JP2015097032A - Printing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing system capable of reducing a communication load on a network in preview display at a time of direct print.SOLUTION: A printing system comprises a printer and a terminal device that is provided so as to be able to communicate with the printer, and transmits a job related to print processing to a file that can be supported by the printer. The terminal device includes: a memory to store an application for preview display; and a processing unit for activating the application and for performing preview display of the file. The processing unit includes: a determination unit for determining whether the preview display on the basis of the application for preview display relative to the file and a print result by the printer are different or not on the basis of at least one of pieces of file information on the file, and characteristic information on the terminal device and the printer; and a display control unit for executing preview display based on the application of the file on the basis of the determined result by the determination unit.

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing system, and relates to a print preview in direct printing (direct printing processing) of a file.

  As a printing method in a printing system that includes a printer (terminal device such as a personal computer (PC), tablet device, portable terminal, or digital camera) and a printer, a file can be sent from the client terminal device to the printer without going through the printer driver. There is a so-called direct print method in which the image is directly transmitted and printed. Direct printing can eliminate the need to install a printer driver in a terminal device. Direct printing can eliminate the need to open a file at the time of printing.

  When it is desired to check the print mode on the terminal device during direct printing, the printout of the file is displayed as a preview using the preview display application installed in the terminal device.

  However, the preview display based on the preview display application installed on the terminal device (viewer application (hereinafter also referred to as viewer application)) may be greatly different from the printed matter of the printer.

  This is because the terminal device and the printer have different interpretation methods for the file to be printed. Note that the file interpretation method of the terminal device differs depending on the difference between the built-in OS (Operating System) and the application.

  Therefore, in order to execute the preview display that matches the printed matter, the data is transmitted to the printer that executes the printing process, the data for preview display is created on the printer side, and the data for preview display on the terminal device Are transmitted and displayed based on the data (Patent Documents 1 and 2).

JP 2003-84960 A JP 2006-163794 A

  However, if the data for preview display created on the printer side is always transferred to the terminal device, a lot of communication occurs and becomes a burden on the network.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a printing system capable of reducing a network communication load in preview display during direct printing.

  A printing system according to an aspect of the present invention includes a printer and a terminal device that is provided so as to be communicable with the printer and that transmits a job related to print processing to a file that can be supported by the printer. The terminal device includes a memory for storing an application for preview display, and a processing unit for starting the application and displaying a preview of the file. The processing unit determines whether the preview display based on the preview display application for the file and the printed matter on the printer are different based on at least one of the file information of the file, the terminal device and the printer characteristic information And a display control unit that executes a preview display based on the file application based on the determination result of the determination unit.

  Preferably, the processing unit includes a transmission unit that transmits a print job including a print preview instruction in the terminal device to the printer or the server when it is determined that the preview display based on the file application is different from the printed matter on the printer. Also have. The printer or server generates preview data in accordance with a print job including a print preview instruction in the terminal device transmitted from the transmission unit, and transmits the generated preview data for preview display on the terminal device.

  Preferably, the determination unit determines whether the preview display based on the file application based on at least one of the file format, the attribute information of the file, and the layout information of the file differs from the printed matter on the printer. Determine whether.

  In particular, when the determination unit determines that the file has been generated by the specific reading unit as the attribute information, the determination unit determines that the preview display based on the application of the file is not different from the printed matter on the printer.

  In particular, the determination unit determines whether the preview display based on the application of the file and the printed matter on the printer are different in a predetermined condition based on the file format of the file and the attribute information of the file. The processing unit further includes a transmission unit configured to transmit a print job including a print preview instruction in the terminal device to the printer when it is determined that the determination result of the determination unit is different under a predetermined condition. According to the print job transmitted from the transmission unit, the printer determines whether the preview display based on the file application is different from the print application on the printer based on the layout information of the file, and the preview based on the file application When it is determined that the display and the printed matter on the printer are different, preview data is generated according to the print job transmitted from the transmission unit, and the generated preview data is transmitted for preview display on the terminal device.

  In particular, it further includes a server provided to be able to communicate with the printer and the terminal device. The determination unit determines whether the preview display based on the application of the file and the printed matter on the printer are different from each other under a predetermined condition based on the file format of the file and the attribute information of the file. The processing unit further includes a transmission unit configured to transmit a print job including a print preview instruction in the terminal device to the server when the determination unit determines that the predetermined condition is different as a result of the determination. In accordance with the print job transmitted from the transmission unit, the server determines whether the preview display based on the file application differs from the printed matter on the printer based on the layout information of the file, and the preview based on the file application When it is determined that the display is different from the printed matter on the printer, the preview data generated according to the print job transmitted from the transmission unit is transmitted for preview display on the terminal device.

In particular, the layout information includes at least one of figure, table, character, and symbol format information.
In particular, the determination unit determines whether the preview display based on the file application differs from the printed matter on the printer based on whether the printer supports predetermined format information in the layout information of the file information. To do.

  In particular, the memory stores multiple support lists for specific supported format information that correspond to multiple versions of the printer, and the determination unit supports the printer version of the multiple support lists. In accordance with the support list to be used, whether the preview display based on the file application differs from the printed matter on the printer based on whether the printer supports the predetermined format information of the layout information of the file information To do.

  In particular, the processing unit further includes an editing unit that adds or edits a support list related to predetermined format information stored in the memory in accordance with an input from the outside.

  In particular, the determination unit determines whether the preview display based on the file application is different from the printed matter on the printer based on whether there is format information other than the predetermined format information in the layout information of the file information. To do.

  In particular, the memory stores a plurality of support lists related to predetermined supported format information, each corresponding to a version of the application for preview display, and the determination unit is for preview display among the plurality of support lists. In accordance with the support list corresponding to the application version of the file, the preview display based on the application of the file and the printer based on whether the preview display application supports the predetermined format information of the layout information of the file information It is determined whether or not the printed material is different.

  In particular, the memory further stores a plurality of support lists related to predetermined format information supported respectively corresponding to a plurality of versions of the printer, and the determination unit determines the printer version of the plurality of support lists. Whether the printer and the preview display application support predetermined format information in the layout information of the file information according to the support list corresponding to the version of the preview display application among the corresponding support list and the plurality of support lists. Whether or not the preview display based on the file application is different from the printed matter on the printer is determined.

  Preferably, the processing unit is based on the file application according to the notification from the notification unit and a notification unit that notifies that the preview display based on the file application is different from the printed matter on the printer based on the determination result of the determination unit. A selection receiving unit for receiving a preview display selection; The display control unit receives a preview display selection based on the file application by the selection reception unit when the preview display based on the file application is different from the printed matter on the printer as the determination result of the determination unit. Perform a preview display based on the application of the file.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the network communication load in the preview display during direct printing.

It is a figure explaining the structure of the printing system based on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the specific example of each apparatus based on this embodiment. 6 is a diagram for explaining a relationship between a viewer application included in a terminal device 300 and an MFP 100. FIG. It is a figure explaining the case where a preview display (print preview) and printed matter differ according to the type of file. It is a figure explaining the function structure of the terminal device 300 based on this Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure explaining the print setting screen at the time of performing direct printing in the printing system based on this Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the process which transmits the print job in the terminal device 300 based on this Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing for receiving a print job in MFP 100 based on the first embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the preview display process in the terminal device 300 based on this Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the detail of the display determination process based on this Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure explaining the table which discriminate | determines whether it is a specific format based on this Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure explaining the specific example of the display determination process based on this Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining processing for transmitting a print job in a terminal device 300 based on a first modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing for receiving a print job in MFP 100 based on Modification 1 of Embodiment 1. It is a flowchart explaining the preview display process in the terminal device 300 based on the modification 1 of this Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the detail of the display determination process A based on the modification 1 of this Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the detail of the display determination process B based on the modification 1 of this Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure explaining the printing system cooperated with the server. It is a flowchart explaining the detail of the display determination process based on the modification 3 of this Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure explaining the specific example of the display determination process based on the modification 3 of this Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the detail of the display determination process based on this Embodiment 2. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a support list for determining whether or not MFP 100 corresponds to a specific format based on the second embodiment. It is a figure explaining a part of functional structure of the terminal device 300 based on the modification of this Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a figure explaining the specific example of the display determination process based on this Embodiment 3. FIG. It is a figure explaining a part of functional structure of the terminal device 300 based on the modification 1 of this Embodiment 3. FIG. It is a figure explaining a part of functional structure of the terminal device 300 based on the modification 2 of this Embodiment 3. FIG. It is a figure explaining the function structure of terminal device 300 # based on this Embodiment 4. FIG. It is a figure explaining the selection reception screen in the printing system based on this Embodiment 4. FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining preview display processing in a printing system based on the fourth embodiment.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, these descriptions will not be repeated.

<System configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system based on the present embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 1, a printing system according to the present embodiment includes an MFP (Multi-Functional Peripheral) 100 as an example of a printer and a terminal device 300 as an example of a client device, which are wireless or wired. It is connected so that communication is possible. The terminal device 300 corresponds to, for example, a PC (personal computer), a tablet device, a portable terminal, a digital camera, or the like.

  In this example, a printing process for the file FA stored in the terminal device 300 will be described. It is assumed that the file FA supports direct printing (direct printing processing) in the MFP 100.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of each device based on the present embodiment.
Referring to FIG. 2, MFP 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10 for controlling the entire apparatus, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 11 that is a memory for storing a program executed by CPU 10, and the like. A RAM 12 that is a memory for storing telephone book data or a work area when the CPU 10 executes a program, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 13 that is a memory for storing image data, and a printer 14 , A scanner 15, an operation panel 16, and a communication controller 17 for controlling communication with the terminal device 300.

  The terminal device 300 includes a CPU 30 for controlling the entire apparatus and a ROM 31 that is a memory for storing a program executed by the CPU 30. Further, the terminal device 300 communicates with the MFP 100, which is a memory 32 that stores various data and becomes a work area when the CPU 30 executes a program, a display 33, an input device 34 such as a button, and the MFP 100. And a communication controller 35 for controlling.

<Differences in preview display>
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between the viewer application included in the terminal device 300 and the MFP 100.

  Referring to FIG. 3, in this example, three terminal devices with different types are shown as an example. Specifically, a case is shown in which terminal devices 300A and 300B are provided as terminal devices of portable terminals, terminal device 300C as a personal computer of fixed terminals, and MFP 100 are provided to be communicable.

  In the terminal devices 300A, 300B, and 300C, viewer applications APA, APB, and APC are installed, respectively.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a case where the preview display (print preview) and the printed matter differ according to the file type.

  As shown in FIG. 4, for example, the file FA has tabular data, and annotations and comments are added. The file FB has pie chart data. The file FC has bar graph data. As for the file, the case where the preview display is different even for the same file due to different types of viewer applications is shown. Further, a case where the printed matter is different from that in the MFP 100 is shown.

  Note that the preview display by the viewer application APC has the same result as a printed matter, but since it is an application for a personal computer, it is difficult to operate it in the terminal devices 300A and 300B. In this example, the case where the same preview display as the printed matter is displayed on the terminal device 300C, which is a personal computer, has been described. However, the printed matter of the MFP 100 is not necessarily the same, and there is a difference in OS or application. The preview display may be different based on

  Therefore, in order to execute a preview display that matches a printed matter as an example in a terminal device such as a portable terminal, data is transmitted to the MFP 100 that executes the printing process, and data for preview display is generated on the MFP 100 side ( It is necessary to transmit to the terminal device data for preview display on the terminal devices 300A, 300B, etc., corresponding to the printed matter.

  However, if data for preview display created on the MFP side is always transmitted to the terminal device as described above, a large amount of communication occurs between the terminal device 300 and the MFP 100, which imposes a burden on the network.

  Therefore, in this example, the terminal device 300 determines whether the preview display based on the viewer application of the terminal device 300 for the file is different from the printed matter in the MFP 100. Then, based on the determination result, a preview display based on the viewer application of the terminal device 300 is executed. Specifically, when the preview display based on the viewer application of the terminal device 300 for the file is different from the printed matter on the MFP 100, the data is transmitted to the MFP 100 that executes the printing process, and the data for the preview display is displayed on the MFP 100. The data to be created on the side and displayed for preview display on the terminal device 300 corresponding to the printed matter is transmitted to the terminal device 300. Then, a preview display is performed on the terminal device 300.

  On the other hand, when the preview display based on the viewer application of the terminal device 300 for the file is not different from the printed matter in the MFP 100, the terminal device 300 viewer application for the file in the terminal device 300 without transmitting data to the MFP 100. Perform preview display based on.

With this processing, it is possible to execute a preview display that matches the printed material.
Thereby, when the preview display based on the viewer application matches the printed matter, the preview display based on the viewer application is executed. Therefore, data for preview display is created on the MFP 100 side, and the created data is displayed on the terminal. It is not necessary to transmit to the device 300, and it is possible to reduce the network communication load in the preview display during direct printing.

(Embodiment 1)
<Functional configuration>
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the terminal device 300 based on the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the terminal device 300 includes a CPU 30, a RAM 32, a communication controller 35, and a display 33. The CPU 30 includes a determination unit 302, a print job generation unit 303, and a display control unit 304. Each function of the CPU 30 and the communication controller 35 is realized based on a program stored in the ROM 31. Then, the display control unit 304 of the CPU 30 executes preview display on the display 33 based on the preview display application (viewer application) stored in the ROM 31.

  The RAM 32 is used as a work area of the CPU 30 for the file FA and stores various information necessary for the determination by the determination unit 302.

  The communication controller 35 includes a transmission unit 350 and a reception unit 351. Transmitting unit 350 receives data from CPU 30 and transmits data to MFP 100. Receiving unit 351 receives data from MFP 100 and outputs the data to CPU 30.

  When executing the preview display for the file FA, the determination unit 302 uses a preview display application for the file based on at least one of the file information of the file FA stored in the RAM 32 and the characteristic information of the terminal device and the MFP. It is determined whether the preview display based on this and the printed matter in MFP 100 are different.

  For example, when determining that the preview display based on the preview display application for the file is different from the printed matter in MFP 100, determination unit 302 performs preview display in order to execute the preview display on terminal device 300. Instructs the MFP 100 to create data (print preview data), generates a print job (terminal preview display) including an instruction to transmit the print preview data to the terminal device 300, and outputs the print job to the transmission unit 350 To do.

  For example, when determining that the preview display based on the preview display application for the file is not different from the printed matter in MFP 100, that is, the same is the same, the determination unit 302 executes the preview display on the terminal device 300. Therefore, the display control unit 304 is notified that preview display is possible. At the same time, a normal print job is generated and output to the transmission unit 350.

  For example, the transmission unit 350 instructs the MFP 100 to generate print preview data for preview display in order to execute preview display on the terminal device 300 from the determination unit 302, and sends the print preview data to the terminal device. A print job (terminal preview display) including an instruction to transmit or a normal print job is transmitted to MFP 100.

  For example, when receiving print preview data from the MFP 100, the receiving unit 351 outputs the print preview data to the display control unit 304.

  The display control unit 304 uses the print preview data received by the receiving unit 351 as it is and displays it on the display 33 according to the viewer application.

  On the other hand, when determining that the preview display based on the preview display application (viewer application) for the file is not different from the printed matter in MFP 100, determination unit 302 instructs display control unit 304 to display the preview. To do.

  The display control unit 304 generates preview display data based on the viewer application for the file in accordance with an instruction from the determination unit 302 and displays the preview display data on the display 33.

<Print setting screen>
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a print setting screen when executing direct printing in the printing system according to the first embodiment.

  With reference to FIG. 6, a print setting screen 400 when direct printing is executed in the terminal device 300 is shown. The print setting screen 400 is displayed by executing a program for executing direct printing stored in the ROM 31.

  In the print setting screen 400, a selection area 401 for selecting a printer name is provided. When a plurality of printers are registered in the selection area 401 in advance, a printer to be used as a printing apparatus is selected from the printers. It is possible to select. In this example, “KMT00X” is selected as the printer name. Even if the printer is not registered in advance, a printer that is communicably provided may be searched so that it can be selected from the searched printers.

  The print setting screen 400 is provided with a “preview display” slide button 402, and instructing execution (on) or non-execution (off) of preview display by sliding the slide button left and right. Is provided.

  In this example, a case will be described in which direct printing is executed by operating the slide button 402 to instruct execution (ON) of preview display.

<Overview of operation>
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a process of transmitting a print job in the terminal device 300 based on the first embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 7, in the present printing system, printing called so-called direct printing is possible in which a file to be printed is directly transmitted from the terminal device 300 serving as a client to the MFP 100 without using a printer driver. It is.

  In this example, a case will be described in which execution of preview display is instructed from the terminal device 300 in direct file printing to the MFP 100.

  First, terminal device 300 executes display determination processing related to preview display of MFP 100 (step ST1). The display determination process is executed by the determination unit 302. Determination unit 302 determines whether the preview display based on the viewer application of terminal device 300 for the file is different from the printed matter in MFP 100. When the preview display based on the viewer application of the terminal device 300 for the file and the printed matter on the MFP 100 are different, the MFP 100 provides data (print preview data) for preview display to execute the preview display on the terminal device 300. It is necessary to generate a print job (terminal preview display) including an instruction to create the print preview data and send the print preview data to the terminal device 300. On the other hand, if the preview display based on the viewer application of the terminal device 300 for the file does not differ from the printed matter in the MFP 100, the generation of the print is unnecessary, and a normal print job is generated. Details of the display determination process will be described later.

  Then, the terminal device 300 determines whether the preview display based on the viewer application of the terminal device 300 for the file is different from the printed matter on the MFP 100 as a determination result of the display determination process (step ST2).

  In step ST2, if the terminal device 300 determines that the preview display based on the viewer application of the terminal device 300 for the file is different from the printed matter in the MFP 100 as a determination result of the display determination process (YES in step ST2). The terminal device 300 includes an instruction to instruct the MFP 100 to create preview display data (print preview data) in order to execute the preview display, and to transmit the print preview data to the terminal device 300. A print job (terminal preview display) is generated (step ST6). Specifically, the determination unit 302 generates a print job (terminal preview display). The job includes a command (command) for generating print preview data together with file data to be printed and instructing the terminal device 300 to transmit the generated data. The print job is also referred to as a terminal preview print job.

  On the other hand, if the terminal device 300 determines that the preview display based on the viewer application of the terminal device 300 for the file is not different from the printed matter on the MFP 100 as the determination result of the display determination process (NO in step ST2), A normal print job is generated (step ST3). Specifically, the determination unit 302 generates a normal print job.

  Then, the terminal device 300 determines that preview display is possible (step ST4). Specifically, the determination unit 302 notifies the display control unit 304 that preview display is possible.

  Next, the terminal device 300 transmits the print job generated by the determination unit 302 (step ST5). Specifically, transmission unit 350 transmits the created terminal preview print job or normal print job to MFP 100.

Then, the process ends (END).
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating processing for receiving a print job in MFP 100 based on the first embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 8, MFP 100 determines whether a print job has been received (step ST7). Specifically, the communication controller 17 in the MFP 100 outputs the received print job (terminal preview print job or normal print job) to the CPU 10. If MFP 100 determines in step ST7 that it has not received a print job (NO in step ST7), it maintains the state in step ST7. On the other hand, if it is determined in step ST7 that MFP 100 has received a print job (YES in step ST7), the process proceeds to step ST8.

  Next, MFP 100 determines whether it is a terminal preview print job (step ST8). Specifically, the CPU 10 instructs the MFP 100 to create preview display data (print preview data) in order to execute the preview display on the terminal device 300, and sends the print preview data to the terminal device 300. It is determined whether a print job (terminal preview display) including an instruction to transmit, that is, a terminal preview print job or a normal print job.

  If the MFP 100 determines in step ST8 that the print job is not a terminal preview print job (NO in step ST8), the MFP 100 executes a print process because it is a normal print job (step ST11).

Then, the process ends (END).
On the other hand, if MFP 100 determines in step ST8 that the job is a terminal preview print job (YES in step ST8), it creates print preview data (step ST9). Specifically, the CPU 10 creates print preview data based on a program stored in the ROM 11 or the like according to file data and commands included in the terminal preview print job.

  Next, in step S10, the MFP 100 transmits print preview data (step ST10). Specifically, the CPU 10 transmits the created print preview data to the terminal device 300 via the communication controller 17.

Then, the process ends (END).
FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining preview display processing in the terminal device 300 based on the first embodiment. This process is mainly a process in the display control unit 304 in the terminal device 300.

  Referring to FIG. 9, display control unit 304 determines whether or not a notification that preview display is possible is received (step ST12). Specifically, when the determination result of the display determination process in the determination unit 302 is determined that the preview display based on the viewer application of the terminal device 300 for the file is not different from the printed matter in the MFP 100, the determination unit 302 Then, the display control unit 304 is notified that preview display is possible. The display control unit 304 determines whether or not the notification has been received.

  If it is determined in step ST12 that the display control unit 304 has received a notification that preview display is possible (YES in step ST12), the display control unit 304 executes preview display based on the application (step ST13). Specifically, the display control unit 304 executes preview display based on the viewer application for the file.

Then, the process ends (END).
On the other hand, if the display control unit 304 determines in step ST12 that it has not received a notification that preview display is possible (NO in step ST12), it determines whether or not print preview data has been received (step ST12). Step ST14). Specifically, it is determined whether print preview data has been received via the receiving unit 351 of the terminal device 300.

  If the display control unit 304 determines in step ST14 that print preview data is not received (NO in step ST14), the process returns to step ST12.

  On the other hand, if the display control unit 304 determines in step ST14 that print preview data has been received (YES in step ST14), it displays a print preview (step ST15). Specifically, the display control unit 304 displays a print preview based on the print preview data on the display 33.

Then, the process ends (END).
<Display judgment processing>
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the details of the display determination process based on the first embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 10, the display determination process is a process in determination unit 302 of CPU 30.

  The determination unit 302 confirms the file format (step S1). Specifically, the determination unit 302 confirms the file format in the file information of the file.

  Next, the determination unit 302 determines whether the file format is “JPEG”, “TIFF”, or “XPS” (step S2). Specifically, the determination unit 302 determines whether it is “JPEG”, “TIFF”, or “XPS” based on the extension of the file.

  If it is determined in step S2 that the file format is any one of “JPEG”, “TIFF”, and “XPS” (YES in step S2), the determination unit 302 is based on the preview display application for the file. It is determined that the preview display and the printed material on MFP 100 are not different, that is, the same (step S8). Therefore, in this case, a normal print job is generated. Then, the process ends (return).

  On the other hand, if the determination unit 302 determines in step S2 that the file format is any of “JPEG”, “TIFF”, and “XPS” (NO in step S2), the file information of the file is next. The attribute information is confirmed (step S3). Here, the attribute information includes information on the file acquisition source. For example, when the file is acquired from a scanner which is a kind of reading means, the information is included.

  Then, the determination unit 302 determines whether or not the attribute information related to file acquisition is a specific input unit (step S4). Here, the specific input means means an input means that can acquire and store target data as bitmap data or the like, and examples thereof include a scanner or a camera. In this example, the case where the file attribute information is a scanner will be described as an example.

  If the determination unit 302 determines that the attribute information of the file is a specific input unit (YES in step S4), the preview display based on the preview display application for the file does not differ from the printed matter in the MFP 100. That is, it is determined that they are the same (step S8). Then, the process ends (return). When the attribute information of the file is a specific input unit, the file data is determined to be image data acquired by a scanner which is an example of the specific input unit. Is unlikely to be different. Therefore, it is determined that they are the same. In this case, a normal print job is generated. Then, the process ends (return).

  On the other hand, if the determination unit 302 determines that the attribute information of the file is not a specific input unit (NO in step S4), the determination unit 302 next checks layout information regarding the file format and the like (step S5).

  Next, the determination unit 302 determines whether there is a specific format as the layout information related to the file format or the like (step S6).

  FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a table for determining whether or not a specific format is based on the first embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 11, in this example, “graph”, “character decoration”, “comment”, and the like are shown as the specific format list.

  That is, if the specific format listed as the specific format list is included in the file, it is determined that there is a specific format as the layout information. It is assumed that the table is stored in the RAM 32.

  In this example, the case where a format name is registered as a specific format list used for determining whether or not a specific format is used is described as an example. These commands may be registered.

  Referring to FIG. 10 again, in step S6, when determining unit 302 determines that there is no specific format with respect to the layout information related to the file format or the like (NO in step S6), the determination unit 302 uses the file as a preview display application for the file. It is determined that the preview display based on the printed matter on MFP 100 is not different, that is, the same (step S8). Then, the process ends (return).

  On the other hand, in step S6, when determining unit 302 determines that there is a specific format regarding layout information related to the file format or the like (YES in step S6), preview display based on the preview display application for the file, MFP 100 It is determined that the printed material is different from the one printed at step S7. Then, the process ends (return).

  When the layout information regarding the file format and the like includes a specific format, there is a high possibility that the preview display based on the viewer application is different from the printed matter. Therefore, a terminal preview print job is generated. When the terminal preview print job is transmitted to MFP 100, print preview data is generated in MFP 100, and the print preview according to the view application is displayed on terminal device 300 based on the print preview data, thereby matching the printed matter. It is possible to execute a preview display.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the display determination process based on the first embodiment.
Referring to FIG. 12, here, as files, for example, five different types of applications are shown. “JPEG”, “TIFF”, “XPS”, “PDF”, “Office” may be mentioned.

First, the file format is determined first (first stage).
If the file format is “JPEG”, “TIFF”, or “XPS”, it is determined that the preview job is unnecessary as the first stage determination.

  Then, when the file format is “PDF” or “Office”, attribute information related to file acquisition is determined next (second stage).

  If the file is acquired from the scanner as attribute information, it is determined that the terminal preview print job is unnecessary.

  On the other hand, if the file format is “PDF” or “Office” and the attribute information is obtained from other than the scanner, that is, the file is acquired (generated) based on the application, the next (third stage) Layout information is determined.

  It is determined whether or not the file has a format included in the specific format list described in FIG. 9 as the layout information.

  If it is determined that the file does not have the format included in the specific format list described in FIG. 9 as the layout information, it is determined that the terminal preview print job is unnecessary without the specific format.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the file has the format included in the specific format list described in FIG. 9 as the layout information, it is determined that the terminal preview print job is necessary with the specific format.

  If it is determined that the preview display based on the viewer application of the terminal device 300 for the file and the printed matter on the MFP 100 are different, that is, there is a possibility that the file is different, a terminal preview print job is generated and transmitted to the MFP 100. If it is determined that there is no difference, preview display based on the viewer application is executed without generating a terminal preview print job.

  That is, when a preview display that matches the printed material is executed, if the preview display based on the viewer application and the printed material match, the preview display based on the viewer application is executed, and thus the terminal preview print job is transmitted to the MFP 100. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the network communication load in preview display during direct printing.

  In the display determination process, a preview display based on the viewer application of the terminal device 300 with respect to the file and a determination as to whether the printed matter on the MFP 100 is different, that is, whether there is a possibility of being different, is added to the file format or the file. Therefore, the processing can be executed easily and at high speed.

(Modification 1)
In the first embodiment, the method of executing the display determination process in the terminal device 300 has been described. However, in this example, the case of executing the display determination process in the terminal device 300 and the MFP 100 will be described.

<Overview of operation>
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a process of transmitting a print job in the terminal device 300 based on the first modification of the first embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 13, the present process is different in that step ST1 is replaced with step ST1A. Other configurations are the same as those described with reference to FIG. 7, and thus detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  Terminal device 300 executes display determination processing A related to the preview display of MFP 100 (step ST1A). The display determination process A is executed by the determination unit 302. Determination unit 302 determines whether or not the preview display based on the viewer application of terminal device 300 for the file and the printed matter in MFP 100 may be different.

  If it is determined that there is a possibility that the preview display based on the viewer application of the terminal device 300 for the file and the printed matter in the MFP 100 may be different, it is determined that it is necessary to generate a terminal preview print job that instructs determination processing related to the preview display. To do.

  The terminal preview print job for instructing the determination process regarding the preview display is a part of the determination process for determining whether the preview display based on the viewer application of the terminal device 300 for the file is different from the printed matter in the MFP 100. This is a print job instructed to do so. That is, in MFP 100, when it is determined that the preview display based on the viewer application of terminal device 300 for the file is different from the printed matter in MFP 100, the data for preview display to execute the preview display on terminal device 300 is displayed. This means a print job (preview determination) including an instruction to create (print preview data) by the MFP 100 and transmit the print preview data to the terminal device 300.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no possibility that the preview display based on the viewer application of the terminal device 300 for the file and the printed matter in the MFP 100 are different, it is not necessary to generate a terminal preview print job instructing a determination process related to the preview display. Judge. Details of the display determination process A will be described later.

  Then, the terminal device 300 determines whether there is a possibility that the preview display based on the viewer application of the terminal device 300 for the file and the printed matter in the MFP 100 are different from the determination result of the display determination processing A (step ST2A). ).

  In step ST2, when the terminal device 300 determines that the preview display based on the viewer application of the terminal device 300 for the file may be different from the printed matter in the MFP 100 as a determination result of the display determination processing (in step ST2A) YES), in order to execute preview display on the terminal device 300, the MFP 100 is instructed to create data for display (print preview data), and the print preview data is transmitted to the terminal device 300. A print job (preview judgment) including various instructions is generated (step ST6). Specifically, the determination unit 302 generates a terminal preview print job that instructs determination processing regarding preview display. The job is instructed to determine the preview display together with the file data to be printed, generate print preview data based on the determination processing result, and transmit the generated data to the terminal device 300. Instructions (commands) to be included are included.

  On the other hand, if the terminal device 300 determines that the preview display based on the viewer application of the terminal device 300 for the file does not differ from the printed matter on the MFP 100 as the determination result of the display determination processing A (NO in step ST2A). A normal print job is generated (step ST3). Specifically, the determination unit 302 generates a normal print job.

Since the subsequent processing is the same, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a process of receiving a print job in MFP 100 based on the first modification of the first embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 14, MFP 100 determines whether a print job has been received (step ST7). Specifically, the communication controller 17 in the MFP 100 outputs the received print job (terminal preview print job or normal print job) to the CPU 10. If MFP 100 determines in step ST7 that it has not received a print job (NO in step ST7), it maintains the state in step ST7. On the other hand, if it is determined in step ST7 that MFP 100 has received a print job (YES in step ST7), the process proceeds to step ST8.

  Next, MFP 100 determines whether it is a terminal preview print job (step ST8). Specifically, CPU 10 includes a terminal device executed by MFP 100 together with an instruction to execute a part of a determination process for determining whether a preview display based on a viewer application of terminal device 300 for a file is different from a printed matter on MFP 100. In order to execute preview display at 300, a print job including an instruction to create data (print preview data) for preview display at MFP 100 and to transmit the print preview data to terminal device 300 (Preview determination), that is, whether it is a terminal preview print job or a normal print job instructing determination processing related to preview display.

  In step ST8A, when MFP 100 determines that the job is a terminal preview print job (YES in step ST8A), it executes display determination processing B related to preview display of MFP 100 (step ST16). The display determination process B is executed by the CPU 10. CPU 10 determines whether the preview display based on the viewer application of terminal device 300 for the file is different from the printed matter in MFP 100. Details of the display determination process B will be described later.

  Next, the MFP 100 determines whether the preview display based on the viewer application of the terminal device 300 is different from the printed matter on the MFP 100 by the display determination process B (step ST17). The CPU 10 determines which is the determination result of the display determination process B.

  If MFP 100 determines that the preview display based on the viewer application of terminal device 300 is different from the printed material on MFP 100 by display determination processing B (YES in step ST17), MFP 100 creates print preview data (step ST18). . Specifically, the CPU 10 creates print preview data based on a program stored in the ROM 11 or the like according to file data and commands included in the terminal preview print job.

  Then, MFP 100 transmits print preview data (step ST19). Specifically, the CPU 10 transmits the created print preview data to the terminal device 300 via the communication controller 17.

Then, the process ends (END).
On the other hand, when it is determined by display determination processing B that the preview display based on the viewer application of terminal device 300 is not different from the printed matter on MFP 100 (NO in step ST17), MFP 100 transmits preview displayable data. (Step ST20). Specifically, the CPU 10 transmits preview displayable data to the terminal device 300 via the communication controller 17 in accordance with the determination processing result of the display determination processing B.

Then, the process ends (END).
On the other hand, in step ST8A, when MFP 100 determines that it is not a terminal preview print job (NO in step ST8A), it executes a printing process because it is a normal print job (step ST11).

Then, the process ends (END).
FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining preview display processing in the terminal device 300 based on the first modification of the first embodiment. This process is mainly a process in the display control unit 304 in the terminal device 300.

  Referring to FIG. 15, display control unit 304 determines whether or not a notification that preview display is possible has been received (step ST12). Specifically, when the determination result of the display determination process in the determination unit 302 is determined that the preview display based on the viewer application of the terminal device 300 for the file is not different from the printed matter in the MFP 100, the determination unit 302 Then, the display control unit 304 is notified that preview display is possible. The display control unit 304 determines whether or not the notification has been received.

  If it is determined in step ST12 that the display control unit 304 has received a notification that preview display is possible (YES in step ST12), the display control unit 304 executes preview display based on the application (step ST13). Specifically, the display control unit 304 executes preview display based on the viewer application for the file.

Then, the process ends (END).
On the other hand, when determining in step ST12 that the display control unit 304 has not received a notification that preview display is possible (NO in step ST12), the display control unit 304 determines whether preview display enabled data has been received. (Step ST12A). Specifically, when it is determined that the preview display based on the viewer application of the terminal device 300 for the file is not different from the printed matter on the MFP 100 as the determination result of the display determination process B in the MFP 100, the MFP 100 displays the preview display. Send ready data. The display control unit 304 determines whether or not the preview displayable data has been received via the receiving unit 351.

  If the display control unit 304 determines in step ST12A that the preview display enabled data has been received (YES in step ST12A), it executes a preview display based on the application (step ST13). Specifically, the display control unit 304 executes preview display based on the viewer application for the file.

Then, the process ends (END).
On the other hand, if it is determined in step ST12A that the preview displayable data has not been received (NO in step ST12A), the display control unit 304 determines whether print preview data has been received (step ST14). Specifically, it is determined whether print preview data has been received via the receiving unit 351 of the terminal device 300.

  If the display control unit 304 determines in step ST14 that print preview data is not received (NO in step ST14), the process returns to step ST12.

  On the other hand, if the display control unit 304 determines in step ST14 that print preview data has been received (YES in step ST14), it displays a print preview (step ST15). Specifically, the display control unit 304 displays a print preview based on the print preview data on the display 33.

Then, the process ends (END).
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the details of the display determination process A based on the first modification of the first embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 16, as compared with the flowchart of FIG. 10, there is a difference in that there is no processing in steps S5 and S6 and that step S9 is replaced with step S9A. The other points are the same.

  That is, in the display determination process A, it is not determined whether there is a specific format as layout information.

  In step S4, if the terminal device 300 determines that the attribute information of the file is not a specific input unit (NO in step S4), the preview display based on the viewer application is likely to be different from the printed material. Determination is made (step S9A). Then, the process ends (return).

  If it is determined that there is a high possibility that the preview display based on the viewer application is different from the printed material as described above, a terminal preview print job that instructs the determination processing related to the preview display is generated as described above. , Transmitted to MFP 100.

Then, the remaining display determination process B is executed in the MFP 100.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating the details of the display determination process B based on the first modification of the first embodiment. This process is executed by the CPU 10 of the MFP 100 based on a program stored in the ROM 11 or the like.

  Referring to FIG. 17, MFP 100 confirms layout information regarding the file format and the like (step S10). Specifically, the CPU 10 confirms layout information regarding the file format and the like based on the file data included in the received terminal preview print job.

  Next, the MFP 100 determines whether there is a specific format as the layout information regarding the file format or the like (step S11). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the specific format is included in the file using the table shown in FIG.

  If the MFP 100 determines that there is no specific format regarding the layout information related to the file format or the like (NO in step S11), the MFP 100 determines that the preview display based on the viewer application for the file is not different from the printed matter, that is, the same. (Step S13). Then, the process ends (return).

  On the other hand, in step S11, when MFP 100 determines that there is a specific format regarding the layout information related to the file format or the like (YES in step S11), it determines that the preview display based on the viewer application for the file is different from the printed matter. (Step S12). Then, the process ends (return).

  This is because if the layout information relating to the file format or the like includes a specific format, there is a high possibility that the preview display based on the viewer application for the file is different from the printed matter.

  If it is determined that the preview display based on the viewer application for the file is not different from the printed matter, the preview displayable data is transmitted to the terminal device 300, and the terminal device 300 performs the preview display based on the viewer application. The On the other hand, if it is determined that the preview display based on the viewer application for the file is different from the printed matter, the MFP 100 generates print preview data and transmits it to the terminal device 300. Then, by displaying the print preview on the terminal device 300 based on the print preview data, it is possible to execute a preview display that matches the printed matter.

  According to the first modification, a part of the determination process of the display determination process can be executed on the MFP 100 side. Specifically, processing that is specific to the MFP, such as confirmation of layout information in display determination processing, and processing that is highly dependent on the model is processed on the MFP 100 side, and other processing is processed on the terminal device 300 side. It is possible to execute the determination process at high speed. That is, the preview display can be executed early.

  In this example, the case where only the layout information determination process of the display determination process is executed on the MFP 100 side has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this case, and the attribute information determination process and the like are also executed on the MFP 100 side. May be.

  In this example, the time required for creation of the print preview data is compared with the time required for the layout information judgment processing of the display judgment processing on the MFP 100 side and the time required for creation of print preview data for preview display. If it is shorter than the time required for the layout information determination process, the print preview data may be generated without determining the layout information determination process.

(Modification 2)
In the first modification described above, a case has been described in which part of the display determination process is performed on the MFP 100 side.

  In the second modification, a configuration for executing the processing in cooperation with the server will be described.

FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining a printing system linked to a server.
Referring to FIG. 18, a case where server 200 is provided between MFP 100 and terminal device 300 is shown. Specifically, server 200 executes data communication with terminal device 300 and MFP 100, respectively. Assume that MFP 100 receives a preview job transmitted from terminal device 300 via server 200.

  In the second modification, it is assumed that the server 200 executes a part of the display determination process executed in the MFP 100 described above.

  Specifically, when the terminal device 300 executes the display determination process A and determines that there is a possibility that a preview job needs to be generated, the preview job is generated as described above, and the server 200 Send to.

  Then, the remaining display determination process B is executed in the server 200. Specifically, the same processing as described in FIG. 17 is executed.

  The server 200 confirms layout information regarding the file format and the like based on the file data included in the received preview job.

  Then, the server 200 determines whether there is a specific format as layout information regarding the format of the file.

  If the server 200 determines that there is no specific format regarding the layout information related to the file format etc., the server 200 determines that the preview display based on the viewer application for the file is not different from the printed matter, and that is, that is, the preview display is possible Data is transmitted to the terminal device 300.

  And the terminal device 300 performs the preview display according to the viewer application with respect to a file.

  On the other hand, if the server 200 determines that there is a specific format regarding the layout information related to the format of the file, the server 200 determines that the preview display based on the viewer application for the file is different from the printed matter, and the received terminal preview print job Is transmitted to the MFP 100. Then, as described above, the MFP 100 generates print preview data, and the generated print preview data is transmitted to the terminal device 300 via the server 200. Then, the terminal device 300 can execute a preview display that matches the printed matter by displaying a print preview according to the viewer application based on the print preview data.

  According to the second modification, a part of the display determination process can be executed in the server 200. Specifically, processing specific to the MFP, such as confirmation of layout information of display determination processing, and processing that is highly dependent on the model is processed on the server 200 side, and other processing is processed on the terminal device 300 side. The display determination process can be executed at high speed. That is, the preview display can be executed early.

  In the present example, the case where only the layout information determination process of the display determination process is executed on the server 200 side has been described. Anyway.

  It should be noted that in the following embodiments and modifications, it is naturally possible to cause the server 200 to execute part of the display determination process as in the second modification.

  If the server 200 in the second modification determines that there is a specific format regarding the layout information related to the file format or the like, the server 200 determines that the preview display based on the viewer application for the file is different from the printed material, and has received it. The case where the terminal preview print job is transmitted to the MFP 100 and the print preview data generated by the MFP 100 is relayed and transmitted to the terminal device 300 has been described. However, the server 200 generates the print preview data and transmits it to the terminal device 300. It is also possible to do so. Since the print preview data is transmitted to the terminal device 300 without using the MFP 100 by this method, high-speed processing is possible.

(Modification 3)
In the above description, in the display determination process, when the layout information does not include the specific format, the case where the preview display based on the viewer application for the file is not different from the printed matter has been described. On the other hand, depending on the file format, rather than determining whether or not a specific format is included in the layout information, it is determined whether or not the layout information includes only a format supported by the MFP 100 (hereinafter, “corresponding format”). It may be more efficient to judge.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating the details of the display determination process based on the third modification of the first embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 19, it is different from the display determination process of FIG. 10 in that steps S4 #, S5 #, and S6 # are further added. Since other points are the same as those described in the flow of FIG. 10, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  If it is determined in step S4 that the attribute information of the file is not a specific input means (NO in step S4), the determination unit 302 determines whether or not the file format is “PDF” (step S4 #). ).

  If it is determined in step S4 # that the file format is “PDF” (YES in step S4 #), layout information regarding the file format and the like is confirmed (step S5). Then, the determination unit 302 determines whether there is a specific format as the layout information related to the file format and the like. If it is determined that the specific format is present (YES in step S6), the determination unit 302 uses the preview display application for the file. It is determined that the preview display based on the printed matter on MFP 100 is different (step S7). Then, the process ends (return).

  Here, when the file format is “PDF”, the specific format is determined because “PDF” has many corresponding formats and few specific formats, so that the determination process is executed at high speed.

  On the other hand, if the determination unit 302 determines in step S6 that there is no specific format regarding the layout information related to the file format or the like (NO in step S6), preview display based on the preview display application for the file; It is determined that the printed material in MFP 100 is not different, that is, the same (step S8). Then, the process ends (return).

  If it is determined in step S4 # that the file format is not “PDF” (NO in step S4 #), the layout information regarding the file format and the like is confirmed (step S5 #).

  Then, the determination unit 302 determines whether only the corresponding format is the layout information related to the file format or the like (step S6 #).

  In step S6 #, the determination unit 302 determines whether or not only the corresponding format is the layout information related to the file format and the like. If it is determined that the format is only the corresponding format (YES in step S6 #), the determination unit 302 It is determined that the preview display based on the preview display application is not different from the printed matter in MFP 100, that is, the same (step S8). Then, the process ends (return).

  On the other hand, in step S6 #, determination unit 302 determines whether or not only the corresponding format is included in the layout information regarding the file format and the like, and if it is determined that the format includes other than the corresponding format (NO in step S6 #), It is determined that the preview display based on the preview display application is different from the printed matter in MFP 100 (step S7). Then, the process ends (return).

  Here, when the file format is “Office”, only the corresponding format is determined because “Office” has a small number of supported formats and many specific formats, so that the determination process is executed at high speed.

  Judgment according to the file format by changing whether the layout information related to the file format, etc. includes a specific format, or only the supported format as the layout information related to the file format, etc. based on the file format It is possible to execute the processing efficiently. That is, the determination process can be changed based on the specific format and the corresponding format based on the file format.

  In this example, whether the layout information related to the file format, etc. includes a specific format based on the file format, or whether the layout information related to the file format, etc. is only the corresponding format is used as the file format. Although the case of changing based on the above has been described, it may be determined whether or not only the corresponding format is used as the layout information regarding the file format or the like, regardless of the file format.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the display determination process based on the third modification of the first embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 20, here, as an example, five different types of files are shown as files. “JPEG”, “TIFF”, “XPS”, “PDF”, “Office” may be mentioned.

First, the file format is determined first (first stage).
If the file format is “JPEG”, “TIFF”, or “XPS”, it is determined that the preview job is unnecessary as the first stage determination.

  Then, when the file format is “PDF” or “Office”, attribute information related to file acquisition is determined next (second stage).

  When the file is acquired from the scanner as attribute information, it is determined that the preview job is unnecessary.

  On the other hand, if the file format is “PDF” or “Office” and the attribute information is obtained from other than the scanner, that is, the file is acquired (generated) based on the application, the next (third stage) Layout information is determined.

  When the file format is “PDF”, it is determined whether or not the file has a format included in the specific format list described in FIG. 9 as layout information.

  If it is determined that the file has the format included in the specific format list described in FIG. 9 as the layout information, it is determined that the terminal preview print job is necessary with the specific format.

  If it is determined that the file does not have the format included in the specific format list described in FIG. 9 as the layout information, it is determined that the terminal preview print job is unnecessary without the specific format.

  On the other hand, if the file format is “Office”, it is determined whether the layout information has only a corresponding format.

  If the layout information includes only the corresponding format supported by MFP 100, it is determined that the terminal preview print job is unnecessary.

  When the layout information has a format other than the corresponding format, it is determined that the terminal preview print job is necessary.

  If it is determined that the preview display based on the viewer application of the terminal device 300 for the file and the printed matter on the MFP 100 are different, that is, there is a possibility that the file is different, a terminal preview print job is generated and transmitted to the MFP 100. If it is determined that there is no difference, preview display based on the viewer application is executed without generating a terminal preview print job.

  That is, when a preview display that matches the printed material is executed and the preview display based on the viewer application matches the printed material, the preview display according to the viewer application for the file is executed, and a terminal preview print job is sent to the MFP 100. There is no need for transmission, and it is possible to reduce the network communication load in the preview display during direct printing.

(Embodiment 2)
In the display determination process of the first embodiment, when the file format is “PDF” or “Office” and the attribute information is obtained (generated) from a device other than the scanner, that is, based on the application. Layout information is determined. In this regard, if the file has a format included in the specific format list described with reference to FIG. 11 as the layout information, it is determined that the terminal preview print job is necessary. This is because the specific format may not be supported by the MFP 100.

  On the other hand, depending on the type of MFP, at least a part of the specific format may correspond.

  In the second embodiment, a method for determining whether or not the preview display based on the preview display application for the file and the printed matter on the MFP are different in consideration of the characteristic information of the printer (MFP) will be described.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating the details of the display determination process based on the second embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 21, it is different from the display determination process of FIG. 10 in that step S6A and step S6B are further added. Since other points are the same as those described in the flow of FIG. 10, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  In step S6, the determination unit 302 determines whether there is a specific format as layout information related to the file format and the like. If it is determined that there is a specific format (YES in step S6), then the specific format is determined. Is determined to be compatible with MFP 100 (step S6A).

  FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a support list for determining whether the MFP 100 corresponds to a specific format based on the second embodiment. The support list is assumed to be stored in the RAM 32 as an example.

  Referring to FIG. 22, in this example, a specific format such as “graph”, “character decoration”, “comment”, etc. is shown as a support list, and is the MFP associated with the specific format? No is registered with the marks of “◯” and “×”. “◯” indicates that the MFP 100 supports the specific format. On the other hand, “x” indicates that the MFP 100 is not compatible with the specific format.

  Referring to FIG. 21 again, in step S6A, when determining unit 302 refers to the support list and determines that the specific format corresponds to the MFP (YES in step S6A), another specific It is determined whether or not there is a format (step S6B).

  If the determination unit 302 determines in step S6B that there is another specific format (YES in step S6B), the process returns to step S6A to determine whether the other specific format corresponds to the MFP. to decide. When the determination for all the specific formats is completed and the determination unit 302 determines in step S6B that there is no other specific format (NO in step S6B), the file is displayed as a preview display application for the file. It is determined that the preview display based on the printed matter on MFP 100 is not different, that is, the same (step S8). Then, the process ends (return).

  On the other hand, in step S6A, when determining unit 302 refers to the support list and determines that the specific format does not correspond to MFP 100 (not compatible) (NO in step S6A), it displays a preview for the file. It is determined that the preview display based on the application is different from the printed matter on MFP 100 (step S7). Then, the process ends (return).

  When a specific format is included in the layout information related to the file format or the like, the MFP 100 can determine whether to generate a terminal preview print job according to whether the file is compatible or not.

  As a result, even when the layout information relating to the file format and the like includes a specific format, if the MFP is compatible, a preview display based on the viewer application for the file is executed, and a terminal preview print job is transmitted to the MFP 100. Therefore, it is possible to further reduce the network communication load in the preview display during direct printing.

(Modification)
In this modification, a case will be described in which a support list is switched when a support list is provided for each version of the MFP 100.

  FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining a part of the functional configuration of the terminal device 300 based on the modification of the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 23, a case where a CPU 30A and a RAM 32A are provided is shown.

CPU 30A includes a determination unit 302A and an editing unit 306A.
When executing preview display for file FA, determination unit 302A performs preview display based on a preview display application for the file based on file information of the file stored in RAM 32A and MFP characteristic information, and MFP 100 It is determined whether or not the printed material is different.

  In this example, it is assumed that the RAM 32A has a support list database DB1 related to the MFP version.

  The database DB1 stores a support list SLA for each version of the MFP. In this example, three types of lists “Ver1.0”, “Ver1.1”, and “Ver2.0” are shown as an example. The case where it is stored is shown.

  The determination unit 302A acquires MFP version information and acquires a corresponding support list SLA. Then, the determination unit 302A refers to the corresponding support list to determine whether the specific format corresponds to the MFP. Other processes are the same as those described above, and thus detailed description thereof will not be repeated. As the acquisition of the MFP version information, the CPU 30 may request the MFP 100 to transmit the characteristic information of the MFP 100, and the MFP 30 may acquire the version information based on the characteristic information transmitted from the MFP 100. You may make it acquire by inputting characteristic information (version).

  The editing unit 306A stores the new support list acquired from the outside in the database DB1. With this processing, when the MFP version is newly updated, a support list corresponding to the updated version can be acquired and stored in the database DB1. The new support list acquired by the editing unit 306A may be acquired from a server (not shown) by accessing the server, or may be acquired by the operator inputting a support list related to a new MFP version. You may make it do.

  Thereby, even when the version of the MFP is updated, it is possible to determine whether the specific format corresponds to the MFP 100 according to the corresponding support list.

(Embodiment 3)
In the above-described embodiment, the case has been described in which whether the preview display based on the preview display application for the file is different from the printed matter in MFP 100 in consideration of the characteristic information of the printer (MFP).

  On the other hand, depending on the characteristic information of the preview display application (viewer application), there may be a case where the viewer application side does not support the file format and the specific format.

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of display determination processing based on the third embodiment.
Referring to FIG. 24, here, a case where a terminal preview print job is necessary and a case where the terminal preview print job is unnecessary is classified based on characteristic information of a certain viewer application is shown.

  Specifically, as files, for example, five different types of applications are shown. “JPEG”, “TIFF”, “XPS”, “PDF”, “Office” may be mentioned.

First, the file format is determined first (first stage).
If the file format is “JPEG”, it is determined that the terminal preview print job is unnecessary as the determination in the first stage. On the other hand, if the file format is “XPS”, it is determined that the terminal preview print job is necessary as the first stage determination.

  Then, when the file format is “PDF” or “Office”, attribute information related to file acquisition is determined next (second stage).

  If the file is acquired from the scanner as attribute information, it is determined that the terminal preview print job is unnecessary.

  On the other hand, if the file format is “PDF” and the attribute information is other than the scanner, that is, the file is acquired (generated) based on the application, the layout information is determined next (third stage). Is done.

  It is determined whether or not the file has a format included in the specific format list described in FIG. 11 as the layout information.

  If it is determined that the file has the format included in the specific format list described in FIG. 11 as the layout information, it is determined that the terminal preview print job is necessary with the specific format.

  When it is determined that the file does not have the format included in the specific format list described in FIG. 11 as the layout information, it is determined that the terminal preview print job is unnecessary without the specific format.

  On the other hand, when the file format is “Office”, if the file is acquired (generated) from other than the scanner as the attribute information, that is, based on the application, the next (third stage), Layout information is determined.

  As described above, it is determined whether the layout information has only the corresponding format as described above.

  If the layout information has only the corresponding format, it is determined that the terminal preview print job is unnecessary.

  On the other hand, if the layout information has a format other than the corresponding format, it is determined that the terminal preview print job is necessary.

  If the file format is “TIFF”, it is next determined whether or not the file has a specific format as layout information (third stage). “Specific format” in the layout information of “TIFF” is information relating to color mode, compression, multi-page, and the like. When the specific format is included as the layout information of “TIFF”, it is determined that the terminal preview print job is necessary, and when it is not included, it is determined that it is unnecessary.

  If it is determined that the preview display based on the viewer application of the terminal device 300 for the file and the printed matter on the MFP 100 are different, that is, there is a possibility that the file is different, a terminal preview print job is generated and transmitted to the MFP 100. If it is determined that there is no difference, preview display based on the viewer application is executed without generating a terminal preview print job.

  That is, when a preview display that matches the printed material is executed, if the preview display based on the viewer application and the printed material match, the preview display based on the viewer application is executed, and thus the terminal preview print job is transmitted to the MFP 100. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the network communication load in preview display during direct printing.

(Modification 1)
In the display determination process of the third embodiment, layout information is determined. If the layout information has a specific format, it is determined that a terminal preview print job is necessary. On the other hand, as described in the above embodiment, depending on the type (version) of the viewer application, a specific format may be supported.

  FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining a part of the functional configuration of the terminal device 300 based on the first modification of the third embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 25, a case where a CPU 30B and a RAM 32B are provided is shown.

CPU 30B includes a determination unit 302B and an editing unit 306B.
When executing preview display for file FA, determination unit 302B performs preview display based on the preview display application for the file based on the file information of the file stored in RAM 32B and the characteristic information of the terminal device, and MFP 100. It is determined whether or not the printed material is different.

  In this example, it is assumed that the RAM 32B has the database DB2 of the support list SLB corresponding to the version of the application for preview display.

  The database DB2 stores a support list SLB for each version of an application for preview display. In this example, as an example, three versions “Ver1.0”, “Ver1.1”, and “Ver2.0” are stored. The case where a list of types is stored is shown.

  The determination unit 302B acquires the version information of the preview display application and acquires the corresponding support list SLB. Then, the determination unit 302B refers to the corresponding support list and determines whether or not the specific format corresponds to the preview display application. Other processes are the same as those described above, and thus detailed description thereof will not be repeated. The version information of the application for preview display can be acquired from the file information of the application stored in the ROM 31.

  The editing unit 306B stores the new support list acquired from the outside in the database DB2. With this processing, when a new application version is updated, a support list corresponding to the updated version can be acquired and stored in the database DB2. The new support list acquired by the editing unit 306B may be acquired from a server (not shown) by accessing the server, or may be acquired by the operator inputting a support list related to a new application version. You may make it do.

  Thereby, even if the version of the preview display application is updated, it is possible to determine whether or not the specific format corresponds to the application according to the corresponding support list.

(Modification 2)
In the second modification, the preview display based on the preview display application is different from the printed matter in the MFP 100 based on the printer (MFP) characteristic information and the preview display application (viewer application) characteristic information. The case of determining whether or not will be described.

  In the above display determination process, the case of determining whether or not the specific format of the printer and the viewer application is supported has been described as the determination of the layout information. explain.

  FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a part of the functional configuration of the terminal device 300 based on the second modification of the third embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 26, a case where a CPU 30C and a RAM 32C are provided is shown.

The CPU 30C includes a determination unit 302C.
When executing the preview display for the file FA, the determination unit 302C uses the file information of the file stored in the RAM 32C, the characteristic information of the terminal device, and the characteristic information of the preview display application to display the preview of the file. It is determined whether the preview display based on the application is different from the printed matter on MFP 100.

  In this example, it is assumed that the RAM 32C has a support list database DB1 related to the MFP version and a support list SLB database DB2 corresponding to the version of the preview display application.

  As described above, the database DB1 stores the support list SLA for each MFP version, and the database DB2 stores the support list SLB for each version of the preview display application.

  The determination unit 302C acquires MFP version information and acquires a corresponding support list SLA. Further, the determination unit 302C acquires the version information of the preview display application, and acquires the corresponding support list SLB. Then, the determination unit 302B refers to the corresponding support lists SLA and SLB to determine whether or not the specific format corresponds to the preview display application. Other processes are the same as those described above, and thus detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  As described above, it is of course possible to provide an editing unit in the CPU 30C so that a new support list is stored in the databases DB1 and DB2 for the MFP and the preview display application. It is.

  Thereby, even when the version of the MFP or the application for preview display is updated, it is possible to determine whether the specific format corresponds to the application according to the corresponding support list.

  Note that it is naturally possible to cause the server 200 to execute a part of the display determination process as described in the second modification of the first embodiment. In that case, the application for preview display of the terminal device 300 or the version information of the MFP may be transmitted to the server 200 from the terminal device 300 or the MFP 100 and input.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the terminal device 300 # based on the fourth embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 27, the terminal device 300 # includes a CPU 30 #, a RAM 32, a communication controller 35, and a display 33.

  CPU 30 # differs from CPU 30 in that it further includes a notification unit 308 and a selection receiving unit 310. Since other configurations are the same as those described in FIG. 5, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  The notification unit 308 follows the instruction based on the determination that the preview display based on the preview display application for the file in the determination unit 302 is different from the printed material in the MFP 100, and the fact (the printed material may be different) on the display 33. Display).

  The selection accepting unit 310 accepts an input to select either a preview display based on a preview display application for a file or a preview display according to print preview data. The selection receiving unit 310 instructs the display control unit 304 to perform a preview display when receiving a preview display selection based on a preview display application for the file.

  The display control unit 304 generates preview display data based on the viewer application for the file in accordance with an instruction from the selection receiving unit 310 and displays the preview display data on the display 33.

  On the other hand, when the selection accepting unit 310 accepts the selection of the preview display according to the print preview data, the selection accepting unit 310 notifies the judging unit 302 to that effect, and the judging unit 302 generates a terminal preview print job and sends it to the transmitting unit 350. Output.

  Transmission unit 350 transmits the terminal preview print job generated by determination unit 302 to MFP 100.

  For example, when receiving print preview data from the MFP 100, the receiving unit 351 outputs the print preview data to the display control unit 304.

  The display control unit 304 displays the print preview data received by the receiving unit 351 on the display 33 based on the viewer application.

  FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating a selection acceptance screen in the printing system based on the fourth embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 28, a selection acceptance screen 500 is shown in terminal device 300. The selection reception screen 500 is displayed on the display 33 in accordance with an instruction from the notification unit 308.

  In the selection acceptance screen 500, “Do you want to perform more accurate preview display?” Is displayed along with a notification that “the preview display may be different from the printed matter in the MFP”.

  That is, according to the instruction based on the judgment that the judgment unit 302 based on the preview display application for the file is different from the printed matter in the MFP 100, the display 33 indicates that the printed matter may be different. Is displayed.

  When “OK” 501 is selected on the selection reception screen 500, the selection reception unit 310 determines that the selection of the preview display based on the preview display application for the file has been received and performs display control. The unit 304 is instructed to display a preview.

  On the other hand, when “cancel” 502 is selected on the selection reception screen 500, the selection reception screen 500 determines that the selection of the preview display according to the print preview data is received, and the determination unit 302 receives the selection. Notify that. The determination unit 302 instructs the MFP 100 to create data for preview display (print preview data) according to an instruction from the selection receiving unit 310, and instructs the terminal device to transmit the print preview data. A terminal preview print job is generated and output to the transmission unit 350.

  FIG. 29 is a flowchart for explaining preview display processing in the printing system according to the fourth embodiment.

  29 is different from the flowchart of FIG. 7 in that steps ST21 and ST22 are provided. Other configurations are agreed.

  In step ST2, if the terminal device 300 determines that the preview display is different based on the determination result of the display determination process (YES in step ST2), the terminal device 300 displays a warning (step ST21). Specifically, the notification unit 308 displays the selection reception screen 500 described above on the display 33 in accordance with an instruction from the determination unit 302.

  Next, the terminal device 300 determines whether or not a more accurate preview display has been instructed (step ST22).

  Specifically, the selection receiving unit 310 determines whether “OK” 501 is selected on the selection receiving screen 500. If “OK” 501 is selected, it is determined that a more accurate preview display has been instructed.

  If it is determined in step ST22 that the terminal device 300 has not instructed a more accurate preview display (NO in step ST22), a normal print job is generated (step ST3). Specifically, the selection receiving unit 310 determines whether or not “cancel” 502 is selected on the selection receiving screen 500. When “Cancel” 502 is selected, it is determined that a more accurate preview display is not instructed. Since the subsequent processing is the same as that described in FIG. 7, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  According to this method, in accordance with an instruction based on the determination that the preview display based on the preview display application for the file in the determination unit 302 is different from the printed material in the MFP 100, the fact is displayed on the display 33 (the printed material may be different). ) Is displayed. That is, the selection reception screen 500 is displayed on the display 33. Then, the user can select preview display based on the preview display application for the file or preview display based on the print preview data, which is convenient for the user.

<Other examples>
In this example, a case has been described in which a print job is transmitted from the terminal device 300 to the MFP 100 as an example. However, a preview job instructing only preview display that does not include print processing may be transmitted. It is.

  In this example, the case where the terminal device 300 and the MFP 100 directly perform data communication is described. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and it is naturally possible to perform data communication via a relay such as a router. .

  Furthermore, a program for causing the CPU 30 of the terminal device 300 to execute the above-described operation can be provided. Such a program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk attached to the computer, a CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory), a ROM, a RAM, and a memory card, and provided as a program product. You can also. Alternatively, the program can be provided by being recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk built in the computer. A program can also be provided by downloading via a network.

  The program may be a program module that is provided as a part of a computer operating system (OS) and that calls necessary modules in a predetermined arrangement at a predetermined timing to execute processing. In that case, the program itself does not include the module, and the process is executed in cooperation with the OS. A program that does not include such a module can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

  The program according to the present invention may be provided by being incorporated in a part of another program such as an application for direct printing or an application for preview display, or a program different from such a program. May be provided as Even in this case, the program itself does not include the module included in the other program, and the process is executed in cooperation with the other program. Such a program incorporated in another program can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

  The provided program product is installed in a program storage unit such as a hard disk and executed. The program product includes the program itself and a recording medium on which the program is recorded.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  10, 30, 30A, 30B, 30C CPU, 12, 32, 32A, 32B, 32C RAM, 14 printer, 15 scanner, 16 operation panel, 17, 35 communication controller, 31 ROM, 33 display, 34 input device, 200 server , 300, 300A, 300B, 300C, 300 # terminal device, 302, 302A, 302B, 302C determination unit, 304 display control unit, 306A, 306B editing unit, 308 notification unit, 310 selection reception unit, 350 transmission unit, 351 reception , 400 print setting screen, 401 selection area, 402 check box, 500 selection acceptance screen.

Claims (14)

A printer,
A terminal device that is provided so as to be communicable with the printer and that transmits a print job related to a printing process to a file that can be supported by the printer;
The terminal device is
A memory for storing an application for preview display; and
A processing unit for starting the application and displaying a preview of the file,
The processor is
Whether the preview display based on the preview display application for the file differs from the print result on the printer based on at least one of the file information of the file, the terminal device and the printer characteristic information A judgment unit for judging;
And a display control unit that executes a preview display based on the application of the file based on a determination result of the determination unit. The processor is
A transmission unit that transmits a print job including a print preview instruction in the terminal device to the printer or server when it is determined that a preview display based on the application of the file is different from a print result on the printer; Have
The printer or server generates preview data according to a print job including a print preview instruction in the terminal device transmitted from the transmission unit, and transmits the generated preview data for preview display on the terminal device. The printing system according to claim 1.   The determination unit includes a preview display based on the application of the file based on at least one of the file format of the file information, the attribute information of the file, and the layout information of the file, and a print result on the printer. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not they are different.   When the determination unit determines that the file is generated by the specific reading unit as the attribute information, the determination unit determines that the preview display based on the application of the file is not different from the print result of the printer. The printing system according to claim 3. The determination unit determines whether a preview display based on the application of the file and a print result on the printer are different from each other when a predetermined condition is satisfied based on a file format of the file and attribute information of the file. ,
The processor is
A transmission unit that transmits a print job including a print preview instruction in the terminal device to the printer when it is determined that the determination result of the determination unit is different under a predetermined condition;
The printer is
In accordance with the print job transmitted from the transmission unit, determine whether the preview display based on the application of the file is different from the print result on the printer based on the layout information of the file,
When it is determined that the preview display based on the application of the file is different from the print result on the printer, the preview data is generated according to the print job transmitted from the transmission unit, and the generated preview data is The printing system according to claim 3, wherein the printing system transmits a preview display on a terminal device. A server provided to be able to communicate with the printer and the terminal device;
The determination unit determines whether a preview display based on the application of the file and a print result on the printer are different from each other when a predetermined condition is satisfied based on a file format of the file and attribute information of the file. ,
The processor is
A transmission unit that transmits a print job including a print preview instruction in the terminal device to the server when it is determined that the determination result of the determination unit is different under a predetermined condition;
The server
In accordance with the print job transmitted from the transmission unit, determine whether the preview display based on the application of the file is different from the print result on the printer based on the layout information of the file,
When it is determined that the preview display based on the application of the file is different from the print result of the printer, the preview data generated according to the print job transmitted from the transmission unit is preview displayed on the terminal device. The printing system according to claim 3, wherein   The printing system according to claim 3, wherein the layout information includes at least one of figure, table, character, and symbol format information.   The determination unit differs in a preview display based on the application of the file and a print result on the printer based on whether or not the printer supports predetermined format information in the layout information of the file information. The printing system according to claim 7, wherein it is determined whether or not. The memory stores a plurality of support lists related to predetermined format information supported respectively corresponding to a plurality of versions of the printer,
The determination unit is configured to determine whether the printer supports predetermined format information in the layout information of the file information according to a support list corresponding to a version of the printer among the plurality of support lists. The printing system according to claim 8, wherein it is determined whether a preview display based on the application of the file is different from a print result of the printer.   The printing system according to claim 9, wherein the processing unit further includes an editing unit that adds or edits a support list related to predetermined format information stored in the memory according to an input from the outside.   The determination unit determines whether a preview display based on the application of the file differs from a print result on the printer based on whether there is format information other than predetermined format information in the layout information of the file information. The printing system according to claim 7, wherein it is determined whether or not. The memory stores a plurality of support lists related to predetermined format information supported, each corresponding to a preview application version.
The determination unit supports predetermined format information in the layout information of the file information supported by the preview display application according to a support list corresponding to a version of the preview display application among the plurality of support lists. The printing system according to claim 8, wherein whether or not the preview display based on the application of the file is different from a print result on the printer is determined based on whether or not the file is present. The memory further stores a plurality of support lists related to predetermined format information supported corresponding to a plurality of versions of the printer,
The determination unit includes layout information of the file information according to a support list corresponding to a version of the printer among the plurality of support lists and a support list corresponding to a version of the application for preview display among the plurality of support lists. Whether or not the preview display based on the application of the file is different from the print result on the printer based on whether or not the printer and the preview display application support predetermined format information The printing system according to claim 12, wherein: The processor is
Based on the determination result of the determination unit, a notification unit that notifies that the preview display based on the application of the file is different from the print result on the printer;
A selection receiving unit that receives a preview display selection based on the application of the file according to the notification of the notification unit;
The display control unit displays a preview display based on the application of the file by the selection reception unit when a preview display based on the application of the file is different from a print result of the printer as a determination result of the determination unit. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein a preview display based on the application of the file is executed when the selection is accepted.

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