JP6060683B2 - Printing method, information terminal device, and printing device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a printing method, an information terminal device, and a printing apparatus .

  Generally, when data is output from a host computer such as a PC (Personal Computer) to a printer, the user can select a print direction and a print range (print range) from various items on a printer setting screen displayed on the display unit of the host computer. Print conditions are set by performing operations for selecting (print page), layout, print medium size, paper feed tray, print method (both sides, consolidation), print color (color, black and white), and the like. In accordance with this operation, the host computer generates a print job including data to be printed (print data) and an identification number for identifying the set printing conditions, and transmits the print job to the printer to transmit the print data. Request printing.

  On the other hand, the printer stores print control information for controlling the printer together with an identification number. The printer reads print control information corresponding to the identification number included in the print job received from the host computer, and executes print processing according to the print control information.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which form data used for printing is registered in a printer in advance, and stored form data is read out and combined with a document to be printed for printing. Yes.

JP 2012-53627 A

  However, in the host computer, for example, according to a user operation, the color table (brightness, contrast, saturation, density, etc.) and the dither pattern are further set by the printing conditions that define the details and the extended function of the printer driver. There are cases where printing conditions for selecting special paper (waterproof paper, waterproof label, etc.) are set. When such printing conditions are set, the identification number and printing control information corresponding to the printing conditions set in the host computer are not stored in the printer. Therefore, in this case, the host computer needs to transmit a print job including print control information corresponding to the set printing conditions to the printer. Further, in this case, the print job transmitted from the host computer to the printer has a problem that the amount of data increases as much as print control information is included, and the print processing performed between apparatuses and the load on the network also increase.

The present invention is intended to solve such problems, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the printing process, the printing method, an information terminal apparatus, and aims to provide a printing apparatus.

In order to achieve the above object, a printing method according to the present invention is a printing method for causing a printing apparatus to execute printing based on a print job transmitted by an information terminal apparatus, wherein the information terminal apparatus generates a print job. When a parameter value different from a predetermined parameter value for a predetermined print setting item is set as a custom parameter value, checksum data is derived based on the custom parameter value, and the derived checksum A first transmission step of transmitting data from the information terminal device to the printing device, and a custom corresponding to the checksum data based on the checksum data transmitted by the first transmission step and received by the printing device A search is performed to determine whether a parameter value is stored in the printing apparatus, and the search result is returned from the printing apparatus. A second transmission step of transmitting to the information terminal device, the second transmitted in the transmitting step the information the result of the terminal device is received, was that the the custom parameter value is stored in the printing device In this case, the print job including the checksum data instead of the custom parameter value is transmitted from the information terminal device to the printing device, and the custom parameter value is not stored in the printing device. In this case, a third transmission step of transmitting a print job including the custom parameter value from the information terminal device to the printing device is provided.
In order to achieve the above object, an information terminal apparatus according to the present invention is an information terminal apparatus that transmits a print job to the printing apparatus so as to cause the printing apparatus to execute printing. When a parameter value different from a predetermined parameter value for the print setting item is set as a custom parameter value, checksum data is derived based on the custom parameter value, and the derived checksum data is A custom parameter value corresponding to the checksum data is stored in the printing apparatus as a search result based on the first transmission means for transmitting to the printing apparatus and the checksum data transmitted by the first transmission means. Receiving means for receiving information from the printing apparatus, and the information received by the receiving means When the custom parameter value is stored in the printing apparatus, the print parameter including the checksum data instead of the custom parameter value is transmitted to the printing apparatus, and the custom parameter value is Is not stored in the printing apparatus, a second transmission unit that transmits a print job including the custom parameter value to the printing apparatus is provided.
In order to achieve the above object, a printing apparatus according to the present invention is a printing apparatus that executes printing based on a print job transmitted from an information terminal apparatus, and the information terminal prior to transmission of the print job. First receiving means for receiving checksum data transmitted from the apparatus, and whether or not a custom parameter value corresponding to the checksum data is stored based on the checksum data received by the first receiving means And a second receiving unit that receives the print job transmitted from the information terminal device in response to the result transmitted by the transmitting unit. And the print job received by the second receiving means include the checksum data instead of the custom parameter value. Reads out a custom parameter value corresponding to the checksum data and executes printing based on the custom parameter value. If the custom parameter value is included, printing based on the custom parameter value is executed. And a control means.

According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the efficiency of printing process.

1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating configurations of a host computer and a printer illustrated in FIG. 1. (A) is a figure which shows the parameter file corresponding to the custom color memorize | stored sequentially in the memory | storage part of a printer. FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating a parameter file corresponding to a custom print medium type that is sequentially stored in the storage unit of the printer. (A) is a figure which shows the structure of the parameter file corresponding to a custom color. FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a parameter file corresponding to a custom specification printing medium type. 5 is a flowchart for explaining print control processing executed by a host computer and print processing executed by a printer. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the inquiry process and search process (checksum) shown in FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining inquiry processing and search processing (special print medium ID) shown in FIG. 6. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a print execution process shown in FIG. 6.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  The embodiments described below do not limit the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, those skilled in the art can employ embodiments in which the following components are replaced with equivalent ones, and these embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention. Further, in the following description, in order to facilitate understanding of the present invention, description of known unimportant technical matters is appropriately omitted.

  First, the configuration of the printing system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The printing system 1 includes a host computer 10 that functions as a print control device and a printer 20 that functions as a printing device. The host computer 10 and the printer 20 are connected to each other via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a USB (Universal Serial Bus).

  In the printer setting screen of the host computer 10, the printing system 1 is a custom color that defines in detail a color table (brightness, contrast, saturation, density, etc.), a dither pattern, etc. Even if non-standard printing conditions such as the type of print medium (waterproof paper, waterproof label, photographic paper, custom print medium type such as OHP (Overhead Projector)) are set, the host computer 10 sends the printer 20 This is a system for reducing the data amount of a print job to be transmitted and performing print processing efficiently.

  Next, the configurations of the host computer 10 and the printer 20 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The host computer 10 includes a control unit 111, a display unit 112, an operation unit 113, a storage unit 114, a LAN communication unit 115, and a USB communication unit 116.

  The control unit 111 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory) that functions as a main memory of the CPU, and the like. Note that the control unit 111 may include a dedicated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The control unit 111 controls the entire host computer 10. A print job generated by the control of the control unit 111 is once spooled in a RAM having the control unit 111. In addition, the control unit 111 monitors the print status of the printer 20 and sequentially transmits print jobs spooled in the RAM according to the print status to the printer 20.

  The display unit 112 includes a display device such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The display unit 112 displays various images on the screen based on the various image data supplied from the control unit 111.

  The operation unit 113 includes, for example, a user interface device such as a mouse or a keyboard. The operation unit 113 receives various operations from the user and supplies operation signals corresponding to the received various operations to the control unit 111. The operation unit 113 may be provided inside the display unit 112. That is, the display unit 112 and the operation unit 113 may include a touch panel.

  The storage unit 114 includes a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a read only memory (ROM), and a flash memory. The storage unit 114 stores various programs and data used for the control unit 111 to perform various processes, and various data generated or acquired by the control unit 111 performing various processes.

  In addition, the storage unit 114 stores, for example, an application program for performing document creation, spreadsheet calculation, and the like. The storage unit 114 stores a printer driver. The printer driver is software for controlling the printer 20, converts a print command from the application program into a unique print job (control command), and requests the printer 20 to print.

  Further, when the printer driver is activated by the control unit 111, the control unit 111 functions as an inquiry unit 111a, a print job generation unit 111b, and a print job transmission unit 111c, and each unit 111a to 111c finishes using the printer driver. Until it is done (until the printing process is executed or stopped).

  The LAN communication unit 115 communicates with the printer 20 connected to the LAN under the control of the control unit 111. The USB communication unit 116 communicates with the printer 20 connected via USB under the control of the control unit 111.

  On the other hand, the printer 20 includes a control unit 211, a display unit 212, an operation unit 213, a storage unit 214, a LAN communication unit 215, a USB communication unit 216, a supply / conveyance unit 217, an image forming unit 218, and an IC card communication unit 219. .

  The control unit 211 includes, for example, a CPU and a RAM that functions as a main memory of the CPU. Note that the control unit 211 may partially include a dedicated circuit such as an ASIC. The control unit 211 controls the entire printer 20. The control unit 211 performs print processing based on a print job received from the host computer 10.

  The display unit 212 includes a display device such as an LCD. The display unit 212 displays various images on the screen based on the various image data supplied from the control unit 211.

  The operation unit 213 includes, for example, a user interface device including a plurality of operation buttons. The operation unit 213 receives various operations from the user, and supplies operation signals corresponding to the received various operations to the control unit 211. Note that the operation unit 213 may be provided inside the display unit 212. That is, the display unit 212 and the operation unit 213 may include a touch panel.

  The storage unit 214 includes a storage device such as an HDD, a ROM, or a flash memory. The storage unit 214 stores various programs and data used by the control unit 211 to perform various processes, and various data generated or acquired by the control unit 211 performing various processes.

  The storage unit 214 stores a program that causes the control unit 211 to function as the determination unit 211a, the response unit 211b, the development unit 211c, and the print execution unit 211d. This program is executed by the control unit 211 when the power of the printer 20 is turned on, and is executed until the power is turned off.

  In addition, the storage unit 214 sequentially stores parameter files transmitted from the host computer 10 by various processes described below. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the storage unit 214 stores a parameter file including print control information for performing print control of the printer 20 in accordance with the setting contents of the custom color. In addition, as shown in FIG. 3B, the storage unit 214 stores a parameter file for performing print control of the printer 20 in accordance with the setting contents of the custom printing medium type.

  The parameter file shown in FIG. 3A is stored in combination with a checksum calculated using a predetermined algorithm for various setting values for which custom colors are set. For example, as shown in FIG. 4A, the parameter file includes color table / dither pattern information representing various setting values, print control information (toner ink) for controlling the supply / conveyance unit 217 and the image forming unit 218. Discharge amount, toner ink discharge time, etc.).

  Also, the parameter file shown in FIG. 3B includes, for example, a special print medium ID for identifying a special print medium such as special paper, a file version, a special print as shown in FIG. 4B. Special print medium detailed information indicating the name and characteristics (performance, material, purpose) of the print medium, print control information for controlling the supply / conveyance unit 217 and the image forming unit 218 (print speed, print medium interval (for example, Sheet feeding interval), heater temperature, motor rotation speed, transfer voltage level, and the like.

  The LAN communication unit 215 communicates with the host computer 10 connected to the LAN under the control of the control unit 211. The USB communication unit 216 communicates with the host computer 10 connected by USB under the control of the control unit 211.

  The supply / conveyance unit 217 includes, for example, a paper feed tray and a transport device that transports a printing medium supplied from the paper feed tray. The supply / conveyance unit 217 supplies the supplied print medium to the image forming unit 218 under the control of the control unit 211.

  The image forming unit 218 includes, for example, a plurality of image forming units (for example, image forming units corresponding to cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) including a photosensitive drum, a charging device, a print head (LED head), a developing device, and a transfer device. ). Under the control of the control unit 211, the image forming unit 218 prints the print data included in the print job on the print medium received from the supply / conveyance unit 217 according to the setting conditions.

  The IC card communication unit 219 includes, for example, an IC card reader / writer. The IC card communication unit 219 wirelessly communicates with an IC card located within a certain distance under the control of the control unit 211, reads various data stored in the IC card, or reads various data to the IC card. Write.

The operation of the printing system 1 configured as described above will be schematically described.
In the printing system 1, the following three types of processing are performed roughly.
(A) When printing conditions are set by the host computer 10 using a custom color or a custom print medium type, an inquiry is made as to whether a parameter file for performing print control is already stored in the printer 20 in accordance with the set contents. Process (b) When a parameter file corresponding to the printer 20 is not stored (when a print condition having the same contents has not been set in the past), a print job including the parameter file is transmitted from the host computer 10 to the printer 20. Process (c) When a parameter file corresponding to the printer 20 is stored (when print conditions having the same contents have been set in the past), the setting conditions of the print conditions are identified from the host computer 10 to the printer 20. Setting content identification information (checksum, special Process of transmitting the print job including the printing medium ID)

  In the printing system 1, the contents of the printing conditions based on the custom color or the custom printing medium type set in the host computer 10 by the processes (a) to (c) described above are the first on the system. If there is, the parameter file is registered in the printer 20 from the host computer 10. Thereafter, when the same printing conditions are set in the host computer 10, the printer 20 is requested to print out without transmitting the parameter file.

  Next, operations of the host computer 10 and the printer 20 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The user performs an operation of selecting the printer 20 for outputting data created by an application program for creating a document or a spreadsheet via the operation unit 113 of the host computer 10. In accordance with this operation, the control unit 111 reads the printer driver corresponding to the selected printer 20 from the storage unit 114 and activates it. As the printer driver is activated, the control unit 111 functions as an inquiry unit 111a, a print job generation unit 111b, and a print job transmission unit 111c.

  On the other hand, when the printer 20 is turned on, the control unit 211 reads the program from the storage unit 214 and executes it. In accordance with this execution, the control unit 211 functions as a determination unit 211a, a response unit 211b, a development unit 211c, and a print execution unit 211d.

  The inquiry unit 111 a of the host computer 10 displays a printer setting screen on the display unit 112. The user performs an operation of setting print conditions from various items on the printer setting screen via the operation unit 113. For example, the user performs an operation of selecting a print direction, a print range (print page), a layout, a print medium size, a paper feed tray, a print method (double-sided, consolidation), a print color (color, black and white), and the like. . In addition, the various items on the printer setting screen include items for setting a custom color or a custom print medium type (special print mediums B1, B2,...).

  The custom color is a scroll bar displayed in various items of a color table (brightness, contrast, saturation, density, etc.) and dither pattern displayed on the printer setting screen of the display unit 112 by the user via the operation unit 113. It is set by moving etc. Further, the user can select a custom print medium type by selecting a special print medium from an item representing the type of print medium displayed on the printer setting screen of the display unit 112 via the operation unit 113. Is set.

  Printing is executed by an operation instructing execution of printing by the user via the operation unit 113 (for example, operation of a print button displayed on the printer setting screen).

  The inquiry unit 111a of the host computer 10 determines whether or not a print execution operation has been performed (step S100). The inquiry unit 111a is in a standby state until it is determined that a print execution operation has been performed (step S100; NO). On the other hand, if it is determined that the user has performed a print execution operation (step S100; YES), the inquiry unit 111a performs the processing after step S110.

  When a print execution operation is performed, the inquiry unit 111a determines whether or not an operation for setting a custom color or a custom print medium type has been performed (steps S110 and S130). If the inquiry unit 111a does not determine that an operation for setting a custom color or custom print medium type has been performed, the print control process performed by the host computer 10 proceeds to step S150.

  When the inquiry unit 111a determines that an operation for setting a custom color has been performed by the user (step S110; YES), the inquiry unit 111a performs an inquiry process (step S120).

  On the other hand, the determination unit 211a of the printer 20 determines whether or not a checksum or special printing medium ID has been received from the host computer 10 (steps S210 and S230), and the print execution unit 211d transmits the print job to the host computer 10. It is determined whether or not it has been received from (step S250).

  The printer 20 is in a standby state until it is determined that the checksum or special printing medium ID is received by the determination unit 211a, or until it is determined that the print execution unit 211d receives a print job (step S210; NO, Step S230; NO, Step S250; NO).

  When determining that the checksum has been received from the host computer 10 (step S210; YES), the determination unit 211a performs a search process using the checksum (step S220).

  Here, with reference to FIG. 6, the inquiry process of step S120 (steps S121 to S127) performed by the host computer 10 and the search process of step S220 (steps S221 to S224) performed by the printer 20 will be described.

  The inquiry unit 111a of the host computer 10 calculates a checksum using various algorithms for various setting values for which custom colors are set (step S121). For example, the inquiry unit 111a calculates the checksum by regarding the data of the parameter file including various setting values for which custom color setting is performed as a numerical value and calculating the sum thereof. Note that the checksum may be calculated for each parameter such as brightness / contrast / saturation / density, or may be calculated collectively.

  The inquiry unit 111a transmits the calculated checksum to the printer 20 via the LAN communication unit 115 or the USB communication unit 116 (step S122). Thereafter, the inquiry unit 111a enters a standby state until it receives an inquiry result from the printer 20 (step S123; NO).

  On the other hand, the determination unit 211 a of the printer 20 receives the checksum transmitted from the host computer 10 via the LAN communication unit 215 or the USB communication unit 216, and stores the checksum that matches the received checksum in the storage unit 214. It is searched whether it has been done (step S221). As a result, if there is a corresponding checksum, it indicates that a parameter file corresponding to the checksum is stored in the storage unit 214.

  The response unit 211b responds to the inquired host computer 10 via the LAN communication unit 215 or the USB communication unit 216 with the result (presence or absence of the corresponding checksum) searched by the determination unit 211a (step S222).

  Further, when the determining unit 211a determines that the checksum is applicable (step S223; YES), the developing unit 211c reads the parameter file (print control information) corresponding to the checksum from the storage unit 214. The expansion unit 211c expands the read parameter file in a predetermined area of the RAM (step S224), and then ends the search process.

  On the other hand, when the checksum does not correspond (step S223; NO), the response unit 211b ends the search process as it is.

  When the inquiry unit 111a of the host computer 10 determines that the inquiry result from the printer 20 has been received (step S123; YES), the print job generation unit 111b sends the inquiry result to the printer 20 from the inquiry result (presence / absence of checksum). It is determined whether or not a parameter file is stored (step S124).

  Specifically, when an inquiry result indicating that the checksum does not exist is obtained, the print job generation unit 111b determines that the parameter file is not stored in the printer 20 (step S124; NO). In this case, the print job generation unit 111b generates parameter files corresponding to various setting values for which custom colors are set (step S125). The print job generation unit 111b sets the generated parameter file as print condition data (step S126), and generates a print job including print target data (print target data) created by the application program and print condition data. To do.

  On the other hand, when an inquiry result indicating that a checksum exists is obtained, the print job generation unit 111b determines that a parameter file is stored in the printer 20 (step S124; YES). The print job generation unit 111b sets the checksum calculated in step S121 as print condition data (step S127), and generates a print job including print target data and print condition data.

  Returning to FIG. 5, when the inquiry unit 111a of the host computer 10 determines that the user has set a custom print medium type (step S130; YES), the inquiry unit 111a performs an inquiry process (step S140).

  On the other hand, when determining that the special printing medium ID has been received from the host computer 10 (step S230; YES), the determination unit 211a of the printer 20 performs a search process using the special printing medium ID (step S240). .

  Here, with reference to FIG. 7, the inquiry process of step S140 (steps S141 to S146) performed by the host computer 10 and the search process of step S240 (steps S241 to S244) performed by the printer 20 will be described.

  The inquiry unit 111a of the host computer 10 transmits a special print medium ID for identifying the selected special print medium to the printer 20 via the LAN communication unit 115 or the USB communication unit 116 (step S141). Thereafter, the inquiry unit 111a enters a standby state until it receives an inquiry result from the printer 20 (step S142; NO).

  On the other hand, the determination unit 211a of the printer 20 receives the special print medium ID transmitted from the host computer 10 via the LAN communication unit 215 or the USB communication unit 216, and the special print medium ID that matches the received special print medium ID. It is searched whether the print medium ID is stored in the storage unit 214 (step S241). As a result, if there is a corresponding special printing medium ID, it indicates that a parameter file corresponding to the special printing medium ID is stored in the storage unit 214.

  The response unit 211b responds to the inquiry source host computer 10 via the LAN communication unit 215 or the USB communication unit 216 with the result (presence / absence of the corresponding special print medium ID) searched by the determination unit 211a (step S242). ).

  If the response unit 211b determines that the special printing medium ID is applicable (step S243; YES), the development unit 211c stores a parameter file (printing control information) including the special printing medium ID. Read from 214. The expansion unit 211c expands the read parameter file to a predetermined area of the RAM (step S244), and then ends the search process.

  On the other hand, when the special printing medium ID does not correspond (step S243; NO), the response unit 211b ends the search process as it is.

  When the inquiry unit 111a of the host computer 10 determines that the inquiry result from the printer 20 has been received (step S142; YES), the print job generation unit 111b determines from the inquiry result (whether there is a special print medium ID). It is determined whether or not a parameter file is stored in the printer 20 (step S143).

  Specifically, when an inquiry result indicating that the special printing medium ID does not exist is obtained, the print job generation unit 111b determines that the parameter file is not stored in the printer 20 (step S143; NO). In this case, the print job generation unit 111b reads a parameter file including the special print medium ID from the storage unit 114 (step S144). The print job generation unit 111b sets the read parameter file as print condition data (step S145), and generates a print job including print target data and print condition data.

  On the other hand, when an inquiry result indicating that the special printing medium ID exists is obtained, the print job generation unit 111b determines that the parameter file is stored in the printer 20 (step S143; YES). The print job generation unit 111b sets the special print medium ID transmitted in step S141 as print condition data (step S146), and generates a print job including print target data and print condition data.

  Returning to FIG. 5, the print job transmission unit 111 c of the host computer 10 assigns an identification number for identifying other print conditions to the print job generated by the inquiry processing in steps S <b> 120 and S <b> 140 (step S <b> 150). . Thereafter, the print job transmission unit 111c transmits the generated print job to the printer 20 (step S160). Thus, the print control process performed by the host computer 10 ends.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the print job has been received from the host computer 10 (step S250; YES), the print execution unit 211d of the printer 20 performs a print execution process (step S260).

  Here, with reference to FIG. 8, the print execution process of step S260 performed by the printer 20 will be described.

  The print execution unit 211d determines whether or not a parameter file is included in the print job received from the host computer 10 (step S261). When it is determined that the parameter file is included in the print job (step S261; YES), the print execution unit 211d executes printing according to the parameter file (step S262).

  Specifically, if the print control information included in the parameter file corresponds to a custom color, the contents of the custom color are controlled by controlling the supply / conveyance unit 217 and the image forming unit 218 based on the print control information. According to the color printing process. On the other hand, if the print control information included in the parameter file corresponds to the custom print medium type setting, the supply / conveyance unit 217 and the image forming unit 218 are controlled and set based on the print control information. The special printing medium printing process is performed in accordance with the special printing medium that has been printed. Note that the print execution unit 211d reads the print control information corresponding to the identification number of other conditions given to the print job from the storage unit 214, and performs printing according to the print control information.

  Thereafter, the print execution unit 211d stores the parameter file in the storage unit 214 (step S263).

  Specifically, when the parameter file is generated by custom color settings, the parameter file is sequentially stored in the storage unit 214 in combination with the checksum received by the printer 20 in step S210 shown in FIG. . On the other hand, when the parameter file is generated by the custom specification of the printing medium type, the parameter file is sequentially stored in the storage unit 214.

  Further, the print execution unit 211d determines whether or not the storage area (free area) for storing the parameter file in the storage unit 214 is less than a preset free area threshold (step S265). If it is determined that the value is less than the free space threshold (step S265; YES), the print execution unit 211d deletes the stored parameter file from the storage unit 214 based on the storage time and the use frequency (step S266). Note that the print execution unit 211d may determine whether or not the storage area in which the parameter file is stored has reached a preset storage area threshold instead of step S265. In this case, when it is determined that the storage area threshold value has been reached, the print execution unit 211d may delete the stored parameter file from the storage unit 214 based on the storage time and the use frequency.

  In any case, specifically, when the storage unit 214 is almost full, the print execution unit 211d prioritizes the parameter file that can be deleted from the file that is used less frequently or the file that has been saved earlier. By deleting the storage area, the storable area (free area) of the storage unit 214 is maintained at a predetermined free area threshold or more, or the storage area (used storage area) of the storage unit 214 is maintained below the predetermined storage area threshold. To do. If it is not determined in step S265 that the storable area is less than the free area threshold (step S265; NO), the process of step S266 is not executed. Similarly, when it is determined that the storage area is less than the storage area threshold, the process of step S266 is not executed.

  On the other hand, if the print execution unit 211d determines that the parameter file is not included in the print job (checksum or special print medium ID) (step S261; NO), the print execution unit 211d performs step S244 in FIG. Printing is executed according to the parameter file developed by the development unit 211c (step S264). The print execution unit 211d reads out print control information corresponding to the identification number assigned to the print job from the storage unit 214, and executes printing according to the print control information.

  Thereafter, the determination unit 211a of the printer 20 returns to Step S210 illustrated in FIG. The printer 20 repeatedly performs the various processes in steps S210 to S260 until the power is turned off.

  According to the printing system 1 described above, when non-standard printing conditions such as a custom color or a custom printing medium type are set in the host computer 10, the printer 20 identifies the setting contents. The setting content identification information (checksum, special printing medium ID) and print control information for controlling the printer 20 according to the setting content are stored in the storage unit 214. Thereafter, when the printing conditions based on the custom color, the custom printing medium type, etc. are set in the host computer 10 with the same content (second and subsequent times), the printing transmitted from the host computer 10 to the printer 20 is performed. Since it is not necessary to include print control information in the job, it is possible to reduce the data amount of the print job and increase the efficiency of the printing process. This is particularly effective when custom colors or custom print medium type settings are used as standard because these are relatively large data and cause the spool size to increase.

  If the parameter file inquired from the host computer 10 is stored in the printer 20, the printer 20 expands the parameter file in the RAM that is the main memory before the print job is transmitted. It is possible to improve the efficiency of print processing performed when a print job is transmitted.

  In the above embodiment, the printer 20 includes the storage unit 214, and the parameter file is stored in the storage unit 214. However, when the printer 20 is not provided with a nonvolatile storage unit 214 such as an HDD, the parameter file may be stored in a temporary storage area of the control unit 211 (RAM or the like). The control unit 211 temporarily stores the parameter file in a certain temporary storage area of the control unit 211 (RAM or the like) until the power is turned off, and the same effect can be obtained by adopting the configuration as described above. Can be obtained.

  In addition, when the determination unit 211a determines that the checksum or special print medium ID is applicable, the response unit 211b of the printer 20 transmits an identification number appropriately allocated to the host computer 10 together with the search result. May be. In this case, the expansion unit 211c expands the response identification number allocated by the response unit 211b together with the parameter file. On the other hand, the print job generation unit 111b of the host computer 10 sets the response identification number received from the printer 20 as print condition data instead of the checksum or special print medium ID, and prints a print job including this print condition data. It may be generated. Based on the response identification number included in the print job received from the host computer, the print execution unit 211d of the printer 20 specifies the parameter file that has been developed in advance together with the identification number by the development unit 211c, and performs printing according to the specified parameter file. May be executed.

  In the above embodiment, the parameter file set as the print condition data in the print job generation unit 111b of the host computer 10 may include a checksum. In this case, the print execution unit 211d of the printer 20 may store the parameter file including the checksum in the storage unit 214 without combining with the checksum received by the printer 20 in step S210.

  In the above embodiment, the checksum is used as the identification information for the setting contents in the custom color setting, and the special printing medium ID is used as the identification information for the setting contents in the custom printing medium type setting. This is because the color table in the custom color setting may adopt a color matching format in which information on setting values including brightness / contrast / saturation / density, etc. is collectively handled. This is because the number of patterns becomes enormous and is not suitable for ID management such as setting of a custom print medium type. Therefore, the identification of the setting contents in the custom color setting is not limited to the checksum, and may be performed by another identification method. Further, the identification of the setting contents in the custom specification of the print medium type may be performed by an identification method other than the ID.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the host computer 10 has already stored in the printer 20 a parameter file for performing print control in accordance with the setting contents when the printing condition based on the custom color or custom printing medium type is set. Asked what has been. However, in the present invention, the specific printing condition for the host computer 10 to inquire whether the parameter file is stored in the printer 20 is based on only one of the custom color and the custom printing medium type. However, the present invention is not limited to these, and other conditions may be used as long as they are not preset as standard printing conditions for the printer 20.

  Also, custom color settings and custom print medium type settings are transmitted from the host computer 10 to the printer 20 in advance and stored in the storage unit 214 of the printer 20 before printing. The effect of the present invention may be obtained that reduces the data amount of the print job and increases the efficiency of the printing process.

  Further, the printing system 1 has been described with an example in which there is one host computer 10 and one printer 20, but this is for convenience of explanation, and the number of host computers 10 and printers 20 is limited. It is not a thing. Therefore, the printing system 1 may include a plurality of host computers 10 and printers 20. As a result, for example, when a print condition based on a custom color or custom print medium type is set on a certain host computer 10 and then the same print condition is set on another host computer 10, the other host computer 10 The amount of print job data transmitted from the printer 10 to the printer 20 can be reduced, and the efficiency of the printing process can be improved.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are merely examples, and the scope of application of the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the embodiments of the present invention can be applied in various ways, and all the embodiments are included in the scope of the present invention.

  Note that the programs for realizing the functional configurations of the host computer 10 and the printer 20 described in the above embodiment may be provided so that a CPU or the like for controlling an existing personal computer or information terminal device can be executed. good. A method for providing such a program is arbitrary. For example, the program is stored in a computer-readable storage medium such as a flexible disk, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk Read Only Memory), a memory card, or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. A stored one may be provided. Further, the program may be provided via a communication medium such as the Internet by being superimposed on a carrier wave. For example, the program may be posted on a bulletin board (BBS: Bulletin Board System) on a communication network and distributed. Further, the above processing may be executed by executing this program and executing it in the same manner as other application programs under the control of an OS (Operating System).

  As mentioned above, although preferable embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to the specific embodiment which concerns, This invention includes the invention described in the claim, and its equivalent range It is. Hereinafter, the invention described in the scope of claims of the present application will be appended.

(Appendix 1)
A printing system comprising: a printing device; and a print control device that transmits a print job requesting printing to the printing device,
The print control device includes:
Inquiry means for inquiring of the printing apparatus whether or not printing control information for controlling the printing apparatus according to the specific printing condition is stored when printing under a specific printing condition is instructed;
Print job generation means for generating a print job not including the print control information when an inquiry result indicating that the print control information is stored in the printing apparatus is obtained;
Print job transmission means for transmitting the generated print job to the printing apparatus,
The printing apparatus includes:
Determining means for determining whether or not the print control information inquired from the print control device is stored in a storage unit;
Response means for transmitting the result determined by the determination means to the print control apparatus as the inquiry result;
Print execution means for performing printing in accordance with the print control information stored in the storage unit when a print job not including the print control information is received from the print control apparatus;
A printing system characterized by that.

(Appendix 2)
In the print control apparatus, the print job generation unit generates the print job including the print control information when an inquiry result indicating that the print control information is not stored in the printing apparatus is obtained;
In the printing apparatus, when the print execution unit receives a print job including the print control information from the print control apparatus, the print execution unit performs printing according to the print control information included in the received print job and Storing the print control information included in the received print job in the storage unit;
The printing system according to appendix 1, wherein:

(Appendix 3)
In the printing apparatus, the print execution unit may be configured such that when the free area of the storage unit is less than a predetermined free area threshold, the free area is equal to or greater than the predetermined free area threshold. The print control information stored in the storage unit is stored based on the stored timing or the use frequency so that the storage area becomes less than the predetermined storage area threshold when the storage area reaches a predetermined storage area threshold. Delete
The printing system according to appendix 1 or 2, characterized in that:

(Appendix 4)
The specific printing condition is a printing condition in which a color setting that is not set as a standard in the printing apparatus is performed,
In the printing control apparatus, the inquiry unit calculates a checksum of information indicating the color setting, and transmits the calculated checksum to the printing apparatus, whereby the printing control information is stored in the printing apparatus. Whether the printing device is
In the printing apparatus, the determination unit receives the checksum from the print control apparatus, and inquires from the print control apparatus when print control information corresponding to the checksum is stored in the storage unit. Determining that the print control information is stored in the storage unit;
The printing system according to any one of appendices 1 to 3, characterized in that:

(Appendix 5)
The specific printing condition is a printing condition in which a printing medium that is not set as a standard in the printing apparatus is set,
In the printing control apparatus, the inquiry means transmits printing medium identification information for identifying the printing medium to the printing apparatus, thereby determining whether the printing control information is stored in the printing apparatus. Inquiry to the printing device,
In the printing apparatus, the determination unit receives the print medium identification information from the print control apparatus, and the print control information corresponding to the print medium identification information is stored in the storage unit. Determining that the print control information inquired from the print control device is stored in the storage unit;
The printing system according to any one of appendices 1 to 3, characterized in that:

(Appendix 6)
In response to determining that the print control information is stored in the storage unit by the determination unit, the printing apparatus expands the print identification information determined to be stored in the main memory. Further comprising a deployment means,
In the printing apparatus, when the print execution unit receives a print job that does not include the print control information from the print control apparatus, the print execution unit follows the print identification information developed in the main memory in advance before receiving the print job. Print,
The printing system according to any one of appendices 1 to 5, characterized in that:

(Appendix 7)
In the printing apparatus, when the determination unit determines that the print control information is stored in the storage unit, the response unit identifies a response associated with the print control information determined to be stored. Sending information to the print control device;
In the print control apparatus, the print job generation unit receives from the printing apparatus not including the print control information when an inquiry result indicating that the print control information is stored in the printing apparatus is obtained. Generating the print job including response identification information;
In the printing apparatus, when the print execution unit receives a print job that does not include the print control information from the print control apparatus, the print execution unit includes the received print job among the print control information stored in the storage unit. Printing according to the print control information associated with the response identification information
The printing system according to any one of supplementary notes 1 to 6, wherein:

(Appendix 8)
In response to an inquiry from the print control apparatus instructed to print under a specific print condition, it is determined whether or not print control information for controlling printing according to the specific print condition is stored in the storage unit. Discrimination means;
Response means for transmitting the result determined by the determination means to the print control device;
In response to receiving a print job that does not include the print control information transmitted by the print control apparatus in response to an inquiry result indicating that the print control information is stored in the storage unit, the storage Printing execution means for performing printing according to the printing control information stored in the unit,
A printing apparatus characterized by that.

(Appendix 9)
The printing device
In response to an inquiry from the print control apparatus instructed to print under a specific print condition, it is determined whether or not print control information for controlling printing according to the specific print condition is stored in the storage unit. A determination step;
A response step of transmitting the result determined in the determination step to the print control device;
In response to receiving a print job that does not include the print control information transmitted by the print control apparatus in response to an inquiry result indicating that the print control information is stored in the storage unit, the storage A print execution step of performing printing in accordance with the print control information stored in the unit,
A printing method characterized by the above.

(Appendix 10)
Computer
In response to an inquiry from the print control apparatus instructed to print under a specific print condition, it is determined whether or not print control information for controlling printing according to the specific print condition is stored in the storage unit. Discrimination means,
Response means for transmitting the result determined by the determination means to the print control device;
In response to receiving a print job that does not include the print control information transmitted by the print control apparatus in response to an inquiry result indicating that the print control information is stored in the storage unit, the storage Functioning as print execution means for performing printing in accordance with the print control information stored in the unit,
A program characterized by that.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Printing system, 10 ... Host computer, 111 ... Control part, 111a ... Inquiry part, 111b ... Print job generation part, 111c ... Print job transmission part, 112 ... Display part, 113 ... Operation part, 114 ... Storage part, 115 ... LAN communication unit, 116 ... USB communication unit, 20 ... printer, 211 ... control unit, 211a ... determination unit, 211b ... response unit, 211c ... development unit, 211d ... print execution unit, 212 ... display unit, 213 ... operation unit , 214: Storage unit, 215 ... LAN communication unit, 216 ... USB communication unit, 217 ... Supply / conveyance unit, 218 ... Image forming unit, 219 ... IC card communication unit

Claims (6)

A printing method for causing a printing device to execute printing based on a print job transmitted by an information terminal device,
When a parameter value different from a predetermined parameter value is set as a custom parameter value for a predetermined print setting item when a print job is generated by the information terminal device, a check is made based on the custom parameter value. A first transmission step of deriving sum data and transmitting the derived check sum data from the information terminal device to the printing device;
Based on the checksum data transmitted in the first transmission step and received by the printing device, a search is performed to determine whether a custom parameter value corresponding to the checksum data is stored in the printing device. A second transmission step of transmitting a result from the printing device to the information terminal device;
If the result transmitted from the second transmission step and received by the information terminal device is that the custom parameter value is stored in the printing device, the checksum is used instead of the custom parameter value. When the print job including the data is transmitted from the information terminal device to the printing device and the custom parameter value is not stored in the printing device, the print including the custom parameter value is performed. A third transmission step of transmitting a job from the information terminal device to the printing device;
A printing method characterized by comprising:   When the checksum data is included in the print job transmitted in the third transmission step and received by the printing apparatus, the printing apparatus reads the custom parameter value corresponding to the checksum data and The printing method according to claim 1, further comprising a print execution step of executing printing based on the read custom parameter value. An information terminal device that transmits a print job to the printing device to cause the printing device to perform printing,
When a parameter value different from a predetermined parameter value is set as a custom parameter value for a predetermined print setting item when generating a print job, checksum data is derived based on the custom parameter value. First transmitting means for transmitting the derived checksum data to the printing apparatus;
Information on whether or not a custom parameter value corresponding to the checksum data is stored in the printing apparatus is received from the printing apparatus as a search result based on the checksum data transmitted by the first transmission unit. Receiving means for
If the information received by the receiving means is that the custom parameter value is stored in the printing apparatus, a print job including the checksum data instead of the custom parameter value is printed. Second transmission means for transmitting to the printing apparatus a print job including the custom parameter value if the custom parameter value is not stored in the printing apparatus.
An information terminal device comprising: A printing device that executes printing based on a print job transmitted from an information terminal device,
First receiving means for receiving checksum data transmitted from the information terminal device prior to transmission of a print job;
Transmission for searching whether or not a custom parameter value corresponding to the checksum data is stored based on the checksum data received by the first receiving means, and transmitting the search result to the information terminal device Means,
Second receiving means for receiving a print job transmitted from the information terminal device in response to a result transmitted by the transmitting means;
If the print job received by the second receiving means includes the checksum data instead of the custom parameter value, the custom parameter value corresponding to the checksum data is read out to the custom parameter value. Control means for executing printing based on the custom parameter value and executing printing based on the custom parameter value when the custom parameter value is included;
A printing apparatus comprising:   The storage control means for storing the custom parameter value in a predetermined storage means when the custom parameter value is included in the print job received by the second receiving means. Item 5. The printing apparatus according to Item 4.   The printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the storage control unit deletes the custom parameter value that has not been searched for for a predetermined period of time from the storage unit.

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