3 are stored in the storage block 43.
The reason for storing the model name of the printer device is that, in general, when various printer drivers are stored in advance in the information processing device, the printer driver is stored in correspondence with the model name of the printer device. This is because there are many. Therefore, it is sufficient that the information can finally be obtained from the printer driver of the printer device. For example, the ID number or the like is stored, and the model name of the printer device or the printer driver can be directly identified by a comparison table or the like. Also good.

The storage blocks 44 to 46 in FIG. 5A are second areas for storing device setting information of the second printer device 5. The storage block 44 stores the network address of the second printer device 5, and the storage block 45 stores the device setting information. The time when the network address of the second printer device 5 is written to the IC card 9 and the model name of the second printer device 5 are stored in the storage block 46.
The storage blocks 47 to 49 in FIG. 5A are the nth area for storing the device setting information of the nth (n is a positive integer) printer device, and the network address of the nth printer device is stored in the storage block 47. The memory block 48 stores the time when the network address of the nth printer device is written to the IC card 9 and the storage block 49 stores the model name of the nth printer device. In the storage block 50, for example, a code indicating the end of the storage area is stored.

In the storage block 31 of FIG. 5B, a network address “192.168.1.3” is described as a specific example of the first network address of the storage block 41 in the first area of FIG. Has been.
As a specific example of the first writing time of the storage block 42 in the first area of FIG. 5A, the storage block 32 of FIG. 5B is “15:22 on March 14, 1994”. The writing time is described.
In the storage block 33 of FIG. 5B, a model name “Printer 2000” is described as a specific example of the first model name of the storage block 43 in the first area of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a processing operation unit configured by executing a program in the first printer device 3 or the second printer device 5 of the first embodiment.
The IC card reading unit 61 is a processing operation unit including, for example, a CPU 10, a ROM 11, a RAM 12, and an HDD 13 connected to the IC card I / F 16 of FIG. The device setting information and print data of the printer apparatus being read out are read, and the processing operation of outputting the information of the read result to the IC card writing unit 62 described later is performed. The IC card reading unit 61 also functions as a detection unit that determines whether or not the device setting information of the printer device can be written from the information of the reading result of the IC card 9.

  The IC card writing unit 62 is a processing operation unit including, for example, the CPU 10, ROM 11, RAM 12, HDD 13, and the like connected to the IC card I / F 16 of FIG. The information of the reading result from the input is input, and the storage processing operation and the reading processing operation of each corresponding information can be performed among the network address storage unit 63, the writing time reading unit 64, and the model name storage unit 65 which will be described later Furthermore, a processing operation for writing device setting information of the printer device to the IC card 9 via the IC card I / F 16 is performed.

  The network address storage unit 63 is a processing operation unit including, for example, the CPU 10, the ROM 11, the RAM 12, the HDD 13, and the like connected to the IC card I / F 16 of FIG. The processing operation to be memorized is performed.

  The writing time reading unit 64 is a processing operation unit including, for example, a CPU 10, an RTC 15, a ROM 11, a RAM 12, an HDD 13, and the like connected to the IC card I / F 16 of FIG. The RTC 15 detects and stores the time at which the network address and model name are stored in the memory, and performs a processing operation of reading that time as the writing time.

  The model name storage unit 65 is a processing operation unit including, for example, the CPU 10, the ROM 11, the RAM 12, the HDD 13, and the like connected to the IC card I / F 16 of FIG. The processing operation to be memorized is performed.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a processing operation unit configured by executing a program in the information processing apparatus (personal computer) according to the first embodiment.
The IC card reading unit 71 is, for example, a processing operation unit composed of a CPU 21, ROM 22, RAM 23, HDD 24, etc. connected to the IC card I / F 27 of FIG. The device setting information and the print data of the printer apparatus being read out are read, and the information of the read result is stored in the network address setting unit 75, the writing time comparison unit 73, and the model name comparison unit 74, which will be described later. A (setting) processing operation, a reading processing operation of the stored content, a comparison processing operation between the read content and the newly input content, and an output processing operation of the comparison result are performed.

  The IC card writing unit 72 is a processing operation unit including, for example, a CPU 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, an HDD 24, and the like connected to the IC card I / F 27 of FIG. The network address information as a result of reading from the printer is input, and the processing operation for writing the network address of the printer device to the IC card 9 via the IC card I / F 27 is performed.

  The write time comparison unit 73 is a processing operation unit including, for example, a CPU 21, an RTC 26, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, an HDD 24, and the like connected to the IC card I / F 27 of FIG. Is compared with the write time when the network address or model name stored in the memory is written and the current time detected by the RTC 26, for example, whether the current time is within a predetermined time such as within 24 hours from the write time. The processing operation for outputting the comparison result to the CPU 21 or the like of the IC card reading unit 71 is performed.

  The model name comparison unit 74 is a processing operation unit including, for example, the CPU 21, ROM 22, RAM 23, HDD 24, and the like connected to the IC card I / F 27 of FIG. A processing operation is performed to compare the model name with the model name of the printer that has already been set as the output destination of the print data, and to output the comparison result to the CPU 21 of the IC card reader 71 or the like.

  The network address setting unit 75 is, for example, a processing operation unit including a CPU 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, an HDD 24, and the like connected to the IC card I / F 27 of FIG. A processing operation for storing the network address of the desired printer and outputting it to the IC card writing unit 72 is performed in order to set the network address on the printer side.

FIG. 8 shows processing operations of the IC card reading unit 61 and the IC card writing unit 62 when the IC card 9 is communicatively connected to the first printer device 3 or the second printer device 5 of the first embodiment. It is a flowchart.
When the wireless IC card 9 is connected to the first printer device 3 or the second printer device 5 for communication, the IC card reader 61 first designates the first area (S101). Then, it starts reading the information of the designated area from the IC card 9 (S102).
Next, the IC card reading unit 61 determines whether the read information indicates the end of the storage area in the IC card 9 (S103). When the read information indicates the end of the storage area on the IC card 9 (S103: YES), it is determined that the network address cannot be written by the IC card writing unit 62, and a write disable notification is output. (S107) and the processing operation ends.

If the read information does not indicate the end of the storage area in the IC card 9 (S103: NO), it is determined whether or not a net address has already been written in the storage area (S104). If the net address has been written (S104: YES), for example, if the current area is the first area, the next storage area is designated as in the second area (S105), and the process returns to step S102 again to return to the IC card. Read information from 9. The processing operations so far are repeated until the end of the storage area is read (detected) in step S103.
If the net address has not been written in the storage area (S104: NO), it is determined that the network address can be written in the storage area (S106). Address information is written (S108), and the processing operation is terminated.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating processing operations of the IC card reading unit 71 and the IC card writing unit 72 when the IC card 9 is connected to the information processing apparatus 2 according to the first embodiment.
When the wireless IC card 9 is brought into communication with the information processing apparatus 2, the IC card reader 71 first designates the first area (S 111), and the area designated from the IC card 9. Is started to be read (S112).
Next, the IC card reading unit 71 determines whether the read information indicates the end of the storage area in the IC card 9 (S113). When the read information indicates the end of the storage area on the IC card 9 (S113: YES), the processing operation is terminated.

If the read information does not indicate the end of the storage area on the IC card 9 (S113: NO), it is determined whether a net address has already been written in the storage area (S114). If the net address has not been written (S114: NO), for example, if the current area is the first area, the next storage area is designated as in the second area (S119), and the process returns to step S112 again to return to the IC. Read information from the card 9.
If the net address has been written in the storage area (S114: YES), the model name written in the storage area of the IC card 9 has been written in the model name comparison unit 73 of the information processing apparatus 2. It is determined whether or not it matches the model name (S115).
If the model names do not match (S115: NO), the next storage area is designated (S119), and the process returns to step S112 again to read information from the IC card 9.
When the model names match (S115: YES), the time difference from the writing time written in the storage area of the IC card 9 to the current time obtained by the RTC 26 is within a predetermined time, for example, within 24 hours. It is determined whether or not (S116).

If the time difference is not within the predetermined time (S116: NO), the next storage area is designated (S119), and the process returns to step S112 again to read information from the IC card 9.
If the time difference is within the predetermined time (S116: YES), the network address already written in the storage area is the latest version written within 24 hours, and is stored in the network address setting unit 75. The network address of the existing printer is changed to the latest version network address (S117).
When the network address of the printer stored in the network address setting unit 75 is changed to the latest version, the storage area in which the network address is stored in the IC card 9 becomes unnecessary and is deleted (S118). A storage area is designated (S119), and the process returns to step S112 again to read information from the IC card 9.
The processing operations so far are repeated until the end of the storage area is read (detected) in step S113.

As described above, in the printing system according to the present embodiment, the communication line network 4 includes at least one printer device (the first printer device 3 and the second printer device 5) and at least one information processing device 2. It is a connected printing system.
In the printer apparatuses 3 and 5 of the present embodiment, printer side storage means (ROM 11, RAM 12, RAM) that stores at least network address information of the printer apparatus and printer model information (model name) as printer apparatus setting information. HDD 13, network address storage unit 63, or model name storage unit 65), and directly connected to the portable information storage unit (IC card 9) to connect the printer device setting information to the portable information storage unit. Printer-side interface means (IC card I / F 16, antenna 20) capable of writing and reading are provided, and further printer device setting information recorded in the printer-side storage means is read out via the printer-side interface means. Printer-side control means (CPU 10, IC card) for writing to portable information storage means Preparative section 61 comprises an IC card writing unit 62).

  The printer devices 3 and 5 of the present embodiment further include current time output means (RTC 15 and writing time reading unit 64) for outputting current time information, and the printer device setting information is written by the printer side control means. In addition to the printer device setting information, the current time information is stored in the printer-side storage means, and the printer device setting information is written in the portable information storage means.

  The printer-side control unit according to the present embodiment detects free space information in the portable information storage unit, determines whether the printer device setting information can be written in the portable information storage unit, and writes the information. If it is possible, the printer apparatus setting information is written in the portable information storage means. Further, the printer-side control means of the present embodiment is an area divided into units larger than the capacity necessary for storing the printer device setting information of one printer device for the free capacity information of the portable information storage means. , Detecting whether or not writing has been performed, and when one area has been written, the process of detecting whether or not writing has been completed in the next area is repeated until the end of the area. The printer apparatus setting information is written in the area for writing.

  In the information processing apparatus (personal computer) 2 according to the present embodiment, a printer driver corresponding to the model of the printer apparatus is installed in advance, and at least the network address information of the printer apparatuses 5 and 3 and the printer model information are stored in the printer. The information processing apparatus side storage means (ROM 22, RAM 23, HDD 24, model name comparison section 74, network address setting section 75) for storing the apparatus setting information and the portable information storage means are directly connected to communicate with each other to obtain the printer apparatus setting information. Information processing apparatus side interface means (IC card I / F 27, antenna 30) that can be written to and read from the portable information storage means, and the read printer apparatus setting information are written to the information processing apparatus side storage means. At the same time, the printer model information is pre-installed with the printer driver installed. If it matches, the printer device of the network address information stored in the information processing device storage means is set as the print output destination, and the printer corresponding to the printer model information is set. Information processing device side control means (CPU 21, IC card reading unit 71, IC card writing unit 72) for setting a driver is provided.

  The information processing apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment further includes current time output means (RTC 26, writing time comparison unit 73) for outputting current time information, and is recorded in the portable information storage means by the information processing apparatus side control means. The writing time information in the set printer information is also read out and written in the information processing device side storage means, and it is determined whether the current time information is within a predetermined time from the writing time information. In some cases, the printer device of the network address information is set as the print output destination, and the corresponding printer driver is set from the printer model information.

  When the information processing apparatus side control means of this embodiment reads the printer apparatus setting information of the portable information storage means, it detects whether or not each area has been written, and one area is If it has been written, the printer device setting information in that area is written and updated, then the printer device setting information in that area of the portable information storage means is erased, and has been written in the next area? The process of detecting whether or not is repeated until the end of the area, the printer device setting information of the last written area is written and updated, and the printer device of the network address information is printed according to the updated printer device setting information Set as the output destination, and set the corresponding printer driver from the printer model information. In addition, when the information processing apparatus side control unit of the present embodiment reads out the printer apparatus setting information of the portable information storage unit, if all the areas have been written and the end of the area is written, the information is written. Outputs a disapproval notice.

  As described above, in the printing system according to the present embodiment, the latest appropriate network address and model name of the printer apparatus are provided to the information processing apparatus side via the portable IC card. Since the model name is written within a certain period of time, it can be confirmed that it is up-to-date and appropriate, and an appropriate printer driver can be set based on the appropriate network address and model name. Can be eliminated, and as a result, improper printing can be eliminated.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
In the first embodiment described above, the latest and proper network address and model name of the printer device are provided to the information processing device via the portable IC card, so that an inappropriate printer device can be selected, As a result, the situation where printing is inappropriately performed is eliminated, but it may be possible for the user to use a printer device in which a printer driver and a model name are registered on the information processing device side. Also, as shown in the first embodiment, the portable IC card has printer device setting information for a plurality of printer devices registered in a plurality of areas, and the printer of the printer device desired by the user is stored. A case where the device setting information has already been registered is also conceivable. Such a case will be described below as a second embodiment.

  The basic configuration of the second embodiment is the same as the configuration of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. However, since the processing operation of the second embodiment is different from the processing operation of the first embodiment, the processing operation unit configured by executing the program in the printer apparatus of FIG. 6 and the information processing apparatus of FIG. The processing operation unit configured by executing the program in FIG. 7, the processing operation of the IC card reading unit and the IC card writing unit when the IC card is connected to the printer device of FIG. 7, and the information processing device of FIG. The processing operations of the IC card reading unit and the IC card writing unit when the IC card is connected for communication are different.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a processing operation unit configured by executing a program in the information processing apparatus (personal computer) according to the second embodiment.
The IC card reading unit 81 is a processing operation unit including, for example, a CPU 21, ROM 22, RAM 23, HDD 24, and the like connected to the IC card I / F 27 of FIG. The device setting information and print data of the printer apparatus being read out are read, and the processing operation for outputting the information of the read result to the IC card writing unit 82 described later is performed. The IC card reading unit 81 also functions as a detection unit that determines from the information of the reading result of the IC card 9 whether or not the device setting information of the printer device can be written.

The IC card writing unit 82 is a processing operation unit including, for example, a CPU 21, ROM 22, RAM 23, HDD 24 and the like connected to the IC card I / F 27 of FIG. The model name information as a result of reading from the printer is input, and a processing operation for writing the model name of the printer device to the IC card 9 via the IC card I / F 27 is performed.
In this embodiment, the printer device setting information of the printer device desired by the user has already been registered. However, the printer device setting information of the printer device desired by the user has not been registered. In this case, for example, printer apparatus setting information (model name information or the like) is input by an arbitrary input unit of the information processing apparatus and stored in a model name storage unit 83 to be described later.

  The model name comparison unit 83 is a processing operation unit including, for example, a CPU 21, ROM 22, RAM 23, HDD 24, and the like connected to the IC card I / F 27 of FIG. A processing operation is performed to compare the model name with the model name of the printer that has already been set as the output destination of the print data, and to output a comparison result of whether or not they match to the CPU 21 of the IC card writing unit 82 or the like.

  The write time comparison unit 84 is a processing operation unit including, for example, a CPU 21, an RTC 26, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, an HDD 24, and the like connected to the IC card I / F 27 of FIG. Is compared with the write time when the network address or model name stored in the memory is written and the current time detected by the RTC 26, for example, whether the current time is within a predetermined time such as within 24 hours from the write time. The processing operation for outputting the comparison result to the CPU 21 or the like of the IC card writing unit 82 is performed.

  The network address storage unit 85 is a processing operation unit including, for example, a CPU 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, an HDD 24, and the like connected to the IC card I / F 27 of FIG. A processing operation for storing the network address of the desired printer is performed.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a processing operation unit configured by executing a program in the first printer device 3 or the second printer device 5 according to the second embodiment.
The IC card reading unit 91 is a processing operation unit including, for example, a CPU 10, a ROM 11, a RAM 12, and an HDD 13 connected to the IC card I / F 16 of FIG. The device setting information and the print data of the printer apparatus being read out are read, and the processing operation of outputting the information of the read result to the IC card writing unit 92 described later is performed. The IC card reading unit 91 also functions as a detection unit that determines whether or not the device setting information of the printer device can be written from the information of the reading result of the IC card 9.

  The IC card writing unit 92 is a processing operation unit including, for example, the CPU 10, the ROM 11, the RAM 12, the HDD 13, and the like connected to the IC card I / F 16 of FIG. The information of the read result from the input is input, and the storage processing operation and the reading processing operation of each corresponding information can be performed among the network address storage unit 93, the writing time reading unit 94, and the model name storage unit 95 described later. Furthermore, a processing operation for writing device setting information of the printer device to the IC card 9 via the IC card I / F 16 is performed.

  The network address storage unit 93 is a processing operation unit including, for example, the CPU 10, the ROM 11, the RAM 12, the HDD 13, and the like connected to the IC card I / F 16 of FIG. The processing operation to be memorized is performed.

  The writing time reading unit 94 is a processing operation unit including, for example, a CPU 10, an RTC 15, a ROM 11, a RAM 12, an HDD 13 and the like connected to the IC card I / F 16 of FIG. The RTC 15 detects and stores the time at which the network address and model name are stored in the memory, and performs a processing operation of reading that time as the writing time.

  The model name storage unit 95 is a processing operation unit including, for example, the CPU 10, the ROM 11, the RAM 12, the HDD 13, and the like connected to the IC card I / F 16 of FIG. The processing operation to be memorized is performed.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating processing operations of the IC card reading unit 81 and the IC card writing unit 82 when the IC card 9 is connected to the information processing apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment.
When the wireless IC card 9 is brought into communication with the information processing apparatus 2, the IC card reader 81 first designates the first area (S 141), and the area designated from the IC card 9. Is started to be read (S142).
Next, the IC card reading unit 81 determines whether or not the read information indicates the end of the storage area in the IC card 9 (S143). When the read information indicates the end of the storage area in the IC card 9 (S143: YES), the first area is designated (S152), and the model name is written into the IC card 9 by the IC card writing unit 82. (S149), and the processing operation ends.

If the read information does not indicate the end of the storage area in the IC card 9 (S143: NO), it is determined whether or not a net address has already been written in the storage area (S144). If the net address has not been written (S144: NO), the information in the designated storage area in the IC card 9 is deleted (S150). For example, if the current area is the first area, the information is the second area. Then, the next storage area is designated (S151), and the process returns to step S142 again to read information from the IC card 9.
When the net address has been written in the storage area (S144: YES), the model name written in the storage area of the IC card 9 has been written in the model name storage unit 83 of the information processing apparatus 2. It is determined whether or not it matches with the model name (S145).
If the model names do not match (S145: NO), the information of the designated storage area in the IC card 9 is deleted (S150), the next storage area is designated (S151), and the process returns to step S142 again. Information is read from the IC card 9.
When the model names match (S145: YES), the time difference from the writing time written in the storage area of the IC card 9 to the current time obtained by the RTC 26 is within a predetermined time, for example, within 24 hours. It is determined whether or not (S146).

If the time difference is not within the predetermined time (S146: NO), the information of the designated storage area in the IC card 9 is deleted (S150), the next storage area is designated (S151), and the process returns to step S142. Return to read information from the IC card 9.
If the time difference is within the predetermined time (S146: YES), the network address already written in the storage area is the latest version written within 24 hours and is stored in the network address storage unit 85. The network address of the existing printer is changed to the latest version network address (S147).
The processing operations so far are repeated until the end of the storage area is read (detected) in step S143.

  When the network address of the printer stored in the network address storage unit 85 is changed to the latest version, the storage area where the network address is stored in the IC card 9 is no longer necessary and is deleted (S148). The model name is written in the IC card 9 by the inserting unit 82 (S149), and the processing operation is terminated.

FIG. 13 shows processing operations of the IC card reading unit 91 and the IC card writing unit 92 when the IC card 9 is connected to the first printer device 3 or the second printer device 5 according to the second embodiment. It is a flowchart.
When the wireless IC card 9 is connected to the first printer device 3 or the second printer device 5 by communication, the IC card reader 91 first designates the first area (S121). Then, reading of the specified area information from the IC card 9 is started (S122).
Next, the IC card reading unit 91 determines whether or not the read information indicates the end of the storage area in the IC card 9 (S123). If the read information indicates the end of the storage area on the IC card 9 (S123: YES), an error message is displayed on the LCD 25 of the printer (S129), and the processing operation is terminated.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of an error message displayed on the LCD in step S129 of FIG.
Since the printer model stored in the IC card 9 is different from the model of the first printer device 3 or the second printer device 5, as an example, “the printer model is different” is displayed on the LCD (display unit). ) 25.

If the read information does not indicate the end of the storage area on the IC card 9 (S123: NO), it is determined whether a net address has already been written in the storage area (S124).
If the net address has not been written in the storage area (S124: NO), it is determined whether or not the model name has been written in the storage area of the IC card 9 (S125).

If the model name is not written (S125: NO), the next storage area is designated (S127), and the process returns to step S122 again to read information from the IC card 9.
When the model name is written (S125: YES), the model name written in the storage area of the IC card 9 matches the model name already written in the model name storage unit 65 of the information processing apparatus 2. It is determined whether or not to perform (S126).
If the model names do not match (S126: NO), the next storage area is designated (S127), and the process returns to step S122 again to read information from the IC card 9.
The processing operations so far are repeated until the end of the storage area is read (detected) in step S123.

  If the model names match (S126: YES), the network address is written in the storage area of the IC card 9 as the latest version of the network address (S128).

  As described above, the printing system according to the present embodiment is a printing system in which at least one printer device 3, 5 and at least one information processing device 2 are connected to the communication line network 4.

  In the information processing apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment, a printer driver corresponding to the model of the printer device 3 or 5 is installed in advance, and at least the network address information and the printer model information of the printer device 3 or 5 are stored in the printer. Information-processing-device-side storage means (ROM 22, RAM 23, HDD 24, model name comparison unit 83, write time comparison unit 84, network address storage unit 85) to be stored as device setting information, and portable information storage means (IC card 9) Information processing apparatus side interface means (IC card I / F 27, antenna 30) capable of writing and reading printer device setting information to and from the portable information storage means by direct communication connection with the information processing apparatus side storage means The printer device setting information recorded in the printer is read out and stored in the portable information storage means. The printer model information is determined whether or not the printer model information matches the model of the printer device in which the printer driver is installed in advance, and if it matches, the printer device of the network address information is set as the print output destination. Information processing apparatus side control means (CPU 21, IC card reading unit 81, IC card writing unit 82) for setting and setting a corresponding printer driver from printer model information is provided.

  The printer apparatuses 3 and 5 of the present embodiment include at least printer-side storage means (ROM 11, RAM 12, HDD 13, network) that stores at least the network address information of the printer apparatuses 3 and 5 and the printer model information as printer apparatus setting information. A printer-side interface unit (IC) capable of directly writing and reading printer apparatus setting information to and from the portable information storage unit by communication connection with the address storage unit 63, the model name storage unit 65) and the portable information storage unit A card I / F 16 and an antenna 20) and printer-side control means (CPU 10, IC card reading unit 91, IC card writing unit 92) for reading out printer apparatus setting information via the printer-side interface means and writing them in the printer-side storage means. ).

  The information processing apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment further includes current time output means (RTC 26, writing time comparison unit 84) for outputting current time information, and printer apparatus setting information is written by the information processing apparatus side control means. The current time information at the time is further added as the writing time information and the writing time information in the printer device setting information recorded in the portable information storage means is read and written in the information processing apparatus side storage means, It is determined whether the current time information is within a predetermined time from the writing time information. If the current time information is within the predetermined time, the network address information printer device is set as the print output destination, and the corresponding printer driver is determined from the printer model information. The printer apparatus setting information is written in the portable information storage means, and the printer apparatuses 3 and 5 of this embodiment are controlled by the printer-side control means. Printer model information pre printer driver determines whether or not to match the type of the printer apparatus is installed, if they match, writes the printer configuration information to the portable information storage means.

  The information processing apparatus side control means of the present embodiment detects the free capacity information of the portable information storage means, determines whether or not the printer device setting information can be written to the portable information storage means, If it is writable, the printer apparatus setting information is written in the portable information storage means.

  The information processing apparatus side control means of the present embodiment is a unit of area divided for each capacity necessary for storing printer apparatus setting information of one printer apparatus for the free capacity information of the portable information storage means. Detects whether or not data has been written. When one area has been written, the process of detecting whether or not data has been written in the next area is repeated until the end of the area. The printer device setting information is written in the area including

  The printer-side control unit according to the present embodiment detects whether or not writing has been completed in units of each area when reading the printer device setting information in the portable information storage unit, and writes one area in the area. If it has been completed, the process of detecting whether or not the writing has been completed in the next area is repeated until the end of the area, and the printer device setting information of the last written area is written and updated.

  The printer-side control unit according to the present embodiment outputs an error notification when each area has been written and ends.

  As described above, in the printing system according to the present embodiment, for example, the model information (model name) of the printer driver already installed in the information processing apparatus is written on the IC card as the printer apparatus setting information on the information processing apparatus side. Then, it is determined whether or not the model information of the IC card matches the model information of the own device. If they do not match, the fact that the models are different is displayed on the LCD and informed, so that it is possible to eliminate the situation where an inappropriate printer device is selected or improperly printed as a result. In addition, even when the models are inconsistent and cannot be used, the user can easily recognize them and easily prevent erroneous connections.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the present invention is used in a printing system in which an information processing apparatus and a printer apparatus are connected via a network has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, for example, By replacing the model name of the printer device with the model name of the peripheral device, and replacing the printer driver with the driver of the peripheral device, it can be used for various systems in which the information processing device and the peripheral device are connected via a network. .

1 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a printing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic internal configuration of the first printer device 3 or the second printer device 5 illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a block diagram which shows the schematic internal structure of the information processing apparatus 2 shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the schematic internal structure of the IC card 9 shown in FIG. (A) is a diagram showing stored contents for each block unit of the storage area divided into examples of the apparatus setting information of the printer apparatus stored in the IC card 9 shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, and (b) FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a more specific example of the first region of (a). 3 is a diagram illustrating a processing operation unit configured by executing a program in the first printer device 3 or the second printer device 5 according to the first embodiment. FIG. It is the figure which showed the processing operation part comprised by implementation of a program in the information processing apparatus (personal computer) of Embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processing operations of the IC card reading unit 61 and the IC card writing unit 62 when the IC card 9 is connected to the first printer device 3 or the second printer device 5 of the first embodiment by communication. . 6 is a flowchart showing processing operations of the IC card reading unit 71 and the IC card writing unit 72 when the IC card 9 is connected to the information processing apparatus 2 according to the first embodiment by communication. It is the figure which showed the processing operation part comprised by implementation of a program in the information processing apparatus (personal computer) of Embodiment 2. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a processing operation unit configured by executing a program in the first printer device 3 or the second printer device 5 according to the second embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing processing operations of an IC card reading unit 81 and an IC card writing unit when an IC card is connected to the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment by communication. 6 is a flowchart showing processing operations of the IC card reading unit 91 and the IC card writing unit 92 when the IC card 9 is connected to the first printer device 3 or the second printer device 5 of the second embodiment by communication. . It is a figure which shows an example of the error message displayed on LCD by FIG.13 S129.

Explanation of symbols

1 printing system,
2 Information processing device (personal computer: personal computer),
3 First printer device,
4 Communication network (network),
5 Second printer device,
9 IC card,
10, 21, 51 CPU,
11, 22, 52 ROM,
12, 23, 53 RAM,
13, 24 HDD,
14 LCD,
15, 26 RTC,
16, 27 IC card I / F,
17, 28 Network I / F,
18 print engine,
19 Printer internal bus,
20, 30, 57 antenna,
25 LCD,
29 PC internal bus,
31-33, 41-50 storage blocks,
54 EEPROM,
55 PCI / F,
56 IC card internal bus,
61, 71, 81, 91 IC card reader,
62, 72, 82, 92 IC card writing unit,
63, 85, 93 Network address storage unit,
64, 94 writing time reading section,
65, 95 Model name storage unit,
73, 84 Write time comparison section,
74, 83 Model name comparison section,
75 Network address setting section.

Claims (26)

A printing system in which at least one printer device and at least one information processing device are connected to a communication line network,
The printer device includes at least printer-side storage means for storing at least network address information of the printer device and printer model information as printer device setting information.
Printer-side interface means capable of directly communicating with portable information storage means to write and read the printer device setting information to and from the portable information storage means;
Printer-side control means for reading out the printer device setting information recorded in the printer-side storage means and writing it in the portable information storage means via the printer-side interface means;
The information processing apparatus is preinstalled with a printer driver corresponding to the model of the printer apparatus, and stores at least network address information of the printer apparatus and printer model information as printer apparatus setting information. Side storage means;
An information processing apparatus-side interface means capable of directly connecting to and communicating with portable information storage means to write and read the printer apparatus setting information to and from the portable information storage means;
The read printer device setting information is written in the information processing device side storage means, and it is determined whether or not the printer model information matches the model of the printer device in which the printer driver is installed in advance. A printing system comprising: an information processing apparatus side control unit configured to set a printer device of the network address information as a print output destination and set a corresponding printer driver from the printer model information. The printer device further includes current time output means for outputting current time information,
The printer-side control means stores the current time information at the time when the printer apparatus setting information is written as writing time information in addition to the printer apparatus setting information, and stores it in the printer-side storage means. Write information to the portable information storage means,
The information processing apparatus also includes current time output means for outputting current time information,
The information processing apparatus side control means also reads out the writing time information in the printer apparatus setting information recorded in the portable information storage means and writes the information in the information processing apparatus side storage means, and the current time It is determined whether or not the information is within a predetermined time from the writing time information, and if it is within the predetermined time, the printer device of the network address information is set as a print output destination, and the corresponding printer driver from the printer model information The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the printing system is set. The printer-side control means detects free space information of the portable information storage means, determines whether the printer apparatus setting information can be written to the portable information storage means, and can write 3. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the printer apparatus setting information is written in the portable information storage unit. The printer-side control means has written the free capacity information of the portable information storage means in an area divided into units larger than the capacity necessary for storing printer device setting information of one printer device. Detect whether or not there is one area, and when one area has been written, the process of detecting whether or not it has been written in the next area is repeated until the end of the area, and is unwritten The printing system according to claim 3, wherein the printer apparatus setting information is written in an area. When the information processing apparatus side control means reads the printer apparatus setting information of the portable information storage means, the information processing apparatus side control means detects whether or not writing has been completed in units of the respective areas, and one area is written. If it has already been written, the printer device setting information in the area is written and updated, then the printer device setting information in the area of the portable information storage means is erased, and has been written in the next area? The process of detecting whether or not is repeated until the end of the area, the printer apparatus setting information of the area written last is written and updated,
5. The printing system according to claim 4, wherein according to the updated printer device setting information, a printer device having the network address information is set as a print output destination, and a corresponding printer driver is set from the printer model information. . When the information processing apparatus side control means reads out the printer apparatus setting information of the portable information storage means and all the areas have been written and the end of the area has been written, a write disable notification is output. The printing system according to claim 5, wherein: A printing system in which at least one printer device and at least one information processing device are connected to a communication line network,
The information processing apparatus is preinstalled with a printer driver corresponding to the model of the printer apparatus, and stores at least network address information of the printer apparatus and printer model information as printer apparatus setting information. Side storage means;
An information processing apparatus-side interface means capable of directly connecting to and communicating with portable information storage means to write and read the printer apparatus setting information to and from the portable information storage means;
The printer device setting information recorded in the information processing device side storage means is read out and written to the portable information storage means via the printer side interface means, and the printer model information is preinstalled with a printer driver. Information processing apparatus that determines whether or not the printer model matches, and if the printer apparatus matches, sets the printer device of the network address information as a print output destination and sets a corresponding printer driver from the printer model information Side control means,
The printer device includes at least printer-side storage means for storing at least network address information of the printer device and printer model information as printer device setting information.
Printer-side interface means capable of directly communicating with portable information storage means to write and read the printer device setting information to and from the portable information storage means;
A printing system comprising: a printer-side control unit that reads out the printer device setting information via the printer-side interface unit and writes the information in a printer-side storage unit. The information processing apparatus further includes current time output means for outputting current time information,
In the printer apparatus setting information, the current time information at the time when the printer apparatus setting information is written is further added as writing time information by the information processing apparatus side control means and recorded in the portable information storage means. The write time information is read and written to the information processing device side storage means, and it is determined whether or not the current time information is within a predetermined time from the write time information. Setting the printer device of the network address information as a print output destination, setting a corresponding printer driver from the printer model information, and writing the printer device setting information in the portable information storage means,
The printer apparatus determines whether or not the printer model information matches the model of the printer apparatus in which the printer driver is installed in advance by the printer-side control means. The printing system according to claim 7, wherein writing is performed in portable information storage means. The information processing apparatus-side control means detects free space information in the portable information storage means, determines whether the printer apparatus setting information can be written in the portable information storage means, 9. The printing system according to claim 7, wherein the printer apparatus setting information is written in the portable information storage unit when the printing apparatus is capable of loading. The information processing apparatus side control means has written the free capacity information of the portable information storage means in units of areas divided for each capacity required for storing printer apparatus setting information of one printer apparatus. If one area has been written, the process of detecting whether it has been written in the next area is repeated until the end of the area. The printing system according to claim 9, wherein the printer apparatus setting information is written in a certain area. When the printer-side control means reads the printer device setting information in the portable information storage means, it detects whether or not writing has been done in units of each area, and one area has been written. In some cases, the process of detecting whether or not writing has been completed in the next area is repeated up to the end of the area, and the printer device setting information in the last written area is written and updated. The printing system according to claim 10. The printing system according to claim 11, wherein the printer-side control unit outputs an error notification when all the areas have been written and the end of the area is reached.   A printer device used in the printing system according to claim 1.   An information processing apparatus used in the printing system according to claim 1. A printing method of a printing system in which at least one printer device and at least one information processing device are connected to a communication line network,
In the printer device,
Storing at least network address information of the printer device and printer model information as printer device setting information; and
Direct communication connection with portable information storage means and writing the printer device setting information into the portable information storage means;
Reading the printer device setting information and writing it into the portable information storage means;
In the information processing apparatus,
A printer driver corresponding to the model of the printer device is installed in advance;
Storing at least network address information of the printer device and printer model information as printer device setting information; and
Reading the printer device setting information by directly communicating with portable information storage means;
Reading the printer device setting information recorded in the portable information storage means;
Determining whether the printer model information matches a model of a printer device in which a printer driver is installed in advance;
If they match in the determination of the step, the step of setting the printer device of the stored network address information as a print output destination and setting the corresponding printer driver from the printer model information is performed. Printing method of the printing system. In the printer device,
A step of outputting current time information;
Adding the current time information at the time of writing the printer device setting information as write time information to the printer device setting information;
Performing the step of writing the printer device setting information into the portable information storage means;
In the information processing apparatus,
A step of outputting current time information;
Reading the writing time information in the printer apparatus setting information recorded in the portable information storage means;
Determining whether the current time information is within a predetermined time from the writing time information;
The step of setting the printer device of the network address information as a print output destination and setting the corresponding printer driver from the printer model information when the determination in the step is within a predetermined time. Item 16. A printing method for a printing system according to Item 15. In the printer device,
Detecting free space information of the portable information storage means and determining whether the printer apparatus setting information can be written to the portable information storage means;
17. The printing method of a printing system according to claim 15, wherein when the writing is possible in the step, the step of writing the printer apparatus setting information in the portable information storage unit is performed. In the printer device,
With respect to the free space information of the portable information storage means, it is detected whether or not it has been written in an area divided into units larger than the capacity necessary for storing printer device setting information of one printer device. Steps,
When one area has been written in the step, the process of detecting whether or not the next area has been written is repeated until the end of the area, and the printer apparatus is added to the unwritten area. The printing method of the printing system according to claim 17, wherein the step of writing setting information is performed. In the information processing apparatus,
Detecting whether or not writing is performed in units of the respective areas when reading the printer device setting information of the portable information storage unit;
When one area has been written in the step, the printer apparatus setting information in the area is written and updated, and then the printer apparatus setting information in the area of the portable information storage unit is deleted. Repeating the process of detecting whether or not the next area has been written to the end of the area;
Writing and updating the printer device setting information of the last written area;
19. The step of setting a printer device of the network address information as a print output destination according to the updated printer device setting information and setting a corresponding printer driver from the printer model information is performed. A printing method of the printing system described. In the information processing apparatus,
When the printer device setting information of the portable information storage means is read, if all the areas have been written and the end of the area is reached, a step of outputting a writing impossible notification is performed. The printing method of the printing system according to claim 19. A printing method of a printing system in which at least one printer device and at least one information processing device are connected to a communication line network,
In the information processing apparatus,
A printer driver corresponding to the model of the printer device is installed in advance, and at least network address information of the printer device and printer model information are stored as printer device setting information;
Direct communication connection with portable information storage means to read the printer device setting information from the portable information storage means;
Writing the read printer device setting information into the portable information storage means;
Determining whether the printer model information matches a model of a printer device in which a printer driver is installed in advance;
If they match in the determination in the step, the printer device of the network address information is set as a print output destination, and the corresponding printer driver is set from the printer model information,
In the printer device,
Storing at least network address information of the printer device and printer model information as printer device setting information; and
A printing method for a printing system, comprising the step of directly communicating with portable information storage means to read out the printer apparatus setting information from the portable information storage means. In the information processing apparatus,
A step of outputting current time information;
The current time information at the time when the printer device setting information is written is further added as writing time information, and the writing time information in the printer device setting information recorded in the portable information storage means is read. Steps,
Determining whether the current time information is within a predetermined time from the writing time information;
If it is within a predetermined time in the determination of the step, the printer device of the network address information is set as a print output destination, the corresponding printer driver is set from the printer model information, and the printer device setting information is set to the portable type Carry out the step of writing to the information storage means,
In the printer device,
Determining whether the printer model information matches a model of a printer device in which a printer driver is installed in advance;
The printing method of the printing system according to claim 21, wherein when the determination results in the step match, the step of writing the printer apparatus setting information in the portable information storage unit is performed. In the information processing apparatus,
Detecting free space information of the portable information storage means and determining whether the printer apparatus setting information can be written to the portable information storage means;
23. The printing method of the printing system according to claim 21 or 22, further comprising a step of writing the printer apparatus setting information in the portable information storage unit when writing is possible in the determination of the step. . In the information processing apparatus,
The step of detecting whether or not the free capacity information of the portable information storage means has been written in units of areas divided for each capacity required for storing the printer device setting information of one printer device When,
When one area has been written in the step, the process of detecting whether or not the next area has been written is repeated until the end of the area, and the printer apparatus is added to the unwritten area. The printing method of the printing system according to claim 23, wherein the step of writing setting information is performed. In the printer device,
Detecting whether or not writing is performed in units of the respective areas when reading the printer device setting information of the portable information storage unit;
When one area has been written in the step, the process of detecting whether or not the next area has been written is repeated until the end of the area, and the last written area is The printing method of the printing system according to claim 24, wherein the step of writing and updating the printer device setting information is performed. In the printer device,
26. The printing method of the printing system according to claim 25, wherein when all the areas are written in the step and the end of the area is reached, an error notification is output.

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