JP3406962B2 - Information processing device, output device, information processing method, and control method for output device - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information processing device such as a host computer and an output device such as a printer, which are connected via a bidirectional interface.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a printer connected to a host computer via an interface (for example, Centronics interface) analyzes data input from the host computer and outputs bitmap data as output data of a laser beam printer, for example. It is configured to develop and scan and expose the photosensitive drum with a laser beam modulated based on the developed data to output image data.

When the printer has an emulation function, it is configured to be able to process a plurality of printer control language systems (command systems), and switches between the emulation mode and the native mode according to the application program executed by the user. However, the printer is configured to be able to execute print processing, and the printer is provided with a switch for switching a program for interpreting the printer control language and a card slot for issuing a switching instruction in advance.

Further, the printing apparatus and the host computer are not simply connected using an interface, but the host computer requires a driver, a setup utility, etc. as software for operating the printing apparatus correctly.

If a computer called a workstation is used as a host, print setting information for printing is required.

Furthermore, it is common knowledge that the printing apparatus is accompanied by various documents such as an instruction manual, and nowadays, an online manual on a host computer is a medium such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk. It is also often supplied by.

[0007]

However, although various software and setting information of the printer conventionally held on the host side are necessary to use the printing apparatus, they are registered or set in the host. To do so, knowledge as an administrator on the host side was necessary. These pieces of knowledge are often advanced, and the work itself is complicated, which requires a lot of trouble and skill for the setter.

Further, although the above-mentioned software is usually supplied together with the printing device on a medium such as a floppy disk,
There is a problem that using such a medium is costly. Furthermore, the host side also needs a drive device for such media, and if there is no drive device,
There was a problem that registration and settings could not be done.

Documents such as manuals also have a physical distribution cost associated with the printing apparatus, and include documents that are not used on a daily basis, so that the documents themselves are often wasted. Also, since the documents themselves are usually provided with only one set, if you want more than one, you have to purchase them separately or copy them with a copier based on them if the copyright is allowed.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an output device capable of communicating with an information processing device for generating output data to be output via a bidirectional interface is provided with a plurality of printer drivers. And host printing information required by the information processing device on the host side, such as setup software, and a printer driver suitable for the information such as the type of information processing device and OS is transferred from the output device to the information processing device through the bidirectional interface. By sending the information, it is not necessary to have the host print information such as the printer driver necessary to generate the output data to be printed out to the information processing device on the host side, and the printer used for the print output when necessary. It is intended to provide a mechanism for obtaining host print information such as a driver.

[0011]

An information processing apparatus of the present invention which achieves the above object has the following configuration. That is,
An information processing device capable of communicating with an output device that stores a plurality of printer drivers and setup software through an interface and capable of transmitting output data to be printed out, and generating output data to be printed out By operating the acquisition means for acquiring the setup software for setting up the printer driver from the output device via the interface and the setup software acquired by the acquisition means, the information processing apparatus is adapted. A printer that acquires from the output device via the interface a notification unit that notifies the output device of information for specifying the printer driver, and a printer driver specified by the output device based on the information transmitted by the notification unit. Driver acquisition means, By operating the serial printer driver, and a generation means for generating output data to be printed out in accordance with the print instruction. Further, preferably, it has a transmitting means for transmitting the output data generated by the generating means to print out. Further, it is preferable to further include setting means for transmitting the setting data to set a setting value of an environment of an output device that prints out the output data, based on the setup software acquired by the acquisition means. Further, preferably, the setting means transmits the set value to the output device based on the contents set by the graphical user interface of the setup software. Further, preferably, the notifying unit notifies the type of the information processing apparatus, and the printer driver acquiring unit acquires the printer driver according to the type. Also, preferably, the notification means is
The OS of the information processing device is notified, and the printer driver acquisition unit acquires a printer driver corresponding to the OS. Also, preferably, the output device is a laser beam printer or an inkjet printer.
Also, preferably, the output device is connected via a network.

Further, an output device of the present invention which achieves the above object has the following structure. That is, an output device capable of communicating with an information processing device that generates output data to be printed out through an interface, and a storage unit that stores a plurality of printer drivers and setup software, and a storage unit that is stored by the storage unit. A transmitting unit that transmits setup software that operates to download the existing printer driver to the information processing apparatus to the information processing apparatus via the interface, and the setup software transmitted by the transmitting unit is the information processing apparatus. Specifying means for specifying a printer driver to be operated in the information processing apparatus from a plurality of printer drivers stored in the storage means according to the information of the information processing apparatus notified by operating
The printer driver transmitting unit transmits the printer driver identified by the identifying unit to the information processing apparatus via the interface. Further, preferably, the system further comprises operation instruction means for inputting a transmission instruction for transmitting the setup software to the information processing apparatus via the interface, and the transmission means is instructed to transmit by the operation instruction means. In response to the request, the setup software is transmitted to the information processing device. Further, it preferably has an inquiry means for inquiring an uploading place for transmitting the software. Further, preferably, the transmitting means checks the storage location of the setup software and transmits the setup software. Further, preferably, the storage means stores a plurality of setup software corresponding to a plurality of OSs, and the transmission means specifies and transmits the setup software according to the OS of the information processing apparatus. . Further, preferably, the storage means stores a plurality of printer drivers corresponding to a plurality of OSs, and the specifying means stores the plurality of printer drivers stored in the storage means into the OS of the information processing apparatus. Specify the corresponding printer driver. A laser beam printer or an inkjet printer is preferable. Further, preferably, the information processing apparatus is connected via a network.

(Operation) In such a configuration, the information processing apparatus acquires the setup software from the output apparatus, executes the acquired setup software, and notifies the output apparatus of the information of the information processing apparatus, thereby establishing the interface. A printer driver suitable for the information processing apparatus can be appropriately uploaded and acquired via the output device, and the acquired printer driver can be used.

[0014]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Before explaining the configuration of this embodiment,
Configurations of a laser beam printer and an inkjet printer suitable for applying the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. Needless to say, the printer to which the present embodiment is applied is not limited to the laser beam printer and the inkjet printer, and may be a printer of another printing method.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the structure of a first recording apparatus to which the present invention can be applied, for example, a case of a laser beam printer (LBP).

In the figure, reference numeral 1500 denotes an LBP main body, which inputs and stores print information (character code, etc.) supplied from an externally connected host computer, form information, macro commands, and the like. A corresponding character pattern, form pattern, or the like is created in accordance with the above, and an image is formed on a recording paper, which is a recording medium.
Reference numeral 1501 is an operation panel on which switches for operation and LED indicators are arranged, and 1000 is an LBP main body 15
00 is a printer control unit for controlling the whole and analyzing character information and the like supplied from the host computer.
The printer control unit 1000 mainly converts character information into a video signal of a corresponding character pattern and outputs it to the laser driver 1502. The laser driver 1502 is a circuit for driving the semiconductor laser 1503, and turns on / off the laser light 1504 emitted from the semiconductor laser 1503 according to the input video signal. The laser light 1504 is oscillated in the left-right direction by the rotary polygon mirror 1505 to scan and expose the electrostatic drum 1506. As a result, an electrostatic latent image having a character pattern is formed on the electrostatic drum 1506. This latent image is developed by a developing unit 1507 arranged around the electrostatic drum 1506 and then transferred to a recording paper. A cut sheet is used as the recording sheet, and the cut sheet recording sheet is LBP15.
The paper is stored in a paper cassette 1508 mounted on paper No. 00, is taken into the apparatus by a paper feed roller 1509, a conveyance roller 1510, and a conveyance roller 1511, and is supplied to the electrostatic drum 1506. Further, the LBP main body 1500 is provided with at least one or more card slots (not shown) so that an option card and a control card (emulation card) having a different language can be connected in addition to the built-in font.

FIG. 2 is an external view showing the structure of a second recording apparatus to which the present invention can be applied, for example, the case of an ink jet recording apparatus (IJRA).

In the figure, a spiral groove 5004 of a lead screw 5005 that rotates via driving force transmission gears 5011 and 5009 in association with forward and reverse rotations of a drive motor 5013.
The carriage HC that engages with is a pin (not shown)
And is reciprocated in the directions of arrows a and b. An inkjet cartridge IJC is mounted on the carriage HC. A paper pressing plate 5002 presses the paper against the platen 5000 in the carriage movement direction. Reference numerals 5007 and 5008 denote photocouplers, which function as home position detection means for confirming the presence of the carriage lever 5006 in this area and switching the rotation direction of the motor 5013. Reference numeral 5016 is a member that indicates a cap member 5022 that caps the entire surface of the recording head, and 5015 is a suction unit that sucks the inside of the cap, and performs suction recovery of the recording head through the opening 5023 in the cap. 5017 is a cleaning blade, which is a member 5
019 enables movement in the front-back direction. Reference numeral 5018 denotes a main body supporting plate which supports the above 5017 and 5019. Fifty
Reference numeral 12 is a lever for starting suction for suction recovery, which moves in accordance with the movement of the cam 5020 that engages with the carriage, and the driving force from the driving motor is movement-controlled by a known transmission means such as clutch switching. .

The capping, cleaning, and suction recovery are configured such that when the carriage comes to the home position side area, desired processing can be performed at the corresponding positions by the action of the lead screw 5005. It suffices if it is configured so as to perform the desired operation.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining the control arrangement of the second recording apparatus shown in FIG.

In the figure, 1700 is an interface for inputting a recording signal, 1701 is an MPU, 1702 is a ROM for storing a control program executed by the MPU 1701 and host print information, and 1703 is a DRAM for storing various data (the above-mentioned recording signal, The recording data supplied to the head) is saved. A gate array 1704 controls the supply of print data to the print head 1708, and includes an interface 1700, an MPU 1701, and a DRAM 17.
It also controls the transfer of data between 03. Reference numeral 1710 denotes a carrier motor for carrying the recording head 1708, and 17
Reference numeral 09 denotes a conveyance motor for conveying recording paper, 1705 denotes a head driver for driving the recording head, 1706 denotes a motor driver for driving the conveyance motor 1709, 17
A motor driver 07 drives the carrier motor 1710.

In the above-configured recording apparatus, when a recording signal is input from the host computer 100 described later via the interface 1700, the recording signal is printed between the gate array 1704 and the MPU 1701. Is converted to. Then, the motor drivers 1706 and 1707 are driven, and the recording head is driven according to the recording data sent to the head driver 1705 to execute printing.

The MPU 1701 is an interface 1
Communication processing with the host computer 100 described later is possible via 700, and it is configured to be able to notify the host computer 100 described later of memory information and resource data regarding the DRAM 1703 and host print information in the ROM 1702. Host computer 10
0 is configured to communicate with the connected printer to automatically determine the printer environment setting state and automatically set the mutually compatible printer environment.

Further, the data set in the printer memory is transferred to the host computer 100 as a temporary registration file in accordance with the printer control language switching,
After the printer processing is completed after switching the printer control language, the temporary registration file is transferred back to the printer and resettable in order to restart the printer environment of the printer.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the printer control system showing the embodiment of the present invention. Here, a laser beam printer (FIG. 1) will be described as an example. As long as the functions of the present invention are executed, the present invention can be applied to a single device, a system including a plurality of devices, or a system in which processing is performed via a network such as a LAN. It goes without saying that the invention can be applied.

In the figure, reference numeral 100 is a host computer, which is provided with a CPU 1 for executing document processing in which graphics, images, characters, tables (including spreadsheets, etc.) are mixed based on a document processing program stored in ROM 2. The CPU 1 generally controls each device connected to the system device 4.

The ROM 2 also stores a control program for the CPU 1 as shown in the flowchart of FIG. A RAM 3 functions as a main memory and a work area of the CPU 1. A keyboard controller (KBC) 5 controls key inputs from the keyboard 9 and a pointing device (not shown). 6 is a CRT controller (CRTC), which is a CRT display (CRT)
Controls the display of 10. 7 is a disk controller (D
KC) controls access to a hard disk (HD) 11 and a floppy disk (FD) 12 that store a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, edit files, and the like. Reference numeral 8 denotes a printer controller (PRTC), which is a printer 1 via a predetermined bidirectional interface (interface) 13.
It is connected to the printer 500 and executes communication control processing with the printer 1500. 8a and 18a are interface circuits,
It controls various command communication processes between the printer 1500 and the host computer 100 via the interface 13 and recording information processing.

The CPU 1 executes, for example, an outline font rasterizing process on the display information RAM set on the RAM 3, and the W on the CRT 10 is executed.
It enables YSIWYG. Further, the CPU 1 is C
Open various windows registered based on commands designated by a mouse cursor (not shown) on the RT10,
Performs various data processing.

In the printer 1500, a printer CPU 14 generally controls access to various devices connected to the system bus 17 on the basis of a control program stored in the ROM 15 and the like, and via a printing unit interface 19. Connected printing unit (printer engine)
An image signal as print data is output to 20.

The ROM 15 also stores a control program for the CPU 14 as shown in the flowchart of FIG. ROM15 is also a hard disk (H
D) In the case of a printer without 22, the host print information used on the host can be held. CPU
The communication unit 14 can communicate with the host computer via the input unit 18, and is configured to notify the host computer 100 of memory information, resource data, and the like regarding the RAM 16. A RAM 16 functions as a main memory, a work area, etc. of the CPU 14, and is configured so that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown).
The RAM 16 is used as a recording data expansion area, environment data storage area, NVRAM, and the like. The hard disk (HD) 22 is the disk controller (DKC) 21.
Access is controlled by. The hard disk 22 is
It is connected as an option and stores downloaded fonts and printer host print information.

Further, at least one card slot (not shown) is provided so that an optional font card in addition to the built-in font and a card (emulation card) storing a program for interpreting a printer control language of a different language system can be connected. Has been done. Further, it has an NVRAM (not shown) and stores printer mode setting information from the operation panel 1501.

In the printer control system thus constructed, the ROM of the printer 1500 connected to the host computer via the bidirectional interface 13
A document such as a printer setup utility, a printer driver, print setting information used in a host computer, and a printer manual can be held in the hard disk drive 15 or the hard disk 22. Whether these pieces of information are stored in the ROM 15 or the hard disk 22 depends on whether the hard disk is set as an option or the free space of the ROM 15.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the relationship with the printer viewed from the host computer of this embodiment.

Printer 1500 and host computer 1
00 is connected via the bidirectional interface 13. In the area 11a in the hard disk 11 of the host computer, the printer driver 1101, the setup utility 1102, the printer setting information 1103,
An online manual 1104 and the like are stored. The setup utility 1102 is software for setting the execution environment (corresponding language, interface, etc.) and the usage environment (number of copies, paper size, font information, timeout value, etc.) of the printer, and is a GUI (Graphical U) on the host computer 100.
server interface), and the contents of the printer 15 using the bidirectional interface 13
00 to set the value of the printer 1500. The value set here is set in the setup utility 1102 in the host computer 100 and N in the printer 1500.
It is stored in the VRAM 23. Printer driver 1101
Converts a print instruction from the host computer 100 into a form printable by the printer 1500, and the printer 15
00 for sending data to 00 through the bidirectional interface 13. The printer setting information is information held by the host computer when using the printer. This information includes information about the OS environment and information about the GUI environment. Manual 110
Reference numeral 4 is a manual that can be searched online on the host computer, and information about the printer can be obtained only by selecting a menu on the GUI.

In the embodiments described here, this form is not always essential. It suffices that at least one of the above forms is provided in the printing apparatus as host print information.
In particular, the printer setting information, the printer driver, and the printer setup utility are duplicated as contents, but it goes without saying that those which are not necessarily required in the optimum form of the system may be omitted. For example, in the case of recent workstations, existing printer drivers are used, and there is often no setup utility. In this case, usually only the printer setting information (environmental information and data conversion filter program) is required.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when the host computer 100 and the printer 1500 are connected for the first time in this embodiment.

Hard disk 22 in printer 1500
In the area 22a of the printer driver 1201, the setup utility 1202, the printer setting information 12
03 and a manual 1204 are stored. These pieces of information are instructed by the host computer 100,
It is sent to the hard disk 11a in the host computer 100 through the bidirectional interface 13.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing how the setup utility of the host print information according to the first embodiment of the present invention is processed between the printer and the host computer. A small program dedicated to receiving data from the printer is already installed on the host computer side. This reception program may be software on the ROM 2 or a printer driver which is one of the host print information, but the printer driver has not been installed up to this point in this embodiment. This will be described with reference to FIGS.

On the host computer, the reception program is executed by the CPU 1 and is in a standby state for data reception. In step S701, the upload of the setup utility on the operation panel 1501 of the printer 1500 is selected. Next, in step S702, the host computer 100 is queried for the upload location 11a of the setup utility. Next, step S
The storage location 22a of the setup utility of the printer 1500 is checked in 703, and the setup utility is transferred to the host computer 100 in step S704.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining how the setup utility is stored in the hard disk 22 of FIG. The setup utility is managed by the setup utility table shown in FIG. 8, and is classified according to the type of host computer and OS. The substance of the setup utility software is referred to in the setup utility table. If the entity does not exist here, the element of the setup utility table is set to 0. When the upload is selected in step S701, the type of host computer or the type of OS is actually selected. In FIG. 8, reference numeral 801 indicates the number of setup utilities supported in this embodiment. A name 802 of the host computer supported by the setup utility is stored, and a name obtained as a result of an inquiry to the host computer or a result of a notification from the host computer is searched for. With respect to the host computer searched here, a pointer to the corresponding OS is 803, and the corresponding OS is searched here, and the entity 806 of the setup utility can be found from the pointer.

[Second Embodiment] FIG. 9 is a flow chart of an embodiment showing how the printer driver of the host print information is processed between the printer and the host computer. 4, 5, 6, 9, and 10.
Use to explain. In the present embodiment, the upload mechanism is incorporated in the setup utility in the first embodiment. Needless to say, this may be stored in the ROM 2.

First, in step S901, the setup utility of the host computer 100 is activated.
Next, in step S902, uploading of the driver in the setup utility is activated. In step S903, the printer 1500 is notified of the type of the host computer 100 and the OS information of the host computer. Further, in step S904, the host computer 1
In step 00, the printer 1500 is notified of the necessary printer driver, and the printer 1500 is inquired whether or not the printer driver exists.

The printer 1500 has a printer driver table as shown in FIG. This table shows the host computers supported by the printer 100 and the O
It holds the position of the driver corresponding to S. When the printer 100 receives an inquiry as to whether or not there is a driver, it searches this table and returns the answer. The printer driver table is the name of the host computer 1
002, OS name 1004, printer driver address 1005, and the like. If no printer driver exists, 0 is stored as pointer data.

If there is a printer driver in the printer driver table in step S905, step S90
Upload printer driver in 6
Notify 0. This starts uploading the printer driver. If there is no printer driver in step S905, this process is skipped. Then step S
At 907, it is checked whether there is any other driver to be uploaded. If uploading is necessary, the process proceeds to step S904, and if not, the process ends.

[Third Embodiment] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the concept of the print data control mechanism of the embodiment of the host computer to which the present invention can be applied. Host computer 1
00, there is a print data control means controlled by the CPU 1. When printing is designated, the print designation means 110 is first provided.
1 sends print data to the print management unit 1103. The print management unit 1103 receives the print data from the print designation unit 1101 according to the print management information 1102. Although not shown here, when the print management unit 1103 receives the data according to the print management information 1102, the contents of the data can be converted by passing through a filter. Here, the print management unit 1103 selects the output filter 1104 and the output driver 1105 according to the contents recorded in the print management information 1102, changes the output format to the printer 1500, and prints the data through the bidirectional interface 13 to the printer. Send it to 1500. In the case of a host computer having such a print data control mechanism, the driver 1105 itself is often already prepared. In this case, if there is print management information that is print setting information and a filter specified in the print management information, printing can be started immediately.

By the way, there are various kinds of print setting information. In the case of software print setting information such as the above-mentioned filter or driver, transfer may be performed using a predetermined communication protocol, but serial interface is used. When sending print setting information such as information that affects a communication protocol such as a parallel interface or a baud rate or the like, according to the protocol of the standard driver of the bidirectional interface 13 set in the host computer 100. , The transfer protocol on the printer 1500 side is determined, the transfer is performed using that protocol, and the protocol actually used for printing is the printer 1
Transfer from 500 to the host computer 100 by a standard protocol, and then switch at the time of printing.

The processing between the printer 1500 and the host computer 100 here is the same as in the first embodiment.

[Fourth Embodiment] Printer 1500 and host computer 1 when host print information is a document
The processing between 00 is the same as that in the second embodiment.

However, when the host print information is a document, not only is the host computer 100 referred to online but also the host computer 1 is instructed by the host computer 100 or the operation panel 1501.
The document can be printed directly from 00 without transferring.

This is the document itself, printer 15
It may be described in a well-known page description language supported by 00. If it is described in the page description language, the host computer 100 side can display the document with the software that interprets it, and the printer 1500 can perform printing as a supported function.

[0051]

As described above, according to the present invention,
The information processing device on the host side acquires the setup software from the output device, executes the acquired setup software, and notifies the information of the information processing device to the output device, so that the output device can execute the relevant information from the output device via the interface. Since the printer driver suitable for the information processing device is appropriately uploaded and acquired, it is necessary to always have the host print information such as the printer driver necessary for generating the output data to be printed out to the information processing device on the host side. The effect is that host print information such as a printer driver used for print output can be acquired when necessary. Further, the information processing apparatus notifies the output apparatus of its own OS, and the output apparatus appropriately selects and transmits the printer driver corresponding to the notified OS of the information processing apparatus. There is an effect that the printer driver suitable for the information processing apparatus can be accurately acquired without any particular designation. Further, by providing the output device with the host print information such as the printer driver, the software medium of the host print information such as the printer driver originally necessary in the information processing device can be reduced, so that the distribution cost can be reduced. There is.

[0052]

[0053]

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a first recording apparatus to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is an external view showing a configuration of a second output device to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of a second output device shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer control system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a relationship with a printer viewed from a host computer.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a first connection relationship between a host computer and a printer.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing uploading of a setup utility which is host print information showing the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a map in a hard disk of a setup utility.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing uploading of a printer driver, which is host print information, according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a map in a hard disk of a printer driver.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a print data control mechanism of a host computer to which the third embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 CPU 2 ROM 3 RAM 11 hard disk 14 CPU 15 ROM 16 RAM 22 hard disk 100 host computer 1500 printer

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (56) Reference JP-A-2-188822 (JP, A) JP-A-6-149489 (JP, A) JP-A-4-239321 (JP, A) JP-A-5- 274123 (JP, A) JP-A-5-81036 (JP, A) Ryo Hita, MAC AROUND THE CLOCK! Enjoy MACINTOSH NO. 3, ASCII 1990 August issue, Japan, ASKY Corporation, August 11, 1990, Volume 14, Issue 8, pages 369 to 376 (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB Name) G06F 3/12 B41J 29/38

Claims (32)

(57) [Claims] 1. A plurality of printer drivers and set-ups.
Interface with the output device that stores the
A printer driver that is an information processing device that is capable of communicating via a network and can transmit output data to be printed out, and that generates output data to be printed out.
The information processing apparatus by operating the acquisition means for acquiring the setup software for setting up from the output device via the interface, and the setup software acquired by the acquisition means. Conforms to
Output the information for specifying the printer driver to be used
Notifying means for notifying the device, and the output device based on the information transmitted by the notifying means
The printer driver specified by
Printer driver acquisition hand to acquire from the output device via
And the print driver by operating the printer driver.
A generator that generates the output data to be printed out according to the instructions
The information processing apparatus characterized by comprising: a stage, a. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a transmitting unit that transmits the output data generated by the generating unit so as to print out the output data. 3. The session acquired by the acquisition means
Based on the upgrade software, the output data
Send to set the environment settings of the output device to print out
2. A setting means for further comprising:
Or the information processing device according to 2. 4. The setting means is the setup software.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the setting value is transmitted to the output device based on a content set by a software graphical user interface. 5. The notification means notifies the type of the information processing apparatus, and the printer driver acquisition means acquires a printer driver according to the type . The information processing device according to 1. 6. The notification means is O of the information processing device.
Informs S, the printer driver acquisition unit, the O
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that to obtain a printer driver corresponding to the S. Wherein said output apparatus is a laser beam printer, or an information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that an inkjet printer. 8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the information processing apparatus is connected to the output device via a network. 9. Information for generating output data to be printed out.
An output device capable of communicating with an information processing device through an interface, which includes a plurality of printer drivers and setup software.
And a printer driver stored by the storage means.
The session that operates to download to the information processing device.
Setup software via the interface
And transmission means for transmitting to the information processing apparatus, Sofutou for transmitted setup by the transmitting means
Is notified by the software operating on the information processing device.
The information processing device according to the information of the information processing device
Store the printer driver that should operate in the storage means
To identify from multiple printer drivers that are installed
And the printer driver specified by the specifying means.
To the information processing device via the interface
A printer driver transmitting unit, and an output device. 10. The setup software comprises :
Send to the information processing device via the interface
Further includes an operation instructing means for inputting a transmission instruction, and the transmitting means is not instructed to transmit by the operation instructing means.
Depending on what is done, the setup software
Is transmitted to the information processing device.
9. The output device according to item 9. 11. An updater for transmitting the software.
The output device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that it has a query means for querying over de place. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein transmitting means examines the storage location of the setup <br/> software to claim 9, characterized in that transmitting the setup <br/> software
11. The output device according to any one of 11 . 13. The storage means is compatible with a plurality of OSs.
A plurality of set-up software are stored, and the transmitting means is a set according to the OS of the information processing apparatus.
13. The output device according to claim 9, wherein the upgrade software is specified and transmitted. 14. The storage means is compatible with a plurality of OSs.
A plurality of printer drivers stored in the storage unit, and the specifying unit is configured to store a plurality of printer drivers stored in the storage unit.
From the printer driver depending on the OS of the information processing device.
10. The input driver is specified.
13. The output device according to any one of 13. 15. A laser beam printer or an ink jet printer as claimed in claim 9.
15. The output device according to any one of 14 . 16. The information processing device is a network
9. The method according to claim 9, wherein the connection is made through
5. The output device according to any one of 5. 17. A plurality of printer drivers and set ups
Interface with the output device that stores the
The output data that can be printed out
Information processing method in an information processing device capable of transmitting data
There, the printer driver for generating output data to be printed out
Setup software to set up
From the output device via the interface
Acquisition process and setup software acquired in the acquisition process
Is compatible with the information processing device by operating
The information for identifying the printer driver is output by the output device.
To the output device according to the notification process of notifying the user and the information transmitted in the notification process.
Specified printer driver via the interface
The printer driver acquisition step of acquiring from the output device by
When, by operating the printer driver, printing finger
Generator that generates output data to be printed out according to the indication
An information processing method comprising: 18. The information processing method according to claim 17, further comprising a transmission step of transmitting the output data generated in the generation step so as to be printed out. 19. The set obtained in the obtaining step
Print the output data according to the upgrade software.
It is sent to set the environment settings of the output device to be printed.
18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising a setting step of
Alternatively, the information processing method described in 18. 20. The setting step is for the setup
In the software graphical user interface
The set value is output to the output device based on the set content.
The information processing system according to claim 19, characterized in that the information is transmitted to
Reasoning method. 21. The notification step is performed by the information processing device.
The type is notified, and the printer driver acquisition step is
Characterized by acquiring the printer driver according to the type
The information processing method according to any one of claims 17 to 20
Law. 22. The notification step is performed by the information processing device.
The OS is notified, and the printer driver acquisition step is
A characteristic is that a printer driver corresponding to the OS is acquired.
An information processing method according to any one of claims 17 to 21
Law. 23. The output device is a laser beam printer.
Computer or inkjet printer
The information processing method according to any one of claims 17 to 22,
Law. 24. The output device via a network
24. The connection according to claim 17, wherein
The information processing method described in any one of 1. 25. Generating output data to be printed out
Output that can communicate with information processing device via interface
An output method in a device, comprising a plurality of printer drivers and setup software.
A storing step of storing the printer driver in the storing means and a printer driver stored in the storing means.
Cell that operates to download the information processing apparatus
Setup software through the interface
And transmitting to the information processing device, and the setup software transmitted in the transmitting step
Before being notified by operating on the information processing device
The information processing device operates according to the information of the information processing device.
The printer driver to be created is stored in the storage means.
Process to identify from multiple printer drivers
And the printer driver specified in the specifying step
Interface to the information processing device via the interface.
And an input driver transmission step.
Force method. 26. The setup software,
Send to the information processing device via the interface
Operation instruction step of inputting a transmission instruction from the operation instruction means
Further, in the transmitting step, there is no transmission instruction by the operation instructing means.
Depending on what is done, the setup software
Is transmitted to the information processing device.
25. The output method described in 25. 27. An updater for transmitting the software
Characterized by having an inquiry process to inquire about the location
The output method according to claim 25 or 26. 28. The transmitting step is for the setup.
Check the storage location of the software and use it for the above setup
26. The software is transmitted, 25.
The outputting method according to any one of items 27 to 27. 29. The storage means is compatible with a plurality of OSs.
A plurality of set-up software are stored, and the transmitting step is performed according to the OS of the information processing apparatus.
Characterized by specifying and transmitting the upgrade software
The output method according to any one of claims 25 to 28
Law. 30. The storage means is compatible with a plurality of OSs.
A plurality of printer drivers stored in the storage means.
From the printer driver depending on the OS of the information processing device.
26. The input driver is specified.
29. The output method according to any one of 29 to 29. 31. A laser beam printer or ink
It is a method in the output device which is a jet printer.
31. The method according to claim 25, wherein
output method. 32. The output device and the information processing device
Characterized by being connected via a network
The output method according to claim 25.