JPH11129586A - Printing system, method for printing and print data generator - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To unify a plurality of data files to one print document by staple printing the files. SOLUTION: After a message for inquiring the presence or absence of a staple print is displayed on a screen (S1), whether the staple print is executed or not is decided (S2). In the case of staple printing, a user selects a desired data file from a chart (S3, S4), and designates an order of the respective files (S5). The selected files are coupled (S6), and print data is generated (S7). A printer receives the data, prints it (S9, S10), and decides whether a designation of the staple print is executed or not (S11). If the staple print is designated, respective recording media are connected by a stapler to be gathered to one print document (S12), and which is delivered to a sheet deliver pin (S13).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printing system capable of printing a plurality of data files as one print document,
The present invention relates to a printing method and a print data generation device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A printing system having a staple printing function for joining printed papers with an adhesive or the like after printing on papers to combine them into one document has been conventionally known.
Therefore, an outline of a conventional printing system will be described with reference to FIG.

The staple printer 100 includes a printer controller 101, an engine firmware 102, a paper feed cassette 103, and a stapler 110. The printer controller 101 interprets print data input from a host computer and generates image data for print output and the like. The engine firmware 102 includes, for example, a laser-type print engine or the like, and performs printing by taking out the print recording medium stored in the paper feed cassette 103. The printed print recording medium is conveyed to the stapler 110.

[0004] The stapler 110 has a joining section 111 and a necessary transport system. The joining unit 111 joins a plurality of designated print recording media with, for example, a substantially U-shaped wire, a fitting, an adhesive, or the like. The joined print recording medium is discharged to a discharge bin 112. When the joining of the print recording medium is not instructed from the host computer, the print recording medium is discharged to the output bin 112 by bypassing the joining section 111.

[0005]

In the above-described printing system according to the related art, the specified print recording medium is joined to one document by the stapler 110 and then discharged. Therefore, a printed matter can be obtained in a bound state, and manual work using a stapler or the like can be omitted.

However, in the printing system according to the prior art, whether or not to join is specified for each document.
There is a problem that a plurality of different documents cannot be combined into one print document. Therefore, for example, in the case of a data file in which the cover and the text are different, after printing each data file, the user must manually combine them into one print document, which is inconvenient. In particular, in recent years, various types of document creation software such as drawing software and image data processing software have become widespread, and market demand for creating documents with excellent appeal has been increasing. Therefore, for example, when combining documents of different formats into one document, for example, a cover is created by processing a digital image and a text is created by word processing software, it is possible to use the staple function of the related art. could not.

In addition, since data files of different formats created by different application programs are handled as separate files, it is not possible to print the data files of different formats in plural copies in a predetermined order. There is. Collated printing refers to printing in a predetermined order. In the case of data files of different formats, by transmitting the print data of each data file in consideration of the printing order, 1
It is also possible to print collated copies only. However, when performing multiple collated printing, it is necessary to repeat the print data transmission operation in consideration of the printing order multiple times, or to print the required number of copies for each data file and then sort them manually to sort them. It must be printed, which is very time-consuming and inconvenient.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and has as its object to combine print job data relating to a plurality of data files without increasing the processing load on the printer side. An object of the present invention is to provide a printing system, a printing method, and a print data generation device that can print as one print document. It is another object of the present invention to provide a printing system, a printing method, and a print data generation device that can create a single print document by joining print recording media related to a plurality of data files.

[0009]

To achieve the above object, in a printing system according to the present invention, a plurality of print job data are linked in a predetermined order on a host computer.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a host computer that generates print data, and a printer that performs printing based on the print data received from the host computer. In a print system that can be joined, the host computer generates a print job data based on each of the data files and a specification unit that specifies a plurality of data files, and connects the print job data in a predetermined order. Print data generating means for generating print data, and transmitting means for transmitting the print data to the printer, the printer,
It is characterized in that it comprises a printing means for printing based on print data received from the host computer.

When a plurality of data files to be combined into one document after printing are specified by the specifying means, the print data generating means generates print data by concatenating print job data relating to each data file in a predetermined order. . Here, the “predetermined order” is the order of documents that are combined into one. The term “link” is a concept that includes not only a case where each print job data is continuously linked as one data but also a case where each print job data is logically linked. The print data combined on the host computer is transmitted to the printer via the transmission unit. As a result, the printer prints the data files of different formats in a predetermined order, and the collated printing is realized. And if the printer is provided with the stapling means as in claim 5, each printed recording medium is
The documents are joined by stapling means and are combined into one document. As described above, since the print job data is linked on the host computer, it is not necessary for the printer to hold and link each print job data. Therefore,
The processing load on the printer side can be reduced, and the combined document can be printed using an ordinary printer.

[0012] As in the invention according to claim 2, the host computer may further include a registration unit for registering the data files specified by the specification unit as group information associated with each other.

The registering means registers the group information in association with the data file specified by the specifying means.
The group information is a grouping of information (consolidation information) of each data file (original document) to be combined as one document. Specifically, for example, the file name and storage location of the combined data file And information such as a print range (page number to be combined) can be registered as a staple print group. By registering as group information, the user can call up the group information created in the past and reprint the combined document. For example, there may be a case where a merged document created in the past must be re-submitted, or a case where only some documents in the merged document are corrected and submitted. In this case, even if a printed document of the combined document remains at the user's hand, it takes time to investigate which file is to be combined. Therefore, the user can easily reprint the combined document by designating a desired print group from group information registered in the past.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, when the group information is registered by the registration unit, the print data generation unit activates an application program corresponding to each of the data files to execute print job data generation. Can be generated, and print data can be generated by concatenating the print job data in a predetermined order.

That is, when the print group is registered,
By activating an application program associated with each data file, print job data is generated, and these print job data can be linked as one print data.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, when the print data generation unit is instructed to print each of the data files associated with the group information,
By activating an application program corresponding to each data file to generate print job data, it is also possible to generate print data obtained by concatenating the print job data in a predetermined order.

That is, print data may not be generated when the group information is registered, but may be generated when print is actually instructed.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in a printing method for printing a specified data file as a single print document, a step of specifying a plurality of data files;
Registering each of the specified data files as group information in association with each other; activating an application program corresponding to each of the data files associated with the group information to generate print job data; Generating a single print data by concatenating the print job data in a predetermined order; transmitting the print data; receiving the print data; and Driving a printing unit based on the print job to perform printing on a print recording medium.

According to the present invention, a plurality of print job data are combined into a single print data on the host computer and transmitted to the printer in the same manner as the invention according to the second aspect. It is not necessary to provide a connection function, and the combined document can be printed using an ordinary printer. Further, since the information of the file to be combined is registered as group information, the combined document can be easily reprinted by specifying the already registered group information.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in a print data generating apparatus for generating print data to be transmitted to a printer, a specifying means for specifying a plurality of data files;
Print data generating means for generating print job data based on each of the data files and generating print data obtained by connecting the print job data in a predetermined order; and transmitting the print data to the printer. And transmitting means for transmitting the data.

Thus, similarly to the first aspect, a plurality of data files can be printed as a single print document without increasing the processing load on the printer.

[0022] The invention according to claim 8 may further comprise a registration means for registering the data files specified by the specification means as group information associated with each other.

Thus, the same operation as that of the second aspect can be obtained.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, when the group information is registered by the registering means, the print data generating means activates an application program corresponding to each of the data files to execute print job data. Can be generated, and print data can be generated by connecting the print job data in a predetermined order.

Thus, the same function as the third aspect of the invention can be obtained.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, when the printing of the data files associated with the group information is instructed, the print data generating means executes an application program corresponding to the data files. It is also possible to generate print job data by activating the print job data and to generate print data obtained by connecting the print job data in a predetermined order.

[0027] Thus, the same operation as that of the fourth aspect can be obtained.

An invention according to claim 11 is a program recording medium on which a computer program for generating print data is recorded, wherein a designation function for designating a plurality of data files, and each of said data files designated by said designation means are provided. A registration function for registering the print job data of each of the data files associated with the group information, and a print data obtained by connecting the print job data in a predetermined order. A program for causing a computer to realize a print data generation function to generate and a transmission function to transmit the print data is recorded in a form readable and understandable by the computer.

As the "recording medium", for example, various recording media such as a floppy disk, a CD-ROM, a hard disk, and a memory can be used. It also includes a communication medium such as downloading a program via a communication line. By causing the computer to read the program recorded on the recording medium, a designation function, a registration function, a print data generation function, and the like are realized on the computer.

[0030]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

1. First Embodiment FIGS. 1 to 3 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an entire printing system according to the present embodiment.

1-1 Configuration on Host Computer Side For example, a host computer 1 such as a personal computer or a workstation has an application program 2 and a printer driver 3 mounted thereon. The host computer 1 has a data memory (not shown),
It has various memories such as an image memory and a processor for performing arithmetic processing, and these computer resources are suitably used by the printer driver 3. The application program 2 is software for creating print contents, and includes, for example, document creation software, figure creation software, spreadsheet software, and the like.

The application program 2 generates, for example, a source code by calling various functions and procedures provided in the printer driver 3. Printer driver 3
Rasterizer 4 develops the source code into raster data by referring to the font data 5. The print data generating unit 6 generates print data obtained by connecting a plurality of print job data items to be stapled, as described later. This print data is sent to an interface
The data is transmitted to the printer 11 through an “I / F” 7.

1-2 Configuration on Printer Side For example, the printer 11 configured as a page printer that performs printing in units of one page includes a printer controller 1
2, an engine firmware 13, and a stapler 20.

The printer controller 12 generates an image data for printing by interpreting the I / F 14 connected to the I / F 7, an input buffer 15 for storing the input print data, and the stored print data. Interpretation unit 16,
And an output buffer 17 for storing image data. In addition, the interpreting unit 16, as described later,
It is determined whether or not stapling has been specified. If the stapling has been specified, an instruction is given to the stapler 20 to join the print recording media to be stapled.

Engine firmware 1 as "printing means"
3 is the engine controller 18 and the print engine 1
9 is provided. The engine controller 18 controls the driving of the print engine 19 based on the interpretation result of the interpretation unit 16. The print engine 19 can be configured as, for example, a laser engine including a photosensitive drum, a charging unit, a laser writing unit, a developing unit, a transfer unit, and the like. As the print engine 19, various engines such as an ink jet type and a thermal transfer type can be employed.

Stapler 2 as "stapling means"
Numeral 0 indicates that the printed print recording media are combined into one print document by the joining unit 20A and then discharged. The joining section 20A joins the print recording media by various fixing means such as a wire, an inverted U-shaped fitting, and an adhesive.

1-3. Configuration of Print Data Next, the configuration of print data will be described with reference to FIG. The print data 21 includes a staple start data area 21A indicating a staple start and a job start data area 21B indicating a start of print job data.
And print job data areas 21C to 21E in which print job data are respectively stored, a job end data area 21F indicating the end of the print job data, and a staple end data area 21G indicating a staple range. . That is, the print job data existing from the staple start to the staple end is to be stapled.

For example, when performing staple printing of three data files, print job data 22 to 24 are generated for each data file as shown in FIG. These three print job data 22 to 24 are continuously connected in a predetermined order, and are wrapped with staple start and staple end information (flag), thereby generating apparently single print data 21 in the staple print processing. doing.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, when printing is instructed from the application program 2 to the printer driver 3, in step (hereinafter abbreviated as "S") 1, a message for inquiring whether or not to perform staple printing is displayed on the screen. . For example, on the screen, a message "Do you want to execute staple printing?", A positive input button such as "OK", and a negative input button such as "Cancel" are displayed. When performing staple printing, the user operates a positive input button.

Next, based on the button operation of the user,
It is determined whether to perform staple printing (S2). When performing staple printing, a list of data files is displayed on the screen (S3). In addition to the local data file stored in the local storage device of the host computer 1, a data file stored in another storage device connected via a network can be displayed.

The user confirms the data file list display and selects a plurality of data files for which staple printing is desired (S4). Next, the order of these selected data files is specified (S5). For example, when three data files, a cover data file, a body data file, and an attachment data file, are stapled and combined into one document, the cover data file is the first data file.
The rank and the text data file have the second rank, and the attached data file has the third rank.

When the order of the selected data files is specified, the data files are combined (S6), and FIG.
Is generated (S7). In addition,
If staple printing is not performed, “NO” in S2
Is determined, the steps S3 to S6 are skipped. As described above, the print data to which the print job data to be stapled is linked is transmitted to the printer 11 via the I / F 7 (S8). Therefore, S1
Steps S8 to S8 are executed on the host computer 1, and steps S9 to S13 described later are executed on the printer 11 side.

The print data transmitted from the host computer 1 is received via the I / F 14 (S9) and stored in the input buffer 15. The interpretation unit 16 interprets the print data to generate image data for print output, and stores the image data in the output buffer 17. The engine firmware 13 performs printing on a print recording medium based on the image data (S10). After printing, it is determined whether or not staple printing is designated (S1).
1). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, it is possible to determine whether or not staple printing is designated based on the presence of a staple start included in the print data.
Further, it is possible to determine that each print job data held between the staple start and the staple end is the data in the staple range. It is determined whether or not staple printing is specified after printing is completed.
However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration may be employed in which staple print designation is first determined, and then printing (when there is no staple print designation) or printing and joining (when there is staple print designation).

When staple printing is designated, each printed recording medium is sent to the stapler 20. In the stapler 20, each print recording medium is connected to the joining section 20.
The document is joined by A (S12), collected into one document, and then discharged to a discharge bin (S13). If staple printing is not specified, the result of S11 is "NO", and the joining process in S12 is skipped.

According to the present embodiment configured as described above, staple printing can be performed by designating a plurality of data files. Therefore, for example, one printed matter can be obtained from a plurality of data files created in different formats.

In particular, since a single piece of print data is generated on the host computer 1, the printer 11 does not need to have a storage device for holding each print job data or a function of linking each print job data. . Therefore,
A plurality of data files can be printed as a single print document without increasing the load on the printer 11, and the combined document can be printed using an ordinary printer.

As shown in FIG. 2, the staple start data area 21A and the job start data area 21A
B, since the print data is composed of the print job data areas 21C to 21E, the job end data area 21F, and the staple end data area 21G, a plurality of print job data is treated as a single print job data in staple printing. be able to. Therefore, printer 1
On the one side, special functions and means for stapling a plurality of print job data are not required, so that the usability can be improved without incurring a large increase in cost.

Further, since print data can be generated by linking data files of different formats, a plurality of prints in which data files of different formats are arranged in a predetermined order can be easily obtained.

2. Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following embodiments, the same components as those already described are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. The feature of this embodiment resides in that information of data files to be combined is grouped and registered.

2-1 Configuration The host computer 31 according to the present embodiment includes a print registration unit 32, a storage unit 33, and a print instruction unit 34 in addition to the application program 2, the printer driver 3, and the like.

The print registration unit 32 as “registering means”
The print group information is generated by associating each data file designated for staple printing, and the print group information is stored in the storage unit 33. That is, the print registration unit 32 groups and registers printing-related information such as the name of the data file to be combined and the page number to be combined. The storage unit 33 that can be expressed as “group information storage unit” stores print group information registered in the past. By calling up the print group information registered from the storage unit 33, a predetermined portion of a predetermined data file can be designated and staple printing can be performed.

The print instructing section 34 instructs printing of a combined document registered as print group information. More specifically, the print instructing section 34 activates an application program associated with each data file, instructs printing, and generates print job data of a designated portion.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the print registration screen.

As shown in FIG. 5A, an icon G1 for performing print registration is displayed on the display screen of the host computer 31. When the user designates the print registration icon G1 with an input device such as a mouse, a comprehensive print registration menu is displayed as shown in FIG. This comprehensive menu can include a newly created menu G2 for newly registering print group information and a call menu G3 for calling already registered print group information. In the call menu G3, a print group name such as “development meeting” and a group creation date and time can be displayed. Each print group information includes all file names belonging to the print group and a combined range (print range).

On the other hand, the newly created menu G2 is shown in FIG.
As shown in (C), a file designation area G4 for designating a file to be combined and printed, a size designation area G5 for designating a paper size of the designated file, and a paper feeding method are designated. And a print condition designation area G7 for designating print conditions.

In the file designation area G4, a desired file can be designated from a local storage device of the host computer 1 or a storage device on the network, and a print range of the file can be designated.
For example, as shown in FIG. 5C, the document X is designated to print the first to tenth pages. Further, printing is performed in the order displayed on the screen so that the user can intuitively understand the printing order. The printing order can be easily changed by selecting the file designation area G4 and changing the location. For example, as shown by a two-dot chain line arrow, by selecting the document Y to be the cover and moving it over the document X,
The document is printed in the order of document Y → document X → document Z. In the printing condition designation area G7, for example, various printing conditions such as the number of copies, the presence or absence of staple printing, and the presence or absence of double-sided printing can be designated. In other words, the print condition designation area G7 is for designating the print conditions (common print conditions) of the entire combined document combined as a single print data.
4 to G6 are printing conditions for each file (individual printing conditions)
Is to be specified.

When the user operates the registration button G8, print group information is generated and registered. At the time of registration, a print group name, remarks, and the like can be set. Then, when the user operates the print button G9, print job data of each file belonging to this print group is generated, linked as single print data, and transmitted to the printer 11.

2-2 Operation Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. First, it is determined whether or not new registration of print group information is to be performed (S21). If new registration is not to be performed, desired print group information is designated from print group information registered in the storage unit 34. (S22).

Next, a file to be combined is selected (S2
3) Individual printing conditions such as a printing range and a paper feeding method are set (S24). If there is a change in the printing order, the order of the designated files is rearranged (S25). Then, the number of copies is set (S26), and options such as staple printing are set (S27). Next, it is determined whether or not to register the print group information (S28). When the print group information is to be registered, the set print group information is stored in the storage unit 33 (S29). Next, it is determined whether the registration of the print group information has been completed (S30). The user can set the print group information any number of times until the print registration menu is ended.

On the other hand, if "NO" is determined in S28, it is determined whether printing is instructed (S31).
If printing has not been instructed, the process returns to S1. Note that at least the processing of S23 to S27 does not need to be performed in the order of FIG. For example, the user can specify the number of copies or optional printing first and then select a file, or can rearrange the files last.

If the user wants to print, S31
Is determined as "YES", and the process proceeds to the printing process shown in FIG. First, the application program corresponding to the specified file is started to instruct printing (S
32), print job data for each file is generated (S33). Next, each print job data is linked to generate a single print data (S34), and the print data is transmitted to the printer 11 (S35).

The printer 11 includes a host computer 31
When the print data transmitted from is received (S36), the print data is interpreted and printed (S37). next,
It is determined whether staple printing has been instructed (S3).
8) If staple printing has been instructed, the printed print media are joined by the joining unit 20A (S39) and discharged (S40). If staple printing has not been instructed, step S39 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S40.

In the present embodiment configured as described above,
As in the first embodiment, since a single print data is generated on the host computer 31 side, files of different formats can be printed as one print document without increasing the load on the printer 11 side. it can.

In addition, in this embodiment, in order to generate print group information by associating information of each file to be combined into one print document, a document which is the same as or similar to a document submitted in the past is reprinted. In this case, the registered print group information may be simply called, or a predetermined change (for example, a correction of a sentence and a numerical value or a change of a print range) may be made to the called print group information. Therefore, the user does not need to check the file names and the like constituting the documents submitted in the past, and the usability is improved.

Further, since the print group information and the single print data obtained by linking each print job data are separated, a certain user creates only the print group information and designates the print group information. Another user can create the contents of the file. This allows
One print document can be created by collaborative work.

Further, the print group information is configured to include information of a file to be combined as one print document and print conditions, and is not stored as print data. Therefore, the OLE (Object Linking and Embeddin) is not included.
g) Unlike the case of embedding or associating each file using the technique, there is no need to perform document synthesis, and the consumption of memory resources of the host computer 31 can be reduced.

3. Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The feature of the present embodiment is that when print group information is registered, each print job data is generated and connected to create a single print data.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show a printing process according to the present embodiment. When the user desires to register print group information (S28: YES), the print group information is registered in the storage unit 33 (S29). Then, the print data generation process is started. That is, each application program is activated to instruct printing (S51), print job data of each designated file is generated (S52), and each print job data is combined to generate a single print data. Then, the print data is stored (S53). When the user desires printing (S31: YES), the print data stored in S53 is read and transmitted to the printer 11 (S35).

In this embodiment configured as described above,
The same effects as those of the first and second embodiments can be obtained.

4. Fourth Embodiment Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The feature of the present embodiment is that printing is performed from the previously completed data file, and joining is performed after printing of all data files is completed.

4-1 Configuration The printer driver 41 according to the present embodiment
Similarly to the printer driver 3 described in the first embodiment, a rasterizer 4 and a print data generation unit 42 are provided.
Here, the print data generation unit 42 differs from the first embodiment in that print data is generated for each print job data, as described later.

The printer controller 43 according to the present embodiment includes an I / F 14, an input buffer 15, an interpreter 44, and an output buffer 17. However, the interpreting unit 44 differs from the first embodiment in that the interpreting unit 44 detects the order of staple printing of each print data transmitted from the host computer 1 and instructs the stapler 45.

The stapler 45 according to this embodiment includes a storage unit 46, a rearrangement unit 47, and a joining unit 48. The storage unit 46 separates and stores each print recording medium printed by the engine firmware 13 for each data file. For example, the storage unit 46 has a plurality of storage trays, and each storage tray stores a printed print recording medium for each data file.

The reordering unit 47 reorders the print recording media stored in the storage unit 46 based on the designated order. Each print recording medium rearranged in a predetermined order is sent to the joining section 48 to be combined into one document.

FIG. 11 shows the configuration of print data according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, print data is generated for each data file, that is, for each print job data, and the print data are logically linked. The print data 51 includes a staple designation data area 51A for setting staple print designation,
An order data area 51B for setting the order in staple printing, a job start data area 51C indicating the start of print job data, a print job data area 51D storing print job data, and indicating the end of print job data. It is configured to include a job end data area 51E and a range data area 51F indicating a range of staple printing.

When a flag is set in the staple designation data area 51A, it indicates that the print data is to be stapled. The order data area 51B includes the order N1 to N of print data in staple printing.
n is stored. Each print data is linked by this order. In the range data area 51F, a range of print data to be stapled is set. For example, in the range data area 51F, either a flag indicating the presence of the subsequent print data relating to the stapling target or a flag indicating the end of the staple range is exclusively set.

4-2 Operation Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, when the application program 2 instructs the printer driver 41 to print a data file, a message for confirming whether or not to perform staple printing is displayed on the screen (S6).
1). Next, it is determined whether to perform staple printing (S
62) When performing staple printing, the order of the data file in staple printing is input (S6).
3). For example, when three files, a cover data file, a text data file, and an attached data file, are stapled and printed, if the text data file is completed first, the text data file is assigned a second rank. Next, print data as shown in FIG. 11 is generated (S64), and the print data is transmitted to the printer 11 (S65). If staple printing is not to be performed, “NO” is determined in S62, and S63 is skipped. The processes in S61 to S65 are executed on the host computer 1 side, and the processes in S66 to S73 described later are executed on the printer 11 side.

When print data from the host computer 1 is received by the printer 11 via the I / F 14 (S6).
6) The print data is printed by the engine firmware 13 (S67). Next, based on the print data,
It is determined whether staple printing has been designated (S68). Specifically, the staple designation data area 5
By detecting the contents of the flag set to 1A, it is possible to determine whether or not staple printing is specified in the print data.

When staple printing is specified,
It is determined whether or not all the print recording media related to the stapling have been printed (S69). If all the printing has not been completed, it is not possible to perform the joining yet.
The print recording medium printed in step 7 is stored in the storage unit 46, and the process ends (S70).

As described above, the processes of S61 to S70 are repeated for each data file to be stapled. As a result of finishing printing the last data file, if all print recording media necessary for staple printing are stored in the storage unit 46, “YES” is determined in S69. Then, the reordering unit 47 takes out the print recording media stored in the storage unit 46 according to a predetermined order, rearranges them in order, and conveys them to the joining unit 48 (S71). Note that, for example, the first storage tray stores the first-rank print recording medium, and the second storage tray stores the second-rank print recording medium. When the storage trays and the order of the print data are stored in association with each other, it is only necessary to take out the print recording media sequentially from the storage tray.

Lastly, the joining section 48 joins the print recording media and combines them into one document print (S72), and discharges them from the discharge bin (S73).

In the present embodiment configured as described above,
The same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained. In addition to this, in the present embodiment, printing is performed for each data file, and since all the print recording media are assembled and then joined, printing is performed from the previously completed data file and temporarily stored. The printing efficiency of staple printing can be improved. For example, when stapling and printing a data file having a long print time such as image data and a data file having a short print time such as text data, a data file which takes a long time to print is created and printed first. During this printing time, the other data file can be created on the host computer. Therefore, so-called pipeline processing can be performed, and printing efficiency is improved.

Also, since print data is generated for each data file and each print data is logically linked by the rank data, even if transmission of some print data fails due to a communication failure or the like, the print data is generated. Only the print data needs to be retransmitted, which improves the reliability of staple printing. Also, compared to the case of transmitting a single long print data, the transmission 1
The communication line occupation time per time can be reduced, and network resources can be used effectively.

5. Fifth Embodiment Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. A feature of the present embodiment is that print data relating to a data file completed beforehand is transmitted, and staple printing is performed after all print data are collected.

5-1 Configuration The printer controller 61 according to the present embodiment
F14, the input buffer 15, the data storage unit 62,
It is provided with an interpretation unit 63 and an output buffer 17. The data storage unit 62 serving as a “storage unit” temporarily stores print data relating to staple printing among print data received from the host computer 1. As shown in FIG. 11, the interpretation unit 63 determines whether or not staple printing has been designated based on the contents of the flag in the staple designation data area 51A in the received print data, and the staple print designation has been made. In this case, the received print data is stored in the data storage unit 62. Although FIG. 13 illustrates an example in which the print data of the input buffer 15 is stored in the data storage unit 62, the present invention is not limited to this. 62 may be stored. Then, when all print data relating to staple printing is received, printing is performed by the engine firmware 13, and the printed print recording media are joined by the stapler 20.

5-2 Operation Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The same processes as those shown in FIG. 12 are denoted by the same step numbers, description thereof will be omitted, and characteristic processes on the printer side will be described.

When the printer 11 receives the print data generated for each data file (S81), the interpreter 6
No. 3 determines whether or not staple printing is designated (S82), and if staple printing is designated,
The print data is stored in the data storage unit 62 (S8
3).

Next, it is determined whether or not all the print data relating to the stapling object has been saved (S84). Until all the print data necessary for staple printing is received and stored, “NO” is determined in S84, and the process ends. In this way, the processing of S61 to S84 is repeated for all print data related to staple printing.

When all the print data necessary for staple printing is stored in the data storage unit 62,
No. 4 is determined to be "YES", and printing is performed by the engine firmware 13 (S85). Here, each print data is linked in order based on the rank data, and transmitted to the engine firmware 13.

Each print recording medium printed by the engine firmware 13 is sent to the stapler 20 and joined (S86), and is discharged to a discharge bin (S87). In addition,
If staple printing has not been specified, the process proceeds to S8.
2 is determined to be “NO” and printing is performed immediately (S8).
8).

In this embodiment configured as described above,
A plurality of data files can be staple-printed, improving usability. Further, since the print data of the previously completed data file among the data files can be transmitted, a single print data obtained by continuously connecting all the print job data as in the first embodiment is transmitted. The occupation time of the communication line per transmission can be shortened as compared with the case of performing the transmission. Incidentally, if the configuration is such that each staple specification can be identified, for example, by using the network address of the host computer for all or a part of the staple specification data, a data file created by each host computer distributed on the network can be obtained. May be collected in a specific printer for staple printing.

Further, since the data is stored at the stage of the print data, there is no need to provide a space or a mechanism for storing the print recording medium after printing as in the fourth embodiment, and it is possible to prevent the printer from becoming large and high in cost. And the convenience can be improved.

It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various additions and changes within the scope of the present invention described in each embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG.
The gist of the present invention can be realized by recording a program or the like for realizing the present invention in M and loading the recorded contents into a host computer or a printer.

Further, as shown in FIG. 15, various configurations can be adopted for print data. For example,
As shown in FIG. 15A, a data area for instructing execution of stapling can be provided after the print job data (or before the print job data). “Stapling hold” means that the print recording medium is not discharged from the stapler after printing the print job data, but is retained in the stapler. Then, staple printing is performed by instructing "staple execution" after the last print job data. As yet another modification, FIG.
As shown in (B), the print job data held between the job start and the job end are continuously connected to form a data body, and the data body is held between the staple start and the staple end. Print data may be formed.

Further, the present invention can be expressed, for example, as follows.

Expression 1 In a staple printing system that includes a host computer and a printer and prints a print recording medium according to a specified data file so as to be joined, a specifying unit that specifies a plurality of data files to be stapled, based on each of the data files. Print data generating means for generating print job data respectively, and generating print data by concatenating the respective print job data in a predetermined order; printing means for printing on a print recording medium based on the print data; And a staple printing system.

Expression 2. The staple printing system according to expression 1, further comprising a staple unit that joins each print recording medium related to a staple object printed by the printing unit.

Expression 3. The print data generating unit generates a single print data in which staple request information for requesting stapling and the print job data arranged in the predetermined order are continuously connected. 3. The staple printing system according to expression 2.

Expression 4. The print data generation means indicates, for each of the print job data, staple request information for requesting stapling, the print job data, order information indicating the order of the print job data in the predetermined order, and a staple range. A staple printing system according to expression 2, wherein each of the print data includes range information.

Expression 5 A storage unit for storing each print data relating to the stapling target, and whether or not all the print data relating to the stapling target is stored in the storage unit is determined, and all the print data relating to the stapling target are stored. The staple printing system according to expression 4, further comprising: a determination unit that outputs each of the print data to the printing unit in a case where the print data is generated.

Expression 6. A storage unit for storing each print recording medium related to the stapling target printed by the printing unit, and determines whether all the print recording media related to the stapling target have been stored in the storage unit, The staple printing system according to expression 4, further comprising: a determination unit that outputs each of the print recording media to the stapling unit when all of the print recording media are stored.

Expression 7. The designation unit and the print data generation unit may include an expression 1 provided in the host computer.
-A staple printing system according to any one of Expressions 6 to 6.

Expression 8. 7. The staple printing system according to any one of Expressions 5 and 6, wherein the printing unit, the staple unit, the staple storage unit, and the determination unit are provided on the printer side.

Expression 9. In a staple printer that joins print recording media according to a specified data file,
Receiving means for receiving print data obtained by connecting a plurality of print job data related to a stapling target in a predetermined order,
A printing unit that performs printing on a print recording medium based on the print data, and a staple unit that joins each print recording medium that is a staple target printed by the printing unit;
A storage unit for storing each print data relating to the stapling target, and determining whether all the print data relating to the stapling target is stored in the storage unit, and storing all the print data relating to the stapling target. A staple printing system comprising: a determination unit that outputs each of the print data to the printing unit when the printing is performed.

Expression 10. In a staple printing method for printing a print recording medium related to a specified data file in a joinable manner, a first step of specifying a plurality of data files related to a stapling object and generating print job data based on each of the data files, respectively. And a second step of generating print data by connecting the print job data in a predetermined order, and a third step of performing printing on a print recording medium based on the print data. Method.

Expression 11. The staple printing method according to expression 10, further comprising a fourth step of joining the respective print recording media according to the staple target printed in the third step.

Expression 12. The second step includes a step 10 or a step of generating a single print data in which staple request information for requesting stapling and the print job data arranged in the predetermined order are continuously connected. 12. The staple printing method according to any one of items 11 to 11.

Expression 13. The second step includes, for each of the print job data, staple request information for requesting execution of stapling, order information indicating the order of the print job data and the print job data in the predetermined order, and a range indicating a staple range. 12. The staple printing method according to any one of Expressions 10 and 11, wherein print data including information is generated.

Expression 14. Further comprising a step of storing each print data relating to the stapling target, and a step of determining whether all the print data relating to the stapling target is stored, and wherein all the print data relating to the stapling target are stored 14. The staple printing method according to expression 13, wherein printing in the third step is executed when the staple printing is performed.

Expression 15. On a recording medium recording a computer program for causing a print recording medium relating to a specified data file to be printable in a joinable manner, a designation unit for designating a plurality of data files relating to a stapling target, and printing based on each of the data files A print data generation unit for generating print data by generating job data and linking the print job data in a predetermined order; Recording medium recorded in.

Expression 16. The print data generation unit generates an expression 15 for generating a single print data in which staple request information for requesting stapling and the respective print job data arranged in the predetermined order are continuously connected. The recording medium according to the above.

Expression 17. The print data generation means indicates, for each of the print job data, staple request information for requesting stapling, the print job data, order information indicating the order of the print job data in the predetermined order, and a staple range. 16. The recording medium according to expression 15, wherein each of the print data includes range information.

Expression 18. In a recording medium on which print data relating to a stapling object is recorded, a staple request data area for recording staple request information indicating a staple execution request, a staple range data area for recording range information indicating a staple range, and the staple request data. A print job data area formed between the area and the staple range data area, in which print job data to be stapled are respectively recorded in a predetermined order, and recorded in a form that can be read and understood by the computer. Medium.

In the invention according to Expression 3, a plurality of print job data is apparently treated as print data relating to a single staple by arranging each print job data successively following the staple request information. be able to.

In the invention according to Expression 4, each print data is generated from the staple request information, the print job data, the order information, and the range information, so that the printer prints each print job data based on the order information. And stapling a print recording medium associated with each print job data.

In the invention according to Expression 5, each received print data is stored in the storage unit, and when the determination unit determines that all the print data relating to the stapling object has been received,
Printing and stapling are performed. Thereby, it is possible to accurately staple a print recording medium relating to a plurality of print data.

In the invention according to Expression 6, each of the received print data is printed, and a print recording medium as a result of the printing is stored by the storage unit. Then, when the determination unit determines that all the print recording media related to the stapling are completed, stapling is performed.

In the invention according to Expression 18, data between the staple request data area and the staple range data area is to be stapled. Therefore, staple printing can be performed by reading data in the print job data area recorded in a predetermined order between the data areas.

[0122]

As described above, according to the printing system, the printing method, and the print data generating apparatus of the present invention, print data can be generated by connecting different types of print job data on a host computer. A plurality of types of files can be printed as a single print document without increasing the burden on the user.

Further, since the print group information is registered in association with the information of the data file to be combined and a single print data is generated based on the print group information, it is possible to easily reprint a combined document created in the past. And the usability is improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a printing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of print data.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a printing process.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a printing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a state of registering print group information.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a printing process.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a printing process following FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a printing process of a printing system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a printing process following FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a printing system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of print data formed for each data file.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a printing process.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a printing system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a printing process.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of print data according to a modified example of the present invention. FIG. 15A is a modified example in which a data area indicating whether stapling can be performed is provided for each print job data. FIG. 15B shows another modification in which each print job data in FIG. 2 is sandwiched between a job start and a job end.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory view schematically showing a printing system according to a conventional technique.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 host computer 3 printer driver 6 print data generation unit 11 printer 12 printer controller 13 engine firmware 20 stapler 20A joining unit 31 host computer 32 print registration unit 33 storage unit 34 print instruction unit 41 printer driver 42 print data generation unit 43 printer controller 45 Stapler 46 Storage unit 47 Rearrangement unit 48 Joining unit 61 Printer controller 62 Data storage unit

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A printing system comprising: a host computer for generating print data; and a printer for performing printing based on print data received from the host computer, and capable of joining a print recording medium according to a specified data file. The host computer includes: a designating unit that designates a plurality of data files; and a print job data that is generated based on each of the data files; and a print data that is generated by connecting the print job data in a predetermined order. And a transmission unit that transmits the print data to the printer. The printer includes a print unit that performs printing based on print data received from the host computer. A printing system comprising: 2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the host computer further comprises a registration unit that registers the data files specified by the specification unit as group information associated with each other. 3. The print data generating unit, when the group information is registered by the registering unit, activates an application program corresponding to each of the data files to generate print job data. 3. The printing system according to claim 2, wherein print data is generated by connecting job data in a predetermined order. 4. The print data generation means, when printing of each of the data files associated with the group information is instructed, activates an application program corresponding to each of the data files to generate print job data. 3. The print system according to claim 2, wherein the print system generates the print data by connecting the print job data in a predetermined order. 5. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the printer further includes a stapling unit that joins the print recording media printed by the printing unit. 6. A printing method for printing a specified data file as a single print document, comprising: specifying a plurality of data files; and registering the specified data files as group information in association with each other. Launching an application program corresponding to each of the data files associated with the group information to generate print job data; and linking the generated print job data in a predetermined order to form a single unit. Generating the print data, transmitting the print data, receiving the print data, and driving a printing unit based on the received print data to perform printing on a print recording medium. Performing the steps of: Printing method. 7. A print data generating apparatus for generating print data to be transmitted to a printer, comprising: a designating means for designating a plurality of data files; and generating print job data based on each of the data files. A print data generating apparatus comprising: a print data generating unit configured to generate print data obtained by connecting print job data in a predetermined order; and a transmitting unit configured to transmit the print data to the printer. apparatus. 8. The print data generation apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a registration unit that registers the data files specified by the specification unit as group information associated with each other. 9. The print data generating unit, when the group information is registered by the registering unit, activates an application program corresponding to each of the data files to generate print job data. The print data generation apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the print data generation apparatus generates print data obtained by connecting job data in a predetermined order. 10. The print data generation means, when printing of each of the data files associated by the group information is instructed, activates an application program corresponding to each of the data files to generate print job data. The print data generation apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the print data generation apparatus generates print data by connecting the print job data in a predetermined order. 11. A program recording medium in which a computer program for causing a print recording medium relating to a designated data file to be printable in a joinable manner is recorded, wherein: a designation function for designating a plurality of data files; A registration function of registering each of the data files as group information associated with each other, and generating print job data of each of the data files associated with the group information, and linking the print job data in a predetermined order. A program recording medium in which a program for causing a computer to realize a print data generation function of generating print data and a transmission function of transmitting the print data is recorded in a form readable and understandable by the computer.