JP6870924B2 - Printing device, printing method and printing control program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a print control device for controlling printing by a printing device or the like, a method thereof, and a print control program. In particular, a print control device for controlling settings for printing by the printing device or the like, a method thereof, and a print control device. Regarding print control programs.

A multifunction device that has functions for forming images on paper, reading images from paper, copying images, storing images in storage devices, and sending and receiving images to and from external devices. (Multi-Function Printer) is available these days.

In particular, the multifunction device is provided with a printing processing unit for forming an image on paper or copying an image. In addition to performing print processing according to the read image, the print processing unit is based on print data received from an external device (for example, a personal computer, a smartphone, etc.) or print data read from an external recording medium (for example, a memory card). Print processing.

A configuration for inputting print data from a personal computer and printing based on the print data will be described with reference to FIG.

The personal computer 901 is equipped with an application program 903, and the application program 903 generates document data 905. When printing, the printer driver 907 generates a print file 911 based on the document data. The print file 911 includes the setting command group 913 and the print image data 915. The printing device 917 prints the print image data 915 included in the print file 911 according to the setting command group 913. Here, the setting command group includes, for example, the number of copies specification command, the paper feed tray specification command, the output tray specification command, the double-sided specification command, the N-Up specification command (aggregation command), the staple specification command, the punch specification command, and the like. Includes at least one command.

Next, a configuration for inputting print data from a device or recording medium other than the personal computer 901 and printing based on the print data will be described with reference to FIG.

The document file 923 generated by the application program 921 is directly input to the print control device 925 included in the multifunction device. The print control device 925 generates data necessary for the printing device 929 to print based on the document file 923, and the printing device prints based on the data. The print control device 925 uses the default setting value 927 as the value of various settings that can be specified by the above setting command group when generating the data necessary for printing.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-305298

Here, in the case of printing described with reference to FIG. 2, the print control device 925 must use the default setting value 927. Therefore, only the same print result can be obtained for the same document file 923.

However, as in the case of printing using the personal computer 901 described with reference to FIG. 1, if the same document file can be printed in a format according to the user's intention, the degree of freedom of printing is high. Is widespread and convenient.

Here, Patent Document 1 describes a plurality of information processing devices for appropriately changing default settings for specific setting items in print setting information without opening the print setting screen provided by the printer driver. An information processing device that can communicate with the printing device via a printer driver that holds print setting information for which the setting contents are set for each setting item, and for changing the setting contents for any of the setting items. There is a setting change means for instructing the printer driver to change the setting contents for any item in the current print setting information including the default setting information with different attributes held by the printer driver based on the setting file of. However, the printer driver discloses an information processing apparatus characterized in that the setting contents for any item in the print setting information are changed based on the instruction by the setting changing means.

However, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, in order to set desired contents in a predetermined setting item included in the default setting, a predetermined setting file is changed and the setting file is used. Since the configuration change program needs to work, every time the default setting needs to be changed, the configuration file needs to be changed and the setting change program needs to work. Further, since the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 is premised on printing using a printer driver, it does not support printing without using a printer driver.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a print control device, a print control method, and a print control program that can set default values from the outside in printing without using a printer driver.

According to the present invention
A print data analysis means for determining whether or not the input print data is special print data that does not include print image data and includes a set command group.
A setting means for setting the default value of the print setting according to the description contents of the setting command group included in the special print data, and a setting means .
If the input print data is special print data, a storage processing means for storing the special print data in the storage unit and a storage processing means for storing the special print data.
With
A plurality of sets of the special print data are stored in the storage unit by the print data analysis means and the storage processing means.
The setting means sets the default value of the print setting according to the description contents of the setting command group included in the special print data selected by the user among the plurality of sets of the special print data stored in the storage unit. set to the printing control apparatus according to claim Rukoto is provided.
Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a multifunction device including the above-mentioned print control device.
Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a printing device including the above-mentioned print control device.
Further, according to the present invention
A print data analysis step for determining whether or not the input print data is special print data that does not include print image data and includes setting commands.
A setting step for setting the default value of the print setting according to the description contents of the setting command group included in the special print data, and a setting step.
If the input print data is special print data, a save process step for saving the special print data in the save unit and a save process step.
Have,
A plurality of sets of the special print data are stored in the storage unit by the print data analysis step and the storage processing step.
In the setting step, the default value of the print setting is set according to the description contents of the setting command group included in the special print data selected by the user among the plurality of sets of the special print data stored in the storage unit. set to print control method according to claim Rukoto is provided.
Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a print control program characterized in that a computer functions as the print control device.

According to the present invention, in printing without using a printer driver, a default value can be set from the outside.

It is a figure which shows the structure by the conventional example for inputting print data from a personal computer, and printing based on the print data. It is a figure which shows the structure by the conventional example for inputting print data from a device other than a personal computer or a recording medium, and printing based on the print data. It is a figure which shows the structure by embodiment of this invention for inputting print data from a device other than a personal computer or a recording medium, and printing based on the print data. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the format of print data. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the printing apparatus including the printing control apparatus by embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen by embodiment of this invention which displays the file list of print data. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen of the preview by embodiment of this invention of print data including print image data. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen of the preview by embodiment of this invention of the print data which does not include print image data and includes a set command group. It is a figure which shows another example of the screen of the preview by embodiment of this invention of the print data which does not include print image data and includes a set command group. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen by the Embodiment of this invention which displays the file list of the print data which does not include the print image data and includes the setting command group. It is a flowchart (1/3) for demonstrating the operation of the print control apparatus by embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart (2/3) for demonstrating the operation of the print control apparatus by embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart (3/3) for demonstrating the operation of the print control apparatus by embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the preview screen before setting execution by the Embodiment of this invention of the print data which does not include print image data and includes the setting command group. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the structure of the multifunction device by embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of the multifunction device by embodiment of this invention.

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

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing a configuration of a print control system including a print control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, the print control system includes a setting program 501, a print control device 610, an application program 511 and a print device 515. The print control device 610 may be included in the print device 515.

The setting program 501 generates print data 503. Here, the print data 503 includes the setting command group 505, but does not include the print image data. Such print data 503 is referred to as "special print data".

Here, the print data will be described with reference to FIG. The print data shown in FIG. 4A includes both the setting command group and the print image data. This is typically generated by the printer driver 907 shown in FIG. The print data shown in FIG. 4B includes print image data, but does not include a setting command. This is similar to the document file 923 shown in FIG. 2 and the document file 513 shown in FIG. The print data shown in FIG. 4C includes a set command group, but does not include print image data. This is the same as the special print data 503 shown in FIG.

The print control device 610 changes the default value 509 based on the setting command group 505 included in the print data.

Then, the print control device 610 generates data necessary for the print device 515 to execute printing based on the document file 513 generated by the application program 511. At this time, the special print data 503 is used. The default value 509 changed by the print control device 610 is used.

Therefore, when the user intends to change the default value 509 and print based on the document file 513, the special print data including the setting command group 505 corresponding to the changed default value 509 is included. The 503 may be created by the setting program 501 or the like, and the special print data 503 may be given to the print control device 610.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the printing device 103 including the printing control device 610 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The print control device 610 shown in FIG. 5 includes a communication control unit 611 for receiving print data from a host device (not shown) connected via a communication means (not shown), and a CPU. A print control unit 612 composed of a main memory and the like, an operation panel control unit 613 that controls various setting operations on the operation panel, and a sheet paper feed unit 10 that feeds the paper on which the print image is printed. An image forming unit 30 that prints the print image data formed by the print control unit 612 based on the print job data on the paper fed from the paper sheet feeding unit 10 and the image forming unit 30 form an image. Includes a paper ejection unit 16 for ejecting the printed paper to the outside of the device.

The communication control unit 611 creates print data to be printed from predetermined document data, and instructs a host device (typically, a host terminal such as a personal computer (PC) or a mobile terminal) to print, and a LAN (Local Area). Receive and transmit via communication means such as Network). Here, as the communication means, a means such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connection or a parallel interface may be used in addition to the LAN.

The print control unit 612 included in the print control device 610 is a set command group (copy number designation command, paper feed tray designation command, output tray designation command, etc.) included in the print data received from the host terminal via the communication control unit 611. The setting command analysis unit 122 that analyzes at least one of the double-sided specification command, N-Up specification command (aggregate command), staple specification command, punch specification command, etc., and the print data that analyzes the print data. The analysis unit 121, the external media control unit 123 that controls access to the data in the USB memory when the USB memory (not shown) is connected to the print control device 610, and the setting command analysis unit 122 display the print data. When it is determined that the print image data is not included and the setting command group is included, the setting command group is saved as a setting command file in the setting command storage unit 126, and is analyzed by the setting command saving processing unit 125 and the print data analysis unit 121. A preview image is created from the printed image data, the preview image is displayed on the preview screen, and the setting command group analyzed by the setting command analysis unit 122 is displayed on the preview image. Paper is fed from the image image forming unit 128 that creates a print image for printing on paper based on the print image data included in the data, and the paper feed tray specified by the paper feed tray specification command included in the print data. Includes a paper feed tray processing unit 127 that performs processing for printing, and an output tray processing unit 129 that performs processing for outputting paper from the paper output tray specified by the output tray specification command included in the print data. ..

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for displaying a file list of print data existing in the selected object. Here, examples of the object include a device connected via ftp (file transfer protocol), a shared folder, and a USB memory inserted into a USB port. Here, the shared folder is a folder provided in a storage device provided inside or outside the print control device.

Referring to FIG. 6, the names of the files are displayed in a list format on the screen. Files with the extension pdf are files in the Portable Document Format. The one with the extension prn is print data.

FIG. 7 is a screen showing a preview image generated based on the print image data on the preview screen when the file selected when the preview button 401 is pressed on the screen shown in FIG. 6 contains print image data. It is a figure which shows an example.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a preview screen for displaying that there is no print image when the file selected when the preview button 401 is pressed on the screen shown in FIG. 6 contains only the setting command group. ..

FIG. 9 shows a group of setting commands included in the file selected on the screen shown in FIG. 6 displayed in front of the screen shown in FIG. 8 when the setting command button 405 shown in FIG. 8 is pressed. It is a figure which shows an example of the preview screen which displays the result obtained by analyzing. Although not shown, it is included in the file selected on the screen shown in FIG. 6 displayed before the screen shown in FIG. 7 when the setting command button 403 shown in FIG. 7 is pressed. The result obtained by analyzing the existing setting commands is also displayed on the preview screen.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for displaying a list of setting command files stored in the setting command storage unit 126.

Next, the operation of the print control device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a flow of listing print data files existing in the selected object (FTP, shared server, USB memory) in the print control device 610 and displaying the print data as a preview.

In FIG. 11, a server device that can be accessed from the communication control unit 611 via a network using FTP, a shared folder provided in a storage device inside or outside the print control device, and a USB that can be accessed from the external media control unit 123. When the user selects any of the memories (step S101), the operation panel control unit 613 displays a screen (FIG. 6) of a print data file list existing in the selected target (step S102).

On the file list screen as shown in FIG. 6, it is confirmed whether or not the preview button 401 is pressed (step S103), and if the preview button 401 is not pressed (NO in step S103), the process returns to step S102, and FIG. Keep the file list screen as shown.

When the preview button is pressed in step S103 (YES in step S103), the operation panel control unit 613 previews as shown in FIG. 7, FIG. 8 or FIG. 9, depending on the file selected at that time. Display the screen.

When any button is pressed on the preview screen, it is confirmed whether the button is the list button 407, 409 or 411 (step S105), and if so (YES in step S105). Returning to step S102, the screen (FIG. 6) of the print data file list existing in the target selected in step S101 is displayed (step S102).

If the button pressed on the preview screen is a button other than the list button (NO in step S105), the preview screen is terminated and the screen returns to the basic screen.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the preview display process in step S104 of FIG.

When the preview button 401 is pressed in step S103 of FIG. 11, the print data file currently selected in the list display is selected (step S201), and the selected file is analyzed by the print data analysis unit 121. It is determined whether or not the print data includes print image data (step S202). If it is determined that the print data includes the print image data, the preview processing unit 124 creates a preview image of the first page of the print image and displays it on the preview screen (step S204).

If it is determined in step S202 that the print data does not include the print image data (YES in step S202), the setting command analysis unit 122 confirms whether the setting command automatic display flag is OFF (yes in step S202). In step S203), if it is determined that the setting command automatic display flag is OFF (YES in step S203), the process proceeds to step S205, and the preview processing unit 124 prints as shown in FIG. Display no image on the preview screen (step S205). If it is determined in step S203 that the setting command automatic display flag is not OFF (NO in step S203), the process proceeds to step S208, and the preview processing unit 124 sets the settings as shown in FIG. The command is displayed on the preview screen (step S208).

In step S204, as shown in FIG. 7, it is confirmed whether or not the setting command button 403 is pressed on the preview screen displaying the preview image of the first page of the print image (step S207), and if the setting command button is pressed. (YES in step S207) In step S209, the setting command is displayed on the preview screen (a screen similar to the screen shown in FIG. 9). If the setting command button is not pressed in step S207 (NO in step S207), it is confirmed in step S212 whether or not there is a transfer instruction to the next print data. If there is an instruction to shift to the next print data in step S212 (YES in step S212), the process returns to step S201 and the next print data is selected as the target print data file. In step S212, if there is no instruction to move to the next print data (NO in step S212), it is confirmed whether the list button is pressed on the preview screen of the setting command (step S213), and the list button is pressed. If (YES in step S213), the preview display ends. If the list button is not pressed in step S213 (NO in step S213), the process returns to step S212 for confirming whether or not there is a transfer instruction to the next print data.

In step S205, as shown in FIG. 8, it is confirmed whether or not the setting command button 405 is pressed on the preview screen displaying no print image (step S206), and when the setting command button is pressed (YES in step S206). , In step S208, the setting command is displayed on the preview screen as shown in FIG. If the setting command button is not pressed in step S206 (NO in step S206), the process proceeds to step S212, and it is confirmed whether or not there is a transfer instruction to the next print data. If there is an instruction to shift to the next print data in step S212 (YES in step S212), the process returns to step S201 and the next print data is selected as the target print data file. In step S212, if there is no instruction to move to the next print data (NO in step S212), it is confirmed whether the list button is pressed on the preview screen of the setting command (step S213), and the list button is pressed. If (YES in step S213), the preview display ends. If the list button is not pressed in step S213 (NO in step S213), the process returns to step S212 for confirming whether or not there is a transfer instruction to the next print data.

In step S208, as shown in FIG. 9, it is confirmed whether or not the save button 413 is pressed on the preview screen displaying the setting command (step S210), and when the save button 413 is pressed (YES in step S210), the setting is performed. The command file is saved in the setting command storage unit 126 (step S211), and the process proceeds to step S212. If the save button is not pressed in step S210 (NO in step S210), the process proceeds to step S212 as it is, and it is confirmed whether or not there is an instruction to transfer to the next print data. If there is an instruction to shift to the next print data in step S212 (YES in step S212), the process returns to step S201 and the next print data is selected as the target print data file. In step S212, if there is no instruction to move to the next print data (NO in step S212), it is confirmed whether the list button is pressed on the preview screen of the setting command (step S213), and the list button is pressed. If (YES in step S213), the preview display ends. If the list button is not pressed in step S213 (NO in step S213), the process returns to step S212 for confirming whether or not there is a transfer instruction to the next print data.

By such processing, the screen of the print data file list existing in the selected target (FTP, shared server, USB memory) is displayed, and when the preview button is pressed, the print data is only the setting command. , The preview screen of the setting command or the preview screen without the print image can be displayed automatically.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a processing flow on a screen as shown in FIG. 10 for displaying a file list of setting commands stored in the setting command storage unit 126.

In step S301 shown in FIG. 13, when there is an instruction to display the file list of the saved setting command, a screen as shown in FIG. 10 of the file list of the setting command is displayed (step S302). Proceed to step S303, confirms whether the list display is completed, and if so, ends (YES in step S303). In step S303, if it is not finished (NO in step S303), then select a desired file from the file list of the setting command (step S304), check whether the preview button is pressed (step S305), and preview. If the button is not pressed (NO in step S305), the process returns to step S302. When the preview button 415 is pressed in step S305 (YES in step S305), the setting command is displayed on the preview screen as shown in FIG. 14 (step S306). Next, on the preview screen of the setting command as shown in FIG. 14, it is confirmed whether or not the execution button 417 is pressed (step S307), and if the execution button 417 is not pressed (NO in step S307), The process proceeds to the next step S309, and it is confirmed whether or not the list button 419 is pressed. If it is determined in step S307 that the execute button 417 has been pressed (YES in step 307), the setting command is executed, and the execution of this setting command changes the default value of the system setting (step S308). ).

After that, if the print data input from the outside does not include the setting command group and includes the print image data, the print image data is the default value of the system setting set in step S308. Printed according to. As a result, if the print data input from the outside does not include the setting command group and the print image data is included, the print data input from the outside contains the setting command group and the print image corresponding to the default values. It becomes possible to obtain the same print result as the print result obtained when the data is included. If the print data input from the outside contains some setting command group and print image data, the default value of the system setting is not used for the items included in the setting command group. According to the value specified in the setting command group, the print image data is printed according to the default value of the system setting for the items not included in the setting command group.

Next, if it is determined that the list button 419 has been pressed (YES in step S309), the process returns to step S302 and returns to the process of displaying the saved setting command file list screen (FIG. 10). If it is determined in step S309 that the list button has not been pressed (NO in step S309), the process returns to step S307 and the confirmation of pressing the execution button 417 is repeated.

By such processing, the screen of the file list of the saved setting command is displayed, and when the preview button is pressed, the setting command is confirmed on the preview screen and the setting command is executed by the execute button. You can change the default settings.

In the above, as the object for storing the print data, a device connected via ftp (file transfer protocol), a shared folder, and a USB memory inserted in the USB port are exemplified. An SD card inserted in the SD card slot, a smartphone, a tablet, an IC card or the like connected by wireless LAN or NFC (Near Field Communication) may be included.

According to the present embodiment, by giving the print control device 610 special print data which is print data including the setting command group without including the print image data, one of the candidates for the default value of the print setting can be selected. It can be the one corresponding to the setting command group. Further, by giving a plurality of special print data having different setting command groups to the print control device, the print control device 610 can have a plurality of candidates for the default value of the print setting. Then, the user can select and set any one of the plurality of candidates for the default value as the actual default value. Only the administrator may give such special print data to the print control device 610, but the user may also give such special print data to the print control device 610. Further, only the administrator may make the above selection and setting, but the user may also make the above selection and setting. As an example, the administrator may give such special print data to the print control device 610, and the user may make the above selections and settings.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the setting command file is saved in the setting command storage unit 126 in step S211, and then the setting command selected from the list of setting command files is executed in step S308, and the system setting is performed by the execution. Changed the default value.

On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the setting command file is executed in step S211 and the default value of the system setting is changed by the execution. The process described with reference to FIG. 13 is not performed.

In the second embodiment, the setting command file cannot be stored and the default value corresponding to the setting command file selected from the list of setting command files cannot be set, but the setting command file is printed on the control device. If it is supplied to 610, the default value corresponding to the setting command file can be set even if there is no input for selection from the user.

[Third Embodiment]
In the third embodiment, the setting command file is saved for each user, and the default value is set based on the setting command file. By doing so, each user can set his / her own default value.

The multifunction device including the print control device can identify the user by, for example, reading the IC card possessed by each user into the card reader of the multifunction device.

Further, when the print data is transmitted from the personal computer to the print control device included in the multifunction device, the user using the personal computer is identified by the login ID for the personal computer, and the user identification information is also transmitted.

Further, when the print data including the image data to be printed is transmitted from the personal computer to the print control device, the user using the personal computer is identified by the login ID for the personal computer in the same manner as described above. , User identification information is also sent.

Further, when the print data including the image data to be printed from a certain device is transmitted to the print control device via ftp, the user is identified by the login ID used when logging in to the ftp server from the ftp client. However, the user identification information is also sent.

Further, when the print data including the image data to be printed from the shared folder is transmitted to the print control device, the user is identified by the correspondence between the subfolder under the shared folder and the user, and the user is identified. Information will also be sent.

Further, when transmitting print data including image data to be printed from the USB memory to the print control device, the IC card of each user is inserted into the card of the multifunction device before the USB memory is inserted into the USB port. The user is identified by having the reader read it, and the user identification information is also transmitted. Alternatively, if the user identification information is stored in the USB memory, the user identification information may be transmitted together.

Other types of IDs may be associated with the IC card for the multifunction device based on the login ID, or other types of IDs may be associated with the login ID for other devices such as personal computers. Good.

[Fourth Embodiment]
The fourth embodiment relates to the multifunction device 103 as an example of the target device in the first to third embodiments. 15 and 16 show the configuration of the multifunction device 103 and the like.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the multifunction device 103 includes an image reading unit 213 that reads an image of a document, a multifunction device main body (printing processing unit) 215 that forms an image on a sheet, an image reading unit 213, and printing processing. It includes a user interface unit 207 for operating the unit 215, and an overall arithmetic processing unit 205 that controls the image reading unit 213 and the print processing unit 215 based on the operation by the user interface unit 207. The operation unit 207-1 constitutes a part of the user interface unit 207.

In addition to using the image reading unit 213 alone for image reading and using the printing processing unit 215 alone for image formation, these can also be linked to copy an image. Further, the multifunction device 103 may include a storage device and a facsimile machine (not shown). The storage device can store the image read by the image reading device and the image received by the facsimile machine. The facsimile machine can transmit the image read by the image reading device and the image stored in the storage device, and can receive the image from the outside. Further, the multifunction device 103 may include an interface for connecting to a personal computer via a network. The personal computer connected to the multifunction device 103 can use the function of the multifunction device for the data that can be managed by the personal computer.

The image reading unit 213 includes a document automatic feeding unit SPF (Single Pass Feeder) 700 for automatically feeding the document, and a reading device main body 710 for reading the image of the document. In addition to the components shown in FIG. 16, the image reading unit 213 also includes components not shown in FIG. 16 but shown in FIG.

The print processing unit 215 is provided on the sheet feeding unit 10 for feeding the sheet, the manual feeding unit 20 capable of manually feeding the sheet, and the sheet fed by the sheet feeding unit 10 or the manual feeding unit 20. An image forming unit 30 for forming an image is provided. The print control unit 612 can be included in the arithmetic processing unit 205.

The sheet feeding section 10 includes a sheet loading section 11 for loading sheets and a separate feeding section 12 for separately feeding the sheets loaded on the sheet loading section 11 one by one. The seat loading portion 11 includes a middle plate 14 that rotates about a rotation shaft 13, and the middle plate 14 rotates when feeding the seat to lift the seat upward. The separate feeding unit 12 includes a pickup roller 15 for feeding the sheet lifted by the middle plate 14, and a separation roller pair 16 for separating the sheets fed by the pickup roller 15 one by one. ..

The manual feed feeding unit 20 includes a manual feed tray 21 capable of loading sheets and a separate feeding unit 22 for separately feeding the sheets loaded on the manual feed tray 21 one by one. The manual feed tray 21 is rotatably supported by the printing processing unit 215, and when manually fed, the sheet can be loaded by fixing the manual feed tray 21 at a predetermined angle. The separation feeding unit 22 includes a pickup roller 23 for feeding the sheets loaded on the manual feed tray 21, a separation roller 24 and a separation pad 25 for separating the sheets fed by the pickup roller 23 one by one. I have.

The image forming unit 30 includes four process cartridges 31Y to 31K for forming images of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), and photoconductor drums 740Y to 740K, which will be described later. 32, a transfer unit (transfer means) 33 for transferring the toner image formed on the surface of the photoconductor drums 740Y to 740K to the sheet, and a fixing unit 34 for fixing the transferred toner image to the sheet. And have. The alphabet (Y, M, C, K) attached to the end of the code indicates each color (yellow, magenta, cyan, black).

Each of the four process cartridges 31Y to 31K is configured to be removable from the print processing unit 215 and is replaceable. Since the four process cartridges 31Y to 32K have the same configuration except that the colors of the images to be formed are different, only the configuration of the process cartridge 31Y forming the yellow (Y) image will be described, and the process cartridge 31M will be described. The description of ~ 31K will be omitted.

The process cartridge 31Y includes a photoconductor drum 740Y as an image carrier, a charger 741Y for charging the photoconductor drum 740Y, a developing device 742Y for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor drum 740Y, and photosensitivity. It includes a drum cleaner that removes toner remaining on the surface of the body drum 740Y. The developing device 742Y includes a developing device main body (not shown in detail) for developing the photoconductor drum 740Y, and a toner cartridge (not shown in detail) for supplying toner to the developing device main body. The toner cartridge is configured to be removable from the main body of the developing device, and when the stored toner is exhausted, the toner cartridge can be removed from the main body of the developing device and replaced.

The exposure apparatus 32 includes a light source for irradiating the laser beam (not shown), a plurality of mirrors (not shown) for guiding the laser beam to the photoconductor drums 740Y to 740K, and the like. The transfer unit 33 is an intermediate transfer belt 35 that carries a toner image formed on the photoconductor drums 740Y to 740K, and a primary transfer roller that first transfers the toner image formed on the photoconductor drums 740Y to 740K to the intermediate transfer belt 35. It includes 36Y to 36K, a secondary transfer roller 37 that secondarily transfers the toner image transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 35 to a sheet, and a belt cleaner 38 that removes the toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 35. The intermediate transfer belt 35 is hung on the driving roller 39a and the driven roller 39b, and is pressed against the photoconductor drums 740Y to 740K by the primary transfer rollers 36Y to 36K. The secondary transfer roller 37 nips (sandwiches) the intermediate transfer belt 35 with the drive roller 39a, and transfers the toner image carried by the intermediate transfer belt 35 to the sheet at the nip portion N. The fixing portion 34 includes a heating roller 34a that heats the sheet and a pressure roller 34b that presses against the heating roller 34a.

The user interface unit 207 includes a display unit 207-3 that displays predetermined information, and an operation unit 207-1 that allows the user to input instructions to the image reading unit 213 and the print processing unit 215. In the present embodiment, the user interface unit 207 is arranged on the front side of the reading device main body 710. The front side corresponds to the front side of the paper surface of FIG. 15, and the back side corresponds to the back side of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 16, the overall arithmetic processing unit 205 includes a sheet feeding unit 10, a manual feed feeding unit 20, an image forming unit 30, and an arithmetic processing unit 205 that drives and controls an image reading unit 213. The overall calculation processing unit 205 integrates and controls the operations of the sheet feeding unit 10, the manual feeding unit 20, the image forming unit 30, and the image reading unit 213 based on the operation of the user interface unit 207 by the user. , Form an image on the sheet.

The whole arithmetic processing unit 205 may include all or a part of the setting device 111.

Next, an image forming operation (image forming control by the overall arithmetic processing unit 205) by the multifunction device 103 configured as described above will be described. In the present embodiment, the image forming unit 30 forms the image of the scanned document fed by the document automatic feeding unit 700 and read by the reading device main body 710 on the sheet fed by the sheet feeding unit 10. An image forming operation will be described as an example.

When the image formation start signal is transmitted by the input to the operation unit 207-1 of the user interface unit 207 by the user, the scanned document placed on the document automatic feeding unit 700 by the user is directed to the document reading position. The image is automatically fed and the image is read by the reading device main body 710 at the document reading position.

When the image of the document is read by the scanning device main body 710, the exposure device 32 irradiates the photoconductor drums 740Y to 740K with a plurality of corresponding laser beams based on the image information of the scanned document. At this time, the photoconductor drums 740Y to 740K are precharged by the chargers 741Y to 741B, respectively, and the corresponding electrostatic latent laser beams are irradiated on the photoconductor drums 740Y to 740K. An image is formed. After that, the electrostatic latent images formed on the photoconductor drums 740Y to 740K are developed by the developing devices 742Y to 742K, and yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) are developed on the photoconductor drums 740Y to 740K. ) And black (K) toner images are formed. The toner images of each color formed on the photoconductor drums 740Y to 740K are superimposed and transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 35 by the primary transfer rollers 36Y to 36K, and the superimposed transferred toner image (full-color toner image) is the intermediate transfer belt. It is conveyed to the nip portion N while being supported on the 35.

In parallel with the image forming operation described above, the sheets loaded on the sheet loading section 11 are fed to the sheet transport path 26 by the pickup roller 15 while being separated one by one by the separate feeding section 12. Then, the resist roller pair 27 located upstream in the sheet transport direction of the nip portion N corrects the skew and transports the nip portion N to the nip portion N at a predetermined transport timing. A full-color toner image carried by the intermediate transfer belt 35 is transferred to the sheet conveyed to the nip portion N by the secondary transfer roller 37.

The sheet on which the toner image is transferred is heated and pressurized by the fixing portion 34 to melt and fix the toner image, and is discharged to the outside of the device by the discharge roller pair 18. The sheet discharged to the outside of the device is loaded on the discharge sheet loading unit 19.

When an image is formed on both sides (first surface and second surface) of the sheet, the discharge roller pair 18 is rotated in the reverse direction before the sheet on which the image is formed on the first surface is discharged to the outside of the apparatus. It is conveyed to the double-sided transport path 17, and is re-conveyed to the image forming unit 30 via the double-sided transport path 17. Then, as with the first surface, an image is formed on the second surface and discharged to the outside of the device. The sheet discharged to the outside of the device is loaded on the discharge sheet loading unit 19.

According to the above embodiment, the user interface / system setting value / job setting that seems to be suitable for the user can be customized according to the content and tendency of the operation of the target device of the user logged in with the IC card. The setting device automatically implements it and stores it in an IC card or the like. In other words, there is no need to manually set in advance. Further, since the setting device changes the set value, even a user who is unfamiliar with the operation of the target device can easily carry out appropriate customization. Furthermore, since the customized data is stored in the IC card, even if another target device is used, the target device P can be operated with the user interface / system setting value / job setting customized for that user. Is possible.

The above print control device can be realized by hardware, software, or a combination thereof. Further, the print control method performed by the above-mentioned print control device can also be realized by hardware, software, or a combination thereof. Here, what is realized by software means that it is realized by a computer reading and executing a program.

Programs can be stored and supplied to a computer using various types of non-transitory computer readable media. Non-transitory computer-readable media include various types of tangible storage media. Examples of non-temporary computer-readable media include magnetic recording media (eg, flexible disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), magneto-optical recording media (eg, magneto-optical disks), CD-ROMs (Read Only Memory), CD- R, CD-R / W, semiconductor memory (for example, mask ROM, PROM (Programmable ROM), EPROM (Erasable PROM), flash ROM, RAM (random access memory)) are included. The program may also be supplied to the computer by various types of transient computer readable media. Examples of temporary computer-readable media include electrical, optical, and electromagnetic waves. The temporary computer-readable medium can supply the program to the computer via a wired communication path such as an electric wire and an optical fiber, or a wireless communication path.

The present invention can be used for printing using the setting of the default value.

10 Print control device 10 Sheet feeding unit 30 Image forming unit 16 Paper ejection unit 121 Print data analysis unit 122 Setting command analysis unit 123 External media control unit 124 Preview processing unit 125 Setting command storage processing unit 126 Setting command storage unit 127 Paper feeding Tray processing unit 128 Image image forming unit 129 Paper ejection tray processing unit 611 Communication control unit 612 Print control unit

Claims (13)

A print data analysis means for determining whether or not the input print data is special print data that does not include print image data and includes a set command group.
A setting means for setting the default value of the print setting according to the description contents of the setting command group included in the special print data, and a setting means .
If the input print data is special print data, a storage processing means for storing the special print data in the storage unit and a storage processing means for storing the special print data.
With
A plurality of sets of the special print data are stored in the storage unit by the print data analysis means and the storage processing means.
The setting means sets the default value of the print setting according to the description contents of the setting command group included in the special print data selected by the user among the plurality of sets of the special print data stored in the storage unit. set to the printing control apparatus according to claim Rukoto. The print control device according to claim 1.
The user identification information is acquired from any of the IC card used at the time of login, the information processing device that is the source of the print data and has transmitted the login ID, and the recording medium that holds the user identification information. With more means
Print control apparatus wherein the respective means, by serving in association with the user identification information to the print data, the default value of the print setting, characterized in that it is set in association with the user identification information .. The print control device according to claim 1 or 2.
Further provided with a content display means for displaying the contents of the setting command group included in the special print data on the screen.
The storage processing means is a print control device for storing the special print data in which the contents of a setting command group included in the content display means are displayed on a screen in the storage unit. The print control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
A list display means for displaying a list of a plurality of sets of files containing the special print data saved in the storage unit, and
A selection receiving means for accepting the selection of any print data by the user in the list display, and
Further prepare
The setting means is a print control device that sets a default value of print settings according to the description contents of the setting command group included in the print data whose selection is accepted by the selection receiving means. The print control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
The print data input comprises the print image data, and, if including the setting commands, the printing apparatus, the print image data included in the print data input to the print data input to Print according to the print settings corresponding to the included setting commands.
The print data input comprises the print image data, and, if not contain the configuration commands, to the printing apparatus, inputted the print data to the contained the print image data is the setting unit A print control device for printing according to the default value of the print setting set by. A multifunction device including the print control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A printing apparatus comprising the print control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A print data analysis step for determining whether or not the input print data is special print data that does not include print image data and includes setting commands.
A setting step for setting the default value of the print setting according to the description contents of the setting command group included in the special print data, and a setting step.
If the input print data is special print data, a save process step for saving the special print data in the save unit and a save process step.
Have,
A plurality of sets of the special print data are stored in the storage unit by the print data analysis step and the storage processing step.
In the setting step, the default value of the print setting is set according to the description contents of the setting command group included in the special print data selected by the user among the plurality of sets of the special print data stored in the storage unit. set to the print control method comprising Rukoto. The print control method according to claim 8.
The user identification information is acquired from any of the IC card used at the time of login, the information processing device that is the source of the print data and has transmitted the login ID, and the recording medium that holds the user identification information. Have more steps
Print control each step, by executing in association with the user identification information to the print data, the default value of the print setting, characterized in that it is set in association with the user identification information Method. The print control method according to claim 8 or 9.
It further has a content display step of displaying the content of the setting command group included in the special print data on the screen.
The save processing step is a print control method characterized in that the special print data in which the contents of the setting command group included in the contents display step are displayed on the screen is saved in the save unit. The print control method according to any one of claims 8 to 10.
A list display step for displaying a list of a plurality of sets of files containing the special print data saved in the storage unit, and
A selection acceptance step that accepts the selection of any print data by the user in the list display, and
With more
In the setting step, a print control method is characterized in that a default value of a print setting is set according to the description contents of the setting command group included in the print data whose selection is accepted by the selection acceptance step. The print control method according to any one of claims 8 to 11.
The print data input comprises the print image data, and, if including the setting commands, to the printing apparatus, included in the print data input to the print image data included in the print data input Print according to the print settings corresponding to the above setting command group.
The print data input comprises the print image data, and, if not contain the configuration commands, to the printer, by the setting step the print image data included in the print data input A print control method characterized in that printing is performed according to the default value of the set print setting. A print control program comprising operating a computer as the print control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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