JP2010170425A - Printing system, printing data creation device, printing method, computer program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce a user's operations required at setting the parameters set by one printer driver by the other printer driver when the plurality of corresponding printer drivers is provided to a plurality of printers, respectively. <P>SOLUTION: When the second printer 22 or the third printer 23 is selected instead of the selected first printer 21, the parameters set by the first printer driver 121 for printing the printing data by the first printer 21 are set to some or all of the parameters for printing the printing data by the second printer 22 or the third printer 23 by the second printer driver 122 or the third printer driver 123. For example, the parameters for printing by the first printer 21 are set to parameters for printing by the second printer 22 or the third printer 23 indicating the printing conditions such as paper size, duplex printing, fonts. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing system, a print data generation device, a printing method, a computer program, and a recording medium that convert input data into print data that can be printed by a printing device.

  When printing image data created using an image generation apparatus capable of creating image data such as a document or a picture, for example, a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC), a printer driver installed in the PC in advance Thus, print data that can be printed by the printer is generated based on the created image data, and the generated print data is output to the printer.

  The printer driver is called by the user's operation, and the printing conditions such as the paper size and duplex printing are set by the user's operation in the called printer driver. The printing apparatus prints the print data generated by the printer driver based on the printing condition (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In recent years, a plurality of printers having different specifications and a PC are connected via a network, and a printer to be used is selected in consideration of the contents and amount of the document. For example, in the case where a diagram composed of a plurality of colors is included, a printer capable of color printing is selected, and when a large amount of documents are created, a printer capable of printing at high speed is selected. If the selected printer is abnormal and cannot be printed, for example, if a paper jam has occurred, another printer is selected.

JP-A-11-110165

  Generally, a printer driver is designed to correspond to a target printer. When a plurality of printers and a PC are connected, a plurality of printer drivers corresponding to each printer are installed in the PC in advance. When printing with one printer, it is necessary to call one printer driver corresponding to the one printer. Therefore, when a paper jam or the like as described above occurs and another printer is selected, it is necessary to call another printer driver corresponding to the other printer.

  At this time, in order to reflect the printing conditions set in one printer driver to the printing in other printers, the same printing conditions as those set in one printer driver are set in other printer drivers by user operation. It is necessary to set again. However, since there are a wide variety of printing conditions, resetting the printing conditions places a heavy burden on the user.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to perform a user operation necessary for reflecting the printing conditions set in one printer driver in printing on another printer. An object of the present invention is to provide a printing system, a print data generation device, a printing method, a computer program, and a recording medium that can be reduced.

  The printing system according to the present invention corresponds to each of the plurality of printing apparatuses, parameter setting means for setting parameters for printing by any of the printing apparatuses, and the plurality of printing apparatuses. A plurality of generation means for generating print data that can be printed by the corresponding printing apparatus from the input data, and means for receiving selection of one printing apparatus for the plurality of printing apparatuses, In the printing system in which the printing apparatus that has received the selection prints the generated print data, the printing apparatus includes a selection unit that selects another printing apparatus instead of the one printing apparatus that has received the selection, and the parameter setting unit includes: When another printing device is selected by the selection unit, the parameter is set as a parameter for printing the print data by the one printing device. Has been the parameters, characterized in that is to be set as a parameter for printing at said another printing apparatus.

  The printing system according to the present invention includes a determination unit that determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the one printing apparatus, and the selection unit has an abnormality in the one printing apparatus by the determination unit. When it is determined that the other printing apparatus is selected, the other printing apparatus is selected from the plurality of printing apparatuses.

  The printing system according to the present invention is characterized in that the determination unit performs the determination after printing is started by the one printing apparatus.

  In the printing system according to the present invention, all the parameters set by the parameter setting unit as parameters for printing by the other printing device are parameters for printing print data by the one printing device. In the case where a part or all of the parameters set as is, the other printing apparatus prints the print data generated by the other generation unit.

  The printing system according to the present invention includes a reference receiving unit that receives a setting of one or more selection criteria serving as a reference for selecting the other printing apparatus by the selection unit.

  In the printing system according to the present invention, the selection criterion includes the presence / absence of operation of the plurality of printing apparatuses, and the selection unit determines whether the plurality of printing apparatuses are operated by the criterion reception unit. When setting is received, the printing apparatus is provided with means for selecting an operating printing apparatus.

  In the printing system according to the present invention, the selection criterion includes an amount of a parameter set as a parameter for printing print data by the one printing device, and printing is performed by the one printing device. An extracting unit configured to extract, from the plurality of printing devices, a printing device that prints print data based on a parameter including the most parameters set as parameters for printing data; A unit for selecting the printing device extracted by the extracting unit when the reference receiving unit receives a parameter amount setting set as a parameter for printing the print data by the printing device; It is characterized by.

  The printing system according to the present invention includes a distance receiving unit that receives a setting of a physical distance between the generating unit and the plurality of printing apparatuses, and the selection criterion includes the generation unit and the plurality of printing apparatuses. A physical distance is included, and the selection unit receives the setting of the physical distance between the generation unit and the plurality of printing apparatuses in the reference reception unit. And a means for selecting a printing apparatus having the shortest physical distance whose setting is received by the distance receiving means.

  The printing system according to the present invention includes a counting unit that counts the number of times of use of each of the plurality of printing apparatuses, and the selection criterion includes the number of times of use of the plurality of printing apparatuses. And a means for selecting a printing apparatus having the largest number of times of use measured by the counting means from among the plurality of printing apparatuses when a setting of the number of times of use of the plurality of printing apparatuses is received by a reference receiving means. It is characterized by that.

  According to the printing system of the present invention, an identifier display unit that displays a plurality of identifiers for identifying a plurality of printing apparatuses based on the selection criterion, and one identifier from the plurality of identifiers displayed by the identifier display unit. An identifier receiving unit that receives a command to be selected, and the selecting unit includes a unit that selects the other printing apparatus in accordance with the command received by the identifier receiving unit.

  The printing system according to the present invention is characterized in that the identifier display means includes means for displaying the plurality of identifiers with different luminances.

  The printing system according to the present invention is characterized in that the identifier display means includes means for displaying the plurality of identifiers in different colors.

  The print data generation device according to the present invention corresponds to a parameter setting unit that sets a parameter for printing in any of a plurality of connected printing devices, and each of the plurality of printing devices. A plurality of generation means for generating print data that can be printed by the corresponding printing apparatus from the input data based on the parameters; and a means for receiving selection of one printing apparatus for the plurality of printing apparatuses. In the print data generation apparatus, the printing data generation apparatus includes a selection unit that selects another printing apparatus instead of the one printing apparatus that has received the selection, and the parameter setting unit is configured such that when the other printing apparatus is selected by the selection unit, The parameter set as the parameter for printing the print data by the one printing device is printed by the other printing device. Wherein the as parameter is to be set.

  The print data generation apparatus according to the present invention includes a determination unit that determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the one printing device, and the selection unit has an abnormality in the one printing device by the determination unit. When it is determined that the error occurs, another printing device is selected from the plurality of printing devices.

  The print data generation apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the determination means performs the determination after printing is started by the one printing apparatus.

  The print data generation apparatus according to the present invention is such that all of the parameters set by the parameter setting unit as parameters for printing by the other printing apparatus print the print data by the one printing apparatus. And a means for outputting the print data generated by the other generation means to the other printing apparatus when some or all of the parameters set as the parameters are set.

The printing method according to the present invention accepts selection of any printing device for a plurality of connected printing devices, sets parameters for printing in the printing device that accepts the selection, and based on the set parameters In the printing method of generating print data that can be printed by the printing device that accepts the selection from the input data and printing the generated print data by the printing device that accepts the selection,
Select another printing device from the plurality of printing devices instead of the printing device that has received the selection,
A parameter for printing on the selected printing device is set as a parameter for printing the print data that can be printed on the selected other printing device on the other printing device. And

  The printing method according to the present invention determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the printing apparatus that has received the selection, and determines that the abnormality has occurred in the printing apparatus that has received the selection. Another printing apparatus is selected from the apparatuses.

  The computer program according to the present invention functions as a unit that accepts selection of any one of a plurality of printing devices connected to the computer, and a unit that sets parameters for printing in the printing device that has accepted the selection. In the computer program for causing the computer to generate print data that can be printed by the printing apparatus that accepts the selection from the input data based on the set parameters, the computer accepts the selection. Means for selecting another printing device from the plurality of printing devices instead of the printing device, and parameters for printing print data that can be printed by the selected other printing device by the other printing device For example, you can set parameters for printing on a printing device that accepts the selection. Characterized in that to function as a.

  A recording medium according to the present invention records the above-described computer program.

  In the printing system, the print data generation device, the printing method, the computer program, and the recording medium according to the present invention, when another printing device is selected instead of the one printing device selected by the user, the other printing device The parameters for printing with the one printing apparatus are set in part or all of the parameters for printing in step (b). For example, a parameter for printing with one printing apparatus is set as a parameter for printing with another printing apparatus indicating printing conditions such as paper size, duplex printing, and font. Based on the set parameters, print data that can be printed by another printing apparatus is generated from the input data. The generated print data is printed by the other printing apparatus.

  In the printing system, the print data generation device, and the printing method according to the present invention, when an abnormality occurs in the selected one printing device, another printing device is selected, and the printing data is transmitted to the other printing device. A parameter for printing the print data with the one printing apparatus is set in a part or all of the parameters for printing.

  In the printing system and the print data generation device according to the present invention, the print data is transmitted to the one printing device, and after the printing is started by the one printing device, an abnormality occurs in the one printing device. In the case where an abnormality occurs in the one printing apparatus, another printing apparatus is selected instead of the one printing apparatus. Since the determination is performed after printing is started by the one printing apparatus, it is necessary to cope with abnormalities occurring in the printing apparatus after transmission of print data, such as a paper jam, a paper shortage, a toner shortage, a failure during printing, and the like. Can do.

  In the printing system and the print data generation device according to the present invention, all of the parameters for printing the print data by the other printing device, and one of the parameters for printing the print data by the one printing device. When all or part of the print data is set, print data to be printed by the other printing apparatus is generated based on the set parameters. The generated print data is output to the other printing apparatus and printed. For this reason, printing reflecting the set parameters is quickly performed.

  In the printing system according to the present invention, since the selection criterion desired by the user is selected from one or a plurality of selection criteria that are preset as selection criteria when the other printing apparatus is selected, A printing device that meets the requirements can be selected.

  In the printing system according to the present invention, the selection criterion includes the presence / absence of operation of the plurality of printing apparatuses, the presence / absence of operation of the plurality of printing apparatuses is determined, and the operation is determined to be performed. Select a printing device to ensure that printing continues.

  In the printing system according to the present invention, the selection criterion includes an amount of parameters for printing print data with the one printing device, and parameters set among the plurality of printing devices. In addition, a printing device including the most parameters for printing the print data with the one printing device is extracted, the extracted printing device is selected, and printing conditions set by the user, such as paper size, duplex printing, are selected. In addition, the fonts and the like are reflected as much as possible on printing by other printing apparatuses.

  In the printing system according to the present invention, the selection criterion includes a physical distance between the generation unit and the plurality of printing apparatuses, and a physical distance between the generation unit and the plurality of printing apparatuses. A distance is set in advance, and the printing device at the shortest distance is selected from the generation unit among the plurality of printing devices, and the distance that the user moves to the printing device is shortened to reduce the burden on the user.

  In the printing system according to the present invention, the selection criterion includes the number of times of use of the plurality of printing devices, and the number of times of use of the plurality of printing devices is counted and measured among the plurality of printing devices. The printing device having the largest number of uses is selected, and the print data is printed by the printing device that the user uses most frequently.

  In the printing system according to the present invention, a plurality of identifiers for identifying a plurality of printing apparatuses are displayed with different brightnesses or colors, for example, according to the selection criteria. A command for selecting one identifier from the plurality of displayed identifiers is received by a user operation, and the other printing apparatus is selected according to the received command. By displaying the identifier with, for example, different brightness or color, the priority order of the printing apparatus according to the selection criterion is clearly expressed.

  In the printing system, the print data generation device, the printing method, the computer program, and the recording medium according to the present invention, when another printing device is selected instead of the selected one printing device, the print data is transferred to the other A parameter for printing the print data with one printing apparatus is set in a part or all of the parameters for printing with the printing apparatus. For example, parameters for printing with the one printing apparatus are set as parameters for printing with the other printing apparatus indicating printing conditions such as paper size, duplex printing, and fonts. Based on the set parameters, print data that can be printed by another printing apparatus is generated from the input data. The generated print data is printed by the other printing apparatus. For this reason, it is possible to reduce a user operation necessary for reflecting the printing conditions for printing by one printing apparatus in printing by another printing apparatus.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of PC and a 1st printer-a 3rd printer. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a printer driver management table. FIG. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of a printing condition management table. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of printing GUI. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a print property GUI. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a next candidate printer selection GUI. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating print data generation processing by a CPU of a PC. It is a flowchart which shows the printer change process by CPU of PC. It is a flowchart which shows the printer selection process by CPU of PC. 6 is a flowchart illustrating print processing by a CPU of a printer.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings illustrating a printing system according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a printing system. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a printing system. The printing system 1 includes a personal computer (PC) 10 installed with an application program for creating image data, and a first printer 21 to a third printer 23. The PC 10 and the first printer 21 to the third printer 23 are connected by a communication network 2.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the PC 10 and the first printer 21 to the third printer 23.
The PC 10 reads and executes a control program stored in the ROM 10b, a RAM 10c that temporarily stores data generated during the execution of the control program, the application program, and the first printer 21 to the third printer. HDD 10d storing first printer driver 121 to third printer driver 123 respectively corresponding to 23, operation unit 10f such as a keyboard, mouse and touch panel, display unit 10e for displaying images, and first printer 21 to And a communication I / F 10g for performing communication with the third printer 23.

  The first printer driver 121 to the third printer driver 123 are configured as computer programs that can be read by the PC 10. The first printer driver 121 to the third printer driver 123 stored in a storage medium (for example, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM, MO and DVD, an IC card, and a semiconductor memory such as a mask ROM and EPROM) read a program (not shown) It is stored in the HDD 10d via the device.

  Each of the first printer driver 121 to the third printer driver 123 includes a computer program for displaying a GUI (Graphical User Interface) on the display unit 10e. The CPU 10a reads the computer program for displaying the GUI, and displays a print GUI 50 (see FIG. 5), a print property GUI 60 (see FIG. 6) or a next candidate printer selection GUI 80 (see FIG. 7) to be described later on the display unit 10e. indicate.

  The PC 10 creates image data such as a document and a picture based on a user operation received via the operation unit 10f in accordance with the application program. When printing the created image data, the PC 10 displays the print GUI 50, the print property GUI 60, or the next candidate printer selection GUI 80 on the display unit 10e, and the print GUI 50, the print property GUI 60, or the next candidate printer selection GUI 80 is displayed. Based on the user's operation performed, selection of a printer to be used and setting of printing conditions such as paper size and double-sided printing are performed, and based on the printing conditions, image data is selected from the selected printer, for example, the first printer 21. The print data is converted into print data that can be printed by the printer and transmitted to the first printer 21 via the communication I / F 10g.

  The first printer 21 is based on a CPU 21a that reads and executes a control program stored in the ROM 21b, a RAM 21c that temporarily stores data generated during the execution of the control program, and print data transmitted from the PC 10. A printing unit 21d that performs printing and a communication I / F 21e that performs communication with the PC 10 are provided. The first printer 21 receives print data via the communication I / F 21e, and performs printing in the printing unit 21d based on the received print data. When printing by the printing unit 21d is completed, the first printer 21 transmits a signal indicating that printing is completed (hereinafter referred to as a print completion signal) to the PC 10. On the other hand, if an abnormality occurs in the printing unit 21d (for example, a paper jam, out of paper, out of toner, a failure during printing, etc.) and printing is not completed, the first printer 21 indicates that an abnormality has occurred. A signal (hereinafter referred to as an abnormality occurrence signal) is transmitted to the PC 10. Note that the configurations of the second printer 22 and the third printer 23 are the same as the configuration of the first printer 21, and a detailed description thereof is omitted.

  At least one of the first printer driver 121 to the third printer driver 123 includes a printer driver management table 30 for managing one or a plurality of printer drivers. If a plurality of printer drivers among the first printer driver 121 to the third printer driver 123 have the printer driver management table 30, respectively, the first printer driver 121 is determined by any one of the printer driver management tables 30. -The third printer driver 123 is managed. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the printer driver management table 30.

  As shown in FIG. 3, ID numbers of the first printer driver 121 to the third printer driver 123 are sequentially written in the “ID” column 31 of the printer driver management table 30. In the “driver name” column 32, names of the first printer 21 to the third printer 23 are sequentially written. In the “operating state” column 33, whether or not the first printer 21 to the third printer 23 are operating (ON / OFF) is written in order, and in the “usage count” column 34, the first printer 21 to The number of uses of the third printer 23 is written in order. In the “distance” column 35, the distances between the first printer driver 121 to the third printer driver 123 and the PC 10 are written in order. In a column 36 of “print condition management table name”, names A to C of print condition management tables described later are sequentially written. Names A to C correspond to the first printer driver 121 to the third printer driver 123, respectively.

Each of the first printer driver 121 to the third printer driver 123 includes a printing condition management table 40 for managing printing conditions in the corresponding first printer 21 to third printer 23. FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the printing condition management table 40 for name A. The name B printing condition management table 46 or the name C printing condition management table 47 is the same as or partly different from the name A printing condition management table 40, and will not be described in detail.
As shown in FIG. 4, the “setting item” column 42 of the printing condition management table 40 includes the number of copies, double-sided printing, N-up printing, paper size, fit paper size, printing direction, print mode, and color. The mode is written in order as an item of printing conditions. The ID number of each item of the printing condition is written in the “ID” column 41 of the printing condition management table 40 in order, and the “initial value” column 43 of the printing condition management table 40 will be described later. The initial value 1 written in the initial state is sequentially written in the column 44 of “setting value”. In the “setting value” column 44 of the printing condition management table 40, values for the respective items set by the user's operation are sequentially written. In the “parameter” column 45 of the printing condition management table 40, parameters 1 to 4 are written side by side, and a column is formed for each 1 to 4. In the columns 1 to 4, the contents of the respective items described in the column 42 of the “setting item” are written in order. In the columns 1 to 4, hatched lines are written in the portions where the contents are not described.

  Here, the relationship between the contents of each item written in the “setting item” column 42 and the values 1 to 4 written in the “parameter” column 45 will be described. Values 1 to 4 written in the “parameter” column 45 indicate values to be written in the “set value” column 44. In the double-sided printing described in the column 42 of “setting item”, as the value written in the column 44 of “setting value” increases from 1 to 3, the contents include single-sided printing and double-sided printing (horizontal binding). Double-sided printing (vertical binding) is performed. Further, in the N-up printing described in the “setting item” column 42, as the value written in the “setting value” column 44 increases from 1 to 4, the contents are 1-up, 2- It becomes up, 4-up, 8-up. N-up printing indicates the number of pages to be printed on one side of the paper. If it is 2-up, two pages are printed on one side of the paper. Further, in the paper size described in the column 42 of “setting item”, as the value written in the column 44 of “setting value” increases from 1 to 4, the contents are A4, A3, B4, and B5. Become. The paper size described in the column 42 of “setting item” indicates the size of the paper selected by the user.

The fit paper size described in the “setting item” column 42 has contents A4, A3, B4, and B5 as the value written in the “setting value” column 44 increases from 1 to 4. Become. Note that the fit paper size described in the column 42 of “setting item” indicates the size of the paper serving as a reference for calculating the enlargement ratio or reduction ratio when the print data to be transmitted is enlarged or reduced for printing. .
In addition, when the value written in the “setting value” column 44 is changed from 1 to 2, the printing direction described in the “setting item” column 42 changes from vertical to horizontal, and “setting item”. In the print mode described in the column 42, as the value written in the “set value” column 44 increases from 1 to 3, the contents become normal, high quality, and high definition.
Further, the color modes described in the column 42 of “setting item” are automatically, color, and grayscale as the value written in the column 44 of “setting value” increases from 1 to 3. Here, color and gray scale indicate color printing and monochrome printing, respectively, and automatic indicates that color printing or monochrome printing is selected based on color information included in print data to be transmitted.

When the print command is input via the operation unit 10f, the PC 10 displays the print GUI 50 for the user to select one of the first printer to the third printer as a printer to be used for printing. Displayed on the part 10e.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the printing GUI 50. FIG. 5A shows a print GUI 50 when displayed on the display unit 10e by the user's operation. FIG. 5B shows the name of each printer in the printer name column 51 by the user's operation. The print GUI 50 in the displayed state is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the print GUI 50 selects a printer name column 51 for displaying the name of the printer, a property call unit 52 for calling a print property GUI 60 (to be described later) and displaying it on the display unit 10e, and a print range. A print range setting unit 53 for setting, a print number setting unit 54 for setting the number of print copies, a setting unit 55 for finalizing the setting on the print GUI 50 and ending the display of the print GUI 50, and a setting on the print GUI 50 And a stop unit 56 for stopping the display of the print GUI 50. The printer name column 51 is configured to pull down the names of the first printer 21 to the third printer 23 by the user's operation. When the user performs a predetermined operation on the name displayed in the pull down, the first printer Any one of 21 to the third printer 23 is selected. The names of the first to third printers 21 to 23 displayed as pull-downs are different in luminance or different according to the priority order based on the selected selection criterion when the selection criterion is selected in the next candidate printer selection GUI 80 described later. Displayed in color. For example, the names of usable printers are displayed with high brightness, and the names of unusable printers are displayed with low brightness. The names of the first printer 21 to the third printer 23 displayed in a pull-down manner may be displayed in different fonts according to the priority order, or may be displayed in ascending or descending order according to the priority order.

When a user performs a predetermined operation on the property calling unit 52, a printing condition is set for one of the first printer 21 to the third printer 23 whose name is displayed in the printer name column 51 of the printing GUI 50. A print property GUI 60 for setting is displayed on the display unit 10e. The print property GUI 60 is displayed in a format corresponding to the first printer 21 to the third printer 23 in which names are displayed. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the print property GUI 60.
As shown in FIG. 6, the print property GUI 60 is used to select a print number setting unit 61 for setting the number of copies, and single-sided printing, double-sided printing corresponding to horizontal binding, or double-sided printing corresponding to vertical binding. Single-sided / double-sided selection unit 62, N-up setting unit 63 for setting N-up printing, paper size setting unit 64 for setting paper size, and fit paper size setting for setting fit paper size Part 65, a print direction selection part 66 for selecting whether the print orientation is portrait or landscape, a print mode setting part 67 for setting the print mode, and a color for setting the color mode And a mode setting unit 68.

  Each setting unit and selection unit of the print property GUI 60 includes the number of copies, double-sided printing, N-up printing, paper size, fit paper size, and printing information written in the “setting item” column 42 of the printing condition management table 40. It corresponds to the orientation, print mode, and color mode, respectively, and when the user performs a predetermined operation on each setting unit and selection unit of the print property GUI 60, the “setting value” in the print condition management table 40 The value written in the column 44 is changed. The print property GUI 60 is used to confirm the print conditions and end the display of the print properties GUI 60. The print property GUI 60 cancels the setting of the print conditions in the print properties GUI 60 and ends the display of the print properties GUI 60. And a cancellation unit 70.

In the printer change process (see FIG. 9), which will be described later, the PC 10 receives a user operation and displays a next candidate printer selection GUI 80 for selecting a printer on the display unit 10e. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the next candidate printer selection GUI 80.
As shown in FIG. 7, the next candidate printer selection GUI 80 is used when the abnormality occurrence signal is transmitted from any one of the first printer 21 to the third printer 23 selected in the printer name column 51 of the print GUI 50. Are displayed on the display unit 10e. The next candidate printer selection GUI 80 indicates a selection criterion for selecting a printer other than the printer selected in the printer name column 51 of the print GUI 50. The next candidate printer selection GUI 80 displays “operating state priority”, “common item priority”, “distance priority” and “use count priority” as the selection criteria, and “operating state priority”, “common item priority”. "," Distance priority "and" Use count priority "are adjacent to check boxes 81 to 84, respectively. By checking the check boxes 81 to 84, “operating state priority”, “common item priority”, “distance priority”, or “use count priority” is selected. Further, the next candidate printer selection GUI 80 determines a selection of “operating state priority”, “common item priority”, “distance priority” or “use count priority” and ends the display of the next candidate printer selection GUI 80. And a canceling unit 86 for canceling the selection in the next candidate printer selection GUI 80 and terminating the display of the next candidate printer selection GUI 80.

When a print command is input by a user operation, the PC 10 uses the first printer driver 121 to the third printer driver 123 from the image data created by the application program, and uses the first printer 21 to the third printer. A print data generation process for generating print data that can be printed at 23 is executed.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing print data generation processing by the CPU 10a of the PC 10.
The CPU 10a of the PC 10 determines whether or not a print command is input by a user operation received via the operation unit 10f (step S1). If no print command is input (step S1: NO), the CPU 10a returns the process to step S1. When a print command is input (step S1: YES), the CPU 10a outputs a signal for displaying the print GUI 50 to the display unit 10e (step S2). At this time, the user performs a necessary operation on the print GUI 50 displayed on the display unit 10e. For example, the printer is selected in the printer name column 51 of the print GUI 50. Then, the CPU 10a determines whether or not a predetermined operation has been performed on the determination unit 55 of the print GUI 50 to confirm the setting on the print GUI 50 (step S3).

  If the setting on the print GUI 50 is not finalized (step S3: NO), the CPU 10a performs a predetermined operation on the property calling unit 52 of the print GUI 50 via the operation unit 10f, and prints. It is determined whether or not a request to display a print property GUI 60 for any one of the first printer 21 to the third printer 23 selected in the printer name column 51 of the GUI 50, for example, the first printer 21, has been input (step S4). ). If a request for displaying the print property GUI 60 has not been input (step S4: NO), the CPU 10a returns the process to step S3. When a request for displaying the print property GUI 60 is input (step S4: YES), the CPU 10a outputs a signal for displaying the print property GUI 60 to the display unit 10e (step S5).

  Next, whether or not the user has performed a predetermined operation on the determination unit 69 or the cancellation unit 70 of the print property GUI 60 via the operation unit 10f and a request to end the display of the print property GUI 60 has been input. (Step S6). If a request to end the display of the print property GUI 60 has not been input (step S6: NO), the CPU 10a returns the process to step S6. When the user performs a predetermined operation on each setting unit and selection unit of the print property GUI 60 while the CPU 10a returns the process to step S6, the CPU 10a displays the print condition management table 40. The value written in the “setting value” column 44 is changed.

  When a request for ending the display of the print property GUI 60 is input (step S6: YES), the CPU 10a outputs a signal for ending the display of the print property GUI 60 to the display unit 10e (step S7). Then, the CPU 10a stores the value written in the “set value” column 44 of the printing condition management table 40 in the RAM 10c (step S8), and returns the process to step S3.

  When the setting on the print GUI 50 is confirmed (step S3: YES), the CPU 10a outputs a signal for ending the display of the print property GUI 60 to the display unit 10e (step S9). Next, the CPU 10a sends from the HDD 10d the first printer driver 121 corresponding to the first printer 21 selected from the first printer 21 to the third printer 23 selected by the user in the printer name column 51 of the print GUI 50, for example. Calling and referring to the setting values of the printing condition management table 40, print data that can be printed by the printer is generated using the printer driver that has called the image data created by the application program (step S10). . The CPU 10a transmits the generated print data to the first printer 21 (step S11).

  Next, the CPU 10a determines whether or not a response signal is input from the first printer 21 that has transmitted the print data (step S12). If no response signal is input (step S12: NO), the CPU 10a returns the process to step S12. When the response signal is input (step S12: YES), the CPU 10a determines whether or not the response signal is a print completion signal (step S13). If the response signal is not a print completion signal (step S13: NO), the CPU 10a executes a printer change process to be described later. If the response signal is a print completion signal (step S13: YES), the CPU 10a ends the process.

  If the response signal is not a print completion signal in step S13, an abnormality has occurred in the first printer 21 that has transmitted the print data, and the abnormality occurrence signal has been output from the first printer 21. When receiving the abnormality occurrence signal, the CPU 10a of the PC 10 executes a printer change process for changing the printer used for printing. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing printer change processing by the CPU 10a of the PC 10.

  The CPU 10a of the PC 10 outputs a signal for displaying the next candidate printer selection GUI 80 to the display unit 10e (step S141). At this time, the user performs a necessary operation on the displayed next candidate printer selection GUI 80. For example, check boxes 81 to 84. Next, the CPU 10a performs a predetermined operation on the determination unit 85 of the next candidate printer selection GUI 80 via the operation unit 10f, and “operation status priority”, “common item priority”, “distance priority” or It is determined whether or not a signal indicating that the selection of “use count priority” has been confirmed has been input (step S142).

  When the signal indicating that the selection has been confirmed is not input (step S142: NO), the CPU 10a uses the operation unit 10f to input a predetermined value to the cancel unit 86 of the next candidate printer selection GUI 80. It is determined whether or not a signal indicating that the selection in the next candidate printer selection GUI 80 has been stopped is input (step S143).

  When a signal indicating that the selection with the next candidate printer selection GUI 80 has been canceled is input (step S143: YES), the CPU 10a transmits a signal indicating that the display of the next candidate printer selection GUI 80 is terminated to the display unit 10e. Output (step S144). Then, the CPU 10a returns the process to step S2. If the signal indicating that the selection with the next candidate printer selection GUI 80 is stopped is not input (step S143: NO), the CPU 10a returns the process to step S142.

  When the signal indicating that the selection is confirmed is input (step S142: YES), the CPU 10a outputs a signal indicating that the display of the next candidate printer selection GUI 80 is ended to the display unit 10e (step S145). . Then, the CPU 10a executes a printer selection process which will be described later (step S146). Next, the CPU 10a acquires the print condition management table 46 from the printer driver corresponding to the printer selected in the printer selection process, for example, the second printer driver 122 (step S147).

  Then, the CPU 10a accesses the RAM 10c to obtain the value written in the “setting value” column 44 of the printing condition management table 40 corresponding to the first printer driver 121, for example, the printing condition management table stored in the RAM 10c. (Step S148), the value acquired from the RAM 10c is set as a part or all of the “setting value” of the printing condition management table 46 acquired from the second printer driver 122 (Step S149). The setting of the value is performed for the item corresponding to the print condition management table 40 corresponding to the first printer driver 121 among the items of the print condition management table 46 corresponding to the second printer driver 122.

Then, the CPU 10a determines whether or not all items in the printing condition management table 40 corresponding to the first printer driver 121 correspond to all items in the printing condition management table 46 corresponding to the second printer driver 122 (step S150). If all items in the printing condition management table 40 corresponding to the first printer driver 121 correspond to all items in the printing condition management table 46 corresponding to the second printer driver 122 (step S150: YES), the CPU 10a. Returns the process to step S10. At this time, the CPU 10a outputs to the display unit 10e a signal indicating that the second printer 22 has been selected as the printer to be used for printing.
If all items in the printing condition management table 40 corresponding to the first printer driver 121 do not correspond to all items in the printing condition management table 46 corresponding to the second printer driver 122 (step S150: NO), the CPU 10a. Outputs a signal for displaying the print GUI 50 to the display unit 10e (step S151), and returns the process to step S5. At this time, in the print GUI 50 displayed on the display unit 10e, the names of the first printer 21 to the third printer 23 displayed in a pull-down manner are different according to the priority order based on the selection criteria selected in the next candidate printer selection GUI 80. Displayed in brightness or color.

  As described above, “operation status priority”, “common item priority”, “distance priority”, or “use count priority” is used as a selection criterion for selecting a printer other than the printer selected in the printer name column 51 of the print GUI 50. When the signal indicating that the selection of "" has been confirmed is input (step S142: YES), the CPU 10a executes a printer selection process for selecting the printer according to the selected selection criterion (step S146). FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing printer selection processing by the CPU 10a of the PC 10.

  The CPU 10a of the PC 10 determines whether or not “operating state priority” is selected as the selection criterion (step S1461). If “operating state priority” is selected (step S 1461: YES), the HDD 10 d is accessed to refer to the printer driver management table 30 and written in the “ID” column 31 of the printer driver management table 30. Of the ID numbers of the first printer driver 121 to the third printer driver 123, IDs for which ON is written in the column 33 of “operation status” excluding the ID number corresponding to the printer that outputs the abnormality occurrence signal The number is extracted (step S1462). Next, the CPU 10a selects the smallest ID number among the extracted ID numbers, and selects the printer corresponding to the smallest ID number as the printer to be used for printing (step S1463). For example, when the first printer 21 outputs an abnormality occurrence signal, the second printer 22 and the third printer 23 are in operation, and the ID number of the second printer driver 122 is smaller than the ID number of the third printer driver 123 The second printer 22 is selected (see FIG. 3). Then, the CPU 10a returns the process to the printer change process.

  When “operating state priority” is not selected as the selection criterion (step S1461: NO), the CPU 10a determines whether “common item priority” is selected (step S1464). If “common item priority” is selected (step S1464: YES), the CPU 10a accesses the HDD 10d, refers to the printer driver management table 30, and sets the “printing condition management table name” in the printer driver management table 30. From the names A to C written in the column 36, all names written with ON in the column 33 of "operation status" are extracted except for names corresponding to the printers that output the abnormality occurrence signal. (Step S1465). For example, when the first printer 21 outputs an abnormality occurrence signal and the second printer 22 and the third printer 23 are in operation, the names B and C are extracted (see FIG. 3).

  Then, the CPU 10a acquires a printing condition management table corresponding to the extracted name, for example, the printing condition management tables 46 and 47 (see FIG. 4) corresponding to the second printer 22 and the third printer 23 (step S1466). Next, the CPU 10a accesses the RAM 10c, and acquires the items described in the “setting item” column 42 of the printing condition management table 40 stored in the RAM 10c (step S1467). Then, the CPU 10a selects the item described in the column “setting item” 42 acquired in step S1467 and the item described in the column “setting item” of the printing condition management tables 46 and 47 acquired in step S1466. Of the print condition management tables 46 and 47 acquired in step S1466, and the print condition having the largest number of items that match the items described in the column 42 of the “set item” acquired in step S1467. A management table is selected (step S1468). Next, the CPU 10a selects a printer corresponding to the name of the selected printing condition management table as a printer to be used for printing (step S1469). Then, the CPU 10a returns the process to the printer change process.

  If “common item priority” is not selected as the selection criterion (step S1464: NO), the CPU 10a determines whether “distance priority” is selected (step S1470). If “distance priority” is selected (step S1470: YES), the CPU 10a accesses the HDD 10d, refers to the printer driver management table 30, and is written in the “distance” column 35 of the printer driver management table 30. Among the distances, all the distances in which ON is written in the “operation status” column 33, excluding the distance corresponding to the printer outputting the abnormality occurrence signal, are extracted (step S1471). Next, the CPU 10a selects the minimum distance among the extracted distances, and selects a printer corresponding to the selected minimum distance as a printer to be used for printing (step S1472). For example, the first printer 21 outputs an abnormality occurrence signal, the second printer 22 and the third printer 23 are in operation, and the distance between the second printer 22 and the PC 10 is larger than the distance between the third printer 23 and the PC 10. If it is smaller, the second printer 22 is selected (see FIG. 3). Then, the CPU 10a returns the process to the printer change process.

  If “distance priority” is not selected as the selection criterion (step S1470: NO), the CPU 10a accesses the HDD 10d, refers to the printer driver management table 30, and sets the “usage count” in the printer driver management table 30. From the number of uses written in column 34, except for the number of uses corresponding to the printer that is outputting the error occurrence signal, all the times of use where ON is written in column 33 of “operation status” are extracted. (Step S1473). Next, the CPU 10a selects the maximum use number among the extracted use numbers, and selects a printer corresponding to the selected maximum use number as a printer to be used for printing (step S1474). For example, when the first printer 21 outputs an abnormality occurrence signal, the second printer 22 and the third printer 23 are in operation, and the number of times the second printer 22 is used is greater than the number of times the third printer 23 is used. The second printer 22 is selected (see FIG. 3). Then, the CPU 10a returns the process to the printer change process.

  When the first printer 21 to the third printer 23 receive the print data transmitted in step S11, the first printer 21 to the third printer 23 execute print processing for printing the received print data. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing printing processing by the CPU 21a of the printer. Here, print processing by the first printer 21 is illustrated.

  The CPU 21a of the first printer 21 determines whether print data has been received via the communication I / F 21e (step S31). If print data has not been received (step S31: NO), the CPU 21a returns the process to step S31. When print data is received (step S31: YES), the CPU 21a outputs a signal for printing the received print data to the printing unit 21d (step S32). Next, the CPU 21a determines whether or not a response signal is input from the printing unit 21d (step S33). If no response signal is input from the printing unit 21d (step S33: NO), the CPU 21a returns the process to step S33. When a response signal is input from the printing unit 21d (step S33: YES), the CPU 21a determines whether or not the input response signal is a signal indicating completion of printing (step S34). If the input response signal is a signal indicating completion of printing (step S34: YES), the CPU 21a transmits a print completion signal to the PC 10 via the communication I / F 21e (step S35). If the input response signal is not a signal indicating completion of printing (step S34: NO), the CPU 21a transmits an abnormality occurrence signal to the PC 10 via the communication I / F 21e (step S36).

  In the printing system 1 according to the embodiment, when an abnormality occurs in one printer selected by the user, another printer is selected instead of the one printer, and the printer corresponds to the one printer. A setting value set for one printer driver is stored in the RAM 10c, and another printer driver corresponding to another printer is called from a plurality of preset printer drivers. Then, the setting values stored in the RAM 10c are set to some or all of the setting values set for the other printer drivers. For example, setting values indicating printing conditions such as paper size, double-sided printing, and fonts stored in the RAM 10c are set to some or all of the setting values set for other printer drivers. Then, using another printer driver, based on the set value, print data that can be printed by the other printer is generated from the input data. The generated print data is printed by another printer. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the user operation necessary for reflecting the printing conditions set in the printer driver corresponding to one printer in printing on another printer.

  In addition, after transmitting the print data to the one printer, it is determined whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the one printer. If an abnormality has occurred in the one printer, the printer is replaced with the one printer. Select another printer. Since the determination is performed after the print data is transmitted to the one printer, it is possible to cope with an abnormality that occurs in the printer after the print data is transmitted, such as a paper jam, a paper out, a toner out, and a failure during printing. .

  When some or all of the setting values set for the printer driver stored in the RAM 10c are set as all the setting values set for the other printer driver, the other printer driver is set. Is used to generate print data from the input data based on the set value, and transmit the generated print data to the other printer. The transmitted print data is printed by another printer. For this reason, print data reflecting the printing conditions set by the user for one printer driver is quickly printed by another printer.

  In addition, when selecting the other printer, a selection criterion as a selection criterion is set in advance, and the selection criterion is selected by the user's selection. Therefore, a printer that meets the user's request is accurately selected according to the selection criteria.

  In addition, the selection criteria include whether or not the plurality of printers are in operation, determine whether or not the plurality of printers are in operation, and select the printer determined to be operating to ensure printing. continue.

  The selection criterion includes the number of items of printing conditions stored in the RAM 10c and set for any of the printers 21 to 23. Among the plurality of printers 21 to 23, the RAM 10c Except for printers set with the printing conditions stored in the above, the printer including the most printing condition items stored in the RAM 10c is extracted, and the extracted printer is selected as a printer to be used for printing; The printing conditions set by the user, for example, the paper size, duplex printing, fonts, and the like are reflected as much as possible on the printing conditions of other printers.

  The selection criterion includes a physical distance between the PC 10 provided with the printer driver and the plurality of printers, and presets a physical distance between the printer driver and the plurality of printers. A printer located at the shortest distance from the PC 10 having the printer driver is selected from among a plurality of printers, the distance that the user moves from the PC 10 to the printer is shortened, and the burden on the user is reduced.

  The selection criterion includes the number of times of use of each of the plurality of printers. The number of times of use of the plurality of printers is stored, and the printer having the largest number of times of use stored among the plurality of printers. Is selected as a printer to be used for printing, and the print data is printed by a printer most frequently used by the user.

  Further, the names of the first printer 21 to the third printer 23 displayed in the printer name column 51 of the print GUI 50 are displayed in different brightnesses or colors according to the priority order based on the selection criteria selected in the next candidate printer selection GUI 80. Then, a command for selecting one name from the displayed names of the first printer 21 to the third printer 23 is received by a user operation, and a printer to be used for printing is selected according to the received command. By displaying the names of the first printer 21 to the third printer 23 with different brightness or color according to the selection criteria, the priority order of the printers according to the selection criteria is visually expressed. For this reason, the user can easily grasp the priority order of the printers to be used for printing. Note that the method of expressing the priority order is not limited to the method using luminance or color. For example, the names of the first printer 21 to the third printer 23 may be expressed by adding different numbers or symbols to the heads. .

  The print data generation process executed in the printing system 1 according to the embodiment receives a response signal from the printer after transmitting the print data to the printer (step S12), but before transmitting the print data to the printer. Then, a response request is transmitted to the printer, and based on a response from the printer to the response request, it is determined whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the printer in advance. If an abnormality has occurred, it is used for printing. A step of executing printer selection may be further included. In the printing system 1 according to the embodiment, the PC 10 is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration in which a server that performs the print data generation process is provided between an image data generation apparatus and a printer. It is also good. The first printer 21 to the third printer 23 only need to have a printing function and a communication function, and may further include other functions such as a copying function, a facsimile function, and a scanner function. If there is only one selection criterion, the next candidate printer selection GUI 80 may not be displayed.

  In the printing system 1 according to the embodiment, the first printer driver 121 to the third printer driver 123 are installed from the storage medium to the PC 10, but the PC 10 can be connected to a communication network such as the Internet. The first printer driver 121 to the third printer driver 123 may be downloaded to the PC 10 via the communication network and stored in the HDD 10d. In this case, a computer program for downloading the first printer driver 121 to the third printer driver 123 to the PC 10 via the communication network is stored in the PC 10 in advance or installed from a predetermined storage medium to the PC 10 before downloading. deep. Alternatively, the first printer driver 121 to the third printer driver 123 may be embedded in a carrier wave via a communication network, the carrier wave may be transmitted as a data signal to the PC 10, and the print data generation process described above may be executed by the PC 10. . In the printing system 1 according to the embodiment, the first printer driver 121 to the third printer driver 123 are configured as computer programs that can be read by the PC 10, but the first printer driver 121 to the third printer driver. 123 may be configured as hardware mounted on a computer such as the PC 10.

  In the printing system 1 according to the embodiment, when an abnormality occurs in the selected one printer, another printer is selected instead of the one printer. The standard is not limited to whether or not there is an abnormality. For example, when the input data includes color information and the color information is included in the input data, the selected monochrome printing is used exclusively. Instead of this printer (one printer), a color printable printer (other printer) may be selected.

  In the printing system 1 according to the embodiment, one selection criterion is selected. However, a plurality of selection criteria may be selected. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which “common item priority” and “distance priority” are selected, and the printer having the minimum value when the reciprocal of the number of common items and the distance are added is selected.

  A signal indicating that the selection in the next candidate printer selection GUI 80 has been canceled is input (step S143: YES, step S144), and the user selects the second printer 22 or the third printer 23 on the print GUI 50. If accepted (step S2), the CPU 10a acquires the printing condition management table 46 or 47 (step S147). Then, the CPU 10a accesses the RAM 10c, acquires the value written in the “setting value” column 44 of the printing condition management table 40 stored in the RAM 10c (step S148), and stores the value in the printing condition management table 46 or 47. The value acquired from the RAM 10c is set as a part or all of the “set value” (step S149), and the processes in and after step S150 are performed.

  In the printing system 1 according to the embodiment, the print data is generated from the image data created by the application program on the PC 10, but the image of a flat bed scanner, a film scanner, a digital camera, or the like is generated on the PC 10. The print data may be generated from the image data read by the reading device.

1 Printing system 2 Communication network
10 Personal computer (PC)
10a CPU
10b ROM
10c RAM
10d HDD
10e Display section
10f Operation unit
10g Communication I / F
21 First printer
21a CPU
21b ROM
21c RAM
21d printing section
21e Communication I / F
22 Second printer
23 Third printer
30 Printer driver management table
40 Print condition management table
50 print GUI
60 Print properties GUI
80 Next candidate printer selection GUI
121 First printer driver
122 Second printer driver
123 Third printer driver

Claims (20)

A plurality of printing apparatuses, parameter setting means for setting parameters for printing by any one of the printing apparatuses, and data input corresponding to the plurality of printing apparatuses, respectively. A plurality of generation means for generating print data that can be printed by a corresponding printing apparatus, and a means for receiving selection of one printing apparatus for the plurality of printing apparatuses. In a printing system that prints the generated print data,
A selection means for selecting another printing apparatus instead of the one printing apparatus that has received the selection;
The parameter setting means, when another printing apparatus is selected by the selection means, the parameter set as a parameter for printing print data in the one printing apparatus, in the other printing apparatus A printing system characterized by being set as a parameter for printing. Determination means for determining whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the one printing apparatus;
The selection unit selects the other printing device from the plurality of printing devices when the determination unit determines that an abnormality has occurred in the one printing device. The printing system according to claim 1.   The printing system according to claim 2, wherein the determination unit performs the determination after printing is started by the one printing apparatus.   All of the parameters set by the parameter setting unit as parameters for printing in the other printing device are part of the parameters set as parameters for printing print data in the one printing device. The printing according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the other printing device prints the print data generated by the other generation unit when all or all of the print data are generated. system.   5. The printing according to claim 1, further comprising a reference receiving unit that receives a setting of one or a plurality of selection criteria serving as a reference for selecting the other printing apparatus by the selection unit. system. The selection criterion includes the presence or absence of operation of the plurality of printing apparatuses,
The said selection means is provided with a means to select the printing apparatus which is operate | moving, when the setting of the presence or absence of operation of these printing apparatuses is received in the said reference | standard reception means. Printing system. The selection criterion includes a parameter amount set as a parameter for printing the print data in the one printing apparatus,
An extraction unit that extracts a printing device that prints print data from the plurality of printing devices based on a parameter that includes most parameters set as parameters for printing print data in the one printing device;
The selection unit receives the print extracted by the extraction unit when the reference reception unit receives a parameter amount set as a parameter for printing print data by the one printing apparatus. The printing system according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising means for selecting an apparatus. A distance receiving means for receiving a setting of a physical distance between the generating means and the plurality of printing apparatuses;
The selection criterion includes a physical distance between the generation unit and the plurality of printing apparatuses,
When the selection receiving unit receives a setting of a physical distance between the generation unit and the plurality of printing apparatuses by the reference receiving unit, the selection unit sets the setting by the distance receiving unit among the plurality of printing apparatuses. The printing system according to any one of claims 5 to 7, further comprising means for selecting a printing apparatus having the shortest received physical distance. A counting means for counting the number of times each of the plurality of printing apparatuses is used;
The selection criterion includes the number of times the plurality of printing devices are used,
When the selection receiving unit receives the setting of the number of times of use of the plurality of printing devices by the reference receiving unit, the printing device having the largest number of times of use measured by the counting unit among the plurality of printing devices. The printing system according to claim 5, further comprising a unit that selects Identifier display means for displaying a plurality of identifiers for identifying a plurality of printing devices based on the selection criteria;
Identifier receiving means for receiving a command for selecting one identifier from a plurality of identifiers displayed by the identifier display means,
The printing system according to claim 5, wherein the selection unit includes a unit that selects the other printing apparatus in accordance with a command received by the identifier reception unit.   The printing system according to claim 10, wherein the identifier display unit includes a unit that displays the plurality of identifiers with different luminances.   The printing system according to claim 10, wherein the identifier display unit includes a unit that displays the plurality of identifiers in different colors. Parameter setting means for setting parameters for printing on any of a plurality of connected printing devices, and corresponding to each of the plurality of printing devices, and based on the set parameters, from input data In a print data generation apparatus comprising: a plurality of generation means for generating print data that can be printed by a corresponding printing apparatus; and a means for receiving selection of one printing apparatus for the plurality of printing apparatuses.
A selection means for selecting another printing apparatus instead of the one printing apparatus that has received the selection;
The parameter setting means, when another printing apparatus is selected by the selection means, the parameter set as a parameter for printing print data in the one printing apparatus, in the other printing apparatus A print data generation apparatus characterized by being set as a parameter for printing. Determination means for determining whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the one printing apparatus;
The selection unit is configured to select another printing device from the plurality of printing devices when the determination unit determines that an abnormality has occurred in the one printing device. The print data generation apparatus according to claim 13.   The print data generation apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the determination unit performs the determination after printing is started by the one printing apparatus.   All of the parameters set by the parameter setting unit as parameters for printing in the other printing device are part of the parameters set as parameters for printing print data in the one printing device. The print data according to any one of claims 13 to 15, further comprising a unit that outputs the print data generated by the other generation unit to the other printing apparatus when all of the print data are generated. Generator. Accepts selection of any printing device for multiple connected printing devices, sets parameters for printing on the selected printing device, and selects from input data based on the set parameters In a printing method for generating print data that can be printed by a printing apparatus that has received a print, and printing the generated print data by a printing apparatus that has received a selection,
Select another printing device from the plurality of printing devices instead of the printing device that has received the selection,
A parameter for printing on the selected printing device is set as a parameter for printing the print data that can be printed on the selected other printing device on the other printing device. And the printing method. Determine whether an error has occurred in the printing device that accepted the selection,
18. The printing method according to claim 17, further comprising: selecting another printing device from the plurality of printing devices when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the printing device that has received the selection. In the computer functioning as a means for accepting selection of any of the printing devices for a plurality of printing devices connected to the computer and a means for setting parameters for printing in the printing device that has accepted the selection, the set parameters are set. Based on the input data, in a computer program for performing control to generate print data that can be printed by a printing device that has received a selection,
Computer
Means for selecting another printing device from the plurality of printing devices instead of the printing device that has received the selection;
Means for setting a parameter for printing on the selected printing apparatus as a parameter for printing on the other printing apparatus print data that can be printed on the selected other printing apparatus. A computer program characterized by being made to function.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the computer program according to claim 19 is recorded.

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