JP4011044B2 - PRINT CONTROL DEVICE, PRINT CONTROL METHOD, PROGRAM, AND RECORDING MEDIUM - Google Patents

Description

The present invention provides a plurality of copies based on print request data from an application program that generates one portion of print request data for the specified number of copies while making a print end request from a print start request to perform collated printing of the specified number of copies. The present invention relates to a print control apparatus, a print control method, a program, and a recording medium that can generate print job data to be transmitted to a printing apparatus capable of executing the collation printing process.

  In recent years, printers are equipped with large-capacity external memory such as hard disk drives (HDD), and various paper discharge functions such as processing huge amounts of data inside the printer, sorting printed documents by copy, and stapling There are many printers with.

  Assorting a plurality of copies of a printed document, there are a case of outputting a plurality of copies in page units and a case of outputting a plurality of copies in document units (collate printing). For example, when three copies of a three-page document are printed in units of pages, the printing result is output as 1-1-1-2-2-2-3-3-3, and the three-page document is output in units of documents. When three copies are printed (by collation printing), 1-2-3-1-2-3-1-2-3 and the print result are output (numbers represent the number of pages).

  Collate printing is more convenient than page number of copies printing because it is not necessary to manually sort pages after printing.

  When this collation printing is realized on the printer side, the printer driver sends a print job including page drawing data of 1-2-3, information of 3 copies, and information for instructing collation printing to the printer in the above example. Just send the data. On the printer side, it is necessary to temporarily store a part of the data for all pages and repeatedly output the data for the designated number of copies. Therefore, the printer needs an area for storing a part of the data for all pages. However, this function can be realized by installing a large capacity external memory in the printer. Alternatively, the printer has a plurality of trays (bins) as a paper discharge function, and the above-described collation printing can be realized by circulating the number of copies while mechanically switching the trays (bins) for each page. .

  When collation printing is possible on the printer side, a control 401 for enabling the collation printing function is usually prepared like a user interface (UI) for detailed setting of the printer driver shown in FIG. Yes.

  FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a user interface (UI) for detailed setting of the printer driver.

  On the other hand, as in the print instruction user interface (UI) of the application program shown in FIG. 22, some application programs also have a control 502 for specifying collate printing.

  FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an application print instruction user interface (UI).

  Note that the copy setting control 501 of the application shown in FIG. 22 is referred to when the application creates print data.

  Note that when the printing process is actually executed, the designation of the number of copies to the printer driver is not necessarily set here. The above-described controls 401 and 502 for designating collation printing between the printer driver and the application are for realizing collation printing, respectively. The settings on the printer driver side and the settings on the application side May not be linked and function independently.

  For this reason, when an application performs its own collation printing process, the collation printing function prepared on the printer driver side is not effective, and collation printing that depends on the specifications on the application side is not possible. Done.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a print data conversion system that performs conversion and discrimination of print data as one of means for enabling a collation printing function of a printer regardless of an application collation printing specification.

  In this system, as described in paragraph number <0004> of Patent Document 1, for example, when three copies of a three-page document are printed, the number of prints is set to 1 after printing. For application specifications that generate print request data that cannot be classified for each copy on the printer side so that nine pages of data of 2-3-1-2-3-1-2-3 are printed as one job It is all inventions.

Similarly, paragraph numbers <0024> to <0050> of Patent Document 1 describe in detail a method for determining one part and a method for converting print data for a plurality of copies of collation data required by an application. ing.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-353143

  However, in the print data conversion system described in Patent Document 1, as described above, it is possible to cope with the application specification that performs collation printing in one job, but the collation printing specification of the application is described above. It's not just like that. Specifically, for collation printing according to the application specification, for example, when printing three copies of a three-page document, after setting to one copy at the time of printing, [1-2-3], [ 1-2-3] and [1-2-3] (numbers represent the number of pages, [] represents one job) and print request data having the same content is generated for each copy (that is, for each copy) There are jobs that divide jobs and generate print request data for the number of copies.

  The print data conversion system described in Patent Document 1 has a problem that it cannot respond to a print request of such an application.

  When jobs are divided for each copy in this way, if the amount of data sent from the host computer to the printer uses the collate printing function of the printer, one job is essentially sufficient, but a multiple of the specified number of copies. Print job data is issued, affecting network traffic.

  Further, when the host computer has a function capable of confirming print job data being processed by the printer, even if it is a single print operation from the application, it is divided into print job data for the specified number of copies. The same number of copies of the print job data is confirmed.

  Furthermore, because the job is divided and print job data for the specified number of copies is issued, if the printer has a job storage function, the same job for the specified number of copies will be stored, squeezing memory resources. End up.

  Further, even if the printer has a job storage function or has a function of changing print attributes on the printer side for a job being processed, it is not possible to change all divided jobs at once.

  Further, since the job is divided and a plurality of print job data is transmitted from the host computer to the printer, the printer must repeat the start processing and end processing of the print processing for the specified number of copies, and the start and end processing is required. Time is overhead. Also, the expansion processing of the print job data must be performed for the number of copies, which may cause printer congestion.

  In addition, when a plurality of client computers in a network environment print on a single printer, the print job is divided, and there is a possibility that a print job from another client computer is interrupted at the division point. Yes, there is a risk of being mixed with other print jobs.

  Furthermore, when sorting printing is performed using multiple output trays on the printer side, the print job is divided, so that the printer side handles it as a separate job, so the sorting function does not work, and all jobs Is output to one paper discharge tray.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, an object of the present invention, when the collated printing multiple copies are specified, the collation printing by dividing the job number of copies Regardless of the specification of the application to be realized, collation printing can be executed by the collation printing function of the printer, and printing of the same contents set as one copy in order to realize collation printing of a plurality of copies The present invention provides a mechanism for solving various conventional problems caused by jobs being divided into a plurality of jobs and transmitted to a printer.

The present invention provides a plurality of copies based on print request data from an application program that generates one portion of print request data for the specified number of copies while making a print end request from a print start request to perform collated printing of the specified number of copies. A print control apparatus having generation means for generating print job data to be transmitted to a printing apparatus capable of executing the collation printing process, wherein the number of copies of the print setting received from the application program is 1 A determination means for determining, a counting means for counting the number of times a print start request is received following the print end request from the application, and a print start request from the application when the determination means determines that the number of copies is one. Print job data generated between the receipt of a print request and the receipt of a print termination request. A print job data storage unit that temporarily stores the request without receiving the request even after receiving the request; and after receiving the print end request, the command is stored when receiving an instruction based on a discard request from the application. Transmitting means for transmitting print job data including a copy command corresponding to the counted value to one part of print job data to a printing apparatus capable of executing the multiple copies of collation printing processing. To do.

According to the present invention, when the collated printing multiple copies is specified by collating the printing function possessed by the printer regardless of the application specification of which is divided into job number of copies to be realized collated printing It is possible to perform collation printing.

  Accordingly, it is possible to solve various conventional problems caused by a print job having the same content set as one copy being divided into a plurality of pieces and transmitted to the printer in order to realize a multi-page collation printing. In addition, there is an effect that it is possible to construct a smart collation printing environment that effectively uses the collation printing function and the sorting printing function of the printer.

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

  The present invention particularly relates to a print control apparatus.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a printing system to which a printing control apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

  In FIG. 1, 3000 is a host computer. In this host computer 3000, reference numeral 1 denotes a CPU, an operating system program (hereinafter referred to as OS) which is a control program of the CPU 1 stored in the ROM for program in the ROM 3 or the external memory 11, and a print-related module (some are included in the OS). ) And the like are executed on the RAM 2 to collectively control each device connected to the system bus 4.

  The CPU 1 executes document processing in which graphics, images, characters, tables (including spreadsheets), etc. are mixed based on application programs such as document processing programs stored in the ROM 3 program ROM or the external memory 11. To do.

  Further, the CPU 1 executes a print-related module (graphic engine, printer driver, print subsystem) or the like stored in the program ROM of the ROM 3 or the external memory 11 on the RAM 2 and print request output from the document processing program. Can be output to the printer 1500.

  In these processes, the subject of control is the CPU 1 in hardware. On the other hand, the main control of software is an application program and a print-related module (graphic engine, printer driver, print subsystem) having a print instruction function for the printer. Therefore, in the following description of the embodiments, an application program, a graphic engine, a printer driver, and a print subsystem are used as the main processing, but the application program, graphic engine, printer driver, and print subsystem are used in terms of hardware. The CPU 1 to be executed is actually executing the process.

  The font ROM or the external memory 11 of the ROM 3 stores font data used for the document processing, and the ROM 3 data ROM or the external memory 11 stores various data (such as the document processing used for the document processing). For example, directory information, a printer driver table, etc.) are stored.

  The RAM 2 functions as a main memory and work area for the CPU 1. A keyboard controller (KBC) 5 controls key input from a keyboard (KB) 9 or a pointing device (not shown). Reference numeral 6 denotes a CRT controller (CRTC) which controls display on a CRT display (CRT) 10. A disk controller (DKC) 7 is a hard disk (HD) for storing a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, a program for instructing printing to a printer, and a floppy (registered trademark) disk (FD). ) And the like are controlled.

  A printer controller (PRTC) 8 is connected to the printer 1500 via a predetermined bidirectional interface (interface) 21 and executes communication control processing with the printer 1500. The CPU 1 executes, for example, an outline font rasterization process on the display information RAM set on the RAM 2 to enable WYSIWYG on the CRT 10. The CPU 1 opens various windows registered based on commands instructed by a mouse cursor (not shown) on the CRT 10 and executes various data processing.

  In the printer 1500, reference numeral 12 denotes a printer CPU, which is a printing unit (printer engine) 17 connected to the system bus 15 based on a control program stored in the program ROM of the ROM 13 or a control program stored in the external memory 14. An image signal is output as output information. Further, a control program of the CPU 12 is stored in the program ROM of the ROM 13. The font ROM of the ROM 13 stores font data used when generating the output information, and the ROM 13 data ROM is used on the host computer in the case of a printer without the external memory 14 such as a hard disk. Information to be stored is stored.

  The CPU 12 can communicate with the host computer via the input unit 18 and is configured to notify the host computer 3000 of information in the printer. Reference numeral 19 denotes a RAM (printer built-in RAM) that functions as a main memory, work area, and the like of the CPU 12, and is configured such that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown). The RAM 19 is used as an output information expansion area, environment data storage area, NVRAM, and the like.

  Access to the external memory 14 such as the hard disk (HD) and the IC card is controlled by a disk controller (DKC) 20. The external memory 14 is connected as an option and stores font data, an emulation program, form data, and the like. Reference numeral 1501 denotes an operation panel on which operation switches, an LED display, and the like are arranged.

  The external memory 14 described above is not limited to one, and at least one external memory 14 is provided. In addition to the built-in font, an optional font card and a plurality of external memories storing programs for interpreting printer control languages with different language systems can be connected. It may be configured. Furthermore, an NVRAM (not shown) may be provided to store printer mode setting information from the operation panel 1501.

  When the printer 1500 of this embodiment receives print job data designating the number of copies and collation printing, the printer 1500 side performs collation printing processing for the number of print copies set in the print job data or a plurality of print job data. This is a printer that can execute sort printing processing in units of documents using the paper discharge tray.

  FIG. 2 is a main functional block diagram showing a flow when transmitting print job data from the host computer 3000 shown in FIG. 1 to the printer 1500.

  An application program (hereinafter referred to as an application) 201, a graphic engine 202, a printer driver 203, and a print subsystem 204 in the host computer 3000 exist as files stored in the external memory 11 shown in FIG. , A program module that is loaded into the RAM 2 and executed by the OS or a module that uses the module.

  Note that the application 201 and the printer driver 203 can be added to the hard disk (HD) of the external memory 11 via the FD of the external memory 11, a CD-ROM (not shown), or a network described later.

  The application 201 stored in the external memory 11 is loaded into the RAM 2 and executed by the CPU 1. When printing is performed from the application 201 to the printer 1500, output (rendering) is similarly performed using the graphic engine 202 that is loaded into the RAM 2 by the CPU 1 and executed.

  The graphic engine 202 activates a printer driver 203 prepared for each printing apparatus (the printer driver 203 is loaded from the external memory 11 to the RAM 2 and executed by the CPU 1). The graphic engine 202 uses the printer driver 203 to convert the output of the application 201 into a printer control command in a printer description language (PDL).

  The printer control command converted by the printer driver 203 is output to the printer 1500 via the interface 21 via the print subsystem 204.

  The print subsystem 204 is activated by the OS, loaded from the external memory 11 to the RAM 2 and executed by the CPU 1, and executes print job scheduling, printer host computer connection control, and printer status. Management.

  Note that the printer driver 203 not only instructs the printer to generate a printer control command for the output of the printing or drawing command instructed by the application described above and reflect it in the print output, but also the printer driver 203 or the printer 1500. A function for performing settings for controlling the functions of the main body (user interface (UI in FIG. 21 shown in the [Background Technology] column)), a function for storing the settings, and the printer driver 203 and the printer 1500 main body have A function that provides information to the application and OS, a function that generates a printer control command when the function set in the user interface is a function that the printer has, and a function that is set in the user interface is performed by the printer driver. In the case of a function, a function that realizes the function A.

  In FIG. 1, the configuration in which the host computer 3000 and the printer 1500 are directly connected via the interface 21 has been described. However, the host computer 3000 and the printer 1500 may be configured to be connected via a network as illustrated in FIG. 3.

  FIG. 3 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of a printing system to which the host computer 3000 and the printer 1500 shown in FIG. 1 can be applied.

  In FIG. 3, reference numeral 301 denotes a network to which a host computer 3000, a printer 1500, and a print server computer 4000 as a plurality of client computers are connected.

  In this case, it is assumed that the PRTC 8 of the host computer 3000 has a function of a network interface card (NIC).

  The printer 1500 is directly connected to the network 3000 even when connected to the print server computer 4000 via the local interface 302 such as Centronics or USB and connected to the network 3000 via the print server computer 4000. Form may be sufficient. Note that the input unit 18 of the printer 1500 directly connected to the network 301 has a function of a network interface card (NIC).

  When a print job is transmitted from the host computer 3000 as each client to the printer 1500 connected to the network 301 via the print server computer 4000, each host computer 3000 first receives the print server computer via the print subsystem 204. The print job is transmitted to 4000. Then, the print server computer 4000 transmits the print job transmitted from each host computer 3000 to the printer 1500 via a print subsystem on the print server computer 4000 (not shown). Accordingly, each host computer 3000 can transmit a print job to the printer 1500 via the print server computer 4000.

  When a print job is transmitted from each host computer 3000 to the printer 1500 directly connected to the network 301, each host computer 3000 sends a print job to the printer 1500 directly connected to the network 301 via the print subsystem 204. Send.

  The printer driver 203 according to the present exemplary embodiment is a printer that can execute a collation printing process of a plurality of copies or a document-by-document sort printing process using a plurality of paper discharge trays based on print request data generated by an application program. A printer driver capable of generating print job data to be transmitted to 1500.

  Next, the basic processing flow in the print control apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a status diagram showing the flow of basic processing when printing is performed in the print control apparatus of the present invention, and particularly corresponds to the processing of the application 201, graphic engine 202, and printer driver 203 shown in FIG. To do. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same thing as FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, since the application 201 does not directly communicate with the printer driver 203 but via the graphic engine 202 of the OS, the application 201 actually exchanges with the graphic engine 202. Do. The graphic engine 202 receives an instruction from the application 201 and instructs the printer driver 203.

  First, the application 201 notifies the graphic engine 202 of settings for printing such as collation printing ON / OFF and the number of copies setting via the memory secured in the RAM 2, and the printer driver 203 receives the graphic engine 202 from the graphic engine 202. Based on the print settings and the print settings, the printer driver 203 receives a request for initializing a memory area newly secured in the RAM 2 for storing information necessary for performing the printing process (S601). As a result, the printer driver 203 secures a memory area for holding information (printer driver information) necessary for the printer driver 203 to perform print processing, and initializes the memory area in accordance with the print settings.

  When the printer driver 203 completes the necessary processing by receiving the information memory initialization processing request referred to by the printer driver 203, the printer driver 203 notifies the graphic engine 202 of the printing capability of the printer driver 203 according to the print setting received in step S601. To do. The application 201 acquires a handle value necessary for associating the print job finally transmitted to the printer 1500 and the print setting reflected in the print job from the graphic engine 202 (S602).

  Next, when the application 201 makes a print start request to the graphic engine 202, the printer driver 203 receives the print start request from the graphic engine 202 (S603). As a result, the printer driver 203 starts a printer description language generation process. First, the printer 1500 generates a printer command necessary for starting printing. However, the printer 1500 generates a printer command necessary for starting printing at the time when the printing process for the first page (first page) is started (when the drawing instruction for the first page from the application is received). May be.

  The application 201 issues a drawing instruction for realizing drawing of a drawing object such as a character or an image to the graphic engine 202. The printer driver 203 receives the drawing instruction from the graphic engine 202 (S604). As a result, the printer driver 203 generates a printer command for reflecting the designated drawing object or page break in the output result from the printer 1500. Note that the number of pages to be printed depends on the designation from the application 201.

  Next, when the application 201 makes a print end request to the graphic engine 202, the printer driver 203 receives the print end request from the graphic engine 202 (S605). As a result, the printer driver 203 generates a printer command necessary for the printer 1500 to end printing, and ends the printer description language generation processing.

  Next, the application 201 notifies the graphic engine 202 of the handle value discard request acquired in step S602, and the printer driver 203 stores information necessary for the printer driver 203 to perform print processing from the graphic engine 202. A request to discard information (printer driver information) in the memory area to be received is received (S606). Accordingly, the printer driver 203 performs a process for discarding the printer driver information.

  One job for transmission to the printer 1500 is generated by the processing of steps S603 to S605 described above.

  Next, with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 5 and 6, basic processing of the application 201 that makes a print request for dividing a print job by the number of copies for collation printing will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a collation print processing procedure of the application 201 that issues a print request for dividing a print job for the collation printing executed on the host computer 3000 shown in FIG. is there. Note that the processing of this flowchart is realized by the CPU 1 of the host computer 3000 shown in FIG. 1 executing the application 201 stored in the external memory 11 on the RAM 2. Hereinafter, the subject of processing will be described as the application 201 executed by the CPU 1. In addition, S701 to S707 in the figure indicate each step.

  First, normally, the control 502 for collation printing setting on the application setting screen shown in FIG. 22 is enabled by a user instruction using a mouse or the like, and the control 501 for setting the number of copies performs printing. The number of copies to be set is also set by a user instruction.

  When such application settings are made and a print instruction is input to the application 201 (S701), the application 201 notifies the graphic engine 202 of the settings necessary for printing and acquires a handle value. At that time, the number of copies to be notified to the graphic engine 202 is set to 1 (S702).

  Next, the application 201 makes a print start request for starting print processing to the graphic engine 202 (S703).

  Subsequently, an instruction is given to the graphic engine 202 to reflect drawing objects such as figures, images, characters, and tables created and edited on the application 201 and the page configuration in the print result (S704).

  Next, the application 201 makes a print end request for ending the print processing to the graphic engine 202 (S705). After this processing, the printer driver 203 normally generates one job.

  Then, the application 201 determines whether the number of times of processing in steps S703 to S705 has been performed the number of copies set in step S701 (whether printing has been performed for the specified number of copies) (S706), and still reaches the number of copies set in step S701. If it is determined that the condition is not satisfied, the process returns to step S703, and the same processing is repeated in steps S703 to S706.

  On the other hand, if the application 201 determines in step S706 that the number of processing steps S703 to S705 has been performed the number of times set in step S701, the application 201 issues a handle discard request acquired in step S702 to the graphic engine 202. (S707), and the process of this flowchart is terminated.

  In other words, the application 201 repeats the processing of steps S603 to S605 shown in FIG. 4 several times as set in step S701. -2-3], [1-2-3], and [1-2-3] (numbers represent the number of pages, [] represents one job) are generated by the printer driver 203. Therefore, collation printing is realized by the printer 1500.

  As described above, the application 201 uses the print request data for printing one copy in order to perform the specified number of collated prints (in this embodiment, the “print start request” issued by the application 201). The specified number of copies starts and ends with a “print end request” (data of one job is referred to as print request data between a “print start request” and a “print end request”). This is an application program that generates a minute.

  An example of the print job data conversion process of the present embodiment performed by the printer driver 203 with respect to the process of the application 201 as described above will be described in detail below.

  First, in response to a print request made by the application 201 to the printer driver 203 via the graphic engine 202, a process for saving a print job generated by the printer driver 203 and a process for counting the number of copies that the application 201 intends to realize are performed. This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a first control processing procedure in the print control apparatus of the present invention. Processing for counting the number of copies by the printer driver 203 executed on the host computer 3000 shown in FIG. Corresponds to the process of saving. Note that the processing of this flowchart is realized by the CPU 1 of the host computer 3000 shown in FIG. 1 executing the printer driver 203 stored in the external memory 11 on the RAM 2. In the figure, S801 to S810 indicate steps.

  As described above, when the application 201 first notifies the graphic engine 202 of print settings, the printer driver 203 receives the print settings transmitted from the graphic engine 202 (S801). This print setting is set in a memory area secured in the RAM 2 and transferred, and includes information such as the number of copies, print size, and paper orientation, for example.

  Next, when the application 201 makes a print request to divide a print job for collation printing, the number of copies in the print setting is set to one, so the printer driver 203 executes step S801. In step S802, it is determined whether the number of copies of the print setting received in step S802 is one. If it is determined that the number of copies is 1, the print job data conversion process according to the present embodiment (steps S804 to S810). Execute. Note that the determination as to whether or not to execute the print job data conversion process of the present embodiment is not limited to the determination as to whether or not it is one copy in step S802, but to perform collated printing for a specified number of copies. An application that generates a print request for printing one copy for the designated number of copies is registered in the external memory 11 to determine whether or not the application 201 is registered, and the UI of the printer driver 203 prepares. In the setting, a setting for enabling the print job data conversion processing of the present embodiment is provided, and any of the determination as to whether the setting is enabled or a combination of the determinations is added to the determination condition of step S802 Thus, it may be configured to judge more strictly.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S802 that the information on the number of copies of the print setting received in step S801 is not one, it is determined that the print job data conversion process of this embodiment is not executed, and the normal printer driver The printing process as performed is performed (S803).

  In step S804, the printer driver 203 initializes a memory area for storing information necessary for the printer driver 203 to perform print processing based on the print settings received in step S801. In this memory area, there is a copy counter (CP) for counting the number of copies to be printed, and this copy counter is initialized with “0”.

  Next, when the application 201 makes a print start request to the graphic engine 202 to actually start the printing process based on the print setting set in step S801, the printer driver 203 starts printing from the graphic engine 202. A request is received (S805). Although not shown in FIG. 6, the printer driver 203 receives a drawing request (page break request) or the like from the graphic engine 202 following reception of the print start request.

  Next, the printer driver 203 determines whether or not the number of copies counter (CP) is “0” to determine whether or not to save the print job. When the number of copies counter (CP) is “0”, it means that the printing job for one portion has not been completed yet, and when the number of copies counter (CP) is not “0”, This indicates that the storage of one part of the print job has already been completed.

  If the printer driver 203 determines in step S806 that the copy counter (CP) is “0”, the print job for one part has not been saved yet, and thus the print job for one part has been completed. Until this is done, a print job storage process shown in FIG. 7 described later is executed (S807), and the process proceeds to step S808.

  On the other hand, if the printer driver 203 determines in step S806 that the copy counter (CP) is not “0”, the print job storage process has been completed, so the print job storage process cannot be executed. Instead, the process proceeds to step S808.

  Next, when the application 201 finishes the printing process for one job and makes a print end request to the graphic engine 202, the printer driver 203 receives the print end request from the graphic engine 202 (S808).

  Upon receiving the print end request in step S808, the printer driver 203 adds “1” to the copy counter (CP) (S809). Since the application 201 repeats the print request from the print start request to the print end request for the number of print copies, the number of repetitions, that is, the number of copies that the application 201 is trying to realize finally becomes the copy counter (CP). Will be set.

  Although not shown in FIG. 6, even when the printer driver 203 receives a print end request in step S808, the printer driver 203 performs processing for generating a printer description language necessary for ending the print job, and the number of copies. If the value before adding the counter (CP) is “0”, the printer description language is added to the print job being saved, and the save of the print job is completed.

  In step S810, the printer driver 203 determines whether a print start request has been received from the graphics engine 202. If the printer driver 203 determines that a print start request has been received, the process returns to step S806, and steps S806 to S806 are performed. The process of S810 is repeated.

  On the other hand, if the printer driver 203 does not receive a print start request from the graphic engine 202 in step S810, the printing process ends, and the process of this flowchart ends.

  As described above, the printer driver 203 of this embodiment receives the print setting information issued before the print request data is issued by the application 201 (corresponding to S801), and then issues the print request data by the application 201. The print request data (S805 (S805)) for printing one copy continuously generated by the application 201 until a request for discarding the print setting information to be issued later is received (corresponding to Yes in S810). (Corresponding to S810) to S808) is counted by counting up the copy counter (CP) held in the RAM 2 (corresponding to S809), and only print job data corresponding to any one of the print request data is generated. Save (corresponding to S807).

  Hereinafter, if the printer driver 203 has not yet saved one part of the print job, in step S807, the printer driver 203 receives the print end request from the time when the print start request is received, and completes the print end process. Until then, the generated printer description language is stored. The print job storage process in step S807 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a second control processing procedure in the print control apparatus of the present invention, and corresponds to the print job storage processing shown in step S807 of FIG. Note that the processing of this flowchart is realized by the CPU 1 of the host computer 3000 shown in FIG. 1 executing the printer driver 203 stored in the external memory 11 on the RAM 2. Further, S901 to S902 in the figure indicate each step.

  First, the printer driver 203 normally uses a printer description language for reflecting each print request in a print output result by the printer 1500 based on print requests sequentially sent from the application 201 to the printer driver 203 via the graphic engine 202. (S901).

  The printer driver 203 saves the first generated printer description language in the external memory, and additionally stores the generated printer description language in the saved data after the second time (S902). The printer description language group as shown in FIG.

  Although not shown in FIG. 7, the processes in steps S901 and S902 are repeatedly executed until a print end request is received in step S808.

  More specifically, the printer driver 203 generates a job start instruction in a printer description language, saves it in an external memory, and then, based on the print setting information stored in the memory area of the RAM 2, etc. Generate a printing specification command (undefined at this time), a number of copies setting command (“1 copy” at this time), a paper size (and paper orientation) specification command, etc. in the printer description language, save it in the external memory, In addition, when a drawing termination request for graphics, images, characters, tables, etc. and a page break command are generated in the printer description language and stored in the external memory are repeated for the number of pages, a print end request is received from the graphic engine 202. In addition, a job end command is generated in the printer description language and stored in the external memory.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of print job data generated by the printer driver 203 illustrated in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the print job data includes a collation print designation command, a copy number setting command, a paper size designation command, a drawing command for graphics, images, characters, tables, etc., a page break command, a job end command, etc. Contains.

  Subsequently, when the application 201 completes the print request for the designated number of copies, the application 201 makes a request for discarding the handle necessary for the acquired printing to the graphic engine 202 (corresponding to step S707 in FIG. 5). ). In other words, at this point, the application has completed all print requests, and the printer driver 203 has completed counting the number of copies and storing the print job, so the printer driver 203 prints to the printer 1500. Processing to send a job can be executed. Hereinafter, a process for transmitting a print job saved by the printer driver 203 to the printer 1500 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a third control processing procedure in the print control apparatus of the present invention, and corresponds to a print job transmission process by the printer driver 203. Note that the processing of this flowchart is realized by the CPU 1 of the host computer 3000 shown in FIG. 1 executing the printer driver 203 stored in the external memory 11 on the RAM 2. Also, S1101 to S1106 in the figure indicate each step.

  First, when the application 201 issues a handle discard request to the graphic engine 202, the printer driver 203 is a printer driver in a memory area that stores information necessary for the printer driver 203 to perform print processing. A request for discarding information is received from the graphic engine 202 (S1101).

  Next, when the printer driver 203 receives the printer driver information discard request in step S1101, the printer driver 203 secures the RAM 2 with the print job data that has been stored in one part by the print job storage process shown in FIG. Reading into the memory area (S1102).

  Next, the printer driver 203 performs conversion processing of the read print job data (details are shown in FIG. 10 described later) (S1103).

Next, the printer driver 203 executes processing for transmitting the changed print job data to the printer 1500 via the print subsystem 204. (S1104)
Next, when the transmission of the print job to the printer 1500 is completed, the print job data saved in the print job saving process shown in FIG. 9 becomes unnecessary, so the printer driver 203 saves it. Discard print job data. (S1105)
Next, the printer driver 203 discards the printer driver information in the memory area for storing information necessary for the printer driver 203 to perform printing processing (S1106), and ends the processing of this flowchart.

  In order to realize collation printing with one print job, a command for specifying collation printing (collation printing designation command) is set to “ON” by a printer control command; It is necessary to set the number of copies information to be output by a command for setting the number of copies (number of copies setting command). Therefore, with reference to FIG. 10, a process for converting the print job in which the saving of one part described in step S807 of FIG. 7 is completed into a print job for realizing collated printing will be described below.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a fourth control processing procedure in the print control apparatus of the present invention, and corresponds to the print job data conversion processing shown in step S1103 of FIG. Note that the processing of this flowchart is realized by the CPU 1 of the host computer 3000 shown in FIG. 1 executing the printer driver 203 stored in the external memory 11 on the RAM 2. Also, S1201 to S1207 in the figure indicate each step.

  The print job data shown in FIG. 8 is a set of commands having a predetermined grammar that can be interpreted by a printer to be printed, called a printer description language. Therefore, first, the printer driver 203 performs a search for finding out a command for setting the number of copies (copy number setting command) from the command group of the print job data (S1201). Next, it is confirmed whether or not the retrieved instruction is an instruction to set the number of copies (copy setting instruction) (S1202).

  If the printer driver 203 determines in step S1202 that the retrieved command is a command for setting the number of copies (copy setting command), the number of copies specified by the command is counted by the processing in step S809 in FIG. The value is changed to the value of the copy counter (CP) that has been used (S1203).

  Next, the printer driver 203 determines whether or not the search has been completed (the search for an instruction for specifying collation printing (collation print designation instruction) has already been completed) (S1204). If it is determined, the process of this flowchart is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, if the printer driver 203 determines in step S1204 that the search has not been completed, the process returns to step S1201.

  On the other hand, if the printer driver 203 determines in step S1202 that the searched command is not a command to set the number of copies (copy setting command), the printer driver 203 uses the searched command to specify collate printing. It is confirmed whether it is a command (collation printing designation command) (S1205).

  If the printer driver 203 determines in step S1205 that the retrieved command is a command for specifying collation printing (collation printing designation command), the mode for performing collation printing on the printer is valid. The command for designating collation printing (collation printing designation command) is changed to “ON” (S1206).

  Next, the printer driver 203 determines whether or not the search has been completed (search for the number of copies setting command (number of copies setting command) has already been completed) (S1207). The processing of this flowchart is finished as it is.

  On the other hand, if the printer driver 203 determines that the search has not been completed, the process returns to step S1201.

  On the other hand, if the printer driver 203 determines in step S1205 that the retrieved command is not a command for specifying collation printing (collation printing designation command), the process returns to step S1201.

  Needless to say, the search order of the number of copies setting command and the collation print designation command may be either first.

  As described above, the print driver 203 of the present embodiment searches for the copy number setting command in the print job data generated from any received print request data, and the searched count value (CP value). ) And the collation instruction information in the print job data is retrieved, and the print job is configured to set information (ON) for validating the collation print instruction to the retrieved collation print instruction instruction. Change data.

  Therefore, for example, when printing 3 copies of 3 pages of data, [(1 copy) 1-2-3], [(1 copy) 1-2-3], [(1 copy) by processing of the application 201. 1-2-3] (numbers represent the number of pages, [] represents one job, and () represents the number of copies specified in the print job). Even if such print request data is issued, the print request from the printer driver 203 about to be divided into the three jobs is [(collate print ON, 3 copies) 1-2-3]. Since one print job data is generated, conventionally, the three print job data ([(1) 1-2-2], [( 1 part) 1-2-3], [(1 part) 1-2 -3]), the same number of output results can be obtained from the printer 1500.

  By the way, the same print settings notified by the application 201 shown in step S601 in FIG. 4 are not always used during the printing process. The application 201 requests, for example, A4 paper on the first page after a print start request. At the time of the second page, when it is desired to change the print setting, such as when changing to A3 paper, it is possible to change at the timing when an arbitrary page to be printed changes.

  For example, when the paper size of the first page is A4, the paper size of the second page is A3, and the paper size of the third page is B4, a print job such as 1 (A4) -2 (A3) -3 (B4) is issued (The number represents the number of pages, and () represents the paper size.)

  As described above, when the application 201 changes the print setting, the memory area holding the printer driver information necessary for the printer driver 203 to perform print processing is also updated.

  Hereinafter, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 11, basic processing of the printer driver 203 when the application 201 makes a print setting change request to the graphic engine 202 (printer driver information necessary for performing printing processing). A process for updating the memory area to be held will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a fifth control processing procedure in the print control apparatus of the present invention. The basic operation of the printer driver 203 when the application 201 makes a print setting change request to the graphic engine 202. This process corresponds to a process (a process of updating a memory area holding printer driver information necessary for performing a printing process). Note that the processing of this flowchart is realized by the CPU 1 of the host computer 3000 shown in FIG. 1 executing the printer driver 203 stored in the external memory 11 on the RAM 2. Also, S1301 to S1306 in the figure indicate each step.

  FIG. 12 is a status diagram showing the flow of processing when the application 201 changes print settings.

  Hereinafter, a description will be given along the processing of the flowchart of FIG.

  When the application 201 tries to change the print setting at the timing when the page changes, the application 201 sends a notification of the print setting to be changed and a print setting change request to the graphic engine 202. Accordingly, the printer driver 203 receives the notification of the print setting to be changed and the printer driver initialization request transmitted from the graphic engine 202 (S1301 in FIG. 11 and step S1405 in FIG. 12).

Next, the printer driver 203 initializes the printer driver information in the memory area (memory 1) secured on the RAM 2 necessary for performing the printing process after changing the setting (S1302 in FIG. 11), and changes the setting. The graphic engine 202 is notified of the printing capability of the printer driver 203 corresponding to the subsequent print settings. (S1406 in FIG. 12)
Next, the graphic engine 202 may take over the necessary printer driver information in the memory area (memory 2) holding the printer driver information necessary for printing that has been used for printing to the memory 1 until then. When a possible timing (memory takeover request) is issued, the printer driver 203 receives the memory takeover request from the graphic engine 202 (S1303 in FIG. 11 and step S1407 in FIG. 12). The memory 1 and the memory 2 have information areas having the same format.

  In the subsequent printing process, the printer driver information in the memory 2 is not referred to, so the memory that holds the printer driver information necessary for printing that the printer driver 203 has used so far from the graphic engine 202. When the printer driver information discard request 2 is issued, the printer driver 203 receives the printer driver information discard request from the graphic engine 202 (S1305 in FIG. 11 and step S1408 in FIG. 12).

  Next, the printer driver 203 executes a process for discarding the printer driver information in the memory 2 (S1306), and ends the process of this flowchart.

  That is, when the application 201 changes the print setting, the state diagram of the application 201, the graphic engine 202, and the printer driver 203 shown in FIG. 4 is as shown in FIG. Since the description is the same as the description of FIGS. 4 and 12, the detailed description is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the printer driver 203 receives from the graphic engine 203 a request for discarding the printer driver information in the memory area that stores the printer driver information necessary for the printer driver 203 to perform print processing. When the application 201 attempts to change print settings during printing, as described above, the printer driver 203 stores the memory stored in the printer 1500 in the memory. A request to discard the printer driver information in the area is received. For this reason, if the process shown in FIG. 9 is used as it is, the print job transmission process to the printer 1500 is attempted even if the print job has not been saved, so that the print job transmission process is not performed. There is a need to.

  That is, when the printer driver 203 receives the request for discarding the printer driver information, if the request is due to the print setting change request of the application 201, the printer driver 203 does not execute the print job transmission process to the printer 1500. Need to control.

  Hereinafter, a process performed by the printer driver 203 when the application 201 issues a print setting change request at a timing when the page changes after the print start request is described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 13.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a sixth control processing procedure in the print control apparatus of the present invention. The printer driver when the application 201 makes a print setting change request at a timing when the page changes after a print start request is made. This corresponds to the processing by 203. Note that the processing of this flowchart is realized by the CPU 1 of the host computer 3000 shown in FIG. 1 executing the printer driver 203 stored in the external memory 11 on the RAM 2. Also, S1501 to S1511 in the figure indicate each step. Since S1102 to S1105 in FIG. 9 and S1508 to S1511 in FIG. 13 are the same, description thereof is omitted.

  When the application 201 makes a print setting change request to the graphic engine 202, the printer driver 203 receives the print setting to be changed from the graphic engine 202 (S1501).

  Next, when the printer driver 203 receives print settings, the printer driver 203 initializes a memory area (memory 1) secured on the RAM 2 that stores printer driver information necessary for the printer driver 203 to perform print processing. The memory 1 has a flag (SR1) for determining whether one print job is stored, and the printer driver 203 initializes SR1 to “OFF” (S1502).

  Next, the printer driver 203 receives, from the graphic engine 202, a memory area (memory 1) for storing printer driver information necessary for new print processing, and printer driver information used so far for print processing. Is transferred to the memory area (memory 2) secured on the RAM 2 and the handover request for transferring the necessary printer driver information from the memory 2 to the memory 1 is received (S1503).

  Next, the printer driver 203 copies the save flag (SR2) held in the memory 2 to the save flag (SR1) held in the memory 1. In other words, if a print job is stored in one part in the print processing so far, “ON” is set in SR2, and the printer driver information is taken over by SR1 used in the subsequent print processing. Next, control is performed so that the setting of SR2 is set to “OFF”. Further, the value of the copy counter CP2 held in the memory 2 is also copied to the copy counter CP1 held in the memory 1 (S1504).

  Next, the printer driver 203 receives, from the graphic engine 202, a request for discarding the printer driver information in the memory 2 that has been used for the printing process so far (S1505).

  Next, the printer driver 203 confirms the value of SR2 that the memory 2 has (S1506), and determines that “ON” is set to SR2 that the memory 2 has (“OFF” is not set to SR2). In this case, processing (S1508 to S1511) for transmitting the saved print job to the printer 1500 is performed. In this description, since SR2 is set to “OFF” in step S1504, transmission processing is performed. Is not performed (because the process proceeds to step S1507), one part of the stored job can be maintained.

  Next, the printer driver 203 performs a printer driver information discarding process in the memory 2 (S1507).

  Hereinafter, the processing in the case where the processing in FIG. 13 is considered in the processing in FIG. 6 will be described using the flowchart in FIG.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a seventh control processing procedure in the print control apparatus according to the present invention. The printer 201 considers that the application 201 issues a print setting change request at a page change timing after a print start request. This corresponds to processing by the driver 203. Note that the processing of this flowchart is realized by the CPU 1 of the host computer 3000 shown in FIG. 1 executing the printer driver 203 stored in the external memory 11 on the RAM 2. Also, S1601 to S1615 in the figure indicate each step. Since steps S801 to S803 in FIG. 6 and steps S1601 to S1603 in FIG. 14 are the same, description thereof is omitted.

  When the printer driver 203 receives print settings from the graphic engine 202, the printer driver 203 initializes a memory area secured on the RAM 2 that stores printer driver information necessary for the printer driver to perform print processing. In this memory area, there is a copy counter (CP) for counting the number of copies to be printed, and the printer driver 203 initializes this copy counter (CP) with “0”. Further, there is a storage flag (SR) for determining whether or not one part of the job has been stored in the memory area, and the printer driver 203 initializes the storage flag (SR) with “OFF” (S1604). ).

  Since the next step S1605 is the same as step S805 in FIG. 6, the description thereof is omitted.

  Next, when the printer driver 203 receives a print start request from the graphic engine 202, the printer driver 203 indicates whether to start saving one part of the job from now on or whether one part of the job has already been saved. (SR) is set to ON (S1606), and the printer driver 203 starts print processing for one page (S1607).

  The subsequent steps S1608 and S1609 are the same as steps S806 and S807 in FIG. 6 and will not be described. However, in step S1609, only a print job storage process for one page is performed.

  In step S1610, the printer driver 203 ends the printing process for one page.

  When the application 201 makes a print setting change request to the graphic engine 202, the printer driver 203 receives the print setting to be changed from the graphic engine 202. In step S1611, the printer driver 203 Then, it is determined whether or not the print setting to be changed has been received.

  If the printer driver 203 determines in step S <b> 1611 that the print setting to be changed has been received, the printer driver 203 stores the printer driver information necessary for performing print processing after changing the print setting on the RAM 2. Initialize the memory area (memory 1) reserved in At this time, as in step S 1604, the printer driver 203 initializes the copy counter (CP <NEW>) existing in the memory 1 with “0”. The printer driver 203 also initializes the save flag ((SR <NEW>)) existing in the memory 1 with “OFF” (S1612).

  Next, the printer driver 203 receives, from the graphic engine 202, a memory area (memory 1) for storing printer driver information necessary for new print processing, and printer driver information used so far for print processing. Is received from the graphic engine 202 (S1613). The graphic engine 202 receives a request for transferring the necessary printer driver information from the memory 2 to the memory 1 (S1613).

  Then, the printer driver 203 performs the printing process after the printer driver has changed the print setting based on the storage flag (SR) of the memory area (memory 2) in which the printer driver information that has been used for the printing process has been stored. Copy to the save flag (SR <NEW>) of the memory area (memory 1) for storing the printer driver information necessary above. In addition, the printer driver 203 sets the save flag SR to “OFF”. Further, since the printer driver information in the memory 2 cannot be referred to later, the printer driver 203 copies the value of the copy counter (CP) held in the memory 2 to the copy counter (CP <NEW>) held in the memory 1. (S1614).

  Next, the printer driver 203 receives a request (current printer) from the graphic engine 202 to discard the printer driver information in the memory area (memory 2) in which the printer driver information that has been used for print processing has been stored. When the driver information discard request is received (S1615), the printer driver 203 discards the printer driver information in the memory area (memory 2) in which the printer driver information that has been used for the print processing is stored. For this purpose (printer driver information discarding process shown in FIG. 16 described later) is executed (S1616), and the process proceeds to step S1617. Note that after the printer driver information in the memory 2 is discarded, the memory 1 is referred to when performing printing processing, so a memory area (memory for storing printer driver information necessary for new printing processing) The copy counter (CP <NEW>) and save flag (SR <NEW>) of 1) are handled as the copy counter (CP) and save counter (SR) referred to during the printing process.

  Next, the printer driver 203 determines whether or not a print end request has been received (S1617), and if it is determined that it has not been received (that is, when the application 201 performs a print process for the next page). In step S1607, the printer driver 203 returns to step S1607 to repeat the process for printing the next page.

  On the other hand, if the printer driver 203 determines in step S1617 that a print end request has been received, processing for ending printing (steps S1618 and S1619) is executed. Although not shown in FIG. 14, when the printer driver 203 receives a print end request in step S1617, the printer driver 203 performs processing for generating a printer description language necessary for ending the print job, and the number of copies. If the counter (CP) is “0”, the printer description language is added to the print job being saved, and the save of the print job is completed. Here, steps S1618 and S1619 are the same as steps S809 and S810 in FIG.

  Next, processing when the processing of FIG. 13 is considered in the processing of FIG. 9 will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of an eighth control processing procedure in the print control apparatus of the present invention. In the case where a handle discard request is generated by the application and the printer driver 203 receives the printer driver information discard request, This corresponds to the processing of the printer driver considering that the application 201 makes a print setting change request. Note that the processing of this flowchart is realized by the CPU 1 of the host computer 3000 shown in FIG. 1 executing the printer driver 203 stored in the external memory 11 on the RAM 2. Also, S1701 to S1702 in the figure indicate each step.

  First, when the application 201 makes a handle discard request to the graphic engine 202, the printer driver 203 discards the printer driver information in a memory area that stores printer driver information necessary for the printer driver 203 to perform print processing. A request for this is received from the graphic engine 202 (S1701).

  Next, the printer driver 203 discards the printer driver information in the memory area in which the printer driver information that has been used for the printing process has been stored (printer driver information discarding process shown in FIG. 16 described later). (S1702), and the process of this flowchart is terminated.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a ninth control processing procedure in the print control apparatus of the present invention, and corresponds to the printer driver information discarding processing shown in step S1616 in FIG. 14 and step S1702 in FIG. Note that the processing of this flowchart is realized by the CPU 1 of the host computer 3000 shown in FIG. 1 executing the printer driver 203 stored in the external memory 11 on the RAM 2. Further, S1801 to S1806 in the figure indicate each step.

  First, the printer driver 203 determines whether or not “ON” is set in a storage flag (SR) held in a memory area for storing printer driver information necessary for the printer driver 203 to perform print processing ( S1801) If it is determined that “ON” is not set (“OFF” is set), the process proceeds to step S1806 to indicate that the printing process is being continued from the application 201. The printer driver 203 performs only the discarding process of the printer driver information in the memory area for storing the printer driver information necessary for performing the printing process, and ends the process of this flowchart.

  On the other hand, in step S1801, the printer driver 203 determines that “ON” is set in the storage flag (SR) held in the memory area for storing printer driver information necessary for the printer driver 203 to perform print processing. In this case, since all the print requests of the application 201 have been completed, the printer driver 203 executes a process for transmitting a part of the print job to the printer, and step S1609 in FIG. The print job in which the saving of one part shown in FIG. 4 is completed is read into the memory area secured by the printer driver 203 (S1802).

  The subsequent processes in steps S1803 to S1806 are the same as steps S1103 to S1106 in FIG.

  Therefore, even when the application 201 changes print settings after requesting to start printing, the printer driver 203 performs processing for transmitting a print job to the printer 1500 while the print job is being saved, based on the determination of the save flag (SR). In addition, when all the print processing from the application 201 is completed and the print job is completed, the print job transmission processing to the printer 1500 can be appropriately performed.

  As described above, when the print driver 203 of this embodiment receives a printer driver discard request (corresponding to S1615 in FIG. 14) before the end of the print request data (corresponding to Yes in S1617 in FIG. 14), Transmission of print job data (FIG. 16) is not performed, and the count of the print request data is continued until the discard request is received after the end of the print request data (until S1619 in FIG. 14 becomes No) (FIG. 16). 14 steps S1606 to S1619 are repeated).

  The embodiment has been described in detail. However, as long as the functions of the present invention are executed, a single device or a system composed of a plurality of devices may be used via a network such as a LAN or WAN. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a system in which connection is made and processing is performed.

  Although the present invention relates to collation printing, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied even if the document data of an application to be printed is composed of only one page.

[Other Embodiments]
In the print job conversion process shown in FIG. 10 described above, when the print job shown in FIG. 7 is saved, the process shown in FIG. 6 or 14 is executed. It is known to direct collate printing.

  For this reason, at the time of storing this print job, the print job data may be generated by setting the instruction for collating printing to “ON”. More specifically, the printer driver 203 issues a collate print designation command, a copy number setting command, a paper size (and paper orientation) designation command, etc. based on the print setting information stored in the memory area of the RAM 2. When generating in the printer description language, the collation print designation command is generated as “ON”. In this case, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 17, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 10, the change process of the print job in the printer description language necessary for conversion into the print job is only the process of changing the command for setting the number of copies. It becomes. Processing in that case will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of a tenth control processing procedure in the print control apparatus of the present invention, and corresponds to the printer driver information discarding processing shown in step S1616 in FIG. 14 and step S1702 in FIG. Note that the processing of this flowchart is realized by the CPU 1 of the host computer 3000 shown in FIG. 1 executing the printer driver 203 stored in the external memory 11 on the RAM 2. Also, S1901 to S1903 in the figure indicate each step.

  First, the printer driver 203 performs a search to find a command for setting the number of copies (number of copies setting command) from the command group of the print job data (S1901). Next, it is confirmed whether or not the retrieved instruction is an instruction for setting the number of copies (copy setting instruction) (S1902).

  If the printer driver 203 determines in step S1902 that the retrieved command is a command for setting the number of copies (copy setting command), the number of copies specified by the command is stored in step S809 in FIG. 6 or in FIG. The value is changed to the value of the copy counter (CP) counted in step S1608 (S1903), and the process of this flowchart ends.

  On the other hand, if the printer driver 203 determines in step S1902 that the searched command is not a command for setting the number of copies (copy number setting command), the process returns to step S1901 to repeat the search processing.

  Further, in the process of converting the print job data shown in FIGS. 10 and 17, the search process is not performed and the print job shown in FIG. A printer driver necessary for the printer driver 203 to perform print processing for the position where the command is saved, such as an offset from the head of the saved job, when saving a command for instructing printing (collation printing designation command) The information is stored in a memory area in which information is stored, and the above-described stored position (copy setting command storage position, position in the step S1103 in FIG. 9, or step S1509 in FIG. 13, and step S1803 in FIG. The printer description language (copy setting instruction, collate printing instruction command) in the collation printing instruction command storage position) may be directly changed.In that case, the flow of the print job storage process shown in FIG. 7 is the process of the flowchart shown in FIG.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of an eleventh control processing procedure in the print control apparatus of the present invention, and corresponds to the print job storage processing shown in step S807 of FIG. 6 and step S1609 of FIG. Note that the processing of this flowchart is realized by the CPU 1 of the host computer 3000 shown in FIG. 1 executing the printer driver 203 stored in the external memory 11 on the RAM 2. In the figure, S2001 to S2006 indicate each step.

  Steps S2001 and S2002 are the same as steps S901 and S902 shown in FIG.

  Next, the printer driver 203 confirms whether or not the printer description language saved in step S2002 is a command for setting the number of copies (copy setting command) (S2003), and is a command for setting the number of copies (copy setting command). If the printer driver 203 determines that the command has been stored, the printer driver 203 uses the information on which position of the job storing the command as the copy setting command position as information necessary for the printer driver 203 to perform print processing. Is set in the memory area for storing (S2004).

  On the other hand, if the printer driver 203 determines in step S2003 that the printer description language saved in step S2002 is not a command for setting the number of copies (copy number setting command), the printer driver 203 saves it in step S2002. It is checked whether or not the printer description language is a command for instructing collation printing (collation printing instruction command) (S2005).

  If the printer driver 203 determines in step S2005 that the printer description language saved in step S2002 is a command for collating printing (collated printing command), the printer driver 203 saves the command. Information on which position of the job is stored is set as a collation print instruction command position in the memory area to be stored (S2006).

  On the other hand, if the printer driver 203 determines in step S2005 that the printer description language saved in step S2002 is not a command for instructing collation printing (collation printing instruction command), the collation printing instruction command position Is not memorized.

  Accordingly, the printer driver 203 refers to a memory area for storing information necessary for the printer driver 203 to perform print processing during print job data conversion processing, and sets the number of copies based on the position information set there. It is only necessary to replace the printer description language corresponding to the command and the collate print instruction command.

  As described above, the printer driver 203 according to the present embodiment performs the print processing in the RAM 2 using the copy setting command position and the collate print instruction command position in the print job data when generating the print job data. Necessary information is stored in a memory area, and the copy counter (CP) count value and collate print instruction are set at the copy setting instruction position and collate print instruction instruction position in the stored print job data. The print job data is changed so as to set information for enabling the.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 17, when a command to instruct collate printing is issued as “ON” at the time of saving a print job, only the position information of the number setting command is stored. When the print job data is converted, the printer driver 203 refers to a memory area for storing information necessary for the print process, and based on the position information set there, the printer description corresponding to the copy setting command Needless to say, the language can be replaced.

  The printer driver 203 does not store the copy number setting command or the collate print designation command in the process of storing the print job shown in FIG. 7, and the print job data conversion process shown in FIG. You may comprise so that this printer description language may be added to the location required in order to implement | achieve collate printing.

  Further, although the print job saved by the processing shown in FIG. 7 is only one part, the printer driver 203 does not make the determination in step S806 in FIG. 6 or step S1608 in FIG. Processing in step S807 and step S1609 in FIG. 14 is performed, all the jobs are individually stored, and only one of them is selected and subjected to print job data conversion processing, and then to the printer 1500. The transmission process may be performed. That is, when the printer driver 203 receives a print start request, the printer driver 203 always creates a new saved job, so that finally, the saved jobs for the number of copies are created. In that case, the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 is the process of the flowchart shown in FIG.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of a twelfth control processing procedure in the print control apparatus according to the present invention. Processing for counting the number of copies by the printer driver 203 executed on the host computer 3000 shown in FIG. Corresponds to the process of saving. Note that the processing of this flowchart is realized by the CPU 1 of the host computer 3000 shown in FIG. 1 executing the printer driver 203 stored in the external memory 11 on the RAM 2. In the figure, S801 to S805, S807, S808, and S810 indicate steps.

  Steps S801 to S805, S807, S808, and S810 are the same as in FIG.

  Through the processing of the flowchart of FIG. 19, a decrease in throughput is expected due to an increase in the amount of stored jobs. However, in order to realize collate printing, each job should be the same, and each job should be the same. It is possible to strictly check whether it has been created.

  In this case, as shown in step S809 in FIG. 6, there may be provided a step of counting the number of stored jobs by counting up the number of reception of the print end request by the number of copies counter (CP). In step S1203 in FIG. 10 and step S1903 in FIG. 17, the number of copies of the saved print job is confirmed (counted) at the time when the number of copies information of the command for setting the number of copies is converted. The print job data conversion may be performed with the confirmed number of stored print jobs.

  Further, although the flowchart of FIG. 19 has been described as a modification of the flow of FIG. 6, the flow of FIG. 14 can be similarly modified and executed.

  That is, the printer driver 203 does not make the determination in step S1608 in FIG. 14, but always performs the process in step S1609 in FIG. 14, saves all the jobs individually, and selects only one of them. Then, after the print job data conversion process is performed, the transmission process to the printer 1500 is performed.

  In the above embodiment, when the printer 1500 receives print job data specifying the number of copies and collation printing, the printer 1500 side performs collation printing processing of the number of print copies set in the print job data or The printer driver 203 according to the present embodiment acquires the printer function information from the printer (or the printer driver 203 in the present embodiment). If it is determined in advance that the printer driver is incapable of performing either the collate printing process or the sort printing process on the printer side, the printer driver is previously set in the detailed information of the printer driver and obtained from the detailed information) An application that generates a print request for performing one copy for the specified number of copies in order to perform the collation printing for the specified number of copies. Even when the print request data continuously generated by the print program is received, the print job data is not counted and converted, print data is generated for each print request data, and print job data for the specified number of print copies. May be configured to be transmitted to the printer.

  Accordingly, in the printer in which the collation printing function or the sorting printing function is an optional function, it can be applied to a printer not equipped with the optional function. Even after the option of the sorting printing function is installed, the same printer driver can perform the collating printing using the collating printing function and the sorting printing function on the printer side.

  Note that the print server computer 4000 shown in FIG. 3 may have a function equivalent to that of the printer driver 203 described above.

  Specifically, the print request data continuously generated by an application program for generating a print request for performing one copy for the purpose of collating printing of a specified number of copies by a conventional printer driver. When the print server computer 4000 receives the specified number of print job data generated and transmitted for each print request data from the print server computer 4000, the print server computer 4000 receives the specified number of print job data. , Select any one of the print job data, change and set the count value to the number of copies setting instruction of the selected print job data, and also perform a collate print instruction as a collate print instruction instruction of the print job data One of the print jobs is changed so that the information (ON) that enables the Change the data, only the print job data the changes, it may be configured to transmit to the print server computer 4000 via the printing subsystem of the print server computer 4000 to the printer 1500 which is locally connected.

  In addition, all the structures which combined any one or all of said each embodiment and each modification are also contained in this invention.

  As described above, each embodiment has been described. However, the present invention can take an embodiment as a system, apparatus, method, program, recording medium, or the like, and specifically includes a plurality of devices. The present invention may be applied to a system including a single device.

  As described above, in a system including a collation printing function or a printer having a function of sorting printing in units of documents using a plurality of discharge trays, and an information processing device such as a personal computer connected to the printer, The number of print jobs that the application is trying to generate for collation printing when the application makes a print request that divides multiple print jobs with the same content in order to achieve collation printing. In order to take out and save one print job from the print jobs for the number of copies to be generated and realize collation printing with one job, the copy setting information of the saved print job is Change the number of print jobs that the application was trying to generate for the number of copies, and execute collate printing on the printer. Therefore, the collation print instruction information of the stored print job is changed to information for instructing the printer to perform collation printing, and the designated number of copies is transmitted to the printer as one print job data to be collated. The collation printing instruction for the specified number of copies is divided into jobs for the number of copies and the collation printing function of the printer is used to perform the above-mentioned collation printing function. It is possible to execute collated printing of the specified number of copies, and the same content print job set as one copy in order to realize the specified number of collated prints is divided into a plurality of parts and transmitted to the printer It is possible to solve various conventional problems.

  Therefore, there is an effect that, for a print request from an application program that can divide a print job for the number of copies for collation printing, the collation printing for the number of copies can be realized with one job.

  The configuration of a data processing program that can be read by an information processing apparatus such as the host computer 3000, which is a print control apparatus according to the present invention, will be described below with reference to the memory map shown in FIG.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining a memory map of a recording medium (storage medium) that stores various data processing programs that can be read (read) by an information processing apparatus such as the host computer 3000 which is a print control apparatus according to the present invention. .

  Although not specifically shown, information for managing a program group stored in the recording medium, for example, version information, creator, etc. is also stored, and information depending on the OS on the program reading side, for example, a program is identified and displayed. Icons may also be stored.

  Further, data depending on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, when a program or data to be installed is compressed, a program to be decompressed may be stored.

  6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19 in the present embodiment are executed by a program installed from the outside. May be performed by a host computer. In this case, the present invention is applied even when an information group including a program is supplied to the output device from a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external recording medium via a network. Is.

  As described above, a recording medium in which a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded is supplied to the system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus is stored in the recording medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the recording medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the recording medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  As a recording medium for supplying the program code, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD-ROM, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, A silicon disk or the like can be used.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) or the like running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

  Furthermore, after the program code read from the recording medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted in the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. In this case, by reading a recording medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention into the system or apparatus, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

  Furthermore, by downloading and reading out a program represented by software for achieving the present invention from a server, database, etc. on a network using a communication program, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. It becomes.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a printing system to which a printing control apparatus showing an embodiment of the present invention can be applied. FIG. 2 is a main functional block diagram showing a flow when transmitting print job data from a host computer shown in FIG. 1 to a printer. FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram illustrating an example of a printing system to which the host computer and the printer illustrated in FIG. 1 can be applied. FIG. 6 is a status diagram illustrating a flow of basic processing when printing is performed in the print control apparatus of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a collation print processing procedure of an application that makes a print request for dividing a print job by the number of copies for collation printing executed on the host computer illustrated in FIG. 1. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first control processing procedure in the print control apparatus of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second control processing procedure in the print control apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of print job data generated by the printer driver illustrated in FIG. 1. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a third control processing procedure in the print control apparatus of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 4th control processing procedure in the printing control apparatus of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 5th control processing procedure in the printing control apparatus of this invention. FIG. 10 is a status diagram illustrating a processing flow when an application changes print settings. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 6th control processing procedure in the printing control apparatus of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 7th control processing procedure in the printing control apparatus of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 8th control processing procedure in the printing control apparatus of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 9th control processing procedure in the printing control apparatus of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 10th control processing procedure in the printing control apparatus of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 11th control processing procedure in the printing control apparatus of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 12th control processing procedure in the printing control apparatus of this invention. It is a figure explaining the memory map of the recording medium (storage medium) which stores the various data processing program which can be read (read) with information processing apparatuses, such as a host computer which is a printing control apparatus concerning this invention. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a user interface (UI) for detailed setting of a printer driver. FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an application print instruction user interface (UI).

Explanation of symbols

3000 Host computer 1 CPU
2 RAM
11 External memory 1500 Printer 19 RAM
201 Application 202 Graphic Engine 203 Printer Driver 204 Print Subsystem 301 Network

Claims (13)

Collation printing of a plurality of copies based on print request data from an application program that generates one portion of print request data for the specified number of copies while making a print end request from a print start request in order to perform a specified number of copies. A print control apparatus having a generation unit that generates print job data to be transmitted to a printing apparatus capable of executing processing,
Determination means for determining the number of copies of the print setting is part of receiving from the application program,
A counting unit that counts the number of times a print start request is received following a print end request from the application when the determination unit determines that the number of copies is one;
Print job data generated between receiving a print start request from the application and receiving a print end request is temporarily stored without being sent to the printing apparatus even after the print end request is received. Print job data storage means;
When receiving an instruction based on a discard request from an application after receiving the print end request, print job data including the number of copies command corresponding to the counted value is stored in the stored one-part print job data. Transmitting means for transmitting to a printing apparatus capable of executing a plurality of copies of collation printing processing;
A printing control apparatus comprising: The print job data storage unit prints the print job data generated between the time when the first print start request from the application is received and the time when the first print end request is received even after the print end request is received. The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print control apparatus is temporarily stored without being transmitted to the apparatus. If a changed print setting is received from the application while receiving a portion of the print request data from the application, the print processing after changing the print setting is performed before receiving a request to discard the current printer driver information. The print control apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a takeover unit that takes over the printer driver information necessary for the execution. When the transmission unit receives an instruction based on a discard request from an application, the transmission unit sets the counted value as the number of copies setting information in the saved print job data of one part, and the collate print instruction information 4. The print job data in which information for validating the collation printing instruction is transmitted to a printing apparatus capable of executing the plurality of copies of collation printing processing according to claim 1. The printing control apparatus described. Collation printing of a plurality of copies based on print request data from an application program that generates one portion of print request data for the specified number of copies while making a print end request from a print start request in order to perform a specified number of copies. A print control method in an information processing apparatus for generating print job data to be transmitted to a printing apparatus capable of executing processing,
A determination step of determining whether the number of copies of the print setting received from the application program is one;
A counting step for counting the number of times a print start request is received following a print end request from the application when the determination unit determines that the number of copies is one;
Print job data generated between receiving a print start request from the application and receiving a print end request is temporarily stored without being sent to the printing apparatus even after the print end request is received. A print job data storage step;
When receiving an instruction based on a discard request from an application after receiving the print end request, print job data including the number of copies command corresponding to the counted value is stored in the stored one-part print job data. A transmission step of transmitting to a printing apparatus capable of performing a plurality of collation printing processes;
A printing control method characterized by comprising: In the print job data storage step, the print job data generated between the time when the first print start request from the application is received and the time when the first print end request is received is displayed after the print end request is received. The print control method according to claim 5, wherein the print control method is temporarily stored without being transmitted to the apparatus. If a changed print setting is received from the application while receiving a portion of the print request data from the application, the print processing after changing the print setting is performed before receiving a request to discard the current printer driver information. 7. The print control apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a takeover step of taking over printer driver information necessary for execution. In the transmission step, when an instruction based on a discard request from the application is received, the counted value is set as the copy setting information in the saved print job data of one part, and the collate print instruction information 8. The print job data in which information for validating a collation printing instruction is set is transmitted to a printing apparatus capable of executing the plurality of copies of collation printing processing. The printing control method as described. Collation printing of a plurality of copies based on print request data from an application program that generates one portion of print request data for the specified number of copies while making a print end request from a print start request in order to perform a specified number of copies. A program executable by an information processing apparatus that generates print job data to be transmitted to a printing apparatus capable of executing processing,
The information processing apparatus;
Determining means for determining whether the number of copies of the print setting received from the application program is one;
A counting unit that counts the number of times a print start request is received following a print end request from the application when the determination unit determines that the number of copies is one;
Print job data generated between the reception of the print start request from the application and the reception of the print end request is temporarily stored in the memory without being transmitted to the printing apparatus even after the print end request is received. Print job data storage means to store,
When receiving an instruction based on a discard request from an application after receiving the print end request, print job data including the number of copies command corresponding to the counted value is stored in the stored one-part print job data. A transmission means for transmitting to a printing apparatus capable of executing a plurality of collation printing processes;
Program to function as. The print job data storage means stores print job data generated between the time when the first print start request is received from the application and the time when the first print end request is received after the print end request is received. The program according to claim 9, wherein the program is temporarily stored in a memory without being transmitted to the printing apparatus. The information processing apparatus;
If a changed print setting is received from the application while receiving a portion of the print request data from the application, the print processing after changing the print setting is performed before receiving a request to discard the current printer driver information. Takeover means to take over the printer driver information necessary for performing,
The program according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the program is made to function as: When the transmission unit receives an instruction based on a discard request from an application, the transmission unit sets the counted value as the number of copies setting information in the saved one-part print job data, and the collation print instruction information The print job data in which information for validating the collation print instruction is transmitted to the printing apparatus capable of executing the plural copies of the collation print processing as claimed in claim 9. The listed program. A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to any one of claims 9 to 12 is recorded.

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