JP3894205B2 - Printing apparatus, printing method, and printing system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to, for example, a printing apparatus, a printing method, and a printing system provided with a storage unit such as a hard disk device, and more particularly, can reprint by browsing and specifying a file stored in the storage unit. The present invention relates to a printing apparatus, a printing method, and a printing system.

  For example, a printing apparatus such as an ink jet printer or a laser printer controls a print engine based on print data received from a host computer and performs predetermined printing. In the host computer, for example, a document to be printed is created by various application programs such as a document creation program and a drawing creation program.

  When the user desires printing, the created document is converted into predetermined print data corresponding to the printing apparatus by the printer driver. This print data is transferred to a printing apparatus connected to the host computer. The print data from the host computer is first stored in a reception buffer in the printing apparatus, and then developed into bit image data in a work area provided on the memory, and then written in the output buffer. The data stored in the output buffer is transferred to the print head according to a predetermined method, and printing is performed.

  In a normal printing apparatus, print data is discarded after printing. If the user wants to reprint a document that has been printed in the past, the print data is generated and developed into bit image data. Etc., each process is executed again.

  Incidentally, in recent years, opportunities to print not only text data but also image data having a large amount of data are increasing. When reprinting image data, since a large amount of print data must be transferred again to the printing apparatus, transfer time is required, and the time until the end of printing becomes longer.

  Therefore, for example, a printing apparatus has been proposed in which a storage device such as a hard disk device or a flash memory is provided in the printing device so that print data input from a host computer can be stored in the storage device.

  Since the above-described conventional printing apparatus includes a storage device, it can be reprinted by calling and specifying a file (print data file) that has been printed in the past. Therefore, it is not necessary to generate print data on the host computer side, and it is only necessary to specify print data stored on the printing apparatus side, so that print data with a large amount of data such as image data can be printed quickly. .

  However, in the conventional printing apparatus, the stored file in the storage device is managed by the file name when it is input from the host computer, so the user can select the file that he / she wants to reprint using only the file name as a clue. Must be specified. Therefore, a file different from the desired file may be specified, and there is a problem that misprinting is likely to occur and usability is low. While the number of stored files in the storage device is small, the user can grasp the relationship between the file name and the file contents. However, as the number of stored files increases, it becomes difficult to grasp the correspondence between file names and file contents, and the possibility of erroneous printing increases.

  In particular, in recent years, for example, printing apparatuses are commonly used in various network environments such as a LAN (Local Area Network) and an intranet. In the case of such network-compatible printing apparatuses, a plurality of users are used. Since a plurality of files are stored in the storage device with appropriate file names, it becomes more difficult to accurately grasp the relationship between the file name and the file content.

  FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which reprinting is designated using a conventional printing apparatus. Information such as files stored in the storage device of the printing apparatus and files currently being printed can be browsed by a dedicated utility program installed in the host computer. The upper side of FIG. 17 displays the name of the file currently being printed, the name of the user requesting printing of the file, the date and time, etc., and the lower side of FIG. 17 shows the file that has already been printed. The file name etc. are displayed. As described above, it is difficult to specify a file to be reprinted only with attribute information such as a file name, a user name, a data size, and a printing date and time, and erroneous printing is likely to occur.

  The present invention has been made in view of various problems as described above, and an object of the present invention is to prevent the occurrence of erroneous printing by making it possible to check image data of a file stored in a printing apparatus. Another object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus, a printing method, and a printing system that can be used. Another object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus, a printing method, and a printing method capable of confirming the contents of a saved file and reducing the data transfer time by compressing data to be transferred for confirming the file contents To provide a printing system. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a printing apparatus, a printing method, and a printing system that can easily check the contents of a saved file.

  In order to achieve the above object, the printing apparatus according to the present invention first transfers the attribute information of the saved file, and then transfers the image data of the file selected based on the attribute information, to obtain a desired You can check the file. This will be described with reference to the functional block diagram shown in FIG.

  The printing apparatus 1 is a printing apparatus including a storage unit 3 for printing on a print recording medium by driving the printing unit 2 based on input print data, and storing the print data. It is determined whether or not the storage designation is set. If the storage designation is set, the storage control means 4 for saving the print data as a file in the storage means 3 and the input attribute information In response to the transfer request, attribute information transfer means 5A for transferring the attribute information of the file stored in the storage means 3 to the request source of the attribute information transfer request, and an image input based on the attribute information In response to a data file transfer request, the file conversion means 6 for converting the file stored in the storage means 3 into an image data file, and the image data An image data file transfer means 5B for transferring the file to the request source of the image data file transfer request, and the file stored in the storage means 3 is read in response to the input print request, and the printing means 2 And reprinting means 7 for printing.

  As the “printing apparatus 1”, for example, a page printer such as a laser printer, a serial printer such as an ink jet printer or a thermal transfer printer, a line printer, or the like can be used. As the “storage means 3”, for example, various storage means such as a hard disk device, a flash memory, a magneto-optical disk device, and a digital audio tape device can be used.

  The storage control unit 4 interprets the print data to determine whether the storage designation is set. When the storage designation is set, the storage control unit 4 stores the print data in the storage unit 3 as a file. When the file is stored in the storage unit 3, for example, print data described in a predetermined print command system such as ESC / P or ESC / Page may be stored as it is, or the print data may be stored in the middle. The expanded intermediate code file, the bit image file obtained by developing the intermediate code file, and the compressed file obtained by compressing the bit image file may be stored. If it is saved as a bit image file, reprinting can be performed quickly, and if it is saved as print data, the amount of data can be reduced.

  When the user desires to reprint a file printed in the past, an attribute information transfer request is issued. Here, “attribute information” means bibliographic information of a file such as a file name, a user name as a file input person, a printing date, a file size, and a file format.

  When the attribute information transfer request is issued, the attribute information of each file stored in the storage unit 3 is read and transferred by the attribute information transfer unit 5A. As a result, the user can obtain attribute information of all the files stored in the storage means 3, and can narrow down the files desired to be reprinted based on the attribute information. When issuing an attribute information transfer request, for example, by filtering in advance with various search information such as file format, printing date and time, user name, etc., only attribute information of a file having a predetermined file format, or predetermined Only the attribute information of files created by users can be obtained.

  If the user can specify a desired file only with the attribute information, the user can immediately request printing of the file. However, when an enormous number of files are stored in the storage unit 3, the number of files can be narrowed down to some extent by attribute information, but it is difficult to specify. Therefore, an image data file transfer request is issued to confirm the contents of a plurality of candidate files narrowed down by attribute information. Here, the “image data file” means a file made up of print image data of a saved file. In FIG. 1, for convenience, an image data file is abbreviated as “image file” for some expressions.

  When an image data file transfer request is issued, a file related to the transfer request is read from the storage unit 3, and the read file is converted into an image data file by the file conversion unit 6. Then, the image data file is transferred by the image data transfer means 5B. The user can specify and select a desired file from among a plurality of candidate files using the image data file. When the file storage format of the storage means 3 is bit image data, it is not particularly necessary to perform file conversion.

  When a file is selected based on the reference result of the image data file, a print request for the selected file is issued. In response to this print request, the reprint unit 7 reads the corresponding file from the storage unit 3 and causes the printing unit 2 to print the file contents.

  The file conversion unit 6 can be configured to convert the file stored in the storage unit 3 into bit image data and compress the bit image data to generate the image data file. .

  By compressing the bit image data and generating the image data file, the data amount of the image data file can be reduced and the data transfer time can be shortened. Here, as a compression method, for example, JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group), GIF (Graphics Interchange Format), or the like can be used.

  Further, the storage control unit 4 determines whether or not confidential designation is set for the print data. If the confidential designation is set, the storage control means 4 associates the print data with the confidential release information as a file. Is stored in the storage means 3, and the reprinting means 7 is stored in the storage means 3 together with the input confidentiality cancellation information when printing of the confidentially designated file is requested by the print request. It is determined whether the declassification information matches, and when the declassification information matches, the file stored in the storage unit 3 is read and printed by the printing unit 2 You can also.

  By setting the confidential designation, the printing right (access right) can be managed, and only a specific person who is permitted in advance can be allowed to reprint. Here, “confidential cancellation information” means the information necessary for canceling the confidential designation, and specifically, for example, various authentication information such as a password and a password. In addition, not only when reprinting is performed, for example, a request may be made to match the declassification information when requesting transfer of the image data file, and the transfer of the image data file is permitted only when the declassification information matches. it can.

  The attribute information transfer means 5A can transfer the attribute information in a list display format, and the image data file transfer means 5B can transfer the image data file in a list display format.

  “List display format” means a format in which a plurality of information contents can be listed. By transferring attribute information and image data files in a list display format, the user can quickly find a desired file. For example, when the attribute information transfer unit 5A and the image data file transfer unit 5B are grasped as the information transfer unit 5, if the information transfer unit 5 is configured as a WWW (World Wide Web) server, it can be easily displayed in a list display format. Can transfer information. That is, by configuring attribute information and image data files as HTML (Hyper Text Makeup Language) documents, these pieces of information can be easily confirmed by a WWW browser.

  In the printing method according to the present invention, the input print data is stored in a storage means, and the print data is printed by the printing means in response to a print request, the printing method receiving the print data, and the printing A step of determining whether or not a save designation is set for the data; a save step for saving the print data as a file in the storage means if the save designation is set; and an attribute information transfer request. A step of determining whether or not the attribute information transfer request has been received; a step of collecting attribute information of the file stored in the storage means; and a step of collecting the attribute information collected in the attribute information Attribute information transfer step to be transferred to the request source of the transfer request, and a file whose contents are to be displayed is selected based on the transferred attribute information Issuing an image data file transfer request to request transfer of an image data file of the selected file; determining whether the image data file transfer request has been issued; and When a data file transfer request is issued, the step of reading the file stored in the storage means, the file conversion step of converting the read file into an image data file, and the image data file An image data file transfer step of transferring to the request source of the image data file transfer request, a step of selecting a file to be printed based on the transferred image data file, and issuing a print request of the selected file Step and mark Determining whether a request has been issued; if receiving the print request; reading the file stored in the storage means; and causing the printing means to print the read file. And a reprinting step.

  Thereby, this printing method can obtain the same operation as that of the printing apparatus 1 described above.

  In the printing method, the file conversion step may generate the image data file by converting the file stored in the storage unit into bit image data and compressing the bit image data. .

  Thereby, the same operation as that of the printing apparatus 1 provided with the file conversion means 6 for generating the image data file by compressing the bit image data can be obtained.

  Further, in this printing method, the step of determining whether or not the confidential designation is set in the received print data, and if the confidential designation is set, the confidential release information is associated with the file. Storing in the storage means, and when receiving the print request, determining whether printing of the confidentially designated file is requested, and requesting printing of the confidentially designated file If the declassification information input and the declassification information stored in the storage means match, it is determined whether or not both declassification information matches, from the storage means And a step of permitting reading of the file requested for printing.

  As a result, it is possible to obtain the same operation as that of the printing apparatus 1 provided with the storage control unit 4 that determines the confidentiality cancellation information.

  In the printing method, the attribute information transfer step may transfer the attribute information in a list display format, and the image data file transfer step may transfer the image data file in a list display format.

  Accordingly, the same operation as that of the printing apparatus 1 including the attribute information transfer unit 5A that can transfer attribute information and image data files in a list display format can be obtained.

  The printing system according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a print data generation device 10 for generating print data, and driving the printing unit 2 based on the print data input from the print data generation device 10. A printing system including a printing apparatus 1 that prints on a print recording medium and saves the print data in the storage unit 3, wherein the printing apparatus 1 determines whether or not a save designation is set for the print data. If the storage designation is set, the storage control unit 4 that stores the print data as a file in the storage unit 3 and the attribute information transfer request input from the print data generation apparatus 10 In response, the attribute information transfer means 5A for transferring the attribute information of the file stored in the storage means 3 to the print data generation apparatus 10, and the attribute information Accordingly, in response to an image data file transfer request input from the print data generation apparatus 10, a file conversion means for converting the file stored in the storage means 3 into an image data file, and the printing of the image data file. An image data file transfer means 5B for transferring to the data generation device 10; a reprinting means 7 for reading out the file stored in the storage means 3 in accordance with an input print request and causing the printing means 2 to print the file; The print data generation apparatus 10 includes a print data generation unit 11 that generates the print data based on input data, the attribute information transfer request, the image data transfer request, and the print request. And a browsing means 12 for inputting to the printing apparatus 1. To have.

  The “print data generation apparatus 10” corresponds to, for example, a host computer such as a personal computer or a portable information terminal. The “print data generation unit 11” corresponds to a printer driver, for example. In the print data generated by the print data generation unit 11, a storage designation is set as necessary. When the save designation is set for the print data, the print data is saved in the storage means 3.

  When reprinting is performed, first, an attribute information transfer request is issued from the browsing unit 12 (12A). In response to the attribute information transfer request, the attribute information transfer unit 5A displays the attribute information of the stored file. Forward to. Next, when the user selects a file to be displayed based on the transferred attribute information (12B), an image data file transfer request is issued (12C) to display the selected file. In response to this image data transfer request, the image data transfer means 5B transfers the requested image data file to the browsing means 12. By displaying this image data file, the user can select a file to be reprinted (12D). When the printing apparatus 1 is requested to print the selected file (12E), the reprint unit 7 reads the file from the storage unit 3 and causes the printing unit 2 to print it.

  The file conversion means 6 may generate the image data file by converting the file stored in the storage means 3 into bit image data and compressing the bit image data.

  Thereby, the same operation as that of the printing apparatus 1 provided with the file conversion means 6 for generating the image data file by compressing the bit image data can be obtained.

  In the printing system according to the first aspect, the storage control unit 4 determines whether or not confidential designation is set for the print data, and if the confidential designation is set, The print data is stored in the storage unit 3 as a file in association with the release information, and the reprinting unit 7 is configured to display the browsing unit when requested to print the confidentially designated file by the print request. It is determined whether or not the confidentiality cancellation information input from 12 and the confidentiality cancellation information stored in the storage unit 3 match, and when both the confidentiality cancellation information match, the storage unit 3 stores the storage unit 3. A file can be read out and printed by the printing means 2.

  As a result, it is possible to obtain the same operation as that of the printing apparatus 1 provided with the storage control unit 4 that determines the confidentiality cancellation information.

  In the printing system according to the first aspect, the attribute information transfer unit 5A transfers the attribute information in a list display format, and the image data file transfer unit 5B transfers the image data file in a list display format. You can also.

  More specifically, for example, by configuring the information transfer unit 5 of the printing apparatus 1 as a WWW server and the browsing unit 12 as a WWW browser, a list of attribute information of files stored in the storage unit 3 is displayed. It is also possible to display a list of image data of each file.

  The printing system according to the second aspect of the present invention includes an image data input unit 21 for inputting image data, and driving the printing unit 2 based on the image data input from the image data input unit 21. A printing apparatus 1 that prints on a print recording medium and that stores the image data as a file in the storage unit 3, browses the contents of the image data stored in the storage unit 3, and issues a print request to the printing apparatus 1 The printing apparatus 1 includes the browsing unit 12 for issuing the attribute information of the file stored in the storage unit 3 in response to an attribute information transfer request from the browsing unit 12. Attribute information transfer means 5A for transferring to the browsing means 12 and an image data file transfer request input from the browsing means 12 based on the attribute information. The image data file transfer unit 5B for transferring the file stored in the storage unit 3 to the browsing unit 12 and the storage unit 3 in response to a print request input from the browsing unit 12 And a reprinting unit 7 that reads the file and prints it by the printing unit 2.

  Here, the “image data input means 21” means a device that can input image data to the printing device 1, such as a scanner device, a film scanner device, a digital still camera, a digital video camera, or the like. The image data input unit 21 is connected to the printing apparatus 1 via an interface and inputs image data to the printing apparatus 1. Note that the image data input means 21 may be provided on the printing apparatus 1 side, for example, as a printing apparatus with a scanner or a multifunction machine of a copying machine and a facsimile machine. The image data can also be input to the printing apparatus 1 via a memory card that stores the image data.

  By inputting image data from the image data input unit 21 to the printing apparatus 1 and storing it, the browsing unit 12 can perform reprinting.

  As described above, according to the printing apparatus, the printing method, and the printing system according to the present invention, the image data of the file selected based on the attribute information is displayed and the file to be reprinted is selected. The file to be accurately identified can be reprinted. Therefore, erroneous printing can be prevented and printing efficiency can be improved.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

1. First Embodiment FIGS. 2 to 11 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a printing system according to the first embodiment.

1-1 Printer-side Functional Configuration The printer 31 as a “printing apparatus” according to the first embodiment includes a command interpreter 32, a print controller 33, a print engine 34, and image processing, as will be described later. A unit 35, a memory control unit 36, a storage device 37, a memory 38, and a Web server unit 39 are included.

  The command interpreter 32 is for interpreting the input print data and executing predetermined control. For example, when print data is input, the command interpretation unit 32 interprets the print data and controls the memory control unit 36 to store the print data in a memory 38 such as a DRAM. When the save designation is set for the print data, the command interpretation unit 32 controls the memory control unit 36 to save the print data in the storage device 37. When the confidential designation is set for the print data, the command interpreting unit 32 stores the confidential cancellation information included in the input data in the storage device 37 in association with the file. As will be described later, when a transfer of information is requested from the host computer 41 side, the command interpreter 32 collects necessary information from the storage device 37 by controlling the memory controller 36 and collects this information. This information is notified to the Web server 39.

  The print control unit 33 controls the operation of the print engine 34. That is, the print control unit 33 controls various operations such as a paper feeding operation and a transfer operation by the print engine 34. The print engine 34 is for printing on a print recording medium. The specific configuration of the print engine 34 varies depending on the printing method. Since the specific configuration of the print engine 34 is not the gist of the present invention, various printing methods such as a laser type, an ink jet type, and a thermal transfer type can be adopted.

  The image processing unit 35 is for executing various image processing such as converting print data into bit image data necessary for printing. For example, when print data is input and a print job is generated, the image processing unit 35 reads the print data stored in the memory 38, converts it into bit image data, and transfers the bit image data to the print engine 34. Based on the bit image data, the print engine 34 executes desired printing. As will be described later, when transfer of the image data file is requested from the host computer 41 side, the image processing unit 35 reads the file stored in the storage device 37 and converts the read file into bit image data. At the same time, the bit image data is converted into a compressed file format such as JPEG.

  The memory control unit 36 is for controlling data writing, data reading, and the like to the memory 38 and the storage device 37. For example, the memory control unit 36 writes the input print data in the memory 38 in accordance with the control command of the command interpretation unit 32, and reads the print data stored in the memory 38 and transfers it to the storage device 37.

  The storage device 37 as “storage means” is for storing a plurality of print data. Specifically, for example, a hard disk device, a flash memory, a magneto-optical disk device, or the like can be used. The storage device 37 stores a print data file 37A designated for storage, a printer setting table 37B, and a file management database 37C.

  As shown in the explanatory diagram of FIG. 3, the printer setting table 37 </ b> B includes various settings of the printer 31 such as the paper size, resolution, interface (noted as “I / F”) setting, halftone setting, option mounting information, and the like. Is memorized. The file management database 37C also associates bibliographic information belonging to the storage file 37A such as file name, user name, storage address, printing date, data size, password, etc., that is, attribute information of the stored file 37A. I remembered. By searching the file management table 37C with a search engine (not shown), the attribute information of the storage file 37A can be read. The file setting table 37B may be stored in another memory such as an EEPROM or a flash ROM.

  The Web server unit 39 implements a WWW server function and corresponds to the information transfer unit 5 in FIG. That is, the Web server unit 39 creates an HTML format file based on each information in the printer 31. Therefore, the HTML file in the Web server unit 39 can be browsed from the outside by the Web browser 44 in the host computer 41.

  For example, the Web server unit 39 creates an HTML-format attribute information list file based on the attribute information of the saved file 37A notified from the command interpreter 32, and transfers the attribute information list file to the host computer 41 side. Further, the Web server unit 39 creates an HTML-format image data list file based on the image data of the storage file 37A notified from the command interpretation unit 32, and transfers the image data list file to the host computer 41 side.

1-2 Functional Configuration on Host Computer The host computer 41 corresponding to the “print data generation apparatus 10” in FIG. 1 includes an application program 42, a printer driver 43, and a Web browser 44, as will be described later. Configured. The host computer 41 is connected to a monitor 45 that can be expressed as display means. The host computer 41 and the printer 31 are connected via a multi-vendor compatible protocol such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) or HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol).

  The application program 42 is for creating data to be printed, such as a document creation program and a drawing program.

  A printer driver 43 corresponding to the “print data generation unit” in FIG. 1 is for causing the printer 31 to execute a print job, and includes an interpretation unit 43A, a print data generation unit 43B, a storage designation unit 43C, a security designation unit. 43D. Data to be printed created by the application program 42 is interpreted by the interpretation unit 43A and converted to print data that can be interpreted by the printer 31 by the print data generation unit 43B. The save designation unit 43C sets a save designation for the print data generated by the print data generation unit 43B, and the security designation unit 43D sets a secrecy designation for the print data.

  When the user desires to save the print data, a function code indicating that the save designation is set is added to the print data. In addition, when the user wishes to treat the print data as confidential, a function code indicating that the confidential designation is set is added to the print data, and “classification cancellation information” necessary for canceling the confidential designation is used. The password is added to the print data. As shown in FIG. 3, this password is associated with the file name or the like and stored in the file management database 37C.

  The web browser 44 is for browsing and searching the HTML format file of the web server unit 39. That is, the Web browser 44 designates an HTML format file of the Web server unit 39 by a URL (Uniform Resource Locator), for example, “http: // server name / directory name / file name”, and the HTML format file is specified. It comes to browse. The HTML file browsed by the Web browser 44 includes an attribute information list file indicating attribute information of the file 37A stored in the storage device 37, an image data list file indicating image data of the selected file 37A, and a printer setting. There is a printer setting list file indicating the contents of the table 37B. The Web browser 44 can request the printer 31 to print the file 37A selected based on the image data list file.

1-3 Processing Content Next, the content of the control processing of the printing system according to the present embodiment will be described based on FIGS.

  First, FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a print / save process for causing the printer 31 to execute a print job and for saving necessary print data on the printer 31 side.

  In step (hereinafter abbreviated as “S”) 1, it is monitored whether print data is input from the printer driver 43 of the host computer 41 and a print job is generated. When a print job occurs, the input print data is interpreted (S2), and the image processing unit 35 develops the print data into image data necessary for printing (S3). The developed image data is transferred from the image processing unit 35 to the print engine 34, and is printed on the print recording medium by the print engine 34 (S4).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the save designation is set for the input print data (S5). If the save designation is set, the print data is saved in the storage device 37 as a file 37A ( S6). Further, the attribute information regarding the file 37A to be stored is added to the file management database 37C.

  Further, it is determined whether or not the confidential designation is set in the print data of the file 37A to be stored (S7). If the confidential designation is set, a password necessary for canceling the confidential designation is set. The file is stored in the file management table 37C (S8), and the process ends. Note that if the save designation is not set for the print data in the file 37A, the processes in S6 to S8 are skipped, the print data is discarded, and the process is terminated. When the confidential designation is not set in the print data of the save file 37A, the process of S8 is skipped and the process ends.

  As described above, when print data is input from the host computer 41 side, the print data is interpreted and printed, and when the save designation is set, the print data is saved in the storage device 37. The Here, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4, the printing time can be shortened because the configuration is such that printing is given priority and then the file is saved.

  Next, FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing attribute information transfer processing for transferring attribute information of the storage file 37A from the printer 31 to the host computer 41.

  In S11, it is monitored whether there is a request for transferring the attribute information list file from the Web browser 44 of the host computer 41.

  That is, when reprinting is desired, the user designates the URL via the Web browser 44, for example, “http: // IP address of the printer 31 / attribute information list file name”, and the attribute information list file. Request transfer of

  When a transfer request for the attribute information list file is generated, the command interpretation unit 32 controls the memory control unit 36 to read the file management database 37C of the storage device 37 (S12), and this read file management database. The Web server unit 39 is notified of the attribute information of the storage file 37A in 37C.

  The Web server unit 39 creates an HTML-format attribute information list file based on the attribute information notified from the command interpretation unit 32 (S13), and transfers the attribute information list file to the Web browser 44 of the host computer 41 ( S14). Thereby, the user can browse the attribute information list file displayed on the monitor 45 of the host computer 41, and can confirm the file name, user name, and the like of the file 37A stored in the storage device 37.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the display contents of the attribute information list file. As shown in FIG. 6, as attribute information of the storage file 37A, a file name, a user name, a printing date and time, and a data size are displayed in a list. Next to the data size, a display check box 51 and a print check box 52 are provided for each file 37A, and a display button 53 and a print are above the check boxes 51 and 52, respectively. A button 54 is provided. As will be described later, when the user desires to display or print a print image based on the print data of the file 37A, the user checks the corresponding check box via a pointing device such as a mouse, and then displays the display button 53 or print. By operating the button 54, it is possible to display and print a print image based on the print data of the desired file 37A.

  In FIG. 6, “h: m: s” means “hour: minute: second”, and “M1: D1: Y1” means “month: day: year”.

  Next, FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an image data file transfer process for transferring the image data of the storage file 37A from the printer 31 to the host computer 41.

  In S21, it is monitored whether or not the transfer of the image data list file is requested from the Web browser 44 of the host computer 41. The user browses the attribute information list file, narrows down the files 37A that are desired to be reprinted, and selects display for several candidate files 37A based on attribute information such as file names as shown in FIG. That is, by checking the display check box 51 of the candidate file 37A and operating the display button 53, the file 37A in which the print image is displayed is selected.

  When display is selected for several files 37A, the Web browser 44 of the host computer 41 requests the printer 31 to transfer an image data list file, for example. The transfer request for the image data list file is created as an HTML format file.

  When an image data list file transfer request is issued from the Web browser 44, the image processing unit 35 of the printer 31 reads the selected file 37A from the storage device 37 (S22). Next, after the read file 37A is expanded into bit image data, the bit image data is compressed to generate a compressed image data file such as JPEG or GIF (S23).

  The compressed image data file is notified to the Web server unit 39 through the command interpretation unit 32 together with the original file name (print job file name), and the Web server unit 39 displays the image data as shown in FIG. The list file is created as an HTML format file (S24).

  That is, when the file name of the file 37A stored in the storage device 37 is “Fname.PS”, the file 37A is converted by the image processing unit 35 into a compressed file having the file name “Fname.jpg”. Then, the image processing unit 35 inputs the compressed image data file “Fname.jpg” and the text data of the file name “Fname.PS” before compression to the Web server unit 39. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, the Web server unit 39 creates an HTML-format image data list file in which image data files and file names that are text data are arranged.

  The image data list file is transferred to the web browser 44 of the host computer 41 via the I / F (S25). The Web browser 44 decodes the image data list file and displays it on the monitor 45 in an arrangement state as shown in FIG. That is, the Web browser 44 displays a file name that is text data at a predetermined position, and requests the Web server unit 39 for a compressed image data file linked to the file name. When the transfer of the compressed image data file is requested from the Web browser 44 (S26), the Web server unit 39 of the printer 31 returns the compressed image data file to the Web browser 44 (S27). Thereby, the Web browser 44 displays a list of the print images 55 of the file 37A in association with the file names. Thereby, the user can confirm the print image 55 of some selected candidate files 37A, and can specify a desired file 37A.

  Next, FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a reprint process for executing printing of the file 37A stored in the storage device 37.

  First, in S31, it is determined whether or not a print request has been issued from the host computer 41 side. The user can accurately specify the desired file 37A by browsing the image data list file. When a desired file 37A is found, the user checks the print check box 52 with a pointing device or the like and operates the print button 54 as shown in FIG.

  As a result, a print request for the selected file 37A is issued, and this print request is input to the printer 31 via the I / F. When a print request is input to the printer 31, the file management table 37C in the storage device 37 is referred to and it is determined whether or not confidential designation is set (S32). If the confidential designation is set in the file 37A relating to the print request, the web browser 44 is requested to input a password. When the user inputs a password in response to the password input request, the input password is compared with the password stored in the file management table 37C (S33).

  If the input password and the password registered in the file management table 37C do not match, an illegal process such as notifying the Web browser 44 that the input password does not match the registered password is performed. Perform (S34). A print request may be issued together with a password. That is, an HTML format file can be created based on a password and a print request, and the file can be transferred to the printer 31.

  If the input password matches the password registered in the file management table 37C, the corresponding file 37A is read from the storage device 37 based on the storage address stored in the file management table 37C (S35). The read file 37A is developed into bit image data by the image processing unit 35 (S36) and transferred to the print engine 34. As a result, the print engine 34 prints the contents of the file 37A requested to be printed on the print recording medium (S37).

  According to the present embodiment configured as described above, the following effects can be obtained.

  First, the attribute information of the file 37A stored in the storage device 37 is first transferred from the printer 31 to the host computer 41, and then selected on the host computer 41 side based on this attribute information. Since the image data file of the file 37A is requested to be transferred, the user can specify reprinting after confirming the print image of the storage file 37A. Accordingly, it is possible to accurately specify the desired file 37A and execute reprinting, and it is possible to prevent unnecessary misprinting and improve printing efficiency.

  Secondly, since the candidate file is narrowed down by the attribute information and only the image data of the candidate file is transferred, the response time of the printer 31 can be shortened and the traffic on the communication path can be reduced.

  For example, the web browser 44 may request the web server unit 39 for all image data files stored in the storage device 37. In this case, the image processing unit 35 may store the stored files. All of these images must be developed. Accordingly, the processing load of the image processing unit 35 increases, and the response time until the image data list file is returned is increased. In addition, since the execution time of other print jobs input from other host computers connected to the network becomes long, the printing efficiency of the entire network printing system decreases.

  On the other hand, in the first embodiment, since the file 37A to be displayed is narrowed down by the attribute information list file and only the narrowed file 37A is displayed, the processing load on the image processing unit 35 and the like is reduced. The occurrence of erroneous printing can be prevented.

  Third, since the image data file is generated by compressing the file converted into the bit image data, the transfer time of the image data file can be shortened, and the printing efficiency can be improved.

  Fourth, when the confidential designation is set, reprinting is permitted only when the password that is the confidential information is matched, so that the file can be secretly managed and the usability is improved. In the first embodiment, the password match is determined only at the time of reprinting. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, at the stage of requesting the display of the print image based on the print data of the file 37A, the password is changed. It is also possible to employ a configuration for obtaining a match.

  Fifth, since the attribute information and the image data file are transferred to the host computer 41 in a list display format, the user can easily check the attribute information and the image data file, thereby improving usability.

  Sixth, in the first embodiment, the web server unit 39 is provided in the printer 31 and the web browser 44 is installed in the host computer 41 to perform bidirectional communication according to HTTP, so that the usability is improved. To do. That is, according to the prior art, a dedicated utility program is installed in the host computer, and attribute information stored in the printer is browsed by the utility program, so the user installs the dedicated utility program on the host computer. However, it is necessary to learn the operation method, and it is inconvenient. On the other hand, in this embodiment, since the Web server unit 39 and the Web browser 44 can browse and search the attribute information and the image data file in the printer 31, a special utility program is stored in the host computer 41. There is no need to install it, and it can be easily operated by the highly versatile Web browser 44.

2. Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that in the following second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. A feature of the second embodiment is that it is applied to a printer having an image input device.

  FIG. 12 is a block diagram of the printing system according to the present embodiment. An image data input device 61 as “image data input means” is, for example, a scanner device, a film scanner device, a digital still camera, a video camera, or the like. It is comprised as an apparatus which can input the image data.

  The image data input device 61 reads an image stored on, for example, a paper medium through an image sensor such as a CCD element, and converts the image into bit image data. The bit image data is input to the command interpretation unit 32 via the I / F and stored in the storage unit 37. In terms of effective use of memory resources, it is preferable that the bit image data input from the image data input device 61 is compressed and stored in the storage device 37.

  As in the first embodiment, when the user desires reprinting, an attribute information list file is requested via the Web browser 44 installed in the host computer 62, and the attribute information list file is displayed. By displaying the image of the candidate file 37A selected on the basis of this, reprinting can be performed accurately.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the image data list file transferred from the Web server unit 39 of the printer 31 is browsed by the Web browser 44. Since the normal image data input device 61 is managed with a serial number such as EP001, it is difficult to specify the desired file 37A only with the serial number as part of the attribute information. However, in the second embodiment as well, since the image data file can be displayed in a list based on the link information (tag) embedded in the image data list file, the user can accurately specify the desired file 37A. can do. When the image data input device 61 can input a file name using characters, the file name may be displayed as in the first embodiment.

  The host computer 62 in the second embodiment can also be configured as a control device of a multifunction machine, for example. A multifunction peripheral is a multi-function printing apparatus having a scanner function, a printing function, a FAX function, and the like. For example, the image data input device 61 is used as an image reading device, and an image on a paper medium is read and compressed and stored in the storage device 37. If the read data is printed by the print engine 34, the function of the copying machine can be realized. For example, by operating the Web browser 44 via the control panel of the printer 31, the saved file 37 </ b> A in the storage device 37 can be called and reprinted.

3. Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the following third embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. The feature of the third embodiment is that it is combined with the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

  As shown in the block diagram of FIG. 14, a host computer 41 and an image data input device 61 are connected to the printer 31 via an I / F. Accordingly, print data can be input to the printer 31 via the host computer 41 and image data can also be input via the image data input device 61.

  Image data and print data input from the host computer 41 or the image data input device 61 are stored in the storage device 37. Then, as described in the first embodiment, the desired file 37A is accurately selected and reprinted by browsing and searching the data stored in the storage device 37 via the Web browser 44. Can do.

  A person skilled in the art can make various additions and modifications within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in each embodiment.

  For example, a program or the like for realizing the present invention may be stored in the recording medium 71 and the storage contents of the recording medium 71 may be loaded into the host computer 41 via the I / F 72. In addition, the Web server unit 39 can be provided in the printer 31 by loading a predetermined program from the host computer 41 to the printer 31 via the I / F. As the recording medium 71, for example, in addition to a tangible recording medium such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, and a memory card, a communication medium such as a download using a communication line may be included. it can. When a predetermined program is stored in the recording medium 71, for example, it can be expressed as follows.

  “Receiving print data; determining whether or not a save designation is set for the print data; and if the save designation is set, the print data is stored in the storage means as a file. A storing step for storing, a step for determining whether or not an attribute information transfer request has been issued, and a step for collecting the attribute information of the file stored in the storage means when the attribute information transfer request is received An attribute information transfer step of transferring the collected attribute information to a request source of the attribute information transfer request, a step of selecting a file whose contents are to be displayed based on the transferred attribute information, and the selection Issuing an image data file transfer request to request transfer of an image data file of the file that has been recorded; and Determining whether a data file transfer request has been issued; if the image data file transfer request has been issued, reading the file stored in the storage means; and reading the file A file conversion step for converting the image data file into an image data file, an image data file transfer step for transferring the image data file to the request source of the image data file transfer request, and printing based on the transferred image data file. A step of selecting a file to be performed; a step of issuing a print request for the selected file; a step of determining whether or not a print request has been issued; Reading the stored file, and reading A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for executing the reprinting step of printing to the computer by the printing means the file. ".

  Moreover, it can be expressed as follows.

  “The computer determines whether or not the save designation is set for the print data, and when the save designation is set, the save control means for saving the print data as a file in the storage means is input. In response to the attribute information transfer request, attribute information transfer means for transferring the attribute information of the file stored in the storage means to the request source of the attribute information transfer request, and input based on the attribute information In response to an image data file transfer request, file conversion means for converting the file stored in the storage means into an image data file, and an image for transferring the image data file to the request source of the image data file transfer request Data file transfer means and the file stored in the storage means in response to the input print request Reading, the printing means computer-readable recording medium storing a program for functioning as a re-printing unit for printing by. ".

  Further, as shown in the modification of FIG. 15, an erase button 81 for erasing the file 37 </ b> A stored in the storage device 37 may be provided. In this case, it is preferable that the file 37A in which the confidential designation is set can be deleted when the passwords match.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the check box may be eliminated and the file 37A may be selected by a so-called highlight bar 82. That is, when the display portion of the desired file 37A is clicked with a mouse or the like, the display portion of the file 37A is highlighted.

  Further, as shown in another modification of FIG. 16, a configuration may be adopted in which a selection image list screen is provided simultaneously with the file attribute information list screen.

It is a functional block diagram for demonstrating the function structure of this invention. 1 is a block diagram of a printing system and the like according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the file management database etc. which are formed in a memory | storage device. It is a flowchart which shows a printing / preservation | save process. It is a flowchart which shows an attribute information transfer process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the list display screen of attribute information. It is explanatory drawing which shows an image data file transfer process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which selects the file which should be displayed. It is explanatory drawing which shows the screen which displays the list of the image of the selected file. It is a flowchart which shows a reprint process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which designates reprinting. It is a block diagram which shows the printing system which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the screen which displays the list of the image of image data. It is a block diagram which shows the printing system etc. which concern on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the attribute information list display screen which concerns on the modification of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the screen of the attribute information list display and image data list display which concern on the other modification of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the print job progress state of the printing system by a prior art.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printing apparatus 2 Printing means 3 Storage means 4 Storage control means 5 Information transfer means 5A Attribute information transfer means 5B Image data file transfer means 6 File conversion means 7 Reprinting means 10 Print data generation device 11 Print data generation means 12 Browsing means 21 Image data input means 31 Printer 32 Command interpretation unit 33 Print control unit 34 Print engine 35 Image processing unit 36 Memory control unit 37 Storage device 38 Memory 39 Web server unit 41 Host computer 43 Printer driver 44 Web browser 61 Image data input device

Claims (14)

A printing system in which a printing data generation device that generates printing data and a printing device that includes a printing unit that prints a printing image based on the printing data on a printing recording medium are connected to each other,
The printing apparatus includes:
When print data is input from the print data generation device, it is determined whether or not code information indicating that save designation is set is added to the input print data. A storage control unit that stores the print data in a storage unit as a print data file in association with attribute information related to the print data when it is determined that the print data is added to the print data;
Image data file generating means for expanding the print data of each print data file stored in the storage means into image data and saving the image data file in the storage means;
When the communication means for performing data communication receives the attribute information display file transfer request from the print data generation apparatus, the attribute information associated with each print data file stored in the storage means and its information Displaying a list screen listing display designation means for designating display of a print image based on an image data file corresponding to attribute information and print designation means for designating execution of printing of the print image Attribute information display file transfer means for generating an attribute information display file and transmitting the attribute information display file to the requesting print data generation apparatus through the communication means;
When the communication means receives a print image display file transfer request for designating an image data file corresponding to one or more attribute information selected through the display designation means on the list screen from the print data generation apparatus. Generating a file in which link information to each designated image data file is embedded as a print image display file for displaying a screen on which each print image is displayed, and sending the print image display file to the communication unit Print image display file transfer means for transmitting to the requesting print data generating device through
When the communication unit receives from the print data generation device a print request for designating a print data file corresponding to one or more attribute information selected through the print designation unit on the list screen, each of the designations Reading means for reading a print data file from the storage means; and
A printing control unit that causes the printing unit to print the printing data of each print data file read from the storage unit by the reading unit and to cause the printing unit to perform printing;
The print data generation device includes:
Print data input means for inputting print data to which the code information indicating that the storage designation is set is added to the printing apparatus;
First transfer request means for transmitting the attribute information display file transfer request to the printing apparatus through the communication means;
When the attribute information display file is received from the printing device through the communication unit in response to the attribute information display file transfer request transmitted by the first transfer request unit, a list based on the attribute information display file is received. First display control means for displaying a screen on the display means;
A print image display file transfer request for designating an image data file corresponding to one or more attribute information selected through the display designation unit on the list screen displayed on the list unit by the first display control unit, Second transfer request means for transmitting to the printing apparatus through the communication means;
When the print image data display file is received from the printing device through the communication unit in response to the print image data display file transfer request transmitted by the second transfer request unit, the print image data display file is received. Second display control means for displaying a screen based on the display means, and
A print request for designating a print data file corresponding to one or more attribute information selected through the print designation unit on the list screen displayed by the first display control unit on the display unit is transmitted through the communication unit. A printing system comprising: a print request means for transmitting to a printing apparatus. The print data generation device displays a list screen based on the attribute information display file and a list screen based on the print image display file in different frames of the same window. Printing system. A printing system including a printing unit that prints an image based on image data on a print recording medium, and an information browsing device are connected to each other,
The printing apparatus includes:
When image data is input from the image data generation device, a storage control unit that stores the image data in the storage unit as an image data file in association with attribute information about the image data;
When communication means for performing data communication receives an attribute information display file transfer request from the information browsing device, attribute information associated with each image data file stored in the storage means and its attributes Attribute information display for displaying a list screen in which display designation means for designating display of an image based on an image data file corresponding to information and print designation means for designating execution of printing of the image are listed. Attribute information display file transfer means for generating an attribute file and transmitting the attribute information display file to the requesting information browsing apparatus through the communication means,
When the communication means receives an image display file transfer request for designating an image data file corresponding to one or more attribute information selected through the display designation means on the list screen from the information browsing apparatus, A file in which link information to each designated image data file is embedded is generated as an image display file for displaying a screen on which an image is displayed, and the image display file is transmitted to the request source information through the communication means. Image display file transfer means to be sent to the browsing device,
When the communication means receives from the information browsing apparatus a print request for designating an image data file corresponding to one or more attribute information selected through the print designation means on the list screen, each designated image Reading means for reading a data file from the storage means; and
Printing means for transferring the image data of each image data file read from the storage means to the printing means and causing the printing means to perform printing;
The information browsing apparatus
First transfer request means for transmitting the attribute information display file transfer request to the printing apparatus through the communication means;
When the attribute information display file is received from the printing device through the communication unit in response to the attribute information display file transfer request transmitted by the first transfer request unit, a list based on the attribute information display file is received. First display control means for displaying a screen on the display means;
An image display file transfer request for designating an image data file corresponding to one or more attribute information selected through the display designation unit on the list screen displayed on the display unit by the first display control unit, Second transfer request means for transmitting to the printing apparatus through the communication means;
When the image display file is received from the printing apparatus through the communication unit in response to the image display file transfer request transmitted by the second transfer request unit, a screen based on the image display file is displayed. 2nd display control means to display on, and
A print request for designating an image data file corresponding to one or more attribute information selected through the print designation unit on the list screen displayed on the display unit by the first display control unit is transmitted through the communication unit. A printing system comprising: a print request unit that transmits to the printing apparatus. The information browsing device displays a list screen based on the attribute information display file and a list screen based on the image data display file in different frames of the same window. Printing system. A printing apparatus comprising printing means for printing a print image based on print data on a print recording medium,
When the print data is input from the print data generation device that generates the print data, it is determined whether or not code information indicating that the save designation is set is added to the input print data. A storage control unit that stores the print data in a storage unit as a print data file in association with attribute information about the print data when it is determined that the code information is added to the print data;
Image data file generating means for expanding the print data of each print data file stored in the storage means into image data and saving the image data file in the storage means;
When the communication means for performing data communication receives the attribute information display file transfer request from the print data generation apparatus, the attribute information associated with each print data file stored in the storage means and its information Displaying a list screen listing display designation means for designating display of a print image based on an image data file corresponding to attribute information and print designation means for designating execution of printing of the print image Attribute information display file transfer means for generating an attribute information display file and transmitting the attribute information display file to the requesting print data generation apparatus through the communication means;
When the communication means receives a print image display file transfer request for designating an image data file corresponding to one or more attribute information selected through the display designation means on the list screen from the print data generation apparatus. Generating a file in which link information to each designated image data file is embedded as a print image display file for displaying a screen on which each print image is displayed, and sending the print image display file to the communication unit Print image display file transfer means for transmitting to the requesting print data generating device through
When the communication unit receives from the print data generation device a print request for designating a print data file corresponding to one or more attribute information selected through the print designation unit on the list screen, each of the designations Reading means for reading a print data file from the storage means; and
A printing apparatus comprising: a printing control unit that causes the reading unit to transfer print data of each print data file read from the storage unit to the printing unit and cause the printing unit to perform printing. A printing method for causing a printing unit of a printing apparatus to print a print image based on print data on a print recording medium,
A print data acquisition step for acquiring print data input from a print data generation device for generating print data;
A storage designation determination step for determining whether or not code information indicating that a storage specification is set is added to the print data acquired in the print data acquisition step;
A storage control step of storing the print data in a storage unit as a print data file in association with attribute information relating to the code data when it is determined in the storage designation determination step that the code information is added to the print data;
An image data file generating step of expanding the print data of each print data file stored in the storage means into image data and storing the image data file in the storage means;
A first transfer request receiving step of receiving an attribute information display file transfer request from the print data generating device through the communication means for performing data communication;
When the attribute information display file transfer request is received in the first transfer request receiving step, the attribute information associated with each print data file stored in the storage unit and the attribute information correspond to the attribute information. Attribute information display file for displaying a list screen in which display designation means for designating display of a print image based on an image data file and print designation means for designating execution of the print image are listed. A first file generation step for generating
A first file transfer step of transmitting the attribute information display file generated in the first file generation step to the requesting print data generation device through the communication means;
A print image display file transfer request for designating an image data file corresponding to one or more attribute information selected through the display designating unit on the list screen is received from the print data device through the communication unit. 2 transfer request receiving step,
When the print image display file transfer request is received in the second transfer request receiving step, the designated image data file is displayed as a print image display file for displaying a screen showing each print image. A second file generation step for generating a file in which link information is embedded;
A second file transfer step of transmitting the print image display file generated in the second file generation step to the requesting print data generation device through the communication means;
A print request receiving step of receiving a print request for designating a print data file corresponding to one or more attribute information selected through the print designating unit on the list screen from the print data generating device through the communication unit;
When the print request is received in the print request receiving step, a reading step of reading each designated print data file from the storage unit; and
A printing method comprising: a print control step for transferring print data of each print data file read in the reading step to the printing unit and causing the printing unit to perform printing. A printing apparatus comprising printing means for printing a print image based on print data on a print recording medium,
When the print data is input from the print data generation device that generates the print data, it is determined whether or not code information indicating that the save designation is set is added to the input print data. A storage control unit that stores the print data in a storage unit as a print data file in association with attribute information about the print data when it is determined that the code information is added to the print data;
When the communication means for performing data communication receives the attribute information display file transfer request from the print data generation apparatus, the attribute information associated with each print data file stored in the storage means and its information Generate an attribute information display file to display a list screen listing print designation means for specifying the execution of printing of a print image based on the image data file corresponding to the attribute information, and display the attribute information Attribute information display file transfer means for sending a file to the requesting print data generation apparatus through the communication means;
When the communication unit receives from the print data generation device a print request for designating a print data file corresponding to one or more attribute information selected through the print designation unit on the list screen, each of the designations Reading means for reading a print data file from the storage means; and
A printing apparatus comprising: a printing control unit that causes the reading unit to transfer print data of each print data file read from the storage unit to the printing unit and cause the printing unit to perform printing. A printing method for causing a printing unit of a printing apparatus to print a print image based on print data on a print recording medium,
A print data acquisition step for acquiring print data input from a print data generation device for generating print data;
A storage designation determination step for determining whether or not code information indicating that a storage specification is set is added to the print data acquired in the print data acquisition step;
A storage control step of storing the print data in a storage unit as a print data file in association with attribute information relating to the code data when it is determined in the storage designation determination step that the code information is added to the print data;
A transfer request receiving step of receiving an attribute information display file transfer request from the print data generating apparatus through the communication means for performing data communication;
When the attribute information display file transfer request is received in the transfer request receiving step, attribute information associated with each print data file stored in the storage means and image data corresponding to the attribute information A file generation step for generating an attribute information display file for displaying a list screen in which print designation means for designating execution of a print image based on a file are listed;
A file transfer step of transmitting the attribute information display file generated in the file generation step to the requesting print data generation device through the communication means;
A print request receiving step of receiving a print request for designating a print data file corresponding to one or more attribute information selected through the print designating unit on the list screen from the print data generating device through the communication unit;
When the print request is received in the print request receiving step, a reading step of reading each designated print data file from the storage unit; and
A printing method comprising: a print control step for transferring print data of each print data file read in the reading step to the printing unit and causing the printing unit to perform printing. A printing system in which a printing data generation device that generates printing data and a printing device that includes a printing unit that prints a printing image based on the printing data on a printing recording medium are connected to each other,
The printing apparatus includes:
When print data is input from the print data generation device, it is determined whether or not code information indicating that save designation is set is added to the input print data. A storage control unit that stores the print data in a storage unit as a print data file in association with attribute information related to the print data when it is determined that the print data is added to the print data;
When the communication means for performing data communication receives the attribute information display file transfer request from the print data generation apparatus, the attribute information associated with each print data file stored in the storage means and its information Generate an attribute information display file to display a list screen listing print designation means for specifying the execution of printing of a print image based on the image data file corresponding to the attribute information, and display the attribute information Attribute information display file transfer means for sending a file to the requesting print data generation apparatus through the communication means;
When the communication unit receives from the print data generation device a print request for designating a print data file corresponding to one or more attribute information selected through the print designation unit on the list screen, each of the designations Reading means for reading a print data file from the storage means; and
A printing control unit that causes the printing unit to print the printing data of each print data file read from the storage unit by the reading unit and to cause the printing unit to perform printing;
The print data generation device includes:
Print data input means for inputting print data to which the code information indicating that the storage designation is set is added to the printing apparatus;
Transfer request means for transmitting the attribute information display file transfer request to the printing apparatus through the communication means;
In response to the attribute information display file transfer request transmitted by the transfer request unit, when the attribute information display file is received from the printing apparatus through the communication unit, a list screen based on the attribute information display file is displayed. Display control means for displaying on the display means, and
A print request for designating a print data file corresponding to one or more attribute information selected through the print designation unit on the list screen displayed by the display control unit on the display unit is transmitted through the communication unit to the printing apparatus. A printing system comprising: a print requesting means for transmitting to a printer. A printing system including a printing unit that prints an image based on image data on a print recording medium, and an information browsing device are connected to each other,
The printing apparatus includes:
When image data is input from the image data generation device, a storage control unit that stores the image data in the storage unit as an image data file in association with attribute information related thereto
When communication means for performing data communication receives an attribute information display file transfer request from the information browsing device, attribute information associated with each image data file stored in the storage means and its attributes Generate an attribute information display file for displaying a list screen listing print designation means for specifying execution of printing of a print image based on an image data file corresponding to the information, and display the attribute information display file Attribute information display file transfer means for transmitting to the requesting information browsing apparatus through the communication means,
When the communication means receives from the information browsing apparatus a print request for designating an image data file corresponding to one or more attribute information selected through the print designation means on the list screen, each designated image Reading means for reading a data file from the storage means; and
Printing means for transferring the image data of each image data file read from the storage means to the printing means and causing the printing means to perform printing;
The information browsing apparatus
Transfer request means for transmitting the attribute information display file transfer request to the printing apparatus through the communication means;
In response to the attribute information display file transfer request transmitted by the transfer request unit, when the attribute information display file is received from the printing apparatus through the communication unit, a list screen based on the attribute information display file is displayed. Display control means for displaying on the display means, and
A print request for designating an image data file corresponding to one or more attribute information selected through the print designation unit on the list screen displayed by the display control unit on the display unit is transmitted through the communication unit. A printing system comprising print request means for transmitting to an apparatus. A printing apparatus comprising printing means for printing a print image based on print data on a print recording medium,
When the print data is input from the print data generation device that generates the print data, it is determined whether or not code information indicating that the save designation is set is added to the input print data. A storage control unit that stores the print data in a storage unit as a print data file in association with attribute information about the print data when it is determined that the code information is added to the print data;
Image data file generating means for expanding the print data of each print data file stored in the storage means into image data and saving the image data file in the storage means;
When the communication means for performing data communication receives the attribute information display file transfer request from the print data generation apparatus, the attribute information associated with each print data file stored in the storage means and its information Displaying a list screen listing display designation means for designating display of a print image based on an image data file corresponding to attribute information and print designation means for designating execution of printing of the print image Attribute information display file transfer means for generating an attribute information display file and transmitting the attribute information display file to the requesting print data generation apparatus through the communication means;
When the communication means receives a print image display file transfer request for designating an image data file corresponding to one or more attribute information selected through the display designation means on the list screen from the print data generation apparatus. Generating a file in which link information to each designated image data file is embedded as a print image display file for displaying a screen on which each print image is displayed, and sending the print image display file to the communication unit Print image display file transfer means for transmitting to the requesting print data generating device through
When the communication unit receives a print request for designating a print data file corresponding to any one of the attribute information selected through the print designation unit on the list screen, the designated print Reading means for reading a data file from the storage means; and
A printing apparatus, comprising: a printing control unit that causes the reading unit to transfer print data of a print data file read from the storage unit to the printing unit and cause the printing unit to perform printing. A printing method for causing a printing unit of a printing apparatus to print a print image based on print data on a print recording medium,
A print data acquisition step for acquiring print data input from a print data generation device for generating print data;
A storage designation determination step for determining whether or not code information indicating that a storage specification is set is added to the print data acquired in the print data acquisition step;
A storage control step of storing the print data in a storage unit as a print data file in association with attribute information relating to the code data when it is determined in the storage designation determination step that the code information is added to the print data;
An image data file generating step of expanding the print data of each print data file stored in the storage means into image data and storing the image data file in the storage means;
A first transfer request receiving step of receiving an attribute information display file transfer request from the print data generating device through the communication means for performing data communication;
When the attribute information display file transfer request is received in the first transfer request receiving step, the attribute information associated with each print data file stored in the storage unit and the attribute information correspond to the attribute information. Attribute information display file for displaying a list screen in which display designation means for designating display of a print image based on an image data file and print designation means for designating execution of the print image are listed. A first file generation step for generating
A first file transfer step of transmitting the attribute information display file generated in the first file generation step to the requesting print data generation device through the communication means;
A print image display file transfer request for designating an image data file corresponding to one or more attribute information selected through the display designating unit on the list screen is received from the print data device through the communication unit. 2 transfer request receiving step,
When the print image display file transfer request is received in the second transfer request receiving step, the designated image data file is displayed as a print image display file for displaying a screen showing each print image. A second file generation step for generating a file in which link information is embedded;
A second file transfer step of transmitting the print image display file generated in the second file generation step to the requesting print data generation device through the communication means;
A print request receiving step of receiving a print request for designating a print data file corresponding to any one of the attribute information selected through the print designation unit on the list screen from the print data generation device through the communication unit;
When the print request is received in the print request receiving step, a reading step of reading out the designated print data file from the storage unit; and
A printing method comprising: a print control step of delivering print data of the print data file read in the reading step to the printing unit and causing the printing unit to perform printing. A printing system in which a printing data generation device that generates printing data and a printing device that includes a printing unit that prints a printing image based on the printing data on a printing recording medium are connected to each other,
The printing apparatus includes:
When print data is input from the print data generation device, it is determined whether or not code information indicating that save designation is set is added to the input print data. A storage control unit that stores the print data in a storage unit as a print data file in association with attribute information related to the print data when it is determined that the print data is added to the print data;
Image data file generating means for expanding the print data of each print data file stored in the storage means into image data and saving the image data file in the storage means;
When the communication means for performing data communication receives the attribute information display file transfer request from the print data generation apparatus, the attribute information associated with each print data file stored in the storage means and its information Displaying a list screen listing display designation means for designating display of a print image based on an image data file corresponding to attribute information and print designation means for designating execution of printing of the print image Attribute information display file transfer means for generating an attribute information display file and transmitting the attribute information display file to the requesting print data generation apparatus through the communication means;
When the communication means receives a print image display file transfer request for designating an image data file corresponding to one or more attribute information selected through the display designation means on the list screen from the print data generation apparatus. Generating a file in which link information to each designated image data file is embedded as a print image display file for displaying a screen on which each print image is displayed, and sending the print image display file to the communication unit Print image display file transfer means for transmitting to the requesting print data generating device through
When the communication unit receives a print request for designating a print data file corresponding to any one of the attribute information selected through the print designation unit on the list screen, the designated print Reading means for reading a data file from the storage means; and
A printing control means for transferring the print data of the print data file read from the storage means to the printing means and causing the printing means to perform printing;
The print data generation device includes:
Print data input means for inputting print data to which the code information indicating that the storage designation is set is added to the printing apparatus;
First transfer request means for transmitting the attribute information display file transfer request to the printing apparatus through the communication means;
When the attribute information display file is received from the printing device through the communication unit in response to the attribute information display file transfer request transmitted by the first transfer request unit, a list based on the attribute information display file is received. First display control means for displaying a screen on the display means;
A print image display file transfer request for designating an image data file corresponding to one or more attribute information selected through the display designation unit on the list screen displayed on the list unit by the first display control unit, Second transfer request means for transmitting to the printing apparatus through the communication means;
When the print image data display file is received from the printing device through the communication unit in response to the print image data display file transfer request transmitted by the second transfer request unit, the print image data display file is received. Second display control means for displaying a screen based on the display means, and
A print request for designating a print data file corresponding to any one attribute information selected through the print designation unit on the list screen displayed on the display unit by the first display control unit is transmitted through the communication unit. A printing system comprising: a print request means for transmitting to a printing apparatus. A printing system including a printing unit that prints an image based on image data on a print recording medium, and an information browsing device are connected to each other,
The printing apparatus includes:
When image data is input from the image data generation device, a storage control unit that stores the image data in the storage unit as an image data file in association with attribute information about the image data;
When communication means for performing data communication receives an attribute information display file transfer request from the information browsing device, attribute information associated with each image data file stored in the storage means and its attributes Attribute for displaying a list screen in which a display designation unit for designating display of a print image based on an image data file corresponding to information and a print designation unit for designating execution of printing of the print image are listed. Attribute information display file transfer means for generating an information display file and transmitting the attribute information display file to the requesting information browsing apparatus through the communication means;
When the communication means receives an image display file transfer request for designating an image data file corresponding to one or more attribute information selected through the display designation means on the list screen from the information browsing apparatus, A file in which link information to each designated image data file is embedded is generated as an image display file for displaying a screen on which an image is displayed, and the image display file is transmitted to the request source information through the communication means. Image display file transfer means to be sent to the browsing device,
When the communication unit receives a print request for designating an image data file corresponding to any one of the attribute information selected through the print designation unit on the list screen, the designated image data Reading means for reading a file from the storage means; and
A printing control unit for transferring the image data of the image data file read from the storage unit by the reading unit to the printing unit and causing the printing unit to perform printing;
The information browsing apparatus
First transfer request means for transmitting the attribute information display file transfer request to the printing apparatus through the communication means;
When the attribute information display file is received from the printing device through the communication unit in response to the attribute information display file transfer request transmitted by the first transfer request unit, a list based on the attribute information display file is received. First display control means for displaying a screen on the display means;
An image display file transfer request for designating an image data file corresponding to one or more attribute information selected through the display designation unit on the list screen displayed on the display unit by the first display control unit, Second transfer request means for transmitting to the printing apparatus through the communication means;
In response to the image display file transfer request transmitted by the second transfer request unit, when the image display file is received from the printing apparatus through the communication unit, a screen based on the image display file is displayed. 2nd display control means to display on, and
A print request for designating an image data file corresponding to any one attribute information selected through the print designation unit on the list screen displayed on the display unit by the first display control unit is sent through the communication unit. A printing system comprising: a print request unit that transmits to the printing apparatus.