JP2006252009A - Information processing apparatus, data processing method, information processing method, storage medium, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To install various information for preventing deterioration in the performance of an image processor into a storage part by balancing the data processing loads of the image processor and an information processor. <P>SOLUTION: When various information optimized for a predetermined information processor is installed in an external storage device 202, the processing capacity of an information processor 200 in which the various information is to be actually installed is detected by a host processing capacity detecting part 410, and the contents of the various information are rewritten by a database information rewriting part 411 according to the detected processing capacity. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a data processing method, an information processing method, a storage medium, and a program that can install various information for controlling an image processing apparatus in a storage unit.

  In general, in a printing system in which a printer communicates with a printer via a printer driver of a host computer to process print data, the printer printing method can be divided into the following two methods.

  In the first method, print data of a host computer is transmitted to a printer as PDL data converted into page description language (PDL) by a printer driver. Then, the PDL data is subjected to image processing such as bitmap development, color conversion processing, and quantization processing by a controller inside the printer, and is printed.

  In the second method, print data of the host computer is bitmap-developed on a memory by a rendering engine prepared on the OS, and the bitmap data is color-converted, quantized, and simply compressed by the printer driver. And a simple printer control code is added to the data and transmitted to the printer. The printer controller performs printing according to the print data sent from the host.

  In general, in an inexpensive printer represented by an ink jet printer, the second method is employed in order to reduce the unit price of the printer body.

  The printer driver in the second method sequentially performs color conversion processing, quantization processing, simple compression processing, and printer control code addition processing on the bitmap data developed by the rendering engine prepared in the host. At this time, the rendering engine and printer driver processing programs prepared on the OS refer to parameters set at the time of installation and determine their own operations.

  For example, when printing in a “clean” print mode for a printer having an output resolution of 600 dpi, the parameter content referred to by the host rendering engine represents 600 dpi, and the rendering engine renders print data at 600 dpi. I do. Conventionally, parameters to be referred to at the time of processing are uniquely determined at the time of installation regardless of the processing capacity of the host, and are not changed thereafter.

Further, the output processing time from when the print information is transferred to the printer until the printer finishes outputting the print information is measured by a timer device or the like, and the measured output processing times are compared to determine the shortest CPU. Patent Document 1 discloses that a printer driver that is an output processing time is installed in a storage device.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 08-328776

  In recent years, as the output resolution of a printer increases, the amount of processing performed by an ink jet printer driver tends to increase. The printer vendor sets rendering resolution information at the time of installation so as to be the same as the maximum output resolution of the printer in order to make maximum use of the performance of the printer.

  Therefore, when printing is performed by a host having a low data processing capacity, the overall throughput is greatly reduced.

  On the other hand, printers have many print modes, and users can configure various printer settings to print, but many users leave the installed state, that is, print in a single default (initial) print mode. Resulting in. Therefore, the default print mode that is initially set is important. This is because if the host processing time is set not to catch up with the printer processing in the default print mode, the user will continue to print without using the printer's original capabilities.

  As described above, in the conventional information processing apparatus, various information of the printer driver that controls the image processing apparatus is scheduled to be set in the information processing apparatus that has the optimum processing speed. The processing speed of the information processing device to be installed may be slower than planned, and information that has been optimized in advance for such an information processing device results in data processing worse. However, there is a problem that the performance of the image processing apparatus is lowered.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is information in which various information is actually stored when various information used for data processing is stored in the storage unit. After detecting the processing capability of the processing device and rewriting the contents of the various information in accordance with the detected processing capability, the rewritten information is stored in the storage unit, so that the actual information processing device Information that is optimal for processing capacity is securely stored in the storage unit, the data processing load between the image processing device and the information processing device is balanced, and various information that can prevent performance degradation of the image processing device is installed in the storage unit An information processing apparatus, a data processing method, an information processing method, a storage medium, and a program are provided.

  The information processing apparatus of the present invention that achieves the above object has the following configuration.

  An information processing apparatus capable of storing various information used for data processing in a storage unit, and rewriting means for rewriting the contents of the various information stored in the storage unit in accordance with the data processing capability of the information processing apparatus It is characterized by having.

  An information processing apparatus capable of storing various information for controlling the image processing apparatus in a storage unit, and detecting the data processing capability of the information processing apparatus when storing the various information in the storage unit Rewriting the contents of the various information and registering it in the storage unit so that the data processing time of the image processing apparatus and the information processing apparatus is balanced according to the data processing capability detected by the detecting means and the detecting means And a control means.

  The data processing method of the present invention that achieves the above object has the following configuration.

  A data processing method in an information processing apparatus capable of storing various types of information used for data processing in a storage unit, wherein the contents of the various types of information stored in the storage unit are matched with the data processing capability of the information processing apparatus. And a rewriting step for rewriting.

  A data processing method in an information processing apparatus capable of storing various information for controlling the image processing apparatus in a storage unit, and when the various information is stored in the storage unit, the data processing capability of the information processing apparatus And a step of detecting the information, and rewriting the contents of the various information so that the data processing time of the image processing apparatus and the information processing apparatus is balanced according to the data processing capability detected by the detection step. Rewriting control step registered in

  Furthermore, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention that achieves the above object includes a detecting unit that detects a processing capability, and a setting unit that sets a parameter referred to by a printer driver according to the processing capability detected by the detecting unit. It is characterized by that.

  The information processing method of the present invention that achieves the above object includes a detection step for detecting processing capability, and a setting step for setting parameters referred to by the printer driver according to the processing capability detected by the detection step. It is characterized by that.

  Advantageous Effects of Invention According to the present invention, it is possible to install various information in a storage unit that balances the data processing burden between the image processing apparatus and the information processing apparatus and can prevent the performance degradation of the image processing apparatus.

  Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Description of system configuration>
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a printing system including a data processing apparatus and an image output apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and an information processing apparatus 200 and an image processing that indicate an entire client including peripheral devices. This is an example of a printing system capable of communicating with the apparatus main body 300 via a predetermined communication I / F.

  In the information processing apparatus main body 100 shown in FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes an MPU (control unit) that controls the entire information processing apparatus 200 according to a control procedure stored in the DRAM 103. Note that the MPU 101 has functional processing equivalent to various CPUs.

  Reference numeral 102 denotes a bridge that connects the components of the entire system. A ROM 109 stores a BIOS program executed by the MPU 101 and font data. A predetermined OS is installed in the external storage device 202 functioning as a peripheral device, and the OS is loaded onto the DRAM 103 to control execution of various applications, printer drivers, and the like. Further, depending on the user's selection of the OS, there may be cases where different versions of the OS are installed even in the same series, and the printer driver is the optimum printer driver that is adapted to the OS at the time of installation. It is controlled to be installed on.

  Reference numeral 103 denotes a DRAM that can be installed with an optional memory to increase the capacity. The program, data, and the like executed by the MPU 101 are loaded from the ROM 109 and the OS is loaded from the external storage device 202 for primary storage. It also functions as a work memory for various programs to be executed.

  A bridge 104 connects the system bus, the memory bus, and the MPU. A graphic adapter (display control unit) 105 includes a control function for displaying graphic information on the display device 201 configured by, for example, a CRT.

  Reference numeral 106 denotes an HDD controller that controls an interface with the external storage device 202. Reference numeral 107 denotes a keyboard controller which controls an interface with the keyboard.

  Reference numeral 108 denotes a communication I / F (input / output unit) which is a parallel interface capable of bidirectional communication, and controls communication with the image processing apparatus 300 in accordance with, for example, the IEEE1284 standard. Note that the communication I / F (input / output unit) 108 may be configured by a serial interface capable of bidirectional communication in accordance with, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard.

  Reference numeral 110 denotes a storage medium reading unit (media drive unit) that reads programs and data from various storage media such as FD, CD-ROM, CD-R, optical disk, ZIP, DVD, etc., loads them into the DRAM 103, and needs them. In response, the data is stored in the external storage device 202 composed of an HDD or the like.

  Reference numeral 111 denotes a NET communication unit that performs communication with a network or a public line, and corresponds to a terminal adapter (TA) or a modem.

  The information processing apparatus 200 functioning as a host apparatus is connected to a display device 201 (display unit) that displays graphic information and the like to an operator via a graphic adapter 105. In this embodiment, a connected cathode ray tube (CRT) is connected. It is a display device. The display device 201 may be an LCD, which is a liquid crystal display device, instead of a CRT. Furthermore, an external storage device 202 configured by a hard disk drive (HDD) device, which is a mass storage device storing programs and data, is connected to the information processing device 200. Furthermore, an instruction input device 203 (instruction input unit) such as a keyboard or a mouse is connected to the information processing apparatus 200.

  In the image output apparatus main body 300, reference numeral 301 denotes a communication I / F, which is constituted by a parallel I / F capable of bidirectional communication for managing communication with the host apparatus 100 according to, for example, the IEEE1284 standard.

  The communication I / F 301 may be configured by a serial interface capable of bidirectional communication in accordance with, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard.

  Reference numeral 302 denotes an MPU that functions as a control unit that controls the entire image output apparatus 300. The MPU 302 analyzes image information including control data received via the communication I / F 108 of the information processing apparatus 200 and controls output of a video signal to the printing unit 306.

  A ROM 303 stores a control program executed by the MPU 302 and font data (outline font and bitmap font). A RAM 305 loads a program controlled by the MPU 302 from the ROM 303 and temporarily stores it or functions as a work memory of the MPU 302. An internal bus 304 includes a data bus for performing data communication between the constituent elements, a system bus, and the like.

  A printing unit 306 generates a recorded image on a recording medium based on a video signal sent by the MPU 302. In the present embodiment, an example in which print data is printed by an inkjet method as a printing method of the printing unit 306 is shown. The image output device 300 can also function as a multi-function device that executes a copy function, a scanner function, a print function, or the like by connecting a scanner unit (not shown). Is not limited to a printer, but may be a multifunction peripheral.

  A sheet feeding unit 307 is configured to be able to feed various recording media (including plain paper, glossy paper, inkjet gist, transparent film sheet, and the like). Reference numeral 308 denotes a paper discharge unit that discharges the recording medium generated by the printing unit 306. It is also possible to print on both sides of the recording medium by attaching a duplex unit (not shown) to the paper discharge unit 308 and reversing and transferring the recording medium. Further, the image output apparatus 300 may be provided with an operation unit (not shown) and a button for displaying a printing status or canceling printing. In addition, a camera interface (not shown) and a memory interface are provided so that print data from a digital camera can be printed directly or stored in the memory of the digital camera or mobile phone memory. It is also possible to print the printed data.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the data processing system in the information processing apparatus 200 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 400 denotes an application for creating print data by the user. A rendering unit 401 renders print data generated by the application 401 on the DRAM 103 illustrated in FIG.

  A spooler 402 schedules print data generated by the printer driver and transmits the print data to the image output apparatus 300.

  It is assumed that the application 400, the rendering unit 401, and the spooler 402 are prepared in advance on an OS (operation system) in the information processing apparatus 200.

  A GUI setting unit 403 is used by the user to set the image output apparatus 300. Reference numeral 404 denotes rendering resolution information, which is referred to when the rendering unit 401 performs rendering.

  Reference numeral 406 denotes a database. The database 406 includes media information that can be used by the connected image output apparatus 300, default information used as an initial setting value of the GUI screen, and colors used for each print position. The number, the number of gradation levels, information on the printer processing time, resolution, and the like, and various parameters when the color conversion processing unit, the quantization processing unit, and the compression processing unit operate are stored. Details will be described later.

  Reference numeral 405 denotes a GUI information control unit that acquires information on the print position set by the user on the GUI setting screen from the database 406 and transmits the information to the GUI setting unit 403. Reference numeral 407 denotes a color conversion processing unit. Reference numeral 408 denotes a quantization processing unit. Reference numeral 409 denotes a compression processing unit. Note that the color conversion processing unit 407, the quantization processing unit 408, and the compression processing unit 409 obtain parameters necessary for operation from the database 400, and perform respective processes on the bitmap data rendered by the rendering unit 401. Do.

  Reference numeral 410 denotes a host processing capacity detection unit. The host processing capability detection unit 410 detects the processing capability of the information processing apparatus 200, and the detection method will be described later. Reference numeral 411 denotes a database information rewriting unit. The database rewriting unit 411 rewrites information included in the database 406 and the rendering resolution information 404.

  Note that the GUI setting unit 403, rendering information 404, GUI control unit 405, database 406, color conversion processing unit 407, quantization processing unit 408, compression processing unit 409, host capability detection unit 410, database rewriting unit 411 shown in FIG. Is a program (including a module) or data installed in the external storage device 202 of the information processing apparatus 200 via the recording medium reading unit 110 or the NET communication unit 111.

  The GUI setting unit 403, rendering information 404, GUI control unit 405, database 406, color conversion processing unit 407, quantization processing unit 408, compression processing unit 409, host capability detection unit 410, and database rewriting unit 411 The function may be configured as a part of one printer driver.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data processing procedure of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. A printer driver (printing control program) stored in the external storage device 202 is loaded into the DRAM 103 and the MPU 101 is executed. It is realized with. S301 to S304 indicate each step.

  First, in this system, a program group and data constituting a printer driver by a user are installed in the external storage device 202 of the information processing apparatus 200 via the recording medium reading unit 110 or the NET communication unit 111 (S301). .

  Next, the installed host capability detection unit 410 detects the processing capability of the information processing apparatus 200 in which the printer driver is installed (S302). Note that the processing capability detection of the information processing apparatus 200 is mainly performed using one of the following two methods.

  In the first detection method, color conversion processing, quantization processing, and compression processing are performed on bitmapped standard print sample data prepared by a vendor (not shown), and the time required for these processing is measured. This benchmark test is performed for the number of print positions.

  In the second detection method, the host processing capacity detection unit 410 refers to information in a database (not shown) based on the number of clocks of the MPU 101 mounted on the information processing apparatus 200 and the mounting size of the DRAM 103 to determine the processing time. Infer. A specific example of the processing capability detection process will be described below based on the example shown in FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing various information for each print position of the image output apparatus 300 shown in FIG. 1, and is an information group for each print position referred to by the printer driver. Among these pieces of information are print media information, print quality information, quantization method information, information on the number of colors used, the number of quantization levels, and a printer processing time “representing the time required for the printer to print one sheet”. spp ", the resolution rendered by the information processing apparatus, and default print position information. Information other than the rendering resolution is stored in the database 406.

  In FIG. 4, for example, when the print position is "1", the print medium is "plain paper", the print quality is "clean", the quantization method is "dither", the number of colors used is "7 colors", and the quantization The number of levels is “9 values”, the printer processing time is “60 seconds”, the rendering resolution is “600 dpi”, indicating that it is not the default position.

  In this embodiment, there are as many print positions as the number of multiplications corresponding to the types of print media, print quality, and quantization method. In the example shown in FIG. 4, for convenience, the print medium is only plain paper information.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the correspondence between the print position detected by the host computer processing capacity detection unit 410 shown in FIG. 2 and the host processing time, and each print position when detected by the first detection method. This is an example showing the processing time of the host computer (hereinafter referred to as host processing time).

  As shown in FIG. 5, for example, when printing is performed at the print position “1”, it is understood that the host processing time for generating print data for one page is 50 seconds in the information processing apparatus 200. Further, it is indicated that the host processing time is 100 seconds at the printing position “2”.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the correspondence between the print position detected by the host computer processing capability detector 410 shown in FIG. 2 and the host processing time, and the information processing apparatus 200 when it is detected by the second detection method. This is an example showing the relationship between parameters “1” to “N” calculated from the number of clocks of the MPU 101 and the mounting size of the DRAM 103 and the host processing time “spp”.

  As shown in FIG. 6, parameters are calculated based on the detected number of clocks of the MPU 101 of the information processing apparatus 200 and the mounting size of the DRAM 103, and the corresponding host processing time is referred to.

  If the parameter “1” is currently calculated, it means that the host processing time required for printing at the print position “1” is 50 seconds.

  Next, the host processing time detected by the host computer capability detection unit 410 is compared with the printer processing time stored in the database 406 (S303), and when it is determined that the host processing time exceeds the printer processing time. Then, the database 406 or the rendering information 404 is rewritten (S304), and this process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S303 that the host processing time does not exceed the printer processing time, this processing ends.

  Hereinafter, the rewriting process in step S304 will be described.

  In the first rewrite processing method, the rendering resolution of the print position in which the host processing time exceeds the printer processing time is rewritten.

  In the second rewrite processing method, the print position which is the default position is rewritten.

  The third rewrite processing method uses both the first rewrite processing method and the second rewrite processing method.

  7 to 9 are diagrams showing examples of rewriting various information for each print position shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 7 is a result of rewriting employing the first rewriting processing method, and FIG. FIG. 9 shows an example of the result of rewriting employing the second rewriting method, and FIG. 9 shows an example of the result of rewriting adopting the third rewriting method.

  In FIG. 7, since the host processing time exceeds the printer processing time at the printing positions “2”, “4”, and “6” from FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, these rendering resolutions are set in step S304 shown in FIG. It is rewritten to half the value by executing. It can be seen that this rewriting work halves the host processing time.

  In FIG. 8, since the host processing time exceeds the printer processing time at the printing position “4” which is the default position from FIGS. 4 and 5, the default position is printed by executing step S304 shown in FIG. You can see that it has moved to position 3.

  In FIG. 9, by executing step S304 shown in FIG. 3, the host processing time is shorter than the printer processing time at all print positions by lowering the rendering resolution by the first rewriting method. The position is rewritten to the print position “2”.

  Note that the default position is preferably the print position most used by the user. In the present embodiment, the default position is set to the print position “2”. However, whether “preferably” image quality is preferred or “fast” printing is preferred depends on the user, country, and the like. As an alternative, referring to language information included in the OS, the print position may be set to “5” or “6” corresponding to fast.

  According to the present embodiment, a comfortable printing environment can be realized even in an information processing apparatus with low data processing capability by rewriting rendering information and a default position at the time of installation.

  7 to 9 function as a profile to be referred to by the printer driver, but when installed, the information is installed in the external storage device 202 and loaded into the DARM 103 as a printer driver. As shown in FIG. 2, it is incorporated into a part of the database 406.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the case where the rendering information and the default position are rewritten at the time of installation has been described. However, the process of displaying instructions and the results on the installation screen so that the user is asked whether or not to rewrite and whether or not to perform rewriting can be left It may be executed and controlled to notify the user.

[Third Embodiment]
In the above embodiment, the case where the rendering information and the default position are rewritten at the time of installation has been described. However, depending on the user, the mother board in the information processing apparatus 200 is changed, the MPU is changed, or a high-speed memory is added. In some cases, a system capable of high-speed data processing may be constructed. In preparation for such a hardware resource change situation, the MPU clock change history is stored in the external storage device 202, and the MPU or the motherboard is stored. If there is a change, the default position may be changed by executing the data processing shown in FIG. 3 again.

[Fourth Embodiment]
In the above-described embodiment, the case where the rendering information and the default position are rewritten at the time of installation has been described. However, the version may be upgraded to the latest OS independently of the hardware change. Therefore, when the OS is upgraded, the default position may be changed by executing the data processing shown in FIG. 3 again.

[Fifth Embodiment]
In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the information processing apparatus and the image processing apparatus are locally connected on a one-to-one basis has been described. Applicable when connected.

[Sixth Embodiment]
In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the information processing apparatus and the image processing apparatus are locally connected on a one-to-one basis has been described. However, a so-called print server in which the information processing apparatus can communicate with the image output apparatus via the server apparatus. The present invention can also be applied to a case where a system is employed. In that case, the default position may be changed and controlled in consideration of the data processing capability of the server device.

[Seventh Embodiment]
The configuration of a data processing program that can be read by the information processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the memory map shown in FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs readable by the information processing apparatus according to the present invention.

  Although not particularly illustrated, information for managing a program group stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, creator, etc. is also stored, and information depending on the OS on the program reading side, for example, a program is identified and displayed. Icons may also be stored.

  Further, data depending on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, a program for installing various programs in the computer, and a program for decompressing when the program to be installed is compressed may be stored.

  The functions shown in FIG. 3 in this embodiment may be performed by the host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when an information group including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Is.

  As described above, a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the storage medium in the storage medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by reading and executing the programmed program code.

  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.

  Therefore, as long as it has the function of the program, the form of the program such as an object code, a program executed by an interpreter, or script data supplied to the OS is not limited.

  As a storage medium for supplying the program, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, DVD, etc. Can be used.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  As another program supply method, a client computer browser is used to connect to a homepage on the Internet, and the computer program itself of the present invention or a compressed file including an automatic installation function is stored on the recording medium such as a hard disk from the homepage. It can also be supplied by downloading. It can also be realized by dividing the program code constituting the program of the present invention into a plurality of files and downloading each file from a different homepage. That is, a WWW server, an ftp server, and the like that allow a plurality of users to download a program file for realizing the functional processing of the present invention on a computer are also included in the claims of the present invention.

  In addition, the program of the present invention is encrypted, stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, distributed to users, and key information for decryption is downloaded from a homepage via the Internet to users who have cleared predetermined conditions. It is also possible to execute the encrypted program by using the key information and install the program on a computer.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) or the like running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

  Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written to a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications (including organic combinations of the embodiments) are possible based on the spirit of the present invention, and these are excluded from the scope of the present invention. is not.

  Although various examples and embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will recognize that the spirit and scope of the present invention are not limited to the specific descriptions in the present specification, but the following embodiments. Needless to say, is also included. Hereinafter, Embodiments 1 to 30 will be described.

[Embodiment 1]
An information processing apparatus capable of storing various information used for data processing in a storage unit (for example, the external storage device 202 shown in FIG. 1), and stored in the storage unit in accordance with the data processing capability of the information processing apparatus. An information processing apparatus comprising rewriting means for rewriting the contents of the various information (for example, rewriting in step S304 shown in FIG. 3 by the database information rewriting unit 411 shown in FIG. 2).

  As a result, various information set as a default is rewritten to a content that balances the data processing capability of the information processing device and the data processing capability of the image processing device, so that the data processing burden on the information processing device is reduced. Performance degradation can be suppressed.

[Embodiment 2]
An information processing apparatus capable of storing various information for controlling the image processing apparatus in a storage unit, and detecting the data processing capability of the information processing apparatus when storing the various types of information in the storage unit ( 2) (detected in step S302 shown in FIG. 3 by the host computer processing capability detection unit 410 shown in FIG. 2), and the image processing device and the information processing device according to the data processing capability detected by the detection means. Rewriting control means for rewriting the contents of the various information so as to balance the data processing time and registering it in the storage unit (for example, rewriting in step S304 by the database information rewriting unit 411 shown in FIG. 2) Processing equipment.

  As a result, the actual data processing capability of the information processing device is detected, and when the data processing capability is lower than the information processing device assumed in advance, various information set as a default is the data processing capability of the information processing device. And the data processing capability of the image processing apparatus are rewritten to balance the contents, the data processing burden on the information processing apparatus is reduced, and the performance degradation of the image processing apparatus can be suppressed.

[Embodiment 3]
The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the rewrite control unit rewrites a default print mode in the various information.

  As a result, it is possible to automatically select a print mode that does not default to a high-quality image processing request.

[Embodiment 4]
The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the rewrite control unit rewrites the rendering resolution in the various information.

  This makes it possible to automatically select a rendering resolution that does not default to a high-quality image processing request.

[Embodiment 5]
The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the rewrite control unit rewrites a default print mode and / or a rendering resolution in the information.

  Accordingly, it is possible to automatically select a print mode that does not default to a high-quality image processing request and / or a rendering resolution that does not default to a high-quality image processing request.

[Embodiment 6]
The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the detection unit detects the data processing capability from a data processing time for image processing of sample image data and a data processing time of the image output apparatus.

  Thus, by using the sample image data, it is possible to correctly detect a different data processing time for each information processing apparatus.

[Embodiment 7]
The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image processing includes color conversion processing, quantization processing, and compression processing for the sample image data.

  Thus, by using the sample image data and including various processes close to actual image processing, different data processing times for each information processing apparatus can be detected correctly.

[Embodiment 8]
The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the detection unit is derived from an operation clock of hardware resources included in the information processing apparatus and / or a capacity of hardware resources.

  Thereby, the processing capability of the information processing apparatus can be easily detected in correspondence with the hardware configuration.

[Embodiment 9]
The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the hardware resource includes a microprocessor unit and a memory.

  Thus, the processing capability of the information processing apparatus can be easily detected in correspondence with the configuration of the microprocessor unit and memory as hardware.

[Embodiment 10]
The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the various information is referred to by a printer driver installed in the storage unit.

  Accordingly, the printer driver can make an optimum setting for the data processing capability of the information processing apparatus.

[Embodiment 11]
A data processing method in an information processing apparatus capable of storing various information used for data processing in a storage unit, wherein the contents of the various information stored in the storage unit in accordance with the data processing capability of the information processing apparatus A data processing method comprising: a rewriting step of rewriting (for example, rewriting in step S304 by the database information rewriting unit 411 shown in FIG. 2).

  As a result, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[Embodiment 12]
A data processing method in an information processing apparatus capable of storing various information for controlling the image processing apparatus in a storage unit, and detecting the data processing capability of the information processing apparatus when storing the various information in the storage unit The image processing apparatus and the information are detected according to the detection step (detected by the host computer processing capability detection unit 410 shown in FIG. 2 in step S302 shown in FIG. 3) and the data processing capability detected in the detection step. A rewriting control step (for example, rewriting in step S304 by the database information rewriting unit 411 shown in FIG. 2) for rewriting the contents of the various information and registering the information in the storage unit so that the data processing time with the processing device is balanced. A characteristic data processing method.

  Thereby, an effect equivalent to that of the second embodiment is obtained.

[Embodiment 13]
The data processing method according to claim 12, wherein the rewriting control step rewrites a default printing mode in the various information.

  Thereby, there exists an effect equivalent to Embodiment 3.

[Embodiment 14]
The data processing method according to claim 12, wherein the rewriting control step rewrites the rendering resolution in the information.

  Thereby, an effect equivalent to that of the fourth embodiment is obtained.

[Embodiment 15]
The data processing method according to claim 12, wherein the rewriting control step rewrites a default printing mode and / or rendering resolution in the information.

  Thereby, an effect equivalent to that of the fifth embodiment is obtained.

[Embodiment 16]
13. The data processing method according to claim 12, wherein the detecting step detects the data processing capability from a data processing time for image processing of sample image data and a data processing time of the image output apparatus.

  Thereby, there exists an effect equivalent to Embodiment 6. FIG.

[Embodiment 17]
A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing the data processing method according to any one of Embodiments 11 to 16.

  Thereby, there exists an effect equivalent to Embodiment 11-16.

[Embodiment 18]
A program that causes a computer to execute the data processing method according to any one of the embodiments 11 to 16.

  Thereby, there exists an effect equivalent to Embodiment 11-16.

[Embodiment 19]
Detection means for detecting the processing capability (step S302 shown in FIG. 3), and setting means for setting parameters referred to by the printer driver in accordance with the processing capability detected by the detection means (steps S303 and S304 shown in FIG. 3) And an information processing apparatus.

  As a result, the actual data processing capability of the information processing device is detected, and when the data processing capability is lower than the information processing device assumed in advance, various information set as a default is the data processing capability of the information processing device. Therefore, the data processing load of the information processing apparatus is reduced, and the performance degradation of the image processing apparatus can be suppressed.

[Embodiment 20]
The information processing apparatus according to embodiment 19, wherein the processing capability includes an image processing capability.

[Embodiment 21]
21. The information processing apparatus according to embodiment 19 or 20, wherein the parameter includes a resolution (step S304 illustrated in FIG. 3).

[Embodiment 22]
The information processing apparatus according to embodiment 19, 20 or 21, wherein the parameter includes default information.

[Embodiment 23]
A detection step (step S302 shown in FIG. 3) for detecting the processing capability, and a setting step (steps S303 and S304 shown in FIG. 3) for setting parameters referred to by the printer driver in accordance with the processing capability detected by the detection step. An information processing method characterized by comprising:

  As a result, the actual data processing capability of the information processing device is detected, and when the data processing capability is lower than the information processing device assumed in advance, various information set as a default is the data processing capability of the information processing device. Therefore, the data processing load of the information processing apparatus is reduced, and the performance degradation of the image processing apparatus can be suppressed.

[Embodiment 24]
The information processing method according to embodiment 23, wherein the processing capability includes an image processing capability.

[Embodiment 25]
25. The information processing method according to any one of embodiments 23 and 24, wherein the parameter includes a resolution.

[Embodiment 26]
26. The information processing method according to any of embodiments 23, 24, or 25, wherein the parameter includes default information.

[Embodiment 27]
A detection step (step S302 shown in FIG. 3) for detecting the processing capability, and a setting step (steps S303 and S304 shown in FIG. 3) for setting parameters referred to by the printer driver in accordance with the processing capability detected by the detection step. A program that causes a computer to execute.

  As a result, the actual data processing capability of the information processing device is detected, and when the data processing capability is lower than the information processing device assumed in advance, various information set as a default is the data processing capability of the information processing device. Therefore, the data processing load of the information processing apparatus is reduced, and the performance degradation of the image processing apparatus can be suppressed.

[Embodiment 28]
28. The program according to claim 27, wherein the processing capability includes an image processing capability.

[Embodiment 29]
29. A program according to any one of embodiments 27 or 28, wherein the parameter includes a resolution.

[Embodiment 30]
30. The program according to claim 27, 28, or 29, wherein the parameter includes default information.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a printing system including a data processing device and an image output device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram explaining the structure of the data processing system in the information processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the data processing procedure of the information processing apparatus in this embodiment. It is a figure showing the various information for every printing position of the image output apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a correspondence between a print position detected by a host computer processing capacity detection unit illustrated in FIG. 2 and a host processing time. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a correspondence between a print position detected by a host computer processing capacity detection unit illustrated in FIG. 2 and a host processing time. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of rewriting various information for each print position illustrated in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of rewriting various information for each print position illustrated in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of rewriting various information for each print position illustrated in FIG. 4. It is a figure explaining the memory map of the storage medium which stores the various data processing program which can be read by the information processing apparatus which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

200 Information Processing Device 300 Image Output Device 403 GUI Setting Unit 404 Rendering Resolution Information 405 GUI Information Control Unit 406 Database 410 Host Computer Processing Capability Detection Unit 411 Database Information Rewriting Unit

Claims (30)

An information processing apparatus capable of storing various information used for data processing in a storage unit,
Rewriting means for rewriting the contents of various information stored in the storage unit in accordance with the data processing capability of the information processing apparatus;
An information processing apparatus comprising: An information processing apparatus capable of storing various information for controlling the image processing apparatus in a storage unit,
When storing the various information in the storage unit, detection means for detecting the data processing capability of the information processing device;
Rewriting control means for rewriting the contents of the various information and registering the information in the storage unit so that the data processing time of the image processing apparatus and the information processing apparatus is balanced according to the data processing capability detected by the detection means; ,
An information processing apparatus comprising:   The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the rewrite control unit rewrites a default print mode in the various information.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the rewriting control unit rewrites a rendering resolution in the various information.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the rewrite control unit rewrites a default print mode and / or a rendering resolution in the various information.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the detection unit detects the data processing capability from a data processing time for image processing of sample image data and a data processing time of the image output apparatus.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image processing includes color conversion processing, quantization processing, and compression processing for the sample image data.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the detection unit is derived from an operation clock of hardware resources included in the information processing apparatus and / or a capacity of hardware resources.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the hardware resource includes a microprocessor unit and a memory.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the various information is referred to by a printer driver installed in the storage unit. A data processing method in an information processing apparatus capable of storing various information used for data processing in a storage unit,
A data processing method comprising a rewriting step of rewriting the contents of the various information stored in the storage unit in accordance with the data processing capability of the information processing apparatus. A data processing method in an information processing apparatus capable of storing various information for controlling an image processing apparatus in a storage unit,
When storing the various information in the storage unit, a detection step of detecting the data processing capability of the information processing device;
A rewrite control step of rewriting the contents of the various information and registering it in the storage unit so that the data processing time of the image processing apparatus and the information processing apparatus is balanced according to the data processing capability detected by the detection step; ,
A data processing method characterized by comprising:   13. The data processing method according to claim 12, wherein the rewriting control step rewrites a default printing mode in the various information.   The data processing method according to claim 12, wherein the rewriting control step rewrites a rendering resolution in the information.   13. The data processing method according to claim 12, wherein the rewriting control step rewrites a default printing mode and / or rendering resolution in the various information.   13. The data processing method according to claim 12, wherein the detecting step detects the data processing capability from a data processing time for image processing of sample image data and a data processing time of the image output apparatus.   A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing the data processing method according to claim 11.   A program for causing a computer to execute the data processing method according to claim 11. Detection means for detecting processing capacity;
An information processing apparatus comprising: setting means for setting parameters referred to by a printer driver according to the processing capability detected by the detection means.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the processing capability includes an image processing capability.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the parameter includes a resolution.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the parameter includes default information. A detection step for detecting processing capacity;
And a setting step for setting a parameter referred to by the printer driver in accordance with the processing capability detected by the detection step.   The information processing method according to claim 23, wherein the processing capability includes an image processing capability.   The information processing method according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the parameter includes a resolution.   The information processing method according to claim 23, wherein the parameter includes default information. A detection step for detecting processing capacity;
A program for causing a computer to execute a setting step for setting a parameter referred to by a printer driver in accordance with the processing capability detected in the detection step.   28. The program according to claim 27, wherein the processing capability includes an image processing capability.   The program according to claim 27 or 28, wherein the parameter includes a resolution.   30. The program according to claim 27, 28, or 29, wherein the parameter includes default information.

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