JP2011003139A - Printer controller, printer driver device, and method for generating print job - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To add suitable restriction of printing setting in printing processing when a condition set about a user is satisfied even if the user himself/herself is not conscious as such.SOLUTION: A control unit 10 of an ink jet recorder 1 determines restriction contents to printing setting of a print job of a user who satisfies a printing restriction condition, and stores the restriction contents as restriction information in an external storage device 93. The control unit 10 updates the stored restriction information in accordance with a printing setting history (printing ratio, color ratio and use frequency of printing) in a print job of the corresponding user each time an update period arrives, and outputs the updated printing setting history with the user ID of the corresponding user to each client terminal 14. A CPU 16 of each client terminal 14 associates input restriction information with the user ID to store them in an external storage device 21. On receiving a printing request from the user, the CPU 16 generates a print job while restricting printing setting in restriction contents of the restriction information of the external storage device 21 corresponding to the user.

Description

  The present invention relates to a printer controller, a printer driver device, and a print job generation method.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a system in which a user operates a terminal on a network and print processing is performed by a printer device on the same network, a technique for rejecting and canceling a print request exceeding the number of print permission sheets set for each user has been conventionally used. Are known. This technique is effective in preventing wasteful paper output.

  For example, the following two techniques have also been proposed as effective techniques for raising awareness about waste of paper output when a print request within the permitted number of prints is executed. The first technique is to display the remaining printable number of sheets on a terminal when a print request within the permitted number of prints is executed (for example, Patent Document 1). The second technique is to display a printing cost on a terminal before executing a print request and to allow a user to confirm whether or not to execute the print request (for example, Patent Document 2).

JP 2004-102356 A JP 2003-228474 A

  Both of the two technologies described above are effective in raising awareness of the costs associated with printing, but keep in mind that the display on the terminal each time the printing process is executed does not give psychological stress to the user. There is also a delicate aspect that is necessary.

  When it is necessary to apply some restrictions to the printing process according to the user's previous printing situation, it is desirable not to apply unnecessary psychological stress to the user.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to satisfy a condition that is satisfied even if the user is not aware of the condition when the condition set for the user is satisfied by the user's print job. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printer controller, a printer driver device, and a print job generation method that can add restrictions on print settings suitable for the case where printing is performed.

In order to achieve the above object, a printer controller of the present invention described in claim 1 comprises:
According to the print job of the user input from a terminal used by the user (for example, the client terminal 14 in FIG. 1), a printing process based on the print settings of the print job is performed by a printer device (for example, the inkjet recording apparatus 1 in FIG. 1). In the printer controller to be executed
Restriction content determination means (for example, the CPU 90 of the control unit 10 in FIG. 1, FIG. 1) that determines the restriction content for the print setting when a print restriction condition preset for the user is satisfied by the user's print job. 15 step S501 and step S503),
Restriction information output means (for example, the CPU 90 of the control unit 10 in FIG. 1) that outputs restriction information indicating the restriction content determined by the restriction content determination means to the terminal in association with the user to which the restriction content is applied. , Step S511 in FIG. 15 or step S7 in FIG. 22),
It is characterized by providing.

  According to the printer controller of the present invention described in claim 1, when a preset print restriction condition for the user is satisfied by the user's print job input from a terminal used by the user, The restriction content for the print setting of the print job is determined by the restriction content determination means. Then, the restriction information indicating the determined restriction content is output to the terminal by the restriction information output unit in association with the user to which the determined restriction content is applied.

  Therefore, when a print request from a user occurs on a terminal used by a user who satisfies the print restriction conditions, a print job in which the print settings are restricted to contents suitable for print processing by the user satisfying the print restriction conditions Can be generated at the terminal. As a result, when the print restriction condition is satisfied, a print job having a print setting limited to a desired content can be output from the terminal to the printer controller without the user himself / herself being conscious.

  The printer controller of the present invention described in claim 2 is the printer controller of the present invention described in claim 1, wherein the print restriction condition is that a cumulative value of the number of printed sheets by the user's print job is determined for the user. This is a condition that is satisfied by reaching a preset setting value, and when the limit content determining means prints the print job of the user when the cumulative value of the user reaches the set value of the user The restriction content for the print setting relating to the layout is determined.

  According to the printer controller of the present invention described in claim 2, in the printer controller of the present invention described in claim 1, when the cumulative value of the number of printed sheets of a specific user reaches a set value for the user, Of the print settings of the print job, the restriction content of the print setting related to the print layout is determined by the restriction content determination unit.

  Therefore, for a user whose cumulative number of printed sheets has reached his / her set value, only a print job having a print setting that does not require a relatively high printing cost can be generated by a terminal used by the user. As a result, it is possible to cause the user who has reached the set value of the total number of printed sheets to execute the printing cost control unconsciously.

  For example, for a user whose accumulated number of printed sheets has reached his set value, printing that reduces the number of sheets consumed such that the original image is printed on both sides of a sheet or impositioned on one side. It is possible to prevent the terminal from generating a print job for the user only with the layout print settings. As a result, a user whose cumulative value of the number of printed sheets has reached his / her set value can unconsciously execute the suppression of the printing cost by reducing the wasteful paper output.

  Here, the set value may be the number of printable sheets permitted by the user, or may be a number smaller than the number of printable sheets. The number smaller than the printable number may be, for example, a number obtained by subtracting a certain number from the number that can be printed, or a number obtained by multiplying the number that can be printed by a certain percentage less than 100. If the setting value is less than the number of printable sheets, the limit is set so that when the remaining number of printable sheets decreases, the number of sheets consumed by executing the print job is saved. The number of print jobs can be executed within the range of the permitted number of prints.

  Furthermore, in the printer controller of the present invention described in claim 3, in the printer controller of the present invention described in claim 1 or 2, the restriction content includes an allowable change range of the print setting in the print job of the user. It is characterized by being.

  According to the printer controller of the present invention described in claim 3, in the printer controller of the present invention described in claim 1 or 2, the restriction contents for the print setting of the user's print job that satisfies the print restriction condition are printed. It can be determined as the limit of the allowable range for the setting change range.

  For this reason, the user who satisfies the print restriction conditions can easily recognize the settable contents of the print setting as the allowable change range, and the print setting of the print job according to the print request is within the determined limit range. You can let the user do it.

  The printer controller of the present invention described in claim 4 is the printer controller of the present invention described in claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the restriction content determining means causes the printer apparatus to execute a printing process. The restriction content for the print setting of the user print job is determined based on the print setting history of the user print job.

  According to the printer controller of the present invention described in claim 4, in the printer controller of the present invention described in claim 1, 2 or 3, the restriction content for the print setting of the print job of the user who satisfies the print restriction condition is This is determined based on the print setting history of the user's past print job. For this reason, in view of the print setting history, users who have many print jobs with print settings that should be largely restricted in the past, or users who have many print jobs with print settings that can be restricted in the past. The restriction contents for the print settings can be made different for users who are neither of them.

  For example, when the print restriction condition is a cumulative value of the number of printed sheets by the user's print job, the print setting history in the past print job includes a print setting that tends to consume more paper than necessary. The print setting can be limited to contents that further suppress the consumption of paper. In addition, if the print settings history of past print jobs contains many print settings that tend to cost more than necessary even if the number of paper consumed is the same, the print settings should be set to further suppress the print costs. Can be limited.

  Further, the printer controller of the present invention described in claim 5 is the printer controller of the present invention described in claim 4, wherein the restriction content determination means causes the printer apparatus to execute a printing process from the history. It is characterized in that at least one element is calculated among a printing rate, a color rate, and a usage frequency in a user print job, and the restriction content is determined based on the calculated element.

  According to the printer controller of the present invention described in claim 5, in the printer controller of the present invention described in claim 4, the past printing is performed based on the print setting history of the user's past print job satisfying the print restriction condition. At least one element is calculated from the printing rate, color rate, and usage frequency of printing that is performed by the printer.

  Here, the printing rate can be represented by, for example, the area ratio of the actually printed region to the printable region of the paper. The color ratio is, for example, that of a color document portion that is printed using at least one ink of cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) that occupies the document of the print job according to the print setting in the color mode. It can be expressed as a percentage. Furthermore, the use frequency can be represented by, for example, the number of printed sheets per unit time obtained from the total number of printed sheets in the recent past predetermined time.

  For example, for a print job of a user whose printing rate tends to be low, it is assumed that there is relatively little trouble in terms of reading the original even if the original is reduced and imposed on the same paper surface as other originals. The Therefore, for such a user's print job, after satisfying the print restriction condition, for example, by setting the print setting restriction content so that imposition is given priority for the print layout, the paper for the number of print jobs generated The increase in the number of sheets consumed can be suppressed.

  Also, for example, for a user's print job that tends to have a low color rate, it is assumed that the portion of the original that is not in color even when printed in monochrome mode is small and there are relatively few problems. For this reason, for such a user's print job, the print cost per sheet can be reduced by setting the print setting restriction contents so that the monochrome mode is given priority over the print mode after the print restriction conditions are satisfied. Can be suppressed.

  Furthermore, for example, for users who tend to be frequently used, the absolute number of print jobs generated is relatively large. Therefore, for such a user's print job, after satisfying the print restriction condition, for example, by setting the print setting restriction content so that imposition is given priority for the print layout, the paper for the number of print jobs generated The increase in the number of sheets consumed can be suppressed.

  Note that, when two or more elements are calculated from the print setting history of the past print job of the user who satisfies the print restriction condition, the following can also be performed.

  For example, it is assumed that the usage frequency and the printing rate of printing by the user are calculated from the past history of the user who satisfies the printing restriction state. Here, when the calculated use frequency of printing by the user is low, it is expected that the number of printed sheets will not increase greatly due to the execution of the print job from the user in the future. Therefore, when the printing rate calculated for the user tends to be low, imposition such as N-up is not forcibly set as a print layout, and print processing is executed with print settings as desired by the user. May be.

  In this way, the restrictions on the print settings are differentiated between users who can be expected to use printing less frequently and are consciously working to control printing costs, and those who are not, and the printing tendencies differ individually. Reasonable content restrictions can be imposed on the print settings of each user's print job.

  The printer controller of the present invention described in claim 6 is the printer controller of the present invention described in claim 4 or 5, wherein the restriction content determining means is updated every time the history is periodically updated. The restriction content is determined on the basis of the recorded history, and the restriction information output means (for example, the CPU 90 of the control unit 10 in FIG. 1, step S511 in FIG. 15), the restriction content determination means determines the restriction content. Each time it is performed, the latest restriction information is output.

  According to the printer controller of the present invention described in claim 6, in the printer controller of the present invention described in claim 4 or 5, the print setting history in the past print job of the user satisfying the print restriction condition is updated. Each time, the restriction content corresponding to the new history is determined for the print settings of the user's print job. Then, the restriction information indicating the determined restriction content is output to the terminal in association with the user to which the restriction content is applied.

  Therefore, if the tendency of print settings in a user's past print job that satisfies the print restriction conditions changes while the generation of a print job accompanying the user's print request is repeated, the restriction that is output to the terminal in association with that user The restriction content of the print setting indicated in the information also changes to the content corresponding to the latest print setting tendency.

  For this reason, the print settings of the user's print job satisfying the print restriction conditions can always be restricted to the restriction contents according to the latest history of the print settings. For example, if a user who satisfies the print restriction conditions changes the content from a print setting that requires a print cost to a print setting that does not, the print cost is increased according to the change in the history of the updated print settings. The restriction content of the print setting can be changed from the content to be suppressed to the content that allows a wide range of print settings.

  Furthermore, the printer controller of the present invention described in claim 7 is the printer controller of the present invention described in claim 4, 5 or 6, wherein the restriction content determining means is updated each time the history is periodically updated. The restriction content is determined based on the updated history, and the restriction information output means (for example, the CPU 90 of the control unit 10 in FIG. 1, step S7 in FIG. 22) requests from the terminal used by the user. Each time it is done, the latest restriction information is output.

  According to the printer controller of the present invention described in claim 7, in the printer controller of the present invention described in claim 4, 5 or 6, when requested from the terminal used by the user, the restriction information associated with the user Is output to the terminal. The restriction content indicated in the output restriction information is determined according to the latest history among the print setting histories of the user's past print jobs to which the restriction content is applied.

  Therefore, when a request is made from a terminal used by a user who satisfies the print restriction conditions, the restriction content determined according to the print setting tendency in the latest past print job of the user is output to the terminal. become.

  Therefore, depending on whether the print setting trend of a print job that has recently occurred by a user who satisfies the print setting conditions is a print setting that requires a print cost or a print setting that saves the print cost. Restrictions on settings can be made different.

  For example, at the time when output of restriction information is requested from a terminal used by a user who satisfies the print restriction conditions, the tendency of the print setting of the corresponding user's print job is changed from a print setting that requires printing cost to a print setting that does not. If it has changed, it is possible to output restriction information of restriction contents allowing a wide range of print settings to the terminal.

In order to achieve the above object, a printer driver device according to the present invention described in claim 8 provides:
A printer controller (for example, a control unit in FIG. 1) that generates a print job for the user in response to a print request from the user and causes a printer apparatus (for example, the inkjet recording apparatus 1 in FIG. 1) to execute print processing based on the print job. 10) in the printer driver device (for example, the client terminal 14 in FIG. 1)
Storage means (for example, the external storage in FIG. 1) is input to the restriction information indicating the restriction contents for the print setting of the print job, which is input from the printer controller, for each user to which the restriction contents associated with the restriction information are applied. Limited information processing means (for example, CPU 16 in FIG. 1, step S1103 in FIG. 17, step S11D in FIG. 24) to be stored in the apparatus 21);
When the restriction information associated with the requesting user of the print request is stored in the storage unit, the print of the user in which the contents of the print settings match the restriction contents indicated in the restriction information Print job generation means for generating a job in response to a print request from the user (for example, CPU 16 in FIG. 1, steps S1301 to S1311 in FIG. 18 (excluding step S1305), or steps S1303 to S1311) (However, excluding step S1305))
It is characterized by providing.

  According to the printer driver device of the present invention described in claim 8, when the restriction information is input from the printer controller, the restriction information is stored in the storage means for each user associated with the restriction information. When a print request from the user associated with the restriction information stored in the storage unit is generated, a print job is generated in which the content of the print setting matches the restriction content indicated in the restriction information of the corresponding storage unit. Is output to the printer controller.

  For this reason, when the restriction information related to the user is input from the printer controller and stored in the storage means for the reason that the printing restriction condition set in advance for the user is satisfied, the print request of the user is received. When it occurs, the print setting of the print job generated in response to the print request is restricted within the range of the restriction content indicated in the restriction information associated with the user.

  Therefore, by setting the restriction content of the print setting indicated by the restriction information to a content suitable for the print process by the user who satisfies the print restriction condition, the print setting is restricted to the content suitable for the print process by the user. A job can be generated. As a result, when the print restriction condition is satisfied, a print job having a print setting limited to a desired content can be output to the printer controller without making the user aware of it.

  In the printer driver apparatus according to the present invention, the change input receiving means for receiving the print setting change input (for example, the CPU 16 in FIG. 1, step S1307 in FIG. 18, the input unit 19, and the output unit 20). And the change input receiving means stores the print setting of the print job of the user when the restriction information associated with the user requesting the print operation is stored in the storage means. The printer driver device of the first modified pattern may be configured to accept a change input within a range that matches the restriction content indicated in the restriction information.

  According to the printer driver apparatus configured as described above, in the printer driver apparatus according to the present invention described in claim 8, a user whose restriction information is stored in the storage means can print a print job corresponding to his / her print request. When an input for changing the setting is made, the change input accepting unit does not accept the change input unless the change is within a range suitable for the restriction content of the restriction information.

  For this reason, when it is desired to change part or all of the print settings generated in response to the user's print request from a specified value to another content, for example, according to the user's print request that satisfies the print restriction conditions For a print job, the print setting change range is limited to a range that matches the restriction content of the restriction information.

  Therefore, when a user who satisfies the print restriction conditions changes the print settings of the print job according to his / her print request, the print settings can be set within a range that matches the restriction contents of the restriction information without making the user aware of it. Change input can be executed.

  Further, in the printer driver device of the present invention described in claim 8 and the printer driver device of the first modified pattern of claim 8 described above, each time the restriction information is input from the printer controller, the restriction information and Updating means (for example, the CPU 16 in FIG. 1, step S1103 in FIG. 17, or step in FIG. 24) for updating the storage contents of the storage means corresponding to the associated user to the latest restriction information input from the printer controller. S11D) may be provided, and the printer driver device of the second modified pattern may be configured.

  According to the printer driver device configured as described above, in the printer driver device of the present invention described in claim 8 and the printer driver device of the first modified pattern of claim 8 described above, the printer driver device is already stored in the storage means. When new restriction information related to the user associated with the restriction information is input from the printer controller, the restriction information that is already stored in the storage unit in association with the user is updated by the update unit. Updated with information.

  For this reason, when a print request is issued from a user whose restriction information is already stored in the storage means, a print job with a print setting that matches the restriction contents of the latest restriction information stored in the storage means in association with the user Is generated by the print job generation means.

  Therefore, when the restriction content for the print settings of a user's print job that satisfies the print restriction conditions changes over time, it conforms to the restriction content of the latest restriction information at the time when the print request from that user occurs. The print job generation unit can generate a print job with a print setting limited to the above without making the user himself / herself aware.

  Further, in the printer driver device of the present invention described in claim 8, the printer driver device of the first modified pattern of claim 8 described above, or the printer driver device of the second modified pattern described above, from the user, Information request means (for example, the CPU 16 in FIG. 1, step S11A and step S11B in FIG. 24) for outputting the restriction information output request to the printer controller each time there is a print request, and the print job The generation unit generates the user's print job after the limit information processing unit stores the limit information output by the printer controller in response to the output request in the storage unit. You may make it comprise the printer driver apparatus of a 2nd deformation pattern.

  According to the printer driver device configured as described above, the printer driver device of the present invention described in claim 8, the printer driver device of the first modification pattern of claim 8 described above, or the second modification described above thereof. In the pattern printer driver device, when a print request from the user is generated, an output request for restriction information is output to the printer controller by the information request means.

  When the restriction information corresponding to the output request is input from the printer controller, the restriction information is stored in the storage unit for each user to which the restriction content indicated in the restriction information is applied. When the storage of the restriction information in the storage unit is completed, a print job corresponding to the generated user print request is generated and output to the printer controller. At this time, if the restriction information related to the user who requested printing is stored in the storage unit, a print job with print settings restricted by the restriction contents of the restriction information is generated and output to the printer controller. .

  For this reason, at the point where the print request from the user is generated, the restriction information indicating the restriction contents for the print setting of the print job of the user who requested the print is already generated in the printer controller, for example, because the print restriction condition is satisfied. If it is, the print job is always generated with the print settings restricted by the restriction contents of the restriction information, and is output to the printer controller.

  Therefore, if the printer controller generates restriction information indicating the restriction contents related to the user at the time when the user's print request is generated, a print job with print settings restricted by the restriction contents is always generated. Can be output to the printer controller.

  Note that even when a printer driver program for causing a computer to function as each unit of the printer driver device of the present invention described in claim 8 is configured, the same operation as that of the printer driver device of the present invention described in claim 8 is achieved. An effect can be obtained.

A print job generation method according to the present invention described in claim 9
A method of generating a print job for a user based on a print request from the user,
When a print restriction condition preset for the user is satisfied by the generated print job of the user, determining a restriction content for print settings of the print job of the user;
When a print request is issued from the user for which the restriction content for the print setting is determined, the print job in which the content of the print setting matches the restriction content determined for the user for which the print request has occurred A step of generating
It is characterized by including.

  According to the present invention, when a condition set for a user is satisfied by the user's print job, even if the user is not conscious of himself / herself, a print setting restriction suitable for the condition being satisfied is printed. Can be added.

1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printer network system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of the inkjet recording device of FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a print setting screen for a document image displayed on the output unit of the client terminal in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a print setting property screen displayed on the output unit of the client terminal in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a print setting property screen displayed on the output unit of the client terminal in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating print setting restriction contents based on restriction information for each user regarding print settings of a print job generated in the client terminal of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating print setting restriction contents based on restriction information for each user regarding print settings of a print job generated in the client terminal of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating print setting restriction contents based on restriction information for each user regarding print settings of a print job generated in the client terminal of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating print setting restriction contents based on restriction information for each user regarding print settings of a print job generated in the client terminal of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating print setting restriction contents based on restriction information for each user regarding print settings of a print job generated in the client terminal of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating print setting restriction contents based on restriction information for each user regarding print settings of a print job generated in the client terminal of FIG. 1. 2 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing performed by a CPU of the ink jet recording apparatus of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a document image printing process performed by a CPU of a control unit of the inkjet recording apparatus of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a document image printing process performed by a CPU of a control unit of the inkjet recording apparatus of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a document image printing process performed by a CPU of a control unit of the inkjet recording apparatus of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of document image printing processing performed by the CPU of the client terminal in FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of document image printing processing performed by the CPU of the client terminal in FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of document image printing processing performed by the CPU of the client terminal in FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a print setting property screen displayed on the output unit of the client terminal in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a print setting property screen displayed on the output unit of the client terminal in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a print setting property screen displayed on the output unit of the client terminal in FIG. 1. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of document image printing processing performed by a CPU of a control unit of the ink jet recording apparatus of FIG. 1 according to a modification of the embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a document image printing process performed by the CPU of the client terminal in FIG. 1 according to a modification of the embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a document image printing process performed by the CPU of the client terminal in FIG. 1 according to a modification of the embodiment of the present invention.

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

  FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printer network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printer network system of this embodiment includes an inkjet recording apparatus 1 and a client terminal 14.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the inkjet recording apparatus 1 (corresponding to the printer apparatus in the claims) reads a document image on a document and outputs an image signal, and an image output from the scanner unit 101. A printer unit 102 that prints (records) a document image on a recording sheet S (one side or both sides) based on a signal, and a control unit 10 for overall control (see FIG. 1, corresponding to the printer controller in the claims). ing. The recording paper S used for printing the original image in the printer unit 102 is conveyed from the paper supply unit 105 to the paper discharge unit 109 via the printer unit 102.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an external interface unit 11 of the control unit 10 is connected to an external interface unit 15 of a plurality of client terminals 14 to be described later (in FIG. 1, one client is representative). Are connected to each other. From each client terminal 14, the control unit 10 receives a print job of a document image. The control unit 10 generates raster data of the original image by the received print job. The ink jet recording apparatus 1 causes the printer unit 102 to print a document image on the recording paper S under the conditions specified in the print job.

  A display 110 is connected to the control unit 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the display 110 is disposed on the upper part of the inkjet recording apparatus 1. This display 110 is used as an input operation unit or the like for a user to input copying conditions such as the number of copies and a copying magnification when the inkjet recording apparatus 1 is used in a copying mode in which a document image set on the scanner unit 101 is copied and printed. be able to.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 10 of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 that causes the printer unit 102 to perform a printing operation includes a CPU 90. The CPU 90 controls the operation of the scanner unit 101 and the printer unit 102 according to the contents input and set from the display 110 based on the program and setting information stored in the ROM 91.

  The control unit 10 is provided with a RAM 92, and the RAM 92 stores the number of prints input from the display 110 and various setting contents as needed. The RAM 92 is provided with a frame memory area. In this frame memory area, raster data of a document image generated by the CPU 90 by a print job input from the client terminal 14 to the control unit 10 is temporarily stored until it is output to the printer unit 102.

  Further, the control unit 10 is provided with an external storage device 93, and this external storage device 93 is connected to the CPU 90. The external storage device 93 stores various tables and counters. Examples of the table stored in the external storage device 93 include an authority data table and a history data table.

  The authority data table is a table in which a user ID uniquely assigned to a user who has logged in to the client terminal 14 is associated with authority data such as the number of prints allowed (number of prints allowed) for each user. The number of prints allowed is the sum of the number of prints allowed in the color mode (including both monochrome cyan and monochrome magenta modes) in the print settings of a print job, which will be described later, It is defined for each of the total permitted number of prints.

  The history data table is a table in which a print setting history in a print job that has been subjected to print processing by each user is associated with a user ID. The print setting elements for managing the history in the history data table include a printing rate, a color rate, and a usage frequency.

  The print rate can be represented by, for example, the area ratio of the actually printed area to the printable area of the paper. The color rate is, for example, cyan (C), magenta (M), or yellow (Y) in a document that has been printed in a print job in a color mode (including both monochrome cyan and monochrome magenta modes). This can be represented by the proportion of the color original portion printed using at least one ink. Furthermore, the use frequency can be represented by, for example, the number of printed sheets per unit time obtained from the total number of printed sheets in the recent past predetermined time. The contents of this history data table are periodically updated by a procedure described later.

  The counters stored in the external storage device 93 include, for example, color, black and white, and total total number counters. Each of these counters indicates the total number of sheets consumed in the print job processed by each user (the total number of prints) and the color mode (monochrome cyan and monochromatic magenta modes) in the print settings of the print job described later. The total number of prints in black and white (monochrome) mode, and the total total number of prints, which is the sum of both modes.

  On the other hand, each client terminal 14 (corresponding to a printer driver device in the claims) is constituted by a PC (personal computer) or the like. Each client terminal 14 is used by a user who logs in by entering a user ID and password immediately after power-on.

  The client terminal 14 includes a CPU 16 that executes various processes based on a control program stored in the ROM 17, a RAM 18 that functions as a working area of the CPU 16, an input unit 19 that includes a keyboard, a mouse, and the like, a liquid crystal display Etc., and an output unit 20 composed of the like.

  In addition to the external interface unit 15 described above, an external storage device 21 and a disk drive 22 are connected to the CPU 16. The external storage device 21 (corresponding to the storage means in the claims) includes an application program storage area for generating document image data, a printer driver program storage area for the inkjet recording apparatus 1, and an application program. A database area or the like for storing the data file of the document image generated by use is secured.

  The external storage device 21 further has an area for storing a plurality of restriction information in association with the user ID of the user. Each restriction information indicates the contents of restriction on various print settings of a print job generated by the CPU 16 in response to a user's print request for each user. This restriction information is input to each client terminal 14 from the control unit 10 of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 according to a procedure described later.

  The CPU 16 activates the application program in the external storage device 21 in accordance with the activation request input from the input unit 19, and the document image data having the contents instructed by parameter input from the input unit 19 is activated. Generate on application program. The generated document image data is displayed and output at the output unit 20, and when a save request is input from the input unit 19, it is stored in the database area of the document image data in the external storage device 21.

  The document image data stored in the database area of the external storage device 21 is read from the external storage device 21 when a read request is input from the input unit 19 while the application program is running. The read document image data can be displayed and output on the output unit 20, or can be processed on the application program and regenerated as new document image data.

  Then, the CPU 16 generates and generates a print job for a document image to be printed when a request for printing a document image whose file is opened by the application program is input from the input unit 19 while the application program is running. The print job is output from the external interface unit 15 to the external interface unit 11 of the control unit 10. This print job can be output to the control unit 10 by the CPU 16 executing a printer driver program stored in the external storage device 21.

  The printer driver program can be read from the disk-shaped recording medium 50 such as an optical disk by the disk drive 22 of the client terminal 14 and installed (stored) in the external storage device 21.

  When the printer driver program of the disk-shaped recording medium 50 is installed in the external storage device 21, when a print request for a document image that has generated data on the application program started in the client terminal 14 is input from the input unit 19, The printer driver program is activated by the CPU 16.

  Even if the application program is not activated, a print request for a document image in which data is stored in the database area of the external storage device 21 is input on the OS (operation system) file list screen displayed on the output unit 20. When input is performed by the unit 19, the printer driver program is started in the client terminal 14 together with the application program used to generate the document image data.

  Then, the CPU 16 executes processing of the activated printer driver program using the file data of the document image to be printed opened by the application program, thereby generating a document image print job and outputting it to the control unit 10. To do. When outputting the print job to the control unit 10, the CPU 16 outputs a user ID for identifying the user who has requested printing by the print job to the control unit 10 together with the print job. As this user ID, the user ID input when logging in to the client terminal 14 may be used as it is. In the case of the shared client terminal 14, the user ID may be requested by display on the output unit 20 when the printer driver program is started, and the user ID input from the input unit 19 by the user may be used.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a print setting screen for a document image displayed on the output unit 20 of the client terminal 14. This print setting screen is displayed on the output unit 20 when a print request for a document image is input to the CPU 16 by operating the input unit 19 in the print menu of the application program. In addition, the print setting screen displays a request for specifying and printing one or more document images in which file data is stored in the database area of the external storage device 21 by the operation of the input unit 19 on the OS file list screen. Also when it is input, it is displayed on the output unit 20.

  On this print setting screen, the CPU 16 can input and set the print range, the number of copies, and the like of the document image that outputs the print job to the control unit 10 and causes the inkjet recording apparatus 1 to perform the print operation.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a print setting property screen displayed on the output unit 20 of the client terminal 14. This property screen is displayed on the output unit 20 under the control of the CPU 16 when the printer property button 20a in the print setting screen of FIG. 3 is clicked (by the operation of the input unit 19). As shown in FIG. 4, this property screen has tabs such as “basic” and “layout”. Then, on the “Basic” and “Layout” tab screens, it is possible to perform input settings for main items of print settings.

  FIG. 4 shows a property screen when the “basic” tab is selected. On this “basic” tab, it is possible to make input settings for print settings for items such as “color mode” and “double-sided printing”. In the present embodiment, a pull-down select box is used for input settings of “color mode” and “double-sided printing”.

  Among these, the options that can be selected with the select box for the item “color mode” are five patterns of “auto”, “color”, “monochrome”, “monochrome”, and “monochrome magenta” in the present embodiment. is there. At the time immediately after the installation of the printer driver program or when there is no restriction due to restriction information thereafter, the default value of “color mode” is the initial value “color”.

  In the present embodiment, there are four patterns of “OFF”, “ON”, “long edge binding”, and “short edge binding” that can be selected with the select box for the “duplex printing” item. At the time immediately after installation of the printer driver program or when there is no restriction due to restriction information thereafter, the prescribed value (default value) of “double-sided printing” is the initial value “OFF”.

  FIG. 5 shows a property screen when the “Layout” tab is selected. In this “layout” tab, input settings can be made for the “imposition” item. In the present embodiment, a pull-down select box is used for “imposition” input settings.

  In this embodiment, there are four patterns of “OFF”, “N up”, “continuous shooting”, and “booklet” that can be selected in the select box for the “imposition” item. At the time immediately after the installation of the printer driver program or when there is no restriction due to restriction information thereafter, the default value of “imposition” is the initial value “OFF”.

  When “N-up” is selected in the “imposition” item, an input setting field for the “number of surfaces” item is displayed under “imposition” in the “layout” tab. In the present embodiment, a pull-down select box is also used for the “number of faces” input setting. In this embodiment, there are three patterns of “2 sides”, “4 sides”, and “8 sides” that can be selected in the select box for the “number of sides” item. At the time immediately after the installation of the printer driver program or when there is no restriction due to restriction information thereafter, the prescribed value (default value) of “number of faces” is the initial value “two faces”.

  4 and FIG. 5 described above, the setting input of each item is performed (by operating the input unit 19), and then the OK button 20b at the lower right of the property screen is pressed (by operating the input unit 19). When the click operation is performed, the input setting is validated, and the display of the output unit 20 returns to the print setting screen of FIG. When the cancel button 20c adjacent to the OK button 20b is clicked (by operation of the input unit 19), the input setting is invalidated and the display of the output unit 20 returns to the print setting screen of FIG.

  Then, when the OK button 20d at the lower right of the print setting screen in FIG. 3 is clicked (by operation of the input unit 19), intermediate data of the document image to be printed is generated, and the inkjet recording apparatus 1 as a print job. Is output to the control unit 10. At this time, the print setting of each item input and set on the property screen of FIGS. 4 and 5 is output to the control unit 10 of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 as a part of the print job. When the user clicks on the cancel button 20e adjacent to the OK button 20d (by operating the input unit 19), the generation and output of the print job are cancelled.

  When the print job is output to the control unit 10 of the inkjet recording apparatus 1, the output unit 20 of the client terminal 14 displays a spool status, a print status confirmation message, and the like of the print job.

  In the control unit 10 of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 to which a print job and a user ID are input from each client terminal 14, the number of prints for each user (total number of prints, total number of color modes, total number of monochrome modes) ) Management. Further, the control unit 10 uses the authority data stored in the external storage device 93 to print the remaining printable number for each user (total printable remaining number, color mode remaining printable number, monochrome mode printout). (Possible remaining number of sheets) is managed.

  Then, the control unit 10 that manages the number of prints and the remaining printable number for each user makes a decision to restrict the print settings in the print job of a specific user as necessary, and restriction information indicating the decided restriction contents Are output to each client terminal 14 together with the user ID that identifies the user to be applied. In each client terminal 14, the restriction information input from the control unit 10 is stored in the external storage device 21 in association with the user ID input together with the restriction information.

  Here, the restriction information that the control unit 10 outputs to each client terminal 14 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of restriction information indicating the restriction contents of the specified value (default value) relating to the color mode associated with a certain user. The restriction contents based on the restriction information shown in the explanatory diagram of FIG. 6 are defined in a table format. In this table, the color ratio of the original of the print job in the color mode is developed in the vertical column, and the printable remaining number (color remaining number) in the color mode is developed in the horizontal row. For example, the color rate depends on the ratio of the color original portion printed using at least one ink of cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) in the original of the print job according to the print setting in the color mode. Can be represented.

  In the restriction contents shown in FIG. 6, when the color rate is “high (15% or more of the original)” and “medium (10 to 15%), the remaining number of colors is“ high (80% of the permitted number of prints). If it is “above” or “medium (40 to 80%)”, it is specified that the specified value (default value) of the color mode is “color”. Also, if the color rate is “high (15% or more of the original)” and “medium (10 to 15% of the same)”, the remaining number of colors is “low (40% or less of the permitted number of prints)”. The specified value of the color mode is defined as “black and white (monochrome)”. Further, when the color rate is “low (10% or less of the original)” and “none (monochrome original)”, the specified value of the color mode is set to “monochrome (monochrome)” regardless of the level of the remaining number of colors. It is prescribed.

  When the number of remaining colors is “none”, it is further defined that “monochrome”, which is the specified value of the color mode, is not allowed to be changed by the user (cannot be changed). Such a rule does not exist when the remaining number of colors is other than “None”. Therefore, when the remaining number of colors is other than “None”, the user can input the change value for the color mode specified value.

  As described above, the limitation content shown in FIG. 6 is whether or not to allow the user to input change to “black and white” which is the specified value of the color mode, depending on whether the remaining number of colors is “None” or not. Different. For this reason, the restriction content shown in FIG. 6 includes a print setting change allowable range.

  Incidentally, the restriction content of the restriction information shown in the explanatory diagram of FIG. 6 is merely an example. For example, the restriction content of the specified value (default value) related to a color mode associated with a certain user is the content shown in the explanatory diagram of FIG. It can also be.

  7, when the color rate is “high (15% or more of the original)”, the remaining number of colors is “high (80% or more of the permitted number of prints)” or “medium (40 to 80). %)), The specified value (default value) of the color mode is specified to be “auto (color priority)”. When the color ratio is “medium (10 to 15% of the original)” and the remaining number of colors is “high (80% or more of the permitted number of prints)”, the specified value of the color mode is set to “auto”. (Color priority) ”is specified.

  Furthermore, when the color rate is “medium (10 to 15% of the original)” and the remaining number of colors is “medium (40 to 80% of the permitted number of prints)”, the color rate is “low (10% of the original). In the case where the remaining number of colors is “high (80% or more of the permitted number of printed sheets)”, it is specified that the specified value of the color mode is “auto (monochrome priority)”.

  Further, when the color rate is “none (monochrome original)”, it is defined that the specified value of the color mode is “black and white (monochrome)” regardless of the number of remaining color sheets. Furthermore, when the color rate is other than “low (10% or less of the original)” and the remaining color number is other than “high (80 or more of the permitted number of prints)”, the color rate is “medium (permitted number of prints allowed). 40 to 80%) and the remaining number of colors is “low (40% or less of the permitted number of prints)” or “none”, the specified value of the color mode is defined as “monochrome”. Has been.

  It is further defined that when the remaining number of colors is “None”, the color mode “Monochrome” is not allowed to be changed by the user (cannot be changed). Such a rule does not exist when the remaining number of colors is other than “None”. Therefore, when the remaining number of colors is other than “None”, the user can input the change value for the color mode specified value.

  As described above, the restriction content shown in FIG. 7 is also input by the user to change the color mode default value “monochrome” depending on whether the remaining number of colors is “None” or not, similarly to the restriction content shown in FIG. It is different whether or not is allowed. For this reason, the restriction content shown in FIG. 7 also includes the print setting change allowable range in the same manner as the restriction content shown in FIG.

  FIG. 8 to FIG. 10 are explanatory diagrams showing the restriction contents of the prescribed value (default value) related to double-sided printing associated with a certain user. The restriction contents by the restriction information shown in each explanatory diagram of FIGS. 8 to 10 are defined in a table format. In this table, the printing rate is developed in the vertical column, and the use frequency is developed in the horizontal row. The print rate can be represented by, for example, the area ratio of the actually printed area to the printable area on the paper printed by the print job. The frequency of use can be represented by, for example, the number of printed sheets per unit time obtained from the total number of printed sheets in a recent past predetermined time.

  FIG. 8 shows restriction contents of restriction information when the total printable remaining number of color and black and white (monochrome) of a certain user is “high (80% or more of the permitted number of prints)”. FIG. 9 shows a restriction content when the total printable remaining number of a certain user is “medium (40 to 80% of the permitted print number)”, and FIG. 10 shows the total printable remaining number of a certain user. Is a restriction content when “low” (40% or less of the permitted number of prints).

  In the restriction contents shown in FIG. 8, if the usage frequency is “medium (somewhat)” and “low (less)”, the specified value (default value) for double-sided printing is “single-sided” regardless of the printing rate. It is prescribed to do. When the usage frequency is “high (frequent)” and the printing rate is “high (15% or more of the printable area)” or “medium (10 to 15%)”, the prescribed value for duplex printing is set. “One side” is stipulated. Furthermore, when the usage frequency is “high (frequent)” and the printing rate is “low (10% or less of the printable area)”, the prescribed value for duplex printing is defined as “double-sided”. .

  The restriction content shown in FIG. 9 stipulates that if the usage frequency is “high (frequent)”, the prescribed value (default value) for double-sided printing is “double-sided” regardless of the print rate. . Further, if the usage frequency is “low (less)”, it is specified that the specified value for double-sided printing is “single-sided” regardless of the printing rate. Furthermore, when the usage frequency is “medium (appropriate)” and the printing rate is “high (15% or more of the printable area)” or “medium (10 to 15%), the prescribed value for double-sided printing ( The default value) is defined as “one side”. In addition, when the usage frequency is “medium (appropriate)” and the printing rate is “low (10% or less of the printable area)”, the prescribed value for duplex printing is defined as “double-sided”. .

  In the restriction content shown in FIG. 10, if the usage frequency is “high (frequent)” and “medium (so-so)”, the prescribed value (default value) for double-sided printing is “double-sided” regardless of the level of printing rate. It is prescribed to do. In addition, when the usage frequency is “low (less)” and the printing rate is “high (15% or more of the printable area)”, the prescribed value for duplex printing is defined as “one side”. . In addition, when the usage frequency is “low (less)” and the printing rate is “medium (10 to 15% of printable area)” or “low (10% or less)”, the prescribed value for double-sided printing is set. It is stipulated to be “both sides”.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a restriction content of a specified value (default value) related to N-up (one of imposition items) associated with a certain user. The restrictions shown in the explanatory diagram of FIG. 11 are defined in a table format. In this table, the total printable remaining number of color and black and white (monochrome) is developed in a vertical column, and the usage frequency is developed in a horizontal row.

  In the restrictions shown in FIG. 11, the total printable remaining number of colors and black and white (monochrome) (“high (80% or more of the permitted number of prints)”, “medium (40 to 80%)”, “low” (40% or less))) and frequency of use ("high (frequent)", "medium (somewhat)", "low (few)") The number of document pages to be imposed is defined as one of “1”, “2”, “4”, and “8”.

  Here, the number of pages is “1” means that one document is impositioned on one sheet of paper, and is not substantially increased by N, that is, the print setting item “imposition” is “OFF”. It means that there is. The other face numbers “2”, “4”, and “8” refer to imposing 2 pages, 4 pages, and 8 pages on one sheet of paper, respectively. This means that the item “imposition” is “N up”.

  In the restriction contents shown in FIG. 11, the rule for N-up with “imposition” set to “ON” is that the larger the total printable remaining number, the smaller the number of pages to be impositioned, and the total remaining printable number becomes. The smaller the number, the greater the number of faces to be imposed. In addition, this rule has a tendency that the lower the frequency of use, the fewer the number of impositions, and the higher the frequency of use, the greater the number of impositions.

  Next, a procedure of processing performed by the CPU 90 of the control unit 10 according to the program of the ROM 91 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  First, as shown in FIG. 12, after the power of the ink jet recording apparatus 1 is turned on and until the power of the ink jet recording apparatus 1 is turned off, the CPU 90 performs printing interrupt processing (step S1), history update The insertion process (step S3) and the restriction information update interruption process (step S5) are repeatedly executed.

  Among these, in the print interrupt process of step S1, as shown in FIG. 13, the CPU 90 checks whether or not a print job has been input (step S101), and if not input (NO in step S101). The CPU 90 ends the print job interrupt request confirmation process. On the other hand, if a print job has been input (YES in step S101), the CPU 90 determines that the number of prints made by the print job is the remaining printable number (color mode, user's) corresponding to the user ID input with the print job. It is confirmed whether or not it is within the black and white mode (total) (step S103). For this confirmation, reference is made to the permitted number of prints for the corresponding user in the authority data table of the external storage device 93 and the count value (total print number) of each total number counter of the external storage device 93. That is, the CPU 90 obtains the remaining printable number by subtracting the total number of prints from the permitted number of prints, and uses this to check in step S103.

  If it is not within the remaining printable number (NO in step S103), the CPU 90 ends the print job interrupt request confirmation process. On the other hand, if it is within the printable remaining number of sheets (YES in step S103), the CPU 90 executes the printing process by the print job (step S105), and then counts the corresponding total number counter of the external storage device 93. After the value is updated to a value obtained by adding the number of prints of the print job that has been subjected to the printing process in step S103 (step S107), the print job interrupt request confirmation process is terminated.

  In the history update interrupt process in step S3 of FIG. 12, as shown in FIG. 14, the CPU 90 confirms whether or not the update period of the history data table in the external storage device 93 has arrived (step S301). If it has not arrived (NO in step S301), the CPU 90 ends the history update interrupt process. It should be noted that the update period of the history data table can be determined to arrive at the same time for all users at a time when a certain time has elapsed since the previous update of the history data table. However, the update cycle of the history data table can be determined to arrive individually for each user at other timings.

  For example, the update period of the history data table may arrive at the timing when the count value of a part of the external storage device 93 or each total number counter has increased by a predetermined value from the previous update of the history data table. Good. When two or more total number counters are to be checked for whether or not the count value has increased by a predetermined value, the predetermined value can be an individual value for each total number counter.

  The history data table update cycle may arrive at a timing when the number of print jobs that have undergone print processing has increased by a predetermined value from the previous update of the history data table. Alternatively, the count value of the total number counter (color mode, black and white mode, total) of the external storage device 93 with respect to the permitted number of prints (color mode, black and white mode, total) stored as authority data in the right data table of the external storage device 93 The update period of the history data table may arrive at a timing when the ratio of) has increased by a predetermined ratio from the previous update of the history data table. When the count values of two or more total sheet counters are to be confirmed as to whether or not a predetermined ratio has increased with respect to the permitted number of prints, the predetermined ratio may be an individual value for each total sheet counter. A common value may be used.

  If the update period of the history data table has arrived (YES in step S301), the CPU 90 updates the history data table of the update target user stored in the external storage device 93 (step S303). When updating the history data table, the printing rate, color rate, and usage frequency elements of each user managed in the history data table are displayed for each print job that has been printed since the last update of the history data table. Update to a value calculated based on the print settings. After updating the history data table, the CPU 90 ends the history update interrupt process.

  Further, in the restriction information update interrupt process of step S5 in FIG. 12, as shown in FIG. 15, the CPU 90 checks whether there is a user who newly satisfies the print restriction condition (step S501). The print restriction condition is set for each user. In this embodiment, the printing restriction conditions for each user are the color mode (including both monochrome cyan and monochrome magenta modes) counted by the color, monochrome, and total total number counters of the external storage device 93, monochrome mode. The total total number of printed sheets (corresponding to the cumulative number of printed sheets in the claims) reaches the corresponding set value, which is satisfied. The color mode (including both the monochrome cyan and monochrome magenta modes), the monochrome mode, and the total setting values may be predetermined absolute values. Alternatively, the color mode (including both monochrome cyan and monochrome magenta modes) managed in the authority data table of the external storage device 93, the monochrome mode, and a certain ratio (for example, 0.9) to the total permitted number of prints. It is good also as a value which multiplied. For example, if a value obtained by multiplying the permitted number of prints by 0.9 is set as a set value, the restriction on the print setting is started so that the number of printed sheets decreases when the actual number of printed sheets reaches 90% of the permitted number of printed sheets. As a result, it is possible to execute print processing with a larger number of print jobs until the actual number of prints reaches the permitted number of prints.

  If there is a user who newly satisfies the print restriction condition (YES in step S501), the CPU 90 generates restriction information for the user and stores it in the external storage device 93 (step S503). In generating the restriction information, the CPU 90 refers to each element of the printing rate, the color rate, and the usage frequency managed in the history data table of the external storage device 93 for the user who satisfies the printing restriction condition. Then, based on each element of the referred user, corresponding user restriction information is generated and stored in the external storage device 93. Specifically, a table to which the content of the element referred to in the history data table applies is detected from the tables of FIGS. 6 to 11, restriction information of restriction contents defined in the table is generated, and the external storage device 93 is generated. Remember me. Next, the CPU 90 confirms whether or not the history update flag provided in the RAM 92 is ON (step S505). If it is ON (YES in step S505), the CPU 90 shifts the process to step S509 described later, and if not ON (NO in step S505), the CPU 90 shifts the process to step S511 described later.

  In step S501, when there is no user who newly satisfies the print restriction condition (NO), the CPU 90 checks whether the history update flag is ON (step S507). If it is ON (YES in step S507), the CPU 90 shifts the process to step S509, and if it is not ON (NO in step S507), the restriction information update interrupt process ends.

  In step S509, the CPU 90 updates the restriction information stored in the external storage device 93. In updating the restriction information, the CPU 90 displays, for the user whose restriction information is stored in the external storage device 93, the elements of the printing rate, color rate, and usage frequency managed in the history data table of the external storage device 93. refer. Then, the latest restriction information of the corresponding user is generated based on each element of the referenced user, and the restriction information currently stored in the external storage device 93 is updated to the generated latest restriction information. After updating the restriction information, the CPU 90 shifts the process to step S511.

  In step S <b> 511, the CPU 90 outputs the restriction information stored in the external storage device 93 to each client terminal 14. At this time, the CPU 90 outputs, to each client terminal 14, the user ID of the user to which the restriction content based on the restriction information is applied together with the restriction information stored in the external storage device 93. After outputting the restriction information, the CPU 90 ends the restriction information update interrupt process.

  As is apparent from the above description, in the present embodiment, steps S501 and S503 in the flowchart of FIG. 15 are processing corresponding to the restriction content determining means in the claims. Further, in the present embodiment, step S511 in FIG. 15 is processing corresponding to the restriction information output means in the claims.

  Next, the procedure of the document image printing process performed by the CPU 16 of the client terminal 14 executing the installation program installed in the external storage device 21 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  First, after the power of the client terminal 14 is turned on and until the power of the client terminal 14 is turned off, as shown in FIG. S11) and a print job generation interrupt process (step S13) for generating and outputting a print job according to the print request from the user are repeatedly executed.

  Among these, in the restriction information reception interruption process, as shown in FIG. 17, it is confirmed whether or not restriction information is input from the control unit 10 of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 (step S1101). In step S1101, NO), the CPU 90 ends the restriction information reception interrupt process. On the other hand, if the restriction information is input (YES in step S1101), the CPU 16 causes the external storage device 21 to store / update the input restriction information. That is, the CPU 16 newly stores the input restriction information in the external storage device 21 in association with the user ID input together with the restriction information. Alternatively, the CPU 16 updates the restriction information already stored in the external storage device 21 in association with the same user ID to the input restriction information. Thereafter, the CPU 16 ends the restriction information reception interrupt process.

  Also, in the print job generation interrupt process in step S13 of FIG. 16, as shown in FIG. 18, the CPU 16 uses the user menu in the print menu of the application program or the print menu of the OS (operation system) file list screen. It is confirmed whether or not a file print request has been generated (step S1301). If it has not occurred (NO in step S1301), the CPU 16 ends the print job generation interrupt process.

  On the other hand, if a print request is generated (YES in step S1301), it is confirmed whether or not the restriction information associated with the user ID corresponding to the user is stored in the external storage device 21 (step S1303). If the restriction information is not stored (NO in step S1303), the default values and options for the print settings of the print job to be generated are initialized. Thereby, initial values are displayed as specified values in the items on the property screens of FIGS. 4 and 5. Also, all the options are displayed in the select boxes of the items in the property screens of FIGS. Thereafter, the CPU 16 shifts the processing to step S1309 described later.

  On the other hand, if the restriction information is stored (YES in step S1303), the specified values and options of the print setting of the print job to be generated are changed according to the restriction contents of the stored restriction information ( Step S1307). Therefore, if the restriction content of the restriction information stored in the external storage device 21 is a content that defines a specified value for any item of the print setting, the corresponding item on the property screen of FIGS. 4 and 5 Are changed to the contents defined in the restriction contents stored in the external storage device 21.

  For example, the restriction content is defined when the remaining color number is “None” among the restriction contents shown in FIG. 6, and the “color mode” is set to “black and white” and the user cannot input change. The default value of “color mode” on the property screen when the “basic” tab is selected is changed from “color”, which is the initial value, to “black and white” which is the restriction content. In addition, as shown in FIG. 19, the option that can be selected with the select box for the item “color mode” is only “monochrome” (cannot be changed) according to the restriction content.

  Further, for example, the restriction contents are defined when the usage frequency is “low (less)” and the printing rate is “low (less than 10% of the printable area)” among the restriction contents in FIG. When “Print” is set to “Double-sided (ON)”, the default value of “Double-sided printing” on the property screen when the “Basic” tab is selected is “0” as shown in FIG. “OFF” is changed to “ON” which is the restriction content.

  Further, for example, when the restriction content is the restriction content of FIG. 11, the usage frequency is “high (frequent)” and the total remaining printable number is “high (80% or more of the permitted print number)”. When “imposition” is set to “ON” and the number of N-up faces is set to “2”, the property screen when the “Layout” tab is selected as shown in FIG. The default value of “imposition” is changed from the initial value “OFF” to “N up” which is the restriction content. In addition, as the item “number of faces” of N-up, “2 faces” which is a restriction content is displayed.

  In step S1307, after the specified values and options of the print settings are changed according to the restriction contents, the CPU 16 shifts the processing to step S1309.

  In step S1309, it is confirmed whether or not the OK button 20d has been clicked (by the operation of the input unit 19) on the print setting screen of FIG. 3, and if clicked (YES in step S1309), the CPU 16 A print job is generated from the file data of the original image whose file is opened on the application program, and is output to the control unit 10 of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 (step S1311). Thereafter, the CPU 16 ends the print job generation interrupt process.

  Further, when the OK button 20d is not clicked (by the operation of the input unit 19) on the print setting screen of FIG. 3 (NO in step S1309), the CPU 16 operates the cancel button 20e on the print setting screen of FIG. It is confirmed whether or not it has been done (step S1311). If not operated (NO in step S1311), the CPU 16 shifts the process to step S1309. If operated (YES in step S1311), the CPU 16 ends the print job generation interrupt process.

  As is apparent from the above description, in the present embodiment, step S1103 in the flowchart of FIG. 17 is processing corresponding to the limited information processing means and the updating means in the claims. In this embodiment, step S1301, step S1303, step S1307, step S1309, and step S1311 in the flowchart of FIG. 18 are processing corresponding to the print job generation unit in the claims.

  In the present embodiment, the user inputs the change of the print setting from the options displayed in the select boxes of the items on the property screens of FIGS. 4 and 5 by the operation of the input unit 19. Note that the options displayed in the select box are limited to the options according to the restriction content by changing the print setting default values and options according to the restriction content in step S1307 in FIG.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the processing in step S1307 in FIG. 18, the selection box for each item on the property screen in FIGS. 4 and 5 displayed on the output unit 20 of the client terminal 14, and the input unit 19 The change input receiving means is configured.

  As described above, according to the printer network system of the present embodiment, the control unit 10 of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 determines the restriction content for the print setting of the user's print job that satisfies the print restriction condition, and stores it as restriction information externally. It is stored in the device 93. The stored restriction information is updated by the control unit 10 according to the print setting history (print rate, color rate, print use frequency) in the corresponding user's print job every time the update cycle arrives. When the restriction information is stored in the external storage device 93 or when the restriction information in the external storage device 93 is updated, the restriction information is output to each client terminal 14 together with the user ID of the corresponding user.

  Also, according to the printer network system of the present embodiment, each time the restriction information is input from the control unit 10 of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 to each client terminal 14 CPU 16, the external storage device is associated with the user ID input together. 21 is stored. When the restriction information corresponding to the user is stored in the external storage device 21 when the print request from the user is input, the CPU 16 restricts the restriction information stored in the external storage device 21. A print job is generated by restricting print settings to the contents, and output to the control unit 10 of the inkjet recording apparatus 1.

  For this reason, when a print request from the user is generated in the client terminal 14 used by the user that satisfies the print restriction condition, a print job with a print setting in a range corresponding to the restriction content applied to the user is Even if the user himself / herself is not conscious, it can be generated by the client terminal 14 and output to the control unit 10 of the inkjet recording apparatus 1.

  In the present embodiment, when the total number of prints (color, black and white, total) resulting from execution of the print process reaches a set value, the control unit 10 satisfies the print restriction condition and restricts the sheet consumed for printing. Is determined. Then, restriction information indicating the determined restriction content is output to each client terminal 14 and stored in the external storage device 21. The restriction content indicated by the stored restriction information is applied to the print settings of the subsequent print job. For this reason, it is possible to cause the user who has reached the set value of the total number of prints to execute print processing that suppresses consumption of paper unconsciously. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the printing cost and to execute more print jobs within the permitted number of prints.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the restriction content of the print setting determined by the control unit 10 includes not only the change of the specified value for each item of the print setting but also the change of the option content. For this reason, the user confirms the changed option in the selection box of each item in the property screens of FIGS. 4 and 5 displayed on the output unit 20 of the client terminal 14, and determines the change contents of the print setting from among them. be able to. In addition, since the user can select the setting contents of the item only from the options displayed in the select box, the user can set the print settings within an appropriate range without being aware of the range that can be set by the user. Can be changed input.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the control unit 10 determines the restriction contents for the print setting of the user who satisfies the print restriction condition according to the print setting history in the user's print job. For this reason, the restriction content according to the tendency of the print setting can be determined for each user.

  In particular, as in the present embodiment, if the control unit 10 is configured to calculate each element of the printing rate, the color rate, and the usage frequency of printing as the print setting history, it corresponds to the tendency of each element. Therefore, the printing cost can be effectively suppressed in terms of the number of sheets consumed and the type of ink consumed. In addition, by determining the restriction contents based on the tendency of a plurality of elements, it is possible to determine the appropriate restriction contents according to the difference in the tendency of other elements for a user who has the same tendency for one element.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 10 periodically obtains the print setting history, updates the restriction content according to the latest history, and outputs the restriction content to each client terminal 14 as restriction information. For this reason, when the print setting tendency of a user's past print job that satisfies the print restriction conditions changes, the print setting of the user's new print job corresponds to the trend change of the past print setting. Appropriate restrictions can be applied.

  In the printer network system of the above-described embodiment, the restriction information is output from the control unit 10 of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 to each client terminal 14, and the history of the history data table of the external storage device 93 and the restriction information based on the history are updated. The configuration is performed every time it is updated. However, when a print request from a user is generated at each client terminal 14, the latest restriction information may be output to the requesting client terminal 14 in response to the request from the client terminal 14.

  A printer network system according to a modification of the above-described embodiment configured as described above will be described below. The printer network system according to this modification has the same configuration as that of the above-described embodiment. And a part of process which CPU90 of the control unit 10 of the inkjet recording device 1 performs, and a part of process which CPU16 of each client terminal 14 performs differ from embodiment mentioned above.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a process performed by the CPU 90 of the control unit 10 of this modification instead of the process of FIG. 12 performed by the CPU 90 of the control unit 10 of the above-described embodiment. As shown in FIG. 22, the CPU 90 of the control unit 10 of the present modified example performs a restriction information update interrupt process (step S5A) after step S1 and step S3 of FIG. 12 performed by the CPU 90 of the control unit 10 of the above-described embodiment. ) And the restriction information output interrupt process (step S7).

  In the restriction information update interrupt process in step S5A, the CPU 90 performs the same processes as those in steps S501 to S509 among the processes in FIG. 15 performed by the CPU 90 of the control unit 10 according to the above-described embodiment. However, after updating the restriction information stored in the external storage device 93 in step S509, the CPU 90 ends the restriction information update interrupt process.

  In the restriction information output interrupt process in step S7 of FIG. 22, as shown in FIG. 23, the CPU 90 checks whether or not a restriction information output request is input from the client terminal 14 (step S701). If not input (NO in step S701), the CPU 90 ends the restriction information output interrupt process. If it is input (YES in step S701), the CPU 90 outputs the restriction information stored in the external storage device 93 to the client terminal 14 that is the restriction information output request source. At this time, the CPU 90 outputs to the client terminal 14 the user ID of the user to which the restriction content based on the restriction information is applied together with the restriction information stored in the external storage device 93. After outputting the restriction information, the CPU 90 ends the restriction information update interrupt process.

  As is clear from the above description, in this modification, steps S501 and S503 in FIG. 15 executed in the restriction information update interrupt process in step S5A in the flowchart of FIG. The process corresponds to the determining means. Further, in this modification, step S7 in the flowchart of FIG. 22 is a process corresponding to the restriction information output means in the claims.

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a process performed by the CPU 16 of each client terminal 14 of this modification instead of the process of FIG. 16 performed by the CPU 16 of each client terminal 14 of the above-described embodiment. As shown in FIG. 24, the CPU 16 of each client terminal 14 of the present modification generates a file print request by the user in the print menu of the application program or in the print menu of the OS (operation system) file list screen. It is confirmed whether or not (step S11A). If it has not occurred (NO in step S11A), the CPU 16 ends the print job generation interrupt process.

  On the other hand, when a print request is generated (YES in step S11A), the CPU 16 outputs a restriction information output request to the control unit 10 of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 (step S11B). Then, the CPU 16 waits for the restriction information to be input from the control unit 10 (step S11C). When the restriction information is input (YES in step S11C), the CPU 16 causes the external storage device 21 to store / update the input restriction information. That is, the CPU 16 newly stores the input restriction information in the external storage device 21 in association with the user ID input together with the restriction information. Alternatively, the CPU 16 updates the restriction information already stored in the external storage device 21 in association with the same user ID to the input restriction information.

  Next, the CPU 16 performs a print job generation interrupt process (step S13A). In the print job generation interrupt process in step S13A, the CPU 16 performs the same processes as those in steps S1303 to S1313 among the processes in FIG. 18 performed by the CPU 16 of each client terminal 14 in the above-described embodiment.

  As is apparent from the above description, in this modification, step S11D in the flowchart of FIG. 24 is processing corresponding to the limited information processing means and the updating means in the claims. Further, in this modification, steps S1303, S1307, S1309, and S1311 in FIG. 15 executed in the print job generation interrupt process in step S13A in the flowchart of FIG. The process corresponds to the job generation unit. Furthermore, in this modification, steps S11A and S11B in FIG. 24 are processes corresponding to the information requesting means in the claims.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the process of step S1307 in FIG. 15 executed in the print job generation interrupt process in step S13A in FIG. 24 and the output unit 20 of the client terminal 14 shown in FIGS. The change input receiving means in the claims is constituted by the select box of each item in the property screen of No. 5 and the input unit 19.

  The printer network system according to the present modification configured as described above can achieve the same effects as the printer network system according to the above-described embodiment. In the printer network system of the present modification, the latest restriction information is output from the control unit 10 of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 to each client terminal 14 when a user print request is generated at each client terminal 14. Therefore, the output of the restriction information from the control unit 10 to each client terminal 14 and the storage and update of the latest restriction information in the external storage device 21 of each client terminal 14 are efficiently performed only at the necessary timing. Can be.

  In the above-described embodiments and modifications thereof, the inkjet recording apparatus 1 that prints an original image by the inkjet method, the client terminal 14 connected thereto, or a printer driver program used in the client terminal 14 is taken as an example. Explained. However, the present invention is not limited to the ink jet method, and is widely applied to printers using a method other than the ink jet method such as an electrophotographic method or a stencil printing method, and a printer driver program used in a client terminal connected to the printer. be able to.

  In the above-described embodiment and its modification, the printer driver program that is read from the disk-shaped recording medium 50 such as an optical disk by the disk drive 22 of the client terminal 14 and is installed (stored) in the external storage device 21 is taken as an example. I took it and explained it. However, the present invention can also be applied to a printer driver program that is directly preinstalled in the disk drive 22 of the client terminal 14.

1 Inkjet recording device (printer device)
10 Control unit (printer controller)
11 External interface unit 14 Client terminal (printer driver device)
15 External interface unit 16 CPU (restriction information processing means, print job generation means, change input reception means, update means, information request means)
17 ROM
18 RAM
19 Input section (change input acceptance means)
20 output unit (change input acceptance means)
20a Property button 20b OK button 20c Cancel button 20d OK button 20e Cancel button 21 External storage device (storage means)
22 disk drive 50 disk-shaped recording medium 90 CPU (restriction content determination means, restriction information output means)
91 ROM
92 RAM
93 External storage device 101 Scanner unit 102 Printer unit 105 Paper feed unit 109 Paper discharge unit 110 Display LAN Local area network S Recording paper

Claims (9)

In a printer controller that causes a printer device to execute print processing based on print settings of the print job based on the print job of the user input from a terminal used by the user,
Restriction content determining means for determining restriction content for the print setting when a print restriction condition set in advance for the user is satisfied by the user's print job;
Restriction information output means for outputting restriction information indicating the restriction content determined by the restriction content determination means to the terminal in association with the user to which the restriction content is applied;
A printer controller comprising:   The print restriction condition is a condition that is satisfied when a cumulative value of the number of printed sheets by the user's print job reaches a preset value set for the user, and the restriction content determination means The printer controller according to claim 1, wherein when the cumulative value reaches the setting value of the user, a restriction content for the print setting related to a print layout of the print job of the user is determined.   The printer controller according to claim 1, wherein the restriction content includes a change allowable range of the print setting in the print job of the user.   The restriction content determining means determines the restriction content for the print setting of the user print job based on a history of the print setting in the print job of the user that has caused the printer apparatus to execute print processing. The printer controller according to claim 1, wherein the printer controller is a printer controller.   The restriction content determination means calculates at least one element of a print rate, a color rate, and a use frequency in the print job of the user who has caused the printer apparatus to execute print processing from the history, and the calculated element is used as the calculated element. 5. The printer controller according to claim 4, wherein the restriction content is determined based on the restriction content.   The restriction content determining means determines the restriction content based on the updated history every time the history is periodically updated, and the restriction information output means is configured to determine whether the restriction content determining means is the restriction content. 6. The printer controller according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the latest restriction information is output every time the value is determined.   The restriction content determining means determines the restriction content based on the updated history every time the history is periodically updated, and the restriction information output means is requested from the terminal used by the user. 7. The printer controller according to claim 4, wherein the latest restriction information is output each time it is executed. In a printer driver device that generates a print job for the user in response to a print request from the user and outputs the print job to a printer controller that causes the printer device to execute print processing according to the print job.
Restriction information processing means for storing restriction information, which is input from the printer controller and indicating restriction contents for print settings of the print job, in a storage means for each user to which the restriction contents associated with the restriction information are applied; ,
When the restriction information associated with the requesting user of the print request is stored in the storage unit, the print of the user whose print setting content matches the restriction content indicated in the restriction information Print job generation means for generating a job in response to a print request from the user;
A printer driver device comprising: A method of generating a print job for a user based on a print request from the user,
When a print restriction condition preset for the user is satisfied by the generated print job of the user, determining a restriction content for print settings of the print job of the user;
When a print request is issued from the user for which the restriction content for the print setting has been determined, the print job in which the content of the print setting matches the restriction content determined for the user for which the print request has occurred A step of generating
A method for generating a print job, comprising:

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