JP2020154714A - Information processing apparatus and printing system - Google Patents

Abstract

To manage a plurality of printers by automatically registering a profile to a related printer speculatively (in advance) to reduce a burden on a profile registration operation.SOLUTION: When profile information is transmitted to a first printer, a data processing unit of an information processing apparatus causes a communication unit to distribute profile information for automatic registration toward a second printer. The profile information for automatic registration is the same profile information as the profile information transmitted to the first printer. The first printer is one of the printers communicable with the communication unit. The second printer is a printer belonging to the same group as the first printer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing device and a printing system image forming device that distribute profile information to a printing device for each type of printing medium.

In order to obtain high-quality printed matter, the setting information to be used may be switched depending on the type of print media used. The setting information corresponding to the print media used before printing is selected. The setting information is selected each time the print media is changed. The printing device prints according to the selected setting information. Patent Document 1 describes an example of a print processing system that changes setting information for each type of print media.

Specifically, Patent Document 1 describes a print management device that stores media print information for each print medium including setting information necessary for printing according to the print media for each print device to be managed, and its own device. The printing device includes a printing device that executes printing with settings according to the setting information stored in the printing management device to be managed, the printing device is managed by only one printing management device, and the print management device controls the managed printing device. A printing processing system to be displayed on a predetermined display unit is described. With this configuration, the management of the printing apparatus is to be optimized (Patent Document 1: Claim 1, paragraph [0006]).

JP-A-2018-101320

In commercial printing (industrial printing), high quality printing is required. This is because compensation is paid for the provision of printing services. A printing device for commercial printing can be said to be a printing device for professionals. It is necessary to print so that the image quality exceeds the image quality required by the orderer. It can be said that the printing quality required for commercial printing is higher than that for office or home printing.

In a printing apparatus for commercial printing, a profile (ICC profile) may be registered for each type (brand) of printing medium to be used. The profile contains mapping data for color space conversion. The printing device refers to the profile, converts the input image data, and generates the output image data. For example, a print medium manufacturer (paper manufacturer) may create a profile. The profile is defined in consideration of the color and characteristics of the print medium so that the color difference between the input (image data used for originals and printing) and the output (printed matter) is as small as possible.

There are many types of printing media used for printing in commercial printing. For example, there is paper as a printing medium using paper. Currently, there are many types of paper in circulation. Furthermore, the print medium is not limited to paper. For example, cloth, resin, and building materials may be printed. When using a print medium (a print medium on which a profile is not installed) used for the first time, it is necessary to register (install) the profile of the print medium in the printing device before printing. Hundreds of profiles may be installed on the printer. In this case, the work of registering the profile is repeated many times. Moreover, although the printing company may own a plurality of printing devices, it is necessary to register the profile one by one. There is a problem that the work of registering a large number of profiles in each printing device is time-consuming, laborious, and troublesome. In particular, if a large number of printing devices are owned, the burden of profile registration work becomes heavy.

In the technique described in Patent Document 1, one profile must be registered in each printing apparatus for commercial printing. Therefore, the above problem cannot be solved.

In view of the above problems, when managing a plurality of printing devices, the present invention speculatively (precedings) automatically registers a profile in the related printing device to reduce the burden of profile registration work.

The information processing device according to the present invention includes a communication unit, a storage unit, and a data processing unit. The storage unit non-volatilely stores profile information. The data processing unit causes the first printing device to transmit the profile information to the communication unit upon request. When the profile information is transmitted to the first printing device, the data processing unit causes the second printing device to distribute the profile information for automatic registration to the communication unit. The profile information includes profile data for color conversion determined for each type of print medium. The profile information for automatic registration is the same profile information as the profile information transmitted to the first printing apparatus. The first printing device is one of the printing devices capable of communicating with the communication unit. The second printing device is the printing device capable of communicating with the communication unit, and is the printing device belonging to the same group as the first printing device.

In addition, the printing system according to the present invention includes the information processing device and a plurality of printing devices that communicate with the information processing device.

According to these information processing devices and printing systems, when profile information is registered in a certain printing device (first printing device), the profile information can also be registered in the printing device (second printing device) belonging to the same group. it can. It is undecided whether or not the print medium in which the profile information is registered in the first printing device is used in the second printing device. However, as long as it is managed by the same person as the first printing device, there is a possibility that the second printing device also prints using the same printing medium. Therefore, the profile information is registered in advance in the second printing device related to the first printing device. That is, the same profile information can be registered to the printing devices belonging to the same group at the same time. Profile information can be automatically and speculatively registered in the printing device. Later, when it is decided to use a print medium corresponding to the automatically registered profile information, the user does not have to perform the registration (installation) work of new profile information. The burden (time, labor) of registering profile information can be reduced.

According to the present invention, when managing a plurality of printing devices, when profile information is registered in a certain printing device, the profile can be automatically registered speculatively (in advance) in the related printing device. .. The time and effort required for profile registration work can be reduced.

It is a figure which shows an example of the printing system which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the information processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the printing apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the printing apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the registration and automatic distribution of profile information in the printing apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the group definition data which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the availability data which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the registration and automatic distribution of profile information in the printing apparatus which concerns on embodiment.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the printing system 100 including the information processing device 1 and the printing device 2 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8. However, each element such as the configuration and arrangement described in each embodiment does not limit the scope of the invention and is merely an explanatory example. In the following, a printer that prints using ink as the printing device 2 will be described as an example. The printing apparatus 2 described in the embodiment is for commercial printing. For example, the printing device 2 can print 100 or more sheets of A4 paper per minute. The printing device 2 may be, for example, a multifunction device. The color material of the printing apparatus 2 is not limited to ink.

(Printing system 100)
An example of the printing system 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a printing system 100 according to an embodiment.

The printing system 100 includes an information processing device 1 and a plurality of printing devices 2. The information processing device 1 is, for example, a server. The information processing device 1 manages a plurality of printing devices 2. For example, the information processing device 1 can communicate with each other with a plurality of printing devices 2. Each device is communicably connected via a network. For example, the information processing device 1 and each printing device 2 are arranged in the same local network.

The printing medium of each printing device 2 may be different. The print medium is, for example, paper. For example, paper such as cardboard (thick paper), leaflet paper, reading paper, and wrapping paper can be used as the printing medium. Further, the printing device 2 may print a printing medium of a material other than paper such as wallpaper, tile, cloth, and resin. It should be noted that a printing company often owns a plurality of printing devices 2 depending on the printing medium (specialty field).

The printing device 2 may print using ink. Further, the printing device 2 may print using toner. Further, the printing device 2 may perform color printing (printing using a plurality of color materials). Further, the printing device 2 may perform monochrome printing.

(Information processing device 1)
Next, an example of the information processing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the information processing device 1 according to the embodiment.

The information processing device 1 includes a data processing unit 10, a storage unit 11, a display 12, an input device 13, and a communication unit 14. The data processing unit 10 is a board (server board) including the control circuit 10a. The control circuit 10a is, for example, a CPU. The data processing unit 10 performs calculations and processing. The data processing unit 10 controls the operation of the information processing device 1. The storage unit 11 includes a RAM, a ROM, and a storage (HDD). The storage unit 11 can store data non-volatilely.

The display 12 includes, for example, a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel. The data processing unit 10 displays the screen and information on the display 12. The input device 13 is, for example, a keyboard or a mouse. The input device 13 accepts the user's operation. Based on the output of the input device 13, the data processing unit 10 recognizes the operation content. Using the input device 13, the user can input a command to the information processing device 1.

The communication unit 14 includes a communication circuit and a communication memory. The communication memory stores communication software. The communication unit 14 communicates with the printing device 2 via the network. The data processing unit 10 causes the communication unit 14 to send and receive data to and from the printing device 2. In addition, the communication unit 14 can also communicate with an external computer 200 or a server via a network such as the Internet.

(Outline of printing device 2)
First, an example of the printing apparatus 2 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. 3 and 4 are diagrams showing an example of the printing apparatus 2 according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a large printing apparatus 2 for commercial printing. The printing apparatus 2 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 uses paper as a printing medium. The printing device 2 includes a storage device 201, a main body device 202, a first post-processing device 203, and a second post-processing device 204. In FIG. 3, the solid line arrow indicates the direction in which the print medium is conveyed (flow of the print medium). The accommodating device 201 and the main body device 202 are connected (connected). The main body device 202 and the first aftertreatment device 203 are connected (connected). The first aftertreatment device 203 and the second aftertreatment device 204 are connected (connected).

The accommodating device 201 accommodates a print medium (paper). The accommodating device 201 includes a plurality of cassettes. At the time of printing, the print medium is supplied from any of the cassettes. The accommodating device 201 sends the fed paper to the main unit 202 as a print medium. The paper conveyed by the accommodating device 201 penetrates into the main unit 202.

The main unit 202 prints on a print medium. The main unit 202 sends the printed paper to the first post-processing device 203. The first post-processing device 203 is a device that dries the ink sprayed on the print medium and removes the curl of the print medium. The main unit 202 prints using ink. For ink drying, the first aftertreatment device 203 includes a fan 205 and a heater 206. The fan 205 blows wind onto the print medium sent from the main unit 202. The heater 206 is for sending warm air to the print medium. The heater 206 warms the air blown to the fan 205. This allows the ink to dry. The first aftertreatment device 203 also includes a decal roller pair 207. The decal roller pair 207 exerts pressure on the print medium. The second aftertreatment device 204 is a device that discharges the print medium to the discharge tray 208. The second post-processing apparatus 204 can reverse the front and back sides of the print medium so that the front side faces downward.

As shown in FIG. 3, the printing device 2 includes a control unit 20, a device storage unit 21, an operation panel 23 (corresponding to an operation unit), a printing unit 24, and a device communication unit 25. The control unit 20 controls each unit of the printing device 2. The control unit 20 includes a control circuit 20a and an image processing circuit 20b. The control circuit 20a is, for example, a CPU. The control circuit 20a performs calculations and processing based on the control program and control data stored in the device storage unit 21. The device storage unit 21 includes a non-volatile storage device such as a ROM and a storage (HDD, flash ROM), and a volatile storage device such as a RAM. The image processing circuit 20b performs image processing on the image data used for printing.

The printing device 2 includes an operation panel 23. The operation panel 23 includes a display panel 23a and a touch panel 23b. The control unit 20 displays the setting screen and information on the display panel 23a. The display panel 23a displays an operation image such as a key, a button, and a tab. The touch panel 23b detects a touch operation on the display panel 23a. Based on the output of the touch panel 23b, the control unit 20 recognizes the operated operation image. The control unit 20 recognizes the setting operation performed by the user.

The printing device 2 includes a printing unit 24. The printing unit 24 includes an accommodating device 201, a part of the main body device 202, a first post-processing device 203, and a second post-processing device 204. The main body device 202 includes a medium transporting unit 24a and an image forming unit 24b as the printing unit 24. When performing a print job, the control unit 20 controls the operation of the print unit 24.

Each cassette is provided with a pickup roller. At the time of a print job, the control unit 20 rotates the pickup roller of the cassette to be fed. The control unit 20 conveys the print medium in the accommodating device 20110b. The control unit 20 conveys the print medium that has entered the main body device 202 to the medium transfer unit 24a. The medium transport unit 24a transports the paper toward the image forming unit 24b. The medium transport unit 24a includes a transport belt 26, a drive roller 27, and a driven roller 28.

The transport belt 26 is hung around the drive roller 27 and the driven roller 28. The transport belt 26 attracts the print medium. For example, a suction device for sucking air through a small hole provided in the transport belt 26 is provided. The suction device can prevent misalignment of the print medium during printing. A drive motor is provided to rotate the drive roller 27. During the print job, the control unit 20 rotates the drive motor to rotate the conveyor belt 26.

The image forming unit 24b prints on the printed medium to be conveyed. In other words, the image forming unit 24b ejects ink to the print medium and records the image. The image data for printing is supplied from the image processing circuit 20b. As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming unit 24b includes four line heads 29. Of the line heads 29, one ejects black, one yellow, one cyan, and one magenta ink. Each line head 29 is fixed. Each line head 29 is provided above the transport belt 26. A certain gap is provided between each line head 29 and the transport belt 26. The print medium passes through this gap.

Each line head 29 includes a plurality of nozzles. The opening of each nozzle faces the transport belt 26. Ink is ejected from each nozzle. The ink lands on the print medium. As a result, the image is recorded (formed). An ink replenishment mechanism (not shown) for supplying ink is provided for each line head 29.

The control unit 20 is connected to the device communication unit 25. The device communication unit 25 includes communication hardware (connector, communication circuit) and software. The device communication unit 25 communicates with the information processing device 1. Further, the device communication unit 25 can communicate with the computer 200. The control unit 20 receives print data from the computer 200. The print data includes print settings and print contents. The control unit 20 (image processing circuit 20b) analyzes the received (input) print data. Based on the received print data, the control unit 20 generates image data (raster data) used for image formation in the image forming unit 24b.

(Profile information 3)
Next, an example of the profile information 3 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 4.

Each printing device 2 is for commercial printing. The information processing device 1 manages each printing device 2 for high-quality and high-speed printing. In order to improve the quality of the printed matter, the control unit 20 applies the profile information 3 for the print medium to be used. In the storage unit 11, the device storage unit 21 non-volatilely stores a plurality of profile information 3.

The profile information 3 includes an ICC profile. The ICC profile is data conforming to the Color Management System. The ICC profile is data for reducing the difference between the color of the input (image data) and the color of the output (image data) and printing with the correct color (color according to the image data) as much as possible (color matching). For example, the ICC profile includes a table for color conversion (pixel value conversion). For example, some white papers are pure white, while others are close to cream. A color table (ICC profile) is determined in consideration of the color of the print medium.

The profile information 3 includes data indicating a print medium name (brand). Further, the profile information 3 may include data indicating the characteristics of the print medium. For example, the profile information 3 may include data indicating the size of the print medium. When the print medium is paper, the profile information 3 may include information indicating the basis weight (weight per unit area), the type of paper, and the presence or absence of a coat.

The manufacturer or seller of the print medium may create the profile information 3. Further, the manufacturer or the seller of the printing apparatus 2 may create the profile information 3. Some of such profile information 3 is open to the public so that the profile information 3 can be downloaded from the server of the manufacturer or the seller. In this case, the profile information 3 can be acquired by downloading.

For example, the input device 13 of the information processing device 1 accepts the designation of the server and the designation of the profile information 3 to be downloaded. In this case, the data processing unit 10 of the information processing device 1 causes the communication unit 14 to access the designated server. Then, the data processing unit 10 causes the communication unit 14 to acquire the designated profile information 3. The data processing unit 10 non-volatilely stores the acquired profile information 3 in the storage unit 11.

Further, the profile information 3 may be created by the user of the printing device 2. In this case, the created profile information 3 can be stored non-volatilely in the device storage unit 21 of the information processing device 1. For example, the creator transmits the profile information 3 from the computer 200 that created the profile information 3 to the communication unit 14 of the information processing device 1. The data processing unit 10 of the information processing device 1 non-volatilely stores the received profile information 3 in the storage unit 11. Further, by inserting the portable memory 300 storing the profile information 3 into the socket provided in the information processing device 1, the profile information 3 can be stored non-volatilely in the storage unit 11.

In this way, the information processing device 1 functions as a database of profile information 3.

In the printing apparatus 2, when printing, it is necessary to select the type (brand) of the printing medium used for printing. This is to perform printing according to the print medium. For example, when using a specific paper, the user selects a paper type (paper name) on the operation panel 23.

The device storage unit 21 of the printing device 2 non-volatilely stores the profile information 3. The printing device 2 can non-volatilely store a plurality of profile information 3. In other words, the profile information 3 can be registered (installed) in the printing device 2. The operation panel 23 of the printing device 2 causes the display panel 23a to display a list of profile information 3 stored in the device storage unit 21. The operation panel 23 accepts the selection of profile information 3 corresponding to the print medium used for printing. The control unit 20 recognizes the print medium corresponding to the selected profile information 3 as the print medium used for printing.

The control unit 20 (image processing circuit 20b) of the printing device 2 converts the image data using the ICC profile (color conversion table) included in the profile information 3 and generates the output image data. The conversion source image data is the image data received by the device communication unit 25 from the computer 200, or the image data generated by the control unit 20 based on the print data (data described in the page description language) received from the computer 200. Is. The control unit 20 causes the image forming unit 24b to print based on the output image data.

(Registration and automatic distribution of profile information 3 by download)
Next, an example of registration and automatic distribution of profile information 3 in the printing apparatus 2 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of registration and automatic distribution of profile information 3 in the printing apparatus 2 according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of group definition data 4 according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of availability data 5 according to the embodiment.

When the profile information 3 is not stored (registered) in the device storage unit 21, the printing device 2 cannot select the print medium (profile information 3) used for printing. The device storage unit 21 of the printing device 2 must store profile information 3 corresponding to the printing medium to be used. In such a case, it is necessary to register (install) the profile information 3 in the printing device 2.

The new profile information 3 can be registered in the printing device 2 by downloading from the information processing device 1. In the following description, the printing device 2 in which the profile information 3 is newly registered by downloading is referred to as a first printing device 2a (see FIG. 1). The first printing device 2a is one of the printing devices 2 that can communicate with the communication unit 14 of the information processing device 1 and is managed by the information processing device 1. The first printing device 2a does not include the printing device 2 that has acquired the profile information 3 by automatic distribution.

When the profile information 3 is downloaded, the information processing device 1 (data processing unit 10) automatically distributes the automatic registration profile information 3 to the second printing device 2b (see FIG. 1). The information processing device 1 treats the same profile information 3 as the downloaded profile information 3 (transmitted to the first printing device 2a) as the automatic registration profile information 3.

The second printing device 2b is a printing device 2 capable of communicating with the communication unit 14. For example, the second printing device 2b is a printing device 2 that belongs to the same local network as the information processing device 1. Moreover, the second printing device 2b is a printing device 2 that belongs to the same group as the first printing device 2a.

Next, an example of the flow of downloading from the information processing device 1 and distributing the profile information 3 for automatic registration will be described with reference to FIG.

The start of FIG. 5 is the time when the registration of new profile information 3 by download is started. The operation panel 23 of the printing device 2 receives a registration start instruction of the profile information 3 by downloading. When the operation panel 23 receives the registration start instruction by download, the control unit 20 displays the download data selection screen on the display panel 23a (step # 11).

Specifically, the control unit 20 causes the device communication unit 25 to access the information processing device 1 (communication unit 14). Then, the control unit 20 causes the device communication unit 25 to acquire data for displaying a list of profile information 3 stored in the information processing device 1 (storage unit 11). For example, the control unit 20 causes the device communication unit 25 to acquire the data names (file names) of all the profile information 3 stored in the information processing device 1 and the names (brands) of the print media corresponding to the profiles. Based on the acquired data, the control unit 20 causes the display panel 23a to display a list of profile information 3 and print medium names (types) stored in the information processing device 1 (storage unit 11) on the download data selection screen.

Then, the operation panel 23 accepts the designation of the profile information 3 to be registered (installed). As a result, the control unit 20 recognizes the profile information 3 designated by the operation panel 23 (step # 12). The control unit 20 causes the information processing device 1 (communication unit 14) to transmit a transmission request for the designated profile information 3 to the device communication unit 25 (step # 13).

When the transmission request is received, the information processing device 1 responds. Specifically, the data processing unit 10 transmits the transmission-requested (designated) profile information 3 (step # 14). The printing device 2 (device communication unit 25) downloads new profile information 3. Specifically, when the communication unit 14 receives the transmission request of the profile information 3 from the printing device 2, the data processing unit 10 of the information processing device 1 sends the transmission request to the printing device 2 (device communication unit 25). The profile information 3 specified in the transmission request is transmitted to the communication unit 14.

The control unit 20 of the printing device 2 non-volatilely stores the received profile information 3 in the device storage unit 21 (step # 15). As a result, the registration (installation) of the profile information 3 in the printing device 2 is completed.

Next, the data processing unit 10 of the information processing device 1 recognizes the printing device 2 (second printing device 2b) in the same group as the first printing device 2a (step # 16). The data processing unit 10 recognizes the second printing device 2b with reference to the group definition data 4.

Here, the information processing device 1 (storage unit 11) non-volatilely stores the group definition data 4 (see FIG. 2). FIG. 6 shows an example of the group definition data 4. As shown in FIG. 6, the group definition data 4 is data that defines which group the printing apparatus 2 belongs to. In other words, the group definition data 4 is data that defines a group to which each printing device 2 managed by the information processing device 1 (belonging to the same local network as the information processing device 1) belongs. As shown in FIG. 6, one printing device 2 may belong to a plurality of groups. Further, one printing device 2 may belong to only one group.

The input device 13 of the information processing device 1, which can create and edit the group definition data 4 in the information processing device 1, accepts the operation of creating and editing the group definition data 4. For example, the input device 13 accepts an operation of making a certain printing device 2 belong to a specific group. Further, the input device 13 accepts an operation of removing a certain printing device 2 from a specific group. That is, the input device 13 accepts the editing of the group definition data 4.

The information processing device 1 (data processing unit 10) causes the storage unit 11 to update the group definition data 4 in response to the editing operation performed on the input device 13. The group definition data 4 is updated so that the creation and editing results are reflected.

The administrator considers the type of printing medium printed by the printing device 2, the color material used by the printing device 2, the manufacturer of the printing device 2, the format of the printing device 2, and the printing characteristics of the printing device 2, and the group definition data 4 Can be created and edited. For example, printing devices 2 of the same model or the same type can be in the same group. Further, the printing devices 2 having similar print output characteristics may be in the same group.

Next, the data processing unit 10 of the information processing device 1 recognizes the printing device 2 that distributes the automatic registration profile information 3 among the second printing devices 2b (step # 17). The data processing unit 10 recognizes the printing device 2 to be distributed with reference to the availability data 5.

Here, the information processing device 1 (storage unit 11) non-volatilely stores the availability data 5 (see FIG. 2). FIG. 7 shows an example of availability data 5. As shown in FIG. 7, the availability data 5 is data that defines the types (names, brands) of print media that cannot be used for each printing device 2. The availability data 5 can be said to be data in which profile information 3 (type of print medium) that does not need to be registered is defined for each printing device 2.

As shown in FIG. 7, some printing devices 2 define a plurality of unusable print media. Further, in some printing devices 2, only one printing medium that cannot be used is defined. In addition, some printing devices 2 may not have a print medium that cannot be used.

The input device 13 of the information processing device 1, which can create and edit the availability data 5 in the information processing device 1, accepts the operation of creating and editing the availability data 5. For example, the input device 13 accepts an operation for determining that a specific print medium cannot be used for a certain printing device 2. Further, the input device 13 accepts an operation of removing the definition that a specific print medium cannot be used for a certain printing device 2.

The information processing device 1 (data processing unit 10) causes the storage unit 11 to update the availability data 5 in response to the operation performed by the input device 13. The availability data 5 is updated so that the creation and editing results are reflected.

The administrator and the user can create and edit the availability data 5 in consideration of the printing purpose and the printing target of the printing device 2. For example, the administrator may determine that a printing medium such as plain paper, thin paper, or cloth cannot be used for the printing device 2 for thick paper printing. The administrator may determine that the printing medium made of paper cannot be used for the printing device 2 for cloth.

The availability data 5 may not include the type (brand) of the print medium corresponding to the profile information 3 to be automatically distributed. In this case, the data processing unit 10 of the information processing device 1 recognizes that the automatic registration profile information 3 is delivered to all the second printing devices 2b.

The information processing device 1 (data processing unit 10) does not cause the communication unit 14 to transmit the automatic registration profile information 3 toward the second printing device 2b in which the print medium corresponding to the automatic registration profile information 3 cannot be used. (Step # 18). It is possible to prevent the automatic registration of unnecessary profile information 3.

On the other hand, the information processing device 1 (data processing unit 10) sends the automatic registration profile information 3 to the communication unit 14 toward the second printing device 2b in which the print medium corresponding to the automatic registration profile information 3 is not unavailable. Send (step # 19). The profile information 3 of the print medium that may be used can be automatically registered.

When the automatic registration profile information 3 is received, the printing device 2 (control unit 20) non-volatilely stores the received automatic registration profile information 3 in the device storage unit 21 (step # 110). As a result, the automatic registration of the profile information 3 is completed in the second printing device 2b (end).

(Registration and automatic distribution of profile information 3 using the portable memory 300)
Next, an example of registration of profile information 3 in the printing apparatus 2 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of registration and automatic distribution of profile information 3 in the printing apparatus 2 according to the embodiment.

The portable memory 300 (see FIG. 4) is, for example, a USB memory or a memory card. When the portable memory 300 is used, the user stores the profile information 3 to be registered in the portable memory 300 in advance. For example, the profile information 3 created by the user is stored in the portable memory 300. The new profile information 3 can be registered in the printing device 2 by using the portable memory 300.

The printing apparatus 2 includes a connection portion 210 (see FIG. 4). The connection unit 210 is an interface for connecting the portable memory 300 and reading / writing data. The connection unit 210 includes a socket for connecting the portable memory 300 and a communication circuit (interface circuit) for reading and writing the portable memory 300.

The start of FIG. 8 is when a start instruction for registration of new profile information 3 using the portable memory 300 is given. The operation panel 23 of the printing device 2 receives an instruction to start registration of profile information 3 by the portable memory 300. When the operation panel 23 receives the registration start instruction from the portable memory 300, the control unit 20 displays the read data selection screen on the display panel 23a (step # 21).

Specifically, the control unit 20 causes the connection unit 210 to access the portable memory 300. Then, the control unit 20 searches for the profile information 3 stored in the portable memory 300. The control unit 20 displays a list of the detected profile information 3 on the display panel 23a in the download data selection screen.

The operation panel 23 accepts the designation of the profile information 3 to be registered (installed). As a result, the control unit 20 recognizes the profile information 3 designated by the operation panel 23 (step # 22). The control unit 20 causes the connection unit 210 to read the profile information 3 designated from the portable memory 300 (step # 23). In other words, the control unit 20 acquires the profile information 3 newly registered from the portable memory 300.

When the profile information 3 is read from the portable memory 300, the control unit 20 of the printing device 2 causes the information processing device 1 (communication unit 14) to transmit the read profile information 3 to the device communication unit 25 (step). # 24). In other words, when the profile information 3 is acquired from other than the information processing device 1, the printing device 2 (control unit 20) causes the information processing device 1 to transmit the newly acquired profile information 3.

When the profile information 3 from the printing device 2 is received, the information processing device 1 (data processing unit 10) non-volatilely stores the received profile information 3 in the storage unit 11 (step # 25). As a result, new profile information 3 is automatically accumulated in the database (information processing device 1).

Further, the control unit 20 of the printing device 2 non-volatilely stores the read profile information 3 in the device storage unit 21 (step # 26). As a result, the registration (installation) of the profile information 3 read from the portable memory 300 in the printing device 2 is completed.

Next, the data processing unit 10 of the information processing device 1 recognizes the printing device 2 (third printing device 2) of the same group as the printing device 2 that has transmitted the profile information 3 (step # 27). In other words, the data processing unit 10 recognizes the printing device 2 in the same group as the printing device 2 that has acquired the profile information 3 from the portable memory 300 as the third printing device 2. The data processing unit 10 recognizes the third printing device 2 with reference to the group definition data 4 (similar to the case of the second printing device 2b).

Next, the data processing unit 10 of the information processing device 1 recognizes the printing device 2 that distributes the automatic registration profile information 3 among the third printing devices 2 (step # 28). The data processing unit 10 recognizes the printing device 2 to be distributed with reference to the availability data 5 (similar to the case of the second printing device 2b).

In this case, the information processing device 1 treats the same profile information 3 as the profile information 3 received from the printing device 2 (read from the portable memory 300) as the automatic registration profile information 3.

The information processing device 1 (data processing unit 10) does not cause the communication unit 14 to transmit the automatic registration profile information 3 toward the third printing device 2 that cannot use the print medium corresponding to the automatic registration profile information 3. Step # 29). It is possible to prevent the automatic registration of unnecessary profile information 3.

On the other hand, the information processing device 1 (data processing unit 10) sends the automatic registration profile information 3 to the communication unit 14 toward the third printing device 2 in which the print medium corresponding to the automatic registration profile information 3 is not unavailable. Send (step # 210). The profile information 3 of the print medium that may be used can be automatically registered.

When the automatic registration profile information 3 is received, the printing device 2 (control unit 20) non-volatilely stores the received automatic registration profile information 3 in the device storage unit 21 (step # 211). As a result, the automatic registration of the profile information 3 is completed in the third printing device 2 (end).

In this way, the information processing device 1 according to the embodiment includes the communication unit 14, the storage unit 11, and the data processing unit 10. The storage unit 11 non-volatilely stores the profile information 3. The data processing unit 10 causes the communication unit 14 to transmit the profile information 3 toward the first printing device 2a in response to a request. When the profile information 3 is transmitted to the first printing device 2a, the data processing unit 10 causes the communication unit 14 to distribute the profile information 3 for automatic registration toward the second printing device 2b. The profile information 3 includes profile data for color conversion determined for each type of print medium. The profile information 3 for automatic registration is the same profile information 3 as the profile information 3 transmitted to the first printing device 2a. The first printing device 2a is one of the printing devices 2 capable of communicating with the communication unit 14. The second printing device 2b is a printing device 2 capable of communicating with the communication unit 14, and is a printing device 2 belonging to the same group as the first printing device 2a.

In addition, the printing system 100 according to the embodiment includes an information processing device 1 and a plurality of printing devices 2 that communicate with the information processing device 1.

According to these information processing devices 1 and the printing system 100, when the profile information 3 is registered in a certain printing device 2 (first printing device 2a), the printing device 2 (second printing device 2b) belonging to the same group is also registered. Profile information 3 can be registered. It is undecided whether or not the print medium in which the profile information 3 is registered in the first printing device 2a is used in the second printing device 2b. However, as long as it is managed by the same person as the first printing device 2a, there is a possibility that the second printing device 2b also prints using the same printing medium. Therefore, the profile information 3 is registered in advance in the second printing device 2b related to the first printing device 2a. That is, the same profile information 3 can be registered to the printing apparatus 2 belonging to the same group at the same time. The profile information 3 can be automatically and speculatively registered in the printing device 2. Later, when the print medium corresponding to the automatically registered profile information 3 is used, the user does not have to perform the registration (installation) work of the new profile information 3. The burden (time, labor) of the registration work of the profile information 3 can be reduced.

The information processing device 1 includes an input device 13. The storage unit 11 stores the group definition data 4. The group definition data 4 is data that defines a group to which the printing apparatus 2 belongs. The data processing unit 10 recognizes the second printing device 2b based on the group definition data 4. The input device 13 accepts editing of the group definition data 4. The user can determine which group the printing device 2 belongs to. Among the printing devices 2 to be managed, the related printing device 2 can be defined.

The storage unit 11 stores the availability data 5. The availability data 5 is data that defines the types of print media that cannot be used for each printing device 2. When the profile information 3 is transmitted to the first printing device 2a, the data processing unit 10 determines whether or not the print medium corresponding to the automatic registration profile information 3 can be used by the second printing device 2b based on the availability data 5. Check if. The data processing unit 10 causes the communication unit 14 to transmit the automatic registration profile information 3 toward the second printing device 2b in which the print medium corresponding to the automatic registration profile information 3 is not unavailable. The data processing unit 10 does not cause the automatic registration profile information 3 to be transmitted to the communication unit 14 toward the second printing device 2b in which the automatic registration profile information 3 cannot be used. It is possible to avoid registering unnecessary profile information 3 in the second printing device 2b. The profile information 3 of the print medium that cannot be printed is not automatically registered in the second printing device 2b. No need to store unnecessary data.

When the communication unit 14 receives the transmission request of the profile information 3 from the printing device 2, the data processing unit 10 sends the profile information 3 specified in the transmission request to the printing device 2 that made the transmission request. To send. The profile information 3 can be registered (downloaded) in the printing device 2 (first printing device 2a) simply by sending a transmission request from the printing device 2.

In the printing system 100, when the printing device 2 acquires the profile information 3 from other than the information processing device 1, the printing device 2 transmits the newly acquired profile information 3 to the information processing device 1. The information processing device 1 transmits the profile information 3 received from the printing device 2 to the printing device 2 belonging to the same group as the printing device 2 that transmitted the profile information 3. The profile information 3 newly acquired by the printing device 2 can be transferred to the information processing device 1. The profile information 3 registered in the printing device 2 can be automatically registered in the related printing device 2 without going through the information processing device 1.

The printing device 2 includes a connection unit 210 for connecting the portable memory 300. The printing device 2 newly acquires the profile information 3 from the portable memory 300 connected to the connection unit 210. The profile information 3 (newly acquired profile information 3) input from the portable memory 300 to the printing device 2 can be transferred to the information processing device 1. The profile information 3 input from the portable memory 300 to the printing device 2 can be automatically registered in the related printing device 2.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described, the scope of the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention.

The present invention can be used in an information processing device that manages a plurality of printing devices. It can be used for a printing system including an information processing device and a plurality of printing devices.

100 Printing system 1 Information processing device 10 Data processing unit 11 Storage unit 13 Input device 14 Communication unit 2 Printing device 2a First printing device (printing device)
2b 2nd printing device (printing device) 210 Connection part 3 Profile information 4 Group definition data 5 Availability data 300 Portable memory

Claims (7)

With the communication department
A storage unit that non-volatilely stores profile information,
Upon request, the profile information is transmitted to the communication unit toward the first printing device, and when the profile information is transmitted to the first printing device, the profile for automatic registration is transmitted to the second printing device. Including a data processing unit that distributes information to the communication unit,
The profile information includes profile data for color conversion determined for each type of print medium.
The profile information for automatic registration is the same profile information as the profile information transmitted to the first printing apparatus.
The first printing device is one of the printing devices capable of communicating with the communication unit.
The second printing device is the printing device capable of communicating with the communication unit, and is an information processing device that belongs to the same group as the first printing device. Including input device
The storage unit stores group definition data and stores it.
The group definition data is data that defines a group to which the printing apparatus belongs.
The data processing unit recognizes the second printing device based on the group definition data, and recognizes the second printing device.
The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the input device accepts editing of the group definition data. The storage unit stores availability data and stores it.
The availability data is data that defines the types of print media that cannot be used for each printing device.
The data processing unit
When the profile information is transmitted to the first printing device, the second printing device confirms whether or not the print medium corresponding to the profile information for automatic registration is unavailable based on the availability data.
The print medium corresponding to the automatic registration profile information is not unavailable. The automatic registration profile information is transmitted to the communication unit toward the second printing device, and the automatic registration profile information cannot be used. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the automatic registration profile information is not transmitted to the communication unit toward the second printing device. When the communication unit receives a transmission request for the profile information from the printing device, the data processing unit sends the profile information specified in the transmission request to the printing device that has made the transmission request. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the information processing device is transmitted to a communication unit. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
A printing system including a plurality of the printing devices that communicate with the information processing device. When the printing device acquires the profile information from other than the information processing device,
The printing device transmits the newly acquired profile information to the information processing device, and the printing device transmits the newly acquired profile information.
The information processing device
The printing system according to claim 5, wherein the profile information received from the printing device is transmitted to the printing device belonging to the same group as the printing device that transmitted the profile information. The printing device is
Includes a connection for connecting a portable memory
The printing system according to claim 6, wherein the profile information is newly acquired from the portable memory connected to the connection unit.

Images