JPH11139668A - Printing control device, printing control method of printing control device and memory medium storing program computer can read - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To smoothly carry out staple treatment flexibly in correspondence with thickness of a recording medium designated while freely changing a staple allowable range. SOLUTION: An NVRAM secured in an RAM 19 memorizes the maximum staple possible number different for each of a plural number of recording mediums different in thickness free to supply, and a printer CPU 12 decides the maximum staple possible number read out from the aforementioned NVRAM to be the maximum staple number value in accordance with recording medium information input from a host computer 3000, etc. Thereafter, the printer CPU 12 controls change of the staple number value in accordance with a result of comparing the maximum staple number value and a staple number value to be designated with each other.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a print control apparatus having a paper discharge function of performing a stapling process on a discharged recording medium, a print control method of the print control apparatus, and a storage medium storing a computer-readable program. It is about.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a printing apparatus connected to a host computer via an interface (for example, a Centronics interface), various setting items of the printing apparatus are input from an operation panel provided in the printing apparatus. Alternatively, the setting can be made by issuing a command from the host computer.

In a printing apparatus having a plurality of paper feeding devices and paper discharging devices, information on the paper feeding devices and the paper discharging devices is held in the printing device. The setting can be made by inputting from an operation panel or by issuing a command from the host computer.

For example, in the case of a laser beam printer, designation of a printing resolution, a data size, a cassette to be used for paper feeding, and a tray to which paper is output is connected to an operation panel or a printer provided in the printer. The user can make detailed settings using a printer driver and a utility from the specified host computer.

Further, when the sheet discharging device has a stapling function, it is possible to set whether or not to perform stapling, at which position to perform stapling, how many staples to perform, and the like.

[0006]

However, in a conventional printing apparatus having a stapling function, regardless of the thickness and hardness of the paper set in a paper feeding device of the printing apparatus, the number of sheets to be determined by the printing apparatus is not increased. Because stapling is possible, if thin and soft paper is set, stapling cannot be performed even if stapling is actually possible with more than the specified maximum number of sheets. There was a problem that it was impossible to maximize the functions.

[0007] Further, when the set paper is thick and hard, even if the number of printed sheets does not exceed the maximum number of staplable sheets, the paper may become too thick or hard to be stapled. Therefore, errors such as staple jams occur frequently when trying to staple,
There is a problem in that the user has to remove the needle that has caused the jam and has to perform complicated repairs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to change a staple limit sheet number unique to a recording medium even if the designated thickness of the recording medium fluctuates. By setting, the print control device, the print control method of the print control device, and the computer readable program capable of smoothly performing the stapling process flexibly corresponding to the specified recording medium thickness while freely changing the staple allowable range. It is an object of the present invention to provide a storage medium having stored therein.

[0009]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print control apparatus which can be connected to a paper discharging apparatus for stapling a recording medium to be discharged, wherein the paper feeding apparatus has different thicknesses. Storage means for storing the maximum number of staples for each of a plurality of recording media; determining means for determining the maximum stapleable number read from the storage means to a maximum staple number value based on input recording medium information; and Control means for changing and setting the maximum number of staple sheets set based on the determination result of the means for the sheet discharging device.

In a second aspect of the present invention, the storage means stores, in a non-volatile storage medium, the maximum number of staples that can be fed for each of a plurality of recording media having different thicknesses that can be fed.

A third invention is a print control method for a print control device having a storage unit for storing the maximum stapleable sheet number for each of a plurality of recording media having different thicknesses that can be fed, wherein the print control method is performed via a predetermined communication medium. The maximum number of staples that can be read from the storage unit based on the storage medium information when the storage medium information is received from a data processing device that can communicate with the storage unit, or when the storage medium information is held in the storage unit Is determined as the maximum staple number value.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage medium storing a computer-readable program for controlling a printing apparatus having a storage unit for storing a maximum stapleable sheet number for each of a plurality of recording media having different thicknesses which can be fed. When receiving recording medium information from a data processing device capable of communicating via a predetermined communication medium, or when recording medium information is held in the storage unit, A computer readable program stored in a storage medium, further comprising a determining step of determining a maximum staple number read from the storage unit as a maximum staple number value.

[0013]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a laser beam printer (LBP) is shown. The printer to which the present invention is applied is not limited to a laser beam printer, and it goes without saying that a printer using another printing method such as an ink jet printer may be used.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1000 denotes an LBP, which inputs and stores print information (character codes, etc.), form information, macro instructions, and the like supplied from an externally connected host computer, and responds according to the information. A character pattern, a form pattern, and the like are created, and an image is formed on a recording medium such as recording paper.

Reference numeral 1012 denotes an operation panel on which switches for operation, an LED display, and the like are arranged. 100
A printer control unit 1 controls the entire LBP 1000 and analyzes character information and the like, which are print information supplied from a host computer. The printer control unit 1001 mainly converts character information into a video signal of a character pattern corresponding to the character information and
02 is output. The laser driver 1002 is a circuit for driving the semiconductor laser 1003, and switches on / off a laser beam 1004 emitted from the semiconductor laser 1003 according to an input video signal.

The laser beam 1004 is swung right and left by a rotary polygon mirror 1005 to scan and expose an electrostatic drum 1006. As a result, an electrostatic latent image of a character pattern is formed on the electrostatic drum 1006. This latent image is stored in a developing unit 100 disposed around the electrostatic drum 1006.
After being developed by 7, the image is transferred to recording paper.

A cut sheet is used as the recording paper. The cut sheet recording paper is stored in a paper cassette 1008 mounted on the LBP 1000, and is taken into the apparatus by a paper feed roller 1009, a transport roller 1010, and a transport roller 1011. It is supplied to the electrostatic drum 1006. The LBP main body 1000 is provided with at least one or more card slots (not shown) so that an optional font card and a control card (emulation card) having a different language system can be connected in addition to the built-in fonts.

The present invention is applied to a case where a paper discharge device capable of stapling is connected to such a printing apparatus.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the sheet discharging device will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 2 is an external view illustrating an example of a paper ejection device that is detachable from the printing device shown in FIG. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, reference numeral 4000 denotes a paper discharge device.
Reference numeral 2100 denotes a transport mechanism having an internal structure shown in FIG. Reference numeral 2200 denotes a column supporting each part of the sheet discharging device 4000. 2300 to 2500 are bins, and printer 1
And bins 2300 to 250 for placing the recording paper conveyed from the conveyance mechanism 2100 through the conveyance mechanism 2100.
A drive mechanism (not shown) is configured to be movable up and down along the column 2200 so that the recording paper can be discharged to zero.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view for explaining the internal structure of the transport mechanism 2100 shown in FIG. 2 will be described in accordance with the order in which the recording paper is transported.

Referring to FIG. 2, reference numeral 2101 denotes an entrance sensor which detects a recording sheet carried in from the printer 1000. Reference numeral 2102 denotes a path switching flapper for switching the transport path of the loaded recording paper between the straight path 2103 and the pull-in path 2105.

Reference numeral 2103 denotes a straight path for the printer 1
This is a path for conveying the recording paper when the recording paper carried in from 000 is discharged without being turned over. Reference numeral 2106 denotes a reversing path, which is a path through which the recording paper conveyed from the printer 1000 via the pull-in path 2105 is switched back and conveyed.

Reference numeral 2107 denotes a reversing roller.
A reversible rotatable roller for conveying the recording paper conveyed by the first conveyance roller 2104 to the reversing path 2106 via the reversing path 2106. The recording paper conveyed via the pull-in path 2105 is detected by the reversing sensor 2108. Until the trailing edge is detected, the recording paper is switched back and conveyed to the reversing path 2106. 2109 is the second
The transport roller is a roller that transports the recording paper transported to the reversing path 2106 to the first paper discharge roller 2110.

Hereinafter, the recording paper conveying process will be described. The recording paper switched by the path switching flapper 2102 and transported to the pull-in path 2105 is transported by the first transport roller 2104 and transported to the reversing roller 2107. When the reversing sensor 2108 detects that the rear end of the recording paper has been conveyed to the reversing roller 2107, the reversing roller 2107 starts reverse rotation so as to convey the recording paper to the reversing path 2106, and the second rotation is performed via the second conveying roller 2109. First, the recording paper is conveyed to the second discharge rollers 2110 and 2111.

The recording paper conveyed to the straight path 2103 by the switching flapper 2102 is conveyed to the first and second paper discharge rollers 2110 and 2111 while the front and back sides at the time of being conveyed without being turned over are kept. You. A paddle 2117 vibrates the swing guide 2118 by hitting the swing guide 2118. The recording paper placed on the bins 2300 to 2500 or the staple tray 2112 can be aligned by the vibration.

Reference numeral 2112 denotes a staple tray, which is a tray on which recording paper to be stapled is placed when stapling. Reference numeral 2113 denotes a staple tray paper presence sensor, which is a sensor for detecting whether a recording sheet is placed on the staple tray 2112. Reference numeral 2114 denotes a stapler for stapling the recording paper placed on the staple tray 2112.

In the case of performing stapling processing on recording paper in the paper ejection device configured as shown in the figure, first, the recording paper on which an image has been formed is first placed on a staple tray 2112, and the number of recording papers indicated by the number of sheets is designated. When accumulated, paddle 2
117 strikes and oscillates the swing guide 2118 to align the recording paper, the stapler 2114 performs stapling, and the second discharge roller 2111 drives the bins 2300 to 250
For example, the sheet is discharged to a bin 2400.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are diagrams for explaining a control configuration of a printing system to which a print control device according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied. The data processing device such as a host computer and the printing device (LBP) It consists of a paper discharge device having a staple function. Note that, as long as the functions of the present invention are executed, the present invention is applicable to a single device, a system including a plurality of devices, and a system in which processing is performed via a network such as a LAN. It goes without saying that the invention can be applied.

Referring to FIG. 3, reference numeral 3000 denotes a host computer which executes document processing in which graphics, images, characters, tables (including spreadsheets, etc.) are mixed based on a document processing program or the like stored in a program ROM of the ROM 3. C
The CPU 1 has a PU 1 and controls each device connected to the system bus 4 as a whole.

The program ROM of the ROM 3
Stores a control program of the CPU 1 and the like.
The font ROM stores font data and the like used in the document processing, and the data ROM of the ROM 3 stores various data used in the document processing and the like.

A RAM 2 functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like for the CPU 1. A keyboard controller (KBC) 5 controls a key input from a keyboard (KB) 9 or a pointing device (not shown). 6 is C
The display of the CRT display (CRT) 10 is controlled by an RT controller (CRTC). Reference numeral 7 denotes a memory controller (MC) which controls access to an external memory 11 such as a hard disk (HD) or a floppy disk (FD) for storing a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, edit files, and the like.

8 is a printer controller (PRTC)
A predetermined bidirectional interface (interface)
21 to the LBP 1000 and the LBP 10
The communication control process with the 00 is executed.

The CPU 1 executes a process of developing (rasterizing) an outline font in the display information RAM set on the RAM 2, for example, and executes WY processing on the CRT 10.
SIWYG is possible. Further, the CPU 1
Various registered windows are opened based on a command specified by a mouse cursor or the like (not shown) on T10, and various data processes are executed.

In the LBP 1000, reference numeral 12 denotes a printer CPU, which controls various devices connected to the system bus 15 based on a control program or the like stored in the program ROM of the ROM 13 or a control program or the like described in the external memory 14. And outputs an image signal as output information to a printing unit (printer engine) 17 connected via a printing unit interface 16. The program ROM of the ROM 13 stores a control program of the printer CPU 12 based on a flowchart shown in FIG.

The font ROM of the ROM 13 stores font data and the like used when generating the output information. In the case of a printer having no external memory 14 such as a hard disk in the data ROM of the ROM 13, a host computer is used. The information used on 3000 is stored. The printer CPU 12 can perform communication processing with the host computer 3000 via the input unit 18.
The information and the like in the printer can be notified to the host computer 3000.

Reference numeral 19 denotes a RAM, which functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the printer CPU 12, and is configured so that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an additional port (not shown). In addition,
In the RAM 19, an output information development area and an environment data storage area are secured.
And so on.

The external memory 14 such as a hard disk (HD) or an IC card is provided with a memory controller (M
C) Access is controlled by 20. External memory 14
Is connected as an option and stores font data, emulation programs, form data, and the like.
Reference numeral 23 denotes an operation unit, which includes the operation panel 1012 and the like described above.
An indicator and the like are arranged.

The external memory 14 is not limited to one, and at least one external memory is provided. In addition to the built-in fonts, an optional font card and a plurality of external memories storing programs for interpreting printer control languages of different language systems are provided. It may be configured to be connectable. Further, an NVRAM (not shown) may be provided to store the printer mode setting information from the operation panel 1012.

Reference numeral 4000 denotes a paper discharge device, which is connected to the paper supply / discharge control unit 22 of the LBP 1000 via a bidirectional interface (interface) 31, receives a command relating to paper discharge from the LBP 1000, and is designated by the command. Paper discharge processing.

Reference numeral 32 denotes a paper discharge device CPU, which controls the paper discharge device based on a control program stored in a program ROM of the ROM 34. 33 is a RAM, which is mainly a CPU 3
2 is used as a work area. ROM 34
The data ROM stores various data used for controlling the paper discharging process.

An input unit 38 performs communication processing with the printer 1000. An operation unit 39 includes a switch for operation, an LED display, and the like. Reference numeral 41 denotes an external memory, which is an optional memory for extension.

In the system configured as described above,
The LBP 1000 converts various commands such as resolution and paper size and print data received from the host computer 3000 via the interface 21 into the RA of the LBP 1000.
M19, the command is analyzed by the program stored in the ROM 13, and the print data is developed into a bitmap as instructed by the command.
The data is sent to the printing unit 17 via the / F16 and printing is performed.

Further, when there is a command related to paper discharge such as a paper discharge port designation and a paper discharge direction designation, a request for the command is sent from the paper supply / discharge control unit 22 to the paper discharge device 4000 via the interface 31. The sheet is sent to the unit 38 and stored in the RAM 33 of the sheet discharging device 400 shown in FIG. Here, a program stored in the ROM 34 of the sheet discharging device 4000 performs a sheet discharging operation that matches a command request.

Further, similarly to the case where a command is specified from the host computer 3000, the resolution of the print data and the paper feed port can be set by using the operation unit 23 of the LBP 1000. Here, the value set using the operation unit 23 is the NVRAM (not shown) of the LBP 1000.
If there is no designated command attached to the print data, this value is used.

The host computer 3000 sends LBP1
When a stapling instruction is given to the paper discharge device 4000 via the 000, the host computer 3000 sends other commands and print data together with the staple designation command to the LBP 1000 via the interface 21. The LBP 1000 receives the data at the input unit 18 and converts the received command or data into the LBP 1000.
The analysis is performed based on a flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a view for explaining the maximum staple sheet number determination table constructed in the NVRAM secured in the RAM 19 shown in FIG.

In the figure, A1, A2, B1, and B2 are storage areas for the maximum number of staples for each sheet.
A2 includes “Type1” and “Type2” of “A” company.
The maximum number of staples for paper "25", "23"
Is stored. In addition, areas B1, B
2, the maximum number of staples of “Type 1” and “Type 2” of “B” company are “17” and “15”.
Is stored.

As described above, by storing the maximum number of staples for each sheet of each manufacturer, the host computer 300 refers to the maximum number of staples which differs for each sheet.
By determining whether stapling is possible or impossible for 0 or the number specified by the operation panel 23, stapling can be performed more reliably.

Hereinafter, the characteristic configuration of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

A paper discharge device (paper discharge device 4000) configured to staple a recording medium to be discharged, configured as described above.
A storage device (RAM 19) for storing the maximum number of staples that can be supplied for each of a plurality of recording media having different thicknesses that can be fed, and the storage device based on input recording medium information. Deciding means (printer CPU 12) for deciding the maximum staple number read from the printer to the maximum staple number value, and changing the maximum staple number value set on the basis of the decision result of the deciding means to the sheet discharging device Control means (printer C
PU12), it is possible to change the maximum staple count value to the maximum staple count value suitable for each recording medium fed based on the input recording medium information.

The storage means stores the maximum number of staples which can be fed for each of a plurality of recording media having different thicknesses in a non-volatile storage medium (an NV (not shown) secured in the RAM 19).
Since the information is stored in the RAM, different thickness information of various recording media can be managed with good reproducibility.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a data processing procedure in the print control apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (6) indicate each step.

First, the LBP 1000 receives a command and data via the input unit 18 (1), and
Keep in. Next, it is determined whether or not the paper information has been sent together with the staple command (2). If it is determined that the paper information has not been sent, the RBP 1000
By referring to the NVRAM on the AM 19, it is checked whether or not the selectable paper information of each company is set from the operation unit 23 of the LBP 1000 (3). Proceed to (4).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (3) that the sheet information has not been set, the default value is determined as the maximum number of staples, the value is stored in the RAM 19 (6), and the process is terminated. I do.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (2) that the sheet information has been sent, the maximum staple number in the maximum staple number determination table shown in FIG. Is determined (4), the maximum number of staples for the current job is stored in the RAM 19 (5), and the process is terminated.

According to the above procedure, the user gives paper information to the LBP 1000 by using the printer driver or utility from the operation unit 23 of the printing apparatus or the host computer 3000, and determines the maximum number of staples based on the paper information. This allows the staple function to be used to the maximum.

In the present embodiment, a case has been described where the staple command from the host computer 3000 and the data of the paper information are determined by the LBP 1000. However, even if the determination is made by the LBP 1000, the paper information is set by the host computer 3000. It is needless to say that the same result and the same effect can be obtained even if it is determined whether or not the same is performed and the result is sent to the LBP 1000.

Hereinafter, the characteristic structure of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

A printing control method of a printing control device having a storage unit (RAM 19) configured to store the maximum staplable number of sheets for each of a plurality of recording media having different thicknesses capable of feeding as described above, or A storage medium storing a computer-readable program that controls a printing apparatus having a storage unit that stores a maximum stapleable number of sheets for each of a plurality of recording media having different thicknesses that can be fed, and a predetermined communication medium. When the recording medium information is received from a data processing device (host computer 3000) communicable via the storage medium, or when the recording medium information is held in the storage unit, the storage unit performs the processing based on the storage medium information. A determining step (step (4) in FIG. 7) of determining the maximum staple number to be read to the maximum staple number value. Can be changed to the maximum staple number of sheets value suitable for each recording medium is fed to the maximum staple number value based on the input recording medium information.

Hereinafter, the configuration of a data processing program readable by the print control apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to a memory map shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a view for explaining a memory map of a storage medium for storing various data processing programs which can be read by the print control apparatus according to the present invention.

Although not shown, information for managing a group of programs stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, a creator, etc. are also stored, and information dependent on the OS or the like on the program reading side, for example, a program is stored in the storage medium. An icon or the like for identification display may also be stored.

Further, data dependent on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, a program for installing various programs on a computer or a program for decompressing a program to be installed when the program to be installed is compressed may be stored.

The functions shown in FIG. 7 in this embodiment may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when a group of information including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Things.

As described above, the storage medium storing the program codes of the software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or the apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MP) of the system or the apparatus is supplied.
It goes without saying that the object of the present invention is also achieved when U) reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, C
DR, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, RO
M, EEPROM and the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) And the like perform part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instructions of the program code, The CPU provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

[0072]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the invention, there is provided a print control apparatus which is connectable to a paper ejection device for applying staples to a recording medium to be ejected, and stores a maximum stapleable sheet number for each of a plurality of recording media having different thicknesses which can be fed. Storage means; determining means for determining a maximum stapleable sheet number read from the storage means as a maximum staple number value based on input recording medium information; and a maximum staple set based on a determination result of the determining means. Control means for changing and setting the number of sheets to the sheet discharging device, so that the maximum staple sheet number is changed to the maximum stapleable sheet number suitable for each recording medium fed based on the input recording medium information. can do.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the storage means stores the maximum number of staples which can be fed for each of a plurality of recording media having different thicknesses in the non-volatile storage medium. Information can be managed with good reproducibility.

According to the third and fourth aspects of the present invention, there is provided a print control method for a print control apparatus having a storage unit for storing a maximum stapleable sheet number for each of a plurality of recording media having different thicknesses that can be fed, or A storage medium storing a computer-readable program that controls a printing apparatus having a storage unit that stores a maximum stapleable number of sheets for each of a plurality of recording media having different thicknesses that can be fed, via a predetermined communication medium. The maximum number of staples that can be read from the storage unit based on the storage medium information when the storage medium information is received from a data processing device that can communicate with the storage unit, or when the storage medium information is held in the storage unit Has the determining step of determining the maximum staple number value,
Based on the input recording medium information, the maximum staple number value can be changed to the maximum possible staple number value suitable for each recording medium fed.

Therefore, the maximum stapling number can be changed and controlled so that stapling can be reliably performed up to the stapling number and an error such as a staple jam can be accurately avoided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a printing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an external view illustrating an example of a paper ejection device that is detachable from the printing device illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an internal structure of the transport mechanism shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a control configuration of a printing system to which a print control device according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a control configuration of a printing system to which a print control device according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

6 is a diagram illustrating a maximum staple number determination table constructed in NVRAM secured in the RAM illustrated in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a data processing procedure in the print control apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by the print control device according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1000 LBP 12 printer CPU 13 ROM 18 input unit 19 RAM 22 paper supply / discharge control unit 3000 host computer 1 CPU 2 RAM 3 ROM 4000 paper discharge device

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A print control device connectable to a paper discharge device for stapling a recording medium to be discharged, the storage device storing a maximum stapleable number of sheets for each of a plurality of recording media having different feedable thicknesses. Means, determining means for determining a maximum stapleable sheet number read from the storage means to a maximum staple sheet number value based on input recording medium information, and a maximum staple sheet set based on a determination result of the determining means Control means for changing and setting a numerical value for the paper discharge device. 2. The printing control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit stores the maximum number of staples that can be fed for each of a plurality of recording media having different thicknesses in a nonvolatile storage medium. 3. A print control method for a print control device having a storage unit for storing a maximum stapleable sheet number for each of a plurality of recording media having different thicknesses that can be fed, wherein the print control device can communicate via a predetermined communication medium. When the recording medium information is received from the data processing device, or when the recording medium information is held in the storage unit, the maximum staples that can be read from the storage unit based on the storage medium information is the maximum staple sheets. A print control method for a print control device, comprising a determining step of determining a numerical value. 4. A storage medium storing a computer readable program for controlling a printing apparatus having a storage unit for storing a maximum stapleable sheet number for each of a plurality of recording media having different thicknesses that can be fed, and When recording medium information is received from a data processing device capable of communicating via the communication medium, or when the recording medium information is held in the storage unit, the information is read from the storage unit based on the storage medium information. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program, comprising a determining step of determining the maximum staple number to be stapleable as a maximum staple number value.