JPH11175280A - Printing controller, data processing method therefor and storage medium storing computer readable program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To freely prepare a printing processing environment in which print information transferred to a printer and outputted can be efficiently printed again through simple operation. SOLUTION: A CPU 212 compresses the printed information from an engine part 220 and registers the printed information, to which identification information acquired by analyzing the print information is added to this compressed print information, in a second storage device 213 and based on a printing request to the inputted printed information, the identification information list of the registered printed information is displayed on a control panel 217. Based on the identification information selected by the control panel 217, the compressed print information read out of the secondary storage device 213 is extended and outputted to the engine part 220, and the printed information is printed again.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a print control for controlling a printing process of a printing unit based on print data obtained by analyzing print information received from an information processing apparatus capable of communicating via a predetermined communication medium. The present invention relates to an apparatus and a data processing method of a print control apparatus, and a storage medium storing a computer-readable program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a printing apparatus including a print control apparatus of this kind, a page unit of data is received from a host computer, and a character code or a graphic code transmitted from the host computer is developed into a bit map. Expand image data sent from the host computer, expand external character fonts and logos,
As output information, bitmap information in page units is created, and data processing is controlled so that printout is performed.

[0006] Usually, since the storage capacity of a printing apparatus including a printing apparatus is limited, control is performed so that page information for which printing has been completed is discarded.

[0004]

For this reason, after printing is completed, the same data must be transmitted again from the host computer in order to obtain the same print result, and the same data rendering processing as the data transfer processing is executed. Therefore, there is a problem that it takes a considerable amount of time to obtain a desired print result.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to compress print information that has already been printed, register the print information in a memory resource, and manage the compressed print information. A print control apparatus, a data processing method of the print control apparatus, and a computer capable of freely preparing a print processing environment capable of efficiently performing reprinting of print information transferred and output by a simple operation. It is to provide a storage medium storing a possible program.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print control apparatus capable of communicating with a data processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium. A compression unit for compressing the print information printed from the storage unit, and the already-printed information added with the identification information obtained by analyzing the print information with respect to the compressed print information compressed by the compression unit, in a memory resource Registration means for registering, the addition means for adding time data to the already-printed information when the registration means registers the already-printed information in the memory resource, and the already-printed information registered in the memory resource to be inputted Display means for displaying a list of identification information of already-printed information registered based on a print request to the user, and selection means for selecting identification information to be reprinted from the list of identification information displayed on the display means The one in which on the basis of the identification information selected by the selection means decompresses the compressed print information read from said memory resource and a control means for outputting to the printing unit.

In a second aspect according to the present invention, the adding means updates the time data added to the compressed print information output to the printing section after being decompressed by the control means to the latest time. It is.

In a third aspect according to the present invention, the display means includes an identification information list of the already-printed information registered based on a print request for the already-printed information registered in the memory resource inputted from an operation panel. Is displayed.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print control device capable of communicating with a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the print information received from the data processing device and printed by a printing unit is provided. Compression means for compressing the print information, registration means for registering already-printed information added with identification information obtained by analyzing the print information to the compressed print information compressed by the compression means in a memory resource, Adding means for adding time data to the already-printed information when the registration means registers the already-printed information in the memory resource; and the memory resource input from the data processing device via the predetermined communication medium. Transfer means for transferring a list of identification information of the already-printed information registered based on a print request for the already-printed information registered to the data processing apparatus; In which by expanding the compressed print information read from the memory resources on the basis of said identification information to be re-printed and a control means for outputting to the printing unit.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a determination unit for determining whether the compressed print information newly printed by the printing unit can be registered in the memory resource, and wherein the determination unit determines whether or not the newly printed compressed information is newly printed. If it is determined that the compressed print information cannot be registered, the new print information is sequentially deleted from the first-registered print information based on time data added to the already-printed information registered in the memory resource. And a deletion unit that secures a free area in which the compressed print information can be registered, wherein the registration unit deletes the previously registered print information registered first by the deletion unit, This registers the compressed print information.

A sixth invention according to the present invention is a data processing method of a print control device capable of communicating with a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the data is received from the data processing device and printed by a printing unit. A compression step of compressing the compressed print information, and registering, in a memory resource, already-printed information to which identification information obtained by analyzing the print information with respect to the compressed print information compressed in the compression step is added. A step of adding time data to the already-printed information when the registered step registers the already-printed information in the memory resource; and printing the already-printed information registered in the memory resource to be input. A display step of displaying an identification information list of the already-printed information registered based on the request on a display unit, and a selection step of selecting identification information to be reprinted from the identification information list displayed on the display unit Degree and those with a reprinting step of outputting to the printing unit by expanding the compressed print information read from the memory resources on the basis of the identification information selected by the selecting step.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage medium storing a computer-readable program capable of communicating with a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium, the program being received from the data processing device. A compression step of compressing print information printed from a printing unit; and storing the already-printed information in which identification information obtained by analyzing the print information with respect to the compressed print information compressed in the compression step is added to a memory resource. A registration step of adding time data to the already-printed information when the registration step registers the already-printed information in the memory resource; and A display step of displaying, on a display unit, a list of identification information of already-printed information registered based on a print request for print information, and re-marking from the list of identification information displayed on the display unit And a reprinting step of expanding compressed print information read from the memory resource based on the identification information selected in the selection step and outputting the compressed print information to the printing unit. A readable program is stored in a storage medium.

An eighth invention according to the present invention is a data processing method of a print control device capable of communicating with a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the data is received from the data processing device and printed by a printing unit. A compression step of compressing the compressed print information, and registering, in a memory resource, already-printed information to which identification information obtained by analyzing the print information with respect to the compressed print information compressed in the compression step is added. A step of adding time data to the already-printed information when the already-registered information is registered in the memory resource in the registration step; and an input step of inputting from the data processing device via the predetermined communication medium. A transfer step of transferring a list of identification information of the already-printed information registered based on a print request for the already-printed information registered in the memory resource to the data processing apparatus; The compressed print information read from the memory resources on the basis of said identification information to be re-printed is laid et al acquired extends those having a reprinting step of outputting to the printing unit.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage medium storing a computer-readable program communicable with a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium. A compression step of compressing print information printed from a printing unit; and storing the already-printed information in which identification information obtained by analyzing the print information with respect to the compressed print information compressed in the compression step is added to a memory resource. A registration step of adding the time data to the already-printed information when the registration step registers the already-printed information in the memory resource, and the data processing via the predetermined communication medium. And transferring a list of identification information of the registered print information to the data processing device based on a print request for the registered print information registered in the memory resource input from the device. A computer comprising: a transfer step; and a reprinting step of decompressing compressed print information read from the memory resource based on the identification information to be reprinted obtained from the data processing device and outputting the compressed print information to the printing unit. A possible program is stored in a storage space.

[0015]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the internal structure of a printing apparatus applied to this embodiment.
For example, corresponding to a laser beam printer (hereinafter abbreviated as LBP), the LBP can register a character pattern or a fixed format (form data) from a data source (not shown).

Referring to FIG. 1, reference numeral 1000 denotes an LBP main body (printing apparatus main body) for inputting character information (character code), form information, microinstructions, and the like supplied from an externally connected host computer (not shown). In addition to the above information, a corresponding character pattern or form pattern is created in accordance with the information, and an image is formed on a recording paper as a recording medium.

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 main body 1000 and analyzes character information and the like supplied from a host computer. This printer control unit 1001
Mainly converts character information into a video signal of a corresponding character pattern and outputs the video signal to the laser driver 1002. 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 the rotating polygon mirror 1
Scanning exposure is performed on the electrostatic drum 1006 by swinging in the left and right directions at 005.

As a result, an electrostatic latent image of a character pattern is formed on the electrostatic drum 1006. This latent image is developed by a developing unit 1007 around the electrostatic drum 1006 and then transferred to a recording sheet. A cut sheet is used as the recording paper, and the cut sheet recording paper is
0, the paper feed roller 1009, the transport roller 1010, and the transport roller 1
011 and the electrostatic drum 10
06.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a printing control apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The printing apparatus main body 200 is roughly divided into two parts, a controller unit 210 and an engine unit 220. I have.

In the figure, reference numeral 210 denotes a controller,
It receives print data, control commands, and the like from the outside, creates bitmap information according to the data, and transfers the information to the engine unit 220 as a video signal.

Reference numeral 220 denotes an engine unit.
The video signal is received from 10 and the signal is formed as a visible image on paper. Further, the controller unit 210
Communicates with the engine unit 220, communicates the state of the engine unit 220 to the outside, performs overall control of the engine unit 220, and the like.

The controller unit 210 includes a host interface 211, a CPU 212, and a secondary storage device 21.
3, video interface 214, ROM 215, RA
M216 and an operation panel 217 are provided.

The host interface 211 sends and receives data to and from a host computer. The CPU 212 controls the entire apparatus, analyzes a page description language, and stores the secondary storage device 2.
13 to read and write information, create bitmap information, and so on.

The video interface 214 sends and receives data to and from the engine unit 220. The ROM 215 stores programs for controlling the apparatus, various printer control languages, various page description language processing programs, font information, and the like.

The RAM 216 has a work area for information processing,
It is used for primary information storage such as use as a primary storage area for data from the host interface 211 and an input / output buffer area for the secondary storage device 213. An operation panel 217 is used to set parameters of the printing environment, convert the settings,
Displays the setting or change status.

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

In the print control device communicable with the data processing device via the predetermined communication medium configured as described above, the print control device receives the data from the data processing device (a host computer or the like not shown) and prints the data from the printing unit. Compression means for compressing print information (the CPU 212 executes a control program stored in the ROM 215 to perform compression processing), and the print information is obtained by analyzing the print information with respect to the compressed print information compressed by the compression means. Registering means for registering already-printed information to which identification information is added in a memory resource (secondary storage device 213) (the CPU 212 executes a control program stored in the ROM 215 to perform registration processing); When registering the already printed information in resources,
Adding means (CP) for adding time data to the already printed information
U212 executes the control program stored in the ROM 215 and performs additional processing), and displays a list of identification information of the already-printed information registered based on a print request for the already-printed information registered in the input memory resource. Display means (LCD display (not shown) provided on the operation panel 217), and selection means (not shown provided on the operation panel 217) for selecting identification information to be reprinted from the list of identification information displayed on the display. Instruction key)
Control means for expanding the compressed print information read from the memory resource based on the identification information selected by the selection means and outputting the decompressed print information to the printing unit (engine unit 220); (A program is executed and controlled), so that the printing information that has already been printed is managed in a time-series manner on the printing apparatus side, and the desired printing information registered by a simple operation is printed with good reproducibility. Can be.

Further, the CPU 212 updates the time data added to the compressed print information output to the printing unit after being decompressed to the latest time. And the latest time data can be added and managed.

Further, the display unit on the operation panel 217
Since the identification information list of the already-printed information registered based on the print request for the already-printed information registered in the memory resource input from the operation panel 217 is displayed, the already-printed re-printable print information can be easily displayed. Can be checked and selected.

Further, a printing control device (controller 21) capable of communicating with a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium.
0), a compressing means (CPU 2) for compressing print information received from the data processing device and printed by the printing unit.
12 executes a control program stored in the ROM 215 to perform a compression process), and adds the identification information obtained by analyzing the print information to the compressed print information compressed by the compression unit. Registering means for registering information in a memory resource (the CPU 212 executes a control program stored in the ROM 215 to perform registration processing); and when the registering means registers the already-printed information in the memory resource, Adding means for adding time data to information (the CPU 212 executes a control program stored in the ROM 215 to perform additional processing), and registers in the memory resource input from the data processing device via the predetermined communication medium. Transfer a list of identification information of registered print information to the data processing device based on a print request for the registered print information. Means (CPU212 is ROM21
5 is transferred via the host interface 211), and the memory resources (secondary storage device 213) are obtained based on the identification information to be reprinted obtained from the data processing device. Expands the compressed print information read from the
20) to the ROM 21.
5 by executing the control program stored in the printer 5), the printing information that has already been printed is managed in chronological order on the printing device side, and registered by a simple operation from the data processing device side. Desired print information can be printed with good reproducibility.

A determination unit (CPU 212 determines whether the compressed print information newly printed by the engine unit 220 can be registered in the memory resource).
Executes the control program stored in the memory and performs the judgment processing)
And if the determination unit determines that the newly printed compressed print information cannot be registered, the earliest registration is performed based on time data added to the already-printed information registered in the memory resource. Deletion means for sequentially deleting from the already-printed information to secure a free area in which the newly-printed compressed printing information can be registered (the CPU 212 reads the ROM 215
Executes the control program stored in the program and deletes it.)
The CPU 212 registers the newly-printed compressed print information after deleting the first-registered print information, so that when registering already-printed print information in a memory resource, If there is no free area in which the print information can be registered in the resource, the free area is secured by sequentially deleting the first print information that has already been registered to secure a free area, and a long time from the time of registration with a low probability of reprinting. It is possible to manage the print information so as to avoid a situation in which the print information which has a high probability of being reprinted is deleted by sequentially deleting the print information which has passed, and the print information is likely to be lost.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a first data processing procedure in the print control apparatus according to the present invention, and corresponds to a process of storing a print output image in a secondary storage device. Note that (1) to (6) indicate each step.

First, the CPU 212 monitors an input from the host interface 211, and when there is an input,
Create a bitmap image according to the instructions in
A print output image is output to the video interface 214 using M216 (1). At this time, the CPU 212
Before issuing the print output command by the user, it is checked whether or not there is enough free space in the secondary storage device 213 (2).
If it is determined that the empty content is not enough, the secondary storage device 2
The file with the oldest time stamp in the file 13 is deleted (3).

On the other hand, in step (2), the secondary storage device 2
If it is determined that there is enough free space in the print job 13, the name of the job to be printed, the host name of the data input destination, and the user name are acquired (4), and the print output image information is compressed in a predetermined compression format. In addition to the registration in the secondary storage device 213 (5), the relationship with the registered image is stored in the secondary storage device 213.
Alternatively, it is stored in the RAM 216 (6), and the process returns to step (1).

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a second data processing procedure in the print control apparatus according to the present invention, and corresponds to a print processing procedure of a print output image stored in the secondary storage device 213. Note that (1) to (3) indicate each step.

First, when a print instruction is issued to the image data in the secondary storage device 213 in accordance with an instruction from the operation panel 217, the host, or the like (1), the time stamp of the image data corresponding to the print instruction is updated. Then (2), the corresponding print data is transferred to the engine unit 220 while being decompressed and printed (3), and the process is terminated.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a third data processing procedure in the print control apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 5 shows an instruction processing by the operation panel 217 of a print output image file stored in the secondary storage device 213. Corresponds to the procedure. Note that (1) to (4) show each step.

First, the printing apparatus is shifted to an off-line state by the operation panel 217 or the like, and a shift to a print instruction mode for instructing printing of image data in the secondary storage device 213 is designated (1). After the transfer, the image data in the secondary storage device 213 is sequentially displayed on the display unit of the operation panel 217 in the order of the newest time stamp (2).
Then, it is determined whether the image data displayed on the operation panel 217 is the one desired to be printed, that is, whether it is a file to be printed, from an instruction input from an instruction key specified in advance (3), and the instruction key specified in advance is determined. When it is determined that the instruction is not the instruction by the instruction key, the process returns to step (2), and when it is determined that the instruction is the instruction by the instruction key specified in advance,
The image data is transferred to the engine unit 220 and printed (4), and the process ends.

The contents displayed on the operation panel 217 include the job name, the host name of the data input destination, and the user name. At this time, the display can be limited for each designated data input host.

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

In the data processing method of the print control device (controller section 210) capable of communicating with the data processing device via the predetermined communication medium configured as described above, or a predetermined communication medium (including an interface and a network) A storage medium storing a program readable by a computer communicable with the data processing apparatus via the data processing apparatus, wherein a compression step of compressing print information received from the data processing apparatus and printed by a printing unit (FIG. 3) Step (5)) and a registration step of registering, in a memory resource, already-printed information to which identification information obtained by analyzing the print information with respect to the compressed print information compressed in the compression step is added (FIG. 3). Step (6)), when the registration step registers the already-printed information in the memory resource, time information is added to the already-printed information. (Step (6) in FIG. 3), and a display for displaying a list of identification information of the already-printed information registered based on a print request for the already-printed information registered in the memory resource. Step (FIG. 5)
(2)), a selection step of selecting identification information to be reprinted from the list of identification information displayed on the display section (step (3) of FIG. 5), and the identification step selected by the selection step. A reprinting step (step (4) in FIG. 5) of expanding the compressed print information read from the memory resource based on the information and outputting the expanded print information to the printing unit.
The print information that has already been printed can be managed in the printing apparatus in time series, and the desired print information that has been registered can be printed with high reproducibility by a simple operation.

[Second Embodiment] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a fourth data processing procedure in the print control apparatus according to the present invention. This corresponds to the image data instruction processing procedure in the storage device. In addition, (1)-
(3) shows each step.

First, when a host connected to the network issues an instruction to print image data in the secondary storage device 213 of the printing apparatus (1), the printing apparatus changes the host name and user name instructed. Acquisition (2), secondary storage device 2
13 to notify only a list of applicable jobs (3),
The process ends.

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

A data processing method of a print control device (controller section 210) capable of communicating with a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium configured as described above, or a data processing method via a predetermined communication medium. A compression step of compressing print information received from the data processing apparatus and printed by a printing unit, which is a storage medium storing a computer-readable program communicable with the apparatus (step (5) in FIG. 3) A registration step of registering, in a memory resource, already-printed information to which identification information obtained by analyzing the print information with respect to the compressed print information compressed in the compression step is added (step (6) in FIG. 3). And an adding step of adding time data to the already-printed information when the registering step registers the already-printed information in the memory resource (step (6) in FIG. 3). Transferring, to the data processing device, a list of identification information of the already-printed information registered based on a print request for the already-printed information registered in the memory resource input from the data processing device via the predetermined communication medium (3) in FIG. 6, and based on the identification information to be reprinted obtained from the data processing device, decompresses the compressed print information read from the memory resource and outputs it to the printing unit. (Step (4) in FIG. 5), the print information that has already been printed is managed in chronological order on the printing device side, and the desired information registered by a simple operation from the data processing device side is registered. Print information with good reproducibility.

[Third Embodiment] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a fifth data processing procedure in the print control apparatus according to the present invention. Corresponding. In addition, (1)-
(5) shows each step.

First, when a list print instruction is received from the operation panel 217 or a host connected to the network (1), a list of job names and the like is printed in the order from the latest time stamp of the image data list information in the secondary storage device 213. (2).

Next, it is determined whether or not the list print exceeds one page, that is, whether or not there is another page in the list (3). If NO, the process is terminated. If YES, the next page is continued. Confirm whether to print (4), if NO, end the process, YES, ie,
Printing is continuously performed only when a print instruction is issued (5), and the process ends. The information to be printed at this time can be a job name, a host name, a user name, an image capacity, the number of pages, an image reduced image, and the like, and it can be instructed which information is to be displayed in a list.

Although the above embodiment has been described by taking LBP as an example, the present invention can be similarly applied to other printing methods, such as an ink jet printer or a copying machine having a secondary storage device. Further, in each of the above embodiments, the case where printing is performed has been described, but it goes without saying that the present invention is similarly applicable to the case where printing is performed.

The configuration of a data processing program readable by the print control apparatus according to the present invention will be described below 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 readable 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. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 6, and 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 code of the software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiment 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 instructions 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 instruction 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.

[0060]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the invention, a print control device capable of communicating with a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium, and a compression unit configured to compress print information received from the data processing device and printed from a printing unit, Registering means for registering, in a memory resource, already-printed information in which identification information obtained by analyzing the print information with respect to the compressed print information compressed by the compression means is added to the memory resource; An adding unit that adds time data to the already-printed information when registering the already-printed information; and an input unit that updates the already-printed information registered based on a print request for the already-printed information registered in the memory resource. Display means for displaying an identification information list; selection means for selecting identification information to be reprinted from the identification information list displayed on the display means; and the identification selected by the selection means Control means for decompressing the compressed print information read from the memory resource based on the report and outputting the decompressed print information to the printing unit. Desired print information registered by the operation can be printed with good reproducibility.

According to the second aspect, the adding means updates the time data added to the compressed print information output to the printing section after being decompressed by the control means to the latest time. Even when the order is earlier in time, the latest time data can be added and managed for each reprint.

[0062] According to the third invention, the display means displays a list of identification information of the already-printed information registered based on a print request for the already-printed information registered in the memory resource inputted from the operation panel. Therefore, it is possible to easily confirm and select print information that has already been printed and can be reprinted.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print control device capable of communicating with a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium, wherein print information received from the data processing device and printed by a printing unit is compressed. A registration unit for registering, in a memory resource, already-printed information to which identification information obtained by analyzing the print information with respect to the compressed print information compressed by the compression unit is added; Means for adding time data to the already-printed information when registering the already-printed information in the memory resource, and registering in the memory resource input from the data processing device via the predetermined communication medium Transfer means for transferring a list of identification information of the already-printed information registered based on a print request for the already-printed information to the data processing device, and a re-marking obtained from the data processing device Control means for decompressing the compressed print information read from the memory resource based on the identification information to be output and outputting the decompressed print information to the printing unit. Thus, the desired print information registered by a simple operation from the data processing device can be printed with good reproducibility.

According to the fifth aspect, the judging means for judging whether or not the compressed print information newly printed by the printing section can be registered in the memory resource, and the judging means judges whether the compressed print information newly printed by the printing section If it is determined that the print information cannot be registered, the newly-printed information is sequentially deleted from the first-registered print information based on the time data added to the already-printed information registered in the memory resource. A deletion unit for securing a free area in which the compressed print information can be registered, wherein the registration unit deletes the earliest registered print information by the deletion unit, and then executes the newly printed compressed print. Since the information is registered, when the print information that has already been printed is registered in the memory resource, if there is no available space in which the print information can be registered in the memory resource, the first registered mark is registered. The print information which has a high probability of being reprinted is sequentially deleted from the information to secure an empty area, and is sequentially deleted from the print information which has passed for a long time since the registration when the probability of reprinting is low. The printing information can be managed so that a situation can be avoided.

According to the sixth and seventh aspects of the present invention, there is provided a data processing method for a print control device capable of communicating with a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium, or a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program communicable with the computer, wherein a compression step of compressing print information received from the data processing apparatus and printed by a printing unit; and a compression step performed by the compression step. A registration step of registering, in a memory resource, already-printed information to which identification information obtained by analyzing the print information with respect to the print information is added, and the registration step registers the already-printed information in the memory resource. An adding step of adding time data to the already-printed information; and an already-printed information registered based on a print request for the already-printed information registered in the input memory resource. A display step of displaying a list of identification information of information on a display unit, a selection step of selecting identification information to be reprinted from the list of identification information displayed on the display unit, and a step of selecting the identification information selected by the selection step. And a reprinting step of decompressing the compressed print information read from the memory resource based on the print data and outputting the compressed print information to the printing unit. It is possible to print desired print information registered with the above with good reproducibility.

According to the eighth and ninth aspects of the present invention, there is provided a data processing method of a print control device capable of communicating with a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium, or a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program communicable with the computer, wherein a compression step of compressing print information received from the data processing apparatus and printed by a printing unit; and a compression step performed by the compression step. A registration step of registering, in a memory resource, already-printed information to which identification information obtained by analyzing the print information with respect to the print information is added, and the registration step registers the already-printed information in the memory resource. An adding step of adding time data to the already-printed information; and an already-registered mark registered in the memory resource input from the data processing device via the predetermined communication medium. A transfer step of transferring an identification information list of already-printed information registered based on a print request for information to the data processing apparatus; and a memory resource based on the identification information to be reprinted obtained from the data processing apparatus. And a reprinting step of decompressing the compressed print information read from the printer and outputting the compressed print information to the printing unit. Desired print information registered by the operation can be printed with good reproducibility.

Therefore, there is an effect that a print processing environment in which reprinting of print information already transferred to the printing apparatus and output can be efficiently performed by a simple operation can be freely provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an internal structure of a printing apparatus applied to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a print control apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure in the print control apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second data processing procedure in the print control apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a third data processing procedure in the print control device according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a fourth data processing procedure in the print control apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a fifth 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]

 200 Printer main body 210 Host interface 212 CPU 213 Secondary storage device 214 Video interface 215 ROM 216 RAM 217 Operation panel 220 Engine unit

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A print control device capable of communicating with a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium, comprising: compression means for compressing print information received from the data processing device and printed by a printing unit; A registration unit for registering, in a memory resource, already-printed information to which identification information obtained by analyzing the print information with respect to the compressed print information compressed by the compression unit is added to the memory resource; An adding unit for adding time data to the already-printed information when registering the already-printed information; and identifying the already-printed information registered based on a print request for the already-printed information registered in the memory resource. Display means for displaying an information list; selection means for selecting identification information to be reprinted from the identification information list displayed on the display means; and the identification selected by the selection means Control means for decompressing the compressed print information read from the memory resource based on the information and outputting the decompressed print information to the printing unit. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the adding unit updates the time data added to the compressed print information expanded by the control unit and output to the printing unit to the latest time. Print control device. 3. The display unit displays an identification information list of the already-printed information registered based on a print request for the already-printed information registered in the memory resource input from an operation panel. The print control device according to claim 1. 4. A printing control device capable of communicating with a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the printing control device compresses print information received from the data processing device and printed by a printing unit; A registration unit for registering, in a memory resource, already-printed information to which identification information obtained by analyzing the print information with respect to the compressed print information compressed by the compression unit is added to the memory resource; An adding unit that adds time data to the already-printed information when registering the already-printed information; and an adding unit that adds the time data to the already-printed information. A transfer unit configured to transfer a list of identification information of already-printed information registered based on a print request to the data processing device; and the identification to be reprinted acquired from the data processing device. Control means for outputting to the printing unit by expanding the compressed print information read from the memory resources based on distribution,
A print control device comprising: 5. A determination unit for determining whether or not the compressed print information newly printed by the printing unit can be registered in the memory resource, and if the determination unit cannot register the newly printed compressed print information. If it is determined, the newly-printed compressed print information is registered by sequentially deleting the previously-registered print information based on the time data added to the already-printed information registered in the memory resource. Deleting means for securing a possible free area, wherein the registering means registers the newly printed compressed print information after deleting the already-registered print information registered first by the delete means. The print control device according to claim 1 or 4, wherein 6. A data processing method for a print control device capable of communicating with a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the compression is performed to compress print information received from the data processing device and printed from a printing unit. Registering, in a memory resource, already-printed information to which identification information obtained by analyzing the print information with respect to the compressed print information compressed in the compression step is added; and An adding step of adding time data to the already-printed information when registering the already-printed information in the memory resource; and an adding step of registering the already-printed information based on a print request for the already-printed information registered in the memory resource. A display step of displaying an identification information list of print information on a display unit; a selection step of selecting identification information to be reprinted from the identification information list displayed on the display unit; and the selection step Data processing method of a print control apparatus characterized by having a reprint step of outputting to the printing unit by expanding the compressed print information read from said memory resource based on the selected identification information Ri. 7. A storage medium storing a computer readable program communicable with a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium, the print information being received from the data processing device and printed by a printing unit. A registration step of registering, in a memory resource, already-printed information to which identification information obtained by analyzing the print information with respect to the compressed print information compressed in the compression step is added; When the registration step registers the already-printed information in the memory resource, based on an adding step of adding time data to the already-printed information, and a print request for the already-printed information registered in the memory resource that is input. A display step of displaying an identification information list of registered print information on a display unit; and selecting identification information to be reprinted from the identification information list displayed on the display unit. A computer comprising: a selecting step; and a reprinting step of expanding compressed print information read from the memory resource based on the identification information selected in the selecting step and outputting the compressed print information to the printing unit. A storage medium storing a readable program. 8. A data processing method of a print control device capable of communicating with a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium, the compression method comprising: compressing print information received from the data processing device and printed by a printing unit. Registering, in a memory resource, already-printed information to which identification information obtained by analyzing the print information with respect to the compressed print information compressed by the compression step is added; and An adding step of adding time data to the already-printed information when registering the already-printed information in a memory resource; and an adding step of registering the already-printed information in the memory resource input from the data processing device via the predetermined communication medium. A transfer step of transferring an identification information list of the already-printed information registered based on a print request for the already-printed information to the data processing apparatus; and a re-marking obtained from the data processing apparatus. Data processing method of a print control apparatus characterized by having a reprint step of outputting to the printing unit by expanding the compressed print information read from the memory resources on the basis of said identification information to be. 9. A storage medium storing a computer readable program communicable with a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium, the print information being received from the data processing device and printed by a printing unit. A registration step of registering, in a memory resource, already-printed information to which identification information obtained by analyzing the print information with respect to the compressed print information compressed in the compression step is added; An adding step of adding time data to the already-printed information when registering the already-printed information in the memory resource in the registration step; and the memory resource input from the data processing device via the predetermined communication medium. Transferring a list of identification information of the already-printed information registered based on a print request for the already-printed information registered to the data processing device; A reprinting step of decompressing the compressed print information read from the memory resource based on the identification information to be reprinted obtained from a processing device and outputting the compressed print information to the printing unit. A storage medium that stores possible programs.