JPH11219269A - Printing system and printer server - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce a load for updating a printer description file and to facilitate changing a of printing characteristics. SOLUTION: At the time of changing printing characteristics specifiable at the time of preparing printing data, a characteristic file 5 for setting the printing characteristics is outputted from a client PC(personal computer) 30 to a reception directory 21 of a client server. The client server moves the characteristic file 5 from the reception directory 21 to a characteristic file directory 22, describes information for specifying the characteristic information 5 on a printer description file 6 and automatically updates the printer description file.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention includes a client device, a printer server device, and a printer device connected via a communication network or the like, and prints print data output from the client device by the printer server device and the printer device. Printing system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, a PostScript language (PostScript is an Adobe S
In the case of a printer device that prints print data described using a system (trademark of Systems Incorporated), the information on the print characteristics of the printer device is PPD.
(PostScript Printer Descriptor
ption) file is described in a printer description file called a file. This printer description file is a file unique to each printer device.

In a conventional environment in which a printer such as a personal computer is directly connected to a printer, the printing characteristics of the printer are not frequently added or changed. Therefore, there is little chance that the description content of the printer description file needs to be rewritten. In some rare cases, such as when adding or changing fonts, it is necessary to rewrite the contents of the printer description file.In such a case, the user has rewritten the printer description file using a text editor or the like. .

[0004]

However, in a printing system in which a client device, a printer server device, and a printer device are connected via a communication network or the like, a large number of client devices use the same printer device. The frequency of adding or changing the printing characteristics of the device increases.

For example, in the printing system, a color correction is performed by a printer device in order to absorb a difference between the color of an image printed by a printer server device or a printer device and the color of an image displayed on a display of a client device. May be performed. In such a case, depending on the type of display of the client device and the type of ink and printing paper used in the printer device,
Frequently, the printing characteristics of a printer device must be added or changed.

As described above, as the frequency of adding or changing the print characteristics of the printer increases, the frequency of rewriting the contents of the printer description file in which the information on the print characteristics of the printer is described also increases. As a result, if the user manually rewrites the printer description file using a text editor or the like, there is a problem that the burden on the user increases and the workability decreases.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described problems, and it is an object of the present invention to reduce the burden on a user when rewriting an information description file, such as a printer description file, which describes information on print characteristics of a printer. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing system and a printer server device capable of easily adding or changing print characteristics.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a client apparatus, a printer server apparatus, and a printer apparatus, wherein print data output from the client apparatus is transmitted to the printer server. A printing system for printing by a device and a printer device in accordance with print characteristics set based on a characteristic file, wherein the client device includes an output unit that outputs the characteristic file, and the printer server device includes a printer for specifying the characteristic file. Storage means for storing an information description file in which specified information is described; receiving means for receiving a characteristic file output from a client device; determining means for determining whether or not the characteristic file has been received by the receiving means; When a property file is received based on the judgment result by Is designation information for designating the received properties file, by describing the stored information description file in the storage means, and a updating means for updating the information description file.

Here, the client device, printer server device and printer device are connected via a communication network or the like. Note that the printer device may be directly connected to the printer server device without going through the communication network. Further, the printer server device and the printer device may be integrated.

The print data is, for example, data such as documents and images created by word processor software, drawing software, photo retouching software, and the like.

When printing is performed, the client device outputs print data. This print data is received by the printer server device via the communication network. The printer server device expands the received print data into data having a data format dependent on the printer device, and outputs the data to the printer device. The printer device receives the developed data and prints it on a print medium. The client device outputs the print data, and the print server device prints the print data received from the client device.
The output timing and the like may be controlled and output to the printer, and the printer may expand the print data received from the printer server into data having a data format dependent on the printer and print the data. Further, the client device already outputs the print data expanded in a data format dependent on the printer device to the printer server device, and the printer server device controls the print data received from the client device, such as the output timing. Alternatively, the print data may be output to the printer, and the printer may print the print data.

Further, the development and printing of the print data are
This is performed according to the print characteristics set based on the characteristic file. The characteristic file is a file in which characteristic data is described. The characteristic data is data for specifically setting print characteristics, and is used for print data expansion processing, print processing, and the like. For example, the characteristic data is data for performing color correction, data relating to fonts, and the like. The characteristic file is stored in the printer server device or the printer device in a rewritable manner.

Further, the printer server device stores an information description file by the storage means. The information description file corresponds to, for example, a PPD file of a PostScript printer. In this information description file, specification information for specifying the characteristic file is described. This information description file is mainly used when a user creates print data with a client device. For example, a user may specify a property file for setting desired print properties when creating print data. In such a case, the client device refers to the information description file and provides the user with information on the characteristic file (information on print characteristics) that can be specified based on the specification information described in the information description file. The user can specify a characteristic file (printing characteristic) based on information about the characteristic file that can be specified. On the other hand, when the printer server device and the printer device print the print data, the printer server device or the printer device performs expansion processing and print processing in accordance with the characteristic data described in the characteristic file specified by the user.

By adding or changing a property file stored in the printer server device or the printer device, it is possible to add or change print characteristics that can be specified. When a characteristic file is added or changed, the characteristic file is output from the client device to the printer server device via a communication network or the like. The receiving means of the printer server device receives the property file. At this time, the determination unit of the printer server device determines whether the characteristic file has been received by the receiving unit. When the characteristic file is received as a result of the determination by the determining unit, the updating unit of the printer server device stores the specification information for specifying the received characteristic file in the information description file stored in the storage unit. By describing, the information description file is updated. Thus, when print data is created by the client device or the like, it is possible to refer to the updated information description file and specify a new added or changed characteristic file. Then, at the time of printing execution, it is possible to set the print characteristics based on the characteristic data described in the added or changed new characteristic file.

As described above, when adding or changing a property file, the user only needs to output a new property file from the client device. Thus, the information description file stored in the printer server device can be automatically updated.

In the printing system according to the second aspect of the present invention, the characteristic file describes at least color correction data for correcting a difference in color that differs depending on ink used for printing or printing paper.

That is, in the case where color correction is performed at the time of print data development processing or print processing, when a print characteristic relating to color correction is added or changed, a characteristic file in which color correction data is described is output from the client device. The printer server device receives the property file and updates the information description file by describing the specification information for specifying the received new property file in the information description file stored in the storage unit. .

Thus, when print data is created by the client device, it is possible to designate a new added or changed characteristic file by referring to the updated information description file. Then, at the time of executing the print data expanding process or the print process, it is possible to perform color correction by using the color correction data described in the newly added or changed new characteristic file.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing system provided in a printing system including a client device and a printer device, for printing print data output from the client device in accordance with printing characteristics set based on a characteristic file. A printer server device for controlling
Storage means for storing an information description file in which designation information for designating a property file is described; receiving means for receiving a property file output from a client device;
Determining means for determining whether or not the characteristic file has been received by the receiving means; and, when the characteristic file has been received based on the determination result by the determining means, designation information for designating the received characteristic file is stored. By describing in the information description file stored in the means,
Updating means for updating the information description file.

Thus, when adding or changing a characteristic file stored in the printer server device or the printer device, the user only needs to output a new characteristic file from the client device. Thus, the information description file stored in the printer server device can be automatically updated.

In the printer server according to the fourth aspect of the invention, the characteristic file describes color correction data for correcting a difference in color that differs depending on at least the ink used for printing or the printing paper.

According to this configuration, when performing color correction at the time of print data development processing or print processing in the printing system, when adding or changing print characteristics related to color correction, a characteristic file in which color correction data is described is transmitted from the client device to the client device. Output to the printer server device.
The printer server receives the property file,
The specification information for specifying the received characteristic file is described in the information description file stored in the storage means, thereby updating the information description file. As a result, when print data is created by the client device, it is possible to designate a new added or changed characteristic file with reference to the updated information description file. Then, at the time of executing the print data expanding process or the print process, the color correction can be performed by the color correction data described in the newly added or changed new characteristic file.

[0023]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention.
4 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing a printing system according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 100 includes a printer server device 10 and a plurality of client personal computers 30 (hereinafter, referred to as “client PCs 30”). They are interconnected via 40.

Here, the printer server device 10 will be described. The printer server device 10 is configured by a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. The printer server device 10
PU 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, input unit 14, display unit 15, network connection interface (I /
F) 16, Printer connection interface (I / F)
17 and a storage unit 20, which are interconnected via a bus. A plurality of printer devices 50 are connected to the printer server device 10 via a printer connection interface (I / F) 17.

The CPU 11 controls the printer server device 10 as a whole and, at the time of printing, converts the print data contained in the print file output from the client PC 30 into bitmap data, which is a data format dependent on the printer device. Perform processing to expand to data. The print data is, for example, word processor software,
Data such as documents and images created by drawing software, photo retouching software, and the like, and are described in, for example, a page description language. The CPU 11 executes a main program and an automatic update program shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 to update a printer description file, which will be described later.

The ROM 12 stores a main program and an automatic update program shown in FIGS. Further, the ROM 12 stores a program for expanding print data into bitmap data, a program for comprehensively controlling the printer server device 10, various data, and the like. RAM 13 is a CPU
11 is used as a work area when the printer server device 10 is controlled.

The input unit 14 is for inputting data or commands to the printer server device 10, and includes a keyboard,
It is composed of a mouse or a switch panel or the like. The display unit 15 displays characters or characters for confirming data or commands input to the printer server device 10 by the input unit 14 and confirming the operation status of the printer server device 10.
It displays numerical values and images, for example, CRT
It is composed of a display or a liquid crystal display.

Network connection interface 16
Connects the printer server device 10 to the communication network 40, controls input of data transmitted from the communication network 40 to the printer server device 10, and controls output of data transmitted from the printer server device 10 to the communication network 40. Is what you do. The printer connection interface 17 performs output control of bitmap data transmitted from the printer server device 10 to each printer device 50, input control of data transmitted from each printer device 50 to the printer server device 10, and the like. Things.

The storage section 20 is composed of a rewritable memory such as a RAM or a hard disk. Further, the storage unit 20 has a function of performing memory management such as creation and setting of directories (storage areas). The storage unit 20 includes a receiving directory 21, a characteristic file directory 22, and a printer description file directory 23. ing. The receiving directory 21 is a storage area for receiving the property file output from the client PC 30 and temporarily storing the property file. The property file directory 22 is a storage area for storing and holding a property file. The printer description file directory 23 is a storage area for storing a printer description file.

The receiving directory 21 is shared by the client PCs 30. Therefore, the user can view the receiving directory 21 by each client PC 30.

Here, the characteristic file is a file in which characteristic data is described. The characteristic data is data for setting print characteristics of the printer server device 10 and the printer device 50. Used for processing, printing processing, and the like. For example, examples of the property file include a color profile, a font file, and the like.

The color profile refers to the client P
This is a file in which color correction data for correcting a difference in color depending on the type of the display unit 36 (display) of C30, the type of ink used in the printer device 50, the type of printing paper, and the like is described. For example, when an image is edited by starting drawing software or photo retouching software on the client PC 30, if the color reproduction range of the display unit 36 of the client PC 30 and the color reproduction range of the printer device 50 are different, the client PC 30 The color of the image displayed on the display unit 36 is different from the color of the image printed by the printer device 50. In such a case, the color of the image displayed on the display unit 36 of the client PC 30 and the color of the image printed by the printer device 50 are matched based on the color correction data described in the color profile. .

A font file is a file in which font data for determining a character font when character data is converted into bitmap data is described.

On the other hand, the printer description file is an information description file in which information on the print characteristics of the printer server device 10 and the printer device 50 is described. For example, the printer description file includes information on the paper size that can be printed by the printer device 50, version information of the printer server device 10 and the printer device 50, information on a page description language that can be expanded, and the printer server device 1.
If a plurality of printers 50 are connected to the printer server 0, the names of the printers 50 connected to the printer server 10 are described. Further, specification information for specifying the property file is described in the printer description file. For example, the printer description file describes the file name of the property file as specification information for specifying the property file. This printer description file is referred to by the client PC 30 when creating print data.

The printer device 50 connected to the printer server device 10 via the printer connection interface 17 has a function as a print engine for actually printing bitmap data output from the printer server device 10 on paper. Things. In FIG. 1, two printer devices 5 are connected to the printer server device 10.
Although 0 is connected, the number of printer devices 50 may be one or three or more. Also, the printer device 50 is connected to the print server by the print connection interface 17.
May be connected to the communication network 40 instead of through the network.

Next, each client PC 30 will be described. The client PC 30 includes a CPU 31, a ROM
32, RAM 33, storage unit 34, input unit 35, display unit 3
6 and a network connection interface 37, which are interconnected via a bus. More specifically, the CPU 31 controls the operation of the client PC 30,
Stores a program or the like for controlling the operation of the client PC 30. The RAM 33 is a CPU 3
Reference numeral 1 is used as a work area or the like when the program or the like is executed, and the storage unit 34 is configured by a hard disk or the like. The input unit 35 includes a keyboard, a mouse, and the like.
This is for inputting data and commands to 0. The display unit 36 is configured by a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, or the like. The network connection interface 37 connects the client PC 30 to the communication network 40 and controls input / output of data between the client PC 30 and the communication network 40. Further, each client PC 30 has:
A disk drive for inputting and outputting data to and from a storage medium such as a floppy disk is provided.

The storage unit 34 of the client PC 30
Stores a printer driver, and application software such as word processor software, drawing software, and photo retouching software. If these application software are executed by the CPU 31, the client PC 30 can create and output print data. Further, the client PC 30 can output the file stored in the storage unit 34 or the like to the printer server device 10 via the communication network 40. For example, the characteristic file stored on the floppy disk is
0, and the copied property file can be output to the printer server device 10 via the communication network 40. The client P
C30 may have a function of creating a property file.

According to FIG. 1, four client PCs 30 are connected to the communication network 40.
The number of connected client PCs 30 may be one, two, three, five or more.

Next, the printing system 10 according to the present embodiment
0, the operation from creation of print data to execution of printing will be described.

Print data is created by the client PC 30 and output as a print file to the printer server device 10 via the communication network 40. Further, a print file created in advance and stored in a floppy disk or the like is read into the client PC 30 via a disk drive or the like provided in the client PC 30, and the read print file is read from the client PC 30 via the communication network 40. May be output to the printer server device 10.

When print data is created by the client PC 30, application software such as word processor software, drawing software, and photo retouching software stored in the storage unit 34 is started, and print data is created by the application software. At this time, the printer description file is used by the client PC 30. For example, when creating print data, the user specifies a property file for setting print properties. At this time, the client PC 30
Refers to the printer description file, and stores information about the property file that can be specified based on the specification information described in the printer description file, that is, information about the property file stored in the property file directory 22 of the printer server device 10. It is displayed on the display unit 36. Thus, the user can operate the input unit 35 while viewing the display unit 36 to specify a desired characteristic file among the characteristic files stored in the characteristic file directory 22 of the printer server device 10. For example, when performing color correction when printing print data, the user can specify a desired color profile from among the color profiles stored in the characteristic file directory 22 of the printer server device 10. The information on the specification of the characteristic file by the user becomes one of the data constituting the print file. The printer description file is transmitted from the printer server device 10 to the client PC 30 via the communication network 40 when the printing system 100 is activated or when the printer description file is updated, and is stored in the client PC 30. ing.

When the creation of the print file is completed, the print file is output from the client PC 30. The print file output from the client PC 30 is received by the printer server device 10 via the communication network 40. Then, the printer server device 10 expands the print data included in the print file into bitmap data. At this time, the printer server device 10
Specifies the property file stored in the property file directory 22 in accordance with the above-mentioned information on the specification of the property file by the user. Further, the printer server device 10 sets print characteristics according to the characteristic data described in the specified characteristic file, and develops the print data into bitmap data according to the set print characteristics. For example, when performing color correction when developing print data into bitmap data, the printer server device 10 specifies a color profile according to the above-mentioned information on the specification of the characteristic file by the user. Further, the printer server device 10 develops the print data into bitmap data while performing color correction according to the color correction data described in the designated color profile. Then, the bitmap data is output from the printer server device 10 to the printer device 50, and is printed by the printer device 50.

Next, the printing system 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.
0, an operation when a characteristic file is added will be described with reference to FIG.

When a new property file is added to the property file directory 22 of the printer server device 10, the printer server device 10 additionally describes designation information for designating the added property file in the printer description file. Thereby updating the printer description file. This makes it possible to specify the newly added characteristic file when the print data is created by the client PC 30. At the time of printing, the newly added characteristic file is set by the printer server device 10 and the printer device 50. The print data can be developed and printed based on the characteristic data described in (1).

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, when a new characteristic file is added to the characteristic file directory 22 of the printer server device 10, the client PC 30 transmits the new characteristic file 5 via the communication network 40. And outputs it to the client server device 10. The client server device 10 receives the new property file 5 and temporarily stores it in the receiving directory 21. At this time, the CP of the printer server device 10
U11 monitors whether a new property file 5 is input (stored) in the receiving directory 21 based on the automatic update program 1. And the receiving directory 2
When a new property file 5 is input to the
Moves the new property file 5 to the property file directory 22. Further, the CPU 11 additionally describes designation information for designating the new property file 5, for example, the file name of the property file 5, in the printer description file 6 stored in the printer description file directory 23, thereby obtaining a printer description. Update files.

Further, the updated printer description file is transmitted from the printer server 10 to each client PC 3.
0 to the storage unit 34 of the client PC 30.
In the directory where the printer driver is stored. As a result, the updated printer description file 6 can be used immediately by the printer driver of the client PC 30 or the application software for creating print data.

Next, when a property file is added,
The processing executed by the printer server device 10 will be described more specifically with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

The printer server 10 executes the main program shown in FIG. 3 while the power is on. That is, at step 11 in FIG. 3, the process waits for 10 seconds, and at step 12, the automatic update program shown in FIG. 4 is started.

In step 21 in FIG. 4, 0 is stored in a flag fExist used to indicate whether or not a new property file has been stored in the property file directory 22, and the flag fExist is initialized.

In step 22, the receiving directory 21
It is determined whether or not a characteristic file has been input (stored). This determination process is executed at least once each time the automatic update program is started. Then, the automatic update program is started every 10 seconds by the main program. As a result, this determination processing is executed at least once every 10 seconds.

When the characteristic file has been input to the receiving directory 21, "YES" is determined in the step 22, and the process proceeds to a step 23. In step 23, the input characteristic file is moved from the receiving directory 21 to the characteristic file directory 22. Subsequently, in step 24, 1 is stored in the flag fExist, and the process returns to step 22. If a plurality of property files are stored in the receiving directory 21, the processing of steps 22 to 24 is repeated until all the property files stored in the receiving directory 21 are moved to the property file directory 22. .

On the other hand, if no characteristic file has been input to the receiving directory 21, or if all the characteristic files stored in the receiving directory 21 have been moved to the characteristic file directory, "NO" is determined in the step 22. , To step 25.

In step 25, it is determined whether the flag fExist is 1 or not. When the flag FExist is 1, it means that a new property file has been input to the receiving directory 21. Therefore, in step 26, the file name of the newly input property file is described in the printer description file. Update files.

In step 27, the updated printer description file is output from the printer server device 10 to each client PC 30, and stored in the directory where the printer driver is stored in the storage section 34 of the client PC 30, and the main program is executed. Return to

On the other hand, if the flag FExist is not 1, it means that no new property file has been input to the receiving directory 21, and the process returns to the main program without updating the printer description file.

Thus, according to the printing system 100 of the present embodiment, when adding a property file, the user only needs to output a new property file from the client PC 30 to the printer server device 10. Thus, a new property file can be stored in the property file directory, and the printer description file can be automatically updated. Therefore, when the characteristic file is added, it is not necessary to manually rewrite the printer description file using a text editor or the like, so that the burden on the user can be reduced and the workability can be improved. In other words, the user has the client P at hand.
By simply operating the C30, it is possible to automatically add a property file and update a printer description file,
Addition or change of print characteristics that can be specified can be performed quickly and easily.

In particular, when a color profile is added to the printer server device 10 and a color profile that can be specified is added, it is only necessary to output the color profile from the client PC 30. As a result, the color profile can be stored in the characteristic file directory 22 of the printer server device 10, and the printer description file can be automatically updated. Therefore, it is possible to easily add or change the print characteristics relating to the color correction that can be specified.

Since the receiving directory 21 of the client server device 10 is shared by the client PCs 30, the user needs
30 allows the receiving directory 21 to be viewed. Thus, the user can easily send the characteristic file from the client PC 30 to the receiving directory 21 of the printer server device 10 simply by operating the input unit 35 and copying the characteristic file to the receiving directory visible from the client PC 30. it can.

In the above embodiment, the client P
Although the case where the print data included in the print file output from the C30 is expanded into bitmap data by the printer server device 10 has been described as an example, the present invention is not limited to this, and the print file output from the client PC 30 is not limited thereto. The included print data may be output to the printer device 50 via the printer server device 10 and developed by the printer device 50 into bitmap data. In the above-described embodiment, bitmap data is used as an example of data in a data format depending on the printer device 50, but the present invention is not limited to this.

In the above embodiment, the case where the printer server device 10 and the printer device 50 are independent devices has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the printer server function and the printer function (print engine Function) may be integrated into one device.

Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the specification information described in the printer description file is the file name of the characteristic file has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a description that briefly describes the contents of the property file may be described in the printer description file, and the description that briefly describes the contents of the property file may be associated with the property file. For example, if the characteristic file is a color profile that describes color correction data when printing print data on general copy paper, describe “color correction for general copy paper” in the printer description file,
The description “color correction for general copy paper” may be associated with the property file.

In the above embodiment, the printer description file is transferred from the printer server 10 to the client PC.
Although the case where the data is transmitted to and stored in the client PC 30 has been described as an example, the present invention is not limited to this.
The printer description file may be written from the printer server device 10 to a floppy disk or the like, and the client PC 30 may read the printer description file written to the floppy disk or the like.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, when a characteristic file is added to the printer server device 10, a case is described in which designation information for designating the newly added characteristic file is additionally described in the printer description file. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the printer description file may be recreated so as to describe specification information for specifying a newly added characteristic file.

[0065]

As described above in detail, according to the printing system of the first aspect of the present invention, the client device has an output means for outputting the characteristic file, and the printer server device has the designation for designating the characteristic file. Storage means for storing an information description file in which information is described, receiving means for receiving the characteristic file output from the client device, determining means for determining whether or not the characteristic file has been received by the receiving means; When the characteristic file is received based on the determination result, the information description file is updated by describing the specification information for designating the received characteristic file in the information description file stored in the storage unit. When adding or changing the property file, the user is required to Good only outputs the Tana characteristic file from the client device. Thus, the information description file stored in the printer server device can be automatically updated. Therefore, the burden on the user can be reduced, and workability can be improved.

According to the printing system of the second aspect,
Since the characteristic file is configured to describe at least color correction data for correcting a difference in color that differs depending on ink or printing paper used for printing, printing characteristics relating to color correction that can be specified when creating print data or the like are added or added. When changing, the user only needs to output the characteristic file in which the color correction data is described from the client device. As a result, the information description file stored in the printer server device is automatically updated, and the print characteristics relating to color correction that can be specified when creating print data are automatically added or changed. Then, at the time of executing the print data expanding process or the print process, it is possible to perform color correction by using the color correction data described in the newly added or changed new characteristic file. In this way, it is possible to reduce the burden on the user when adding or changing the print characteristics related to the color correction that can be specified at the time of creating print data, etc.
Workability can be improved.

According to the printer server device of the third aspect of the present invention, the storage means for storing the information description file in which the specification information for specifying the characteristic file is described, and the receiving means for receiving the characteristic file output from the client device Means, determining means for determining whether or not the characteristic file has been received by the receiving means, and designation information for designating the received characteristic file when the characteristic file has been received based on the determination result by the determining means. Is described in the information description file stored in the storage means, thereby providing an updating means for updating the information description file. When adding or changing, simply output a new property file from the client device,
The information description file stored in the printer server device can be automatically updated. Therefore, the burden on the user can be reduced, and workability can be improved.

According to the printer server device of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the characteristic file is configured to describe the color correction data for correcting at least the color difference depending on the ink used for printing or the printing paper. By simply outputting a characteristic file in which correction data is described from the client device, the information description file stored in the printer server device can be automatically updated, and the print characteristics relating to color correction that can be specified when creating print data are automatically updated. Can be added or changed. As a result, the burden on the user can be reduced, and workability can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation when a characteristic file is added in the printing system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a process of a main program for adding a characteristic file in the printing system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating processing of an automatic update program for a printer description file in the printing system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 5 Characteristic File 6 Printer Description File (Information Description File) 10 Printer Server 21 Receiving Directory (Receiving Unit) 23 Printer Description File Directory (Storage Unit) 30 Client PC (Client Device) 31 CPU (Output Unit) 50 Printer 100 Printing system

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A printer device comprising a client device, a printer server device, and a printer device, wherein print data output from the client device is printed by the printer server device and the printer device according to print characteristics set based on a characteristic file. In a printing system, the client device includes an output unit that outputs the characteristic file, and the printer server device stores an information description file in which designation information for designating the characteristic file is described. Receiving means for receiving the characteristic file output from the client device; determining means for determining whether or not the characteristic file has been received by the receiving means; and determining whether the characteristic file is based on the determination result by the determining means. When received, this receipt The designation information for designating the properties file, by describing the stored information description file in the storage means, the printing system comprising an updating means for updating the information description file. 2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the characteristic file describes at least color correction data for correcting a difference in color that differs depending on ink used for printing or printing paper. 3. A printer, which is provided in a printing system including a client device and a printer device, and controls the printer device to print print data output from the client device in accordance with print characteristics set based on a characteristic file. A server device, storage means for storing an information description file in which designation information for designating the property file is described; receiving means for receiving a property file output from the client device; Determining means for determining whether or not the characteristic file has been received; and, when the characteristic file has been received based on the determination result by the determining means, specifying information for specifying the received characteristic file, By describing in the information description file stored in the means Printer server device provided with an update means for updating the information description file. 4. The printer server device according to claim 3, wherein the characteristic file describes at least color correction data for correcting a difference in color that differs depending on ink used for printing or printing paper.