JPH11191045A - Printing system, information processor, printer, data processing method for information processor, data processor for printer, and storage medium stored with computer-readable program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To freely structure printing resource environment wherein printing data can efficiently be printed by temporarily spooling an optimum temporary file for both memory resources. SOLUTION: A CPU 41 acquires free capacity for a temporary file that the information processor 60 can secure on the side of the printer 51, the data amount of the temporary file that the information processor 60 generates is compared with the free area for the temporary file which can be secured on the printer 51, and the temporary file is transferred by a proper amount to the printer while adjusted in data amount.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printing system, an information processing apparatus, a printing apparatus, a data processing method of the information processing apparatus, and a printing apparatus capable of communicating with an information processing apparatus and a printing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium. The present invention relates to a data processing device and a storage medium storing a computer-readable program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when printing is performed on a printing apparatus, this type of information processing apparatus does not directly transmit print data transmitted to the printing apparatus to the printing apparatus, but rather transmits the print data to the printing apparatus. Some devices have a function of temporarily storing data in a large-capacity external storage device such as a memory or a hard disk, and transmitting the stored data to a printing device after the storage. This function is hereinafter referred to as an information processing apparatus spool function.

For example, print data transmitted to a printing apparatus is divided for each page and stored (page 1 data, page 2 data).
,..., Page N data), and then transmit to the printing device after storage. The advantages of the spool function in such an information processing apparatus include the following (1) to (3).

(1) The print data is transmitted to the printing apparatus longer than the processing time required for the spool function by the information processing apparatus,
If the processing time required for the printing device to execute the printing process is shorter, by using the information processing device spool function, it is possible for the application on the information processing device that instructs printing to perform as if the printing device was faster. The printing process of the application is completed in a shorter time.

That is, the user of the application on the information processing apparatus can issue a new instruction to the application in a shorter time after giving an instruction for printing.

(2) By controlling the printing position and the printing order by using all print data or partial data stored by the spool function of the information processing apparatus,
It is possible to reverse the order of pages output by the printing apparatus by performing more advanced printing processing, for example, sending print data for each page in a reverse order to the normal printing order.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11, by controlling the printing position by reducing each page, a plurality of pages can be printed on one sheet.

(3) Efficient printing can be performed by analyzing all print data or partial data accumulated by the spool function of the information processing apparatus and processing print data transmitted to the printing apparatus. For example, some printing apparatuses have a function of storing data such as a pattern filling pattern, a character pattern, a fixed format (form data), and using the data when printing.

When this type of data is frequently used for printing, it is possible to reduce the number of data transmissions from the information processing apparatus to the printing apparatus by registering the data in the printing apparatus. However, the area for registering these data on the printing apparatus is limited in size.

Therefore, by analyzing all print data, obtaining information on the size and use frequency of data that can be registered, and determining data to be registered, efficient data transmission can be performed.

Conventionally, this type of printing apparatus does not directly output print data transmitted from an information processing apparatus to paper in the printing apparatus, but instead executes processing such as a memory or a hard disk in the printing apparatus. Some have a function of temporarily storing data in a large-capacity external storage device, and executing output processing on paper after the storage. Hereinafter, this function is referred to as a printing apparatus spool function.

For example, when the print data transmitted from the information processing apparatus is divided and stored for each page, and the printing apparatus processing on the paper is executed after the storage, the effect of using the printing apparatus spool function is as follows. (1) and (2).

(1) The print data is read out from a large-capacity external storage device such as a memory or a hard disk in the print data rather than the processing time required for transmitting the print data from the information processing device to the printing device and performing printing. If the processing time required to perform the printing is shorter, the printing apparatus spool function is used, so that a plurality of copies of the same data can be printed at a high speed.

(2) Information processing apparatus By controlling the printing position and the printing order by using all print data or partial data stored in the same manner as in the spool function, more advanced print processing can be performed.

When the printing process is completed for both the information processing device spooling function and the printing device spooling function, the print data once stored in the large-capacity external storage device such as a memory or a hard disk is released.

[0016]

However, the two spooling functions are applied to obtain a more sophisticated print result at high speed when print data is transmitted from an application on the information processing apparatus to the printing apparatus. regardless of,
Since both spool functions operate independently, when spooling is performed, the capacity of the information processing device or the printing device of an external storage device such as a memory for storing print data or a hard disk has been limited. .

For example, when a printing apparatus spooling function is used to print a plurality of copies of the same data, the capacity of the memory of the printing apparatus or an external storage device such as a hard disk is sufficient for spooling all the printing data. Otherwise, the printing device spool function cannot be used, and the same data is transmitted from the information processing device to the printing device a plurality of times, resulting in unnecessary communication overhead.

Further, under the same conditions as described above, not only does it take a long time to print, but it becomes impossible to use the advanced printing functions of the printing apparatus spooling such as reverse printing. In this case, it is possible to use the information processing device spooling instead.However, the function of printing multiple copies of the printing device spooling at high speed cannot be used at all, and each spool function is combined. There were many problems that advanced print processing could not be performed.

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 provide a temporary file which an information processing apparatus obtains free space for a temporary file which can be secured on a printing apparatus side and creates a temporary file. By adjusting the amount of temporary file data to be transferred to the printing device in the file and transmitting it, the data amount of the temporary file created by the information processing device is compared with the temporary file free space that can be secured in the printing device. Then, by adjusting the data amount of the temporary file to be transferred to the printing apparatus, the optimal temporary file for both memory resources can be spooled to freely construct a print resource environment in which print data can be efficiently processed. Information processing apparatus, printing apparatus, data processing method of information processing apparatus, data processing apparatus of printing apparatus, and computer readable program To provide a storage medium storing.

[0020]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing system in which an information processing apparatus and a printing apparatus can communicate with each other via a predetermined communication medium. Creating means for creating a possible predetermined printing resource as a first temporary file, acquiring means for acquiring a free space of a second temporary file which can be secured in a memory resource of the printing apparatus, and acquiring means for acquiring the free space. Determining means for determining whether or not the free space of the second temporary file is equal to or less than the data amount of the first temporary file created by the creating means; and wherein the determining means determines that the free space of the second temporary file is When it is determined that the data amount is equal to or less than the data amount of the first temporary file, the data of the first temporary file created by the creating unit is transferred by the free space of the second temporary file. That the first transfer means, after the transfer of the print data to the printing apparatus, and has a second transfer means to supplement transferring a first temporary file required by the printing device.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a printing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, wherein a free space for a temporary file which can be secured in a memory resource of the printing apparatus is determined. A first transmission unit for transmitting a temporary file free space acquisition command for acquiring, and a temporary file returned from the printing apparatus in response to the temporary file free space acquisition command transmitted by the first transmission unit. And a holding unit for holding the free space for the temporary file of the printing apparatus received by the first receiving unit.

[0022] A third invention according to the present invention is characterized in that, after receiving the free space for the temporary file of the printing apparatus by the first receiving means, creating means for creating a temporary file usable for printing; Calculating means for calculating the capacity of the temporary file created by the creating means; and free space for the temporary file of the printing device held by the first holding means, the free space of the temporary file on the information processing apparatus calculated by the calculating means. Determining means for determining whether the capacity is larger than the capacity, and when the determining means determines that the free space for the temporary file of the printing apparatus is not larger than the temporary file on the information processing apparatus,
Determining means for determining a temporary file to be transmitted to the printing apparatus, and if the determining means determines that the free space for the temporary file of the printing apparatus is larger than the temporary file on the information processing apparatus, A second transmission unit for transmitting the transmission information of the temporary file to be transmitted to the printing apparatus, and after transmitting the transmission information by the second transmission unit,
Third transmission means for transmitting the temporary file to the printing apparatus.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, when the determination unit determines that the free space for the temporary file of the printing apparatus is larger than the temporary file on the information processing apparatus, the transmission of the temporary file from the printing apparatus is performed. Second receiving means for receiving a request, and fourth transmission for transmitting an appropriate temporary file on the information processing apparatus to the printing apparatus when a request for transmitting a temporary file is received from the printing apparatus by the second receiving means. Means.

A fifth invention according to the present invention is a printing apparatus capable of communicating with an information processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, and receives a temporary file free space acquisition command transmitted from the information processing apparatus. A first receiving unit, a calculating unit that calculates a temporary file free space that can be secured in a memory resource when the temporary file free space acquisition command is received by the first receiving unit; First transmission means for transmitting the temporary file free space to the information processing apparatus.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a receiving apparatus for receiving transmission information of a temporary file transmitted by the information processing apparatus, and transmitting information of the temporary file received by the second receiving means. Holding means, a third receiving means for receiving a temporary file transmitted by the information processing apparatus, and a temporary storage of the printing apparatus based on the temporary file on the information processing apparatus received by the third receiving means. Creating means for creating a file.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, when the print processing is started after the temporary file is created by the creating means, the print instruction data received from the information processing apparatus is replaced with the temporary file on the information processing apparatus. Or if the print instruction data is found in a temporary file on the printing device, if the determining unit determines that the print instruction data is in a temporary file on the printing device, A first printing unit that prints the print instruction data based on the information, and when the determination unit determines that the print instruction data is in a temporary file on the information processing apparatus, sends a temporary file transmission instruction to the information. Second transmission means for transmitting to the processing device; and the information processing device transmitting the temporary file transmission command transmitted by the second transmission means. A fourth receiving unit that receives the temporary file; and a second printing unit that prints the print instruction data based on the temporary file on the information processing device received by the fourth receiving unit. .

An eighth invention according to the present invention relates to a data processing method of an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a printing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, the method comprising: A first transmission step of transmitting a temporary file free space acquisition command for acquiring a free space of
A first receiving step of receiving a free space for a temporary file returned from the printing apparatus in response to the temporary file free space acquisition command transmitted in the first transmitting step; and Holding the received free space for the temporary file of the printing apparatus.

In a ninth aspect according to the present invention, the method further comprises: creating a temporary file usable for printing after receiving the free space for the temporary file of the printing apparatus in the first receiving step; A calculating step of calculating the capacity of the temporary file created in the creating step, and the free space for the temporary file of the printing apparatus held in the holding step is larger than the capacity of the temporary file on the information processing apparatus calculated in the calculating step. Determining whether the free space for the temporary file of the printing apparatus is not larger than the temporary file on the information processing apparatus, and determining the temporary file to be transmitted to the printing apparatus. If it is determined in the determining step that the free space for the temporary file in the printing apparatus is larger than the temporary file in the information processing apparatus in the determining step, A second transmission step of transmitting transmission information of the temporary files to be transmitted to the printing apparatus to the printing apparatus,
And a third transmission step of transmitting a temporary file to the printing device after the transmission of the transmission information in the second transmission step.

[0029] In a tenth aspect according to the present invention, when it is determined in the determining step that the free space for the temporary file of the printing apparatus is larger than the temporary file on the information processing apparatus, transmission of the temporary file from the printing apparatus is performed. A second receiving step of receiving a request, and a fourth transmission of transmitting an appropriate temporary file on the information processing apparatus to the printing apparatus when a request for transmitting a temporary file is received from the printing apparatus by the second receiving step. And a process.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data processing method for a printing apparatus capable of communicating with an information processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, the method comprising obtaining a temporary file free space transmitted from the information processing apparatus. A first receiving step of receiving a command, a calculating step of calculating a temporary file free space that can be secured in a memory resource when the temporary file free space obtaining command is received in the first receiving step, A first transmission step of transmitting the temporary file free space calculated in the step to the information processing apparatus.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a second reception step for receiving transmission information of a temporary file transmitted by the information processing apparatus, and a transmission information of the temporary file received in the second reception step. A holding step for holding
A third receiving step of receiving a temporary file transmitted by the information processing apparatus, and a creating step of creating a temporary file of a printing apparatus based on the temporary file on the information processing apparatus received by the third receiving step. It has.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, when the printing process is started after the temporary file is created in the creating step, the print instruction data received from the information processing device is stored in the temporary file on the information processing device. In the temporary file on the printing device, and if it is determined in the determining step that the print instruction data is in the temporary file on the printing device, Printing the print instruction data based on the first
And a second transmission step of transmitting a temporary file transmission command to the information processing apparatus when the print instruction data is determined to be in a temporary file on the information processing apparatus by the determination step. A fourth receiving step of receiving a temporary file transmitted by the information processing apparatus in response to the temporary file transmission command transmitted in the second transmitting step, and the information processing apparatus received in the fourth receiving step And a second printing step of printing the print instruction data based on the above temporary file.

A fourteenth invention according to the present invention is a storage medium storing a computer-readable program for controlling an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a printing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium. A first transmission step of transmitting a temporary file free space acquisition command for acquiring a temporary file free space that can be secured in the memory resource of the first embodiment, and obtaining the temporary file free space transmitted by the first transmission step A first receiving step of receiving a free space for a temporary file returned from the printing apparatus in response to an instruction, and a holding for holding a free space for a temporary file of the printing apparatus received in the first receiving step And a process.

A fifteenth invention according to the present invention is characterized in that, after receiving the free space for the temporary file of the printing apparatus in the first receiving step, a creating step of creating a temporary file usable for printing; A calculating step of calculating the capacity of the temporary file created in the creating step, and the free space for the temporary file of the printing apparatus held in the holding step is larger than the capacity of the temporary file on the information processing apparatus calculated in the calculating step. A determining step of determining whether or not the free space for the temporary file of the printing apparatus is not larger than the temporary file on the information processing apparatus by the determining step;
A determining step of determining a temporary file to be transmitted to the printing apparatus, and when it is determined in the determining step that the free space for the temporary file of the printing apparatus is larger than the temporary file on the information processing apparatus, A second transmission step of transmitting the transmission information of the temporary file to be transmitted to the printing device, and after transmitting the transmission information by the second transmission step,
And a third transmission step of transmitting the temporary file to the printing apparatus. A computer readable program is stored in a storage medium.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, when the determination step determines that the free space for the temporary file of the printing apparatus is larger than the temporary file on the information processing apparatus, the transmission of the temporary file from the printing apparatus is performed. A second receiving step of receiving a request, and a fourth transmission of transmitting an appropriate temporary file on the information processing apparatus to the printing apparatus when a request for transmitting a temporary file is received from the printing apparatus by the second receiving step. And a computer readable program stored in a storage medium.

A seventeenth invention according to the present invention is a storage medium storing a computer readable program for controlling a printing apparatus capable of communicating with an information processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium. A first receiving step of receiving a temporary file free space acquisition command transmitted from the device, and a temporary file free space that can be secured in a memory resource when the temporary file free space obtaining command is received in the first receiving step. A computer-readable program having a calculation step of calculating a capacity and a first transmission step of transmitting the temporary file free space calculated in the calculation step to the information processing apparatus is stored in a storage medium. .

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a second reception step for receiving transmission information of a temporary file transmitted by the information processing apparatus, and a transmission information of the temporary file received in the second reception step. A holding step for holding
A third receiving step of receiving a temporary file transmitted by the information processing apparatus, and a creating step of creating a temporary file of a printing apparatus based on the temporary file on the information processing apparatus received by the third receiving step. Is stored in a storage medium.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, when the printing process is started after the temporary file is created in the creating step, the print instruction data received from the information processing apparatus is stored in the temporary file on the information processing apparatus. In the temporary file on the printing device, and if it is determined in the determining step that the print instruction data is in the temporary file on the printing device, Printing the print instruction data based on the first
And a second transmission step of transmitting a temporary file transmission command to the information processing apparatus when the print instruction data is determined to be in a temporary file on the information processing apparatus by the determination step. A fourth receiving step of receiving a temporary file transmitted by the information processing apparatus in response to the temporary file transmission command transmitted in the second transmitting step, and the information processing apparatus received in the fourth receiving step And a second printing step of printing the print instruction data based on the temporary file. A computer-readable program is stored in a storage medium.

[0039]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention may be applied to a system including a plurality of devices or may be applied to an apparatus including a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a printing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. A data processing device (for example, a word processor, a personal computer, a workstation, or a computer) may be used. This corresponds to a case where the system and the printing apparatus can communicate with each other via a predetermined communication medium.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 41 denotes a CPU, which controls the entire apparatus and performs arithmetic processing. 4
Reference numeral 2 denotes a ROM, which is a storage area for a system startup program, character pattern data, character code information, and the like.
Reference numeral 43 denotes a RAM, which is a data storage area with no use restriction, and is an area where each program and data are loaded and executed for each of various processes.

Reference numeral 44 denotes a keyboard control unit (KBC) which receives input data from the keyboard 45 and controls the CPU 1
Communicate to Reference numeral 46 denotes a display control unit (CRTC), which controls display on a display device (CRT) 47.

Reference numeral 49A denotes a first external storage device, which is constituted by, for example, a floppy disk device, stores and stores programs and data, and is referred to or loaded into the RAM 43 as needed at the time of execution. 49B is a second external storage device, such as an example or a hard disk device,
The program and data are stored and stored, and are referred to or loaded into the RAM 43 as needed at the time of execution.
Numeral 48 denotes a disk control unit (DKC) for controlling data transmission and the like. When a basic system (BIOS) issues a necessary processing request, a hard disk (HD) as a second external storage device transmits the request. A system or a program for performing the processing is loaded on the RAM 43 and activated, and the activated system (including the OS) or the program stores data and information stored on the HD on the RAM 43 as needed, in the HD or the like. Load stored data and information.

Reference numeral 50 denotes a printing device control unit (PRTC) which communicates with the printing device 51 to transfer print data and obtain status from the printing device 51. Reference numeral 52 denotes a system bus, which should serve as a data path between the above-described components.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing an example of the printing apparatus 51 shown in FIG. 1, and corresponds to a case where a laser beam printer (hereinafter abbreviated as LBP) engine is provided, for example.

In the LBP, a character pattern, a paint pattern, a fixing format (form data), and the like can be registered from a data source (not shown).

In the figure, reference numeral 1000 denotes an LBP body (LB
P), which inputs and stores character information (character code), form information, macro instructions, and the like supplied from an externally connected host computer 1, and corresponding character patterns and form patterns according to the information. Are formed, and an image is formed on a recording paper as a recording medium.

An operation panel 1012 is provided with switches for operation, an LED display, and the like. 1001
A printer control unit controls the entire LBP 1000 and analyzes character information and the like supplied from the host computer. The 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. Laser driver 100
Reference numeral 2 denotes a circuit for driving the semiconductor laser 1003, and the semiconductor laser 1003 is driven in accordance with an input video signal.
The laser light 1004 emitted from 3 is switched on and off.

The laser 1004 is swung right and left by the rotary polygon mirror 1005 to scan on the 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 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 stored in a paper set on the LBP 1000 or in a set 1008, and is taken into the apparatus by a paper feed roller 1009 and transport rollers 1010 and 1011. It is supplied to the electric drum 1006.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining a control configuration of the printing apparatus 51 shown in FIG.

In the figure, a host device 60 sends print data and the like to the controller 70. Reference numeral 70 denotes a controller which performs necessary data processing on print data from a host device 60 composed of a workstation and a personal computer, and outputs the data to a print function 80.

Reference numeral 80 denotes a printing mechanism (printer engine).
The controller 7 includes a control unit 81 in the print mechanism.
The print data from 0 is printed out in the specified format and resolution. Note that the printer engine 80
It may be composed of an inkjet printer engine,
A laser printer engine may be used, and the number of printable colors can be adapted from monochrome to full color. Further, the host device 60 and the controller 70 may be configured to be connected via a predetermined interface,
The present invention can be applied to a configuration connected via a predetermined network.

In the controller 70, an input / output unit 71 receives data or the like from the host device 60 or sends data to the host device 60. Reference numeral 72 denotes an interpretation storage unit which analyzes data (for example, a predetermined page description language (CaPSL, host script, etc.)) input from the input unit 71 and separates control commands from print data.

Reference numeral 73 denotes a page buffer for storing print data. A pattern information storage unit 74 stores a print pattern (such as a character pattern) corresponding to the print data.
Reference numeral 75 denotes a development control unit that develops a print pattern from the pattern information unit 74 or image pattern data from the page buffer 73 into a frame memory 76.

Reference numeral 77 denotes an output control unit, which is a page buffer 73.
Then, the print pattern data or the image data of the page buffer is output to the print mechanism 80. Each unit of the controller 70 may include a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM, and may be configured to execute a control program stored in the ROM or the like to execute equivalent functional processes.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view for explaining the external configuration of the printing apparatus 51 shown in FIG. 1, and shows, for example, the case of an ink jet recording apparatus (IJRA).

In the figure, reference numeral 5013 denotes a drive motor, which is a carriage which engages with a spiral groove 5004 of a lead screw 5005 which rotates via drive force transmission gears 5009 and 5011 in conjunction with forward and reverse rotation of the drive motor 5013. HC has pins (not shown), and guide rails 50.
It is reciprocated in the directions of arrows a and b in FIG.
The carriage HC includes an inkjet head IJ.
H, an inkjet cartridge IJC having an ink tank IT is mounted.

Reference numeral 5002 denotes a paper pressing plate which presses the paper P against the plantain 5000 in the carriage moving direction. Reference numerals 5007 and 5008 denote photocouplers, which function as home position detecting means for checking the presence of the position of the lever 5006 of the carriage HC in the arrangement area and switching the rotation direction of the drive motor 5013 and the like.

A supporting member 5016 supports a cap member 5022 for capping the entire surface of the ink jet head IJH as a recording head. 5015 is a suction unit
It functions as a suction unit for sucking the cap member 5022, and performs suction recovery of the ink jet head IJH through the inner opening 5023 of the cap member 5022.

Reference numeral 5017 denotes a cleaning blade which can be moved in the front-rear direction by a member 5019. Reference numeral 5018 denotes a main body support plate that supports the cleaning blade 5017 and the member 5019. Reference numeral 5012 denotes a lever for starting suction for recovery from suction. The lever 5012 moves with the movement of the cam 5020 that engages with the carriage HC, and the driving force from the drive motor 5013 is movement-controlled by known transmission means such as clutch switching. You.

The capping, cleaning, and suction recovery are configured so that desired operations can be performed at the corresponding positions by the action of the lead screw 5005 when the carriage HC comes to the home position side area. What is necessary is just to be configured to perform the desired operation at the timing.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining a control configuration of the printing apparatus 51 shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 1700 denotes an interface which performs communication processing with a host (not shown) and receives an input recording signal by a predetermined protocol. 1701
Is an MPU that comprehensively controls each unit based on a control program stored in the ROM 1702. ROM1
702 stores a control program executed by the MPU 1701, host print information, printer font information, and the like.

Reference numeral 1703 denotes an expandable DRAM which stores various data (such as the recording signal and recording data supplied to the head). Reference numeral 1704 denotes a gate array (G.
A. ), Supply control of output data to the recording head 1708 corresponding to the inkjet head IJH shown in FIG. 2 is performed. The gate array 1704 also controls data transfer between the interface 1700, the MPU 1701, and the DRAM 1703.

A carrier motor 1710 conveys the recording head 1708. A conveyance motor 1709 conveys a recording sheet. A head driver 1705 drives the recording head 1708. 1706, a motor driver for driving the transport motor 1709; 1707
Is a motor driver for driving the carrier motor 1710.

In the above-described printing apparatus, when input information is input from a host computer 100 to be described later via the interface 1700, the input information is transmitted between the gate array 1704 and the MPU 1701 to output output information for printing. Is converted to Then, the motor drivers 1706 and 1707 are driven, and the recording head 1708 is driven according to the output information sent to the head driver 1705 to execute printing.

Note that the MPU 1701 is the interface 1
Communication processing with the host computer 100 described below is possible via the network 700, and the host computer 100, which will be described later, can be notified of memory information and resource data related to the DRAM 1703 and host print information in the ROM 1702.

In the second external storage device 49B or the like constituted by the hard disk or the like shown in FIG. 1, an area as a spooler for spooling a print control command, image data, and the like generated from a drawing command by a printer driver is secured. The information processing device is used as an area that performs a spool function. The printing apparatus 51 shown in FIG. 1 has a memory resource such as an expandable RAM or a hard disk, and an area for storing form data, a font pattern, a fill pattern, and the like is secured in the memory resource. Is used as an area that performs a printing device spool function.

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

A printing system in which an information processing apparatus and a printing apparatus can communicate with each other via a predetermined communication medium (network, interface) configured as described above. Creation means for creating a print resource as a first temporary file (CPU 41
The control program stored in the OM 42 or an external storage device to execute the creation process) and acquisition means (the CPU 41 determines whether the ROM 42 or the external Executing the control program stored in the storage device to perform the acquisition process); and obtaining the free space of the second temporary file acquired by the acquisition unit by the data amount of the first temporary file created by the creation unit. Judgment means for judging whether or not the following (the CPU 41 executes the control program stored in the ROM 42 or the external storage device to judge)
And when the determining means determines that the free space of the second temporary file is less than or equal to the data amount of the first temporary file, the data of the first temporary file created by the creating means is First transfer means for transferring the free space of the second temporary file (the CPU 41 executes a control program stored in the ROM 42 or an external storage device and performs transmission processing via the printing device controller 50)
And a second transfer unit (the CPU 41 executes a control program stored in the ROM 42 or the external storage device) for supplementarily transferring the first temporary file requested from the printing device after the transfer of the print data to the printing device. Transmission processing via the printing device controller 50), even if the data amount of the temporary file created by the information processing device exceeds the free space that can be secured in the memory resources of the printing device, at least the free space that can be secured Minutes of temporary files can be transferred to the printing device and spooled as a print resource. If the received print data uses a temporary file that was previously transferred to the printing device, the printing process can be performed at high speed. Is possible, and if the temporary file received earlier cannot be used,
It is possible to acquire a temporary file from the information processing device and to continuously process the print data. In addition, temporary files can be distributed and held in the memory resources of the printing apparatus and the information processing apparatus, and the print data using the temporary files can be efficiently printed while effectively utilizing the mutual memory resources. Can be processed.

Further, a predetermined communication medium (interface,
An information processing device capable of communicating with a printing device via a network or the like, and transmitting a temporary file free space acquisition command for acquiring free space for a temporary file that can be secured in a memory resource of the printing device. 1 transmission means (CP
U41 executes the control program stored in the ROM 42 or the external storage device and performs transmission processing via the printing device controller 50), and responds to the temporary file free space acquisition instruction transmitted by the first transmission unit. First receiving means for receiving a free space for a temporary file returned from the printing apparatus (the CPU 41 executes a control program stored in the ROM 42 or an external storage device and performs reception processing); Holding means (RAM 43, external storage device) for holding the free space for the temporary file of the printing apparatus received by the means, so that the free space for the temporary file of the printing apparatus transmitted from the printing apparatus is stored in the first space. Of the printing device received by the receiving means of the printer, and the mark at the start of printing It makes it possible to hold a space for temporary files of the device.

Further, after receiving the free space for the temporary file of the printing apparatus by the first receiving unit, a creating unit CPU4 for creating a temporary file usable for printing.
1 executes the control program stored in the ROM 42 or the external storage device to perform the creation processing) and calculation means (the CPU 41 stores the temporary file created by the creation means in the ROM 42 or the external storage device). And executing a calculation process by executing the calculated control program), and determining whether the free space for the temporary file of the printing device held by the first holding unit is larger than the capacity of the temporary file on the information processing device calculated by the calculation unit. (The CPU 41 executes the control program stored in the ROM 42 or the external storage device to perform the determination process), and the determination unit determines that the free space for the temporary file in the printing device is If it is determined that the temporary file is not larger, the determining means (CP) 41 executes the control program stored in the ROM 42 or the external storage device and performs the determination process), and the determination unit determines that the free space for the temporary file of the printing device is larger than the temporary file on the information processing device. In this case, a second transmission unit (the CPU 41 executes the control program stored in the ROM 42 or the external storage device and transmits the transmission information of the temporary file transmitted to the printing device to the printing device,
0), and a third transmission unit (the CPU 41 stores the temporary file in the ROM 42 or the external storage device) for transmitting the temporary file to the printing device after the transmission information is transmitted by the second transmission unit. The control program is executed and the transmission process is performed via the printing device controller 50). Therefore, the free space that can be secured in the printing device is acquired, and an appropriate amount of the temporary file in the created temporary file is transferred to the printing device. It can be spooled.

When the determining means determines that the free space for the temporary file in the printing apparatus is larger than the temporary file in the information processing apparatus, a second reception for receiving a request for transmitting the temporary file from the printing apparatus. Means (CPU 41
OM42 or a control program stored in an external storage device is executed to perform reception processing), and when a transmission request of a temporary file is received from the printing device by the second receiving unit, an appropriate temporary file on the information processing device is received. (A CPU 41 executes a control program stored in a ROM 42 or an external storage device and performs a transmission process via a printing device controller 50) for transmitting a temporary file from the printing device. When a request for transmission is received, the temporary file on the information processing device required by the printing device is transmitted to the printing device by receiving the request and transmitting an appropriate amount of temporary file on the information processing device to the printing device. It is possible to do.

Further, a printing device 51 capable of communicating with the information processing device 60 via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the first receiving means receives a temporary file free space acquisition command transmitted from the information processing device 60 (Input / output unit 71) and a calculation for calculating a temporary file free space that can be secured in a memory resource (such as the pattern information storage unit 74) when the temporary file free space acquisition command is received by the first receiving unit. Means (deployment control unit 75) and first transmission means (input / output unit 71) for transmitting the temporary file free space calculated by the calculation means to the information processing apparatus. The above temporary file free space can be transmitted.

A second receiving means (input / output unit 71) for receiving the transmission information of the temporary file transmitted by the information processing device 60, and transmitting the transmission information of the temporary file received by the second receiving means. Holding means (pattern information storage unit 74) for holding, third receiving means (input / output unit 71) for receiving a temporary file transmitted by the information processing apparatus, and information processing received by the third receiving means Since there is a creating means (expansion control unit 75) for creating a temporary file of the printing apparatus based on the temporary file on the apparatus, a memory which can be secured on the printing apparatus based on the temporary file transmitted and received from the data processing apparatus. Enables creation of temporary files for printing devices that are valid on resources.

Further, when the printing process is started after the temporary file is created by the creating means, when the print instruction data received from the information processing apparatus is in the temporary file on the information processing apparatus, A determination unit (decompression control unit 75) for determining whether the print instruction data is in a temporary file; and if the print instruction data is determined to be in a temporary file on the printing device, A first printing unit (interpretation storage unit 72, output control unit 77) that prints the print instruction data, and a case where the determination unit determines that the print instruction data is in a temporary file on the information processing apparatus. A second transmission unit (input / output unit 71) for transmitting a temporary file transmission command to the information processing apparatus 60; and the second transmission unit transmitted by the second transmission unit. Receiving means (input / output unit 71) for receiving a temporary file transmitted by the information processing device in response to a time file transmission command, and a temporary file on the information processing device received by the fourth receiving means. A second printing unit (interpretation storage unit 72, output control unit 77) for printing the print instruction data based on the temporary file spooled on the printing device and the temporary file spooled on the information processing device. It is possible to print the received print data efficiently while using both of them.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a first data processing procedure in the printing system according to the present invention. The print data is sent from the information processing apparatus (host apparatus 60) shown in FIG. Prior to this, it corresponds to a processing procedure for retaining the capacity of a large-capacity external storage device such as a temporary file memory or a hard disk on the printing apparatus 51 (hereinafter, referred to as “temporary file free space”) in the information processing apparatus. Note that (1) to (6) indicate each step.

First, when print processing is started on the information processing device 60, a temporary file space for a temporary file on the printing device 51 (hereinafter, a temporary file on the printing device is referred to as “temporary file B”) Instructions to get the capacity (hereinafter,
(Shown as "printing device free space command") to the printing device (1).

Next, in the printing device 51, step (1)
(4) is received. When the printer free space command is received in step (4), the temporary file free space for temporary file B is calculated (5). Further, the temporary file free space for the temporary file B calculated in step (5) is transmitted to the information processing device 60 (6), and the process is terminated.

On the other hand, in the information processing apparatus, step (6)
Receives the temporary file free space for the temporary file B transmitted from the printing device 51 in (2), and stores the temporary file free space for the temporary file B received in step (2) in the RAM 43 of the information processing device 60 or in the second The data is stored in the second external storage device 49B (3), and the process is terminated.

According to the above steps (1) to (6), the temporary file B of the printing apparatus 51 at the start of printing is
Temporary file free space in the information processing device 51.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a second data processing procedure in the printing system according to the present invention. In the case where print data is transmitted from the information processing device (host device 60) to the printing device, the information processing is performed. A temporary file on the device (hereinafter, the temporary file on the information device is referred to as “temporary file A”) is created, and the temporary file free space of the temporary file B is compared with the size of the created temporary file A. , Transmitting a suitable temporary file A to the printing apparatus and creating a temporary file B on the printing apparatus. Note that (1) to (10) indicate each step.

First, a temporary file A is created according to an instruction from an application on the information processing device 60 (1). FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a temporary file secured in a memory resource of the information processing device 60 illustrated in FIG. In the following description, as shown in FIG. 8, the temporary file is stored in one file in page units so that printing control for each page such as reverse printing can be easily performed. There is no limitation on the unit of one file.

After the temporary file A is created in step (1), the capacity of the temporary file A is calculated (2). Next, the capacity of the temporary file A calculated in the step (2) and the free space of the temporary file B for the temporary file B acquired from the printing apparatus 51 stored in the step (3) shown in FIG. In comparison (3), when it is determined that the temporary file free space for the temporary file B is smaller than the temporary file A, the temporary file B of the printing device 51 is transmitted so as to store as many temporary files as possible. The temporary file A to be executed is determined (4).

For example, when the temporary file of each page is as shown in FIG.
In the case of Kbytes, transmission of page 1, page 2, and page 3 (12 + 3 + 7 = 22 Kbytes) is determined, and the information of the temporary file A determined in step (4) is printed in step (5) by the printing apparatus 51. Is transmitted to

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (3) that the temporary file free space for the temporary file B is larger than the temporary file A, in step (5), all the temporary files are transmitted. The information is transmitted to the printing apparatus 51 as transmission information, and subsequently transmitted to the printing apparatus 51 in step (6) in step (6).
According to the temporary file A transmission information, the temporary file A is transmitted to the printing device, and the process ends.

On the other hand, when the temporary file A transmission information is transmitted to the printing device 51 in step (5), the printing device 51 receives the temporary file A transmission information (7) and stores it in a memory or a hard disk (not shown). (8).

Next, the temporary file A transmitted in step (6) is received by the printing device 51 (9), and a temporary file B is created from the temporary file A received in step (9) (10), The process ends.

As described above, the temporary file A on the information processing device 60 is created by the steps (1) to (10), and the appropriate temporary file A is printed by comparing with the temporary file free space of the temporary file B. Transmitted to the device 51,
The temporary file B can be created on the printing device 51.

In the conventional example, when it is determined that the temporary file free space for the temporary file B is smaller than the temporary file A, it is determined that the printing apparatus spool function is impossible. In the processing of the embodiment, the spoolable temporary file A is sent to the printing apparatus 51 and is used as print information transmitted from the information processing apparatus 60 while being held as a valid print resource (see FIG. 9 for details). ) Can be performed.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the third data processing procedure in the printing system according to the present invention. When the printing device 51 actually develops the print result on paper, the print data is stored in a temporary file. B, use it if it is, and if the print data is not in temporary file B,
This corresponds to a process of acquiring print data by transmitting print data from an information processing device (host device 60) to a printing device and performing printing. Note that (1) to (7) indicate each step.

First, when printing is started, according to the information held in step (3), the print data of the page to be printed is in the temporary file B on the printing device 51 or the temporary file A in the information processing device. To determine if
If it is determined that the file is in the temporary file B, the process proceeds to step (7), and printing is performed using the print data in the temporary file B held in the memory resources of the printing apparatus 51.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (3) that the page print data to be printed is in the temporary file A, an instruction for transmitting the print data of the page (temporary file A transmission instruction) is processed. The data is transmitted to the device 60 (4). Next, the information processing device 60 receives the temporary file A transmission command (1). When the information processing device 60 receives the temporary file A transmission instruction in this manner, the print data of the page requested to be transmitted is searched from the temporary file A and transmitted to the printing device 51 (2).

Next, the print data transmitted in step (2) is received by the printing device 51 (5), and in step (6), the received print data of the temporary file A is printed, and the process is terminated. I do.

According to the processing of the above steps (1) to (7), when the printing result is actually developed on the paper by the printing apparatus, if the print data is in the temporary file B, it is used. If the temporary file B is not reached, the print data is transmitted by transmitting the print data from the information processing device (host device 60) to the printing device 51, and printing can be performed.

Hereinafter, a characteristic configuration of the present embodiment will be described with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS. 6, 7, 9 and the like.

A data processing method of the information processing device 60 capable of communicating with the printing device 51 via the predetermined communication medium configured as described above, or capable of communicating with the printing device via the predetermined communication medium. A storage medium storing a program readable by a computer that controls the information processing apparatus, and transmitting a temporary file free space acquisition command for acquiring free space for a temporary file that can be secured in a memory resource of the printing apparatus. A first transmission step (step (1) in FIG. 6), and a temporary file free space returned from the printing apparatus in response to the temporary file free space acquisition command transmitted in the first transmission step. A first receiving step (step (2) in FIG. 6) for receiving
And a holding step (step (3) in FIG. 6) for holding the free space for the temporary file of the printing apparatus received in the receiving step of (1). Thus, it is possible to maintain the free space for the temporary file of the printing apparatus at the time of starting printing.

Further, after receiving the free space for the temporary file of the printing apparatus in the first receiving step, a creating step of creating a temporary file usable for printing (step (1) in FIG. 7); A calculating step (step (2) in FIG. 7) for calculating the capacity of the temporary file created in the creating step, and information on the free space for the temporary file of the printing apparatus held in the holding step calculated in the calculating step. A determining step (step (3) in FIG. 7) for determining whether the size of the temporary file on the processing device is larger than the temporary file on the information processing device; If not,
A determining step of determining a temporary file to be transmitted to the printing apparatus (step (4) in FIG. 7); and determining in the determining step that the free space for the temporary file in the printing apparatus is larger than the temporary file in the information processing apparatus. If so, a second transmission step (step (5) in FIG. 7) of transmitting the transmission information of the temporary file to be transmitted to the printing apparatus to the printing apparatus;
After the transmission of the transmission information in the second transmission step, a third transmission step (step (6) in FIG. 7) of transmitting a temporary file to the printing apparatus is provided. Of the created temporary file, an appropriate amount of the temporary file can be transferred to the printing apparatus and spooled.

Further, when it is determined in the determining step that the free space for the temporary file in the printing apparatus is larger than the data amount of the temporary file in the information processing apparatus, a request for transmitting a temporary file from the printing apparatus is received. 2 receiving process;
And a fourth transmission step of transmitting an appropriate temporary file on the information processing apparatus to the printing apparatus when a temporary file transmission request is received from the printing apparatus in the second receiving step. When a request for transmission is received, the printer receives the request and transmits all the temporary files created on the information processing device to the printing device, thereby printing the temporary file on the information processing device required by the printing device. It can be transmitted to the device and spooled.

A data processing method for a printing apparatus capable of communicating with an information processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, or a computer for controlling the printing apparatus capable of communicating with the information processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium Is a storage medium storing a readable program, wherein the first receiving step (step (4) in FIG. 6) for receiving a temporary file free space acquisition command transmitted from the information processing apparatus; When the temporary file free space acquisition command is received in the receiving step, the calculating step (step (5) in FIG. 6) for calculating the temporary file free space that can be secured in the memory resource and the calculating step Since the method includes a first transmission step (step (6) in FIG. 6) for transmitting the temporary file free space to the information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus is required to transmit the temporary file free space to the printing apparatus. Capable of transmitting a space for accurate temporary files that can be that.

Further, a second receiving step (step (7) in FIG. 7) for receiving the transmission information of the temporary file transmitted by the information processing apparatus, and a transmission of the temporary file received in the second receiving step A holding step for holding information (step (8) in FIG. 7), a third receiving step for receiving a temporary file transmitted by the information processing apparatus (step (9) in FIG. 7), The receiving step includes a creation step (step (10) in FIG. 7) of creating a temporary file of the printing apparatus based on the received temporary file on the information processing apparatus, and thus the temporary file transmitted and received from the data processing apparatus. It is possible to create an effective temporary file for a printing device on a memory resource that can be secured on the printing device based on the.

When the printing process is started after the temporary file is created in the creating step, the print instruction data received from the information processing apparatus may be in the temporary file on the information processing apparatus, A judgment step (step (3) in FIG. 9) for judging whether or not the print instruction data is in a temporary file, and if it is judged in the judgment step that the print instruction data is in a temporary file on the printing apparatus, A first printing step of printing the print instruction data based on a file (step (7) in FIG. 9), and the determination step determines that the print instruction data is in a temporary file on the information processing apparatus. In this case, a second transmission step (step (4) in FIG. 9) for transmitting a temporary file transmission command to the information processing apparatus, and the first transmission step transmitted in the second transmission step. A fourth receiving step of receiving a temporary file transmitted by the information processing apparatus in response to the file transmission command (step (5) in FIG. 9), and a temporary file on the information processing apparatus received in the fourth receiving step. A second printing step (step (6) in FIG. 9) for printing the print instruction data based on the file, so that the temporary file spooled on the printing apparatus and the temporary file spooled on the information processing apparatus It is possible to print the received print data efficiently while using both of them.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the temporary file free space for the temporary file B of the printing apparatus at the start of printing is held in the information processing apparatus, and the temporary file A on the information processing apparatus is stored. By creating the temporary file B and comparing it with the temporary file free space of the temporary file B, it is possible to transmit an appropriate temporary file A to the printing apparatus and create the temporary file B on the printing apparatus.

When the printing device actually develops the print result on paper, if the print data is in the temporary file B, it is used, and if the print data is not in the temporary file B, it is used by the information processing device. By transmitting the print data to the printing apparatus, the print data can be acquired and printed.

That is, even when the capacity of the external storage device such as the memory for temporary files on the printing device or the hard disk is small and it is not possible to spool all the print data, the spooling function of the information processing device is mutually complemented. , It is possible to realize the spool function on the printing apparatus, and to take advantage of the high speed of the spool function on the printing apparatus when printing a plurality of copies.

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 out 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. The details will be described later.

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

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by the printing system according to the present invention.

Although not shown, information for managing a group of programs stored in the storage medium, such as version information and a creator, is also stored, and information dependent on the OS or the like on the program reading side, such as a program, is stored. 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. 6, FIG. 7, and FIG. 9 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.

Examples of the storage medium for supplying the program code include a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, and 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 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.

[0119]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the invention, a printing system in which an information processing apparatus and a printing apparatus can communicate with each other via a predetermined communication medium, wherein a predetermined printing resource available for printing by the printing apparatus is used as a first temporary file. Creating means for creating, obtaining means for obtaining the free space of a second temporary file that can be secured in a memory resource of the printing apparatus, and free space of the second temporary file obtained by the obtaining means being the creating means Determining means for determining whether or not the data amount of the first temporary file created is smaller than the data amount of the first temporary file; and determining that the free space of the second temporary file is equal to or less than the data amount of the first temporary file. A first transfer unit for transferring the data of the first temporary file created by the creation unit by an amount equal to the free space of the second temporary file,
A second transfer unit for supplementarily transferring the first temporary file requested by the printing apparatus after the transfer of the print data to the printing apparatus, so that the data amount of the temporary file created by the information processing apparatus is reduced by the printing apparatus. Even if the available memory space exceeds the available free space, the temporary file of at least the available free space can be transferred to the printing device and spooled as a printing resource. If the transferred temporary file is used, the printing process can be performed at high speed, and if the previously received temporary file cannot be used, the temporary file is obtained from the information processing device. Thus, the print data can be continuously processed.
In addition, temporary files can be distributed and held in the memory resources of the printing apparatus and the information processing apparatus, and the print data using the temporary files can be efficiently printed while effectively utilizing the mutual memory resources. Can be processed.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus which can communicate with a printing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, and obtains a free space for a temporary file which can be secured in a memory resource of the printing apparatus. Transmission means for transmitting a temporary file free space acquisition command for transmitting a temporary file free space, and a temporary file free space returned from the printing apparatus in response to the temporary file free space acquisition command transmitted by the first transmission means. A first receiving unit that receives the capacity and a holding unit that holds the free space for the temporary file of the printing device received by the first receiving unit; Free space for temporary files first
By holding the free space for the temporary file of the printing apparatus which is received and received by the receiving means, it is possible to hold the free space for the temporary file of the printing apparatus at the start of printing.

According to the third invention, after the first receiving unit receives the free space for the temporary file of the printing apparatus, a creating unit for creating a temporary file usable for printing, and the creating unit Calculation means for calculating the capacity of the temporary file created by the first storage means, and the free space for the temporary file of the printing apparatus held by the first holding means is calculated from the capacity of the temporary file on the information processing apparatus calculated by the calculation means. Determining means for determining whether the size of the temporary file is larger than the temporary file to be transmitted to the printing apparatus when the determining means determines that the free space for the temporary file of the printing apparatus is not larger than the temporary file on the information processing apparatus. If the determining means for determining and the determining means determine that the free space for the temporary file of the printing device is larger than the temporary file on the information processing device, Second transmission means for transmitting transmission information of a temporary file to be transmitted to the printing apparatus to the printing apparatus; and third transmission for transmitting a temporary file to the printing apparatus after transmission of the transmission information by the second transmission means. With this configuration, it is possible to acquire the amount of free space that can be secured in the printing apparatus, transfer an appropriate amount of temporary file among the created temporary files to the printing apparatus, and spool the file.

According to the fourth aspect, when the determination unit determines that the free space for the temporary file in the printing apparatus is larger than the temporary file in the information processing apparatus, the request for transmission of the temporary file is issued from the printing apparatus. Second receiving means for receiving, and fourth transmitting means for transmitting an appropriate temporary file on the information processing apparatus to the printing apparatus when a request for transmitting a temporary file from the printing apparatus is received by the second receiving means. When a request for transmitting a temporary file is received from the printing apparatus, the printer receives the request and transmits an appropriate amount of the temporary file on the information processing apparatus to the printing apparatus. The above temporary file can be transmitted to a printing device.

According to the fifth aspect, there is provided a printing apparatus capable of communicating with an information processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the printing apparatus receives a temporary file free space acquisition command transmitted from the information processing apparatus. Receiving means, a calculating means for calculating a temporary file free space that can be secured in a memory resource when the temporary file free space acquisition command is received by the first receiving means, and a temporary file calculated by the calculating means. Since it has the first transmission means for transmitting the file free space to the information processing apparatus, it is possible to transmit the temporary file free space on the printing apparatus to the information processing apparatus.

[0124] According to the sixth aspect, the second method for receiving the transmission information of the temporary file transmitted by the information processing apparatus is provided.
Receiving means, holding means for holding transmission information of a temporary file received by the second receiving means, and third means for receiving a temporary file transmitted by the information processing apparatus.
And a creating means for creating a temporary file of the printing apparatus based on the temporary file on the information processing apparatus received by the third receiving means, so that the temporary file transmitted and received from the data processing apparatus is provided. It is possible to create an effective temporary file for a printing device on a memory resource that can be secured on the printing device based on the.

According to the seventh aspect, when the printing process is started after the creation unit creates the temporary file, the print instruction data received from the information processing apparatus is included in the temporary file on the information processing apparatus. Or a determination unit that determines whether the print instruction data is in a temporary file on the printing device. If the determination unit determines that the print instruction data is in a temporary file on the printing device, First printing means for printing the print instruction data by the information processing apparatus, and when the determination means determines that the print instruction data is in a temporary file on the information processing apparatus, transmitting the temporary file transmission instruction to the information processing apparatus. Transmission means for transmitting the temporary file transmission command transmitted by the second transmission means to the temporary file transmission instruction transmitted by the information processing apparatus. A fourth receiving unit for receiving the file, and a second printing unit for printing the print instruction data based on the temporary file on the information processing device received by the fourth receiving unit. It is possible to print received print data efficiently while mutually utilizing the temporary file spooled on the information processing apparatus and the temporary file spooled on the information processing apparatus.

According to the eighth and fourteenth aspects, there is provided a data processing method for an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a printing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, or a method for communicating with a printing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium. A temporary file free space acquisition command for acquiring a free space for a temporary file that can be secured in a memory resource of the printing apparatus, which is a storage medium storing a computer-readable program that controls a possible information processing apparatus. A first transmission step of transmitting a free space for a temporary file returned from the printing apparatus in response to the temporary file free space acquisition command transmitted in the first transmission step. The step and the first
Holding the free space for the temporary file of the printing apparatus received in the receiving step of the above. It is possible to maintain free space for files.

According to the ninth and fifteenth aspects, after receiving the free space for the temporary file of the printing apparatus in the first receiving step, a creating step of creating a temporary file usable for printing, A calculating step of calculating the capacity of the temporary file created in the creating step, and the free space for the temporary file of the printing apparatus held in the holding step is calculated from the capacity of the temporary file on the information processing apparatus calculated in the calculating step. A judgment step of judging whether or not the free space for the temporary file of the printing apparatus is not larger than the temporary file on the information processing apparatus;
A determining step of determining a temporary file to be transmitted to the printing apparatus, and when it is determined in the determining step that the free space for the temporary file of the printing apparatus is larger than the temporary file on the information processing apparatus, A second transmission step of transmitting the transmission information of the temporary file to be transmitted to the printing device, and after transmitting the transmission information by the second transmission step,
And a third transmission step of transmitting a temporary file to the printing apparatus. Therefore, an amount of free space that can be secured in the printing apparatus is acquired, and an appropriate amount of the temporary file in the created temporary file is transferred to the printing apparatus and spooled. Can be done.

According to the tenth and sixteenth aspects, when it is determined in the determining step that the free space for the temporary file of the printing apparatus is larger than the data amount of the temporary file on the information processing apparatus, the printing apparatus transmits A second receiving step of receiving a temporary file transmission request, and transmitting an appropriate temporary file on the information processing apparatus to the printing apparatus when the temporary file transmission request is received from the printing apparatus by the second receiving step. And a fourth transmission step. When a request for transmitting a temporary file is received from the printing apparatus, the temporary file is received, and all the temporary files created on the information processing apparatus are transmitted to the printing apparatus. A temporary file on the information processing device required by the device can be transmitted to the printing device and spooled.

According to the eleventh and seventeenth aspects, there is provided a data processing method for a printing apparatus capable of communicating with an information processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, or a method for processing a data processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium. A first receiving step of receiving a temporary file free space acquisition command transmitted from the information processing apparatus, the first receiving step being a storage medium storing a computer readable program for controlling a communicable printing apparatus; Calculating the temporary file free space that can be secured in the memory resource when the temporary file free space acquisition command is received in the receiving step, and calculating the temporary file free space calculated in the calculating step by the information processing device And the first transmission step of transmitting to the information processing apparatus the accurate free space for the temporary file that can be secured in the printing apparatus. To allow the door.

According to the twelfth and eighteenth aspects, the second receiving step of receiving the transmission information of the temporary file transmitted by the information processing apparatus, and the transmission of the temporary file received by the second receiving step A holding step of holding information; a third receiving step of receiving a temporary file transmitted by the information processing apparatus; and a printing apparatus based on the temporary file on the information processing apparatus received by the third receiving step. A temporary file creation process, which makes it possible to create an effective temporary file for the printing device on a memory resource that can be secured on the printing device based on the temporary file transmitted and received from the data processing device. And

According to the thirteenth and nineteenth aspects, when the printing process is started after the temporary file is created in the creating step, the print instruction data received from the information processing apparatus is temporarily stored in the information processing apparatus. A determination step of determining whether the print instruction data is in a temporary file on the printing apparatus; and a determination step of determining whether the print instruction data is in a temporary file on the printing apparatus. A first printing step of printing the print instruction data based on a file; and, when the determination step determines that the print instruction data is in a temporary file on the information processing apparatus, the temporary file transmission instruction is issued. A second transmission step of transmitting to the information processing apparatus, and transmitting the temporary file transmission command transmitted in the second transmission step by the information processing apparatus And a second printing step of printing the print instruction data based on the temporary file on the information processing device received by the fourth receiving step. It is possible to efficiently print received print data while mutually using a temporary file spooled on a printing device and a temporary file spooled on an information processing device.

Therefore, the data amount of the temporary file created by the information processing device is compared with the temporary file free area that can be secured in the printing device, and the data amount of the temporary file to be transferred to the printing device is adjusted. Thus, there is an effect that a print resource environment capable of efficiently performing print processing of print data by spooling a temporary file optimal for both memory resources can be freely constructed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing an example of the printing apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the printing apparatus illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an external configuration of the printing apparatus illustrated in FIG.

5 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the printing apparatus illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure in the printing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second data processing procedure in the printing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a temporary file secured in a memory resource of the information processing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a third data processing procedure in the printing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by the printing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a layout output in a conventional printing system.

[Explanation of symbols]

 41 CPU 42 ROM 43 RAM 51 Printing device 60 Information processing device

Claims (19)

[Claims] 1. A printing system in which an information processing device and a printing device can communicate with each other via a predetermined communication medium, wherein a predetermined printing resource available for printing by the printing device is a first printing resource.
Creating means for creating a temporary file of the following; acquiring means for acquiring the free space of a second temporary file that can be secured in the memory resources of the printing apparatus; and free space of the second temporary file acquired by the acquiring means. Determining whether or not is less than the data amount of the first temporary file created by the creating unit; and determining that the free space of the second temporary file is equal to the data amount of the first temporary file. A first transfer unit that transfers the data of the first temporary file created by the creation unit by an amount equal to the free space of the second temporary file when it is determined that: And a second transfer unit for supplementarily transferring the first temporary file requested by the printing apparatus after the transfer. 2. An information processing device capable of communicating with a printing device via a predetermined communication medium, wherein a temporary file free space for acquiring a free space for a temporary file that can be secured in a memory resource of the printing device. A first transmission unit that transmits an acquisition command; and a first transmission unit that receives a temporary file free space returned from the printing apparatus in response to the temporary file free space acquisition command transmitted by the first transmission unit. An information processing apparatus, comprising: receiving means for storing a temporary file free space of the printing apparatus received by the first receiving means. 3. A creating unit for creating a temporary file usable for printing after receiving the free space for a temporary file of the printing device by the first receiving unit, and a temporary file created by the creating unit. Calculating means for calculating the capacity of the temporary file of the printing apparatus held by the first holding means, and determining whether the free space for the temporary file on the information processing apparatus calculated by the calculating means is larger than Means, if the determining means determines that the free space for the temporary file of the printing apparatus is not larger than the temporary file on the information processing apparatus, determining means for determining a temporary file to be transmitted to the printing apparatus; When the determining unit determines that the free space for the temporary file of the printing apparatus is larger than the temporary file on the information processing apparatus, the file is transmitted to the printing apparatus. And third transmission means for transmitting time and a second transmission means for transmitting transmission information of the file to the printing apparatus, after the transmission of the transmission information by the second transmission means, the file to the printing apparatus temporarily
3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, comprising: 4. A second reception method for receiving a transmission request for a temporary file from the printing device when the determination unit determines that the free space for the temporary file in the printing device is larger than the temporary file in the information processing device. Means, and a fourth transmission means for transmitting an appropriate temporary file on the information processing device to the printing device when a request for transmitting a temporary file is received from the printing device by the second receiving device. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein 5. A printing device capable of communicating with an information processing device via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the first receiving means receives a temporary file free space acquisition command transmitted from the information processing device; Calculating means for calculating a temporary file free space that can be secured in a memory resource when the temporary file free space acquisition command is received by the first receiving means; A first transmission unit for transmitting to the processing device. 6. A second receiving unit for receiving transmission information of a temporary file transmitted by the information processing apparatus; a holding unit for storing transmission information of a temporary file received by the second receiving unit; Third receiving means for receiving a temporary file transmitted by the information processing apparatus; creating means for creating a temporary file of the printing apparatus based on the temporary file on the information processing apparatus received by the third receiving means; The printing apparatus according to claim 5, comprising: 7. When print processing is started after the temporary file is created by the creating unit, the print instruction data received from the information processing apparatus is in a temporary file on the information processing apparatus, A determination unit that determines whether the print instruction data is in a temporary file; and if the determination unit determines that the print instruction data is in a temporary file on a printing device, the print instruction data is determined based on the temporary file on the printing device. A first printing unit for printing, and a second unit for transmitting a temporary file transmission command to the information processing device when the determination unit determines that the print instruction data is in a temporary file on the information processing device. Transmitting means for receiving a temporary file transmitted by the information processing apparatus in response to the temporary file transmission command transmitted by the second transmitting means; 4. A printing apparatus comprising: a fourth receiving unit; and a second printing unit that prints the print instruction data based on a temporary file on the information processing device received by the fourth receiving unit. 6. The printing device according to 6. 8. A data processing method for an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a printing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, the method comprising: acquiring a free space for a temporary file that can be secured in a memory resource of the printing apparatus. A first transmission step of transmitting a temporary file free space acquisition command; and a temporary file free space returned from the printing apparatus in response to the temporary file free space acquisition command transmitted in the first transmission step. A data processing method for an information processing apparatus, comprising: a first receiving step of receiving; and a holding step of holding free space for a temporary file of the printing device received in the first receiving step. 9. A creating step of creating a temporary file usable for printing after receiving a free space for a temporary file of the printing apparatus in the first receiving step, and a temporary file created by the creating step A calculating step of calculating the capacity of the temporary file, and a determining step of determining whether the free space for the temporary file of the printing apparatus held in the holding step is larger than the capacity of the temporary file on the information processing apparatus calculated in the calculating step. A determining step of determining a temporary file to be transmitted to the printing apparatus when the determining step determines that the free space for the temporary file of the printing apparatus is not larger than the temporary file on the information processing apparatus; If it is determined that the free space for the temporary file of the printing apparatus is larger than the temporary file on the information processing apparatus, A second transmission step of transmitting transmission information of the file to the printing apparatus, and a third transmission step of transmitting after transmission of the transmission information by the second transmission step, the temporary file to the printing apparatus,
9. The data processing method for an information processing device according to claim 8, comprising: 10. A second receiving method for receiving a request for transmitting a temporary file from the printing device when it is determined in the determining step that the free space for the temporary file in the printing device is larger than the temporary file in the information processing device. And a fourth transmitting step of transmitting an appropriate temporary file on the information processing device to the printing device when a request for transmitting a temporary file is received from the printing device in the second receiving process. The data processing method for an information processing device according to claim 9. 11. A data processing method for a printing apparatus capable of communicating with an information processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the first receiving method receives a temporary file free space acquisition command transmitted from the information processing apparatus. A step of calculating a temporary file free space that can be secured in a memory resource when the temporary file free space acquisition command is received in the first receiving step; and a temporary file free space calculated by the calculating step. A first transmission step of transmitting a capacity to the information processing apparatus. 12. A second receiving step of receiving transmission information of a temporary file transmitted by the information processing apparatus; a holding step of holding transmission information of the temporary file received in the second receiving step; A third receiving step of receiving a temporary file transmitted by the information processing apparatus, and a creating step of creating a temporary file of the printing apparatus based on the temporary file on the information processing apparatus received by the third receiving step; The data processing method of a printing apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising: 13. When a printing process is started after a temporary file is created in the creating step, the print instruction data received from the information processing device is in a temporary file on the information processing device, A judging step of judging whether or not the print instruction data is in a temporary file, and when it is judged in the judging step that the print instruction data is in a temporary file on the printing device, the print instruction data is determined based on the temporary file on the printing device. A first printing step of printing, and a second step of transmitting a temporary file transmission command to the information processing apparatus when the print instruction data is determined to be in a temporary file on the information processing apparatus by the determination step. Receiving a temporary file transmitted by the information processing apparatus in response to the temporary file transmission command transmitted in the second transmitting step; And a second printing step of printing the print instruction data based on the temporary file on the information processing device received in the fourth receiving step. Item 13. The data processing method for a printing device according to Item 12. 14. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program for controlling an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a printing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the temporary storage medium can be secured in a memory resource of the printing apparatus. A first transmission step of transmitting a temporary file free space acquisition command for acquiring a free space for a file; and the printing apparatus responding to the temporary file free space acquisition command transmitted in the first transmission step. A first receiving step of receiving the returned free space for the temporary file; and a holding step of holding the free space for the temporary file of the printing device received in the first receiving step. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program. 15. A creating step of creating a temporary file usable for printing after receiving a free space for a temporary file of the printing apparatus in the first receiving step, and a temporary file created by the creating step. A calculating step of calculating the capacity of the temporary file, and a determining step of determining whether the free space for the temporary file of the printing apparatus held in the holding step is larger than the capacity of the temporary file on the information processing apparatus calculated in the calculating step. A determining step of determining a temporary file to be transmitted to the printing apparatus when the determining step determines that the free space for the temporary file of the printing apparatus is not larger than the temporary file on the information processing apparatus; When it is determined that the free space for the temporary file of the printing apparatus is larger than the temporary file on the information processing apparatus, A second transmission step of transmitting transmission information of the file to the printing device when a third transmission step of transmitting after transmission of the transmission information by the second transmission step, the temporary file to the printing apparatus,
15. The storage medium storing a computer-readable program according to claim 14, comprising: 16. A second reception for receiving a transmission request for a temporary file from the printing device when it is determined in the determining step that the free space for the temporary file in the printing device is larger than the temporary file in the information processing device. And a fourth transmitting step of transmitting an appropriate temporary file on the information processing device to the printing device when a request for transmitting a temporary file is received from the printing device in the second receiving process. A storage medium storing the computer-readable program according to claim 15. 17. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program for controlling a printing apparatus capable of communicating with an information processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, wherein a temporary file transmitted from the information processing apparatus is provided. A first receiving step of receiving a capacity acquisition command; and a calculating step of calculating a temporary file free capacity that can be secured in a memory resource when the temporary file free capacity obtaining command is received in the first receiving step. A first transmission step of transmitting the temporary file free space calculated in the calculation step to the information processing apparatus, wherein the storage medium stores a computer-readable program. 18. A second receiving step of receiving transmission information of a temporary file transmitted by the information processing device; a holding step of holding transmission information of the temporary file received in the second receiving step; A third receiving step of receiving a temporary file transmitted by the information processing apparatus, and a creating step of creating a temporary file of the printing apparatus based on the temporary file on the information processing apparatus received by the third receiving step; 18. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program according to claim 17, comprising: 19. When print processing is started after a temporary file is created in the creation step, whether print instruction data received from the information processing apparatus is in a temporary file on the information processing apparatus, or A judging step of judging whether or not the print instruction data is in a temporary file, and when it is judged in the judging step that the print instruction data is in a temporary file on the printing device, the print instruction data is determined based on the temporary file on the printing device. A first printing step of printing, and a second step of transmitting a temporary file transmission command to the information processing apparatus when the print instruction data is determined to be in a temporary file on the information processing apparatus by the determination step. Receiving a temporary file transmitted by the information processing apparatus in response to the temporary file transmission command transmitted in the second transmitting step; And a second printing step of printing the print instruction data based on the temporary file on the information processing device received in the fourth receiving step. Item 19. A storage medium storing the computer-readable program according to Item 18.