JP7106932B2 - program and system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to programs and systems.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-200000 discloses a technique of transmitting preparation information (instruction information) defining instructions for image formation preparation processing prior to generating print data. According to this technique, it is possible to shorten the time until image formation is started.

Further, conventionally, there is a technology in which a server apparatus connected to an image forming apparatus via a network manages the number of prints made by the image forming apparatus (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-200022).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-102832 JP 2017-47590 A

By the way, in the above-described technology in which the server device manages the number of printed sheets, it is conceivable that the server device monitors the image forming data received by the image forming apparatus in order to count the number of printed sheets. In this case, when the image forming apparatus receives the instruction information, the server apparatus may erroneously recognize the instruction information as image forming data.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present application has been proposed in view of the above problem, and an object of the present application is to provide a technology that enables a server device to appropriately count the number of printed sheets.

This specification describes a first interface, which is a logical interface for communicating data different from print data, and a first interface, which is a logical interface for communicating print data, with an image forming apparatus. A program readable by a computer of an information processing device provided with a physical communication interface including 2 interfaces, wherein the information processing device receives a print instruction from the operating system of the information processing device to print an image. a preparation information generation process for generating preparation information for instructing a print preparation operation, which is a preparation operation before the forming apparatus executes an image forming operation; and a print data generation process for generating print data to be transmitted to the image forming apparatus via the second interface according to the print instruction. A featured program is disclosed.

In addition, the present specification includes a third interface, which is a logical interface for communicating data different from print data, and a fourth interface, which is a logical interface for communicating print data. an image forming unit for executing an image forming operation; and a control unit. An image forming operation for executing a print preparation operation in response to reception via the third interface, and forming an image based on the print data in response to reception of the print data via the fourth interface. Disclosed is an image forming apparatus characterized by causing an image forming unit to execute

The present specification also relates to a system including an information processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus, wherein the information processing apparatus includes a first interface, which is a logical interface for communicating data different from print data, and print data. a physical information processing device side communication interface including a second interface that is a logical interface for performing communication of the image forming device; a physical image forming apparatus side communication interface including a third interface that is a logical interface for performing print data communication and a fourth interface that is a logical interface for performing print data communication; The controller includes an image forming unit and a control unit, and the control unit included in the information processing apparatus performs an image forming operation before the image forming apparatus executes an image forming operation in response to receiving a print instruction from the operating system of the information processing apparatus. a preparation information generation process for generating preparation information for instructing a print preparation operation, which is a preparation operation; A control unit included in the image forming apparatus executes a transmission process and a print data generation process for generating print data to be transmitted to the image forming apparatus via the second interface in accordance with the print instruction, and prepares the preparation information. , image formation for executing a print preparation operation in response to reception via the third interface, and forming an image based on the print data in response to reception of the print data via the fourth interface. Disclosed is a system characterized by causing an image forming station to perform an action.

According to the technology of the present application, it is possible to provide a technology that enables a server device to appropriately count the number of printed sheets.

1 is an example of a printer system according to a first embodiment; 1 is an example of a printer system according to a first embodiment; 1 is a block diagram showing configurations of a PC and a multifunction peripheral; FIG. It is a figure explaining the communication form via a network. It is a figure explaining the communication form via USB. 8 is a flowchart of preceding command transmission processing according to the first embodiment; FIG. 11 is a flowchart of preceding command transmission processing according to the second embodiment; FIG. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram relating to transmission of a preceding command and a print job;

(First embodiment)
An outline of a printer system 1 exemplified as an embodiment according to the present application will be described with reference to FIGS.
In the printer system 1A shown in FIG. 1, an information management server 70, a PC 10, and a multi-function device 50 are connected via a network 40. FIG. The PC 10 generates a print job and transmits the print job to the MFP 50 via the information management server 70 . In other words, the print job sent from the PC 10 is received by the multifunction device 50 via the information management server 70 . The multi-function device 50 has a print function of forming an image on a sheet, a scanner function of reading a document and generating scan data, and the like. The multi-function device 50 executes print processing for forming an image on a sheet according to a print job sent from the PC 10 . In the following description, forming an image on a sheet may be referred to as printing. The information management server 70 monitors print jobs received from the PC 10 and manages the number of printed sheets to be printed by the MFP 50 . For example, there is a service that allows the user to use the MFP 50 for a predetermined period of time by charging a usage fee according to the number of printed sheets during the predetermined period of time. In order to implement such a service, the information management server 70 plays a role of counting the number of printed sheets in the multifunction device 50 based on the received print job. A printer system 1B shown in FIG. In this case, an information management program 90 having functions equivalent to those of the information management server 70 operates on the PC 10 to monitor print jobs transmitted from the PC 10 via the USB cable 41 . Note that the information management program 90 may be configured to operate on the multifunction device 50 , and in such a case, print jobs received by the multifunction device 50 via the USB cable 41 are monitored. Further, in such a configuration in which the information management program 90 operates on either the PC 10 or the multifunction device 50, the communication between the PC 10 and the multifunction device 50 is communication via the network 40 instead of communication via the USB cable 41. can be Note that the network 40 is specifically a LAN.

Next, configurations of the PC 10 and the multi-function device 50 will be described with reference to FIG.
The PC 10 includes a CPU 12, memory 14, display I/F 15, LCD 16, input I/F 18, network I/F 20, USB I/F 21, and the like. These components can communicate with each other via bus 22 .

The CPU 12 executes processing according to an application program 26, a printer driver 28, and an operating system (hereinafter abbreviated as "OS") 32 in the memory 14. FIG. The application program 26 is, for example, a document creation program, and the created data can be printed by the multifunction device 50 .

The printer driver 28 is a device driver for the MFP 50 and creates a print job suitable for the MFP 50 . The OS 32 is a program that provides basic functions used by the application program 26 and printer driver 28 . In the following description, the CPU 12 that executes the application program 26 and the like may be simply referred to as the program name. For example, the statement "the application program 26" may mean "the CPU 12 executing the application program 26".

Setting information 29 is stored in the memory 14 . The setting information 29 is created when the printer driver 28 is installed in the PC 10, for example. The setting information 29 includes print port information and the like. The print port information includes identification information for specifying the MFP 50, information on the form of connection with the MFP 50, information on the protocol used for communication, and the like.

Memory 14 includes a data storage area 34 . The data storage area 34 is an area for storing data necessary for executing the application program 26 and the like. The memory 14 also stores a program (not shown) for causing the PC 10 to function as an SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) manager, and the PC 10 functions as an SNMP manager. The memory 14 is configured by combining a RAM, a ROM, a flash memory, an HDD, a buffer provided in the CPU 12, and the like.

Memory 14 may be a computer-readable storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium is a non-transitory medium. In addition to the above examples, non-transitory media include recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs. A non-transitory medium is also a tangible medium. On the other hand, an electrical signal that carries a program downloaded from a server on the Internet is a computer-readable signal medium, which is a kind of computer-readable medium, but is a non-transitory computer-readable storage. Not included in media. The same applies to the memory 58 of the MFP 50, which will be described later.

The LCD 16 displays various information of the PC 10 . LCD 16 is connected to bus 22 via display I/F 15 . The LCD 16 acquires display data via the display I/F 15 . The input I/F 18 includes a keyboard, mouse, etc., and is an interface for inputting user operations. The input I/F 18 is not limited to a keyboard or the like, and may be a film-like touch sensor superimposed on the display screen of the LCD 16 .

The network I/F 20 has, for example, a LAN receptacle (not shown) and a wireless LAN transmission/reception unit (not shown), and performs communication using the TCP/IP protocol via a network 40 such as a wired LAN and a wireless LAN. It's a physical interface. The USB I/F 21 is a physical interface that has a USB receptacle and performs communication according to USB standards such as USB 2.0.

The MFP 50 includes a network I/F 51, a CPU 52, a display I/F 53, an LCD 54, an input I/F 55, a USB I/F 57, a memory 58, a printing section 63, a scanner section 64, and the like. These components can communicate with each other via bus 56 .

The CPU 52 executes processing according to the printer program 59 in the memory 58 . The printer program 59 is a program that controls the MFP 50 in an integrated manner. The memory 58 also stores a program (not shown) for causing the multi-function device 50 to function as an SNMP agent, and the multi-function device 50 functions as an SNMP agent. The memory 58 also stores an EWS (Embedded Web Server) program (not shown) for functioning as a Web server, and the multi-function device 50 functions as a Web server. The memory 58 is configured by combining a RAM, a ROM, and the like. The memory 58 also includes a data storage area 60 . The data storage area 60 is an area for storing data necessary for executing the printer program 59 .

The data storage area 60 also stores an MIB (Management information base) 61 . The MIB 61 has management information for managing settings or states of the MFP 50 . Specifically, the management information includes, for example, whether or not the setting to shift to a power-saving sleep state when print processing is not performed while the power is on is enabled. This is information such as whether or not print processing is being executed. Information set using the EWS function is stored in the MIB 61 . Specifically, the administrator activates a browser on a PC connected to the network 40 and inputs the IP address of the multifunction device 50 . The multi-function device 50 provides a setting screen for receiving settings. Information held in the MIB 61 is changed based on the setting values input to the setting screen by the administrator.

The network I/F 51 has, for example, a LAN receptacle (not shown) and a wireless LAN transmission/reception unit (not shown), and performs communication using the TCP/IP protocol via a network 40 such as a wired LAN and a wireless LAN. It's a physical interface. The USB I/F 57 is a physical interface that has a USB receptacle and performs communication according to USB standards such as USB 2.0.

The printing unit 63 has a head (not shown), a plurality of nozzles, a cap, and the like. A nozzle is attached to the head, and an image is formed on the sheet by ejecting ink supplied from an ink cartridge (not shown) from the nozzle toward the sheet. The cap covers the nozzle, and the nozzle is covered with the cap when the MFP 50 is in the standby state. This suppresses unnecessary drying of the ink. In the print standby state, the cap is moved to expose the nozzles of the head. The scanner unit 64 has an image sensor, for example, and reads an image printed on a document to generate scan data.

The LCD 54 displays various information of the MFP 50 . LCD 54 is connected to bus 56 via display I/F 53 . LCD54 acquires display data via display I/F53. The input I/F 55 is an interface for inputting user operations.

The PC 10 and the multi-function device 50 can communicate with each other through the network 40 . Also, the PC 10 and the MFP 50 can communicate with each other through the USB cable 41 .

Next, communication performed between the PC 10 and the multi-function device 50 via the network 40 will be described with reference to FIG. The PC 10 has Port9100I/F71A, LPRI/F72A, IPPI/F73A, and SNMPI/F74A as logical interfaces. On the other hand, the multi-function device 50 has Port9100I/F71B, LPRI/F72B, IPPI/F73B, and SNMPI/F74B as logical interfaces. Port9100I/F71A, 71B, LPRI/F72A, 72B, IPPI/F73A, 73B, and SNMPI/F74A, 74B, via network I/F 20 and network I/F 51, respectively, Port9100 protocol, LPR protocol, IPP protocol, It is a logical interface that communicates according to the SMNP protocol. Port9100 I/F 71A, 71B, LPRI/F 72A, 72B, and IPPI/F 73A, 73B are interfaces through which print jobs are transmitted and received. The SNMP I/Fs 74A and 74B are interfaces for exchanging requests for information in the MIB 61 and responses thereto, and for exchanging requests to change the information in the MIB 61 and responses thereto. Data transmission/reception between the printer driver 28 and Port9100I/F 71A, LPRI/F 72A, and IPPI/F 73A is performed by the OS 32 based on a request from the printer driver 28 . On the other hand, data transmission/reception between the printer driver 28 and the SNMP I/F 74A is performed by the printer driver 28 itself. The information management server 70 receives print jobs transmitted via Port 9100 I/F 71A, LPRI/F 72A, and IPPI/F 73A, and counts the number of printed sheets based on the print jobs. On the other hand, data transmission/reception via SNMPI/F 74A, 74B is directly exchanged between PC 10 and MFP 50 without going through information management server 70, so preceding commands transmitted/received via SNMPI/F 74A, 74B are The management server 70 does not erroneously recognize a print job.

Next, communication performed between the PC 10 and the multi-function device 50 via the USB cable 41 will be described with reference to FIG. The multifunction device 50 is configured to be recognized by the PC 10 as a multifunction device. Functions of the multi-function device 50 include a print function, a scanner function, a remote setup function, and the like. The PC 10 includes, as logical interfaces, a printer I/F 81A, a scanner I/F 82A, and a remote setup I/F 83A for transmitting and receiving data when executing each of the print function, scanner function, and remote setup function. . The multi-function device 50 includes, as logical interfaces, a printer I/F 81B, a scanner I/F 82B, and a remote setup I/F 83B for transmitting and receiving data when executing each of the print function, scanner function, and remote setup function. ing. The printer I/Fs 81A, 81B, the scanner I/Fs 82A, 82B, and the remote setup I/Fs 83A, 83B are logical interfaces that perform communication according to the USB protocol via the USB I/F 21 and the USB I/F 57, respectively. Note that the remote setup function is a function of receiving various settings not by an operation by the input I/F 55 of the multifunction device 50 but by an operation by the PC 10 . Data transmission/reception between the printer driver 28 and the printer I/F 81A is performed by the OS 32 based on a request from the printer driver 28. FIG. On the other hand, the printer driver 28 itself performs transmission and reception of data between the printer driver 28 and the scanner I/F 82A and the remote setup I/F 83A. The information management program 90 counts the number of printed sheets based on the print job transmitted via the printer I/F 81A or the print job received via the printer I/F 81B. On the other hand, data transmission and reception via the scanner I/Fs 82A, 82B and the remote setup I/Fs 83A, 83B are not monitored by the information management program 90. The preceding command sent and received via the information management program 90 will not be erroneously recognized as a print job.

A print job is typically data for causing the multi-function device 50 to execute a desired print process, and is data conforming to a predetermined format. The print job includes various data and instructions, such as print data indicating an image to be printed by the multifunction device 50 and an ejection instruction for instructing the printing unit 63 to eject ink.

The PC 10 transmits a preceding command to the MFP 50 prior to transmitting the print job to the MFP 50 . The preceding command instructs the MFP 50 to execute a preparatory operation for print processing. The preparation operation specifically includes an uncapping operation of moving a cap that covers the nozzles of the printing unit 63 to expose the nozzles. By transmitting the preceding command, the time from the transmission of the print job to the printing of the first sheet can be shortened. Next, the preceding command transmission processing will be described.

It should be noted that the following processing and each processing step in the flow chart basically indicate processing of the CPU 12 according to instructions described in a program such as the printer driver 28 . In other words, processing such as “judgment” and “decision” in the following description represents processing of the CPU 12 . In the printer driver 28, functions called by the OS 32 are defined, and the processing steps are executed by the OS 32 calling the defined functions. Exchanges between the application program 26 and the printer driver 28 are also performed via the OS 32 . Here, processing contents including the OS 32 will be described.
FIG. 8 shows the processing contents of the OS 32 and the printer driver 28 as a sequence diagram. Upon receiving a print instruction from the application program 26, the OS 32 calls the function DrvDocumentEvent with DOCUMENTEVENT_STARTDOC as an argument (M1). In response to the message M1, the printer driver 28 executes preceding command transmission processing (S100) and returns Return to the OS 32 (M2). The preceding command transmission processing S100 will be described later. The OS 32 calls the function DrvStartDoc( ) in response to the message M2 (M3). In response to the message M3, the printer driver 28 generates print data and passes the generated print data to the OS (S200). Specifically, the printer driver 28 rasterizes content data received from the application program 26 via the OS 32 to generate print data. The printer driver 28 also stores the generated print data in the print queue area associated with the print port specified by the print port information of the setting information 29 in the data storage area 34 . The print data stored in the print queue area is sequentially transmitted as a print job by the OS 32 to the MFP 50, and the MFP 50 executes print processing. The printer driver 28 then returns Return to the OS 32 (M4).

Next, the preceding command transmission processing S100 will be described using FIG. When the preceding command transmission process is started, the printer driver 28 first refers to the setting information 29 and the print instruction and determines whether or not to transmit only the preceding command (S1). Specifically, it is determined whether to transmit only the preceding command without adding the timeout time and interval time, or to transmit the preceding command to which the timeout time and interval time are added. Incidentally, when a preceding command to which the timeout time and the interval time are not added is transmitted, the preparatory operation is executed with the setting values preset in the multi-function device 50 .

Here, the time-out time is the time from when the preparation operation is completed and when the MFP 50 shifts from the standby state to the print standby state until it returns to the standby state. More specifically, after executing the preparatory operation, the MFP 50 executes a return operation for returning to the standby state when the timeout period elapses without receiving a print job and without executing print processing. Specifically, the return operation is a cap operation of moving the cap of the printing unit 63 to a position covering the nozzles. By setting the timeout period, it is possible to prevent the print standby state from being maintained when the preceding command is received but the print job is not received due to, for example, a communication failure. Also, the interval time is the time from the reception of the preceding command to the start of the preparatory operation. The multi-function device 50 waits for the interval time to elapse after receiving the preceding command, and then executes the preparatory operation.

The timeout period is preferably set according to the connection form. Here, it is assumed that the timeout period preset in the MFP 50 assumes wired LAN connection and USB connection. For example, the communication speed of wireless LAN communication is slower than that of wired LAN communication and USB communication, and the communication speed varies depending on the communication environment. Therefore, by setting a long timeout time, it is possible to prevent the recursion from being performed even when the time from the reception of the preceding command to the reception of the print job becomes long. Here, when the connection form is a wireless LAN connection, a timeout period is added. Information on the connection form can be acquired by referring to the print port information of the setting information 29 .

Further, for example, if it is assumed in advance that it will take a long time to create a print job, by setting the interval time, it is possible to prevent the print standby time from becoming unnecessarily long. Here, it is assumed that the interval time preset in the MFP 50 is zero. For example, in the print instruction output from the application program 26, when the content data passed from the application program 26 consists of a plurality of pages, the last page is set to take a long time to create a print job. This is when the setting is made to print from Here, if it is assumed in advance that it will take time to create a print job, an interval time is added.

In step S1, the printer driver 28 determines NO if at least one of the interval time and the timeout time is added, and determines YES if neither the interval time nor the timeout time is added.

If NO is determined in step S1 (S1: NO), the printer driver 28 determines timeout time and interval time. For example, the printer driver 28 accepts input of each value from the user through the GUI, determines the accepted values as the timeout time and the interval time (S3), and proceeds to step S5. On the other hand, if it is determined YES in step S1 (S1: YES), the printer driver 28 skips step S3 and proceeds to step S5.

Next, the printer driver 28 determines, based on the setting information 29, which of the network 40 and the USB cable 41 is the connection format with the MFP 50 (S5). When determining that the connection format is USB (S5: USB), the preceding command is transmitted via the scanner I/F 82A or the remote setup I/F 83A, which are interfaces other than the printer I/F 81A (S7). As a result, since the preceding command is not transmitted via the printer I/F 81A, misidentification by the information management program 90 that the preceding command is a print job is suppressed.

In step S7, if NO is determined in step S1, the preceding command to which timeout time and interval time are added is transmitted, and if YES is determined in step S1, only the preceding command is transmitted. will be The same applies to step S9 to be described later.

In step S7, specifically, "EXECUTE PRNREADY" is transmitted as the preceding command. As an interval time command, a command with a number in ms units added after “SET PRNREADYDERAY=” is transmitted. As a timeout time command, a command with a number in milliseconds added after "SET UNCAPTIMEOUT=" is transmitted. The preceding command with the timeout time and interval time added means that these commands are sent at the same timing. The MFP 50 executes the preparatory operation upon receiving the preceding command transmitted in step S7. Also, if the preceding command has a timeout time and an interval time added thereto, the preparatory operation is executed according to the information specified in the timeout time and the interval time.

On the other hand, if it determines that the connection format is the network 40 (S5: network), it transmits a preceding command to the SNMP I/F 74A (S9). As a result, the send command is not sent to the Port 9100 I/F 71A, LPRI/F 72A, and IPPI/F 73A, and the information management server 70 or the information management program 90 erroneously recognizes that the preceding command is a print job. is suppressed.

When the printer driver 28 transmits the preceding command to the SNMP I/F 74A, for example, an OID predetermined as an object ID (hereinafter referred to as an OID) in the MIB 61 in which information on the presence or absence of the preparatory operation is stored. is specified, and an instruction to write the information of the specified OID is transmitted. For the timeout time and the interval time as well, a predetermined OID is designated as the OID in which each piece of information is stored, and an instruction to write the information of the designated OID is transmitted. Here, an OID storing information on the presence or absence of a preparatory motion is referred to as a preparatory motion OID, and OIDs storing information on a timeout time and an interval time are referred to as a timeout OID and an interval OID, respectively. For example, if the information of the preparation operation OID is, for example, "1", it means that the preparation operation is executed, and if it is, for example, "0", it means that the preparation is not executed. done in advance. In such a case, in step S9, an instruction to write "1" to the preparatory operation OID is transmitted. Also, a command to write the values determined in step S3 for the timeout OID and the interval OID is transmitted. The write commands for the preparation OID, the timeout OID, and the interval OID may each be transmitted at the same timing. For example, a single write command may be transmitted. The structure transmitted by one write command is, for example, when both the timeout time and the interval time are 500, the write command of consecutive values "1, 500, 500" is transmitted by designating each OID. It is a configuration that

When receiving the preceding command transmitted in step S9, the multi-function device 50 writes the transmitted information in the preparatory operation OID. Also, if the preceding command has a time-out time and an interval time added, the transmitted information is written in the time-out OID and the interval OID according to the preceding command. If the transmitted information means execution of preparatory operation, preparatory operation is executed according to the information written in timeout OID and interval OID.

After executing steps S7 and S9, the printer driver 28 terminates the preceding command transmission process.

Here, the printer system 1 is an example of a system, the multifunction machine 50 is an example of an image forming apparatus, and the PC 10 is an example of an information processing apparatus. The network I/F 20 and USB I/F 21 are examples of a communication interface and an information processing device side communication interface. Scanner I/F 82A, remote setup I/F 83A, and SNMP I/F 74A are examples of first interfaces, and printer I/F 81A, Port 9100 I/F 71A, LPRI/F 72A, and IPPI/F 73A are examples of second interfaces. is. Also, the network I/F 51 and the USB I/F 57 are examples of the image forming apparatus side communication interface. Scanner I/F 82B, remote setup I/F 83B, and SNMP I/F 74B are examples of a third interface, and printer I/F 81B, Port 9100 I/F 71B, LPRI/F 72B, and IPPI/F 73B are examples of a fourth interface. is.
The operation performed by the print process is an example of the image forming operation, and the preparation operation is an example of the print preparation operation. Steps S7 and S9 are examples of preparation information generation processing and first transmission processing. Step S11 is an example of print data generation processing.
A preceding command to which no timeout time and interval time are added and a preceding command to which a timeout time and interval time are added are examples of preparation information. A print job is an example of print data.
Also, the interval time is an example of the first time, and the timeout time is an example of the second time. The MIB 61 is an example of management information, the SNMP protocol is an example of a defined protocol, and the memory 58 is an example of a storage unit. The preceding command is an example of preparation information, and the preceding command transmitted in step S9 is an example of instruction information. The preparatory operation OID is an example of a prescribed address, and information indicating execution of a preparatory operation written in the preparatory operation OID is an example of predetermined information.
Also, the printing unit 63 is an example of an image forming unit, and the CPU 52 is an example of a control unit.

According to the first embodiment described above, the following effects are obtained.
When transmitting the preceding command via the USB cable 41, the printer driver 28 transmits the preceding command to the scanner I/F 82A or the remote setup I/F 83A in step S7. When the printer driver 28 transmits the preceding command via the network 40, the preceding command is transmitted to the SNMP I/F 74A in step S9. As described above, the preceding command is transmitted to an interface different from the interface through which the print job is transmitted, so that the information management server 70 or the information management program 90 is prevented from counting the number of printed sheets by mistake. can be done.

Further, the printer driver 28 determines the interval time and timeout time in step S3, and transmits the interval time and timeout time together in steps S7 and S9. Thereby, it is possible to execute the preparatory operation according to the interval time and the timeout time. By setting the interval time, the print standby state is prevented from becoming unnecessarily long. By setting the timeout period, it is possible to prevent the print standby state from returning to the standby state.

The printer driver 28 also transmits a preceding command according to the SNMP protocol in step S9. As a result, the MFP 50 can be caused to perform the preparatory operation by the preceding command according to the SNMP protocol.

Also, the printer driver 28 transmits the preceding command via an interface other than the printer I/F 81A in step S7. As a result, the MFP 50 can be caused to perform the preparatory operation by the preceding command transmitted via an interface other than the printer I/F 81A.

Further, the MFP 50 executes a preparatory operation when receiving a preceding command, and executes a printing process when receiving a print job. Accordingly, it is possible to perform an operation according to the preceding command and the print job. Since the preceding command is transmitted to an interface different from the interface through which the print job is transmitted, it is possible to prevent the information management server 70 or the information management program 90 from counting the number of printed sheets incorrectly.

(Second embodiment)
Next, preceding command transmission processing according to the second embodiment will be described. Note that processing steps similar to those of the preceding command transmission processing S100 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

When the printer driver 28 starts the preceding command transmission process, it executes step S1. If NO is determined in step S1, the printer driver 28 refers to the setting information 29 and the print instruction, and determines the timeout time and the interval time based on the table in which the timeout time and the interval time are set in advance (S21). . Specifically, the table has timeout values for wired LAN or USB and timeout values for wireless LAN. Determine the timeout period according to the connection format. Also, the interval time is set based on the print setting information included in the print instruction. The table has interval time values for print setting information, and these values are used as interval times. Incidentally, the table is stored in the memory 14 in advance.

After executing step S21, and when determining YES in step S1, the printer driver 28 executes steps S5 to S9 and determines whether or not the preceding command has been successfully transmitted (S23). When the printer program 59 of the MFP 50 receives the preceding command and writes successfully, it responds to the PC 10 with a message indicating the success. On the other hand, if the writing fails, it responds to the PC 10 with a message indicating the failure. If it is determined that the transmission has succeeded (S23: YES), the preceding command transmission processing is terminated after executing S11. On the other hand, if it is determined that the transmission has failed (S23: NO), it is determined whether or not there is a print job in the print queue area corresponding to the multifunction device 50 (S25).

The printer driver 28 creates print data to be printed by the multi-function device 50 in response to receiving another print instruction before the preceding command transmission process being executed, and a print job including this print data is generated. If the print job has not yet been sent to the MFP 50, there is a print job in the print queue area. If it is determined that there is a print job (S25: YES), the printer driver 28 ends the preceding command transmission process because the MFP 50 is waiting to receive the print job and there is no need to transmit the preceding command. .

On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no print job (S25: YES), the printer driver 28 determines whether the secure print function is enabled based on print setting information included in the print instruction (S27). Here, secure printing means that authentication information such as a PIN (Personal Identification Number), which is preset by the user via the input I/F 55 of the multifunction device 50 after the multifunction device 50 receives a print job, is authenticated. It is a function that performs print processing when input. Here, information as to whether or not the secure printing function is enabled is included in the print setting information. When the secure print function is enabled, even if a print job is received, the MFP 50 does not execute print processing until authentication information is received. In this way, since the time until the print process is started is unknown, if it is determined that the secure print function is enabled (S27: YES), the preceding command transmission process is terminated after executing S11.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the secure print function is not enabled (S27: NO), the MFP 50 is likely to be in a standby state, so it transmits a print job containing the preceding command (S29). Specifically, the printer driver 28 generates a print job containing the preceding command, and stores the generated print job in a print queue associated with a print port defined by the print port information of the setting information 29 in the data storage area 34 . store in the area. The print data stored in the print queue area is sequentially transmitted to the multifunction device 50 as a print job by the OS 32 . When the MFP 50 determines that the received print job includes a preceding command, the MFP 50 performs a preparatory operation. When the connection form is the network 40, the OS 32 transmits the print job via any one of Port9100I/F 71A, LPRI/F 72A, and IPPI/F 73A. When the connection form is the USB cable 41, the OS 32 transmits the print job via the printer I/F 81A. Thus, even if transmission of the preceding command fails in steps S7 and S9, the preparatory operation can be executed. Note that the preceding command transmission process according to the second embodiment is preferably executed when the printer system 1 does not include the information management server 70 or the information management program 90 .

Here, step S23 is an example of determination processing, and step S29 is an example of generation processing. A print job containing a preceding command is an example of preparation information, and a print job is an example of print data.

In step S21, the printer driver 28 determines the interval time based on the setting information included in the print instruction, and determines the timeout time based on the communication mode. This allows the printer driver 28 to determine the interval time and the timeout time based on the setting information and communication mode included in the print instruction.

If the printer driver 28 determines NO in step S23, it transmits a print job containing the preceding command to the multi-function device 50 in step S29. As a result, even if transmission of the preceding command in steps S7 and S9 fails, the multi-function device 50 can be made to perform the preparatory operation.

It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and that various improvements and modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention.
For example, in the above description, in step S3, the input of the interval time by the user is received, and the received value is determined as the interval time, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the time required from receiving a print instruction for setting information to sending a print job in a predetermined period may be measured and stored as a history, and the interval time may be determined by predicting using the history. Also good.

Also, in the above description, it is explained that the timeout period is determined according to the communication mode in step S3, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to measure the communication speed and make a decision based on the measured communication speed. In this case, for example, the communication speed may be measured by measuring the time it takes for a message to be transmitted to the multi-function device 50 and until the response message is received.

Moreover, although step S23 is executed after execution of steps S7 and S9 in the above description, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, after execution of steps S7 and S9, it may be determined whether or not step S29 should be executed. Specifically, whether or not to execute step S29 may be set in advance by the user.

Also, although the printer systems 1A and 1B have been exemplified as systems, the configuration is not limited. For example, a configuration including a plurality of PCs and MFPs may be used. In addition, although the first interface is exemplified above, the protocol is not limited to these. Also, the content of the preceding command in step S9 is not limited to the above, and may be any content conforming to the SNMP protocol.

Moreover, although the multi-function device 50 is illustrated above as an example of the image forming apparatus, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a printer having only a printing function may be used. Also, the printing method is not limited to the inkjet method, and may be an electrophotographic method. In the case of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, preparatory operations include, for example, an operation for charging toner in advance and an operation for heating a heater for increasing the temperature of a fixing device. Alternatively, a thermal transfer method or a thermal method may be used. In this case, an operation for increasing the temperature of a built-in heating element such as a heater is the preparatory operation.

1, 1A, 1B Printer system 10 PC
12 CPUs
14 memory 28 printer driver 50 compound machine 51 network I/F
52 CPUs
57 USB I/F
61 MIBs
63 printing unit 70 information management server 71A, 71B Port 9100 I/F,
72A, 72B LPRI/F
73A, 73B IPPI/F
74A, 74B SNMP I/F
81A, 81B Printer I/F
82A, 82B Scanner I/F
83A, 83B Remote setup I/F

Claims (10)

It includes a first interface, which is a logical interface for communicating data different from print data, and a second interface, which is a logical interface for communicating print data, with the image forming apparatus. A computer readable program for an information processing device with a physical communication interface,
In the information processing device,
A preparation information generation process for generating preparation information for instructing a print preparation operation, which is a preparation operation before the image forming apparatus executes an image forming operation, in response to receiving a print instruction from an operating system of the information processing apparatus. When,
a first transmission process of transmitting the preparation information generated in the preparation information generation process to the image forming apparatus via the first interface;
a print data generation process for generating print data to be transmitted to the image forming apparatus via the second interface according to the print instruction;height,
The preparation information generation process includes:
Determining a second time indicating the time from when the image forming apparatus completes the print preparation operation to when it returns to a standby state before execution of the print preparation operation;
The first transmission process includes
transmitting the determined second time included in the preparation information; A program characterized by In the information processing device,
a determination process of determining whether or not the preparation information transmitted by the first transmission process has been successfully received by the image forming apparatus;
and a generating process for generating the preparation information to be transmitted to the image forming apparatus via the second interface when it is determined that the determination process has not succeeded. Item 1. The program according to item 1. It includes a first interface, which is a logical interface for communicating data different from print data, and a second interface, which is a logical interface for communicating print data, with the image forming apparatus. A computer readable program for an information processing device with a physical communication interface,
In the information processing device,
A preparation information generation process for generating preparation information for instructing a print preparation operation, which is a preparation operation before the image forming apparatus executes an image forming operation, in response to receiving a print instruction from an operating system of the information processing apparatus. When,
a first transmission process of transmitting the preparation information generated in the preparation information generation process to the image forming apparatus via the first interface;
a print data generation process for generating print data to be transmitted to the image forming apparatus via the second interface according to the print instruction;
In the information processing device,
a determination process of determining whether or not the preparation information transmitted by the first transmission process has been successfully received by the image forming apparatus;
and a generation process for generating the preparation information to be transmitted to the image forming apparatus via the second interface when the determination process determines that the determination process has not succeeded. . The preparation information generation process includes:
determining a first time that indicates the time from when the image forming apparatus receives the preparation information to when the print preparation operation is started;
The first transmission process includes
4. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the determined first time is included in the preparation information and transmitted. The preparation information generation process includes:
5. The program according to claim 4 , wherein said first time is determined based on setting information included in said print instruction. The preparation information generation process includes:
2. The program according to claim 1 , wherein said second time is determined based on the communication mode of said communication interface. The image forming apparatus is
a storage unit for storing management information for managing settings or states of the image forming apparatus;
the preparation information is a write command to an address where management information relating to the print preparation operation is stored;
The first transmission process transmits the preparation information using a prescribed protocol,
The image forming apparatus is
7. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein when the preparation information is received, information based on the preparation information is written to the address and the preparation operation is executed. the image forming apparatus is recognized by the information processing apparatus as a composite device having at least a print function and a function different from the print function;
the communication interface is USB;
the first interface is an interface for transmitting data used for a function different from the printing function;
8. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said second interface is an interface for transmitting data used for said print function. A system comprising an information processing device and an image forming device,
The information processing device is
Physical information processing device side communication including a first interface that is a logical interface for communicating data different from print data and a second interface that is a logical interface for communicating print data an interface;
a control unit;
The image forming apparatus is
Physical image forming apparatus side communication including a third interface, which is a logical interface for communicating data different from print data, and a fourth interface, which is a logical interface for communicating print data an interface;
an image forming unit that performs an image forming operation;
a control unit;
The control unit included in the information processing device includes:
Preparation information generation for generating preparation information for instructing a print preparation operation, which is a preparation operation before the image forming apparatus executes the image forming operation, in response to receiving a print instruction from an operating system of the information processing apparatus. processing;
a first transmission process of transmitting the preparation information generated in the preparation information generation process to the image forming apparatus via the first interface;
a print data generation process for generating print data to be transmitted to the image forming apparatus via the second interface in accordance with the print instruction;
The preparation information generation process includes:
Determining a second time indicating the time from when the image forming apparatus completes the print preparation operation to when the image forming apparatus returns to a standby state before execution of the print preparation operation;
The first transmission process includes
including the determined second time in the preparation information and transmitting it;
The control unit included in the image forming apparatus includes:
executing the print preparation operation in response to receiving the preparation information via the third interface;
A system according to claim 1, wherein, in response to receiving the print data via the fourth interface, the image forming section executes the image forming operation of forming an image based on the print data. A system comprising an information processing device and an image forming device,
The information processing device is
Physical information processing device side communication including a first interface that is a logical interface for communicating data different from print data and a second interface that is a logical interface for communicating print data an interface;
a control unit;
The image forming apparatus is
Physical image forming apparatus side communication including a third interface, which is a logical interface for communicating data different from print data, and a fourth interface, which is a logical interface for communicating print data an interface;
an image forming unit that performs an image forming operation;
a control unit;
The control unit included in the information processing device includes:
Preparation information generation for generating preparation information for instructing a print preparation operation, which is a preparation operation before the image forming apparatus executes the image forming operation, in response to receiving a print instruction from an operating system of the information processing apparatus. processing;
a first transmission process of transmitting the preparation information generated in the preparation information generation process to the image forming apparatus via the first interface;
a print data generation process for generating print data to be transmitted to the image forming apparatus via the second interface according to the print instruction;
a determination process of determining whether or not the preparation information transmitted by the first transmission process has been successfully received by the image forming apparatus;
a generation process for generating the preparation information to be transmitted to the image forming apparatus via the second interface when the determination process determines that the determination process has not succeeded;
and run
The control unit included in the image forming apparatus includes:
executing the print preparation operation in response to receiving the preparation information via the third interface;
A system according to claim 1, wherein, in response to receiving the print data via the fourth interface, the image forming section executes the image forming operation of forming an image based on the print data.

Images