JP4151473B2 - Printing system and printing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

すなわち、キー入力待ち制御部１１１は、給紙指定コマンドを無効とする設定を受け付けた場合には、印刷データに含まれる給紙指定コマンドを無効とする。そして、「全ページキー入力待ち」方式が設定されている場合には、すべてのページについてキー入力待ちを行なうように印刷実行部１２０を制御する。また、「１枚目にキー入力待ち」方式が設定されている場合には、ジョブの１枚目をキー入力待ちするように印刷実行部１２０を制御する。また、「キー入力待ちオフ」方式が設定されている場合には、給紙指定コマンドを無効とするのみで印刷実行部１２０に対する制御は行なわない。
【００５０】
また、給紙指定コマンドを有効とする設定を受け付けた場合には、印刷データに含まれる給紙指定コマンドを有効とする。この結果、給紙口指定コマンドの通り印刷実行部１２０を制御する。そして、キー入力待ちコマンドが付されたページがあった場合は、表１の規則にしたがって制御する。
【００５１】
印刷実行部１２０は、印刷制御部１１０が生成したプリントイメージデータに基づいて、手差し給紙口１６ａあるいは用紙給紙口１６ｂから給紙した用紙に印字を行なう。手差し給紙口１６ａおよび用紙給紙口１６ｂのいずれから給紙するかは、印刷制御部１１０から指示がある場合にはそれに従う。指示がない場合には、前のページの印刷時に使用した給紙口が有効となる。なお、ジョブの１枚目に指示がない場合には、あらかじめ定められた標準の給紙口が有効となる（プリンタ設定給紙口）。また、キー入力待ちの指示があったページの次のページに指示がない場合には、前ページの給紙口から自動的に給紙する（自動給紙）。
【００５２】
印刷実行部１２０は、あるページについて印字を行なう行なう際に、そのページについてキー入力待ち制御部１１１からキー入力待ちの指示がある場合には、操作パネル１７の所定のキーの入力を待って給紙を行ない、給紙した用紙に対する印字を行なう。一方、そのページについてキー入力待ち制御部１１１からキー入力待ちの指示がない場合には、操作パネル１７の所定のキーの入力を待たずに給紙を行ない、給紙した用紙に対する印字を行なう。
【００５３】
つぎに、本実施例の処理について説明する。
【００５４】
ユーザは、本印刷システムで印刷を行なうに際して、プリンタ１０のキー入力待ち印刷の設定を行なうことができる。キー入力待ち印刷の設定は、コンピュータ３０のキー入力待ち設定部３３０を介して行なう。
【００５５】
キー入力待ち設定部３３０は、ユーザから起動命令を受け付けると、図３に示すようなキー入力待ち設定画面を表示装置２１に表示させる。なお、キー入力待ち設定部３３０の起動命令は、例えば、メニュー操作によってプリンタユーティリティプログラムを起動させることで行なうことができる。また、プリンタドライバ部３２０が表示装置２１に表示する印刷設定画面から行なうようにしてもよい。
【００５６】
本図に示すように、キー入力待ち設定画面では、キー入力待ち印刷の設定として、「全ページキー入力待ち」方式、「１枚目にキー入力待ち」方式、「キー入力待ちオフ」方式のいずれかを選択することができる。
【００５７】
また、キー入力待ち設定画面には、キー入力待ち印刷の設定とは別に、給紙指定コマンドを無効とするための指示入力欄が設けられている。
【００５８】
キー入力待ち設定部３３０は、本画面でキー入力待ち印刷の設定を受け付けると、どの方式が選択されたかの情報をプリンタ１０のキー入力待ち制御部１１１に通知する。なお、給紙指定コマンドを無効とする指示がされている場合にはこの情報も含めて通知する。
【００５９】
この通知は、通常の印刷コマンドとして予定されているものではないため、印刷データとは別個に送るようにすることが望ましい。
【００６０】
プリンタ１０のキー入力待ち制御部１１１は、キー入力待ち印刷の設定に関する情報を受け付けると、その内容を記憶する。
【００６１】
そして、コンピュータ３０のプリンタドライバ部３２０から印刷データが送られてくると、キー入力待ち印刷の設定にしたがって、キー入力待ちの指示を印刷実行部１２０に送る。また、印刷制御部１１０は、印刷データにしたがって、プリントイメージデータを生成し、印刷実行部１２０に送る。
【００６２】
印刷実行部１２０は、プリントイメージデータおよびキー入力待ちの指示にしたがって印字処理を行なう。
【００６３】
具体的な給紙動作の例を表２および表３に示す。いずれも４ページの印刷を行なう場合であり、表２は、１枚目にキー入力待ちコマンドが含まれ、２枚目に給紙コマンドは含まれず、３枚目に給紙口指定コマンドでカセット１が指定され、４枚目に給紙コマンドが含まれない場合の、各設定毎の給紙動作である。また、表３は、１枚目に給紙口指定コマンドでカセット１が指定され、２枚目に給紙コマンドは含まれず、３枚目にキー入力待ちコマンドが含まれ、４枚目に給紙コマンドが含まれない場合に、「１枚目にキー入力待ち」方式が設定されたときの給紙動作である。
【００６４】
【表２】

【００６５】
【表３】

このように本実施例によれば、プリンタ１０自身が設定にしたがってキー入力待ち印刷の制御を行なうため、コンピュータ３０から送られる印刷データに依存しないキー入力待ち印刷を行なうことができる。また、キー入力待ちの設定は複数種の方式から選択することができるため、キー入力待ち印刷の自由度を高めることができる。
【００６６】
つぎに、本発明の第２の実施例について説明する。上記の実施例ではキー入力待ち印刷の設定は、コンピュータ３０上で行なっていたが、本実施例では、プリンタ１０の操作パネル１７からキー入力待ち印刷の設定を受け付ける。
【００６７】
図４は、第２の実施例におけるコンピュータ３０およびプリンタ１０に実現される機能構成を説明するブロック図である。なお、印刷システムのハードウェア構成は、上記実施例と同様とすることができる。
【００６８】
本図に示すように、コンピュータ３０上には、アプリケーション部３１０とプリンタドライバ部３２０とが構築される。このように第２の実施例では、コンピュータ３０上のキー入力待ち設定部３３０を省略することができる。アプリケーション部３１０とプリンタドライバ部３２０とは上記実施例と同様である。
【００６９】
また、プリンタ１０上には、印刷制御部１１０と印刷実行部１２０とキー入力待ち設定部１３０とが構築される。
【００７０】
キー入力待ち設定部１３０は、操作パネル１７を介して、ユーザからのキー入力待ち印刷の設定を受け付け、印刷制御部１１０のキー入力待ち制御部に通知する。具体的には、操作パネル１７の表示パネルに複数種のキー入力待ち印刷の方式を選択可能な状態で表示し、操作キーの操作により選択を受け付けることによりユーザからキー入力待ち印刷の設定を受け付けることができる。また、キー入力待ち設定部１３０は、キー入力待ち印刷の方式の選択とは別途に、給紙指定コマンドを無効にするための指示を受け付けることができる。なお、印刷制御部１１０と印刷実行部１２０とは上記実施例と同様である。
【００７１】
このように、本実施例によっても、プリンタ１０自身がキー入力待ちの制御を行なうため、コンピュータ３０から送られる印刷データに依存しないキー入力待ちを行なうことができる。また、キー入力待ちの設定は複数種の方式から選択することができるため、キー入力待ち印刷の自由度を高めることができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】印刷システムのハードウェア構成の概要を示すブロック図。
【図２】印刷システムの機能構成を示すブロック図。
【図３】キー入力待ち設定画面を示す図。
【図４】第２の実施例のハードウェア構成の概要を示すブロック図。
【符号の説明】
１０…プリンタ、１１…インタフェース、１２…ＣＰＵ、１３…ＲＡＭ、１４…ＲＯＭ、１５…補助記憶装置、１６…プリントエンジン、１７…操作パネル、２１…表示装置、２２…入力装置、２３…メディア読取装置、２４…補助記憶装置、３０…コンピュータ、３１…ＣＰＵ、３２…ＲＡＭ、３３…ＲＯＭ、３４…インタフェース、１１０…印刷制御部、１１１…キー入力待ち制御部、１２０…印刷実行部、１３０…キー入力待ち設定部、３１０…アプリケーション部、３２０…プリンタドライバ部、３３０…キー入力待ち設定部[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a printing system, and more particularly to a printing system that waits for key input when printing is started or during printing.
[0002]
[Prior art]
When a document composed of a plurality of pages is printed by a printer, normally, when a user inputs a print instruction, all pages are continuously printed in response thereto. However, when it is desired to perform printing using special paper, it is desirable to execute printing after confirming that the paper has been set in the manual paper feed port after inputting the print instruction.
[0003]
For this reason, a printing system having a function (referred to as “key input waiting printing” in this specification) for starting actual printing after receiving an operation key input of a printer after inputting a print instruction has been put into practical use. .
[0004]
In a printing system having such a key input waiting printing function, a host computer that generates print data transmits a print data including a key input waiting command to the printer. When the printer that has received the print data interprets the key input wait command and prints a page including the key input wait command, the printer waits for key input.
[0005]
For a document composed of a plurality of pages, when performing key input waiting printing, a method of waiting for key input for all pages, a method of waiting for key input only for the first page, and the like can be considered. , Either method is fixedly adopted as a specification.
[0006]
In order to have the key input waiting printing function, the command language adopted by the printing system must support the key input waiting command, but the printing uses a command limit that does not support this command. There has also been proposed a printer having a function of accepting a setting to wait for printing on all pages on the printer side so that the system can perform waiting for key input.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, a conventional printing system having a key input waiting printing function has the following problems.
[0008]
1) Even when waiting for key input, depending on the situation, there are cases where it is necessary to wait for key input for all pages, or it may be sufficient to wait for key input only for the first page.
[0009]
However, even in a printing system having a key input waiting print function, according to a predetermined specification, key input waiting printing is performed by a method of “waiting for key input of all pages” or “waiting for key input of only the first page”. The user can only specify whether or not to perform these key input waiting printings.
[0010]
For this reason, in a printing system adopting the “waiting for key input for all pages” method, it is necessary to perform key input for all pages even if it is sufficient to wait for key input only for the first page. The operation was troublesome.
[0011]
2) In a printing system that employs the “waiting for key input only on the first sheet” method, for example, when it is desired to manually print a special sheet for all pages, If the manual feed is not in time, other paper may be fed from another paper feed slot, which is not convenient.
[0012]
3) Normally, the host computer that generates the print data and the printer that performs the operation based on the print data have the same command language specifications, and can wait for key input as instructed by the user.
[0013]
However, some printers have an emulation mode and support other command languages in order to improve versatility. In the emulation mode, since the printer operates in a command language different from the original command language, the result desired by the user may not be obtained.
[0014]
For example, if another command language to be emulated does not support the key input waiting command, even if you try to perform key input waiting printing on the printer side, the command to specify the paper feed port for the print command sent from the printer host If “” is added, the paper is fed without waiting for key input.
[0015]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention solves the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to increase the degree of freedom of waiting for key input printing without depending on the command language adopted by the printing system.
[0016]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, the first aspect of the present invention is:
A printing system comprising a printer host and a printing device having operation keys,
The printer host is
Print data generation means for generating print data describing the contents of a group of pages to be printed;
A key input waiting print setting receiving means for presenting a plurality of types of key input waiting printing methods in a selectable state and notifying the printing apparatus of information for specifying the selected key input waiting printing method;
The printing apparatus includes:
Print control means for generating image data for each page based on print data generated by the printer host;
Printing execution means for feeding printing paper and executing printing based on the image data,
The print control means determines whether or not to wait for key input for each of the page groups described by the print data in accordance with the key input wait printing method specified by the key input wait setting accepting means. For the pages that are distinguished and wait for key input, an instruction to wait for key input is sent to the print execution means,
The print execution unit waits for an input operation of the operation key when a page for which a key input waiting instruction has been sent is fed and printing is performed.
[0017]
According to the present invention, since the printing apparatus itself controls the key input waiting printing according to the setting, it is possible to perform the key input waiting printing independent of the print data sent from the printer host. In addition, since the key input waiting setting can be selected from a plurality of methods, the degree of freedom of key input waiting printing can be increased.
[0018]
Here, the printing apparatus includes a plurality of paper feed ports,
When the print control unit includes a paper feed port designation command in the print data, the print control unit instructs the print execution unit to feed paper from the paper feed port designated by the command, and waits for key input to the print data. When a command (a paper feed port designation command and a key input wait command are referred to as a “paper feed designation command”) is included, the print execution unit is instructed to wait for key input of the corresponding page. ,
The key input waiting print setting accepting unit can further accept an instruction to invalidate a paper feed designation command. When the instruction is accepted, the key input waiting print setting accepting unit is for specifying the selected key input waiting printing method. Inform the printing device of that information and
When the print control unit receives information to invalidate the paper feed designation command, even if the print data includes the paper feed designation command, the print control unit does not give an instruction based on the command to the print execution unit. Can be.
[0019]
As a result, when the command language adopted by this printing system does not support the key input waiting command, printing should be performed by the paper feed designation command included in the print data when performing key input waiting printing. It is possible to avoid feeding paper from a paper feed port other than the paper feed port into which the paper is inserted.
[0020]
In order to solve the above problem, the second aspect of the present invention provides:
A printing apparatus having an operation key and receiving print data describing contents of a group of pages to be printed from a printer host,
Print control means for generating image data for each page based on the received print data;
Printing execution means for feeding printing paper and executing printing based on the image data,
When the print control unit receives information specifying the key input waiting printing method from the printer host, the print control unit waits for key input for each of the page groups described by the print data according to the specified key input waiting printing method. Whether or not to perform, and for a page that is identified as waiting for key input, an instruction to wait for key input is sent to the print execution means,
The print execution unit waits for an input operation of the operation key when a page for which an instruction to wait for key input is sent is fed and printing is performed.
[0021]
Also according to the aspect of the present invention, since the printing apparatus itself controls the key input waiting printing according to the setting, the key input waiting printing independent of the print data sent from the printer host can be performed. In addition, since the key input waiting setting can be selected from a plurality of methods, the degree of freedom of key input waiting printing can be increased.
[0022]
Here, it further comprises a plurality of paper feed openings,
When the print control unit includes a paper feed port designation command in the print data, the print control unit instructs the print execution unit to feed paper from the paper feed port designated by the command, and waits for key input to the print data. When a command (a paper feed port designation command and a key input wait command are referred to as a “paper feed designation command”) is included, the print execution unit is instructed to wait for key input of the corresponding page. ,
When an instruction for invalidating the paper feed designation command is received from the printer host, even if the paper feed designation command is included in the print data, an instruction based on the command is not given to the print execution means. Can be.
[0023]
As a result, when the command language adopted by this printing system does not support the key input waiting command, printing should be performed by the paper feed designation command included in the print data when performing key input waiting printing. It is possible to avoid feeding paper from a paper feed port other than the paper feed port into which the paper is inserted.
[0024]
Another example of the second aspect of the present invention is:
A printing apparatus having an operation key and receiving print data describing contents of a group of pages to be printed from a printer host,
A key input waiting print setting receiving unit that presents a plurality of types of key input waiting printing methods in a selectable state and notifies the print control unit of information for designating the selected key input waiting printing method;
Print control means for generating image data for each page based on the received print data;
Printing execution means for feeding printing paper and executing printing based on the image data,
When the print control unit receives the information specifying the key input waiting printing method from the key input waiting print setting receiving unit, the print control unit determines the page group described in the print data according to the specified key input waiting printing method. For each page, whether or not to wait for key input is distinguished, and for pages that are distinguished as waiting for key input, an instruction to wait for key input is sent to the print execution means,
The print execution unit waits for an input operation of the operation key when a page for which an instruction to wait for key input is sent is fed and printing is performed.
[0025]
In this example, the printing apparatus itself can accept the key input waiting printing setting, and can perform the key input waiting printing without depending on the printer host.
[0026]
Here, it further comprises a plurality of paper feed openings,
When the received print data includes a paper feed port designation command, the print control unit instructs the print execution unit to feed paper from a paper feed port specified by the command, and prints the key to the print data. Instructing the print execution means to perform key input waiting printing of a corresponding page when an input waiting command (a paper feed port designation command and a key input waiting command are referred to as a “paper feeding designation command”) is included. And
The key input waiting print setting accepting unit can further accept an instruction to invalidate a paper feed designation command,
When the print control means receives an instruction to invalidate the paper feed designation command from the key input waiting print setting acceptance means, even if the paper feed designation command is included in the print data, the print control means It is possible to prevent an instruction based on the print execution means.
[0027]
As a result, when the command language adopted by this printing system does not support the key input waiting command, printing should be performed by the paper feed designation command included in the print data when performing key input waiting printing. It is possible to avoid feeding paper from a paper feed port other than the paper feed port into which the paper is inserted.
[0028]
The print control unit can change the key input waiting instruction based on the designated key input waiting printing method depending on whether the instruction to invalidate the paper feed designation command is accepted or not. Further, the key input waiting printing methods that can be controlled by the key input waiting control means include, for example, the “Waiting for key input on all pages” method and the “Waiting for key input on first page” method. be able to.
[0029]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0030]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining an outline of a hardware configuration of a printing system to which the present invention is applied.
[0031]
As shown in the figure, the printing system includes a computer 30 for realizing various processes using application software, a printing process using a printer driver, and the like, and a printer 10 connected to the computer 30. In the present embodiment, the computer 30 functions as a printer host that generates print data and transmits it to the printer 10. The printer 10 functions as a printing apparatus that performs printing based on the received print data. The configuration of the printing system is not limited to this.
[0032]
The computer 30 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 31 that executes various programs, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 32 that temporarily stores data and programs, various data and various programs for controlling the computer 30, and the like. A ROM (Read Only Memory) 33 that is stored in a nonvolatile manner and an interface 34 that controls transmission / reception of data to / from a peripheral device such as the connected printer 10 are provided.
[0033]
The computer 30 includes a display device 21 such as a color display, an input device 22 such as a mouse and a keyboard, a media reading device 23 that reads data from a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, and a built-in or external auxiliary storage device 24. Connected. Of course, the configuration of the computer 30 is not limited to this.
[0034]
The printer 10 is, for example, a laser type page printer. A laser-type page printer includes a cartridge filled with toner in a housing, and performs printing by transferring the toner to a printing medium such as printing paper. However, it is not limited to this. For example, an inkjet serial printer or a printer using another printing method may be used.
[0035]
The printer 10 includes an interface 11 that controls transmission / reception of data to / from the computer 30, a CPU 12 that executes various programs, a RAM 13 that temporarily stores print data and the like, various data that controls the printer 10, various programs, and the like that are nonvolatile. ROM 14 stored in memory, auxiliary storage device 15 for storing font data, toner cartridge, photosensitive drum, laser light irradiation mechanism, paper feed mechanism, paper supply / discharge mechanism for performing print medium supply / discharge processing, etc. The print engine 16 includes an operation panel 17 that receives key operations from the user. The operation panel 17 includes, for example, a display panel such as a liquid crystal display device and one or a plurality of operation keys. Of course, the configuration of the printer 10 is not limited to this.
[0036]
The print engine 16 is provided with a manual paper feed port 16a and a paper feed port 16b as paper feed ports.
[0037]
A functional configuration realized in the computer 30 and the printer 10 by the printing system will be described with reference to a block diagram of FIG.
[0038]
As shown in the figure, an application unit 310, a printer driver unit 320, and a key input waiting setting unit 330 are constructed on the computer 30.
[0039]
The application unit 310 has a function for causing the computer 30 to perform processing such as word processing and graphics display, and is constructed on the computer 30 by the CPU 31 executing an application program read by the RAM 32. In this embodiment, a document being processed by the application unit 310 is a print target.
[0040]
The printer driver unit 320 displays a print setting screen on the display device 21 based on an instruction from the user, and accepts settings related to printing and a print instruction. Here, the settings relating to printing include, for example, a paper size, a paper feed port, resolution, and the like. When a print instruction is received from the user, the image data of the document being processed output by the application unit 310 is read and converted into print data in a format that can be interpreted by the printer 10 based on the received print settings. Via the printer 10. The printer driver unit 320 is constructed on the computer 30 by the CPU 31 executing a printer driver program read by the RAM 32.
[0041]
The key input waiting setting unit 330 receives a setting related to key input waiting printing from the user, and notifies the key input waiting control unit 111 of the printer 10 of the contents. In this embodiment, the key input waiting setting unit 330 selectively presents a plurality of types of key input waiting printing methods and accepts settings. The plural types of key input waiting printing methods may be, for example, “all page key input waiting” method, “first key input waiting” method, and “key input waiting off” method. These correspond to the types of key input waiting printing methods that the printer 10 can execute.
[0042]
Further, the key input waiting setting unit 330 accepts an instruction as to whether or not to invalidate the paper feed designation command included in the print data sent from the computer 30, separately from the key input waiting printing setting. Here, the paper feed designation command includes a key input waiting command and a paper feed port designation command, which are generated by the printer driver unit 320.
[0043]
The key input waiting setting unit 330 is constructed on the computer 30 by the CPU 31 executing the printer utility program read by the RAM 32. The printer utility program for this purpose can be distributed by recording on a portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Then, the printer utility program can be installed in the computer 30 by reading this recording medium with the media reader 23. Further, the computer 30 can be provided with a communication device, and can be installed via a computer network such as the Internet.
[0044]
The printer utility program for constructing the key input waiting setting unit 330 may be handled as a part of the printer driver program. In this case, the key input waiting setting unit 330 can be included in the printer driver unit 320.
[0045]
In FIG. 2, a print control unit 110 and a print execution unit 120 are constructed on the printer 10.
[0046]
The print control unit 110 interprets the print data transmitted from the computer 30 and performs control for causing the printer 10 to perform printing based on the print data. Specifically, print image data based on the print data is generated, and an instruction is sent to the print execution unit 120 to print this print image data.
[0047]
In addition, the print control unit 110 includes a key input wait control unit 111 that controls key input wait printing during printing. In the present embodiment, the key input waiting setting unit 330 controls the processing of the print execution unit 120 based on a combination of the key input waiting printing setting and an instruction for invalidating the paper feed designation command.
[0048]
In this embodiment, the control is performed according to the rules shown in Table 1, for example.
[0049]
[Table 1]

That is, the key input waiting control unit 111 invalidates the paper feed designation command included in the print data when receiving a setting for invalidating the paper feed designation command. If the “all pages key input waiting” method is set, the print execution unit 120 is controlled to wait for key input for all pages. When the “waiting for key input for the first sheet” method is set, the print execution unit 120 is controlled to wait for key input for the first sheet of the job. Further, when the “key input waiting off” method is set, only the paper feed designation command is invalidated and the print execution unit 120 is not controlled.
[0050]
When a setting for validating the paper feed designation command is received, the paper feed designation command included in the print data is validated. As a result, the print execution unit 120 is controlled according to the paper feed port designation command. If there is a page with a key input waiting command, control is performed according to the rules in Table 1.
[0051]
The print execution unit 120 performs printing on the paper fed from the manual paper feed port 16a or the paper feed port 16b based on the print image data generated by the print control unit 110. Whether the manual paper feed port 16a or the paper feed port 16b is used for feeding is determined according to an instruction from the print control unit 110. When there is no instruction, the paper feed port used when printing the previous page is valid. If there is no instruction for the first sheet of the job, a predetermined standard sheet feeding port is valid (printer setting sheet feeding port). If there is no instruction on the next page after the key input waiting instruction, paper is automatically fed from the paper feed port of the previous page (automatic paper feeding).
[0052]
When printing is performed for a certain page, the print execution unit 120 waits for the input of a predetermined key on the operation panel 17 if there is an instruction to wait for key input from the key input waiting control unit 111 for that page. Paper is printed and printing is performed on the fed paper. On the other hand, when there is no key input waiting instruction from the key input waiting control unit 111 for the page, paper is fed without waiting for the input of a predetermined key on the operation panel 17 and printing is performed on the fed paper.
[0053]
Next, the processing of this embodiment will be described.
[0054]
The user can set the print waiting for key input of the printer 10 when performing printing with this printing system. The key input waiting printing setting is performed via the key input waiting setting unit 330 of the computer 30.
[0055]
When the key input waiting setting unit 330 accepts an activation command from the user, the key input waiting setting screen 330 displays a key input waiting setting screen as shown in FIG. Note that the activation command of the key input waiting setting unit 330 can be issued by, for example, activating a printer utility program through a menu operation. Alternatively, the setting may be performed from a print setting screen displayed on the display device 21 by the printer driver unit 320.
[0056]
As shown in this figure, on the key input waiting setting screen, the “key input waiting” method, “key input waiting for the first page” method, and “key input waiting off” method are set as key input waiting print settings. Either can be selected.
[0057]
The key input waiting setting screen is provided with an instruction input field for invalidating the paper feed designation command, in addition to the key input waiting printing setting.
[0058]
When the key input waiting setting unit 330 accepts the key input waiting printing setting on this screen, the key input waiting setting unit 330 notifies the key input waiting control unit 111 of the printer 10 of information on which method has been selected. When an instruction to invalidate the paper feed designation command is given, this information is also notified.
[0059]
Since this notification is not intended as a normal print command, it is desirable to send it separately from the print data.
[0060]
When the key input waiting control unit 111 of the printer 10 receives the information related to the key input waiting printing setting, the key input waiting control unit 111 stores the contents.
[0061]
When print data is sent from the printer driver unit 320 of the computer 30, a key input wait instruction is sent to the print execution unit 120 according to the key input wait print setting. In addition, the print control unit 110 generates print image data according to the print data and sends the print image data to the print execution unit 120.
[0062]
The print execution unit 120 performs print processing in accordance with print image data and a key input waiting instruction.
[0063]
Tables 2 and 3 show examples of specific sheet feeding operations. In each case, four pages are printed. Table 2 includes a key input waiting command included in the first sheet, a sheet feeding command not included in the second sheet, and a cassette specified by a sheet feeding port designation command in the third sheet. This is a sheet feeding operation for each setting when 1 is specified and the sheet feeding command is not included in the fourth sheet. Table 3 also shows that cassette 1 is designated by the paper feed port designation command for the first sheet, the paper feed command is not included for the second sheet, a key input waiting command is included for the third sheet, and the fourth sheet is fed. This is a paper feed operation when the “wait for key input for first sheet” method is set when a paper command is not included.
[0064]
[Table 2]

[0065]
[Table 3]

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the printer 10 itself controls the key input waiting printing according to the setting, so that the key input waiting printing independent of the print data sent from the computer 30 can be performed. In addition, since the key input waiting setting can be selected from a plurality of methods, the degree of freedom of key input waiting printing can be increased.
[0066]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the above embodiment, the key input waiting printing setting is performed on the computer 30, but in this embodiment, the key input waiting printing setting is received from the operation panel 17 of the printer 10.
[0067]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining a functional configuration realized in the computer 30 and the printer 10 in the second embodiment. The hardware configuration of the printing system can be the same as that in the above embodiment.
[0068]
As shown in the figure, an application unit 310 and a printer driver unit 320 are constructed on the computer 30. Thus, in the second embodiment, the key input waiting setting unit 330 on the computer 30 can be omitted. The application unit 310 and the printer driver unit 320 are the same as those in the above embodiment.
[0069]
On the printer 10, a print control unit 110, a print execution unit 120, and a key input waiting setting unit 130 are constructed.
[0070]
The key input waiting setting unit 130 receives a key input waiting print setting from the user via the operation panel 17 and notifies the key input waiting control unit of the print control unit 110. Specifically, a plurality of types of key input waiting printing methods are displayed on the display panel of the operation panel 17 in a selectable state, and the setting of the key input waiting printing is received from the user by receiving the selection by operating the operation key. be able to. Further, the key input waiting setting unit 130 can accept an instruction for invalidating the paper feed designation command separately from the selection of the key input waiting printing method. The print control unit 110 and the print execution unit 120 are the same as in the above embodiment.
[0071]
As described above, according to this embodiment as well, the printer 10 itself controls waiting for key input, so that it is possible to wait for key input independent of print data sent from the computer 30. In addition, since the key input waiting setting can be selected from a plurality of methods, the degree of freedom of key input waiting printing can be increased.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of a hardware configuration of a printing system.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the printing system.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a key input waiting setting screen.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an outline of a hardware configuration of a second embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Printer, 11 ... Interface, 12 ... CPU, 13 ... RAM, 14 ... ROM, 15 ... Auxiliary storage device, 16 ... Print engine, 17 ... Operation panel, 21 ... Display device, 22 ... Input device, 23 ... Media reading Device 24 ... Auxiliary storage device 30 ... Computer 31 ... CPU 32 ... RAM 33 ... ROM 34 ... Interface 110 ... Print control unit 111 ... Key input wait control unit 120 ... Print execution unit 130 ... Key input wait setting unit, 310 ... application unit, 320 ... printer driver unit, 330 ... key input wait setting unit

Claims (7)

A printing system comprising a printer host and a printing device having operation keys,
The printer host is
Print data generation means for generating print data describing the contents of a group of pages to be printed;
Either one of the all-page key input waiting printing method or the first key input waiting printing method is presented in a selectable state, and the key input waiting printing selected by the presentation is displayed. A key input waiting print setting receiving means for notifying the printing apparatus of information for designating a method (hereinafter referred to as print method setting information) ;
The printing apparatus includes:
Print control means for generating image data for each page based on print data generated by the printer host;
Printing execution means for feeding printing paper and executing printing based on the image data,
When the notified printing method setting information is the all-page key input waiting printing method, the print control unit instructs the print execution unit to wait for key input for all the page groups described by the print data. And when the notified printing method setting information is a printing method waiting for key input only for the first sheet, key input is made to only the first page of the page group described by the print data to the print execution means. Send wait instructions,
The print execution unit waits for an input operation of the operation key when performing printing by feeding a page for which a key input waiting instruction has been sent. The printing system according to claim 1,
The printing apparatus includes a plurality of paper supply ports,
When the print control unit includes a paper feed port designation command in the print data, the print control unit instructs the print execution unit to feed paper from the paper feed port designated by the command, and waits for key input to the print data. When a command (a paper feed port designation command and a key input wait command are referred to as a “paper feed designation command”) is included, the print execution unit is instructed to wait for key input of the corresponding page. ,
The key input waiting print setting accepting unit can further accept an instruction to invalidate a paper feed designation command. When this instruction is accepted, the printing apparatus includes the print method setting information to that effect. Notify
The print control unit may include a case where the notified print method setting information includes information indicating that the paper feed designation command is invalidated, and even if the print data includes a paper feed designation command. A printing system characterized in that an instruction based on a command is not given to the print execution means. A printing apparatus having an operation key and receiving print data describing contents of a group of pages to be printed from a printer host,
Print control means for generating image data for each page based on the received print data;
Printing execution means for feeding printing paper and executing printing based on the image data,
When the printing control unit receives printing method setting information indicating either one of the all-page key input waiting printing method and the first key input waiting printing method from the printer host , the printing method setting information Is an all-page key input waiting printing method, an instruction to wait for key input is sent to the print execution means for all of the page groups described by the print data, and the printing method setting information is the key for the first page only. In the case of the input waiting printing method, an instruction to wait for key input is sent to only the first page of the page group described by the print data to the print execution means,
The printing execution unit waits for an input operation of the operation key when feeding a page for which a key input waiting instruction has been sent and performing printing. The printing apparatus according to claim 3.
A plurality of paper feed openings,
When the print control unit includes a paper feed port designation command in the print data, the print control unit instructs the print execution unit to feed paper from the paper feed port designated by the command, and waits for key input to the print data. When a command (a paper feed port designation command and a key input wait command are referred to as a “paper feed designation command”) is included, the print execution unit is instructed to wait for key input of the corresponding page. ,
When the print method setting information notified from the printer host includes an instruction to invalidate the paper feed designation command, even if the paper supply designation command is included in the print data, it is based on the command. A printing apparatus characterized in that no instruction is given to the print execution means. A printing apparatus having an operation key and receiving print data describing contents of a group of pages to be printed from a printer host,
Either one of the all-page key input waiting printing method or the first page key waiting waiting printing method is presented in a selectable state, and the selected key input waiting printing method is designated. Key input waiting print setting receiving means for notifying the print control means of information for performing printing (hereinafter referred to as printing method setting information) ;
Print control means for generating image data for each page based on the received print data;
Printing execution means for feeding printing paper and executing printing based on the image data,
When the notified printing method setting information is the all-page key input waiting printing method, the print control unit instructs the print execution unit to wait for key input for all the page groups described by the print data. If the notified printing method setting information is a printing method waiting for key input only for the first sheet, key input is made to only the first page of the page group described by the print data to the print execution means. Send wait instructions,
The printing execution unit waits for an input operation of the operation key when feeding a page for which a key input waiting instruction has been sent and performing printing. The printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein
A plurality of paper feed openings,
When the received print data includes a paper feed port designation command, the print control unit instructs the print execution unit to feed paper from a paper feed port specified by the command, and prints the key to the print data. Instructing the print execution means to perform key input waiting printing of a corresponding page when an input waiting command (a paper feed port designation command and a key input waiting command are referred to as a “paper feeding designation command”) is included. And
The key input waiting print setting accepting unit can further accept an instruction to invalidate a paper feed designation command,
When the print control means receives an instruction to invalidate the paper feed designation command from the key input waiting print setting acceptance means, even if the paper feed designation command is included in the print data, the print control means A printing apparatus characterized by not issuing an instruction based on the print execution means. The printing apparatus according to claim 4 or 6,
The printing control unit is configured to change a key input waiting instruction based on a designated key input waiting printing method depending on whether or not an instruction to invalidate a paper feed designation command is received. apparatus.

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