JP2009160820A - Image forming apparatus, print condition changing method, print condition changing program, and recording medium recording the program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of easily changing and perpetuating print conditions to data stored in an external storage device and achieving high usability in data printing from the external storage device, and to provide a print condition changing method, a print condition changing program, and a recording medium recording the program. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus 100 having an interface 12 for connecting the external storage device 104 and printing data D according to the print conditions acquired from predetermined character strings added to a file name of the data D stored in the external storage device 104, includes an acquiring means 11 for acquiring new print conditions set in printing; an extracting means 31 extracting the predetermined character strings added to the file name of the data D; and a changing means 32 changing the existing print conditions into the new print conditions according to the determined result on whether the new print conditions coincide with the existing print conditions indicated by the predetermined character strings. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus for printing data stored in an external storage device, a printing condition changing method, a printing condition changing program, and a recording medium on which the program is recorded. The present invention relates to a technique for performing printing according to added printing conditions.

  Conventionally, when a user prints predetermined data on an image forming apparatus, it has been performed via a PC (Personal Computer). However, in recent years, the capacity of an external storage device for storing data has been increased and an excellent portable device has been provided. With the improvement in technology for realizing the performance (miniaturization), there are increasing opportunities to connect the external storage device directly to the image forming apparatus and print the data stored in the external storage device. For example, as in the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory storing image data or the like is inserted into a predetermined insertion port, and directly via the USB host I / F. For example, a printing apparatus capable of printing image data.

  However, the problem with the image forming apparatus is that “how to specify printing conditions” when printing image data read from the external storage device. As a solution to this problem, for example, a printing condition setting that has been performed via a UI (User Interface) of a printer driver may be performed via an operation panel included in the image forming apparatus. Since the interface differs depending on the model of the image forming apparatus, not all apparatuses have an interface that is easy to set. For this reason, depending on the case, there is an apparatus in which the printing condition setting operation is complicated for the user.

  Therefore, in Patent Document 2, the file name of the file desired to be printed or the folder name in which the file is stored are incorporated by a simple operation of incorporating a character string corresponding to the rule character string. There has been disclosed a print control apparatus capable of setting a desired print condition based on a character string and printing the print data of a file in a format according to the set content of the print condition.

As described above, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2 can reduce the complexity of the printing condition setting described above.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-077947 JP 2006-285900 A

  However, in the conventional image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 2, the print condition can be easily set via the UI (for example, “operation panel”) on the image forming apparatus side with the external storage device connected. The problem of being able to do it has not been solved. For example, when a user connects an external storage device to an image forming apparatus and performs printing, the user may want to change the printing condition acquired from the rule character string added to the file name.

  Originally, the printing conditions are information that should be set on the spot according to a desired printed matter (printing result) when the user performs printing. For this reason, it is considered that the printing conditions are changed when the user performs printing, and it cannot be said that the conventional image forming apparatus provides sufficient usability at that time.

  Furthermore, it is desirable that the print condition setting performed by the user at the time of printing is made permanent as the latest print condition associated with the data to be printed (not temporarily changed, but also reflected at the next printing). . This is because, by reflecting the latest printing conditions in the next printing, the printing condition setting work (changing work) at the time of printing can be reduced as much as possible (saving the setting effort).

  In the present invention, in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, it is possible to easily change and perpetuate print condition settings for data stored in an external storage device, and to provide users with high usability in data printing from the external storage device. An object is to provide a possible image forming apparatus, a printing condition changing method, a printing condition changing program, and a recording medium on which the program is recorded.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus of the present invention has an interface for connecting an external storage device and the image forming apparatus, and is added to a file name of data stored in the external storage device. An image forming apparatus that acquires printing conditions from a predetermined character string and prints the data read out through the interface according to the acquired printing conditions, and acquires new printing conditions set at the time of printing An acquisition means, an extraction means for extracting a predetermined character string added to the file name of the data, the new print condition acquired by the acquisition means, and the predetermined character string extracted by the extraction means A change unit configured to determine whether or not the existing print condition matches, and to change the existing print condition to the new print condition according to the determination result; It is characterized in.

  In order to achieve the above object, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the changing unit uses the predetermined character string indicating the existing printing condition added to the file name of the data as the new printing station condition. It replaces with the predetermined character string shown, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  In order to achieve the above object, the image forming apparatus of the present invention generates duplicate data of the data in the changing unit, and indicates the existing print condition added to a file name of the generated duplicate data. A predetermined character string is replaced with a predetermined character string indicating the new printing condition.

  In order to achieve the above object, the image forming apparatus of the present invention has management information in which the printing condition is associated with printing condition permission information indicating whether or not the change of the printing condition is permitted. And when the changing unit changes a predetermined character string indicating the existing printing condition, the management information is referred to based on the new printing condition, and the printing associated with the new printing condition is performed. When the condition permission information is set to permit the change of the printing condition, the existing printing condition is changed to the new printing condition.

  In order to achieve the above object, the image forming apparatus of the present invention changes the existing print condition to the new print condition before the data is printed according to the new print condition in the changing unit. It is characterized by doing.

  In order to achieve the above object, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention prints the existing print condition based on a print result after the data is printed according to the new print condition in the changing unit. It is characterized in that it is changed to the new printing condition that was operable.

  In order to achieve the above object, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, when the determination unit determines that the determination result is inconsistent, the predetermined character string added to the file name of the data, The character string is changed to a character string indicating the new printing condition.

  Thus, when printing the data stored in the external storage device, the image forming apparatus of the present invention sets a new print condition when a new print condition is set for the data to be printed. Based on the above, the rule character string indicating the printing condition added to either the file name of the data or the duplicate data copied from the data is changed, and the data stored in the external storage device can be simplified. The printing condition setting can be changed and made permanent, and high usability can be provided to the user in data printing from the external storage device.

  In order to achieve the above object, a printing condition changing method of the present invention has an interface for connecting an external storage device and the image forming apparatus, and is added to a file name of data stored in the external storage device. A printing condition changing method in an image forming apparatus that acquires a printing condition from a predetermined character string and prints the data read out via the interface according to the acquired printing condition, wherein the new printing condition is set at the time of printing. An acquisition procedure for acquiring the print condition, an extraction procedure for extracting a predetermined character string added to the file name of the data, the new print condition acquired by the acquisition procedure, and the extraction procedure extracted by the extraction procedure It is determined whether or not the existing print condition indicated by the predetermined character string matches, and the existing print condition is changed to the new print condition according to the determination result. And having a changing procedure for changing the.

  Thus, when the printing condition changing method of the present invention prints data stored in the external storage device, if a new printing condition is set for the data to be printed, the set new printing is performed. Based on the conditions, the rule character string indicating the printing conditions added to either the data file name or the duplicated data copied from the data can be changed to simplify the data stored in the external storage device. The printing condition setting can be changed and made permanent, and high usability can be provided to the user in data printing from the external storage device.

  In order to achieve the above object, a printing condition change program in an image forming apparatus of the present invention has an interface for connecting an external storage device and the image forming device, and a file of data stored in the external storage device A printing condition changing program in an image forming apparatus that acquires a printing condition from a predetermined character string added to a name and prints the data read out through the interface according to the acquired printing condition. Acquiring means for acquiring new printing conditions set at the time of printing; extracting means for extracting a predetermined character string added to the file name of the data; and the new printing conditions acquired by the acquiring means; It is determined whether or not the existing print condition indicated by the predetermined character string extracted by the extraction unit is matched. Depending on, to function the existing printing condition as changing means for changing said new printing conditions.

  Thus, when the computer prints data stored in the external storage device, the printing condition change program in the image forming apparatus of the present invention sets a new printing condition for the data to be printed. Based on the set new print condition, the rule character string indicating the print condition added to either the file name of the data or the duplicate data copied from the data can be changed.

  Therefore, the printing condition change program of the present invention can easily change and perpetuate the printing condition setting for the data stored in the external storage device, and provides the user with high usability in data printing from the external storage device. Can do.

  According to the present invention, an image forming apparatus capable of easily changing and perpetuating printing condition settings for data stored in an external storage device and providing a user with high usability in data printing from the external storage device, printing It is possible to provide a condition changing method, a printing condition changing program, and a recording medium recording the program.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “embodiments”) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
<Printing data stored in external storage device>
First, the “direct printing function from an external storage device” described below in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an operation example when printing data D stored in the external storage device 104 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in the operation example of FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment can print data D stored in the external storage device 104.

  First, the user connects the external storage device 104 storing data D to be printed to the image forming apparatus 100. Here, it supplements about the data D and the external storage device 104 which concern on this embodiment. The data D means data generated by various applications installed on a user-owned PC (Personal Computer), for example, PDF (Portable Document Format) data generated by Acrobat (registered trademark) To do. The external storage device 104 is a semiconductor memory that can freely erase and write data D, and whose contents are not lost even when the power is turned off. For example, a USB memory or the like is applicable.

  When the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment detects that the external storage device 104 is connected, the image forming apparatus 100 acquires information on the data D stored in the external storage device 104, and an operation panel included in the image forming apparatus 100. Information of the acquired data D is displayed on the display screen. Here, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be supplemented. The image forming apparatus 100 is an apparatus having a function (direct printing function) capable of directly printing predetermined application data. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment has a display function and a user interface (UI) function. For example, an operation panel provided with a touch panel is applicable.

  Based on the displayed information, the user selects data D to be printed via the UI function of the operation panel.

  The image forming apparatus 100 acquires the file of the selected data D from the external storage device 104 and also acquires a predetermined character string that is the file name of the data D. A predetermined rule character string indicating a printing condition preset by the user is added to the file name of the data D. In FIG. 1, a rule character string “[2 copies] [duplex]” indicating a printing condition for performing two-sided duplex printing is added to the PDF data whose original file name is “plan”. An example is shown.

  The image forming apparatus 100 extracts the rule character string indicating the print condition from the acquired file name, analyzes the extracted rule character string, and then displays the print condition set in the data D again on the operation panel display screen. To do.

  After confirming the contents of the displayed printing conditions, the user instructs printing of the data D via the UI function.

  As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 receives a print request from the user, and prints the data D in accordance with the print condition corresponding to the extracted rule character string. For example, in the case of FIG. 1, since “[2 copies] [duplex]” is added to the file name of the data D, the image forming apparatus 100 creates two copies of the double-sided printed material P of the project document ( Reference signs P1 and P2).

  As described above, direct printing of application data without using a printer driver or the like is called “direct printing”. The user can intuitively select desired data without setting complicated printing conditions. It is characterized in that it can be printed easily and conveniently.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment provides the user with a “convenience direct print function from the external storage device” that is highly convenient.

<Hardware configuration>
The hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation panel 11 included in the image forming apparatus 100.

  The image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes an operation panel 11, an external storage device I / F 12, a controller 13, a data communication I / F 14, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 110, a scanner 15, and a plotter 16. Are connected to each other via a bus.

  The operation panel 11 includes an input device 101 and a display device 102. The input device 101 includes hardware keys and the like, and is used to input each operation signal to the image forming apparatus 100. The display device 102 is configured by a display or the like, and displays various types of information related to an image forming operation such as printing conditions.

  The operation panel 11 provides the user with a UI function as shown in FIG. For example, the UI function includes a display screen 21 that displays various information related to an image forming operation such as printing conditions, a function switching key 22 that switches operation functions such as a printer, a scanner, a fax, and a copy that the image forming apparatus 100 has, Numeric keypad 23 for inputting various types of information including setting values to image forming apparatus 100, start key 24 for instructing the start of operation of various functions, and clear / stop for clearing the operating conditions being set / stopping the function being operated A key 25; an initial setting key 26 for returning a setting value relating to an image forming operation to an initial state; a help key 27 for instructing display of information relating to an operation method of the apparatus; and various functional operations temporarily set. It includes a reset key 28 for resetting settings and the like. The user operates the image forming apparatus 100 in an interactive manner through such a UI function. For example, when it is desired to change the printing condition when printing the data D from the external storage device 104, it is performed via the UI function.

  The data communication I / F 14 includes a host interface device 109, and the image processing apparatus 100 is connected to a network (LAN (Local Area Network) or WAN (Wide Area Network)) constructed by a wired and / or wireless line ( It is an interface connected to a data transmission line (not shown) such as a data communication network.

  The HDD 110 stores various data such as received document data and read image data handled by the image forming apparatus 100. Further, the HDD 110 manages these various data by a predetermined file system or DB (Data Base).

  The external storage device I / F 12 has an interface device 103, and is an interface for connecting an external storage device 104 such as a USB memory to the image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 is provided with an insertion port (not shown) for connection to the external storage device I / F 12, and by inserting a connection terminal provided in the external storage device 104 into the insertion port, Data can be exchanged between the image forming apparatus 100 and the external storage device 104.

  The controller 13 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 105, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 106, an NV-RAM (Non Volatile RAM) 107, and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 108. The ROM 105 is used for image formation. Stores a program executed when the apparatus 100 is activated (OS: a program serving as an operating system) and various data, and a program (application program) and various data for realizing various functions of the image forming apparatus 100. ing. The RAM 106 temporarily stores various programs and data read from the ROM 105 and the HDD 110. The NV-RAM 107 stores setting data related to the image forming apparatus 100 such as an initial setting value (initial setting value related to printing control) for controlling the image forming operation. Further, the CPU 108 executes a program temporarily stored in the RAM 106. With the above configuration, the controller 13 can interpret a PDL (Page Description Language) read from the ROM 105 onto the RAM 106 when receiving print data via the data communication I / F 14, for example (PDL parser). Is executed by the CPU 108 to interpret the print data and generate a bitmap image.

  The scanner 15 includes an image reading device 111 and optically reads a document placed on a reading surface and generates image data. The plotter 16 has a printing device 112, and prints the bitmap image transferred from the controller 13 on a recording paper (printing paper) by, for example, an electrophotographic process method. Here, an example of the electrophotographic process method is shown as an example of the image forming method, but the present invention is not limited to this content. For example, an inkjet process method may be used.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the CPU 108 executes a program that can interpret the PDL read into the RAM 106 of the controller 13, and the external storage device 104 via the external storage device I / F 12. A bitmap image is generated from the acquired application data, the generated bitmap data is transferred to the plotter 16, and data is printed from the external storage device 104.

<Print condition change function>
Hereafter, the printing condition change performed by the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment when data printing from the external storage device 104 is performed will be described with reference to FIGS. The configuration of the “print condition changing function” included in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

<< Overview of functional configuration >>
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment uses the file name of the data D acquired from the external storage device 104 in order to realize the “print condition changing function” when printing data from the external storage device 104. A rule character string extracting unit 31 that extracts a rule character string indicating the above, and a print condition changing unit 32 that changes an existing print condition based on the print condition received via the operation panel 11.

Below, each said function part is demonstrated.
The rule character string extraction unit 31 first acquires the file name of the data D acquired by the image forming apparatus 100 from the external storage device 104 via the external storage device I / F 12. Next, a rule character string (corresponding to “predetermined character string” in the claims) indicating the printing condition is extracted from the acquired file name (corresponding to “extracting means” in the claims).

  The printing condition changing unit 32 prints the printing conditions set by the user via the UI function of the operation panel 11 before printing the data D, and the printing conditions indicated by the rule character string extracted by the rule character string extracting unit 31. When the comparison results are different, the printing condition of the data D is changed based on the printing condition newly set from the operation panel 11. Further, the predetermined rule character string added to the file name of the data D is updated to the latest printing conditions (corresponding to “changing means” in the claims).

  Hereinafter, the “print condition changing function” realized by the above functions will be described in more detail.

<< Data structure >>
Data relating to the printing condition change used in the “printing condition changing function” according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the printing condition management data 41 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment stores the printing condition management data 41 illustrated in FIG. 5 in a predetermined storage area such as the HDD 110 or the NV-RAM 107 which is a nonvolatile storage device.

  The printing condition management data 41 is configured to associate a predetermined rule character string added to the file name with the printing condition information indicated by the rule character string (corresponding to “management information” in claims). For example, in the print condition management data 41 shown in FIG. 5, the rule character string “[* part]” is associated with print condition information “* print part”. Further, the rule character string “[both sides]” is associated with print condition information “print on both sides”. When the image forming apparatus 100 prints the data D acquired from the external storage device 104, the image forming apparatus 100 refers to the print condition management data 41 on the basis of the character string extracted by the rule character string extraction unit 31, and the corresponding print condition Follow the instructions to print.

  Further, in the printing condition management data 41, when a new printing condition is set by the user via the operation panel 11, the existing rule character string added to the file name of the data D is replaced with the latest printing condition. The printing condition change permission information indicating whether or not to permit updating is associated with the rule character string and the printing condition information. This information item is referred to when a change instruction is given from the user via the operation panel 11 by the printing condition changing unit 32. For example, in the printing condition management data 41 shown in FIG. 5, the printing condition change permission information “ON” is set for the rule character string “[* copies]” associated with the printing condition information “* copying”. Are associated. Further, the printing condition change permission information “OFF” is associated with the rule character string “[odd number]” associated with the printing condition information “print only odd pages”.

  The print condition changing unit 32 refers to the print condition management data 41 based on the new print condition received via the UI function of the operation panel 11 and specifies the print condition change permission information corresponding to the print condition to be changed. To do. As a result, if “ON” is set in the corresponding print condition change permission information, it is determined that the print condition may be changed to the latest, and the rule character string added to the file name is updated (existing Update printing conditions to new printing conditions). If “OFF” is set in the corresponding print condition change permission information, it is determined that the change of the print condition is not permitted, and the rule character string added to the file name (the rule character string indicating the existing print condition) ) Is not changed. The change permission determination process will be described in detail in “(Procedure 3) Changing printing conditions” described later.

  Here, FIG. 5 shows a data configuration example of the table-type print condition management data 41, but the present invention is not limited to this data format. Any data format may be used as long as the printing condition permission information, the rule character string, and the printing condition information uniquely correspond to each other.

<< Overview of functional operation >>
How the “printing condition changing function” of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment operates and is realized by the functional units described above will be described with reference to FIGS. explain. In the following description, in order to explain the functional operation in an easy-to-understand manner, the data D in which the user has previously set the print condition “two-sided duplex printing” in the file name is stored in the external storage device 104, and the stored data D is printed. In this case, the operation is performed according to the operation example when the number of copies of the printing condition is changed to “5 copies”.

(Procedure 1) Extraction of Rule Character String First, the rule character string extraction unit 31 passes the file name of the data D acquired from a predetermined storage area of the connected external storage device 104 to the operation panel 11. The operation panel 11 displays the received file name on the display screen 21 and allows the user to select data D to be printed via the UI function.

  The rule character string extraction unit 31 receives a result selected via the UI function of the operation panel 11 and extracts a rule character string from the file name of the data D that is instructed to be printed (selected). For example, as shown in FIG. 4, when the file name excluding the extension (pdf) is “[2 copies] [both sides] plan”, the rule character string “[2 copies]” or “ Extract “[both sides]”. The predetermined extraction rule is a predetermined character string operation rule for extracting a rule character string indicating a printing condition added to a file name. In the case of FIG. 4, as a predetermined extraction rule, a character string including '[' and ']' at the beginning and end of a character string added to a file name is used as a rule character string indicating a printing condition. Extract. Here, an example of extracting a rule character string in accordance with the predetermined extraction rule is shown, but the present invention is not limited to the extraction method. Any method may be used as long as a character string operation can be performed on the file name and a character string indicating a print condition can be extracted.

  The rule character string extracted by the above method is transferred to the operation panel 11, and the operation panel 11 displays a "prompt the user to confirm the currently set printing conditions" display screen 21 as shown in FIG. The FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen for confirming the printing conditions according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The user confirms the contents of the printing conditions (two-sided duplex printing) displayed on the display screen 21 of the operation panel 11 and presses the [YES] button displayed on the same screen to print with the contents. . As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 reads the currently set printing conditions onto the RAM 106 and accepts a print instruction for data D according to the read printing conditions. If the user wants to change the printing conditions, the user presses the [NO] button displayed on the same screen. As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 receives an instruction to change the printing conditions, and displays a “prompt for new settings based on current printing conditions” display screen 21 as shown in FIG.

  In the image forming apparatus 100, when the [NO] button displayed on the same screen is pressed, the rule character string extraction unit 31 extracts the rule character string extracted as the existing print condition information as the print condition change unit 32. Passed to.

(Procedure 2) Acquisition of Print Condition Settings FIG. 7 is a view showing an example of a setting screen for performing print condition settings according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 shows an example in which the user has changed the number of copies setting from “2 copies” to “5 copies” among the currently set printing conditions via the UI function of the operation panel 11. . As described above, the user operates the setting item to be changed via the setting screen displayed on the display screen 21 of the operation panel 11 and selects a desired setting value. As a result, the operation panel 11 accepts the print condition setting via the UI function (corresponding to “acquiring means” in the claims). As a result, the operation panel 11 passes the received print condition setting to the print condition changing unit 32 as new print condition information.

(Procedure 3) Changing the printing conditions When the printing condition changing unit 32 receives new printing condition information from the operation panel 11, the printing condition changing unit 32 determines that the printing condition change has been instructed, and the received new printing condition information and rule character string extraction unit. It is determined whether or not the existing print condition information received from 31 matches.

  When the new printing condition matches the existing printing condition, the printing condition changing unit 32 reads the existing printing condition onto the RAM 106 and becomes effective as the printing condition.

  Further, when the new printing condition and the existing printing condition do not match, the printing condition changing unit 32 reads the new printing condition onto the RAM 106 and becomes effective as the printing condition.

  At this time, when accepting the print condition setting from the setting screen shown in FIG. 7, the operation panel 11 displays a “prompt to confirm and change the print condition setting” instruction screen 21 as shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen for instructing a change in printing conditions according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 8A, the newly set printing condition is reflected in the rule character string added to the current file name and the setting can be instructed to make the setting permanent or to change the setting temporarily. A screen example is shown, and FIG. 8B shows a method of overwriting the file name of the original data D (hereinafter referred to as “overwrite method”) as a permanent method (hereinafter referred to as “change method”). ) Or a method of copying the original data D (hereinafter referred to as “duplicating method”).

  The operation panel 11 passes a temporary print condition change instruction to the print condition changing unit 32 when the [Do not leave] button received via the setting screen shown in FIG.

  When the operation panel 11 accepts that the [Leave] button is pressed via the setting screen shown in FIG. 8A, the operation panel 11 displays the setting screen shown in FIG. Let the user choose a change method that persists

(How to change printing conditions)
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8B, the “overwrite method” and the “duplication method” can be selected as the print condition changing method. Now, the two methods will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an operation example in which the changed printing condition according to the first embodiment of the present invention is reflected. FIG. 9A shows an example of the “overwrite method”, and FIG. 9B shows the “replication method”.

・ "Overwrite method"
As illustrated in FIG. 9A, the printing condition changing unit 32 receives, for example, a new copy number setting “5 copies” and a change method “overwrite method” via the UI function of the operation panel 11. The rule character string received from the rule character string extraction unit 31 is updated to reflect the new printing conditions based on the received copy number setting and the change method. For example, if the rule character string extracted from the original data D is “[2 copies] [both sides]”, the rule character string changed based on the number setting “5 copies” according to the change method “overwrite method” Based on [5 copies] [both sides], the file name “[2 copies] [both sides] plan” of the original data D is rewritten to “[5 copies] [both sides] plan”.

・ "Replication method"
The “duplication method” reflects the file name of the duplicate data CP copied from the original data D without rewriting the file name of the original data D as compared to the “overwrite method”. That is, as shown in FIG. 9B, the printing condition changing unit 32 generates the duplicate data CP from the original data D according to the change method “copying method”, and the file name “[2 copies of the generated duplicate data CP]. ] [Both sides] plan book "is rewritten to" [5 copies] [Both sides] plan book ".

  In the present embodiment, when the change of the printing condition is reflected in the data D of the external storage device 104, the user can select and select two methods, so that the “overwrite method” stores the data in the external storage device 104. There is no problem unique to the “duplication method” in which the area is consumed each time the printing conditions are changed. Further, in the above-mentioned “copying method”, variations of printing conditions (a combination setting of a plurality of printing conditions for one piece of data) taking into consideration the hardware specifications and function loading status of the image forming apparatus 100 that prints the data D are performed. There is no “overwrite method” problem that cannot be given. As described above, in this embodiment, the user can appropriately change the storage area of the external storage device 104 according to the availability of the storage area, the desired print response to the stored data, and the like.

(Print condition permission judgment in "Overwrite method")
The print condition changing unit 32 performs a determination operation as shown in FIG. 10 when the print condition is changed according to the “overwrite method”. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an operation example of determining permission at the time of changing the printing condition according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The print condition changing unit 32 determines whether or not the new print condition received via the UI function of the operation panel 11 is a print condition that is permitted to be changed. Specifically, the print condition changing unit 32 refers to the print control management data 41 as shown in FIG. 5 stored in a non-volatile storage device such as the HDD 110 based on the received new print condition, It is determined from the print condition change permission information corresponding to the print condition whether the print condition to be changed is a condition for which the change is permitted.

  When the rule character string “[2 copies]” is included in the file name of the existing data D, the print condition changing unit 32 sets a new print condition “print 5 copies” from the user. Then, the print condition change permission information corresponding to the item “* copy printing” of the print condition information in the print condition management data 41 is referred to. As a result, since “ON” is set in the corresponding print condition change permission information, it is determined that the print condition may be changed to the latest, and the rule character string added to the file name is updated (existing Update the print conditions to new print conditions). Also, as shown in FIG. 10, when a new print condition “print only odd pages” is set by the user, the print condition management data 41 corresponds to the item “print only odd pages”. Refer to the print condition change permission information. As a result, since “OFF” is set in the corresponding print condition change permission information, it is determined that the change of the print condition is not permitted, and the rule character string added to the file name is not changed (existing Do not change the printing conditions). At this time, the printing condition changing unit 32 displays the display screen 21 informing that, when the new printing condition cannot change the rule character string added to the file name based on the printing condition permission information. The operation panel 11 is instructed to display. Here, as an example of the printing condition permission information, the setting of “permitted / not permitted” is indicated by “ON / OFF”, but the present invention is not limited to this information form. For example, any information format may be used as long as the permission of the printing condition can be determined, for example, the setting of “permitted / not permitted” is represented by “1/0”.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is configured to print the data D to be printed when the data D stored in the external storage device 104 is printed by the configuration of each functional unit described above. When a new print condition is set for the data D, the print condition added to either the file name of the data D or the duplicate data CP copied from the data D based on the set new print condition. By changing the rule character string shown, the print condition settings can be easily changed and made permanent for the data D stored in the external storage device 104, and high usability is provided to the user in printing data from the external storage device 104. "Print condition change function" that can be performed.

<Processing procedure>
A specific processing procedure of the “print condition changing function” according to the present embodiment described above will be described with reference to FIG. The processing procedure described below is mainly performed by a printing condition change program executed by the CPU 108 of the controller 13.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example (part 1) of the processing procedure relating to the printing condition change according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment sets preset print conditions from the file name of the data D that is selected and specified as a print target stored in the external storage device 104 by the rule character string extraction unit 31. The rule character string shown is extracted (step S101).

  The rule character string extraction unit 31 passes the extracted rule character string to the operation panel 11 and causes the operation panel 11 to display the contents of the printing conditions on the display screen 21. The image forming apparatus 100 receives an instruction (“OK” button / [NO] button pressed) as to whether or not to perform printing under existing printing conditions via the UI function of the operation panel 11.

  When the image forming apparatus 100 accepts a print instruction according to an existing print condition (when the [OK] button is pressed) by the UI function of the operation panel 11 (when step S102 is YES), the existing print condition Is read out on the RAM 106 (the printing condition of the data D to be printed is validated) (step S105), a predetermined printing process is performed according to the printing condition read out on the RAM 106 (step S106), and the process is terminated. .

  Further, when the image forming apparatus 100 accepts a print instruction (a press of the [NO] button) according to the new print condition by changing the existing print condition by using the UI function of the operation panel 11 (Step S102). In the case of NO), a new print condition is received via the UI function of the operation panel 11 and transferred to the print condition changing unit 32 (step S103). At this time, the rule character string extracting unit 31 also passes the extracted rule character string to the print condition changing unit 32.

  The print condition changing unit 32 determines whether the new print condition received via the UI function of the operation panel 11 matches the existing print condition indicated by the rule character string received by the rule character string extracting unit 31. Determination is made (step S104).

  When the new printing condition matches the existing printing condition (when step S104 is YES), the printing condition changing unit 32 proceeds to step S105 and performs printing processing according to the existing printing condition.

  In addition, when the new printing condition does not match the existing printing condition (when Step S104 is NO), the printing condition changing unit 32 reads the new printing condition onto the RAM 106 (Step S107).

  At this time, the image forming apparatus 100 uses the UI function of the operation panel 11 as a method for changing the existing print condition to a new print condition. ) Is received (when “copy” is selected in step S108), the received change method of “copy method” is transferred to the printing condition change unit 32.

  The printing condition changing unit 32 generates the duplicate data CP duplicated from the data D according to the received “duplication method”, and the rule character string (the rule indicating the existing printing condition) added to the file name of the created duplicate data CP. The character string) is overwritten with the rule character string indicating the new printing condition, and the printing condition is changed (step S111). Thereafter, the image forming apparatus 100 performs a predetermined printing process according to the new printing condition, and ends the process.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus 100 provides an instruction of “overwrite method” (the “overwrite” button has been pressed) as a method of changing an existing print condition to a new print condition via the UI function of the operation panel 11. When accepted (when step S108 is “overwrite selected”), the received change method of “overwrite method” is passed to the printing condition changing unit 32.

  The print condition changing unit 32 refers to the print control management data 41 stored in the nonvolatile storage device such as the HDD 110 or the NV-RAM 107 based on the new print condition, and the corresponding print condition change permission information is It is determined whether or not change permission is set (step S109).

  When the print condition changing unit 32 determines that the new print condition is a print condition that is allowed to be changed (when step S109 is YES), the print condition changing unit 32 is added to the file name of the data D according to the “overwrite method”. The rule character string (rule character string indicating the existing print condition) is overwritten with the rule character string indicating the new print condition, and the print condition is changed (step S110).

  If the print condition changing unit 32 determines that the new print condition is not permitted to be changed (NO in step S109), the new print condition is reflected in the file name of the data D. In step S106, a predetermined printing process is performed according to the new printing condition, and the process is terminated.

  As described above, when the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment prints predetermined data stored in the external storage device 104 by executing the above processing procedure with the controller 13, the data to be printed is displayed. It is possible to provide a “printing condition changing function” that can change the printing conditions.

(About timing for changing printing conditions)
In the process related to the printing condition change described with reference to FIG. 11, the printing condition is changed before the printing process is performed.

  For example, when double-sided printing is instructed as a printing condition for the data D, a device (for example, “double-sided unit”) for performing double-sided printing may not be attached to the image forming apparatus 100 that performs printing. In such a case, even if the printing condition is changed, the printing operation suitable for the condition is not performed. That is, the setting of printing conditions becomes meaningless. Therefore, as a process related to the printing condition change according to the present embodiment, a processing procedure for changing the printing condition after the printing process so that the printing condition can be changed based on the operation result according to the instructed printing condition is shown in FIG. 12 will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example (part 2) of the processing procedure relating to the printing condition change according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The processing procedure shown in FIG. 12 is different from the processing procedure shown in FIG. 11 in that the printing conditions are changed after the printing process. Therefore, the processing procedure of steps S201 to S204 shown in FIG. 12 has the same processing content, and thus description thereof is omitted here.

  The image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment receives the print condition change unit 32 from the operation panel 11 when the existing print condition and the new print condition do not match (when step S203 is NO). New printing conditions are read onto the RAM 106 (step S205).

  The image forming apparatus 100 performs a predetermined printing process according to the new printing condition read out on the RAM 106 (step S206).

  The image forming apparatus 100 determines whether or not the printing condition that was valid in step S206 is a new printing condition (step S207). The determination process performed in step S207 can also be performed based on, for example, whether the printing conditions match in step S203.

  If the image forming apparatus 100 determines that the existing printing conditions are valid (NO in step S207), the image forming apparatus 100 ends the process.

  If the image forming apparatus 100 determines that the new printing condition is valid (YES in step S207), the image forming apparatus 100 changes the existing printing condition to the new printing condition via the UI function of the operation panel 11. When a “duplication method” instruction (that the [duplicate] button has been pressed) is accepted as a method to be performed (when step S208 is “duplicate selected”), the change method of the accepted “duplication method” is changed to the printing condition. Pass to part 32.

  The printing condition changing unit 32 generates the duplicate data CP duplicated from the data D according to the received “duplication method”, and the rule character string (the rule indicating the existing printing condition) added to the file name of the created duplicate data CP. (Character string) is overwritten with a rule character string indicating a new printing condition operable in the image forming apparatus 100, and the printing condition is changed (step S211). Thereafter, the process ends.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus 100 provides an instruction of “overwrite method” (the “overwrite” button has been pressed) as a method of changing an existing print condition to a new print condition via the UI function of the operation panel 11. If accepted (when step S208 is “overwrite selected”), the received change method of “overwrite method” is transferred to the printing condition changing unit 32.

  The print condition changing unit 32 refers to the print control management data 41 stored in the nonvolatile storage device such as the HDD 110 or the NV-RAM 107 based on the new print condition, and the corresponding print condition change permission information is It is determined whether or not change permission is set (step S209).

  When the printing condition changing unit 32 determines that the new printing condition is a printing condition that is allowed to be changed (when step S209 is YES), it is added to the file name of the data D according to the “overwrite method”. The rule character string (the rule character string indicating the existing print condition) is overwritten with the rule character string indicating the new print condition operable in the image forming apparatus 100, and the print condition is changed (step S210).

  If the printing condition changing unit 32 determines that the new printing condition is a printing condition that is not permitted to be changed (NO in step S209), the printing condition changing unit 32 reflects the new printing condition in the file name of the data D. The process ends.

  As described above, when the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment prints predetermined data stored in the external storage device 104 by executing the above processing procedure with the controller 13, the data to be printed is displayed. It is possible to provide a “printing condition changing function” that can change only the printing conditions that were operable in the image forming apparatus 100.

<Summary>
As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention,
When printing the data D stored in the external storage device 104 when the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment prints new print conditions for the data D to be printed, the set new The rule character string indicating the printing condition added to either the file name of the data D or the duplicated data CP copied from the data D is changed based on the printing conditions of (1).

  As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment can easily change and perpetuate the print condition setting for the data D stored in the external storage device 104, and has high usability in data printing from the external storage device 104. Can be provided to the user, and a “print condition changing function” can be realized.

  So far, the present invention has been described based on the above embodiment, but the “print condition changing function” of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. Each processing procedure can be realized by being executed by a computer as a program coded in a programming language suitable for the operating environment (platform) of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment. Therefore, the printing condition changing program included in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium (not shown).

  Therefore, the printing condition changing program according to the above-described embodiment can read these storage media by being stored in a recording medium such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a CD (Compact Disc), and a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). The image forming apparatus 100 can be installed from a recording medium connected to a drive device (not shown). Further, since the image forming apparatus 100 has a data communication I / F 14 that can be connected to a data transmission path (not shown) such as a network, the printing condition change program is downloaded using an electric communication line such as the Internet. And can be installed.

  Finally, the present invention is not limited to the requirements shown here, such as combinations of other elements with the shapes listed in the above embodiments. With respect to these points, the present invention can be changed within a range that does not detract from the gist of the present invention, and can be appropriately determined according to the application form.

It is a figure which shows the operation example when printing the data stored in the external storage device which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation panel which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration included in the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the printing condition management data which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the confirmation screen which performs the printing condition confirmation which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting screen which performs the printing condition setting which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation screen which instruct | indicates the printing condition change which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation example reflecting the changed printing conditions which concern on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation example which determines the permission at the time of the printing condition change which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example (the 1) of the process sequence regarding the printing condition change which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example (the 2) of the process sequence regarding the printing condition change which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

11 Operation panel 12 External storage device I / F
13 Controller 14 Data communication I / F
15 Scanner 16 Plotter 21 Display Screen 22 Function Switching Key 23 Numeric Keypad 24 Start Key 25 Clear / Stop Key 26 Initial Setting Key 27 Help Key 28 Reset Key 31 Regular Character String Extraction Unit 32 Printing Condition Change Unit 41 Printing Condition Management Data 100 Image Formation Device 101 Input device 102 Display device 103 Interface device 104 External storage device (flash memory)
105 ROM
106 RAM
107 NV-RAM
108 CPU
109 Host interface device 110 HDD
111 Image reading device 112 Printing device D Application data (for example, PDF data)

Claims (10)

The interface has an interface for connecting the external storage device and the image forming apparatus, acquires print conditions from a predetermined character string added to a file name of data stored in the external storage device, and acquires the print An image forming apparatus that prints the data read through the interface according to a condition,
Acquisition means for acquiring new printing conditions set at the time of printing;
Extracting means for extracting a predetermined character string added to the file name of the data;
It is determined whether or not the new printing condition acquired by the acquiring unit matches the existing printing condition indicated by the predetermined character string extracted by the extracting unit, and the existing printing condition is determined according to the determination result. An image forming apparatus comprising: a changing unit that changes the printing condition to the new printing condition. The changing means is
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a predetermined character string indicating the existing printing condition added to the file name of the data is replaced with a predetermined character string indicating the new printing station condition. The changing means is
A copy data of the data is generated, and a predetermined character string indicating the existing print condition added to a file name of the generated copy data is replaced with a predetermined character string indicating the new print condition. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. Management information associated with the printing condition and printing condition permission information indicating whether or not to permit the change of the printing condition;
The changing means is
When changing a predetermined character string indicating the existing printing condition,
When the management information is referred to based on the new print condition, and the print condition permission information associated with the new print condition is set to permit the change of the print condition,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the existing printing condition is changed to the new printing condition. The changing means is
Before printing the data according to the new printing conditions,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the existing printing condition is changed to the new printing condition. The changing means is
After printing the data according to the new printing conditions,
5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the existing printing condition is changed to the new printing condition in which a printing operation can be performed based on a printing result. 6. The changing means is
When the determination result does not match,
7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a predetermined character string added to the file name of the data is changed to a character string indicating the new print condition. The interface has an interface for connecting the external storage device and the image forming apparatus, acquires print conditions from a predetermined character string added to a file name of data stored in the external storage device, and acquires the print A printing condition changing method in an image forming apparatus for printing the data read out through the interface according to a condition,
An acquisition procedure for acquiring new printing conditions set during printing,
An extraction procedure for extracting a predetermined character string added to the file name of the data;
It is determined whether the new printing condition acquired by the acquisition procedure matches the existing printing condition indicated by the predetermined character string extracted by the extraction procedure, and the existing printing condition is determined according to the determination result. And a change procedure for changing the print condition to the new print condition. The interface has an interface for connecting the external storage device and the image forming apparatus, acquires print conditions from a predetermined character string added to a file name of data stored in the external storage device, and acquires the print A printing condition change program in an image forming apparatus that performs printing of the data read through the interface according to a condition,
Computer
Acquisition means for acquiring new printing conditions set at the time of printing;
Extracting means for extracting a predetermined character string added to the file name of the data;
It is determined whether or not the new printing condition acquired by the acquiring unit matches the existing printing condition indicated by the predetermined character string extracted by the extracting unit, and the existing printing condition is determined according to the determination result. A printing condition changing program that functions as changing means for changing the printing condition to the new printing condition.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the printing condition changing program according to claim 9 is recorded.

Images