JPH11255358A - Printing system, printer, printing method, and print data producing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform the optimum printing operation by selecting one of a plurality of trays which accommodates a print record medium suitable for printing. SOLUTION: A printer driver 2 prepares printing data on the basis of the specified medium size and type and transmits the data to a printer 11. The size and type of the print/record medium accommodated in trays RT1 and PT2, which are set in the printer 11, are sensed by a medium size sensing switch MSS and a medium type sensing switch MTS. A tray selecting part 19 of a printer controller 12 makes reference to a switch setting table 20 and selects the tray which is accommodating the print/record medium suitable for both the size and type given in the print data. Paper is fed from the selected tray and printed by a print engine 13. Accordingly the optimum printing can be performed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printing system, a printer, a printing method, and a print data generating apparatus, and more particularly to a method of selecting a print recording medium suitable for printing from a plurality of sizes and types of print recording media. The present invention relates to a printing system, a printer, a printing method, and a print data generation device for printing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As described in, for example, JP-A-6-102732 and Japanese Patent No. 2545770, a printer provided with a plurality of trays each containing paper of various sizes has been known. Have been. In such a printer having a plurality of paper feed paths, one of the plurality of trays is selected according to the size of a document to be printed.

That is, for example, when printing an A4 size document, a tray containing A4 size paper is selected from a plurality of trays mounted on the printer.
Paper is fed from the selected tray to the print engine. Here, the user can manually specify a particular tray. In addition, by setting the automatic selection mode, the printer can automatically select a tray that matches the printing conditions.

[0004]

However, in recent years,
With the development of image processing devices, personal printing has been diversified. For example, in addition to plain paper, there is an increasing opportunity to print using various types of paper such as glossy paper, glossy film, specialty paper, OHP sheets, and thick paper. In particular, in the case of an ink jet printer, an impact dot printer, or the like, the tolerance for the paper type (medium type) of the paper is higher than that of a laser printer or the like.

However, the above-described printing system according to the related art has only a function of selecting a sheet having a size matching a document to be printed from various kinds of sheets set in advance. Therefore, it is not possible to automatically select the optimum type of paper for the print data, so that the usability is low and printing mismatches occur frequently, so that printing resources are easily wasted.

That is, the host computer that generates the print data adjusts the number of dots and the dot size according to the type of paper specified at the time of printing, so that the optimum print data for the specified type of paper can be obtained. Is to be generated. Therefore, if the type of paper supplied to the printer is different from the type of paper for which print data is to be printed, the print quality is degraded, and wasteful printed matter may be generated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to reduce print quality by selecting a print recording medium that is compatible with both the medium size and the medium type. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing system, a printer, a printing method, and a print data generation device which prevent the printing and improve the usability.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, the printing system according to the present invention detects not only the media size but also the media type, and adapts to both the media size and the media type specified at the time of printing. Select the tray that contains the print recording medium.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, in a printing system including a print data generation device that generates and transmits print data, and a printer that performs printing based on the received print data, a designated medium size is provided. Print data generating means for generating print data based on a medium type, a plurality of trays for accommodating a print recording medium, and a size for detecting a medium size of the print recording medium accommodated in each tray, respectively Detecting means, type detecting means for respectively detecting a medium type of the print recording medium accommodated in each tray, and a medium size and a medium size detected by the indicated medium size and medium type and the size detecting means. The medium type detected by the type detecting means is compared with the medium type and the medium type of each tray. And a print engine that prints on a print recording medium supplied from the tray selected by the tray selection means. And

Here, the “medium size” refers to, for example, A
It means the outer size of the print recording medium such as 4th edition, B5 edition, etc.
The “medium type” indicates a type derived from the characteristics of the print recording medium, such as plain paper, glossy paper, special paper, and OHP sheets. "Both media size and media type are compatible" means not only when the specified media size and media type and the media size and media type of the print recording medium in the tray match, but also when the print This means that the medium size and the medium type of the recording medium include a case where the specified medium size and the medium type are permitted.
That is, when the actual medium size is larger than the specified medium size, printing is possible, and the medium size of the print recording medium in the tray allows the specified medium size. In addition, even if the medium type of the print recording medium accommodated in the tray can be printed without significantly deteriorating the print quality, the medium type of the print recording medium in the tray is:
Allow the specified media type.

When printing is instructed, the print data generating means generates print data based on the instructed medium size and medium type. The tray selecting means compares the media size and the media type designated at the time of printing with the media size and the media type of the print recording media stored in each tray, and selects a print recording medium that is compatible with both the media size and the media type. Select the stored tray. And
Since paper is fed from the selected tray to the print engine, printing can be performed while maintaining the expected print quality.

If the tray selecting means cannot find a tray containing a print recording medium conforming to the specified medium size and medium type as in the invention according to claim 2, it is determined that the corresponding tray does not exist. An error notifying unit for notifying may be further provided.

If a tray containing a print recording medium suitable for the designated medium size and medium type cannot be found out of the plurality of trays, the error notifying means determines that there is a tray capable of supplying a print recording medium suitable for printing. Notify not to. This can provide an opportunity to change one or both of the medium size and the medium type while preventing wasteful printed matter from being generated.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the print data generating apparatus has the print data generating means, and the printer has the tray, the size detecting means, the type detecting means, The printer may include a tray selection unit, the print engine, and the error notification unit.

That is, tray selection means is provided in the printer,
A tray that stores a print recording medium having a medium size and a medium type specified by the printer may be selected.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the print data generating device includes the print data generating unit, the tray selecting unit, and the error notifying unit, and the printer includes: It may include a size detecting unit, the type detecting unit, and the print engine.

That is, the tray selecting means can be provided in the print data generating device, and the print data generating device can select a predetermined tray.

In the invention according to claim 5, the type detecting means can be configured to include a type setting switch provided on each of the trays.

When a print recording medium is set on the tray, the user sets the medium type of the set print recording medium with a type setting switch. Thus, the medium type of the print recording medium stored in the tray can be detected without using an optical sensor or the like. The type setting switch is preferably provided in an area on the entire surface of the tray where the user can visually recognize and operate the tray, for example, on the front surface of the tray.

According to the present invention, in a printer for printing by driving a print engine based on input print data, a plurality of trays for storing a print recording medium, and a plurality of trays for storing the print recording media are provided. Size detecting means for respectively detecting the medium size of the printed printing medium, type detecting means for detecting the medium type of the printing recording medium accommodated in each of the trays, and a medium designated by the host computer Receiving means for receiving a size and a medium type; comparing the indicated medium size and the medium type with the medium size detected by the size detecting means and the medium type detected by the type detecting means; Select the tray that holds print recording media that is compatible with both the media size and media type. To a tray selection means, it is characterized in that to print by supplying a print recording medium contained in the selected tray by the tray selecting unit to the print engine.

When a medium size and a medium type are designated by the host computer, the tray selecting means selects a tray containing a print recording medium conforming to the designated medium size and medium type. Then, since the paper is fed from the selected tray to the print engine, it is possible to maintain the print quality.

As in the invention according to claim 7, when the tray selecting means cannot find a tray accommodating a print recording medium conforming to the specified medium size and medium type, it is notified that the corresponding tray does not exist. An error notification unit for notifying the host computer may be further provided.

Thus, the same operation as that of the second aspect can be obtained.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the type detecting means may include a type setting switch provided on each of the trays.

Thus, the same function as that of the fifth aspect can be obtained.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in a printing method for performing printing by selecting a predetermined tray from a plurality of trays and supplying a print recording medium to a print engine, the medium of the print recording medium to be printed is provided. Instructing a size and a medium type, respectively, generating print data based on the instructed medium size and the medium type, and detecting a medium size of the print recording medium accommodated in each tray, respectively. Detecting the medium type of the print recording medium accommodated in each tray, and comparing the indicated medium size and medium type with the detected medium size and medium type, Selecting a tray containing print media that is compatible with both the media size and media type; And supplying a print recording medium contained in the selected tray to the print engine is characterized by comprising the steps of: performing printing on the supplied print recording medium.

Thus, the same function as the first aspect of the invention can be obtained.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in a print data generating apparatus for generating print data to be transmitted to a printer having a plurality of trays, a medium size and a medium type of a print recording medium accommodated in each tray are provided. Status information obtaining means for requesting the printer to obtain status information including: a print data generating means for generating print data based on the indicated medium size and medium type; and Based on the status information, the specified media size and media type are compared with the media size and media type of the print recording medium stored in each tray, and both the media size and media type of each tray are Tray selection means for selecting a tray for accommodating a suitable print recording medium; It is characterized in that the print data generated with a transmitting means for transmitting to the printer a.

First, the status information obtaining means requests the printer to obtain status information. The printer transfers status information in response to the acquisition request. The transferred status information includes the medium size and medium type of the print recording medium contained in each tray mounted on the printer. The tray selecting means selects a tray containing a print recording medium suitable for the medium size and medium type specified at the time of printing. Then, the print data generation unit generates print data based on the specified medium size and medium type. This print data is transmitted to the printer via the transmission means. Thus, the printer feeds and prints from the tray selected by the tray selecting means, so that the usability can be improved while maintaining the print quality, similarly to the invention according to the first aspect.

According to the present invention, when a tray accommodating a print recording medium conforming to the specified medium size and medium type is selected by the tray selection means, the print data generation means is provided. Print data may be generated.

That is, by generating print data after a predetermined tray is selected by the tray selecting means, it is possible to prevent unnecessary consumption of computer resources.

If the tray selecting means cannot find a tray accommodating a print recording medium conforming to the specified medium size and medium type as in the twelfth aspect of the present invention, it is determined that the corresponding tray does not exist. Error notification means for notifying the user may be further provided.

Thus, the same operation as the second aspect of the invention can be obtained.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program recording medium in which a computer program for supplying a print engine from a predetermined tray selected from a plurality of trays to a print engine is stored in each of the trays. A function for detecting the medium size of the print recording medium via the size detecting means, and a function for detecting the medium type of the print recording medium accommodated in each tray via the type detecting means, A function of receiving a medium size and a medium type instructed from the host computer via a receiving unit, and a function of detecting the medium size and the medium type indicated by the designated medium size and the medium size and the type detected by the size detecting unit. The media size and media type of each tray. Both a program recording medium in which the computer is recorded in the read and understandable form a program for implementing the function of selecting a tray accommodating compatible print recording medium, to the computer.

Here, as the recording medium, for example, various recording media such as a floppy disk, a CD-ROM, a hard disk, a magneto-optical disk, a magnetic tape, and a memory can be used. Further, a communication medium may be used, such as downloading a program via a communication line. By causing the computer to read the program recorded on the recording medium, a function of selecting a tray containing a print recording medium suitable for the specified medium size and medium type at the time of printing is realized on the computer.

[0036]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

1. First Embodiment FIGS. 1 to 10 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention,
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the entire printing system according to the present embodiment.

1-1 Configuration Host Computer 1 as "Print Data Generation Apparatus"
Is realized, for example, as a personal computer, a workstation, a digital still camera, or the like. The host computer 1 has a printer driver 2 and an interface (hereinafter, referred to as a “transmission unit”).
"I / F" 3) is provided. Further, the printer driver 2 is provided with a print data generation unit 4 as “print data generation means”.

The printer driver 2 can suitably use computer resources such as a CPU and a memory of the host computer 1. When document data, medium size (MS), and medium type (MT) created by document creation software and the like are input to the printer driver 2, the print data generation unit 4 converts the document data into the medium size and medium type. Is converted into the print data according to. The print data generated by the print data generation unit 4 is transmitted from the I / F 3 to the printer 1 via the communication line 5.
1 is transmitted.

The printer 11 includes a printer controller 12 and a print engine 1 as described later.
3, trays PT1 and PT2, and a paper discharge bin 14.

The printer controller 12 is connected to the communication line 5
, An input buffer 16 for temporarily storing the received print data, and an interpreter 17 for interpreting the print data and generating print image data. And an output buffer 18 for holding the generated print image data. Further, the printer controller 12 has a tray selection section 19 as “tray selection means” and a switch setting table (hereinafter, switches are stored as “ S
W ") 20).

The print engine 13 includes a paper feed unit 21,
A printing unit 22 and a paper discharge unit 23 are provided. Paper feed unit 21
Consists of, for example, a paper feed roller, and each tray PT1,
The print recording medium is taken from a tray selected from PT2 and supplied to the printing unit 22. The printing unit 22 performs predetermined printing on a print recording medium supplied from the paper supply unit 21. As the printing unit 22, various types such as an ink jet type, an impact type, and a laser type can be adopted. The paper discharge unit 23 includes, for example, a paper discharge roller, and discharges the print recording medium printed by the printing unit 22 to the paper discharge bin 14.

The trays PT1, PT1 mounted on the printer 11
PT2 is provided with a medium size detection switch MSS for detecting a medium size and a medium type detection switch MTS for detecting a medium type. The switches provided on the first tray PT1 are numbered with 1 at the end, and the switches provided on the second tray PT2 are numbered with 2 at the end.

FIG. 2 shows a specific configuration of the detection switches MSS and MTS and a configuration of the switch setting table 20.

First, as shown in FIG. 2A, each of the detection switches MSS, MTS can be configured as, for example, a setting switch provided on the front side of the trays PT1, PT2 so as to be separated to the left and right. A horizontally long slot 32 in which a knob 31 is movably provided has a plurality of switch positions # 1.
To #n are set. The user can set the medium size and medium type of the print recording medium accommodated in the trays PT1 and PT2 by adjusting the knob 32 to a desired switch position. Note that 33
Is a gripper for pulling out the trays PT1 and PT2.

FIG. 2B shows a switch setting table 2
A configuration of 0 is shown. The switch setting table 20 stores the setting contents for each switch position of each detection switch MSS, MTS. For example, when the medium size detection switch MSS is in the switch position # 1, it indicates that an A3-size print recording medium is stored in that tray. Further, when the medium type detection switch MTS is in the switch position # 3, it indicates that the dedicated paper is stored in the tray. Therefore, the tray selection unit 19 is provided with each detection switch MS
By referring to the switch setting table 20 using the states of S1, MSS2, MTS1, and MTS2 as search keys, each tray PT
1, it is possible to know the medium size and medium type of the print recording medium accommodated in PT2.

Next, FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic structure of print data transmitted from the printer driver 2. The print data includes a paper feed mode area 41A in which paper feed mode information is stored, a medium size area 41B in which a medium size instruction value is stored, and a medium type area 41C in which a medium type instruction value is stored. And a data area 41D.

As the paper feed mode, for example, a first tray mode (“PT” in FIG.
1), a second tray mode for specifying the second tray PT2 (displayed as "PT2" in the figure), and a tray suitable for the printing condition among the trays PT1 and PT2 is automatically selected. Automatic selection mode ("Automatic selection" in the figure) and manual feed mode ("Manual" in the figure)
And can be set.

As the medium size, for example, A
3, A4, B5, etc. can be set. As the media type, for example, plain paper, glossy paper, special paper,
Others can be set.

1-2 Operation Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The flowchart in FIG. 4 shows the driver-side processing executed by the printer driver 2.

First, in step (hereinafter abbreviated as "S") 1, a medium size such as A4 or A3 is designated, and a medium type such as plain paper or special paper is designated (S2). Next, the user specifies a paper feed mode such as automatic selection (S3). Then, the print data generation unit 8 determines the number of dots, the dot size, and the like based on the medium size and the medium type, and generates print data suitable for the printing conditions (S
4). The print data thus generated is transmitted from the I / F 3 to the printer 11 via the communication line 5 (S
5).

Next, FIG. 5 shows a main flowchart executed on the printer 11 side.

The printer 11 monitors whether print data or the like has been received from the host computer 1 (S1).
1). If received, it is determined whether the data is print data (S12). If it is determined that the data is print data, a tray selection process described later with reference to FIG. 6 is performed (S1).
3). After the tray selection processing is completed, it is determined whether or not a tray for paper feeding has been selected (S14). If a tray has been selected, the print engine 13 is notified that paper feeding should be performed from the tray. To set (S1
5). As a result, the print engine 13 takes out the print recording medium from the selected tray and performs predetermined printing (S16).

On the other hand, if the tray cannot be selected due to the detection of a paper-out error or a nonconforming error described later,
At S14, "NO" is determined, and an error notification is sent to the host computer 1 (S17).

When information other than print data is received, "NO" is determined in S12, and it is determined whether a request for obtaining status information is received (S1).
8). If it is determined that the request is a status information acquisition request, for example, status information such as the amount of installed memory and the remaining amount of ink is generated (S19), and the generated status information is transmitted to the host computer 1 (S20). In addition,
S18 to S2 related to the above status information acquisition request
0 is not essential for the present embodiment. S18
Steps S20 to S20 are suitably used in a second embodiment described later.

If the information received in S11 is neither a print data nor a status information acquisition request, normal processing is performed according to the received information (S21). That is, for example, when a print stop command is received, necessary processing is performed according to the content of the received command, such as stopping printing.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the tray selection process shown as S13 in FIG.

First, it is determined whether or not the automatic selection mode is valid (S31). For example, the automatic selection mode may not be available depending on the printer model, or the printer may be set to reject the automatic selection mode. Therefore, in S31, it is checked whether the automatic selection mode is valid, that is, whether the printer 11 can accept the specification of the automatic selection mode.

If it is determined that the printer 11 can accept the automatic selection mode, it is determined which paper feeding mode is stored in the paper feeding mode area 41A of the print data (S32). If the first tray mode is designated, the first tray selection process is performed (S33), and the second tray selection process is performed.
If the tray mode has been designated, a second tray selection process is performed (S34). If the automatic selection mode has been designated, an automatic selection process is executed (S35). S
Details of each of the processes 33 to S35 will be described later with reference to FIGS.

If the paper feed mode is not specified, a tray selection process set as an initial value is performed. Therefore, when the first tray PT1 is set in advance as an initial value, the first tray selection process (S33).
Is executed. In the case of the manual feed mode, although not shown in the flowchart, processing from the manual feed tray is performed.

On the other hand, if the printer 11 cannot accept the automatic selection mode, "NO" is determined in S31, and the designated paper feed mode is determined (S36). If the first tray mode has been designated, the process proceeds to the first tray selection process (S33). If the second tray mode has been designated, the process proceeds to the second tray selection process (S34). If the automatic selection mode is designated, the first tray selection process set as the initial value is executed (S3).
3).

Next, FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the first tray selecting process shown as S33 in FIG.

First, it is determined whether or not a print recording medium exists in the first tray PT1 (S41). When it is determined that there is no print recording medium in the first tray PT1, a paper out error flag is set because paper cannot be fed from the tray PT1 (S42).

If it is determined that there is a print recording medium in the first tray PT1, the switch setting table 20 is referred to and the medium size and medium type of the print recording medium accommodated in the first tray PT1 are changed. Then, it is determined whether or not the medium size and the medium type specified in the medium size area 41B and the medium type area 41C in the print data are compatible (S43). This matching determination process will be described later with reference to FIG.

If it is determined in S43 that both the medium size and the medium type are compatible, the first tray P
T1 is selected (S44). Thereby, S1 in FIG.
In 5, the first tray PT1 is set as a paper feed tray, and in S16, paper is fed from the tray PT1 and printed. On the other hand, if it is determined that one or both of the medium size and the medium type do not meet the instructed conditions, a non-conformance error flag indicating that the print recording medium does not conform to the instructed contents is set (S4).
5).

Next, FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the second tray selection processing shown as S34 in FIG.

The second tray selection process performs the same process as the first tray selection process described above with reference to FIG. That is, first, it is determined whether or not there is a print recording medium in the second tray PT2 (S51). If there is no print recording medium, a paper out error flag is set (S52). If there is paper in the second tray PT2, the switch setting table 20
To determine whether both the medium size and the medium type of the print recording medium accommodated in the tray PT2 match the specified medium size and medium type (S53). If both the medium size and the medium type are compatible, the second tray PT2 is selected as the paper feed tray (S54), and if either the medium size or the medium type is unsuitable, a non-conforming error flag is set. (S55).

Next, FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the automatic selection process shown as S35 in FIG.

First, it is determined whether there is a print recording medium in the first tray PT1 (S61). If it is determined that there is a print recording medium in the first tray PT1,
Referring to the switch setting table 20, the first tray P
It is determined whether both the medium size and the medium type of the print recording medium accommodated in T1 match the medium size and the medium type specified in the print data (S62).
If it is determined that both the medium size and the medium type are compatible, the first tray PT1 is selected as the paper feed tray (S63).

On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no print recording medium in the first tray PT1, a paper out error flag is set (S64), and the flow proceeds to S65 described later. The process also proceeds to S65 when it is determined that either the medium size or the medium type of the print recording medium accommodated in the first tray PT1 is incompatible.

In S65, it is determined whether or not there is a print recording medium in the second tray PT2. If it is determined that there is no print recording medium in the second tray PT2, a paper-out error flag is set (S66).

If there is a print recording medium in the second tray PT2, the switch setting table 20 is referred to, and both the medium size and the medium type of the print recording medium accommodated in the second tray PT2 indicate the print data. Then, it is determined whether or not the medium size and the medium type are specified (S67). If both the medium size and the medium type are compatible, the second tray PT2 is selected as the paper supply tray (S68), and if either the medium size or the medium type is incompatible, a flag indicating a non-conforming error is set. (S69).

As described above, in the automatic selection process, the setting contents of the first tray PT1 and the printing conditions are compared (S61 to S61).
(S64) Then, by comparing the setting contents of the second tray PT2 with the printing conditions (S65 to S69), the tray containing the print recording medium having the indicated medium size and medium type is automatically set. select.

Next, FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the conformity determination processing shown as S43 in FIG. 7, S53 in FIG. 8, S62 and S67 in FIG.

First, by referring to the switch setting table 20, it is determined whether or not the designated medium size matches the medium size of the print recording medium accommodated in the tray to be inspected (S71). If it is determined that both medium sizes are incompatible, it is further determined whether or not the medium size of the tray to be inspected is set to "Other" (S72). The media size on the tray side is "Other"
If S is set, S71 is skipped. In other words, when the medium size of the tray to be inspected is set to "others", it is regarded that the medium size matches the specified medium size.

Next, by referring to the switch setting table 20, it is determined whether or not the specified medium type matches the medium type of the print recording medium stored in the tray to be inspected (S73). . If it is determined that the two media types do not match, it is determined whether the media type of the tray to be inspected is set to “Other” (S74). If the medium type on the tray side is set to “others”, the process proceeds to the next step assuming that the medium type matches the specified medium type.

If "YES" is determined in S73, it means that both the medium size and the medium type match the medium size and the medium type specified in the print data. Is selected (S
75). On the other hand, in either of S72 or S74, "N
If it is determined to be "O", it means that either the medium size or the medium type is incompatible, so a nonconforming error flag is set (S76). The steps of selecting the tray and setting the flag of the mismatch error are shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. Therefore, S75 and S76 in FIG. 10 are illustrated for convenience of description.

According to the present embodiment configured as described above, the following effects can be obtained.

First, since both the medium size and the medium type can be selected as trays meeting the specified conditions,
Printing can be performed using a print recording medium that is optimal for print data created in consideration of the medium size and medium type. Therefore, the print quality can be prevented from deteriorating while improving the usability, and the occurrence of useless printed matter can be prevented.

Second, when a tray that meets the specified conditions cannot be selected, an error notification is sent to the host computer 1 (S17), so that the user can be given an opportunity to change the designated medium type. , The usability is improved.

Thirdly, each detection switch MSS, MTS is provided on the front side of each tray PT1, PT2, and the user sets each detection switch MSS, MTS to a switch position corresponding to the medium size and medium type of the print recording medium. In order to detect the medium size and the medium type, it is possible to know the medium size and the medium type of the print recording medium stored in the tray without adding a special sensor or the like. Note that the medium size can also be detected by using an optical sensor or the like.

2. Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that, in the present embodiment, the same components as those in the above-described first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals,
The description is omitted. The feature of this embodiment is that the host computer selects a tray to be fed based on printer status information.

2-1 Configuration The host computer 51 according to the present embodiment acquires status information of the printer 61 and selects a paper feed tray based on the status information.
That is, the printer driver 52 includes the print data generation unit 4.
, A tray selection unit 53, and a status table 54. The tray selection unit 53 detects a tray that conforms to both the medium size and the medium type specified at the time of printing based on the status information of the printer 61. The status table 54 indicates that the printer 61
This stores the status information notified from the.

The printer 61 includes a host computer 51
, And generates and transmits status information in response to a status information acquisition request. That is, the printer controller 62 is provided with a status information generating unit 63 for generating status information including the medium size and medium type of the print recording medium stored in each of the trays PT1 and PT2.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of the status table 54. The status table 54 stores information on a medium size, a medium type, and a remaining amount of paper for each of the trays PT1 and PT2.

2-2 Operation FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing driver processing executed on the printer driver 52 side.

First, S as the status information acquisition means
At 81, the printer 61 is requested to acquire status information. Then, the process waits until status information is received from the printer 61 (S82).

When the status information is obtained, the contents of the status table 54 are updated with the latest status information (S83). Next, when the user instructs the medium size (S84), the medium type (S85), and the paper feed mode (S86), the tray selection unit 53 refers to the status table 54 to determine the designated medium. Select a tray containing print recording media that is compatible with both size and media type (S
87). The tray selection process shown in S87 is the same as the process shown in FIG.

Then, it is determined whether or not a tray suitable for printing is selected (S88). If a tray is selected, print data is generated and transmitted (S89). It should be noted that since the tray relating to the paper feed has been selected, the data transmitted in S89 needs only the number of the selected tray and the print data.

On the other hand, if the tray cannot be selected due to the detection of the out-of-paper error or the incompatibility error, an error is displayed (S90), and the process returns to S84 to give the user an opportunity to change the medium size and the like. In the error display, the content of the error may be displayed so that only the item in which the error has occurred can be corrected.

In this embodiment configured as described above,
The same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained. In addition, the present embodiment has the following effects.

First, since the tray is selected on the host computer 51 side, the load on the printer 61 can be reduced.

Second, since a tray is selected on the host computer 51 side, if there is no tray suitable for printing, it is possible to promptly change the print setting and take other measures, thereby improving usability.

Third, since print data is generated and transmitted after selecting a tray suitable for printing, useless print data can be prevented from being generated.
One computer resource can be used effectively.

It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various additions and changes within the scope of the present invention described in each embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG.
The gist of the present invention can be realized by recording a program or the like for realizing the present invention in M and loading the recorded contents into a host computer or a printer.

[0096]

As described above, according to the printing system, the printer, the printing method, and the print data generating apparatus according to the present invention, a print recording medium that conforms to both the media size and the media type specified at the time of printing is accommodated. You can select a tray that has been printed. Therefore, printing can be performed using a print recording medium suitable for printing, and usability can be improved while preventing printing mismatch, deterioration in print quality, and the like.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIGS. 2A and 2B are explanatory diagrams showing a structure of each switch for detecting a medium size and a medium type and a structure of a switch setting table; FIG. 2A shows a structure of a medium size detection switch and a medium type detection switch; Indicates the contents of the switch setting table.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of print data.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing driver-side processing.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating printer-side processing.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a tray selection process shown in S13 in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a first tray selection process shown in S33 of FIG.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a second tray selection process shown in S34 of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an automatic selection process shown in S35 of FIG.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a matching determination process shown as S43, S53, S62, and S67.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a printing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a status table.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating driver-side processing.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 host computer 2 printer driver 3 I / F 4 print data generation unit 11 printer 12 printer controller 13 print engine 19 tray selection unit 20 switch setting table 21 paper feed unit 22 printing unit 23 paper discharge unit 51 host computer 52 printer driver 53 tray Selection unit 54 Status table 61 Printer 62 Printer controller 63 Status information generation unit PT1 First tray PT2 Second tray MSS Medium size detection switch MTS Medium type detection switch

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A printing system comprising: a print data generation device that generates and transmits print data; and a printer that performs printing based on the received print data. Print data generating means for generating print data, a plurality of trays for accommodating print recording media, size detecting means for respectively detecting a medium size of the print recording medium accommodated in each tray, A type detection unit for detecting a medium type of the print recording medium accommodated in the tray, respectively, a medium size and a medium type indicated by the indicated medium size and a medium size detected by the size detection unit and detected by the type detection unit The media type and the media type of each tray are compared. Printing system comprising: the tray selection means for selecting a tray accommodating the recording medium, and a print engine for printing on a print recording medium supplied from the tray selected by the tray selecting unit, comprising the. 2. The image processing apparatus further comprises an error notifying unit for notifying that there is no corresponding tray when the tray selecting unit cannot find a tray accommodating a print recording medium suitable for the instructed medium size and medium type. Claim 1
A printing system according to claim 1. 3. The print data generation device includes the print data generation unit, and the printer includes:
The printing system according to claim 2, further comprising the size detection unit, the type detection unit, the tray selection unit, the print engine, and the error notification unit. 4. The print data generating device includes the print data generating unit, the tray selecting unit, and the error notifying unit, and the printer includes: each of the trays; the size detecting unit; 3. The printing system according to claim 2, comprising a type detection unit and the print engine. 5. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein said type detecting means includes a type setting switch provided on each of said trays. 6. A printer for performing printing by driving a print engine based on input print data, comprising: a plurality of trays for accommodating a print recording medium; Size detecting means for respectively detecting the medium size; type detecting means for respectively detecting the medium type of the print recording medium stored in each of the trays; and receiving the medium size and the medium type specified by the host computer. Receiving means for comparing the specified medium size and medium type with the medium size detected by the size detecting means and the medium type detected by the type detecting means, Tray selection means for selecting a tray containing print recording media of both types The provided, printer, wherein the print recording medium contained in the selected tray be printed is supplied to the print engine by the tray selecting unit. 7. An error notification for notifying the host computer that there is no corresponding tray if the tray selecting means cannot find a tray containing a print recording medium conforming to the specified medium size and medium type. 7. The printer according to claim 6, further comprising means. 8. The printer according to claim 6, wherein said type detection means includes a type setting switch provided on each of said trays. 9. A printing method for performing printing by selecting a predetermined tray from a plurality of trays and supplying a print recording medium to a print engine, wherein a medium size and a medium type of the print recording medium to be printed are respectively set. Instructing; generating print data based on the instructed medium size and medium type; detecting the medium size of the print recording medium accommodated in each tray; accommodating in each tray Detecting the medium type of the print recording medium, and comparing the indicated medium size and medium type with the detected medium size and medium type, and detecting the medium size and medium type of each tray. Selecting a tray containing print recording media for which both are compatible; Printing method characterized by comprising the steps of providing the contained print recording medium to the print engine, and performing printing on the supplied print recording medium, to. 10. A print data generating apparatus for generating print data to be transmitted to a printer having a plurality of trays, wherein status information including a medium size and a medium type of a print recording medium accommodated in each of the trays. Status information obtaining means for requesting the printer to obtain the print data, print data generating means for generating print data based on the specified medium size and medium type, and, based on the status information obtained from the printer, Compare the indicated medium size and medium type with the medium size and medium type of the print recording medium accommodated in each tray, and select a print recording medium that is compatible with both the medium size and medium type in each tray. Tray selection means for selecting a tray to be stored, and a mark generated by the print data generation means Print data generating apparatus characterized by comprising: a transmitting means for transmitting data to the printer, the. 11. The print data generation unit generates print data when a tray containing a print recording medium suitable for the specified medium size and medium type is selected by the tray selection unit. 3. The print data generation device according to claim 1. 12. If the tray selection unit cannot find a tray containing a print recording medium suitable for the instructed medium size and medium type, an error notification unit for notifying the user that there is no corresponding tray is provided. The print data generation device according to claim 11, further comprising: 13. A program recording medium recording a computer program for supplying a print recording medium to a print engine from a predetermined tray selected from a plurality of trays, wherein the medium of the print recording medium accommodated in each of the trays A function for detecting the size via the size detecting means, a function for detecting the medium type of the print recording medium accommodated in each tray via the type detecting means, and an instruction from the host computer The function of receiving the medium size and the medium type via the receiving means, and comparing the indicated medium size and the medium type with the medium size detected by the size detecting means and the medium type detected by the type detecting means And a mark that is compatible with both the media size and the media type of each tray. Program recording medium in which the computer is recorded in the read and understandable form a program for implementing the function of selecting a tray accommodating the recording medium, to the computer.