JP2008276470A - Information processor, printer, print processing method, storage medium and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain an intended print result by adjusting function processing capable of being shared between an information processor and a printer. <P>SOLUTION: It is decided whether or not a function to be executed inside the printer is set in addition to a function to be processed inside the information processor during a function processing request set in print information (S12, S13). Here, when it is decided that the function to be executed in the printer is set, control information to be referred to is created by the function executed by the printer in cooperation with the function having been executed inside the information processor (S15). The created control information is added to the print information, and it is transferred to the printer (S17). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing process in a printing system in which printing information is processed by a printing apparatus and an information processing apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a printing system in which an information processing apparatus and a printing apparatus can communicate with each other is configured so that print information can be transmitted to the printing apparatus via a printer driver installed in the information processing apparatus.

  In such a printing system, a printer driver that is installed in the host computer 100 and generates print data is configured to be able to specify a driver-specific print process independently of the function of the controller of the printing apparatus.

For example, as shown in FIG. 13, there is an output method (hereinafter referred to as N-Up printing) in which a plurality of logical pages such as 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 16 pages are arranged in a grid pattern on one sheet of paper. is there. (Patent Document 1 below)
Further, as a function of the printer driver, poster printing for enlarging one page to a plurality of pages on the contrary (Patent Document 2 below), or page decoration for decorating a margin portion of one page as shown in FIG. 14 (FIG. 14). Is an example of a three-dimensional frame). In this case, the output method is realized mainly by the printer driver matching print data with the output result or drawing by adding the print data.

  On the other hand, unlike the driver-specific printing process, there is also a printing process unique to the printer controller of the printing apparatus.

Further, the printer controller functions include, for example, watermark printing for copy prevention and the like and binding direction printing and binding margin printing from the printer driver as shown in FIG. In this case, the binding direction designation only by designating the binding margin is an output method realized mainly by the printer controller adding print data or an image inside the controller.
JP 11-099723 A JP2000-025277

  However, when the poster printing function that can be processed only by the printer driver and the device stamp function that can be processed only by the printer controller are combined, the result shown in FIG. 16 is always obtained.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a printing result in a conventional printing system. In this example, in the poster printing process, the printer driver divides one page of data into four parts and expands them into enlarged pages, and the printer controller adds stamp information.

  The example shown in FIG. 16 is a case where 2 × 2 poster printing of the original data 1601 is performed, and for example, stamp information 1602 is added to the page data 1603.

  Reference numerals 1611 to 1614 denote jobs generated by the printer driver. Reference numerals 1621 to 1624 denote stamp information.

  In this example, the printer driver first enlarges one page to 4 (2 × 2) pages as poster printing processing. This is because the printer controller adds a command for designating a device stamp to the print data of each logical page for the four-page jobs 1611 to 1614. As a result, stamp information 1621 to 1624 is added to each print page.

  For this reason, there is a problem that the stamp by the printer controller cannot be arranged on the entire surface of the poster print by the printer driver, and the print result in a mode different from the print result intended by the user is output.

  In other words, since information to be applied in the process by the device driver and the process by the printer controller is not reflected in the printer controller, there is a problem that the function of the printer controller is executed independently.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to adjust the functional processing that can be shared between the information processing apparatus and the printing apparatus, and to obtain an intended printing result. It is to provide a mechanism.

  The information processing apparatus of the present invention that achieves the above object has the following configuration.

  An information processing apparatus capable of transferring print information to a printing apparatus, which is executed in the printing apparatus in addition to functions to be processed in the information processing apparatus during a function processing request set in the printing information A determination means for determining whether or not a function to be set is set, and when the determination means determines that a function to be executed in the printing apparatus is set, the function is linked to the function executed in the information processing apparatus Creating means for creating control information to be referred to by a function executed by the printing apparatus; and transfer means for adding the control information created by the creating means to the printing information and transferring the control information to the printing apparatus. It is characterized by having.

  According to the present invention, when each function process is combined in the information processing apparatus and the printing apparatus, the intended print result can be obtained by processing the contents of each function process in cooperation.

  In addition, an intended printing result can be obtained by changing the combination of the functional processes to be performed by the information processing apparatus and the printing apparatus and unifying the functional processes on either side.

  Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Description of system configuration>
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a printing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This example shows a printing system example in which the host computer 100 and the printing apparatus 101 can transfer printing information via the network 102. However, the present invention is a system in which the printing apparatus 101 is locally connected to the host computer 100. There may be. In this embodiment, the printing apparatus 101 is taken as an example, but it may be configured by a multifunction machine such as an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral).

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes a host computer, which has hardware resources as shown in FIG. 2, and executes an application installed under the management of an operating system (OS). In addition, a printer driver for transferring print information to the printing apparatus 101 is installed in the host computer 100.

  The printer driver has a function of converting drawing information from the OS into PDL data based on a predetermined page description language in response to a print request from the application. The printer driver is configured to perform print settings via a user interface as described later. In this case, the function to be executed in the printing apparatus is set in addition to the function to be processed in the information processing apparatus such as the host computer 100 during the function processing request set in the print information by the printer driver. It has a judgment function to judge whether or not. This determination function will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  Here, when the printer driver determines that a function to be executed in the printing apparatus is set, control information to be referred to by a function executed by the printing apparatus 101 in cooperation with a function executed in the information processing apparatus (Corresponding to Hint information described later). Then, the control information created by the printer driver is added to the print information and transferred to the printing apparatus 101.

  In the printing system shown in this embodiment, executable function processing requests are registered in advance with respect to the printer driver and the printer controller 103, and the requested function processing requests are received by the printer driver and the printer controller 103. Process in cooperation. For example, in this embodiment, when the poster printing function and the stamp function are set simultaneously, the printer driver generates four pages of divided pages obtained by enlarging one page information associated with the poster printing function. Here, since the stamp information is a setting processed by the printer controller 103, the printer driver creates Hint information as control information to be referred to when the printer controller 103 processes the stamp information, as will be described later. To do. Details of the hint information will be described later.

  The function processing request is not limited to the above-described poster printing function and stamp function processing, and is not limited to these as long as it is a function that can be processed as a layout function request.

  A printing apparatus 102 is configured to be able to communicate with the host computer 100 via the network 102 by a network controller provided in the printer controller 103. The printer controller 103 executes print processing unique to the printing apparatus 101, for example, print information received by the stamp function.

  An image printing unit (printer engine) 104 prints print information received via the printer driver of the host computer 100 on a recording medium.

  Note that the printing method of the printer engine 104 can be applied to the electrophotographic method or the ink jet method. An engine control unit 105 controls the operation of the printer engine 104.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the host computer 100 and the printing apparatus 101 illustrated in FIG. In addition, this example is an example and the structure provided with another device may be sufficient. Also, the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 1 denotes a CPU which reads a control program stored in the ROM 3 into the RAM 2 and controls devices connected to the internal bus 4.

  The CPU 1 loads an OS and device drivers (including a printer driver) stored in the external memory 11 into the RAM 2 and executes the application. Then, the printer driver transfers print information from the application to the printing apparatus 101 via the network controller (NIC) 8. At this time, the printer driver is configured to display a user interface on the CRT 10 and set printing conditions.

  Here, the user interface is a print setting screen, and includes a screen for setting page setting, finishing, paper feed, print quality, and the like. The page setting includes a box for setting a layout printing function for assigning a plurality of logical pages to one physical page. Details will be described later.

  The display of the CRT 10 is controlled via the CRT controller 6. The display device is not limited to the CRT 10 and may be a liquid crystal display.

  A memory controller (MC) 7 controls write or read access to the external memory 11. The external memory 11 is composed of, for example, a hard disk that is a nonvolatile storage medium. The external memory 11 is not limited to a hard disk.

  A network controller (NIC) 8 is communicably connected to the NIC 18 of the printing apparatus via the network 102. A keyboard (KB) 9 is used to input a key code through a keyboard controller (KBC) 5.

  In the printing apparatus 101, reference numeral 12 denotes a CPU which loads a control program stored in the ROM 13 into the RAM 19 and controls devices connected to the internal bus 15. Reference numeral 16 denotes a printing unit I / F, to which the engine control unit 105 and the printing unit 104 are connected. An operation unit 1012 is configured to be able to display a screen necessary for a printing operation, a user authentication screen, a print processing status screen, and the like. Note that the operation unit 1012 includes a touch panel, and is configured to allow various input operations when the user directly touches the screen.

  Reference numeral 20 denotes a memory controller (MC) which controls write or read access to the external memory 14. The external memory 14 is composed of, for example, a hard disk that is a nonvolatile storage medium. The external memory 14 is not limited to a hard disk.

  In addition, a box area is secured in the external memory 14 so that a print job instructed by the user from the host computer 100 can be stored. Here, user authentication processing is performed for access to the box area. The authentication processing method may be a known method.

  That is, a configuration in which print information stored in the external memory 14 is printed by a user who has been successfully authenticated by the operation unit 1012 in the box area. In this case, the user who has been authenticated on the operation unit 1012 specifies print information to be printed, and the start is instructed from the operation unit 1012 to start the processing. It is assumed that the user can set whether to add stamp information from the operation unit 1012 from the operation unit 1012.

  Further, the external memory 14 may store an application necessary for the print control by the CPU 12. For example, an application for performing WEB printing.

  The external memory 14 stores information for generating a stamp image necessary for executing a stamp function, which is a function of the printer controller 103, for example. Then, the attribute information of the stamp image corresponding to the stamp selected by the user is acquired from the external memory 14, and the stamp information to be output is generated. The stamp information may be stored as an image developed into a raster image. Further, the function by the printer controller 103 is not limited to the stamp function process, and includes a function process as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a user interface of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. This example corresponds to the print setting screen displayed on the CRT 10 by the printer driver stored in the external memory 11 of the host computer 100 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 3A, TAB1 to TAB4 indicate tab buttons. The tab button TAB1 functions as a tab button for displaying a page setting screen. The tab button TAB2 functions as a tab button for displaying a finishing setting screen. The tab button TAB3 functions as a tab button for displaying a paper feed setting screen. The tab button TAB4 functions as a tab button for displaying a print quality setting screen.

  This example corresponds to a state in which the tab button TAB1 is pressed and “poster (2 × 2)” is selected in the page layout setting. That is, this is set when an image of one page is divided into a specified paper size and output in order to print a large image of one image.

  In FIG. 3B, reference numerals 31 to 34 denote divided page images. In this example, the divided page images 31 to 34 are sequentially printed. The poster print setting is a setting by the printer driver and is a setting independent of the function by the printer controller 103 of the printing apparatus 101. For this reason, when a function by the printer controller 103, for example, a stamp function, is executed simultaneously with the poster print function, the print result intended by the user may be different as described above. Therefore, in this embodiment, the print information received by the printer controller 103 is processed according to the control procedure shown in FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure in the printing system according to the present exemplary embodiment. In this example, the printer driver shown in FIG. 3 processes print information on the assumption that the poster print function and the stamp function by the printer controller are set. S11 to S19 indicate steps. Steps S11 to S17 are realized by the CPU 1 loading the printer driver stored in the external memory 11 into the RAM 19 and executing it. S18 and S19 are realized by the CPU 12 loading the printer driver stored in the external memory 14 into the RAM 19 and executing it.

  First, in S11, the CPU 1 starts a print processing request from an application. Next, in S <b> 12, the CPU 1 confirms whether there are two or more functions designated by the printer driver of the host computer 100. If it is determined that two or more functions are not set, the process advances to S14 to perform normal printing, and this process ends.

  That is, when the two functions are not set, the CPU 1 determines that the above-described printing failure is avoided and performs normal printing processing. For example, when only the poster printing is designated by the printer driver, the poster printing is processed, and this processing is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 1 determines in S12 that two or more function settings have been made, the process proceeds to S13.

  In S <b> 13, the CPU 1 determines whether or not one or more functions of only the printer driver and only the function of the printer controller are present among the set functions.

  If the CPU 1 determines that there are two or more functions provided by the printer driver, the process advances to step S14 to perform normal printing processing, and this processing ends.

  That is, even if there are two or more functions specified by the printer driver, if it is determined that all of them are processed by either the printer driver or the printer controller, the process proceeds to S14 and normal printing processing is performed. .

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S13 that one or more of the functions set by the CPU 1 can be processed only by the printer driver and one or more functions that can be processed only by the printer controller are included, Proceed to S15.

  In step S <b> 15, the CPU 1 creates hint information, which will be described later, regarding functions that can be realized only by the printer driver, and adds the hint information to print data to be transmitted to the printer controller 103.

  Here, the Hint information includes the following information.

[Hint information]
For example, a case where poster printing is designated by a function by a printer driver and a function process by a printer controller is a device stamp will be described.

  In this case, the Hint information includes, for example, 200% as enlargement rate information related to the poster printing process in the printer driver and the following information as area information to be divided and output. In this case, since one page is divided into four, Rect1 (Page1), Rect2 (Page2), Rect3 (Page3), and Rect4 (Page4) are included.

  Actually, the Hint information is described by a code that can be analyzed by the printer controller 103. The hint information is information that is dynamically determined by the function processing attribute of the printer driver and user settings for the function. That is, it is described as information that should affect the printer controller 103 by executing the function of the printer driver.

  More specifically, the Hint information includes information on the enlargement ratio when enlargement / reduction occurs in the function processing of the printer driver.

  In addition, when drawing addition, movement, or enlargement / reduction occurs in the function processing of the printer driver, information on the affected area is included.

  Further, when page rearrangement occurs in the function processing of the printer driver, rearrangement information is included.

  As described above, in this embodiment, Hint information is created as control information to be referred to by the printer controller 103. However, when the poster print function is requested, a magnification for enlarging or reducing the print data of each page is used as control information. Contains information.

  Similarly, the control information may include area information for laying out print data for each page and rearrangement information for layout.

  In step S <b> 16, the printer driver creates drawing data that is actually printed by the printing unit 104. In step S17, print data including the hint information generated in step S15 and the drawing data generated in step S16 is transmitted to the printer controller 103.

  In step S18, the printer controller 103 of the printing apparatus 101 processes the print data transmitted from the host computer 100 via the network 102 in step S17. Here, the printer controller 103 analyzes the created hint information, and performs image data generation processing based on the function designated by the printer controller 103. Further, the received drawing data is subjected to image processing for generating image processing in accordance with designation by the printer driver. Then, the image data generated by the functions of the printer driver and the printer controller is processed according to the designated layout information.

  Thereby, the poster printing result shown in FIG. 5 can be obtained. Compared with the conventional print result shown in FIG. 16, the printer controller 103 changes the stamp information addition processing mode in accordance with the Hint information by poster printing. That is, as a whole, the printer controller 103 processes the stamp information so that one stamp information is enlarged on each page and output to the corresponding position.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an image processing state in the printing system according to the present embodiment. In this example, poster printing (2 × 2) is designated as a function of the printer driver, and a stamp is designated as a function of the printer controller.

  First, the original data 51 indicates a state in which the stamp 52 is combined with normal one page print data before poster printing. This is a printer driver function, and the upper half of the original data 51 is divided into page data 54-1 to 54-4 as the first and second pages by the poster printing function.

  Here, the stamp 52 is a state in which the print area allocated for normal one-page output is enlarged by the poster printing function to fit each divided page, and the output page is also enlarged to each page. It is necessary to split the output.

  Therefore, the printer driver instructs the printer controller 103 to give an outline indicating how the stamp information for the printer controller function is arranged and to what size the printer driver 103 is enlarged. As a result, the printer controller 103 divides and enlarges the stamp information for each page to be printed by the poster, and outputs it so as to span the output pages 55-1 to 55-4 shown in FIG. Thereby, it can be avoided that the same stamp information is output to each page, which is a problem in the past, that is, as shown in FIG. That is, by passing the Hint information to the printer controller 103, it is possible to output one stamp image as an image assigned to each divided page in a state where the output image of the original data 51 is enlarged.

  When the processing of all received print data is finished in S19, this processing is finished.

  Thus, when the drawing information generated by the function processing of the printer driver is changed, the printer controller 103 performs the drawing processing in conformity with the drawing processing by the printer driver.

  For this reason, when the poster printing function is executed by the printer driver, the printer controller 103 also cooperates to enlarge the stamp information and assign the enlarged stamp information to pages to be divided and output. As a result, one stamp image is printed on one poster image combined with the divided outputs.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second data processing procedure in the printing system according to the present exemplary embodiment. This example is a print information processing example (detailed procedure of S18 shown in FIG. 5) by the printer controller shown in FIG. S21 to S24 indicate each step. Each step is realized by the CPU 12 loading the printer driver stored in the external memory 14 into the RAM 19 and executing it.

  In S <b> 21, the CPU 12 determines whether the print data transmitted from the printer driver of the host computer 100 includes Hint information. If the CPU 12 determines that the print data does not include Hint information, the process advances to step S22 to perform normal print processing in which the received print data is processed under designated conditions, and this processing ends. .

  On the other hand, when the CPU 12 determines that the Hint information is included in S21, the Hint information is read from the received print data in S23. In step S24, a specific process is performed on the print data to be processed by the printer controller 103 in accordance with the hint information included in the print data, and the process ends.

  Thus, in the case of poster printing (2 × 2), the Hint information includes the enlargement information and the output area of the stamp information to be processed by the printer controller 103. A process of dividing and enlarging each page is performed.

  As a result, the output pages 55-1 to 55-4 showing the poster printing results with stamps are generated in the manner shown in FIG.

[Second Embodiment]
In the above-described embodiment, the printing system in which the function processing of the printer driver and the function processing of the printer controller are set to either one in advance has been described as an example.

  However, there may be a system that can execute the function processing of the printer driver and the function processing of the printer controller. An embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a printing system that allows a user to set a processing subject of a specific function via a user interface will be described.

  Further, the printing system according to the present embodiment is a printing system in which it is possible to set in advance which side performs the function processing that can be executed by the printer driver and the function processing that can be executed by the printer controller 103.

  In this embodiment, whether the function to be executed in the printing apparatus 101 is set in addition to the function to be processed in the host computer 100 during the function processing request set in the print information by the printer driver. Judging. Here, if the printer driver determines that a function to be executed in the printing apparatus 101 is further set, whether or not the function to be executed in the printing apparatus 101 can be executed in the host computer 100 instead. Judging. If the printer driver determines that the function to be executed in the printing apparatus 101 can be executed in place of the information processing apparatus, the function processing request set in the print information is changed. That is, the setting is changed so that all the function processing requests linked to the printer driver and the printer controller 103 are processed by the printer driver.

  Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the printer controller 103 from executing, for example, the stamp function process on each page subjected to the poster print process and resulting in a print result unintended by the user.

  The printer dry displays a user interface as shown in FIG. 8 when it is determined that a function to be executed in the printing apparatus 101 can be executed in the host computer 100 as described later. Then, the user is inquired as to whether or not to change the function processing request set in the print information.

  The printer driver changes the function processing request set in the print information in response to selection of change function processing request set in the print information on the user interface displayed on the display device of the host computer 100. To do. Specifically, the printer driver of the host computer 100 also processes stamp function processing that should be processed by the printer controller 103. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described in detail.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a function subject attribute table that determines the subject of print function processing in the printing system according to the present embodiment. This table may be stored in either the host computer 100 or the printing apparatus 101.

  As shown in FIG. 7, reference numeral 71 denotes a function attribute. For example, for the specific functions 74 to 77, an example in which the printer driver 72 or the printer controller 73 executes each function process can be set. Indicates. Note that “◯” in the figure indicates a function that can be processed by both the printer driver 72 and the printer controller 73, and the gradation portion is currently set as a subject that should execute the function.

  In this example, for example, the stamp function processing corresponding to the function 75 can be processed by either the printer driver 72 or the printer controller 73, but it indicates that the printer controller 73 is currently set to perform the function processing.

  The state shown in FIG. 7 is configured so that the user interface shown in FIG. 8 can be set by the printer driver selecting and instructing on the CRT 10 of the host computer 100.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface in the printing system according to the present embodiment. This example is an example of an interface displayed via a printer driver installed in the host computer 100.

  In the example shown in FIG. 8, a check is made on a specific function selected by the user from the executable functions, and “host (H) / device (D)” is set as another entity executing the processing location. Is displayed. In this example, a user interface as shown in FIG. 8 is provided for functions that can be set by the printer driver, and each function can be processed by either the printer driver or the printer controller.

  In FIG. 8, of course, when a function that can be processed only by either the printer driver or the printer controller is selected on this user interface, the “processing location” on the right side of the screen is displayed in a state where it cannot be selected by graying out or the like. Will do.

  In FIG. 8, BT1 to BT3 are buttons, and the user checks the function list, designates one of the radio buttons R1 and R2 indicating the processing location, and sets the processing location by pressing the button BT1. be able to.

  Hereinafter, a case will be described in which some functions can be supported by both the printer driver and the printer controller, such as the watermark processing by the Add-in module of the printer driver and conversely by the N-Up printer language.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a third data processing procedure in the printing system according to the present exemplary embodiment. This example corresponds to the print processing procedure in the second embodiment. In addition, S31-S38 show each step. Steps S31 to S36 are realized by the CPU 1 loading the printer driver stored in the external memory 11 into the RAM 19 and executing it. S37 and S38 are realized by the CPU 12 loading the printer driver stored in the external memory 14 into the RAM 19 and executing it.

  First, in S31, the CPU 1 starts a print processing request from an application. In step S32, the setting state of the function designated by the printer driver is confirmed, and a print data processing method is determined according to the combination of settings. The detailed operation of the driver setting process in S32 will be described later.

  If it is determined in step S32 that one or more of the set functions can be processed only by the printer driver and one or more functions that can be processed only by the printer controller 103 are included. Advances to S33.

  In step S <b> 33, hint information relating to functions that can be realized only by the printer driver is created and added to the print data to be transmitted to the printer controller 103. In step S <b> 34, the printer driver creates drawing data to be transmitted to the printer controller 103.

  In step S <b> 35, the printer driver transmits print data including Hint information and drawing data to the printer controller 103 via the network 102.

  In step S37, the printer controller 103 of the printing apparatus 101 processes the print data transmitted from the host computer 100 via the network 102 in step S35. When the processing of all received print data is finished in S38, this processing is finished.

  In this embodiment, in S32, it is determined that there are less than one function specified by the printer driver, or even if there are a plurality of functions, they are all processed by either the printer driver or the printer controller. If so, normal printing is performed in S36.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a fourth data processing procedure in the printing system according to the present exemplary embodiment. This process corresponds to the detailed procedure of S32 shown in FIG. 9 by the printer driver. S41 to S44 indicate each step. Steps S41 to S44 are realized by the CPU 1 loading the printer driver stored in the external memory 11 into the RAM 19 and executing it. The detailed operation for checking the setting status of the function designated by the printer driver in S32 and determining the print data processing method according to the combination of settings will be described below.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface displayed on the host computer 100 shown in FIG.

  First, in S41, the CPU 1 determines whether there are two or more functions designated by the printer driver. (First Determination) If it is determined that two or more functions are not set, the process proceeds to S36 shown in FIG. 9, normal printing is performed, and this process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S41 that there are two or more functions specified by the printer driver, the process proceeds to S42. Then, in S42, it is determined based on the setting information in the table shown in FIG. 7 whether all of these functions are combinations that can be processed by the printer driver or the printer controller 103 (second determination).

  In the example shown in FIG. 7, there is a function that can process one function by both the printer driver and the printer controller 103. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, it is necessary to set to use all the functions of the printer driver or all the functions of the printer controller as in the example of “4-Up”, “stamp”, and “color mode”. There is no.

  If it is determined in S42 that all of the functions specified from the table shown in FIG. 7 are not a combination that can be processed by either the printer driver or the printer controller, the process proceeds to S33 shown in FIG. Perform the process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S42 that all the functions set in the printer driver can be processed by the printer driver or the printer controller, the process proceeds to S43.

  In step S43, the currently set printer driver settings are changed so that all printer drivers or all printer controllers can perform processing. In the example of FIG. 7, the current setting value of “stamp” (processed by the printer controller 103) is changed to the process by the printer driver.

  However, the user of the printer driver may not agree to change the function processing location in S43. Then, the process proceeds to S44, and the printer driver displays a message indicating “can the change be changed” on the CRT 10 as shown in FIG. Here, it is determined which of the buttons BT11 and BT12 is instructed by the user, and if it is determined that the user does not agree to change the location where the function processing is executed, the process proceeds to S33 shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S44 that the user agrees to change the location for executing the function process, the process proceeds to S38 shown in FIG.

  Thereby, the division of the function processing by the printer driver and the printer controller can be transferred to the function processing by the printer driver or the printer controller. For this reason, it is possible to avoid unintended printing results due to the sharing of function processing by the printer driver and the printer controller.

[Third Embodiment]
The configuration of the data processing program that can be read by the printing system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the memory map shown in FIG.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs readable by the information processing apparatus and the printing apparatus according to the present invention.

  Although not particularly illustrated, information for managing a program group stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, creator, etc. is also stored, and information depending on the OS on the program reading side, for example, a program is identified and displayed. Icons may also be stored.

  Further, data depending on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, a program for installing various programs in the computer, and a program for decompressing when the program to be installed is compressed may be stored.

  The functions shown in FIGS. 4, 6, 9, and 10 in this embodiment may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when an information group including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Is.

  As described above, the storage medium storing the software program code for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or apparatus. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  Therefore, as long as it has the function of the program, the form of the program such as an object code, a program executed by an interpreter, or script data supplied to the OS is not limited.

  As a storage medium for supplying the program, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, DVD, etc. Can be used.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  As another program supply method, a browser on a client computer is used to connect to an Internet home page. Then, the computer program itself of the present invention or a compressed file including an automatic installation function can be downloaded from the homepage by downloading it to a recording medium such as a hard disk. It can also be realized by dividing the program code constituting the program of the present invention into a plurality of files and downloading each file from a different homepage. That is, a WWW server, an ftp server, and the like that allow a plurality of users to download a program file for realizing the functional processing of the present invention on a computer are also included in the claims of the present invention.

  In addition, the program of the present invention is encrypted, stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, distributed to users, and key information for decryption is downloaded from a homepage via the Internet to users who have cleared predetermined conditions. Let It is also possible to execute the encrypted program by using the key information and install the program on a computer.

  In addition, the functions of the above-described embodiments are not only realized by executing the program code read by the computer. For example, based on an instruction of the program code, an OS (operating system) running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing. Needless to say, the process includes the case where the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized.

  Further, the program code read from the storage medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. After that, based on the instruction of the program code, the CPU of the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing. Needless to say.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications (including organic combinations of the embodiments) are possible based on the spirit of the present invention, and these are excluded from the scope of the present invention. is not.

  While various examples and embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, the spirit and scope of the present invention are not limited to the specific descriptions in the present specification by those skilled in the art.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a host computer and a printing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a figure explaining the user interface of the information processing apparatus which shows this embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure in the printing system according to the present exemplary embodiment. It is a schematic diagram explaining the image processing state in the printing system which shows this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 2nd data processing procedure in the printing system which shows this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the function subject attribute table which determines the subject of the printing function process in the printing system which shows this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the user interface in the printing system which shows this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 3rd data processing procedure in the printing system which shows this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 4th data processing procedure in the printing system which shows this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the user interface displayed with the host computer shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining the memory map of the storage medium which stores the various data processing program which can be read by the information processing apparatus which concerns on invention, and a printing apparatus. It is a figure explaining operation | movement of the conventional printing system. It is a figure explaining an example of the user interface of the conventional printing system. It is a figure explaining an example of the user interface of the conventional printing system. It is a figure which shows an example of the printing result in the conventional printing system.

Explanation of symbols

100 Host computer 101 Printing device 102 Network 103 Printer controller 104 Printer engine 105 Engine control unit

Claims (26)

An information processing apparatus capable of transferring print information to a printing apparatus,
A determination means for determining whether a function to be executed in the printing apparatus is set in addition to a function to be processed in the information processing apparatus during the function processing request set in the print information;
Control information to be referred to by a function executed by the printing apparatus in cooperation with a function executed in the information processing apparatus when the determination unit determines that a function to be executed in the printing apparatus is set Creating means to create
Transfer means for adding the control information created by the creation means to the printing information and transferring it to the printing apparatus;
An information processing apparatus comprising:   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the function processing request includes a layout function request for setting a layout of print data for each page.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control information includes magnification information for enlarging or reducing the print data of each page.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control information includes area information for laying out print data of each page.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control information includes rearrangement information for laying out print data of each page. An information processing apparatus capable of transferring print information to a printing apparatus,
First determination means for determining whether a function to be executed in the printing apparatus is set in addition to the function to be processed in the information processing apparatus during the function processing request set in the print information When,
Whether the function to be executed in the printing apparatus can be executed in place of the information processing apparatus when the first determination means determines that the function to be executed in the printing apparatus is set A second determining means for determining
A change that changes the function processing request set in the print information when the second determination means determines that the function to be executed in the printing apparatus can be executed instead of the information processing apparatus. Means,
An information processing apparatus comprising: Whether the function processing request set in the print information is to be changed when the second determination unit determines that the function to be executed in the printing apparatus can be executed instead of the information processing apparatus Having a display means for displaying a user interface for inquiring whether or not
The changing means changes the function processing request set in the print information in response to selection of changing the function processing request set in the print information on the user interface displayed by the display means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6. A printing apparatus that processes print information transferred from an information processing apparatus,
Functional processing means for executing a functional processing request set in the print information;
Determining means for determining whether the print information includes control information to be referred to in a function executed by the printing apparatus in cooperation with a function executed in the information processing apparatus;
When the determination unit determines that the control information is included, the function processing unit performs a function process on the print information in cooperation with the control information.   9. The printing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the function processing request includes a layout function request for setting a print data layout of each page.   The printing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the control information includes magnification information for enlarging or reducing the print data of each page.   9. The printing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the control information includes area information for laying out print data for each page.   The printing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the control information includes rearrangement information for laying out print data of each page. A print processing method in an information processing apparatus capable of transferring print information to a printing apparatus,
A determination step of determining whether a function to be executed in the printing apparatus is set in addition to the function to be processed in the information processing apparatus during the function processing request set in the print information;
Control information to be referred to by the function executed by the printing apparatus in cooperation with the function executed in the information processing apparatus when it is determined in the determination step that the function to be executed in the printing apparatus is set Creating process to create
A transfer step of adding the control information created in the creation step to the print information and transferring it to the printing device;
A print processing method characterized by comprising:   14. The print processing method according to claim 13, wherein the function processing request includes a layout function request for setting a print data layout of each page.   The print processing method according to claim 13, wherein the control information includes magnification information for enlarging or reducing the print data of each page.   The print processing method according to claim 13, wherein the control information includes area information for laying out print data of each page.   The print processing method according to claim 13, wherein the control information includes rearrangement information for laying out print data of each page. A print processing method in an information processing apparatus capable of transferring print information to a printing apparatus,
A first determination step of determining whether a function to be executed in the printing apparatus is set in addition to the function to be processed in the information processing apparatus during the function processing request set in the print information. When,
Whether or not the function to be executed in the printing apparatus can be executed in place of the information processing apparatus when it is determined that the function to be executed in the printing apparatus is set in the first determination step A second determination step of determining
A change that changes the function processing request set in the print information when it is determined that the function to be executed in the printing apparatus can be executed in the information processing apparatus in the second determination step. Process,
A print processing method characterized by comprising: Whether the function processing request set in the print information is changed when it is determined that the function to be executed in the printing apparatus can be executed in the information processing apparatus instead of the second determination step A display step of displaying on the display means a user interface for inquiring whether or not
The changing step changes the function processing request set in the print information in response to selection of changing the function processing request set in the print information on the user interface displayed on the display means. The print processing method according to claim 18. A print processing method in a printing apparatus for processing print information transferred from an information processing apparatus,
A function processing step of executing a function processing request set in the print information;
A determination step of determining whether the print information includes control information to be referred to in a function executed by the printing apparatus in cooperation with a function executed in the information processing apparatus;
A print processing method characterized in that, when it is determined that the control information is included in the determination step, the function processing step performs a function process on the print information in cooperation with the control information.   The print processing method according to claim 20, wherein the function processing request includes a layout function request for setting a print data layout of each page.   The print processing method according to claim 20, wherein the control information includes magnification information for enlarging or reducing the print data of each page.   The print processing method according to claim 20, wherein the control information includes area information for laying out print data of each page.   The print processing method according to claim 20, wherein the control information includes rearrangement information for laying out print data of each page.   A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute the print processing method according to any one of claims 13 to 24.   A program for causing a computer to execute the print processing method according to any one of claims 13 to 24.

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