JP2008226000A - Print image data generation device and print execution method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently print a high quality image according to characteristics of a printer in a print system adapted to instruct print execution from any one of a plurality of printers after issuing print instruction without specifying a printer by a client. <P>SOLUTION: A computer PC generates print image data IDi of two or more formats based on printer information such as model or individual difference correction information of printers PRTj, and transmits the image data to a printer server SV together with a print user name and the printer information. The printer server SV stores the received print image data IDi in association with the print user name or the like in a print database 212. The printer server specifies, upon receipt of a print image data transmission request from a printer to execute printing, print image data of an optimum format from the print database part 212, and transmits the specified image data to the printer. The printer receives the print image data and executes the printing. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a print image data generation apparatus that is connected to a plurality of printing apparatuses via a network and generates print image data for printing from predetermined print target data.

  In recent years, with the spread of network technology, various printing systems using networks have been developed. One such printing system is, for example, an authentication printing system using a network. In this authentication printing system, a user who has issued a print command on a client such as a personal computer moves to the installation location of a printer connected to the client via a network, and inputs authentication information to an authentication device attached to the printer. By doing so, printing is executed. Therefore, the user can print a highly confidential document without being seen by others. As such an authentication printing system, for example, the one of the following Patent Document 1 is known.

JP 2004-118232 A

  In this patent document 1, when a user operates a client to issue a print command, the client transmits print image data to a server. On the other hand, the server spools the received print image data. When the user moves to the printer installation location, inputs authentication information and succeeds in authentication, the printer makes a data request to the server. On the other hand, in response to this, the server transmits the spooled print image data to the printer to perform printing. With such a configuration, even when there are a plurality of printers that can output, the user does not need to specify an output printer at the time of a print command at the client. After moving to the place where the printer is installed, it is sufficient to perform printing by performing authentication with a desired printer in consideration of the usage status of a plurality of printers.

  However, in the authentication printing system having such a configuration, when the printer that can output is configured by a plurality of printers, the print image data created by the client and the format of the authenticated printer must be matched. In this case, there is a problem that the print image data received by the printer cannot be output. For example, with a laser printer that irradiates a charged photosensitive member with laser light to attach toner, and transfers the toner onto a sheet of paper, and an ink jet printer that ejects ink onto a sheet of paper through pressurization or heating, Since the format of the print image data is significantly different, the print image data cannot be commonly used.

  In addition, depending on the printing system, the client can create print image data that is optimal for the model using a printer driver for each model, or the individual difference information on the manufacturing that the printer holds can be obtained. In some cases, print image data optimal for a solid can be created. In such a case, even if the authenticated printing system is configured with multiple printers of the same format, the print image data created by the client must be consistent with the model and individual difference information of the authenticated printer. Otherwise, there was a problem that printing with the highest image quality reflecting the model and individual difference information could not be performed.

  Such a problem is not limited to the above-described authentication printing system, and a client and a plurality of printers are connected via a network, and a client issues a print command without specifying a printing destination, and then one of the plurality of printers. This is a problem common to printing systems that execute printing by issuing a print execution command from the printer.

The print image data generation apparatus of the present invention that solves the above problems is as follows.
A print image data generation apparatus that is connected to a plurality of printing apparatuses via a network and generates print image data for printing from predetermined print target data,
Print data generation means for receiving a print preparation instruction from a user and generating print image data in a plurality of formats usable by at least one of the plurality of printing apparatuses from the print target data;
Print data storage means for sequentially storing the generated print image data in a storage area in association with at least information relating to attributes of the printing apparatus that can use the print image data;
Upon receiving a print image data transmission request transmitted by at least one of the plurality of printing apparatuses that has received a user's print execution instruction, the attribute is selected from the plurality of types of print image data stored in the storage area. Print data specifying means for specifying print image data in a format compatible with the printing apparatus that has made the transmission request,
The gist of the present invention includes a print data transmission unit that transmits the specified print image data to the printing apparatus that has transmitted the transmission request via the network.

  The print image data generation apparatus having such a configuration generates print image data of a plurality of formats, and stores the print image data in a storage area in association with information related to attributes of the print apparatus that can use the print image data. In response to a print image data transmission request from a printing apparatus that has received a print execution instruction, print image data in a format suitable for the printing apparatus is identified and transmitted to the printing apparatus. Therefore, the printing user can execute printing from any printing apparatus that handles the print image data differently without specifying the printing apparatus that executes printing at the time of the print preparation instruction in the print image data generation apparatus. .

  Further, the print image data generating apparatus having such a configuration further includes a printing apparatus search unit that searches a plurality of printing apparatuses for a printing apparatus that meets a predetermined condition relating to the state or performance of the printing apparatus, and generates print data. The plurality of types of print image data generated by the means include at least print image data that can be used by the printing apparatus based on the model information or the solid information of the printing apparatus that matches the predetermined condition searched by the printing apparatus search means. It may be a thing.

  With such a configuration, the print image data generation device searches for a print device whose state and performance meet a predetermined condition, and can use the print image data that can be used based on the model information or the solid information of the print device. Therefore, print image data corresponding to a printing apparatus that is likely to be printed is generated. Therefore, efficient print image data can be generated.

  In the print image data generation apparatus having the above configuration, the predetermined condition may be that the print image data generation apparatus and the printing apparatus can communicate with each other.

  With such a configuration, the print image data generation device generates print image data corresponding to a print device in a communicable state, so that it is efficient for a print device that is likely to be printed. Print image data can be generated.

  In the print image data generation apparatus having such a configuration, the print image data in a plurality of formats generated by the print data generation unit may include at least general-purpose print image data that can be used regardless of the model of the printing apparatus. .

  With such a configuration, the print image data generation device generates general-purpose print image data that can be used regardless of the model of the printing device. Therefore, the print image data generation device smoothly supports any type of printing device. Printing can be performed.

  Further, in the print image data generation apparatus having such a configuration, the print image data of a plurality of formats generated by the print data generation unit is based on the model information or the solid information of the print apparatus that has been used within a predetermined past period. It may include at least print image data that can be used by the printing apparatus.

  With such a configuration, the print image data generation apparatus generates print image data that can be used based on the model information or solid information of the printing apparatus that has been used within a predetermined period in the past. Print image data corresponding to a printing apparatus that is likely to be executed is generated. Therefore, efficient print image data can be generated.

  The print image data generation apparatus having the above configuration further includes first generation order determination means for determining the generation order of print image data of a plurality of formats based on the use history of the plurality of printing apparatuses, and the print data The generation unit may generate a plurality of types of print image data in accordance with the generation order determined by the first generation order determination unit.

  With such a configuration, the print image data generation device determines the print image data generation order based on the use history of the print device. That is, since print image data corresponding to a printing apparatus that is highly likely to be printed is preferentially generated, the time for the printing apparatus to receive the print image data can be shortened, and printing can be performed efficiently.

  Further, the print image data generation device having such a configuration further includes second generation order determination means for determining the generation order of print image data of a plurality of formats based on suitability for the properties of data to be printed. The print data generation means may generate print image data of a plurality of formats in accordance with the generation order determined by the second generation order determination means.

  With such a configuration, the print image data generation device determines the generation order of print image data based on suitability for the properties of data to be printed. That is, since print image data corresponding to a printing apparatus that is highly likely to be printed is preferentially generated, the time for the printing apparatus to receive the print image data can be shortened, and printing can be performed efficiently.

  Further, in the print image data generation apparatus having such a configuration, the print data generation unit is configured to start printing to be transmitted to the print image data generation apparatus when the printing apparatus that has received the print image data to be transmitted starts printing the print image data. When the notification is received and the print image data of a plurality of formats is being generated, the generation of the print image data may be temporarily interrupted.

  With such a configuration, the print image data generation device temporarily generates print image data when the printing device starts printing, and therefore generates extra print image data that was not a print execution target. You can avoid doing that. In addition, when the printing apparatus that performs printing becomes unusable during printing due to a paper jam or the like, and when trying to execute printing again with another printing apparatus, the generation of the interrupted print image data is resumed. Thus, an efficient response is possible.

  Further, in the print image data generation apparatus having such a configuration, the print data generation means transmits a print completion data to be transmitted to the print image data generation apparatus when the printing apparatus that has received the print image data to be transmitted finishes printing the print image data. When the notification is received and the print image data of a plurality of formats is being generated, the generation of the print image data may be aborted.

  With this configuration, the print image data generation apparatus stops generating print image data when the printing apparatus finishes printing, and therefore avoids generating extra print image data after printing is completed. be able to.

  Further, in the print image data generating apparatus having such a configuration, the print data specifying unit specifies the print image data only when authentication that the attribute of the user who issues the print execution instruction satisfies a predetermined condition is made. It is good.

  With such a configuration, the print image data generation apparatus specifies the print image data and transmits it to the printing apparatus only after authentication is performed. Therefore, when printing a highly confidential document or the like, the contents of the printed matter Can be printed without being seen by others.

  The print image data generating apparatus having such a configuration includes a terminal and a server connected via a network. The print data generating means is provided in the terminal, and the print data storing means, the print data specifying means, and the print data transmitting means. May be provided in the server.

  With such a configuration, since the number of terminals and servers constituting the print image data generation apparatus can be individually set, an efficient printing system with a high degree of freedom can be constructed.

  The present invention can be configured as a print execution method in addition to the configuration as the print image data generation apparatus described above.

Examples of the present invention will be described.
A. General configuration of the printing system:
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of an authentication printing system 10 as an embodiment of the present invention. The authentication printing system 10 is configured by connecting a computer PC, a printer server SV, and a plurality of printers PRT1, PRT2, PRT3, PRT4, and PRT5 to a local area network LAN.

A-1. Schematic configuration of computer PC:
The computer PC is a personal computer in which a predetermined program is installed. The configuration will be described with reference to FIG. As illustrated, the computer PC includes a CPU 100, a hard disk drive 110, a ROM 120, a RAM 130, an input / output interface 150, and a network interface 170, each of which is connected by a bus.

  The CPU 100 governs control of the computer PC by deploying and executing firmware and OS stored in the ROM 120 and the hard disk drive 110 on the RAM 130. The CPU 100 also functions as a printing device search unit 101, a printer database control unit 102, a generation order determination unit 103, a print data generation unit 104, and a data communication control unit 105 by executing a program stored in the hard disk drive 110. To do. Details of these functional units will be described later.

  The hard disk drive 110 stores the above-described OS, program, and print target data D, as well as all printers connected to the computer PC via the local area network LAN (in this embodiment, printers PRT1 to PRT5). Printer drivers are stored. Of course, all printer drivers of printers that may be connected to the local area network LAN may be stored. The hard disk drive 110 is provided with a printer database unit 112 for recording information such as a model of a printer group connected to the computer PC via the local area network LAN and a use history. The printer database unit 112 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The hard disk drive 110 stores the printer server SV connected to the local area network LAN and the IP addresses of all printers. Communication between the computer PC, which will be described later, and the printer server SV or the printers PRT1 to PRT5 is performed by specifying a communication partner using this IP address.

  The input / output interface 150 is an input / output interface with a peripheral device, and the input mechanism 140 and the display 160 are connected to each other. The input mechanism 140 includes a keyboard and a pointing device (here, a mouse). The network interface 170 is an interface for connecting to the local area network LAN, and the computer PC is connected to the local area network LAN via the network interface 170.

A-2. General configuration of the printer server SV:
The printer server SV is a server computer in which a predetermined program is installed. The configuration will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, the printer server SV includes a CPU 200, a hard disk drive 210, a ROM 220, a RAM 230, and a network interface 270, which are connected by a bus.

  The CPU 200 controls the printer server SV by developing firmware and an OS stored in the ROM 220 and the hard disk drive 210 in the RAM 230 and executing them. Further, the CPU 200 functions as a print database control unit 201, a print data specifying unit 202, and a data transmission unit 203 by executing a program stored in the hard disk drive 210. Details of these functional units will be described later.

  The hard disk drive 210 stores the above-described OS and program, and a print database unit 212 that records print image data and information such as the model of a printer that can use the print image data in association with each other. Yes. Details of the print database unit 212 will be described later with reference to FIG. The network interface 270 is an interface for connecting to the local area network LAN, and the printer server SV is connected to the local area network LAN via the network interface 270.

  The hard disk drive 210 stores the IP addresses of the computer PC and all printers connected to the local area network LAN. Communication between a printer server SV (to be described later) and a computer PC or printers PRT1 to PRT5 is performed by specifying a communication partner using this IP address.

A-3. Schematic configuration of printers PRT1 to PRT5:
The printers PRT1 and PRT2 are laser type color printers of the same model, and both support A4 size and A3 size. The printer PRT3 is a laser type monochrome printer having a different model from the printers PRT1 and PRT2, and is compatible with A4 size. The printers PRT4 and PRT5 are ink jet color printers of the same model, and both support A4 size and A3 size.

  Since the basic configurations of these printers PRT1 to PRT5 are common, the configuration of these arbitrary printers PRTj will be described with reference to FIG. Differences between printers will be described later individually. The printer PRTj includes a CPU 300, a hard disk drive 310, a ROM 320, a RAM 330, an input / output interface 350, and a network interface 370, which are connected by a bus.

  The CPU 300 manages the printer PRTj by developing and executing the firmware stored in the ROM 320 on the RAM 330. The CPU 300 functions as a user authentication unit 301, a print data request unit 302, a print control unit 303, a device information communication control unit 304, and a data reception unit 305 by executing a program stored in the hard disk drive 310. Details of these functional units will be described later.

  The hard disk drive 310 stores the above-described program and a storage area called an MIB storage unit 312. In the MIB storage unit 312, various types of information regarding the printer PRTj, for example, the format, model, individual difference correction information, and the remaining amount of toner are stored in the MIB (Management Information Base) format. The MIB is information on items that are preliminarily defined in the standard for the printer body and items that are uniquely defined by the manufacturer. Each of these items is an identification called an object ID (OID). Numbers are assigned and managed in a tree structure. The individual difference correction information described above will be described later.

  The hard disk drive 310 stores the IP address of the printer server SV and computer PC connected to the local area network LAN. Communication between a printer PRTj, which will be described later, and a computer PC or printer server SV is performed by specifying a communication partner using this IP address.

  The input / output interface 350 is an input / output interface with peripheral devices and the like, and an authentication mechanism 340 and a printing mechanism 360 are connected to each other. In this embodiment, the authentication mechanism 340 is an IC card type, but other authentication methods such as a password type and a biometric type may be used. As described above, the printing mechanism 360 is a laser type in the PRTs 1 to 3 and an ink jet type in the printers PRT4 and PRT5. The network interface 170 is an interface for connecting to the local area network LAN, and the printer PRTj is connected to the local area network LAN via the network interface 370.

  In the above-described ink jet printers PRT4 and PRT5, in this embodiment, a piezo type using a piezo element (piezoelectric element) that deforms when a voltage is applied to the ink head provided in the above-described printing mechanism 360 is employed. . The piezo type is a method in which a piezo element is attached to a fine tube filled with ink, and a voltage is applied to the piezo element to deform it, thereby ejecting ink out of the tube. In a printer equipped with such a piezo-type ink head, there are individual differences in the voltage characteristics of the piezo elements, so that a slight difference occurs in the ink ejection characteristics of each ink head. Therefore, information regarding the voltage characteristics of each ink head is written in the ROM 320 at the manufacturing stage as individual difference correction information. If print image data is generated by reflecting this individual difference correction information and printing is performed, printing with higher image quality can be performed.

  The printing mechanism 360 is not limited to the piezo type described above. For example, various methods such as a thermal jet method in which a heater is attached to a part of a fine tube clogged with ink and bubbles are generated in the ink by heating the heater to discharge ink. Further, similarly to the above-described piezo type, a method having individual difference correction information according to solid characteristics may be used.

  The schematic configuration of the authentication printing system 10 has been described above. However, the above configuration is an example, and various configurations can be considered. For example, the number of computers, printer servers, and printers constituting the authentication printing system 10 may be arbitrarily set according to the scale of the system. The computer PC and the printer server SV may be integrated. In this embodiment, the computer PC, the printer server SV, and the printers PRT1 to PRT5 are connected by the local area network LAN, but a part or all of them are connected by another network such as the Internet. It may be a thing.

B. Authentication printing procedure:
Next, the procedure of the authentication printing process using the authentication printing system 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the outline of this process will be described with reference to FIG. This process is started when the user operates the computer PC to give a print preparation instruction (step A). When there is a print preparation instruction, the computer PC generates print image data in a plurality of formats based on the information of the printer connected to the local area network LAN stored in the storage area (step B), and the local area. The data is transmitted to the printer server SV via the network LAN (Step C).

  On the other hand, after giving a print preparation instruction, the user moves to an installation location of an arbitrary printer PRTj in the printer group connected to the local area network LAN (step D), operates the printer PRTj, and issues a print execution instruction. Perform (Step E). The printer PRTj that has received the print execution instruction transmits a print image data transmission request to the printer server SV (step F).

  On the other hand, the printer server SV receives the print image data in a plurality of formats transmitted in step C and stores it in the storage area (step G). When a print image data transmission request is received from the printer PRTj, the request is received. The print image data in a suitable format is transmitted to the printer PRTj (step H).

  The printer PRTj that has received the print image data prints the print image data (step I), and notifies the computer PC that the printing is completed (step J).

  Receiving this completion notification, the computer PC records information about the printer PRTj (step K). In this way, the authentication printing process is completed.

Next, details of the authentication printing process will be described with reference to FIG.
B-1. Steps A to C:
In the authentication printing process, first, a plurality of print data generation / transmission processes are executed in the computer PC (step S400). This step S400 is processing for generating print image data IDi in a plurality of formats from the print target data D and sequentially transmitting it to the printer server SV, which will be described in detail with reference to FIG. This process is started when the user of the computer PC first issues a print preparation instruction for the print target data D stored in the hard disk drive 110 using the input mechanism 140. When there is a print preparation instruction, first, the CPU 100 of the computer PC receives the instruction (step S401).

  When receiving a print preparation instruction, the CPU 100 searches for a usable printer as processing of the printing apparatus search unit 101 (step S402). In this process, first, the CPU 100 broadcasts a printer search request to the local area network LAN. This request is made using SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) in this embodiment. Upon receiving this search request, each printer connected to the local area network LAN, for example, the printer PRT1, refers to the MIB stored in the MIB storage unit 312 to obtain device information (information indicating a printer). The model information and individual difference correction information are returned to the computer PC. By receiving this reply, the CPU 100 identifies a usable (communicable) printer.

  When a usable printer is searched, the CPU 100 updates information in the printer database unit 112 based on the received printer information as processing of the printer database control unit 102 (step S403). In the printer database unit 112, in addition to the printer searched in step S402, various information on the printer that the computer PC has executed in the past is stored.

  An example of information recorded in the printer database unit 112 is shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, in this example, a printer name, a format name, a model name, a color type, a paper type, individual difference correction information, a usage history, and a communication state are recorded in the printer database unit 112 in association with each other. In the format name column of FIG. 8, “LP” indicates a laser type, and “IJP” indicates an ink jet type.

In this embodiment, the information recorded in the printer database unit 112 is managed based on the following conditions.
(1) For a printer having a usage history, information is retained even when the computer PC is turned off (a usage history recording method will be described later).
(2) For printers that have no usage history, information is deleted when printing is completed.
(3) When the printer searched in step S402 is not recorded in the printer database unit 112, the information returned from the printer in step S402 is recorded in the printer database unit 112.
(4) If the printer searched in step S402 is already recorded in the printer database unit 112 and the recorded information and the information returned from the printer match except for the communication status, the communication status is set to “ Change to "OK".
(5) If the printer searched in step S402 is already recorded in the printer database unit 112 and the recorded information and the information returned from the printer do not match other than the communication status, they match. Information to be overwritten is overwritten and the communication state is changed to “OK”.
(6) The printer that is recorded in the printer database unit 112 but not searched in step S402 changes the communication state to “NG”.

  When the printer information is recorded in step 403, the CPU 100 determines a plurality of formats of print image data IDi to be generated from the print target data D (step S404). In this embodiment, dedicated print image data for each printer is generated for each printer recorded in the printer database unit 112 based on the model name and individual difference correction information. That is, based on the information management conditions of the printer database unit 112 described above, dedicated print image data is generated for all printers with a history of use in the past and all printers that can communicate. In this embodiment, in addition, general-purpose print image data that can be commonly used by printers of the same format is generated. In the present application, the print image data generated based on the printer model name and individual difference correction information as described above is referred to as “dedicated print image data”, and the print image data generated based on the printer format is referred to as “general print image”. It will be called “data”.

  For example, in the example of FIG. 8, dedicated print image data ID1 for printers PRT1 and PRT2 (model LP-9999), dedicated print image data ID2 for printer PRT3 (model LP-8888), printer PRT4 (model PM-7777, individual difference) Correction information ff-0a-6b-0e-dd-9c-9f) dedicated print image data ID3, printer PRT5 (model PM-7777, individual difference correction information 0e-dd-9c-9f-0a-6b-12) Six types of print image data are generated: dedicated print image data ID4, general-purpose print image data ID5 for laser printers, and general-purpose print image data ID6 for inkjet printers.

  As described above, the dedicated print image data generated by reflecting the model and individual difference correction information cannot be used in common between different models or different solids, but can print with high image quality. On the other hand, the general-purpose print image data generated by reflecting only the format name can only be printed with lower image quality than the dedicated print image data, but can be shared by printers of the same format.

  In this embodiment, the dedicated print image data is generated for all printers recorded in the printer database unit 112. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. In consideration of various factors such as the number of printers connected to the local area network LAN, printer variations, printer usage trends, etc. Good. For example, a printer having a usage history within a predetermined period or a printer having a predetermined number of usage histories may be extracted and used as a data generation target. Alternatively, the number of printers may be limited to a predetermined number based on a predetermined priority order related to printer usage history, attributes, and performance, such as the top three. Of course, all printers connected to the local area network LAN may be targeted. Such a configuration is not limited to the response in step S404 described above, but can be dealt with by changing information holding conditions or deletion conditions for information managed by the printer database unit 112.

  When the print image data IDi to be generated is determined, the CPU 100 determines the generation order of the print image data IDi as a process of the generation order determination unit 103 (step S405).

  This generation order is determined based on the generation order determination conditions set in advance by the user. When the user who has issued the print preparation instruction moves to the installation location of the printers PRT1 to PRT5 and executes printing, the user performs printing. It is desirable to set so that the print image data IDi corresponding to a printer that is likely to be selected as a printer that executes the above is generated first. In the present embodiment, the generation order determination conditions are as follows, but needless to say, the generation order determination conditions may be set as appropriate according to the usage situation.

(1) Dedicated print image data and general-purpose print image data are generated in this order.
(2) Dedicated print image data (2-1) Communication status is “OK”, (2-2) Use history is large, (2-3) Use history is new, (2-4) Color type is compatible (2-5) Sheets are generated in the order of matching.
(3) The general-purpose print image data is generated in the order of the format with the most usage history.

  For example, if the above-described generation order determination condition is applied to the example shown in FIG. 8, when the print target data D is A4 size color, first, dedicated print image data is used for PRT1 and PRT2 (for model LP-9999). ), PRT5 (model LP-7777, individual difference correction information 0e-dd-9c-9f-0a-6b-12), PRT3 (model LP-8888), PRT4 (model PM-7777, individual difference) Correction information ff-0a-6b-0e-dd-9c-9f) in this order, and subsequently generating general-purpose print image data for LP (laser printer) and IJP (inkjet printer). Become.

  When the generation order is determined in this way, the CPU 100 uses the printer driver stored in the hard disk drive 110 as a process of the print data generation unit 104, and from the print target data D based on the generation order determined in step 405. One print image data IDi is generated (step S406).

  When one print image data IDi is generated, the CPU 100 transmits the generated print image data IDi to the printer server SV via the local area network LAN as a process of the data communication control unit 105 (step S407). This print image data IDi is associated with the print user name, model information, and individual difference correction information, and transmitted together with these information. In this embodiment, the print user name is a user name registered as a user of the computer PC. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various modes are conceivable. For example, in step 401 described above, the user may input the print user name using the input mechanism 140 simultaneously with the print preparation instruction and accept it. Alternatively, when the computer PC has a user authentication function, the user name accepted by the user authentication may be transmitted as the print user name. Further, the print image data IDi may be transmitted after being encrypted in consideration of security.

  When the generated print image data IDi is transmitted, the CPU 100 determines whether or not all the print image data IDi to be generated in step S404 have been transmitted (step S408). As a result, if there is print image data IDi that has not been transmitted (step S408: NO), the CPU 100 returns the process to step S406, and repeats generation and transmission of untransmitted print image data IDi. On the other hand, if all the print image data IDi have been transmitted (step S408: YES), the multiple print data generation / transmission process is completed, and the CPU 100 returns the process to the authentication print process of FIG.

B-2. Steps D to F:
On the other hand, the user who has issued a print preparation instruction for the print target data D on the computer PC moves to an installation location of an arbitrary printer PRTj among the plurality of printers PRT1 to PRT5, and inputs authentication using the authentication mechanism 340 of the printer PRTj. I do. This authentication is authentication as to whether or not the printer PRTj has print execution authority, but at the same time, it has the meaning of a print execution instruction. When the authentication input is performed by the user, the CPU 300 of the printer PRTj first accepts the authentication input (step S600).

  When receiving the authentication input, the CPU 300 determines whether or not the authentication is successful as processing of the user authentication unit 301 (step S610). As a result, if the authentication fails (step S610: NO), the CPU 300 returns the process to step S600 and waits for an authentication input. On the other hand, if the authentication is successful (step S610: YES), the CPU 300 transmits a print image data transmission request to the printer server SV as processing of the print data request unit 302 (step S620). In this embodiment, the print image data transmission request includes a print user name, device information (information indicating that the printer is used), model information, and individual difference correction information. It should be noted that this print image data transmission request is preferably made by broadcast in order to reduce setting work when there are a plurality of printer servers SV.

B-3. Steps G to H:
On the other hand, in the printer server SV, the CPU 200 determines whether or not the print image data transmission request transmitted in step S620 has been received by any printer PRTj connected to the local area network LAN (step S620). S510). As a result, when the print image data transmission request has not been received (step S510: NO), the CPU 200 has received the print image data IDi transmitted by the computer PC in step S400 (specifically, step S407). Whether or not (step S520).

  As a result, if the print image data IDi has not been received (step S520: NO), the CPU 200 returns the process to step S510. On the other hand, if the print image data IDi has been received, the CPU 200, as the processing of the print database control unit 201, corrects the print image data IDi and the print user name, model information, and individual difference correction transmitted together with the print image data IDi. The information is associated and saved in the print database unit 212, and the process returns to step S510 (step S530).

  Thus, the received print image data IDi is sequentially stored in the print database unit 212. An example of information stored in the print database unit 212 is shown in FIG. In this example, in response to a print preparation instruction from the user A of the computer PC, the computer PC generates print image data IDi based on the information in the printer database unit 112 of the computer PC illustrated using FIG. 8 (in step S406 above). Corresponding), all of the print image data IDi transmitted to the printer server SV (corresponding to step S408) is received by the printer server SV and stored in association with the print user name, model information, and individual difference correction information. It shows how it is.

  The print image data Aaaa. dat, Bbbb. dat is dedicated print image data generated based on the model of the laser printer, and Cccc. dat, Ddddd. dat is dedicated print image data generated based on the model of the ink jet printer and individual difference correction information. In addition, the print image data Eee. dat is general-purpose print image data for a laser printer, and Ffff. dat is general-purpose print image data for an ink jet printer.

  On the other hand, when the print image data transmission request has been received (step S510: YES), the CPU 200 is associated with the print image data IDi stored in the print database unit 212 as the process of the print data specifying unit 202. Matching the printer PRTj by comparing the print user name, model information, individual difference correction information with the print user name, model information, and individual difference correction information included in the received print image data transmission request, that is, the printer Print image data that can be used by PRTj is searched (step S540).

  Then, the CPU 200 determines whether there is matching print image data in the print database unit 212 (step S550). As a result, if there is no matching print image data (step S550: NO), it means that the printer server SV has not yet received the matching print image data from the computer PC, and the CPU 200 performs the above processing. The process returns to S520 and waits for reception of print image data.

  On the other hand, if there is matching print image data (step S550: YES), the CPU 200 specifies optimum print image data from the matching print image data as processing of the print data specifying unit 202, and the print image data. Is transmitted to the printer PRTj as processing of the data transmission unit 203 (step S560).

  The above-described specification of optimum data will be specifically described with reference to FIG. For example, if the ink jet printer having the model name PM-7777 and the individual difference correction information ff-0a-6b-0e-dd-9c-9f transmits a print image data transmission request in step S620, the above step In S540, as the print image data that can be used, the dedicated print image data Cccc. dat and general-purpose image data Ffff. dat is specified. In step S560, a file that can be printed with the highest image quality among these print image data, in this example, the dedicated print image data Cccc. dat is specified as the optimum print image data.

B-4. Steps I to J:
On the other hand, in the printer PRTj, after transmitting the print image data transmission request in step S620, the CPU 300 receives the optimum print image data that the printer server SV transmits in step S560 as the processing of the data receiving unit 305. Whether or not (step S630). As a result, if it is determined that the print image data has not been received (step S630: NO), the process waits until it is received.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that it has been received (step S630: YES), the CPU 300 executes printing based on the received optimum print image data as processing of the print control unit 303 (step S640).

  When the execution of printing is completed, the CPU 300 transmits a print completion notification to the computer PC as processing of the device information communication control unit 304 (step S650). This print completion notification is transmitted including its own information. In the present embodiment, the device information (information indicating that it is a printer), model information, and individual difference correction information are transmitted.

B-5. Step K:
On the other hand, when the computer PC completes the multiple print data generation / transmission process in step S400, the computer PC determines whether a print completion notification transmitted by the printer PRTj has been received (step S410). As a result, if it is determined that it has not been received (step S410: NO), it waits until it is received. On the other hand, if the reception completion notification is received (step S410: YES), the model name and the individual difference correction information included in the notification are recorded in the printer database unit 112. At this time, a use history is recorded at the same time. Thus, the authentication printing process is completed.

  In this embodiment, the printer PRTj transmits a print image data transmission request including individual difference correction information to the printer server SV in step S620, and the printer server SV receives the print image in step S540. By collating the individual difference correction information of the data transmission request with the individual difference correction information recorded in the print database unit 212, the printer of the same model is identified, and the optimum data is searched. However, the present invention is not limited to this mode, and various identifiers unique to each object, such as a MAC address or an IP address, may be used instead of the individual difference correction information.

  In this embodiment, the printer PRTj transmits a print completion notification to the computer PC in step S650, and the computer PC records the use history of the printer PRTj in step S420 based on the print completion notification. Although recorded in the printer database unit 112, the present invention is not limited to such a mode, and various modes are possible. For example, the printer PRTj may transmit a print completion notification to the printer server SV, and the computer PC may receive the print completion notification from the printer server SV. Alternatively, when the printer server SV completes transmission of the optimum print image data in step S560, a notification to that effect may be received from the printer server SV.

  In this embodiment, the printers that can communicate with each other are searched in steps S402 to S404, and the print image data IDi to be generated is determined based on the information. However, the present invention is not limited to this mode. . The determinant of the print image data IDi can be performed using various conditions relating to the status and performance of the printer, such as the amount of accumulated jobs, the remaining amount of toner, the printing speed, and the resolution. It goes without saying that the type of information managed by the printer database unit 112 of the computer PC and the conditions for holding and deleting such information are set in accordance with the determinants of the print image data IDi described above.

  In the present embodiment, all the printer groups connected to the local area network LAN are authentication printers, but the present invention is not limited to such a mode. When the authentication printer and the printer having no authentication function coexist, the computer PC determines whether or not it is an authentication printer by using the MIB of the printer in steps S402 to S404. Only the print image data should be generated.

  In the authentication printing system 10 having such a configuration, the computer PC generates print image data IDi in a plurality of formats and transmits it to the printer server SV together with information relating to printer attributes suitable for the data. Then, the printer server SV associates the received print image data IDi with the printer attribute information and stores them in the print database unit 212. Then, a print image data transmission request transmitted together with the printer attribute information is received from the printer PRTj that has been authenticated and has received the print execution instruction, and the optimum print image data is identified by referring to the printer attribute information. To the printer PRTj. Therefore, the printing user can execute printing from any printer that handles print image data differently without specifying a printer that performs printing at the time of a print preparation instruction on the computer PC.

  Further, in the authentication printing system 10 having such a configuration, a printer in a state in which the computer PC can communicate is searched, and dedicated print image data for the searched printer is generated. Further, the computer PC generates dedicated print image data for the printer having a use history within a predetermined period. Therefore, since dedicated print image data corresponding to a printer that is likely to be printed is generated, print image data can be generated efficiently.

  Further, in the authentication printing system 10 having such a configuration, the computer PC generates general-purpose print image data that can be used regardless of the printer model, in addition to dedicated print image data that can perform high-quality printing. Therefore, even when printing is performed in a printer for which corresponding dedicated print image data has not been generated, printing can be performed smoothly.

  Further, in the authentication printing system 10 having such a configuration, the computer PC changes the generation order of the print image data IDi based on the usage history of the printer and the suitability to the properties such as the color type and the paper size of the print target data D. decide. Therefore, since dedicated print image data corresponding to a printer that is likely to be printed is preferentially generated, the time until an arbitrary printer PRTj receives the print image data can be shortened, and execution of printing is efficient. Can be done.

C. Variation:
A modification of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the computer PC generates all the print image data IDi to be generated in step S400 and transmits them to the printer server SV. However, the present invention is not limited to such a mode. . For example, the CPU 100 of the computer PC determines whether or not the print completion notification is received in the middle of step S400, and if it is determined that the print completion notification is received and the print image data IDi is being generated, the print image data IDi. The generation of may be aborted. In this way, it is possible to avoid generating extra print image data after printing is completed.

  Alternatively, the CPU 300 of the printer PRTj may send a print start notification to the computer PC as processing of the device information communication control unit 304 when printing is started in step 640. On the other hand, when receiving the print start notification, the CPU 100 of the computer PC may interrupt the generation of the print image data IDi if the print image data IDi is being generated.

  In this way, it is possible to avoid generating extra print image data that has not been subjected to printing. Also, if the printer that performs printing becomes unusable during printing due to a paper jam or the like, and the printing is to be performed again by another printer, the interrupted print image data can be generated. By resuming, efficient response is possible.

  The print start notification is not limited to being transmitted by the printer PRTj, but may be transmitted to the computer PC when the printer server SV transmits optimal print image data in step S560.

  As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to such an Example, Of course, in the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention, it can implement in a various aspect. For example, the print image data generation apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to the application to the authentication printing system shown in the embodiment, and after issuing a print command without specifying a print destination in the client, the print image data generation apparatus can output from any of a plurality of printers The present invention can be applied to all printing systems that execute printing by issuing a print execution command. Further, it can be realized as a printing execution method.

It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a structure of the authentication printing system 10 as an Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of computer PC. It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of printer server SV. It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of printers PRT1-PRT5. It is explanatory drawing which shows the schematic procedure of an authentication printing process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the procedure of an authentication printing process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the procedure of a multiple print data production | generation / transmission process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a structure of the information of the printer database part 112 of computer PC. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of information in a print database unit 212 of the printer server SV. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

10: Authentication printing system 100 ... CPU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 ... Printing apparatus search part 102 ... Printer database control part 103 ... Generation order determination part 104 ... Print data generation part 105 ... Data communication control part 110 ... Hard disk drive 112 ... Printer database part 120 ... ROM
130 ... RAM
140 ... Input mechanism 150 ... Input / output interface 160 ... Display 170 ... Network interface 200 ... CPU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 201 ... Print database control part 202 ... Print data specific | specification part 203 ... Data transmission part 210 ... Hard disk drive 212 ... Print database part 220 ... ROM
230 ... RAM
270 ... Network interface 300 ... CPU
301: User authentication unit 302 ... Print data request unit 303 ... Print control unit 304 ... Device information communication control unit 305 ... Data reception unit 310 ... Hard disk drive 312 ... MIB storage unit 320 ... ROM
330 ... RAM
340 ... Authentication mechanism 350 ... Input / output interface 360 ... Printing mechanism 370 ... Network interface PC ... Computer SV ... Printer server PRT1 to PRT5 ... Printer LAN ... Local area network

Claims (12)

A print image data generation apparatus that is connected to a plurality of printing apparatuses via a network and generates print image data for printing from predetermined print target data,
Print data generation means for receiving a print preparation instruction from a user and generating print image data in a plurality of formats usable by at least one of the plurality of printing apparatuses from the print target data;
Print data storage means for sequentially storing the generated print image data in a storage area in association with at least information relating to attributes of the printing apparatus that can use the print image data;
Upon receiving a print image data transmission request transmitted by at least one of the plurality of printing apparatuses that has received a user's print execution instruction, the attribute is selected from the plurality of types of print image data stored in the storage area. Print data specifying means for specifying print image data in a format compatible with the printing apparatus that has made the transmission request,
A print image data generation apparatus comprising: print data transmission means for transmitting the specified print image data to the printing apparatus that has transmitted the transmission request via the network. The print image data generation device according to claim 1,
And a printing device search means for searching for a printing device that matches a predetermined condition relating to the state or performance of the printing device from the plurality of printing devices,
The print image data in the plurality of formats generated by the print data generation unit can be used in the printing apparatus based on model information or solid information of the printing apparatus that matches the predetermined condition searched by the printing apparatus search unit. Print image data generating apparatus including at least simple print image data. The print image data generation device according to claim 2,
The predetermined condition is that the print image data generation apparatus and the printing apparatus are in a communicable state. The print image data generation apparatus. The print image data generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The print image data generation apparatus that includes at least general-purpose print image data that can be used regardless of a model of the printing apparatus. The print image data generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The print image data of the plurality of formats generated by the print data generation means is print image data that can be used in the printing apparatus based on model information or solid information of the printing apparatus that has been used in the past predetermined period. A print image data generation apparatus including at least The print image data generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
And a first generation order determining means for determining a generation order of the print image data of the plurality of formats based on usage histories of the plurality of printing apparatuses,
The print data generation device generates the print image data of the plurality of formats according to the generation order determined by the first generation order determination unit. The print image data generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
And second generation order determining means for determining the generation order of the print image data of the plurality of formats based on suitability to the properties of the data to be printed.
The print data generation device generates the print image data of the plurality of formats in accordance with the generation order determined by the second generation order determination unit. The print image data generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The print data generation unit receives the print start notification transmitted to the print image data generation apparatus when the printing apparatus that has received the print image data to be transmitted starts printing the print image data. A print image data generation device that temporarily interrupts generation of the print image data when the print image data of the plurality of formats is being generated. The print image data generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The print data generation unit receives the print completion notification to be transmitted to the print image data generation device when the printing device that has received the print image data to be transmitted finishes printing the print image data. A print image data generation device that aborts the generation of the print image data when the print image data of the plurality of formats is being generated. The print image data generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The print data specifying unit specifies the print image data only when it is authenticated that an attribute of a user who issues the print execution instruction satisfies a predetermined condition. The print image data generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
A terminal and a server connected via the network,
The print data generation means is provided in the terminal,
The print data storage unit, the print data identification unit, and the print data transmission unit are print image data generation devices provided in the server. Printing that prints print image data for printing generated from predetermined print target data by a print image data generation device using at least one of a plurality of printing devices connected to the print image data generation device via a network An execution method,
The print image data generation device includes:
In response to a user's print preparation instruction, print image data in a plurality of formats that can be used by at least one of the plurality of printing apparatuses is generated from the print target data,
The generated print image data is sequentially stored in a storage area in association with at least information related to attributes of the printing apparatus that can use the print image data,
In response to a transmission request for print image data transmitted by at least one of the plurality of printing apparatuses, the transmission request is based on information about the attribute from the plurality of types of print image data stored in the storage area. Identify the print image data that matches the printing device that
Transmitting the specified print image data to the printing apparatus that has transmitted the transmission request via the network;
The plurality of printing devices include:
When a print execution instruction of a user who executes printing is received, a transmission request for the print image data that can be used in the printing apparatus is transmitted to the print image data generation apparatus via the network,
A print execution method for receiving the print image data transmitted by the print image data generation device in response to the transmission request and printing the print image data.

Images