JP4830710B2 - Printing device for selecting storage device, storage device selection method, and computer program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus, and more particularly to a technique for selecting a storage device that stores print data.

Recent printing apparatuses have various printing functions. Some of these functions involve temporary or long-term storage of print data.
For example, multiple copy printing, form overlay printing, print data storage function, key input waiting printing, and the like.
Here, the multiple copy printing is to perform printing a plurality of times based on the same print data. If a part of the print data is stored, it is not necessary to prepare the print data for a plurality of copies.
In form overlay printing, a form is overlaid on a body and printed. In order to perform form overlay printing, it is necessary to store print data of form data in advance in a printing apparatus.
The print data storage function is a function for storing print data in the printing apparatus. By reading the stored print data, reprinting can be performed without transmitting the print data again from the host computer.
Key input waiting printing is a printing function in which a printing apparatus having an input key does not start printing immediately after receiving print data, but starts printing after waiting for a key input from the user. . For this reason, it is necessary to temporarily store the received print data. By setting a password as an input key, it is possible to perform confidential printing that prevents leakage of print results.

Conventionally, since a storage device included in a printing apparatus is mainly a hard disk, print data associated with these printing functions is stored on the hard disk.
Recently, various storage devices represented by semiconductor storage devices have become widespread, and printing devices including a plurality of types of storage devices have been put into practical use. In such a printing apparatus, it is necessary to determine which storage device stores the print data.
As a related technique, Patent Document 1 describes a method for determining which external device is used in a computer system including a plurality of types of external devices.
JP-A-5-334227

In storing the print data, any storage device can be used as long as there is a free area for storing the print data.
However, each storage device has characteristics for each type. For example, they are volatile / nonvolatile, large capacity / small capacity, portable / fixed type, detachable / impossible when the power is turned on, and the like.
On the other hand, the print data to be stored also has characteristics corresponding to the print function. For example, long-term print data / temporarily stored print data, large-capacity print data / small-capacity print data, and the like.
For this reason, it is considered desirable to determine a storage device for storing print data in accordance with each print function. However, if the user is forced to make this determination, the user's trouble is bothered. Even if the user makes a determination, it may happen that the storage device determined to be suitable is not provided or that there is not enough free space. Furthermore, since the technique described in Patent Document 1 does not take into consideration the characteristics of the printing function, it cannot be applied to a printing apparatus.

  The present invention provides a process for determining a storage device for storing print data in a printing device that has a printing function with temporary or long-term storage of print data and can store the print data in a plurality of types of storage devices. The purpose is to support.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, in the present invention, the priority order of storage devices that store print data is determined for each print function based on the characteristics of the print function and the characteristics of the storage device.

  Specifically, the printing apparatus is a printing apparatus having a plurality of printing functions accompanied by temporary or long-term storage of print data and capable of recording the print data in a plurality of types of storage devices. An instruction receiving means for receiving an instruction for processing by the print function, a selecting means for selecting a storage device for storing print data related to the instruction based on a print function corresponding to the instruction received by the instruction receiving means, The selecting means selects a storage device that stores the print data according to the instruction in accordance with the priority order of the storage device determined for each printing function.

  In the following, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described. However, the configurations listed therein have as many combinations as possible, and any of these combinations constitutes the invention. . That is, a form in which a part of the configuration is appropriately deleted from the embodiment described below can also be another embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the configuration specifically shown below is only one subordinate concept among the superordinate concepts that are the same in function.

  According to the printing apparatus of the present invention, when printing data is stored in a printing apparatus that can be equipped with a plurality of storage devices using various printing functions, rules that take into consideration the characteristics of the printing function and the characteristics of the storage device Accordingly, a storage device for storing print data can be designated.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1, a printing system 10 applied to the embodiment of the present invention is connected to a computer 100 for realizing various processing using application software, printing processing using a printer driver, and the like, and the computer 50. And a printer 100. In the present embodiment, the computer 50 functions as a printer host that transmits image data to the printer 100. The printer 100 functions as a printing apparatus that generates print data 140 based on the received image data and prints the print data 140. The printer 100 can perform printing using various printing functions. For example, the printer 100 has printing functions such as the above-described multiple-copy printing function, form overlay printing function, print data storage function, and key input waiting printing function. Furthermore, the printer 100 is connected to a plurality of storage devices (for example, a hard disk, a RAM disk, a flash DIMM, a USB memory, etc.).
The configuration of the printing system 10 is not limited to this. For example, a network type printing system may be used.

  Each print function is assigned print function identification information 151 (see FIG. 2) unique to the print function. Specifically, the print function identification information 151 indicating the multi-part print function is “00”, the print function identification information 151 indicating the form overlay printing is “01”, and the print function identification information 151 indicating the print data storage function is “10” is set, and the print function identification information 151 indicating the key input waiting print function is set to “11”. The printing system 10 can identify the printing function by referring to the printing function identification information 151.

Further, when the computer 50 receives an instruction for designating a print function from the user, the computer 50 displays the print function identification information 151 corresponding to the designated print function every time the print function is selected. The print command 150 as shown in FIG. 2 is generated by combining with the destination information of the printer 100. The computer 50 adds the generated print command 150 to the image data 160 to be printed and transmits it to the printer 100. The printer 100 receives this, and generates print data 140 obtained by converting the image data 160 into image data that is an aggregate of dots. However, the process of generating the print data 140 may be performed by the computer 100 and the generated print data 140 may be transmitted to the printer 100.
The timing for adding the print command 150 to the image data is arbitrary. The print command 150 and the image data 160 may be transmitted to the printer 100 separately.
The job identification information 152 may be assigned a serial number such as 1, 2, 3, 4,..., Or a random number in the order in which the print instructions are received.
Further, capacity data indicating the size of the print data 140 is added to the print data 140.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the computer 50 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51 that executes various programs, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 52 that temporarily stores data and programs, and various data for controlling the computer 50. Further, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 53 in which various programs and the like are stored in advance in a nonvolatile manner, and an interface 54 for transmitting and receiving data to and from a peripheral device such as the connected printer 100 are provided.

  The computer 50 is connected to a display device 55 such as a color display, and an input device 56 such as a mouse and a keyboard. Of course, the configuration of the computer 50 is not limited to this. For example, a communication control device for connecting to a computer network such as the Internet may be provided.

Next, the printer 100 is, for example, a laser type color page printer. A laser-type color page printer includes a plurality of cartridges filled with toner in a housing, and performs printing by transferring the toner to a printing medium such as printing paper. The toner colors are, for example, four colors of black, cyan, magenta, and yellow, and various colors can be expressed by combining these colors.
However, the printing method of the printer 100 is not limited to this. For example, an inkjet serial color printer or a printer using other printing methods may be used. A monochrome printer may also be used.

  The printer 100 includes a control unit 101, a print engine 106, a USB connector 107, a display panel 108, a hard disk 109 for storing print data 140, a RAM Disk 110 for storing print data 140, and a print data 140. A flash DIMM 111 is provided. Of course, the configuration of the printer 100 is not limited to this.

  The control unit 101 controls various processes in the printer 100. The control unit 101 includes an interface 102 for transmitting / receiving data to / from the computer 50, a CPU 103 for executing various programs, a RAM 104 for temporarily storing print data, various data for controlling the printer 100, various programs, and the like in advance. ROM 105 stored in a nonvolatile manner is included.

  Here, in the data and programs stored in the ROM 105, for example, the priority order of the storage devices (the hard disk 109, the RAM disk 110, the flash DIMM 111, the USB memory 112, etc.) that store the print data 140 is managed for each print function. For example, a management table 200, various programs for executing print processing, and the like.

  In the management table 200, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, a priority order 201, a storage device 202 that stores print data 140 when a multi-print function is selected, and a print data 140 when form registration is selected. A storage device 203 that stores the print data 140 when the print data storage function is selected, and a storage device 205 that stores the print data 140 when the key input waiting print function is selected. Stored. The priority order of the storage devices that store the print data 140 in each print function is determined in advance in consideration of the characteristics of the print function and the characteristics of the storage device.

  Specifically, in the multiple copy printing, the print data 140 is repeatedly printed for the designated number of copies. For this reason, the print data 140 is temporarily stored in the storage device in advance. In the case of using this multi-part printing function, the priority order of the storage device that stores the print data 140 is the order of the hard disk 109, the RAM disk 110, and the USB memory 112. This is because it is not necessary to store the print data 140 when the power is turned off, and the storage capacity of the storage device that stores the print data 140 is preferably as large as possible.

  In addition, form overlay printing is performed by superimposing a form on a body, and in order to perform form overlay printing, it is necessary to register print data of form data in a printing apparatus in advance. When this registration is performed, the priority order of the storage devices that store the form data is the order of the hard disk 109, the USB memory 112, and the flash DIMM 111. This is because the form data needs to be stored even when the power is turned off, and the size of the form data generally does not increase.

  Furthermore, the print data storage function is a function for storing the print data 140 in a storage device so that the print data 140 can be printed at a timing desired by the user. When this print data storage function is used, the storage device that stores the print data 140 is the hard disk 109. This is because the print data 140 needs to be stored even when the power is turned off, and the storage capacity of the storage device that stores the print data 140 must be large.

  The key input waiting printing is a printing function that allows only a specific user to perform printing while waiting for a key input from the user. For this reason, the print data 140 is temporarily stored in the storage device in advance. For example, the print data 140 and the password are associated with each other and stored in the storage device. When this key input waiting printing function is used, the priority order of the storage device that stores the print data 140 is the order of the hard disk 109 and the RAM disk 110. This is because it is not necessary to store the print data 140 when the power is turned off, and the storage capacity of the storage device that stores the print data 140 is preferably as large as possible. For security reasons, it is preferable that the storage device that stores the print data 140 is not portable.

  Each storage device 202, 203, 204, 205 stored in the management table 200 is identification information for identifying each storage device. For example, “1001” is assigned to the hard disk 109, “1010” is assigned to the RAM disk 110, “1011” is assigned to the flash DIMM 111, and “1100” is assigned to the USB memory 112. The printer 100 can identify each storage device by referring to the identification information.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the print engine 106 includes a toner cartridge, a photosensitive drum, a laser light irradiation mechanism, a paper feed mechanism, and a paper supply / discharge mechanism for performing a print medium supply / discharge process. The print engine 106 is controlled by the CPU 103 executing a print command included in the print data transmitted from the computer 50.

  For example, a USB memory 112 is attached to the USB connector 107. The USB connector 107 is connected to the interface 102.

  The display panel 108 is composed of a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), and is controlled by the control unit 101 so as to make a character string and the like clear to the user of the operation status, the status of the printer 100, and the like. Is displayed.

  The hard disk 109 is a non-volatile memory that magnetically stores the print data 140. Accordingly, the print data 140 stored in the hard disk 109 is not discarded even when the power is turned off. Some hard disks 109 have a storage capacity of several gigabytes. Therefore, it is possible to store print data 140 having a large capacity. Further, the hard disk 109 is detachable when the printer 100 is turned off, and is not necessarily included in the configuration of the printer 100.

  The RAM Disk 110 is a volatile memory that electrically stores the print data 140 using a semiconductor element. Accordingly, the print data 140 stored in the RAM Disk 110 is discarded when the power is turned off. Some RAM Disks 110 have a storage capacity of about 700 megabytes. The RAM Disk 110 can store print data 140 having a relatively large capacity. Further, the RAM Disk 110 is detachable when the printer 100 is powered off, and is not necessarily included in the configuration of the printer 100.

  The flash DIMM 111 is a non-volatile memory that electrically stores the print data 140 using a semiconductor element. Accordingly, the print data 140 stored in the flash DIMM 111 is not discarded even when the power is turned off. The flash DIMM 111 has a storage capacity of about several megabytes. Accordingly, only print data 140 having a small capacity can be stored. The flash DIMM 111 is detachable when the power of the printer 100 is OFF, and is not necessarily included in the configuration of the printer 100.

  The USB memory 112 is a portable memory, and is a non-volatile memory that electrically stores the print data 140 using a semiconductor element. The print data 140 stored in the USB memory 112 is not discarded even when the power is turned off. Some USB memories 112 have a storage capacity of about several gigabytes. Accordingly, it is possible to store a large amount of print data 140 that does not reach the hard disk 109. The USB memory 112 can be attached to and detached from the USB connector 107 regardless of whether the printer 100 is turned on or off, and is not necessarily included in the configuration of the printer 100.

  Next, a functional configuration realized in the computer 50 and the printer 100 by the printing system 10 will be described with reference to a block diagram shown in FIG.

  On the computer 50, an operating system unit 300, an application unit 310, and a printer driver unit 320 are constructed.

  The operating system unit 300 is so-called basic software of the computer 50 that provides system management of the computer 50 and a basic user operating environment.

  The application unit 310 has a function for causing the computer 50 to perform processing such as a word processor and graphics, and is constructed on the computer 50 by the CPU 51 executing an application program read into the RAM 52.

  The printer driver unit 320 has a function of reading image data processed by the application unit 310 based on an instruction from the user and transmitting the image data to the printer 100 via the interface 54.

  For this reason, the printer driver unit 320 includes a user interface unit 321 for receiving a print instruction, print setting (including selection of a print function), and the like, and a print processing unit 322 for processing transmission of the image data 160 and the like. I have.

When the print processing unit 322 receives information indicating that the user has selected the multi-copy function from the user interface unit 321, the print processing unit 322 causes the printer 100 to print a plurality of copies of the image data 160 generated by the application unit 310. A print command 150 is added to the printer 100 and transmitted to the printer 100 via the interface 54. The print processing unit 322 performs the same processing when receiving information indicating that a function such as form registration, a print data storage function, and a key input waiting print function has been selected from the user interface unit 321, and stores the image data 160. Then, a print command 150 corresponding to the selected print function is added and transmitted to the printer 100.
However, the print processing unit 332 develops the image data 160 into the print data 140 that is an aggregate of dots, performs color conversion processing and halftone processing of the print data 140, and sends the processed print data 140 to the printer 100. You may make it transmit.

  The printer driver unit 320 is constructed on the computer 50 by the CPU 51 executing the printer driver program read into the RAM 52. The printer driver program for this purpose can be distributed by recording it on a portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM. The printer driver program can be installed in the computer 50 by reading the recording medium. For example, it can also be installed via a computer network such as the Internet.

  On the other hand, on the printer 100, a print control unit 330, a storage device management unit 340, and a print execution unit 350 are constructed.

  The print control unit 330 interprets the print command 150 transmitted from the computer 50, generates print data 140 from the image data 160, and save processing for temporarily or long-term storing the print data 140 Is executed for the printer 100 to execute. Specifically, the print control unit 330 expands the received image data 160 into print data 140 that is an aggregate of dots. Further, the print control unit 330 performs color conversion processing and halftone processing on the print data 140. The print control unit 330 sends an instruction to the print execution unit 350 to print the processed print data 140. In addition, the print control unit 330 passes the print function identification information 151 included in the received print command 150 to the storage device management unit 340. Furthermore, the print control unit 330 stores the print data 140 in the storage device based on the information returned from the storage device management unit 340.

  The storage device management unit 340 performs processing for determining a storage device in which the print data 140 should be stored. Specifically, the storage device management unit 340 refers to the management table 200 and sets the print data 140 according to the priority order 201 defined in the item corresponding to the print function identification information 151 passed from the print control unit 330. A storage device to be stored is determined. The storage device management unit 340 returns the identification information assigned to the determined storage device to the print control unit 330.

  The print execution unit 350 executes printing by the print engine 106 on a print medium such as print paper in accordance with an instruction from the print control unit 330.

Next, a saving process in which the printer 100 saves the print data 140 when selecting the multi-copy function, form registration, print data storage function, and key input waiting print function will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. .
Prior to this process, the computer 50 accepts a storage instruction by each printing function. For example, an instruction to specify a print function can be received on a screen as shown in FIG. That is, the user interface unit 321 displays the print function selection screen 500 on the display device 55 based on an instruction from the user. The print function selection screen 500 includes choices of “1. Multiple copies printing function”, “2. Form registration”, “3. Print data storage function”, “4. Key input waiting printing function”. The user selects one of the print functions. At this time, the user interface unit 321 generates a print command 150 including print function identification information 151 corresponding to the print function selected by the user. Subsequently, the user interface unit 321 passes the print command 150 to the print processing unit 322. The print processing unit 322 adds the print command 150 to the image data 160 and transmits them to the printer 150.

  When the print command 150 and the image data 160 are supplied from the computer 50, the print control unit 330 of the printer 100 reads the storage processing program stored in the ROM 105 into the RAM 104 and starts the storage processing.

  First, the print control unit 330 converts the image data 160 into the print data 140 by the above-described processing. Then, the print controller 330 specifies the print function selected by the user on the computer 50 (step S101). Specifically, the print control unit 330 reads the print function identification number 151 included in the print command 150 supplied from the computer 50 to the RAM 104.

  Subsequently, the storage device management unit 340 stores the highest priority storage device that stores the print data 140 among the storage devices connected to the printer 100 according to the print function specified by the print control unit 330 in step S101. An apparatus is specified (step S102). Specifically, the storage device management unit 340 refers to the management table 200 stored in the ROM 105 and stores the data included in the print function item corresponding to the print function identification number 151 read into the RAM 104 in step S101. Of these, the data (information specifying the storage device) stored at the top is read into the RAM 104.

  Subsequently, the storage device management unit 340 determines whether or not the storage device corresponding to the data read in step S202 is attached to the printer 100 (step S103). Specifically, the storage device management unit 340 supplies a predetermined electrical signal to the storage device identified in step S102, and determines whether or not a response signal is supplied from the storage device. Here, for example, if the printing function specified by the print control unit 330 in step S101 is form overlay printing, the control unit 101 supplies a predetermined electrical signal to the hard disk 109 and whether or not the hard disk 109 is mounted. Is determined.

  If the storage device management unit 340 determines that the storage device identified in step S102 is attached (step S103; Yes), the storage device determines whether or not the storage device has enough free space to store the print data 140. It discriminate | determines (step S104). Specifically, the storage device management unit 340 acquires the free space value of the storage device, and the acquired value is based on the capacity data value of the print data 140 added to the print data 140 supplied from the computer 50. Determine whether it is larger.

  If the storage device management unit 340 determines in step S104 that there is free space (step S104; Yes), the print control unit 330 saves the print data 140 in the storage device (step S107). Specifically, the print control unit 330 supplies the print data 140 temporarily stored in the RAM 103 to the storage device and stores it.

The print data 140 is read from the storage device at the time of printing. For this reason, the print control unit 330 must be able to identify when the print data 140 stored in the storage device is stored based on the instruction. Therefore, the print control unit 330 stores the print data 140 in the storage device, and associates the identification information for identifying the storage device that stores the print data 140 with the job identification information 152 stored in the print command 150. Create and hold a table. The print control unit 330 can specify the storage device in which the print data 140 to be printed is stored with reference to this table when executing printing.
Thereafter, the control unit 101 ends the storage process.

On the other hand, in step S103, the storage device management unit 340 determines that the storage device specified in step S102 is not attached (step S103; No), or in step S104, the storage device management unit 340 If it is determined that there is no free space (step S104; No), the process proceeds to step S105. Then, the storage device management unit 340 refers to the management table 200 to determine whether there is next candidate data (step S105). Specifically, the storage device management unit 340 refers to the management table 200 stored in the ROM 105, and the data one level lower than the data read by the print control unit 330 into the RAM 104 in step S 101 is the management table 200. It is determined whether or not it exists. If the storage device management unit 340 determines that the next candidate data exists in the management table 200 (step S105; Yes), the storage device management unit 340 reads the next candidate data into the RAM 104, and shifts the processing to step S103.
When the storage device management unit 340 repeatedly executes the processes in steps S103 to S105, the printer 100 may specify a storage device for storing print data according to a predetermined priority order. it can. For example, when the printing function selected by the user is form overlay printing, the storage device first specified by the storage device management unit 340 is the hard disk 109. When the print data 140 cannot be stored in the hard disk 109, the storage device management unit 340 identifies the USB memory 112 that is the next candidate.

On the other hand, if the storage device management unit 340 determines in step S105 that there is no next candidate data in the management table 200 (step S105; No), the print control unit 330 displays an error message on the display panel 108 or the computer. 50 is displayed on the display device 55 connected to 50. Specifically, when displaying an error message on the display panel 108, the print control unit 330 supplies a character string “print data cannot be saved” as shown in FIG. To display. Also, when displaying an error message on the display device 55 connected to the computer 50, an instruction signal for displaying a similar character string is supplied to the computer 50 via the interface 102 and displayed on the display device 55.
As a result, the user can know that the print data 140 could not be saved, and the storage device having the capacity for saving the print data 140 can be reconnected to the printer 100 or already saved in the storage device. Measures can be taken to secure a capacity for storing the print data 140, such as deleting unnecessary data.
Thereafter, the control unit 101 ends the storage process.

  Although not shown in the flowchart, the print execution unit 350 may execute printing using the print function selected by the user based on an instruction from the print processing unit 330 as necessary after the storage process is completed. .

  When the control unit 101 executes the above storage process, the printing system 10 allows the printer 100 connected with a plurality of storage devices to print using various printing functions, and the features and storage of the printing function. The storage device for storing the print data 140 can be designated according to the priority order considering the characteristics of the device.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, A various deformation | transformation and application are possible.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the storage that stores the print data 140 based on the storage capacity of the storage device, whether the storage device is volatile or nonvolatile, and whether the storage device is portable. The priority of the device was determined. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the priority order may be determined based on various characteristics of the storage device. For example, the priority order may be determined based on the writing speed to the storage device / reading speed from the storage device or the cost of the storage device.

  In the above embodiment, the priority order of the storage devices that store the print data 140 is determined in advance and is fixed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the priority may be changed as needed by user input. Alternatively, the usage frequency or the number of times of use of the storage device may be obtained, and the priority order may be changed according to the obtained usage frequency or the number of times of use. Thereby, unnecessary access to the storage device can be omitted, and the storage device that stores the print data 140 can be determined efficiently. This is particularly effective for users who do not frequently attach and detach storage devices.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the print data 140 is stored in one storage device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the print data 140 may be stored in a plurality of storage devices. In this case, for example, the two storage devices with the highest priority may be determined as storage devices that store the print data 140.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the description has been given with respect to only four storage devices that store the print data 140, the hard disk 109, the RAM_Disk 110, the flash DIMM 111, and the USB memory 112. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be applied to other storage devices. For example, it may be a portable DVD-RAM, a Blu-ray Disk, or the like, or may be applied to a storage device to be developed in the future. Furthermore, the printer 100 may be connected to a network and applied to other storage devices connected to the network via the network.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the description has been limited to the multiple copy printing function, the form overlay printing function, the print data storage function, the key input waiting printing function, and the occasional printing function. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be applied to other printing functions.

  Further, in the above embodiment, various programs executed by the computer 50 and the printer 100 are stored in advance in the apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a method for providing a program for executing the above-described processing is arbitrary. For example, the program can be provided via a communication medium such as the Internet, or a recording on a memory card or the like. It may be distributed on a medium.

1 is a block diagram for explaining a hardware configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the data transmitted to a printer from a computer at the time of selection of a printing function. It is the figure which showed notionally the data structure of the management table. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a printing system. It is the figure which showed the flowchart for demonstrating a preservation | save process. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a layout example of a screen displayed on a display device when a print function is selected. It is the figure which showed the example of the layout of the screen displayed on a display apparatus at the time of a storage error.

Explanation of symbols

10 Printing System 50 Computer 100 Printer 101 Control Unit 107 USB Connector 108 Display Panel 109 Hard Disk 110 RAM Disk
111 Flash DIMM
112 USB memory 140 Print data 150 Print command 151 Print function identification information 152 Job identification information 160 Image data 200 Management table 330 Print control unit 340 Storage device management unit 500 Print function selection screen

Claims (6)

A printing apparatus having a plurality of printing functions with temporary or long-term storage of print data and capable of recording the print data in a plurality of types of storage devices,
An instruction receiving means for receiving an instruction for processing by any of the print functions;
Function identification means for identifying one print function from the plurality of print functions using the identification information included in the instruction;
Selecting means for selecting a storage device for storing the print data according to the instruction based on the print function specified by the function specifying means;
The selecting means selects a storage device that stores the print data according to the instruction according to the priority order of the storage device determined for each printing function ,
The processing instruction by the printing function includes any of a multi-part printing instruction, a form overlay printing form registration instruction, a print data storage instruction, and a key input waiting printing instruction.
A printing apparatus characterized by that. The plurality of types of storage devices are:
Including a non-volatile magnetic memory, a volatile semiconductor memory, a non-volatile semiconductor memory, and a portable non-volatile semiconductor memory,
The printing apparatus according to claim 1 . The priority is
When the instruction accepting unit accepts the multi-part print instruction, the nonvolatile magnetic memory, the volatile semiconductor memory, and the portable nonvolatile semiconductor memory are in this order.
When the instruction accepting unit accepts the form registration instruction, the nonvolatile magnetic memory, the portable nonvolatile semiconductor memory, and the nonvolatile semiconductor memory are in this order.
When the print data storage instruction is received, the non-volatile magnetic memory is in this order,
The printing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein when the key input waiting print instruction is received, the nonvolatile magnetic memory and the volatile semiconductor memory are arranged in this order. A printing system having a plurality of printing functions with temporary or long-term storage of print data and including a printing apparatus capable of recording print data in a plurality of types of storage devices, and an information processing apparatus,
The information processing apparatus includes:
An instruction receiving means for receiving an instruction for processing by any of the print functions;
A print instruction transmission unit that transmits the instruction received by the instruction reception unit to the printing apparatus;
The printing apparatus includes:
Print instruction receiving means for receiving the instruction transmitted by the print instruction transmitting means;
Function identification means for identifying one print function from the plurality of print functions using the identification information included in the instruction;
Selecting means for selecting a storage device for storing the print data according to the instruction based on the print function specified by the function specifying means;
The selecting means selects a storage device that stores the print data according to the instruction according to the priority order of the storage device determined for each printing function ,
The processing instruction by the printing function includes any of a multi-part printing instruction, a form overlay printing form registration instruction, a print data storage instruction, and a key input waiting printing instruction.
A printing system characterized by that. A storage device selection method for selecting a storage device for recording print data in a plurality of types of storage devices in accordance with a plurality of printing functions involving temporary or long-term storage of print data,
A printing instruction receiving step in which the printing apparatus having the printing function receives an instruction of processing by any of the printing functions;
A function specifying step in which the printing apparatus uses the identification information included in the instruction to specify one print function from the plurality of print functions;
A selection step of selecting a storage device that stores the print data according to the instruction based on the printing function specified by the function specifying step;
The selecting step selects a storage device that stores the print data according to the instruction according to the priority order of the storage devices determined for each printing function;
The processing instruction by the printing function includes any of a multi-part printing instruction, a form overlay printing form registration instruction, a print data storage instruction, and a key input waiting printing instruction.

And a storage device selection method. A computer that selects a storage device that records print data in a plurality of types of storage devices according to a plurality of printing functions that involve temporary or long-term storage of print data.
A print instruction reception procedure for receiving a process instruction by any of the print functions;
A function specifying procedure for specifying one print function from the plurality of print functions using the identification information included in the instruction;
A selection procedure for selecting a storage device for storing the print data according to the instruction based on the printing function identified in the function identification procedure;
The selection procedure selects a storage device that stores the print data according to the instruction according to the priority order of the storage device determined for each printing function,
The processing instruction by the printing function includes any of a multi-part printing instruction, a form overlay printing form registration instruction, a print data storage instruction, and a key input waiting printing instruction.
A computer program characterized by the above.

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