JP2009151559A - Information processor, printing control method, printing control program, printer and printing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processor, allowing a user receiving a notice of printing enabled state to instantaneously perform printing. <P>SOLUTION: A computer receives setting of outputting a printing start notice showing the printing enabled state from a user when a printer ends printing setup for a print job, and performs dialogue display for printing setup end on receiving a printing start notice from the printer. The computer receives a print start or termination instruction for the print job from the user after the printing setup end is displayed. The printer determines whether or not the print job received from the computer is a print job requiring a printing start notice. After the print job requiring a printing start notice is subjected to RIP processing, it is stored in a printing notice queue, and when the print job concerned reaches the head, a printing start notice is given to a transmitting computer for the print job, and a predetermined processing is conducted based on the printing start or termination instruction from the computer. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a print control method, a print control program, a printing apparatus, and a printing system, and more particularly, to a print control technique for a RIP completed job.

  When a user performs printing in an environment where a large number of unspecified users such as offices share a printer, a user prints a print job from a client computer (hereinafter simply referred to as a “client”) to the printer, and then the user pauses. However, if the printer is in a dormant state or a plurality of users are printing, there may be a long wait in front of the printer. The same applies to the case where the amount of printed matter is large, which hinders the work. Furthermore, if the waiting at the time of printing becomes normal, a situation in which the printed matter is left for a long time occurs, which causes a security problem.

In order to solve such a problem, a system has been proposed in which a client that has output a print job at the time of printing is notified of the order and the time required for printing (for example, see Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 describes that when a printer receives a print job from a client, the printer notifies the client of the job ID, password, and expected print end time of the print job. Further, when the RIP (Raster Image Processor) process of a print job is in progress, the printer displays the job ID of the print job, calls, or transmits it to the client by mail. When the password is input while the job ID is displayed, the printer starts printing. In addition, the printer can insert a postponed print job into an appropriate place in the queue (queue) to change the job schedule, or can delete a print job that has not been printed for a certain period of time at an appropriate time. .
JP 2006-218732 A

  However, in Patent Document 1, since the printer notifies the client during RIP processing of the print job, if the amount of the print job is large and RIP takes time, the client receives the notification and prints. After issuing a command, it may take time to actually execute printing. In particular, when the RIP unit and the printing unit are asynchronous, such as an MFP (Multifunction Printer), it tends to take time.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problem, and an information processing apparatus, a print control method, a print control program, and a print control method that can be immediately printed by a user who has received a notification indicating that printing is possible. An object is to provide a printing apparatus and a printing system.

  In order to achieve the above object, a printing system according to claim 1, wherein an information processing apparatus that generates and transmits a print job and a printing apparatus that prints the print job can communicate via a network. The information processing apparatus is configured to set so as to receive from the printing apparatus a print start notification indicating that printing is possible when the print job is ready for printing. A notification means for notifying that the preparation for printing has been completed when receiving the start notification, and a print start instruction means for instructing the start of printing of the print job in response to the notification that the preparation for printing has been completed. The printing apparatus includes: a conversion unit that converts a print job received from the information processing apparatus into a printable format; a management unit that manages a print order of the converted print job; A determination unit that determines whether the print job managed by the management unit is a print job that requires the print start notification; and when the print job managed by the management unit is printed, the print job is printed by the determination unit When it is determined that a start notification is necessary, a notification unit that performs the print start notification to the information processing apparatus that is the transmission source of the print job, and an instruction to start printing of the print job from the information processing apparatus A print start instruction reception unit that receives the print job, and a print unit that prints the print job that has been prepared for printing in response to the print start instruction received by the print start instruction reception unit;

  In order to achieve the above object, an information processing apparatus according to claim 9 is an information processing apparatus capable of communicating via a network with a printing apparatus that prints a print job, and the print job has been prepared for printing. A setting means for receiving a print start notification indicating that printing is possible from the printing apparatus, and a notification for notifying that the print preparation has been completed when the print start notification is received. And a print start instruction means for instructing the start of printing of the print job in response to the notification that the preparation for printing has been completed.

  In order to achieve the above object, a printing apparatus according to claim 10 is a printing apparatus capable of communicating via a network with an information processing apparatus that generates and transmits a print job, and the printing apparatus received from the information processing apparatus Conversion means for converting a job into a printable format, management means for managing the printing order of the converted print jobs, and printing indicating that the print job managed by the management means can be printed A determination unit that determines whether a print job needs a start notification and a print job that is determined by the determination unit to be printed when the print job managed by the management unit is printed. A notification means for performing the print start notification to the information processing apparatus that is the transmission source of the print job, and an instruction to start printing of the print job from the information processing apparatus. A print start instruction reception means for attaching only, characterized in that it comprises a printing unit for printing the print job completion of the print preparation in response to a print start indication received by the print start instruction reception means.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to a printing control method of a printing system according to claim 11, an information processing apparatus that generates and transmits a print job and a printing apparatus that prints the print job communicate via a network. A printing control method of a possible printing system, wherein when the printing apparatus is ready for printing of the print job, a print start notification indicating that printing is possible is received from the printing apparatus In response to the setting step, the notification step of notifying that the print preparation is completed when receiving the print start notification from the printing apparatus, and the notification of the completion of the print preparation, printing the print job A print start instruction step for instructing the start, a conversion step for converting the print job requiring the print start notification into a printable format, and a pipe for managing the print order of the converted print jobs A step of determining whether the print job managed by the management step is a print job that requires the print start notification, and when printing the print job managed by the management step, If the determination step determines that a print start notification is necessary, a notification step of notifying the print start notification to the information processing apparatus that is the transmission source of the print job; and printing the print job from the information processing apparatus A receiving step for receiving a start instruction; and a printing step for printing the print job for which the print preparation has been completed in response to the print start instruction received in the receiving step.

  In order to achieve the above object, a printing control method for an information processing apparatus according to claim 12 is a printing control method for an information processing apparatus capable of communicating via a network with a printing apparatus that prints a print job. When the print job is ready for printing, a setting process is set to receive a print start notification indicating that printing is possible from the printing apparatus, and the print preparation is completed when the print start notification is received. A notification step for notifying that the print job has been completed, and a print start instruction step for instructing the start of printing of the print job in response to the notification that the preparation for printing has been completed.

  In order to achieve the above object, a printing method for a printing apparatus according to claim 13 is a printing method for a printing apparatus capable of communicating via a network with an information processing apparatus that generates and transmits a print job. A conversion process for converting a print job received from the processing apparatus into a printable format, a management process for managing the printing order of the converted print jobs, and a print job managed by the management process can be printed. When the print job managed by the management process is printed, the print job needs to be notified of the print start by the determination process. A notification step of notifying the information processing apparatus that is the transmission source of the print job of the print start notification, and from the information processing apparatus, the print job An accepting step of accepting an instruction to start printing, characterized by comprising a printing step of printing the print job completion of the print preparation in accordance with an instruction of print start accepted by the accepting step.

  In order to achieve the above object, a program according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention provides a printing system in which an information processing apparatus that generates and transmits a print job and a printing apparatus that prints the print job can communicate via a network. A program for causing a computer to execute a control method, and configured to receive a print start notification from the printing apparatus indicating that printing is possible when the printing apparatus is ready to print the print job In response to the setting step, a notification step of notifying that the print preparation is completed when receiving the print start notification from the printing apparatus, and a notification of the completion of the print preparation, printing of the print job is started. A print start instruction step for instructing a print job, a conversion step for converting a print job received from the information processing apparatus into a printable format, and the conversion A management step for managing the print order of the print jobs, a determination step for determining whether the print job managed by the management step requires a print start notification, and a print job managed by the management step. A notification step of performing the print start notification to an information processing apparatus that is a transmission source of the print job when the print job is determined to require a print start notification in the determination step when printing; A print start instruction receiving step for receiving a print start instruction for the print job from the information processing apparatus, and a print job for which the print preparation has been completed is printed according to the print start instruction received by the print start instruction receiving means. And a printing step.

  In order to achieve the above object, a program according to claim 15 is a program for causing a computer to execute a printing control method of an information processing apparatus capable of communicating via a network with a printing apparatus that prints a print job. A setting step for receiving from the printing device a print start notification indicating that printing is possible when the print job is ready for printing; and a print preparation upon receipt of the print start notification. A notification step for notifying that the print job has been completed, and a print start instruction step for instructing the start of printing of the print job in response to the notification that the preparation for printing has been completed.

  In order to achieve the above object, a program according to claim 16 is a program for causing a computer to execute a printing method of a printing apparatus capable of communicating via a network to an information processing apparatus that generates and transmits a print job. A conversion step of converting the print job received from the information processing apparatus into a printable format, a management step of managing the printing order of the converted print job, and a print job managed by the management step, A determination step for determining whether the print job needs a print start notification indicating that printing is possible, and when printing a print job managed by the management step, the print job starts printing by the determination step. When it is determined that notification is necessary, the print start is performed on the information processing apparatus that is the transmission source of the print job. A notification step of notifying, characterized in that it comprises a processing step of executing processing based on the print start or stop command from the information processing apparatus.

  According to the present invention, a user who has received a notification indicating that printing is possible can immediately print.

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

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating configurations of an information processing apparatus and a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  1, the printing system according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a computer 3000 as an information processing apparatus and a printer 1500 as a printing apparatus, which are connected to each other via a data transfer path 121.

  The computer 3000 includes a CPU 101, a RAM 102, a ROM 103, an input controller (input C) 105, a video controller (VC) 106, a memory controller (MC) 107, and a communication interface controller (communication I / FC) 108. , An operation device 109, a display device 110, and an external memory 111. The CPU 101, RAM 102, ROM 103, input controller 105, video controller 106, memory controller 107, and communication interface controller 108 are connected to each other via a system bus 104.

  The CPU 101 implements various operations by loading a program necessary for execution of processing to be described later into the RAM 102 and executing the program. Further, the CPU 101 displays display information on the display device 110 by, for example, executing outline font rasterization processing on a display information area in the RAM 102. In addition, the CPU 101 displays a mouse cursor (not shown) or the like on the display device 110, thereby enabling a user operation.

  The RAM 102 functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 101. In the ROM 103 or the external memory 111, a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) that is a control program of the CPU 101, an operating system program (hereinafter referred to as “OS”), various programs necessary for executing each process described later, and the like. Is remembered. The OS used in the present embodiment is assumed to be, for example, Windows (registered trademark) XP manufactured by Microsoft Corporation, but is not limited thereto.

  The input controller 105 controls input from the operation device 109 configured by a pointing device such as a mouse or a keyboard. The video controller 106 controls display on the display device 110 such as a CRT display. The display device 110 is not limited to the CRT, and may be a liquid crystal display.

  The memory controller 107 controls access to the external memory 111. The external memory 111 stores a boot program, browser software, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, various data, and the like, and includes a hard disk (HD), floppy (registered trademark) disk (FD), or PCMCIA. It consists of a CompactFlash (registered trademark) memory connected to the card slot via an adapter. The communication I / F controller 108 controls connection / communication with an external device via a network or the like. For example, data can be transmitted / received to / from the printer 1500 via the data transfer path 121 by Internet communication using TCP / IP. The data transfer path 121 may be a LAN (Local Area Network), the Internet, or a local network connected by a cable or the like.

  The printer 1500 includes a CPU 112, a RAM 119, a font ROM 113a, a program ROM 113b, a data ROM 113c, an input unit 118, a printing unit interface (printing unit I / F) 116, a printing unit (printer engine) 117, and an operation. Unit 1501, a memory controller (MC) 120, and an external memory 114. The CPU 112, the RAM 119, the ROM 113, the input unit 118, the printing unit I / F 116, the operation unit 1501, and the MC 120 are connected to each other via a system bus 115.

  The CPU 112 outputs an image signal as output information to the printing unit 117 via the printing unit I / F 116 based on a control program or the like stored in the program ROM 113b or the external memory 114. The program ROM 113b stores a control program executed by the CPU 112 and the like. The font ROM 113a stores font data used when generating the output information. The data ROM 113c stores information used on the computer 3000 when the printer 1500 does not have an external memory 114 such as a hard disk.

  The CPU 112 can perform communication processing with the computer 3000 via the input unit 118 to notify the computer 3000 of information in the printer 1500 and the like. A RAM 119 is a main memory of the CPU 112 and functions as a work area. The RAM 119 is configured so that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown). The RAM 119 is also used for an output information expansion area, an environment data storage area, NVRAM, and the like.

  The memory controller 120 controls access to the external memory 114. The external memory 114 is connected as an option, stores font data, an emulation program, form data, and the like, and includes a hard disk (HD), an IC card, and the like.

  The operation unit 1501 is an operation panel on which switches, LEDs, and the like for operation are arranged. Note that the external memory 114 included in the printer 1500 is not limited to one, and may be plural. In addition to the built-in font, the printer 1500 may be configured so that an optional font card and a plurality of external memories storing programs for interpreting printer control languages with different language systems can be connected. Further, the printer 1500 may have an NVRAM (not shown) that stores printer mode setting information set by the operation unit 1501.

  In this embodiment, the page description language (hereinafter referred to as “PDL”) supported by the printer 1500 is assumed to be a relatively advanced PDL such as an LBP Image Processing System (hereinafter referred to as “LIPS”). However, it is not limited to this.

  A print control program (hereinafter referred to as “printer driver”) for realizing the present invention is stored in the external memory 111 and is executed by the CPU 101 by being loaded into the RAM 102 as necessary. Definition files and various information tables used by the printer driver are stored in the external memory 111.

  The configuration of the printing system is an example, and it goes without saying that there are various configuration examples depending on the application and purpose. For example, as long as the function of the present invention is realized, the present invention may be applied to a single device, or may be applied to a system including a plurality of devices connected via a network such as a LAN or a WAN (Wide Area Network). May be.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of software that functions during print control processing in the computer 3000 of FIG.

  In FIG. 2, the computer 3000 includes an application program (hereinafter referred to as “application”) 201, a graphics engine 202, a printer driver 203, and a print subsystem 204. Each of these is a program module stored as a file in the external memory 111. These modules are loaded into the RAM 102 and executed by the OS and modules that use the modules.

  The application 201 and the printer driver 203 can be added to the external memory 111 such as a hard disk (HD) from the external memory 111 or from an external device connected via the network 301 shown in FIG. The application 201 stored in the external memory 111 is loaded into the RAM 102 and executed by the CPU 101. When printing is performed from the application 201 to the printer 1500, output (rendering) is performed using the graphics engine 202 that is similarly loaded into the RAM 102 and executed by the CPU 101.

  The graphics engine 202 activates a printer driver 203 prepared for each type of printer. As a result, the printer driver 203 is loaded from the external memory 111 to the RAM 102 and executed by the CPU 101. The graphics engine 202 uses the printer driver 203 to convert a print command or drawing command output from the application 201 into a printer control command using PDL.

  The printer control command converted by the printer driver 203 is output to the printer 1500 via the print subsystem 204 and the data transfer path 121. The print subsystem 204 is activated by the OS, loaded from the external memory 111 to the RAM 102 and executed by the CPU 101, scheduling of print jobs, connection control between the computer 3000 and the printer 1500, and status of the printer 1500. Manage.

  The printer driver 203 converts the print command or drawing command output from the application 201 into a printer control command and instructs the printer 1500 to reflect the print command in the print output. A function for performing settings for controlling the functions of the printer 1500 (hereinafter referred to as “user interface (UI)”), a function for storing the settings, and information on functions of the printer driver 203 and the printer 1500 are stored in the application 201 and A function provided to the OS, a function that generates a printer control command when the function set by the UI is a function that the printer 1500 has, and a function that is set by the UI when the function set by the UI is unique to the printer driver 203 It has a function to realize the function.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a printing system using the computer 3000 and the printer 1500 of FIG.

  In FIG. 3, the printing system includes a plurality of computers 3000 as client computers, a printer 1500, and a print server computer 4000, which are connected to each other via a network 301. The communication I / F controller 108 in the computer 3000 has a function of a network interface card (NIC).

  The printer 1500 may be connected to the print server computer 4000 via a local interface 302 such as Centronics or USB (Universal Serial Bus), and may be connected to the network 301 via the print server computer 4000. It may be configured to be directly connected to 301. Note that the input unit 118 in the printer 1500 directly connected to the network 301 has a function of a network interface card (NIC).

  When the computer 3000 transmits a print job to the printer 1500 connected to the network 301 via the print server computer 4000, first, the computer 3000 transmits the print job to the print server computer 4000 via the print subsystem 204. The print server computer 4000 transmits the print job transmitted from the computer 3000 to the printer 1500 via a print subsystem (not shown) on the print server computer 4000.

  Further, when transmitting a print job to the printer 1500 directly connected to the network 301, the computer 3000 transmits the print job directly to the printer 1500 via the print subsystem 204.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a basic flow of print control processing executed by the computer 3000 of FIG.

  In FIG. 4, the application 201 does not directly transmit / receive information to / from the printer driver 203 but transmits / receives information to / from the printer driver 203 via the graphics engine 202 included in the OS. The graphics engine 202 receives an instruction from the application 201 and instructs the printer driver 203.

  First, the application 201 notifies the graphics engine 202 of print setting information such as single-sided / double-sided printing setting and number of copies setting set for document data via a memory area secured in the RAM 102.

  The printer driver 203 stores the print setting information from the graphics engine 202 on the RAM 102 in order to store information (printer driver information) necessary for the printer driver 203 to perform print control processing based on the print setting information. An initialization request for the secured memory area is received (S401). As a result, the printer driver 203 secures a memory area for holding the printer driver information, and initializes the memory area in accordance with the print setting information.

  When the printer driver 203 completes the necessary processing by receiving the initialization request for the memory area holding the printer driver information referred to by the printer driver 203, the printing capability of the printer driver 203 according to the print setting information received in S401. Information is notified to the graphics engine 202.

  The application 201 acquires a handle value necessary for associating the print job that is finally transmitted to the printer 1500 with the print setting information to be reflected in the print job from the graphics engine 202 (S402).

  Next, when the application 201 makes a print start request to the graphics engine 202, the printer driver 203 receives the print start request from the graphics engine 202 (S403). As a result, the printer driver 203 generates a printer control command by PDL necessary for the printer 1500 to start printing. The process for generating the printer control command may be performed when the printing process for the first page (first page) is started, that is, when the drawing instruction for the first page from the application 201 is received.

  When the application 201 issues a drawing instruction for realizing drawing of a drawing object such as a character, figure, or image to the graphics engine 202, the printer driver 203 receives the drawing instruction from the graphics engine 202 ( S404). As a result, the printer driver 203 appropriately generates a printer control command reflecting a drawing instruction including a specified drawing object, a page break, a request for changing print setting information in the middle, and the generated printer. A control command is output to the printer 1500. Note that the number of pages to be printed depends on the designation from the application 201.

  Next, when the application 201 makes a print end request to the graphics engine 202, the printer driver 203 receives the print end request from the graphics engine 202 (S405). As a result, the printer driver 203 generates a printer control command necessary for the printer 1500 to end printing, and ends the printer control command generation processing.

  Next, the application 201 notifies the graphics engine 202 of a request for discarding the handle value acquired in S402. The printer driver 203 receives a request for discarding the printer driver information stored in the memory area from the graphics engine 202. As a result, the printer driver 203 discards the printer driver information (S406). One print job to be transmitted to the printer 1500 is generated by the processes of S403 to S405. In this embodiment, a function is added to the processing when the printer driver 203 receives a print start request.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of driver processing executed by the CPU 101 using the printer driver 203. This driver processing is realized by the CPU 101 reading out the printer driver program stored in the external memory 111 to the RAM 102 and executing it.

  First, before this process is executed, the printer driver 203 displays the print start notification setting dialog 601 shown in FIG. 6 and the job processing method and standby time setting dialog 602 shown in FIG. It is assumed that a setting as to whether or not to issue a print start notification is received from the user via the start notification setting dialog 601 and job processing and standby time settings are received via the setting dialog 602. The job processing method is a process executed when there is no response from the user to a print start notification notified to the user (see FIG. 16 to be described later). In the illustrated example, a RIP-completed job (JOB) is used. Can be selected, the next RIPed job is printed first, and the last is moved to all jobs. Details of the illustrated job processing method will be described later. The user can select a job processing method by checking any check box. In this way, the user can set whether or not to receive a print start notification for each print job (JOB).

  The waiting time (unit: second) set via the job processing method and waiting time setting dialog 602 is the job set in the dialog 602 after the print start command dialog 1300 shown in FIG. This is the time until processing is executed. After displaying or updating the print start command dialog 1300, if there is no response from the user during the standby time set via the setting dialog 602, the printer driver 203 is selected by the user on the setting dialog 602. Execute job processing.

  In step S <b> 501, the CPU 101 determines whether a print start notification setting has been made via the print start notification setting dialog 601. As a result of this determination, if the print start notification setting is not made, the CPU 101 generates a normal job (JOB) (step S508) and performs the process of step S507. On the other hand, when the print start notification setting is made, the CPU 101 performs the process of step S502. In this embodiment, a normal job is referred to as a “normal job (normal job)”, and a job for which a print start notification is set is referred to as a “print notification job (print notification JOB)”. Here, priorities at the time of printing of the normal job and the print notification job will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams for explaining the priorities at the time of printing of the print notification job and the normal job. FIG. 8A shows a case where the print notification job is waiting for a print command, and FIG. (C) shows a case where printing of one print notification job is finished and waiting for a print command of the next print notification job.

  In this embodiment, there are two queues for managing jobs, one is a “normal queue” for managing normal jobs, and the other is a “print notification queue” for managing print notification jobs. When two jobs are mixed, as shown in FIG. 8A, the normal job is printed while the print notification job is waiting. However, when there is a print command for the print notification job, as shown in FIG. 8B, printing of the normal job is temporarily stopped and printing of the print notification job is performed. Then, as shown in FIG. 8C, as soon as the printing of the print notification job is completed, the stopped normal job is printed until the printing of the next print notification job is started.

  Returning to FIG. 5, in step S <b> 502, when the printer driver 203 receives a drawing command from the graphic engine 202, the CPU 101 acquires the job processing method and standby time set via the job processing method and standby time setting dialog 602. And stored in the external memory 111. In step S503, the CPU 101 determines whether the printer driver 203 has acquired a job ID (identification information for identifying the information processing apparatus) managed by the printer 1500 serving as a device. The CPU 101 refers to the job ID information stored in the external memory 111 in the computer 3000 and confirms the presence / absence thereof. Here, the job ID is identification information for uniquely identifying a terminal or a PC (computer 3000) that generates a job and issues a print instruction. The job ID is not assigned for each job. That is, when a plurality of jobs are issued from the same terminal and PC (computer 3000), the same job ID is assigned to the plurality of jobs.

  If the result of determination in step S503 is that there is a job ID in the external memory 111, processing proceeds to step S506. On the other hand, if there is no job ID in the external memory 111, the CPU 101 issues a job ID acquisition command to the printer 1500 to acquire the job ID stored in the external memory 114 in the printer 1500 (step S504). Upon receiving the job ID acquisition command, the printer 1500 executes a job ID notification process shown in FIG. 10 described later, acquires the IP address of the computer 3000, and notifies the computer 3000 of an unused job ID.

  In step S 505, the CPU 101 acquires a job ID from the printer 1500 and stores it in the external memory 111 in the computer 3000. In step S506, the CPU 101 generates a print notification job to which the job ID, job processing method, and standby time acquired in step S502 and stored in the external memory 111 are added. In step S507, the CPU 101 transfers the generated normal job or print notification job to the printer 1500.

  Next, processing on the printer 1500 side will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by the printer 1500 that has received a command from the computer 3000.

  In step S <b> 601, the printer 1500 receives a command from the computer 3000. If the computer 3000 has already acquired the job ID, the job ID transmitted from the computer 3000 is also received.

  In step S602, the printer 1500 determines the content of the received command by the CPU 112, and if it is the above-described job ID acquisition command, executes the job ID notification process for the job ID acquisition command (step S603). On the other hand, when receiving the print job transferred in step S507, the printer 1500 executes print job command processing (step S604). On the other hand, if the printer 1500 is a print processing command, the printer 1500 executes processing for the print processing command (step S605). The print processing command includes a print start command desired by the user, a print cancel command, and the like.

  Next, details of the job ID notification processing in step S603 in FIG. 9 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing details of the job ID notification processing in step S603 of FIG.

  In step S611, the printer 1500 acquires an IP address stored in the external memory 111 in the computer 3000 that is a transmission source of the received job ID acquisition command. In step S612, the printer 1500 acquires a free job ID from the ID / IP correspondence table stored in the external memory 114. An example of the ID / IP correspondence table is shown in FIG. In FIG. 11, an ID / IP correspondence table 1600 is a table in which job IDs correspond to IP addresses of transmission sources, and further, waiting times for job IDs and job processing methods are stored. As described above, the job ID is identification information of a terminal that uniquely identifies a terminal that generates a job and issues a print instruction, and a PC (computer 3000). Therefore, when a plurality of jobs are issued from the same terminal, the plurality of jobs correspond to one job ID in this correspondence table.

  Returning to FIG. 10, in step S613, the printer 1500 updates the ID / IP correspondence table 1600 stored in the external memory 114 based on the acquired job ID and IP address. That is, the IP address of the transmission source is stored in an unused job ID record in the ID / IP correspondence table 1600. In step S <b> 614, the printer 1500 notifies the transmission source computer 3000 of the acquired job ID. The CPU 101 in the computer 3000 stores the job ID received from the printer 1500 in the external memory 111.

  Details of the print job command processing in step S604 of FIG. 9 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing details of the print job command processing in step S604 of FIG. Prior to this processing, the printer 1500 receives print jobs (normal job or print notification job) transferred from the computer 3000 and stores them in the external memory 114. In this process, print jobs are RIP processed, and if there are print jobs having the same job ID in the queue, they are combined.

  In step S <b> 621, the printer 1500 checks the print job information stored in the external memory 114. Next, in step S622, the printer 1500 determines whether a print start notification is set for the print job. That is, the CPU 112 in the printer 1500 determines whether the received print job is a normal job or a print notification job. If the print start notification is set for the print job as a result of this determination, the printer 1500 executes step S623. If the print start notification is not set, the printer 1500 executes step S627.

  In step S623, the printer 1500 performs RIP processing on the print notification job, and holds the RIP-printed print notification job in the print notification queue in the external memory 114. In step S624, the printer 1500 determines whether there is a print notification job having the same job ID as the newly held print notification job in the print notification queue. If there is no print notification job having the same job ID in the print notification queue as a result of this determination, the printer 1500 executes RIP-notification processing (step S626). Details will be described later.

  On the other hand, if there is a print notification job having the same job ID in the print notification queue as a result of the determination in step S624, the printer 1500 is combined with the print notification job having the same job ID (step S625). Execute the process. In this way, since jobs having the same job ID are combined, it is not necessary to collect the printed material many times. Here, FIG. 13 shows an outline of job combination.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an outline when combining print notification jobs having the same job ID. (A) is a print notification queue before combining, and (b) is a print notification job having the same job ID at the head. (C) shows a case where a print notification job having the same job ID is being printed, and (d) shows a case where a print notification job having the same job ID is at a position other than the head.

  If a print notification job having the same job ID is at the head of the print notification queue and there is no print processing command, a new print is performed immediately after the print notification job having the same job ID as shown in FIG. Notification jobs are combined. On the other hand, if a print notification job having the same job ID is being printed, a new print notification job is combined after the last job in the print notification queue, as shown in FIG. If a print notification job having the same job ID is located at a position other than the head of the print notification queue, a new print notification job is combined immediately after the print notification job having the same job ID as shown in FIG. Is done.

  Returning to FIG. 12, in step S627, the printer 1500 performs RIP processing on the normal job, and holds the RIP-completed normal job in the normal queue. In step S628, the printer 1500 determines whether the normal job is at the head of the normal queue. If the result of this determination is that it is the head, the printer 1500 determines whether there is a job in the print notification queue (step S629). If there is no job in the print notification queue as a result of this determination, the printer 1500 prints the normal job at the head of the normal queue (step S631). On the other hand, if there is a job in the print notification queue, the printer 1500 determines whether a job in the print notification queue is waiting. If the result of this determination is that the printer 1500 is on standby, the printer 1500 executes the process of step S631. The relationship between the print notification job and the normal job is as described in FIG.

  Next, details of the RIP-notification process in step S626 of FIG. 12 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing details of the RIP-notification process in step S626 of FIG. This processing is processing until the RIP-completed print job is ready to start printing and notifies the user to that effect.

  In step S641, the printer 1500 determines whether there is a job in the job job print notification queue. If there is a job in the print notification queue as a result of this determination, the printer 1500 determines whether all the previous jobs have been discharged, that is, whether there is no print notification job being printed. The operation status of 117 is confirmed and judged (step S642). As a result of the determination, if all of the previous jobs have been discharged, that is, if no print notification job is being printed, the printer 1500 stores the ID / IP correspondence table stored in the external memory 114. From 1600, an IP address corresponding to the job ID of the head job in the print notification queue is acquired (step S643).

  Next, in step S644, the printer 1500 extracts information on the paper size, paper type, transport direction, and number of pages from the print notification job at the head of the print notification queue, and the external memory 114 is based on the extracted information. The print end time is calculated from the correspondence table of the print end times for each paper size and transport direction and the coefficient correspondence table for the print end times based on the plain paper for each paper type stored in. FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B show an example of a correspondence table of printing end times for each paper size and transport direction and a coefficient correspondence table for printing end times based on plain paper for each paper type.

  The print end time is calculated by the following formula using the number of pages, the media size, the media type, and the conveyance direction. When a plurality of printing conditions are set for one job, the time calculated and added for each condition is the printing end time.

Print end time = (print end time corresponding to paper size and transport direction) × (paper type coefficient) × number of pages Returning to FIG. 14, in step S645, the printer 1500 can print a print notification job. And the calculated print end time information are notified to the computer 3000 having the IP address acquired in step S643. As described above, after the RIP process is performed on the print notification job in step S623, the print end time of the print notification job is calculated in step S644, so that the user can be notified of a more accurate required print time.

  Upon receiving the notification from the printer 1500, the computer 3000 displays on the screen of the display device 110 a print start command dialog 1300 for notifying the user that printing can be started as shown in FIG.

  Next, details of processing for the print processing command in step S605 of FIG. 9 will be described with reference to FIG. Note that if it is possible to notify the user that printing has started, it is sufficient, so that the calling is not limited to the display, and the lamp may be turned on.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing details of processing for the print processing command in step S605 of FIG. This process is executed in response to a print processing command from the computer via the print start command dialog 130 by notifying the computer that printing of a job can be started in step S645 in FIG. is there.

  In step S651, the printer 1500 determines whether the print processing command received from the computer 3000 is a print start command. If the result of this determination is a print start command, the process proceeds to step S652, otherwise the process proceeds to step S657.

  In step S652, the printer 1500 determines whether a normal job is being printed. If the normal job is printed as a result of this determination, the printer 1500 temporarily stops printing the normal job (step S653), and prints the RIP-printed print notification job corresponding to the received job ID. It executes (step S654). Next, in step S655, it is determined whether there is a stopped normal job. If there is a normal job that is stopped as a result of this determination, the printer 1500 resumes printing of the normal job (step S656), and executes the process of step S659.

  In step S657, the printer 1500 determines whether the print processing command received from the computer 3000 is a delete command. If the result of this determination is that the command is not a delete command, the process proceeds to step S660. If the command is a delete command, the printer 1500 deletes the RIP-printed print notification job for the received job ID (step S658). Execute the process.

  In step S659, the printer 1500 deletes the item corresponding to the job ID of the RIP-printed print notification job that has been printed from the ID / IP correspondence table 1600 stored in the external memory 114.

  In step S660, the printer 1500 determines whether the print processing command received from the computer 3000 is a command to move to the next job. If the result of this determination is not a command to move to the next job, the printer 1500 moves the head job waiting for printing to the end of the last job in the print notification queue (step S662). On the other hand, if the instruction is to move to the next job, the printer 1500 switches the order of the head job waiting for printing and the next job to be printed (step S661).

  Next, processing by a resident application executed on the computer 3000 will be described with reference to FIG. The resident application resides in the computer 3000, detects a user instruction, notifies the device, and causes the computer 3000 to display a dialog according to information acquired from the device. More specifically, the print end time, job ID, processing method, and standby time are acquired from the printer 1500, and the user is notified that printing can be started according to the acquired print end time (display a print start command dialog). To do). In addition, when the printer is notified of the content instructed via the print start command dialog, or when the acquired standby time is managed and the standby time elapses via the print start command dialog The printer 1500 is notified of the processing method of the acquired job.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing by a resident application executed in the computer 3000.

  In step S701, the CPU 101 acquires the job ID of the head job stored in the external memory 114 in the printer 1500 and the print end time calculated in step S644. In step S <b> 702, the CPU 101 acquires a job processing method and a standby time from the external memory 111. In step S <b> 703, the CPU 101 determines whether the print start command dialog 1300 has already been displayed on the display device 110. As a result of this determination, if it is determined that it is not displayed, a print start command dialog 1300 including the print end time acquired in step S701 is newly displayed (step S704), and the process of step S706 is executed. On the other hand, when determining that the print start command dialog 1300 has already been displayed, the CPU 101 determines that the print start command includes the print end time obtained by adding the print end time acquired in step S701 and the print end time already displayed. The dialog 1300 is updated (step S705). This is because, when a print notification job enters the print notification queue, if there is a job with the same job ID in the queue, the combining process is performed. Thereafter, the process of step S706 is executed. In other words, unless the OK button on the print start command dialog 1300 displayed on the display device 110 in step S706 is pressed, jobs having the same job ID are combined and the print end time is also updated.

  In step S706, it is determined whether or not the OK button on the print start command dialog 1300 displayed on the display device 110 has been pressed. If the OK button is pressed, the CPU 101 notifies the printer 1500 of a print start command and a job ID (step S707). As described above, after the print start command dialog 1300 is displayed, a print command is issued from the computer 3000 as a client to the printer 1500 via the print start command dialog 1300. As a result, when the user is away from his / her seat, he / she cannot issue a print command, and as a result, the user who has issued the print command can reliably collect the printed material, thereby ensuring the security of the printed material.

  In step S714, the CPU 101 deletes the job ID held in the external memory 111.

  In step S708, it is determined whether a cancel button on the print start command dialog 1300 has been pressed. When the cancel button is pressed, the CPU 101 notifies the printer 1500 of a job deletion command and a job ID (step S709), and executes the process of step S714.

  If neither the OK button nor the cancel button has been pressed, the CPU 101 determines whether or not a standby time has elapsed since the print start command dialog 1300 was displayed or updated (step S710). In addition, by providing the print start command dialog 1300 with a function for setting the standby time and the job processing method, it is possible to determine whether or not the standby time has elapsed on the printer side.

  As a result of the determination in step S710, when the standby time has elapsed since the print start command dialog 1300 was displayed or updated, the CPU 101 determines what job processing (job processing method) is executed when the standby time has elapsed. (Step S711). As a result, in the case of a job processing method for deleting a RIP-completed job, the process of step S709 is executed. On the other hand, when printing the next RIP-finished job first, the process of step S712 is executed, and when moving to the end of all jobs, the process of step S713 is executed. In this way, a print notification job for which a print start notification setting has been made is deleted, sent to the next job, or sent to the end unless a print command is issued for a certain period of time. Thereby, the problem that printing of other print jobs is delayed can be solved. Here, FIG. 19 shows an outline of a job processing method executed when the standby time has elapsed.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an outline of a job processing method executed when the standby time has elapsed after the print start command dialog 1300 is displayed. FIG. 19A shows the state of the original print notification queue, and FIG. 19B shows the RIP. When deleting a completed job, (c) shows the case of printing the next RIP-completed job first, and (d) shows the case of moving to the end of all jobs.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 19B, in the case of a job processing method for deleting a RIP completed job, a dialog 1400 as shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the job processing method shown in FIGS. 19C and 19D is executed, a dialog 1500 as shown in FIG. 21 is displayed on the display device 110.

  Returning to FIG. 18, in step S <b> 712, the CPU 101 notifies the printer 1500 of the next job movement command and the job ID. In step S713, the CPU 101 notifies the printer 1500 of the final job movement command and the job ID.

  According to the present embodiment, the paper is discharged to the user of the first job only when the job has been RIP-finished and is at the head of the job waiting for the print order, and printing of the previous job has been completed. Whether or not to perform printing can be notified and the start timing of printing can be entrusted. As a result, the user's consciousness regarding printing is raised and the processing time on the printer side can be shortened because RIP has been completed, and printing is possible even if the amount of print jobs is large and RIP takes time. It is possible to reduce the waiting time from when the user who received the notification indicating that the user has issued the print command until the print processing is completed.

  In addition, by notifying the paper discharge end time at the time of notification, it is possible to take action in accordance with the paper discharge end time. Further, when a user having the same job ID submits a plurality of jobs to the printer 1500, jobs having the same ID can be combined (aligned) unless printing is designated in the print start command dialog 1300. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the user from going to the printer 1500 to pick up the printed material twice or three times for each job.

  By displaying the standby time as the print end time on the print start command dialog 1300, the processing after the next job is not stagnated, and the processing when the standby time has passed is also moved away from the next job. Can also be selected by the user. It is also possible to add a function such as deleting a job according to the number of times the standby time has elapsed.

  When the computer is turned off, the job ID held by the computer is returned to the printer 1500 upon termination of the application, and the job is left by notifying the job ID of the deletion command. Can be prevented.

  By the way, the processing shown in FIG. 17 is a normal processing, but even when the computer side is down and the resident application is not activated, the waiting time is managed on the printer side. It is also possible to determine and execute the job processing method set for the job.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating another example of processing for a print processing command in another embodiment. In addition, about the process same as the process of FIG. 17, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and only a different part is demonstrated.

  In step S601, the printer 1500 acquires the ID / IP correspondence table 1600 stored in the external memory 114. Next, in step S602, the printer 1500 refers to the standby time of the ID / IP correspondence table 1600 acquired in step S601, notifies the computer 3000 in step S645 of FIG. 14, and then from the user during the standby time. It is determined whether a print processing command has been received. If the command is received as a result of the determination, the process proceeds to step S651. If the command is not received, the printer 1500 receives the command from the ID / IP correspondence table 1600 stored in the external memory 114. The job processing method corresponding to the job ID that has not been performed is confirmed (step S603). Next, the printer 1500 performs the job processing method assuming that the confirmed job processing method is received as a print processing command (step S604), and executes the processing of step S657. This job processing method is a processing method for the notification in steps S709, S712, and S713 of FIG.

  According to the above-described embodiment, the computer 3000 is configured to receive a print start notification from the printer 1500 indicating that printing is possible when the printer 1500 is ready to print a print job. When a print start notification is received from the user and received from the printer 1500, a dialog display indicating that the print preparation has been completed is displayed. Then, the computer 3000 receives a print start or stop command for the print job from the user via a dialog display indicating that the print preparation is completed.

  On the other hand, the printer 1500 determines whether the print job received from the computer 3000 is a print job that requires a print start notification. Then, after RIP processing is performed on a print job that requires a print start notification, the print job is stored in the print notification queue, and when the print job is first, a print start notification is sent to the computer 3000 that sent the print job. A predetermined process is executed based on a print start or stop command from the computer 3000. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the waiting time from when the user who has received the notification indicating that printing is possible issues a print command to when the printing process ends.

  Also, when there is no response from the user to the print start notification and the standby time set in advance by the user has elapsed, the processing method for the job selected by the user is executed, so that the print job awaiting processing by the printer 1500 Can be processed efficiently.

  Regarding the counting of the standby time, it is assumed that the computer 3000 and the printer 1500 are counted in some way, but if there is no synchronization, the time error between the computer 3000 and the printer 1500 is counted. Correction for correcting the above may be performed.

  In the above embodiment, two queues, a normal queue and a print notification queue, are used. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration and can be handled by one queue. The embodiment in the case of one queue is as follows. When there is one queue, there are a mixture of jobs that require notification and jobs that do not require notification. Therefore, the printing apparatus (printer 1500) includes a job management table (not shown) for managing these jobs. This job management table has a flag for notifying each job and a job name for uniquely identifying the job. This flag is set, for example, in accordance with a description of whether or not notification is stored in the header (header file) of a job (PDL format job) sent from the information processing apparatus. That is, when notifying, the flag is set as 1, and when not notified, the flag is set as 0. The job management table is referred to when printing, and it is determined whether or not the job at the head of the queue requires print notification. If the print notification is necessary, notification is performed.

  The present invention can take an embodiment as long as there is a relationship between the printer 1500 and the computer 3000 as an apparatus, method, program, or storage medium, for example.

  The object of the present invention is achieved by executing the following processing. That is, a storage medium that records a program code of software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or apparatus is stored in the storage medium. This is the process of reading the code. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the program code and the storage medium storing the program code constitute the present invention.

  Moreover, the following can be used as a storage medium for supplying the program code. For example, floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD + RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM or the like. Alternatively, the program code may be downloaded via a network.

  Further, the present invention includes a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by executing the program code read by the computer. In addition, an OS (operating system) running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing based on an instruction of the program code, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing. Is also included.

  Furthermore, a case where the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized by the following processing is also included in the present invention. That is, 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. Thereafter, based on the instruction of the program code, the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing.

  Further, the present invention includes a case where the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by executing the program code read by the computer. In addition, there is a case where the OS running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instruction of the program code, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing. In this case, the program is supplied by downloading directly from a storage medium storing the program or from another computer or database (not shown) connected to the Internet, a commercial network, a local area network, or the like.

1 is a block diagram illustrating configurations of an information processing apparatus and a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of software that functions during print control processing in the computer of FIG. 1. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the printing system using the computer and printer of FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a basic flow of print control processing executed by the computer of FIG. 2. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of driver processing executed using a printer driver. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print start notification setting dialog displayed by a printer driver. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a job processing method and a standby time setting dialog displayed by a printer driver. FIG. 4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining priorities of printing of a print notification job and a normal job, in which FIG. 5A shows a case where the print notification job is waiting for a print command, and FIG. (C) shows a case where printing of one print notification job is finished and waiting for a print command of the next print notification job. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by a printer that receives a command from a computer. 10 is a flowchart illustrating details of job ID notification processing in step S603 of FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an ID / IP correspondence table stored in an external memory in the printer. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating details of print job command processing in step S604 of FIG. 9. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an outline when combining print notification jobs having the same job ID, where (a) is a print notification queue before combination, and (b) is a print notification job having the same job ID at the top (c () Shows a case where a print notification job having the same job ID is being printed, and (d) shows a case where a print notification job having the same job ID is at a position other than the head. 13 is a flowchart showing details of RIP-notification processing in step S626 of FIG. (A) is a diagram showing an example of a correspondence table of printing end times for each paper size and transport direction, and (b) is a diagram showing an example of a coefficient correspondence table of printing end times. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print start command dialog displayed by a printer driver. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing details of processing for a print processing command in step S605 of FIG. 9. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process by the resident application performed in a computer. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the job processing method performed when waiting time passes after displaying a printing start command dialog, (a) is the state of the original print notification queue, (b) deletes a RIP completed job. (C) shows the case of printing the next RIP-finished job first, and (d) shows the case of moving to the end of all jobs. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a dialog displayed when deleting the first print notification queue. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a dialog displayed when moving the first print notification queue to the next job or when moving the first print notification queue after the last job. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the process with respect to the printing process command in other embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

3000 Computer 1500 Printer 201 Application 203 Printer Driver 1300 Print Start Command Dialog 1600 ID / IP Correspondence Table 1901 Print End Time Correspondence Table 1902 by Paper Size / Conveyance Direction Correspondence Table of Print End Time Coefficients by Paper Type

Claims (16)

An information processing apparatus that generates and transmits a print job and a printing apparatus that prints the print job can communicate via a network,
The information processing apparatus includes:
Setting means for setting to receive from the printing apparatus a print start notification indicating that printing is possible when the print job is ready for printing;
An informing means for informing that the preparation for printing has ended when receiving the print start notification;
A print start instruction means for instructing to start printing of the print job in response to the notification that the preparation for printing has been completed,
The printing apparatus includes:
Conversion means for converting a print job received from the information processing apparatus into a printable format;
Management means for managing the printing order of the converted print job;
A determination unit that determines whether the print job managed by the management unit is a print job that requires the print start notification;
When printing a print job managed by the management unit, if the determination unit determines that a print start notification is required by the determination unit, the print job is sent to the information processing apparatus that is the transmission source of the print job. A notification means for performing a print start notification;
A print start instruction receiving means for receiving an instruction to start printing of the print job from the information processing apparatus;
A printing system comprising: a printing unit that prints the print job that has been prepared for printing in response to a print start instruction received by the print start instruction receiving unit. The information processing apparatus further includes a print stop instruction unit for the print job,
The printing apparatus includes a print cancellation instruction receiving unit that receives a print cancellation instruction from the information processing apparatus by a print cancellation instruction unit;
The printing system according to claim 1, further comprising: a print cancel unit that cancels printing of the print job in response to a print cancel instruction received by the print cancel instruction receiving unit. The information processing apparatus includes:
First setting means for setting whether or not to receive the print start notification;
A second setting means for setting a process to be executed by the printing apparatus and a waiting time until the process is executed when there is no instruction from the user after notification that the print preparation has been completed;
When the setting is made by the first setting means, the processing and standby time set by the second setting means and identification information for identifying the information processing apparatus are added to the print job. The printing system according to claim 1, further comprising job generation means for generating a print job.   The print canceling unit executes the process set by the second setting unit when there is no instruction from the information processing apparatus within the waiting time set by the second setting unit. The printing system according to claim 3. The print stop instruction means by the information processing apparatus instructs to delete the print job or to change the print order of the print job managed by the management means,
5. The print canceling unit by the printing apparatus deletes the print job or changes the printing order of the print job managed by the management unit. 6. Printing system. The printing apparatus includes:
A first holding unit that holds a print job that is received from the information processing apparatus that has been converted by the conversion unit and that requires a print start notification;
A second holding unit that holds a normal print job that does not require a print start notification received from the information processing apparatus that has been converted by the conversion unit;
When the first holding unit holds a print job having identification information for identifying the same information processing apparatus, the first holding unit further includes a combination unit configured to combine print jobs having the same identification information. The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The printing apparatus extracts information on a paper size, a paper type, a transport direction, and the number of pages from the print job that needs to be notified of the start of printing in which the printing order is first, and stores in advance based on the extracted information. A calculation means for calculating the print end time from the print end time correspondence table for each paper size / conveyance direction and the print end time coefficient correspondence table based on plain paper for each paper type;
The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is notified of the print end time calculated by the calculation unit by the notification unit.   The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the conversion unit performs RIP processing on the print job. An information processing apparatus capable of communicating via a network with a printing apparatus that prints a print job,
Setting means for setting to receive from the printing apparatus a print start notification indicating that printing is possible when the print job is ready for printing;
An informing means for informing that the preparation for printing has ended when receiving the print start notification;
An information processing apparatus comprising: a print start instructing unit that instructs to start printing of the print job in response to a notification that the preparation for printing has been completed. A printing apparatus capable of communicating via an network with an information processing apparatus that generates and transmits a print job,
Conversion means for converting a print job received from the information processing apparatus into a printable format;
Management means for managing the printing order of the converted print job;
A determination unit that determines whether the print job managed by the management unit is a print job that requires a print start notification indicating that printing is possible;
When printing a print job managed by the management unit, if the determination unit determines that a print start notification is required by the determination unit, the print job is sent to the information processing apparatus that is the transmission source of the print job. A notification means for performing a print start notification;
A print start instruction receiving means for receiving an instruction to start printing of the print job from the information processing apparatus;
A printing apparatus comprising: a printing unit that prints the print job that has been prepared for printing in response to a print start instruction received by the print start instruction receiving unit. An information processing apparatus that generates and transmits a print job, and a printing control method for a printing system in which a printing apparatus that prints the print job can communicate via a network,
A setting step for setting to receive from the printing device a print start notification indicating that printing is possible when the print device is ready for printing of the print job;
A notification step of notifying that the preparation for printing has been completed when the printing start notification is received from the printing device;
In response to the notification that the print preparation is completed, a print start instruction step for instructing start of printing of the print job;
A conversion step for converting the print job requiring the print start notification into a printable format;
A management process for managing the printing order of the converted print job;
A determination step of determining whether the print job managed by the management step is a print job that requires the print start notification;
When printing a print job managed by the management step, if the print job is determined to require a print start notification by the determination step, the information processing apparatus of the transmission source of the print job A notification process for performing a print start notification;
A reception step of receiving an instruction to start printing of the print job from the information processing apparatus;
A printing control method comprising: a printing step of printing the print job for which printing preparation has been completed in response to a print start instruction received in the reception step. A printing control method for an information processing apparatus capable of communicating via a network with a printing apparatus that prints a print job,
A setting step for setting to receive from the printing device a print start notification indicating that printing is possible when printing preparation for the print job is completed;
An informing step for informing that the print preparation is completed when the print start notice is received;
And a print start instructing step for instructing start of printing of the print job in response to a notification that the preparation for printing has been completed. A printing method of a printing apparatus capable of communicating via a network with an information processing apparatus that generates and transmits a print job,
A conversion step of converting the print job received from the information processing apparatus into a printable format;
A management process for managing the printing order of the converted print job;
A determination step of determining whether the print job managed by the management step is a print job that requires a print start notification indicating that printing is possible;
When printing a print job managed by the management step, if the print job is determined to require a print start notification by the determination step, the information processing apparatus of the transmission source of the print job A notification process for performing a print start notification;
A reception step of receiving an instruction to start printing of the print job from the information processing apparatus;
And a printing step of printing the print job that has been prepared for printing in response to a print start instruction received in the receiving step. A program for causing a computer to execute a control method of a printing system in which an information processing apparatus that generates and transmits a print job and a printing apparatus that prints the print job can communicate via a network,
A setting step for setting to receive from the printing device a print start notification indicating that printing is possible when the print device is ready for printing of the print job;
An informing step for informing that the print preparation is completed when the printing start notification is received from the printing apparatus;
In response to the notification that the print preparation is completed, a print start instruction step for instructing the print start of the print job;
A conversion step of converting a print job received from the information processing apparatus into a printable format;
A management step for managing the printing order of the converted print job;
A determination step of determining whether the print job managed by the management step is a print job that requires the print start notification;
When printing a print job managed in the management step, if the print job is determined to require a print start notification in the determination step, the information processing apparatus that is the transmission source of the print job A notification step for issuing a print start notification;
A print start instruction receiving step for receiving an instruction to start printing of the print job from the information processing apparatus;
And a printing step of printing the print job that has been prepared for printing in response to a print start instruction received by the print start instruction receiving unit. A program for causing a computer to execute a print control method of an information processing apparatus capable of communicating via a network with a printing apparatus that prints a print job,
A setting step for setting to receive from the printing device a print start notification indicating that printing is possible when the print job is ready for printing;
An informing step for informing that the preparation for printing has ended when receiving the printing start notification;
A print start instructing step for instructing start of printing of the print job in response to notification that the preparation for printing has been completed. A program for causing a computer to execute a printing method of a printing apparatus capable of communicating via a network to an information processing apparatus that generates and transmits a print job,
A conversion step of converting a print job received from the information processing apparatus into a printable format;
A management step for managing the printing order of the converted print job;
A determination step of determining whether the print job managed by the management step is a print job that requires a print start notification indicating that printing is possible;
When printing a print job managed in the management step, if the print job is determined to require a print start notification in the determination step, the information processing apparatus that is the transmission source of the print job A notification step for issuing a print start notification;
And a processing step of executing processing based on a print start or stop command from the information processing apparatus.

Images