JPH1120241A - Print controller, print control method, and memory medium storing computer readable program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To store a print data developed printably from a print section based on print information received from a data processor and to print the print data, as required, in a short time with high reproducibility. SOLUTION: A decision is made whether a print data printable at a print section 7 is stored in a memory 6 or not by analyzing received print information. The print data is then stored in the memory 6 based on the decision results and a CPU 4 controls transfer of the print data stored in the memory 6 to the print section 7 based on a command delivered for the stored print data from an operating panel 5.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

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

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, this type of printing apparatus is configured to be capable of executing a form overlay printing process in which a fixed form is downloaded to a RAM of a printer, and is output over data when printing. However, the form overlay printing process could not be executed only by the operation of the printer. Further, since the RAM as a memory resource of the printer is also in the unit of several MB, the number of forms that can be downloaded is limited.

Furthermore, even when printing data that does not need to be updated, conventionally, it has been necessary to start a computer, start an application, open a file to be printed, and execute printing.

[0004]

At this time, a printer driver resident on a system memory on a computer converts application data into a page description language or print image data, transfers print data to a printer, Since the rasterizing process of the printer is executed each time, when printing data that does not need to be updated, unnecessary processes are added, and it takes a considerable amount of time to obtain a desired print result. There was a problem that it would.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to store and manage print information as print data that can be printed by a printing unit so that data processing can be performed. A print control apparatus, a print control method, and a computer that can store print data expanded to be printable from a printing unit based on print information received from the apparatus and print the print data with good reproducibility in a short time at any time It is to provide a storage medium storing a program.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print control apparatus for controlling printing of a printing unit by communicating with a data processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium. Determining means for analyzing print information received from the device to determine whether to store print data printable by the printing unit in a non-volatile memory; and storing the print data in the non-volatile memory based on a determination result of the determining means. Storage means for storing print data, instructing means for instructing printing of the print data stored in the non-volatile memory, and the print data stored in the non-volatile memory based on an instruction from the instructing means And control means for controlling transfer to the printing unit.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a notifying means for notifying the data processing apparatus of list data of the print data stored based on an instruction from the data processing apparatus, wherein the control means comprises: After the notification by the notification means,
The print data stored in the non-volatile memory is transferred to the printing unit based on the storage file data specified by the data processing device.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print control apparatus for transferring print information generated by communicating with a printing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, the print information being stored in the printing apparatus. Acquisition means for acquiring the list information of the above, display means for displaying the list information acquired by the acquisition means, and selection means for selecting a print data file name to be reprinted from the list information displayed on the display means And a transfer unit for transferring a storage file print request based on the print data file name selected by the selection unit to the printing apparatus.

A fourth invention according to the present invention is a printing control method for controlling printing of a printing unit by communicating with a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the printing information received from the data processing device is provided. Deciding whether to store print data that can be printed by the printing unit in a non-volatile memory, and storing the print data in the non-volatile memory based on the decision result of the deciding step. A step of instructing printing of the print data stored in the non-volatile memory; and a transfer of transferring the print data stored in the non-volatile memory to the printing unit based on an instruction in the instruction step And a process.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage medium storing a computer readable program for controlling printing of a printing unit by communicating with a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium. A determining step of analyzing print information received from a data processing device to determine whether to store print data printable by the printing unit in a nonvolatile memory, and the nonvolatile memory based on a determination result of the determining step; A storage step of storing the print data, an instruction step of giving a print instruction of the print data stored in the nonvolatile memory, and the print data stored in the nonvolatile memory based on an instruction in the instruction step. And a transfer step of transferring the program to the printing unit.

[0011]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a print control apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a computer, which is configured to be able to communicate with a printer 2 via a predetermined communication medium. A data receiving unit 3 receives print information including PDL data, control data, and the like based on a predetermined page description language from the computer 1.

Reference numeral 4 denotes a CPU, which performs a process of analyzing PDL data from the computer 1 based on a predetermined page description language, a process of developing print data in the storage device 6, and the like. Reference numeral 5 denotes an operation panel for performing various print environment setting instructions including a print instruction for font data and form data for form overlay stored in the storage device 6, for example.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the operation panel 5 shown in FIG.

In the figure, K1 and K2 are cursor keys for designating the search direction of the file name stored in the storage device 6. An execution key K3 is pressed when instructing execution of printing for the file name P2 (hatumei.doc) displayed on the display panel P. P1 is a print setting item area, and corresponds to a state where, for example, "Insert data data selection" is displayed.

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

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print control device which communicates with a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium to control printing of a printing unit. Determining means (CP) for analyzing whether or not to store the print data printable by the printing unit in a nonvolatile memory (storage device) by analyzing the print information received from the device;
U4 executes a control program stored in a memory resource (ROM) or the like (not shown) to perform the determination process), and a storage unit that stores the print data in the nonvolatile memory based on the determination result of the determination unit. Instructing means (operation panel 5) for instructing printing of the print data stored in the nonvolatile memory; and transmitting the print data stored in the nonvolatile memory to the printing unit based on an instruction from the instructing means. A control means for controlling the transfer (the CPU 4 executes and controls a control program stored in a memory resource (ROM) not shown) or the like, so that the printing has already been performed by a simple operation instruction from the printing apparatus side. Print data can be printed with good reproducibility and at high speed.

According to the second invention, there is provided a notifying means (data receiving unit 3) for notifying the data processing device of the list data of the print data stored based on an instruction from the computer 1, and the CPU 4 After the notification by the data receiving unit 3, the print data stored in the storage device 6 is transferred to the printing unit 7 based on the storage file data instructed by the computer 1. The print data stored in the printing apparatus can be printed with good reproducibility and at high speed.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print control apparatus for transferring print information generated by communicating with a printing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, wherein list information of print information stored in the printing apparatus is stored. Acquiring means (a CPU, a communication interface, etc., not shown in the computer 1) for acquiring, a display means (display unit of the computer 1) for displaying the list information acquired by the acquiring means, and a display means for displaying on the display means. Selecting means for selecting a print data file name to be reprinted from the list information (a CPU (not shown) in the computer 1 performs selection processing by a selection instruction by operating a pointing device); and the print data file selected by the selecting means Transfer means (a CPU (not shown) in the computer 1, a communication Because it has a interface, etc.) and,
With a simple operation instruction, desired print data can be printed with good reproducibility and high speed while checking a list of print data that has already been printed and stored in the printing apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a data processing procedure of the print control apparatus according to the present invention. In addition,
(1) to (10) show each step.

First, print data is created by an application of the computer 1 (1). Then, when printing is performed, the "data storage flag" which is a built-in flag of the printer driver is set to OFF (2).

Next, it is determined whether the item "Save print data to printer" is selected on the setting screen of the printer driver (3). If "Save print data to printer" is not selected, it is determined. If it is determined, the process proceeds to step (5) and thereafter. If it is determined that "save print data in the printer" is selected, the "data save flag" is set to ON (4), Proceed to step (5) and subsequent steps.

Next, the printer driver converts the application data into PDL data or print image data conforming to the page description language (5). Then, the converted PDL data or print image data is transferred to the printer 2 (6).

In response, the printer 2 performs a rasterizing process based on the print information received by the data receiving unit 3 (7), and converts the data into print format data that can be printed directly from the printing unit 7. Then, the CPU 4 determines whether the “data storage flag” set in the received print information is set to ON (8), and if the CPU 4 determines that the “data storage flag” is set to ON, The format data is stored in the storage device 6 in the printer 2 (9), and the process proceeds to step (10) and subsequent steps.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (8) that the "data storage flag" is not set to ON, the print data rasterized in step (7) is transferred to the printing unit 7 and printed. (10) The process ends.

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

A printing control method for controlling printing of the printing unit 7 by communicating with a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium configured as described above, or a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer-readable program for controlling printing of the printing unit 7 by communicating with the printing unit 7. The printing unit 7 analyzes print information received from the data processing device (computer 1) and prints the program. Possible print data in non-volatile memory (storage device 6)
(Step (3) in FIG. 3) for determining whether or not to store the print data in the nonvolatile memory based on the determination result of the determination step (step (9) in FIG. 3). )), An instruction step (not shown) for giving a print instruction of the print data stored in the nonvolatile memory, and the print data stored in the nonvolatile memory based on the instruction in the instruction step. The transfer process (step (1) in FIG.
0)), print data that has already been printed can be printed with good reproducibility and at high speed with a simple operation instruction from the printing apparatus.

[Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment,
The case has been described where the file (print data) stored in the storage device 6 is read out from the operation panel 5 of the printer 2 as appropriate and reprinted, but a print instruction may be given from the print utility of the computer 1. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described.

FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of a save file print instruction screen in the print control apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, which is displayed on a display device (not shown) of the computer 1 shown in FIG. The screen is displayed as a utility screen when printing from the print utility of the computer 1.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1A denotes a save file print designation screen, on which a file name list 11 of print data saved in the storage device 6 is displayed. The file name data is
It is assumed that the information is acquired by communication with the printer 2. 12
Indicates the print instruction area and the print instruction area 12 with a cursor (not shown) or the like, thereby instructing the print disclosure of the file name selected and instructed.

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

Although not shown, information for managing a group of programs stored in a storage medium, for example, version information, a creator, etc., is also stored, and information dependent on an OS or the like on the program reading side, for example, 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. 3 in this embodiment may be executed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. Then, in this case, the present invention is applied even when the information group included in the program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Things.

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

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

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

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

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in 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.

[0041]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the invention, there is provided a print control device which communicates with a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium to control printing of a printing unit, the print control device analyzing print information received from the data processing device, and Deciding means for deciding whether to store printable print data in a non-volatile memory, storage means for storing the print data in the non-volatile memory based on a decision result of the deciding means, and the non-volatile memory Instruction means for instructing printing of the print data stored in the non-volatile memory, and control means for controlling transfer of the print data stored in the non-volatile memory to the printing unit based on an instruction from the instruction means. Therefore, print data that has already been printed can be printed with high reproducibility and high speed by a simple operation instruction from the printing apparatus.

According to the second invention, there is provided a notifying means for notifying the data processing apparatus of the list data of the print data stored based on an instruction from the data processing apparatus, and the control means comprises: After the notification by the notification unit, the print data stored in the non-volatile memory is transferred to the printing unit based on the storage file data instructed by the data processing device. The print data stored in the printing apparatus can be printed with good reproducibility and at high speed.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print control apparatus for transferring print information generated by communicating with a printing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, wherein list information of print information stored in the printing apparatus is stored. Acquiring means for acquiring, display means for displaying the list information acquired by the acquiring means, selecting means for selecting a print data file name to be reprinted from the list information displayed on the display means, and selecting Transfer means for transferring a save file print request based on the print data file name selected by the means to the printing apparatus, so that the print data already printed and stored in the printing apparatus by a simple operation instruction. , The desired print data can be printed with good reproducibility and at high speed.

According to the fourth and fifth aspects of the present invention, there is provided a print control method for controlling printing of a printing unit by communicating with a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium, or via a predetermined communication medium. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program that communicates with a data processing device and controls printing of a printing unit, the printing medium being configured to analyze print information received from the data processing device and print the print unit that is capable of printing. A determining step of determining whether data is stored in the nonvolatile memory; a storing step of storing the print data in the nonvolatile memory based on a determination result of the determining step; and An instruction step of instructing printing of print data; and a transfer step of transferring the print data stored in the non-volatile memory to the printing unit based on the instruction in the instruction step. Since a step, by a simple operation instruction from the printing apparatus, the print data that has already been printed with good reproducibility, and can be printed at high speed.

Therefore, the print data developed by the printing unit based on the print information received from the data processing device is stored so that the print data can be printed, so that the print data can be printed in a short period of time with good reproducibility.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a print control apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an operation panel shown in FIG.

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

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a save file print instruction screen in a print control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by a printing system to which the print control device according to the present invention can be applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Computer 2 Printer 3 Data receiving part 4 CPU 5 Operation panel 6 Storage device 7 Printing part

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A printing control device for controlling printing of a printing unit by communicating with a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the printing control unit analyzes print information received from the data processing device and controls the printing unit. Determining means for determining whether to store printable print data in a non-volatile memory; storing means for storing the print data in the non-volatile memory based on a determination result of the determining means; Instruction means for instructing printing of the stored print data, and control means for controlling transfer of the print data stored in the non-volatile memory to the printing unit based on an instruction from the instruction means. A print control device characterized by the above-mentioned. 2. A notifying unit for notifying the data processing device of list data of the print data stored based on an instruction from the data processing device, wherein the control unit, after notification by the notifying unit, The print control device according to claim 1, wherein the print data stored in the non-volatile memory is transferred to the printing unit based on storage file data instructed by the data processing device. 3. A print control device for transferring print information generated by communicating with a printing device via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the obtaining unit obtains list information of print information stored in the printing device. Display means for displaying the list information obtained by the obtaining means; selecting means for selecting a print data file name to be reprinted from the list information displayed on the display means; and selecting by the selecting means. Transfer means for transferring a storage file print request based on the print data file name to the printing apparatus. 4. A print control method for controlling printing of a printing unit by communicating with a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the printing unit analyzes print information received from the data processing device and controls the printing unit. A determining step of determining whether to store printable print data in a non-volatile memory; a storing step of storing the print data in the non-volatile memory based on a determination result of the determining step; An instruction step of instructing printing of the stored print data; and a transfer step of transferring the print data stored in the non-volatile memory to the printing unit based on the instruction in the instruction step. Printing control method. 5. A storage medium storing a computer readable program for controlling printing of a printing unit by communicating with a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium, the print information received from the data processing device. Deciding whether to store print data printable by the printing unit in a non-volatile memory, and storing the print data in the non-volatile memory based on a result of the decision in the deciding step. An instruction step of instructing printing of the print data stored in the nonvolatile memory; and a transfer of transferring the print data stored in the nonvolatile memory to the printing unit based on an instruction in the instruction step. And a storage medium storing a computer-readable program.