JP3413094B2 - Printing system, data processing method, print control device, print control method, and storage medium storing computer-readable program - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printing system and data for controlling transfer of print information by communicating with a plurality of printing devices having a paper feed port to which a predetermined paper name can be assigned via a predetermined communication medium. The present invention relates to a processing method, a print control device, a print control method, and a storage medium that stores a computer-readable program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIGS. 23 to 26 are views for explaining the configuration of a printing system to which this type of printing control device can be applied, and a data processing device (host) via a predetermined communication medium.
And a printing device are communicable with each other.

In these figures, H is a host, which is a control unit for executing various application programs in accordance with instructions from an input device (keyboard) not shown, memory resources for storing various application programs, system programs, and communication media. It is configured to be able to communicate with the printer device P1 or the printer devices PA to PC via the. C1 is an upper cassette and C2 is a lower cassette.

For example, in the printing system configured as shown in FIG. 23, that is, when the data created and managed by the host H is output to the printer apparatus P1 having a plurality of paper feed ports, the paper size of the host H is set. In some cases, the printer P1 may be configured to automatically select the paper feed port in which the designated paper size is set by designating on the print start screen.

In this case, when A4 size paper is set in the upper cassette of the printer and B4 size paper is set in the lower cassette C2 shown in FIG. If "A4" is specified as, the paper is automatically fed from the upper cassette C1,
If you specify "B4" as the paper size, the lower cassette C
Paper is automatically fed from 2.

However, as shown in FIG.
1 upper cassette C1 (A4 size and contains white paper) and lower cassette C2 (A4 size and contains red paper), that is, printer P
When the same size paper is set in both the upper cassette C1 and the lower cassette C2 of 1, the "white" paper or the "red" paper is selected by simply specifying "size: A4". There is a case where the paper of the color intended by the user is not fed because it is not specified.

Therefore, it is necessary for the user to physically specify that the A4 sheet should be fed from the "upper cassette" with respect to the sheet to be printed. In other words, the user must always grasp the physical information of the paper set in each paper feed port of the printer to be used, and specify the physical paper feed port based on this information when printing. There was a problem of inconvenience.

In order to solve this problem, a printing system shown in FIG. 25 having a function of designating a paper name has been proposed. This is a function in which each paper feed port of the printer P1 has an attribute called a paper name, and the host H can feed paper from an arbitrary paper feed port only by designating a paper name set in the printer P1 in advance (hereinafter, referred to as a paper feed port). This is abbreviated as the paper name designation function).

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 25, "quote" is logically set as the paper name in the upper cassette C1 and "invoice" is set as the paper name in the lower cassette C2. Then, the host H does not specify the physical designation at the time of printing, but only the logical name “quote” together with the print data.

On the printer P1 side, printing is performed by feeding paper from the paper feed port of the designated name "quote". By using this function, the user does not need to recognize and specify a lot of physical information (information such as paper size, color, etc., and relationship information between paper and paper feed port), and convenience is improved.

Further, in the conventional printer device, as a method of selecting a paper feed port when a plurality of paper feed ports are provided, a user can feed paper by, for example, paper feed from an upper cassette on the host computer. A method is used in which the mouth is specified for printing, or the printer device determines the paper size, and the paper is fed from the paper feed port having the paper of that paper size.

[0012]

Recently, in addition to selecting a paper feed port according to a paper size, a pre-printed paper on which a form or the like is printed is prepared in the paper feed port. It is taken. In this case, the correct paper feed selection is not performed simply by specifying the paper size, and the printing user recognizes which paper is in which paper feed port and then positively selects that paper feed port. There is a problem in that printing must be performed by explicitly specifying it.

Depending on the type of paper such as thick paper or OHP paper, the printer may change the speed of paper feeding,
By changing the means for forming a visible image, such as changing the fixing mode, it is possible to obtain a visible image with print quality maintained. There is a problem in that the user must determine the type of the item and positively specify it when performing the printing. As described above, selection of a paper feed port when printing is becoming complicated.

Specifically, there are a plurality of printers PA to PC in a network environment as shown in FIG. 21, each of the printers PA to PC has a function of designating a paper name, and a paper name is set in each paper feed port. If so, the user must know the correspondence between the physical printer name and the logical paper name set for that printer.

In other words, when trying to use the function of designating the paper name on the network, it becomes necessary to newly grasp and specify the information of the physical printer name, which reduces the convenience.

For example, in the printing system configured as shown in FIG. 26, when the quotation is printed from the host H, "quotation" is first set as the paper name among a plurality of printers on the network. It must be recognized that the printer is "Printer B". Then, in the host H, the user sets the output destination to "printer B", and then specifies the paper name "quote" to instruct to start printing. Therefore, in an environment in which a plurality of printers PA to PC are used on the network, the usefulness of the function of specifying the paper name cannot be fully exerted, and there is a problem that the convenience is rather deteriorated. .

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and a first object of the present invention is to provide a logical paper name in which a printer server device is set as a paper feed port of a printing device. The paper feed port data including information is saved, and when the acquisition request from the data processing device is made, the update request status of the stored paper feed port data is determined, and it is determined that the paper feed port data needs to be updated. In this case, the acquisition request is issued to the printing apparatus, and when it is determined that the stored sheet feed port data does not need to be updated, the stored sheet feed port data is stored as the data. The printer server device stores a printing system, a data processing method, and a computer-readable program capable of always returning the latest paper feed port data to the data processing device by returning the data to the processing device. To provide a 憶媒 body. Second
The purpose of is to obtain the paper name information from the first printing device that can set the logical paper name information to the paper feed port, and to print the second paper that cannot set the logical paper name information to the paper feed port. The logical paper name information for the paper feed port of the device is set and managed by itself, and the logical paper name information specified by the print information to be transferred is set for the paper feed port of the second printing device. If it is determined that the paper name information is set by the above, the logical paper name information specified by the print information is changed to the paper feed port specifying information for specifying the paper feed port corresponding to the paper name information. The conversion allows the user to specify the logical paper name information even for a printing device that cannot set the logical paper name information in the paper feed port, and the printing process from the correct paper feed port can be performed. Realizable print control device, print control method, and storage medium It is to provide a.

[0018]

The first aspect of the present invention is a printing system in which a data processing device can communicate with a printing device via a printer server device via a predetermined communication medium, and The apparatus includes setting means for setting paper feed port data including logical paper name information for each paper feed port to feed a recording medium, and paper feed set for each paper feed port by the setting means. And a notification unit configured to notify the sheet feed port data for each sheet feed port held by the holding unit based on an acquisition request issued from the printer server apparatus. The printer server device stores a paper feed port data including the logical paper name information returned from the printing device, and the storage unit when the paper feed port data acquisition request is made by the data processing device. To the means A determination unit that determines an update request state of existing sheet feed port data, and the determination unit that obtains the acquired data to the printing apparatus when the determination unit determines that the stored sheet feed port data needs to be updated. Reply control that issues a request and returns the stored sheet feed port data to the data processing device when the determination unit determines that the stored sheet feed port data does not need to be updated. The data processing device includes a means for issuing to the printer server device a request for acquisition of paper feed port data including logical paper name information set in the printing device, and the data processing device. The latest paper feed port data returned from the printer server device is analyzed based on the paper feed port acquisition request, and the display unit displays logical paper name information set in the printing device. Characterized in that it comprises a display control unit that controls to list display.

A second aspect of the present invention is a data processing method in a printing system in which a data processing device can communicate with a printing device via a printer server device via a predetermined communication medium. A setting step of setting sheet feed data including logical sheet name information for each sheet feed port for feeding the recording medium, and sheet feed port data set for each sheet feed port by the setting step And a notification step of notifying the paper feed port data for each paper feed port held by the holding means based on an acquisition request issued from the printer server device. The printer server device stores a paper feed port data including logical paper name information returned from the printing device in a storage unit, and a process of collecting the paper feed port data requested by the data processing device. During a request, a determination step of determining an update request state of the paper feeding slot data stored in the storage means,
When it is determined in the determination step that the stored sheet feed port data needs to be updated, the acquisition request is issued to the printing device, and the stored sheet feed port data is determined in the determination step. And a reply control step of returning the stored paper feed port data to the data processing device when it is determined that the data processing device is set to the printing device. Is issued to the printer server device, and the printer server device returns a request based on the request to acquire the paper feed port data by the issuing process. Analyze the latest paper feed port data
And a display control step of controlling to display a list of logical sheet name information set in the printing device on the display unit.

A third aspect of the present invention stores a computer-readable program for controlling a printing system in which a data processing device can communicate with a printing device via a printer server device via a predetermined communication medium. A storage medium, a computer controlling the printing device, a setting step of setting sheet feed port data including logical sheet name information for each sheet feed port for feeding the recording medium; and the setting step. The holding process of holding the paper feed port data set for each paper feed port in the holding means by the above, and the paper feed port data for each paper feed port held by the holding means is issued from the printer server device. And a notification step of making a notification based on an acquisition request, the computer controlling the printer server device is configured to supply a paper feed including logical paper name information returned from the printing device. A saving step of saving the data in a saving means; and a determining step of determining an update request state of the feeding port data saved in the saving means when a request for acquisition of the feeding port data requested by the data processing device is made, When it is determined in the determination step that the stored sheet feed port data needs to be updated, the acquisition request is issued to the printing device, and the stored sheet feed port data is determined in the determination step. And a reply control step of returning the stored paper feed port data to the data processing device when it is determined that the updating of the data is not required, the computer controlling the data processing device includes the printing device. Issue process for issuing to the printer server device a request for acquisition of the paper feed port data including the logical paper name information set in step 3, and a request for acquisition of the paper feed port data by the issuing process. A display control step of controlling the latest paper feed port data returned from the printer server device based on the analysis, and displaying a list of logical paper name information set in the printing device on the display unit. It is characterized by being stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a first printing device capable of setting logical paper name information in a paper feed port and a second printing device in which a logical paper name cannot be set in a paper feed port. A print control device that is communicatively connected to a device and controls transfer of print information, wherein a request for acquisition of logical paper name information set in the first printing device is issued to the first printing device. From the first printing device based on the acquisition request by the issuing device, issuing means for issuing to the second printing device, means for setting and holding logical paper name information for a paper feed port of the second printing device, The first printing is performed based on the transferred logical paper name information of the first printing device and the logical paper name information of the second printing device set and held by the setting unit. Device and each paper feed port of the second printing device. Management means for managing logical paper name information, and whether the paper name information set in the first printing device is based on the logical paper name information specified by the print information. Determination means for determining whether or not the paper name information is set for the paper feed port of the second printing device, and paper name information set for the paper feed port of the second printing device by the judgment means And a conversion unit that converts the logical sheet name information designated by the print information into sheet feed port designation information that designates a sheet feed port corresponding to the sheet name information. It is characterized by

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, logical sheet name information of the first printing device transferred from the first printing device based on the acquisition request by the issuing means, and the setting. Further comprising a notifying unit for notifying the logical sheet name information of the second printing device set and held by the device based on an acquisition request from the data processing device that is the transmission source of the printing information. Characterize.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a first printing device capable of setting logical paper name information in a paper feed port and a second printing device in which a logical paper name cannot be set in a paper feed port. A print control method in a print control device that is communicatively connected to a device and controls transfer of print information, comprising: requesting acquisition of logical paper name information set in the first printing device. Based on the issuing process of issuing to one printing device, the holding process of setting logical paper name information for the paper feed port of the second printing device and holding it in the holding means, and the acquisition request by the issuing process. Based on the logical paper name information of the first printing device transferred from the first printing device and the logical paper name information of the second printing device set and held by the holding unit. The first printing device and the A management step of managing the logical paper name information corresponding to each of the paper feed port of the second printing device, based on the logical paper name information specified in the print information,
A determining step of determining whether the sheet name information is set in the first printing apparatus or the sheet name information set for a paper feed port of the second printing apparatus; and the determining step When it is determined that the paper name information is the paper name information set for the paper feed port of the second printing device, the logical paper name information specified by the print information is associated with the paper name information. And a conversion step of converting into paper feed port designation information for designating a paper feed port to be used.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, logical sheet name information of the first printing device transferred from the first printing device based on the acquisition request in the issuing step, and the setting. Further comprising a notifying step of notifying the logical sheet name information of the second printing device set and held by the means based on an acquisition request from the data processing device that is the transmission source of the printing information. Characterize.

An eighth invention according to the present invention is a first printing device capable of setting logical paper name information in a paper feed port, and a second printing device in which a logical paper name cannot be set in a paper feed port. A storage medium that stores a computer-readable program that is communicatively connected to a device and controls a print control device that controls transfer of print information, and is a logical medium that is set in the first printing device. Request for acquisition of paper name information,
The issuing step of issuing to the first printing apparatus, the holding step of setting logical sheet name information for the paper feed port of the second printing apparatus and holding it in the holding unit, and the acquisition request by the issuing step Logical sheet name information of the first printing device transferred from the first printing device based on the logical sheet name information of the second printing device set and held by the holding unit; A management step of managing logical paper name information corresponding to each paper feed port of the first printing device and the second printing device based on the above, and a logical paper name specified by the printing information. Is the paper name information set in the first printing device based on the information,
A determination step of determining whether the sheet name information is set for the sheet feeding port of the second printing device, and a sheet set for the sheet feeding port of the second printing device by the determination step. A conversion step of converting the logical sheet name information designated by the print information into sheet feed port designation information for designating a sheet feed port corresponding to the sheet name information when it is determined that the information is the name information. Is stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

In a ninth aspect of the present invention, the logical sheet name information of the first printing device transferred from the first printing device based on the acquisition request in the issuing step, and the setting. Further comprising a notifying step of notifying the logical sheet name information of the second printing device set and held by the means based on an acquisition request from the data processing device that is the transmission source of the printing information. Characterize.

[0027]

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[0060]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a printing system to which a print control apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention can be applied. This corresponds to a case where a plurality of printer devices and a host are configured to be communicable with each other.

In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a host, which is configured to communicate with printers 2 to 5 through a network 6 such as Ethernet by a predetermined protocol. It is assumed that the printers 2 to 4 are equipped with a function of designating paper names.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a printer resource management table managed by the host 1 shown in FIG. 1. Each of the printers 2-5 has a physical paper feed as shown in FIG. A logical arbitrary paper name has already been set for the mouth, and it can be used by the host. However, it is assumed that the printer 5 does not have a function of designating the paper name. Note that the printer 3 has a higher throughput than the printer 4, and the printer 3 is a monochrome printer.
Is a printer capable of color printing. Further, the paper storage capacity of the printer 3 is higher than that of the printer 4.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining the main configuration of the host side and the printer side of the printing system shown in FIG. The host 1 is a personal computer,
It may be composed of a workstation, a minicomputer, or the like, and the printer 2 may be composed of a plotter, a digital copying machine, or a facsimile machine.

In the host 1, 101 is a control unit which loads the ROM of the storage unit 103, the system control program, the print control program, and the application program stored in the disk device onto the RAM and executes them to perform various data processing. To control the overall.

Reference numeral 104 denotes a display unit for CRT, FLC, LC
It is assumed to be composed of various display devices such as D.
An input unit 107 is composed of a keyboard, a pointing device, and the like. Reference numeral 105 denotes a medium reading unit, which includes, for example, an FD device, an MO device, a CD-ROM device, an IC memory card device, and the like, and various storage media, for example, F
D, MO, CD-ROM, IC memory card, etc., control programs, data files, etc., are read from time to time, and under the control of the control unit 101, disk devices of the storage unit 103, such as magnetic disk devices, magneto-optical disks. It is stored in a device, a magnetic tape device, or the like. Reference numeral 106 denotes a recording medium, which is the above-described print control program, and the control program for executing the control procedure shown in the flowchart described later is stored as it is or after being compressed in a predetermined compression format. If the control program is compressed and stored, the decompression program is executed and the decompressed print control program is stored in the storage unit 10.
3 is installed in a predetermined address, and thereafter, it is loaded into the RAM at a proper time and executed.

Reference numeral 102 denotes a connecting portion, which is composed of a serial interface board, a parallel interface board, a network interface board and the like.

In the printer 2, 201 is a control unit,
The control program stored in the disk device of the storage unit 203 or the control program downloaded from the host 1 is executed to collectively process the print information from the host 1 and drive the paper feeding unit 205 and the printing unit 204. Control. It should be noted that the present invention can be applied to the printing unit 204 regardless of whether the printer is equipped with a printer engine such as a laser beam system, a bubble jet system, an LED system, or a thermal transfer system. Further, a finisher, a sorter, or the like can be connected to the printing unit 204 as an optional device. Further, the paper feeding unit 205 is provided with a detection unit configured to detect the full state of the recording medium stored in each cassette (not shown), which includes, for example, an optical sensor, and the detection signal is notified to the control unit 201. Is configured.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the benefit processing of the storage medium 106 supplied to the medium reading unit 105 of the host 1 shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 1001 denotes an insertion port, on which the storage medium 106 is set.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the memory map of the storage medium 106 shown in FIG.

In the figure, 1201 is volume information in which information for managing writable storage capacity, storage medium name, etc. is written. Reference numeral 1202 is directory information, and 1203 is a module execution file, which stores a program file described in a predetermined language. 1204
Is a module data file, and a data file including various parameters necessary for executing the module execution file 1203 is stored.

FIG. 6 shows the RA of the storage unit 103 shown in FIG.
It is a figure explaining the memory map on M.

In the figure, 1101 and 1102 are system module areas, and the system module area 11
A basic I / O module is loaded in 01, and an operating system (OS) is loaded in the system module area 1102.

Reference numeral 1103 denotes a system module area,
The printing method module according to the paper name attribute in the printing system is loaded. A data area 1104 is loaded with related data. 1105 is a data area,
Used as a work area.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a network information table created by the network information acquired by the host 1 shown in FIG. 1 via the network, and is stored in the RAM of the storage unit 103 shown in FIG. Created. The network information corresponds to the printing system shown in FIG.

Further, in this embodiment, the network information table is assumed to be composed of identification information (ID), printer name, network address and the like.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the sheet name designation information table of the network printer acquired by the host 1 shown in FIG. 1 via the network, and is created in the RAM of the storage unit 103 shown in FIG. To be done. The paper name designation information corresponds to the printing system shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a sheet name list created based on the sheet name designation information table shown in FIG. 8. The control unit 101 shown in FIG.
RA by referring to the paper name specification information table created in
Create on M. In addition, (a)-(c) shows the preparation process.

10 and 11 show the display unit 1 shown in FIG.
It is a figure which shows an example of the 1st printing start designation screen displayed on 04, and is displayed as a dialog W that pops up on the display unit 104 when printing is selected on the screen during execution of the application program. .

In the figure, BT1 to BT5 are buttons,
The button BT1 functions as a print start instruction button,
When the button BT1 is designated by a cursor (not shown), print processing is started.

Further, the button BT2 cancels the printing process if the cursor is used to cancel the printing process. Further, the button BT3 is designated by a cursor or the like when setting various optional functions. The button BT4 is designated by a cursor or the like when displaying the help message. The button BT5 is designated by a cursor or the like when displaying the paper name.

FIG. 12 is a view showing a list of selectable paper names displayed when the button BT5 is instructed on the print start instruction screen shown in FIG. 10, and is displayed by the instruction of the button BT5.

Note that the selectable paper name list is displayed by referring to the paper name list shown in FIG.
At the beginning, the first paper name is selected and the button BT
No. 5 is displayed, and another paper name is selected from the paper name list displayed by the instruction of the button BT5, the button BT
It is assumed that the sheet name of No. 5 is switched from the state shown in FIG. 10 (“circulation slip”) to the state shown in FIG. 11 (“plan document”), for example.

The data processing operation of the print control apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the flow charts shown in FIGS.

13 to 15 are flowcharts showing an example of the data processing procedure of the print control apparatus according to the present invention. It should be noted that (1) to (25) indicate respective steps, which are installed in the disk device of the storage unit 103 of the host 1, and when the host 1 starts up, the module is installed in the storage unit of the host in FIG. It is assumed that the RAM 103 is read and executed.

Besides, it is also possible to load the module and related data from the medium reading unit 105 of the host 1 into the host and execute the module. In this case, it is assumed that the module and related data are recorded in the recording medium 106 shown in FIG. 4 with the configuration shown in FIG. Then, in this case, the module corresponding to the present embodiment and the related data recorded in the recording medium 106 can be loaded into the host 1 through the medium reading unit 1001 shown in FIG. This recording medium 106 is used as the medium reading unit 10 of the host 1.
When set to 01, the RA of the storage unit 103 shown in FIG.
Under the control of the OS 1102 and the basic I / O module 1101 resident in M, the module corresponding to the present embodiment and related data are read from the recording medium 106,
It is loaded into the RAM of the storage unit 103 of the host 1 and becomes operable.

Further, the module realizing the present invention and the related data recorded on the recording medium 106 shown in FIG. 4 are temporarily stored (installed) in a disk device or the like of the storage unit 103 of the host, and the present invention is realized. The storage unit 1 of the host at the stage of operating the realized module and related data.
No. 03 disk device etc. to RA of the storage unit 103 of the host
You may load it in M.

The characteristic configuration of this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

Print information is communicated through a predetermined communication medium with a plurality of printing apparatuses (printers 2 to 4 shown in FIG. 1) having a paper feed port to which a predetermined paper name can be assigned, which is configured as described above. Which is a print control device for controlling the transfer of a sheet, and which displays a print operation screen including a paper name item for selecting the paper name on the display unit 104 (the control unit 101 stores the storage unit 103 in the storage unit 103). The control program stored in the memory resource (including the case where it is supplied by the recording medium 106 to be described later is executed for control) and the resource information of the available printing device is checked based on the print request from the application. Acquisition means (control unit 101)
Executes the control program stored in the memory resource of the storage unit 103 (including the case where it is supplied by the recording medium 106 described later) and performs the acquisition process via the connection unit 102)
And a first creating unit (a control program stored in the memory resource of the storage unit 103 by the control unit 101 (described later) that analyzes the resource information of each printing device acquired by the acquisition unit and creates a paper name information table. (Including the case of being supplied by the recording medium 106), and the first
The second creating means (the control unit 101 stores the paper name list (see FIG. 9) to be displayed on the print operation screen based on the paper name information table (see FIG. 8) created by the creating means). The control program stored in the memory resource of the unit 103 (created by executing the control program (including the case of being supplied by the recording medium 106 described later)) and the instruction of the paper name item on the print operation screen Second display control means (control unit 101 stores in storage unit 10 to display a list of selectable paper name items according to the paper name list created by the second creating unit on the print operation screen.
The control program (including the case of being supplied by the recording medium 106 described later) stored in the memory resource 3 is controlled, and the desired paper name item selected on the paper name item list is assigned. Setting means (control unit 101 stores in storage unit 103) that searches for the printing device that is currently used from the paper name information table and sets it as the output destination of the printing information.
Control program (including the case of being supplied by the recording medium 106 to be described later) stored in the memory resource of the printer. Network paper that can obtain the intended print result from the printing device to which the selected paper name is assigned by a simple operation instruction similar to the conventional paper name selection operation, regardless of whether the printing device is the other printing device. A name selection print processing environment can be freely constructed.

Further, since the control section 101 displays the first sheet name in the sheet name list as the current sheet name on the print operation screen (see FIG. 10), the current sheet name can be automatically set. it can.

The module shown in this embodiment is program coded based on the flowcharts (steps (10) to (25)) shown in FIGS. 13, 14 and 15. Based on the above, the data processing of this embodiment will be described in detail.

First, the control unit 10 of the host 1 shown in FIG.
1 receives a print request from an application and starts a process for printing (1). And the control unit 1
01 checks whether there is a printer available for printing on the network via the connection unit 102 of the host 1 (2), and if NO, terminates the process.

On the other hand, in step (2), YES, that is, if the printing system shown in FIG. 1 is taken as an example, printers 2 to 6 are available as printers available on the network 6.
Therefore, the control unit 101 determines that there is an available printer on the network 6, and the control unit 101 stores the network information of the available printers that have been checked as a “network information table” on the RAM of the storage unit 103. It is saved as a table having the data structure shown in FIG. 7 (3).

In this case, in the network information table shown in FIG. 7, each printer is identified, and identification information (ID) indicating the meaning of the number of printers is attached to each printer. Save its network address.

Then, the control unit 101 controls the R of the storage unit 103.
The number of identification information (ID) in the “network information table” stored in the AM is checked (4), and the control unit 101
Sets the value to the variable PR-num for storing the maximum number of identification information (ID) from the checked result (5).

In this embodiment, since the number of printer IDs is “4”, the variable PR-num is set to “4” and stored in the RAM of the storage unit 103 of the host 1.

Next, the control unit 101 sets "1" as an initial value to the variable N used to count the ID (6), and the control unit 101 sets the value of the variable PR-num from the variable N. Check whether it is large (7).

In this embodiment, the variable PR-num is initially set.
= 4 and the variable N = 1, the control unit 101 determines that NO,
That is, the control unit 101 determines that the value of the variable PR-num is not larger than the variable N, and the control unit 101 determines that the ID is N.
It is checked whether or not the second printer is equipped with a paper name designation function (8). In this case, the control unit 101 refers to the “network information table” shown in FIG. 7 and refers to the network address “80: 11: 2, which is information regarding the printer (printer 2) with ID = 1 based on the current value of the variable N.
2: 33: 44: 01 ”.

Then, the control unit 101 accesses the printer 2 shown in FIG. 1 through the connection unit 102 based on the network address, and FIG. Shown printer connection 20
Inquiry to the control unit 201 of the printer via 2 Then, the control unit 201 notifies the control unit 101 via the connecting unit 202 and the connecting unit 102 that the printer 2 has the function of designating the paper name. Control unit 10 receiving the notification
It is determined that 1 has a function of designating the paper name.

Then, the control unit 101 checks the information on the paper name set in the printer whose ID is N, and stores it in the storage unit 103 of the host 1 as a "paper name information table" having the data structure shown in FIG. It is stored in the RAM in FIG. 8 (9). In this case, the control unit 101 performs the same procedure as in the case of checking whether or not the function of designating the paper name is installed, by using the “circular notice”, “schedule”, and the like set in the printer 2.
Information on the paper name “report” is acquired and stored in the “paper name information table” in the RAM of the storage unit 103 of the host 1.

Then, "1" is added to the variable N (10) to check whether the next printer 3 is equipped with a paper name designating function and the set paper name (10), and the process proceeds to step (7). Return. The first step (7)
The variable N becomes 2 (= 1 + 1) in accordance with the execution of.

After that, when the variable N indicating the printer 2 is "2", the control unit 101 sets the variable N indicating the printer 3 to "3".
In this case, steps (7) to (10) are repeated, and it is determined that the printer 3 and the printer 4 are equipped with the paper name designation function, and the paper name information set in each printer is displayed in FIG. The data structure shown in FIG. At this point, the variable N becomes "4". Then, returning to step (7), when the control unit 101 checks whether or not the variable PR-num is larger than the variable N, since the variables PR-num = 4 and the variable N = 4,
The control unit 1 determines that the size is not large, and the control unit 101 checks whether the printer having the identification information (ID) Nth has the function of designating the paper name (8).

In this case, the control unit 101 refers to the "network information table", and based on the current value of the variable N, ID =
The network address “80: 11: 22: 33: 44: 04”, which is information regarding the printer of No. 4, is acquired. Then, based on the acquired network address, the control unit 101 accesses the printer 5 shown in FIG. 1 via the connection unit 102, and it is shown in FIG. 3 whether or not it is equipped with the paper name designation function. Inquires to the control unit 201 of the printer via the connection unit 202.

However, in this embodiment, since the printer 5 does not have a function for designating the paper name, the control unit 201 sends the paper name to the control unit 101 via the connecting unit 202 and the connecting unit 102. The control unit 101 is notified that the designated function is not installed.

Upon receiving this notification, the control unit 101 determines that it does not have the function of designating the paper name, and the step (1
In step 0), "1" is added to the variable N in order to check whether the next printer is equipped with the paper name designation function and the set paper name.

At this point, the variable N becomes "5" and the process returns to step (7), so that the control section 101 sets the variable PR-n.
Since um exceeds the variable N, the determination is YES, and the process proceeds to step (11). At this point, R of the storage unit 103
The “paper name information table” shown in FIG. 8 is completed on the AM.

Next, in step (7), the control unit 101 determines whether or not there is a printer equipped with the paper name designating function among the available printers.
Checks whether the “paper name information table” is stored in the storage unit 103, and if the control unit 101 determines that the “paper name information table” is not stored in the storage unit 103, the paper feeding by the paper name is performed. It is a conventional designation method because it is not possible to select the mouth and use the present invention,
Print by the method of specifying the physical paper feed port (15),
The process ends.

On the other hand, in step (11), the control unit 101
When it is determined that the "paper name information table" is stored in the storage unit 103, the control unit 101 checks all the paper names stored in the "paper name information table" shown in FIG. Create the paper name list shown in 9 (1
2).

When the paper name list is created, the control unit 101 checks the paper name of the printer 2 having the printer name shown in FIG. 8, and displays the result as shown in FIG. 9A based on the result. A sheet name list is created as use data and is stored in the RAM of the storage unit 103 shown in FIG.

Then, the control unit 101 checks the paper name of the printer 3 having the printer name shown in FIG. 8, and the result is shown in FIG.
9A is added to the name list shown in FIG. 9A to create a paper name list as shown in FIG.
Save to AM. Then, the control unit 101 checks the paper name of the printer whose printer name shown in FIG. 8 is the printer 4, adds the result to the name list shown in FIG. 9B, and displays it as shown in FIG. 9C. Storage unit 1
03 RAM.

Then, the control unit 101 sets the first paper name "circulation slip" in the paper name list to the current paper name to be displayed, and stores the information in the RAM of the storage unit 103 (13). Then, the control unit 101
A print dialog W that receives a print start / cancel instruction and a paper / name change instruction from the user shown in FIG. 10 is displayed on the display unit 104 of the host 1, and the current paper name “circulation slip” is displayed in the dialog W. Do (1
4).

Next, the control unit 101 checks in the print dialog W whether the user has selected the item of paper name by the input unit 107 of the host 1 (16), and the control unit 101
When it is determined that the item of paper name is not selected, the process proceeds to step (21) and thereafter.

On the other hand, in step (16), the control unit 101
If it is determined that the paper name item is selected, the data of the paper name list stored in the RAM of the storage unit 103 is read and the display unit 104 of the host 1 displays the paper name list shown in FIG. Yes (17).

The control unit 101 is the display unit 1 of the host.
In the paper name list displayed in 04, it is checked whether the user has changed the paper name by using the input unit 107 (18), and if the control unit 101 determines that the paper name item has not been changed, the step ( 21) Proceed to the following steps.

On the other hand, in step (18), the control unit 101
If it determines that the paper name item has been changed,
The changed sheet name is set to the current (19) and the information is stored in the RAM of the storage unit 103.

Then, for example, in the paper name list shown in FIG. 11, the user uses the input unit 107 to input “plan”.
If the paper name is changed by selecting item (4), the control unit 101 displays the changed paper name on the display unit 104 of the host as shown in FIG. 11 (20).

Next, in the print dialog W, the control unit 101 determines whether the user has selected the item for canceling the print processing (the button BT2 for instructing the cancellation designation shown in FIGS. 10 and 11) by the input unit 107 of the host 1. In the check (21), when the control unit 101 determines that the print process stop item is selected, the control unit 101 stops the print process and ends the process.

On the other hand, in step (21), the control unit 101
If the control unit 101 determines that the print processing stop item has not been selected, the control unit 101 causes the print dialog W to be displayed by the user using the input unit 107 of the host in FIG. 9 (shown in FIGS. It is checked whether the button BT1) for instructing the start of printing has been selected (22), and the control unit 1
If 01 determines that the print execution item is not selected, the process returns to step (16).

On the other hand, in step (22), the control unit 101
When it is determined that the print execution item has been selected, the control unit 101 obtains the current paper name stored in the RAM of the storage unit 103 (23), and obtains information on the printer in which the paper name is set. In order to obtain the information, the “network information table” shown in FIG. 7 and the “paper name information table” shown in FIG. 8 stored in the RAM of the storage unit 103 are checked to obtain information (23).

In this case, the control unit 10 determines from the acquired information.
No. 1 recognizes that the current paper name is “planning book”, and the printer for which “planning book” is set as the paper name from the “paper name information table” is the printer 4, and the control unit 101 The network address of the printer C for which the plan name is set as the paper name from the “network information table” is “80: 11: 2.
2: 33: 44: 03 ”.

Next, the control unit 101 sets the output destination of the print data to the printer 4 in which the current paper name is set (24), sets the information necessary for printing such as the network address checked in advance, The information is stored in the RAM of the storage unit 103. At this point, the printer as the output destination is automatically set based on the paper name selected by the user.

Then, the control unit 101 adds the "planning document" which is the information of the specific paper name as the paper feed selection information to the print data, passes through the connection units 102 and 202, and the control unit 201. Send to. Then, the control unit 201 temporarily stores the sent print data and paper name information in the RAM of the storage unit 203. Then, the control unit 201
Reads the paper name information from the RAM of the storage unit 203, and since the "plan book" is specified, the paper is fed from the upper cassette in the paper feeding unit 205 of the printer 2 shown in FIG. The print data based on the contents of the “plan” is printed (25), and the process is terminated.

The characteristic configuration of this embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 13 to 15.

A print control method for controlling transfer of print information by communicating with a plurality of printing devices having a paper feed port to which a predetermined paper name can be assigned and having a configuration as described above, and controlling transfer of print information A storage medium storing a computer-readable program that controls the transfer of print information by communicating with a plurality of printing devices having a paper feed port to which a predetermined paper name can be assigned via a predetermined communication medium. And a first display step (pre-step of step (1) in FIG. 13) for displaying a print operation screen (see FIG. 10) including a paper name item for selecting the paper name on the display unit 104. , An acquisition process (steps (2) and (3) in FIG. 13) for investigating and acquiring available resource information of a printing device based on a print request from an application, and the acquired resource of each printing device First creating step of analyzing the distribution to create a paper name information table (step in FIG. 13 (9))
A second creating step (step (12) in FIG. 14) for creating a paper name list to be displayed on the print operation screen based on the created paper name information table; A second display step (step (14) in FIG. 14) for displaying a list of selectable paper name items according to the paper name list created based on the instruction of the paper name item on the print operation screen; A setting step (step (16) to FIG. 15 of FIG. 15) of searching the printing apparatus to which the desired paper name item selected on the name item list is assigned from the paper name information table and setting the output destination of the print information. (24)), it is possible to perform a conventional paper name selection operation without being aware of which printing device on the network is the printing device to which the desired paper name is assigned. It is possible to construct a network paper name selected printing environment capable of obtaining a print result intended from the printing apparatus has been paper name selected by a simple operation instruction similarly assigned freely.

A print control method for controlling transfer of print information by communicating with a plurality of printing apparatuses having a paper feed port to which a predetermined paper name can be assigned via a predetermined communication medium, or a predetermined print method. A storage medium that stores a computer-readable program that controls transfer of print information by communicating with a plurality of printing apparatuses having paper feed ports to which paper names can be assigned via a predetermined communication medium. A determination step (step (2) in FIG. 13) for determining whether or not there is an available printing device on the predetermined communication medium based on the print request of the above, and the network information of the available printing device based on the determination. A first storage step (step (3) in FIG. 13) of storing in the memory, and a sheet name designation mark by analyzing the network information stored in the memory A setting process (step (5) in FIG. 13) for setting the number of devices to be checked, and a checking process for checking whether or not each printing device has a paper feed port selection function according to the paper name for the set number of checks (Step (8) in FIG. 13) and when it is determined by the inspection process that there is a paper feed port selection function according to the paper name, the paper name assigned to each paper feed port is acquired and stored in the memory. Since it has a second saving step (step (9) in FIG. 13) of saving, the paper name on the print operation screen displayed on the display unit is automatically acquired from each printing device that is available for printing and the latest The paper name can be managed.

Further, there is provided a print control method for controlling transfer of print information by communicating with a plurality of printing devices having a paper feed port to which a predetermined paper name can be assigned via a predetermined communication medium, or a predetermined print method. A storage medium that stores a computer-readable program that controls the transfer of print information by communicating with a plurality of printing apparatuses having a paper feed port to which a paper name can be assigned, through a predetermined communication medium. A determination step (step (11) in FIG. 14) of determining whether or not the sheet name acquired from the printing apparatus having the paper feed port selection function according to the above is registered in the memory, and the sheet name is registered in the memory by the determination. If it is determined that the sheet name list is displayed, the memory is searched and a sheet name list to be displayed in the sheet name item of the print operation screen of the display unit is created (step of FIG. 14). (12)) and a display step (step (14) in FIG. 14) for displaying the current sheet name displayed in the sheet name item according to the created sheet name list. The paper name item to be set can be automatically set.

A print control method for controlling transfer of print information by communicating with a plurality of printing devices having paper feed ports to which predetermined paper names can be assigned via a predetermined communication medium. A first determination step (step (1 in FIG. 15 that determines the selection instruction state of the paper name item on the print operation screen
6)), and if the first determination step determines that the paper name item on the print operation screen of the display unit is selected, printing of the display unit is performed according to the paper name list stored in the memory. A display step of displaying a list of sheet names on the operation screen (step (17) in FIG. 15), and a second step of judging whether or not a sheet name change instruction has been issued based on the sheet name list displayed in the list. When the determination step (step (18) in FIG. 15) and the second determination step determine that the sheet name has been changed, the sheet name selected from the listed sheet name list is changed to the current sheet name. First setting step (step (19) in FIG. 15) and a third determination step (step S19 in FIG. 15) for determining whether or not a print start or print cancel instruction is given. Step (21), and (22)),
When it is determined that the start instruction is given in the third determination step, the sheet name information stored in the memory is referred to as the output destination of the print information based on the sheet name item currently set. A second setting step for setting (step (24) in FIG. 15) and a transmitting step for transmitting the print information to the printing device set as the output destination by the second setting means (step (25) in FIG. 15). ), The simple operation of selecting a desired paper name while checking the list of paper names that can be selected on the print operation screen can be selected without being aware of the printing device on the network. The print information can be automatically transmitted to the printing device that matches the paper name.

[Second Embodiment] In the above embodiment, all the printers on the network function as printers 2 that function as network printers.
The case where ~ 5 can communicate with the host 1 has been described.
The present invention can be applied to another data processing apparatus, for example, a printing system in which a printer in which a local printer is connected to a server one-to-one via an I / F cable can be shared by another host as a network printer. Can be applied. The embodiment will be described below.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a printing system to which the printing control apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

The present embodiment has the following configuration different from that of the first embodiment in order to adapt to an environment other than the case where the printer is directly connected to the network and the host and the printer communicate directly.

In the figure, 161 is a client, which is composed of a personal computer. A network 162 is composed of Ethernet or the like. A server 163 is connected to a printer 164 that functions as a local printer via a predetermined I / F cable. In addition,
It is assumed that the printer 164 is set as a shared printer in the server 163.

Reference numeral 165 denotes a printer, which is a network 162.
The client 161 and the server 163 are configured to be communicable with each other via a network and function as a network printer.

In the first embodiment described above, the printer shown in FIG. 1 is directly connected to the network, and the application to the environment in which the host and the printer communicate directly is considered. However, regarding the connection between the host and the printer in the network and the printing form, a host (server 163) for managing the printer as shown in FIG. 16 exists on the network 162,
There is also a printing system environment in which the server 163 controls the printer 165 directly connected to the network 162 or the printer 164 connected to the server 163 one-to-one (serial, Centronics, SCSI, etc.). The configuration different from that of the first embodiment in this case is as follows.

In this printing system environment, the server 163 is equipped with a module that realizes a function of receiving and responding to requests (steps (2) and (8) in FIG. 13) from the client 161. When this module receives a request from the client 161, the actual printer (“printer 165” or “printer 16”)
4 ”) and acquires the necessary information from the client 41, and sends a reply to the client 161. This has the effect of expanding the network connection configuration to which the present invention can be applied.

As the operation of the module installed in the server 163, the information of the printers 164 and 165 is periodically acquired and held, and when the request is received from the client 161, the information is not acquired to the printer and held. It is also conceivable to take the form of replying the existing information to the client 161.

This has the effect of further improving the response of the client 161.

[Third Embodiment] In the first and second embodiments described above, the processing for a printer not equipped with the function of designating the paper name is described in the case where the state is not considered in the printer selection processing. The present invention may be applied even when there is a printer that does not have a paper name designation function on the network or there is a local printer. The embodiment will be described below.

Since the "printer 5" shown in FIG. 1 in the first embodiment does not have the function of specifying the paper name, the function of specifying the paper name even though it is connected to the network 6 and the present invention Could not be utilized. Therefore, the configuration shown in the second embodiment is changed as follows.

That is, the server 1 in the second embodiment.
The module 63 is provided with a function of registering and holding physical information and logical information of a printer not equipped with a paper name designation function in a memory resource (for example, main body RAM).

Specifically, the "printer 16" shown in FIG.
5 ”does not have a function for designating the paper name, the server 163 has information of the actual paper set in each paper feed port of the“ printer 165 ”as the paper name of the upper cassette,“ flyer ”, and the middle paper. Register and save "Advertising Paper" as the paper name of the cassette and "Cover" as the paper name of the lower cassette.

When the client 161 requests the information, the stored information (“flyer” as the paper name of the upper cassette, “advertisement paper” as the paper name of the middle cassette, and the paper name of the lower cassette) "Cover").

As a result, "Printer 165" is entered in the paper name item of the print dialog W of the client 161.
The paper name of is also displayed, and printing can be performed in a form in which the paper name is designated like other printers.

Then, the server 163 makes the client 16
When the print data and the data “leaflet” of the paper name are received from 1, the module of the server 163 converts the paper name “leaflet” into “upper cassette”.

That is, from the server 163 to the printer 165.
The print data and the "upper cassette" that specifies the physical paper feed port are transferred to. In this way, the function of designating the paper name and the implementation of the present invention are realized even in a printer that does not have the function of designating the paper name, and it is possible to improve the convenience of the user and the coexistence of the printing environment. is there.

[Fourth Embodiment] In each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the paper names set in the respective printers are different has been taken as an example. However, when the same paper name is set overlapping in the configuration of the printing system. Is also envisioned. Therefore, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a printing system in which the same paper name is set on the network will be described.

In this case, the convenience is improved by performing another process described later in place of step (19) of the flowchart shown in FIG.

For example, in FIG. 1, it is assumed that the same sheet name “plan” is set in competition with the “upper cassette” of the printer 3 and the “upper cassette” of the printer 4. In this case, instead of step (19), “If the same paper name is set in a plurality of printers, the print data is checked, and if the print data is monochrome only, it is set to a monochrome printer. Set the paper name to current.

On the other hand, when color data exists, a process for setting the paper name set in the color printer to the current is incorporated.

That is, when monochrome data is printed from the host 1, the printer 3 is used, and when color data is present, the printer 4 is used.

As a result, the monochrome printer and the color printer are automatically switched, and economical and efficient printing becomes possible.

Further, instead of step (19), "When the same paper name is set in a plurality of printers, the processing capacity of each printer is checked and the processing capacity (in addition to the comparison of the processing speed of the engine, It is also possible to determine whether or not another user is currently in use, etc.)).

In other words, when "planning" is designated as the paper name from the host 1 and printing is performed, if it is determined that the printer 3 has higher processing capacity than the printer 4, the printer 3 is used. As a result, the printing process is completed quickly and efficient printing becomes possible.

Further, instead of step (19), "When the same paper name is set in a plurality of printers, the remaining paper amount of the target paper feed port of each printer is checked, and the remaining paper amount is checked. "Set the paper name of many printers to the current".

That is, when printing is performed by designating “plan” as the paper name from the host, it is determined that the remaining amount of paper in the paper feed port of the printer 3 is larger than that in the paper feed port of the printer 4. In this case, the printer 3 is used.

This makes it possible to avoid running out of paper during printing and perform efficient printing.

The characteristic configuration of each of the above embodiments will be further described below.

Designating means for designating selection conditions (including paper stacking amount, color / monochrome difference, process speed difference, etc.) for a plurality of printing devices to which the same paper name is assigned in competition among a plurality of printing devices. (The control unit 101 specifies the control program stored in the memory resource of the storage unit 103 (including the case of being supplied by the recording medium 106 described later) based on the input from the input unit 107)
And a determination means (control unit 101) for determining whether or not the same sheet name is a conflicting sheet name that a plurality of printing apparatuses compete with each other.
Is determined by executing the control program stored in the memory resource of the storage unit 103 (including the case of being supplied by the recording medium 106 described later), and the desired paper name item selected by the determination unit conflicts. When it is determined that the sheet name is the paper name, the determining unit determines the output destination of the print information to be set by the setting unit based on the selection condition designated by the designating unit (the control unit 101 stores in the memory of the storage unit 103). The control program stored in the resource (including the case of being supplied by the recording medium 106 to be described later is determined), so that even in a network environment in which there are a plurality of printing devices whose paper names conflict, Since the optimum printing device that complies with the conditions intended by the printer can be determined as the output destination, print information can be output from the optimum printing device to reduce waste of printing processing. Can.

Since the plurality of printing devices include a printing device (see the printing system shown in FIG. 16) connected to a predetermined data processing device in a one-to-one relationship, a local printer that functions as a network printer is used. Even in a network environment including the above, it is possible to freely prepare the print processing environment by selecting the paper name item.

[Fifth Embodiment] Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing an example of a printing system to which the printing control apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention can be applied. The printing system in the network environment includes a data processing apparatus, a printer server computer, and a printer. It corresponds to the case where it is composed of a device and various modules.

In the figure, reference numeral 501 denotes a client computer for printing, which sends print information including print data and a control code to the printer server computer 502. The printer server computer 502 transmits print information including print data and a control code to the printer device 503.

Further, the client computer 501,
Printer server computer 502 and printer device 5
03 perform bidirectional communication with each other, and perform command input processing to the printer device 503, paper feed attribute data request acquisition processing, paper feed attribute data acquisition processing, and the like.

The printer device 503 is a printing mechanism section (engine section 5) for forming a desired permanent visible image on a recording sheet.
32), a control unit (controller unit 531) that controls the entire printer device, a printer control unit that controls the printing mechanism unit, an interface control unit that controls the interface with the computer, and the like.

The application 511 is software for creating data intended by the user. The operating system of the host computer 501 is Win
For dows, the application 511 also includes GDI.

A printer driver UI unit 512 makes various settings such as determination of output paper size when printing is performed by the application 511. In addition, the printer device 503
When the capability held by the printer device 503 is acquired and displayed, a control code for acquiring information from the printer device 503 is generated.

An interface control unit 513 controls an interface with the printer server computer 502. A paper feed port data list creation unit 514 acquires the paper feed port data from the storage medium 521 storing the paper feed port data in the printer server computer 502 in accordance with a user request, and the paper feed port data list 515A. To create. A storage medium 515 stores the paper feed port data list 515A created by the paper feed port data list creation unit 514.

As the storage medium 515, there are a hard disk, MO, and other memory media.

The created paper feed port data list 51
5A is referred to by the printer driver UI unit 512, and informs the user using a screen or the like that can be selected by the user.

In the printer server computer 502, reference numeral 522 denotes an interface control unit, which is the printer device 5.
The interface with the printer 03 is controlled to control the transmission of print information including print data and control code to the printer device 3 and the reception of information obtained from the printer device 3.

Particularly, the paper feed port data 521A acquired from the printer device 503 is stored in the storage medium (paper feed port data storage unit).
521.

In the printer apparatus 503, 531 is a controller section, which is a control section 531A for controlling the entire printer apparatus, a printer control section 531B for controlling the printing mechanism section (engine section 532), and an interface for controlling the interface with the host computer. Control unit 531C
And sends the paper feed port data acquired from the engine unit 532 to the printer server computer 502.

On the other hand, the engine section 532 is provided with a printing mechanism section for forming a permanent visible image on a recording sheet, and when the controller section 531 requests the sheet feed port data acquisition, the registered sheet feed port data is acquired. And the controller unit 31
Through the printer server computer. Note that the paper feed port data includes paper name data, paper attribute data, and the like.

The printer resource information acquisition processing operation in the printing system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing an example of the data processing procedure in the printing system according to the present invention. The printer server computer 5 is requested by the user on the client computer 501 shown in FIG.
02 corresponds to the algorithm for acquiring the paper feed port data from the printer device 503. The client computer 501 uses this paper feed port data to create a paper feed port data list 515A such as a paper name list and a paper attribute list. Note that (1) to (8) indicate each step.

First, when it is necessary to acquire the paper feed port data on the client computer 501 according to a user instruction, the client computer 501 determines that the paper feed port stored in the printer server computer 502 in step (1). To acquire data, a paper feed port data acquisition command is sent to the printer server computer 502.

When the paper feed port data acquisition command is received from the client computer 501, the printer server computer 502 determines in step (2) whether or not the paper feed port data has been changed in the printer device 503. To do.

In the step (2) of determining the sheet feed port data update request, the printer device 503 may be directly inquired, or the printer device 503 may have changed the sheet feed port data. In such a case, a notification may be given and a history may be recorded when the notification is given, or a method of holding information internally by making an inquiry to the printer device 503 at regular intervals, It goes without saying that there are other ways to improve performance.

When it is determined in the above step (2) that there is a sheet feed port update request, the process proceeds to step (3), where a sheet feed port data acquisition command is issued to the printer device 503, and this acquisition is performed. The printer device 503 that received the command
The paper feed port data is passed to the printer server computer 502.

The printer server computer 502
As a method for acquiring paper feed port data from the printer device 503, the printer server computer 502 makes an inquiry to the printer device 503 at regular intervals, or a signal from an interface between the printer server computer 502 and the printer device 503 is printed by the printer. Device 503
It is possible by various methods such as operating the.

Next, in step (4), the printer device 5
03, the printer server computer 502 updates the contents of the paper feed port data 521 of the paper feed port data storage unit 521 prepared in the printer server computer 502 in step (5). Then, return to step (2). When the printer server computer 502 manages a plurality of printers on the network, it is common to prepare this paper feed port data storage unit for each printer, but a common paper feed It goes without saying that it may be used as the oral data storage unit.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (2) that there is no sheet feed port data update request, in step (6)
The printer server computer 502 transfers the paper feed port data 521A stored in the paper feed port data storage unit 521 to the client computer 501. Then, in the client computer 501, in step (7), the paper feed port data list creation unit 514 sets the paper feed port data 521A.
Create a paper feed port data list from.

After that, in step (8), the sheet feed port data list 515A created in step (7) and managed on the storage medium 515 is referred to, and a graphical user interface (GUI) such as a printer driver is used. The selectable paper feed port data is displayed on a screen (not shown) so that the user can select the intended paper feed port data to enable appropriate printing.

[Sixth Embodiment] In the fifth embodiment, the client computer 50 is used.
1 has been described, and the paper feed port data is acquired from the client computer 501 via the printer server computer 502. However, the present invention can be applied to the case of performing printing from the printer server computer 8. . The embodiment will be described below.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram for explaining the arrangement of a printing system showing the sixth embodiment of the present invention, which corresponds to the case where the printing system is composed of a printer server computer, a module and a printer device.

In the figure, 508 is a printer server computer for executing printing, which sends print information consisting of print data and control code to the printer device 509.
Further, the printer server computer 508 and the printer device 509 perform bidirectional communication with each other, and perform command input to the printer device 509, acquisition processing of paper feed attribute data request, acquisition processing of paper feed attribute data, and the like.

The printer apparatus 509 includes a printing mechanism section (engine section 592) for forming a desired permanent visible image on a recording sheet, and a control section 5 for controlling the entire printer apparatus.
91A, printer control unit 591 for controlling the printing mechanism unit
B. An interface control unit 591C for controlling the interface with the computer is provided.

In the printer server computer 508, the application 581 is software for creating data intended by the user. The operating system of the printer server computer 508 is Win
In the case of dows (product name), the application 581 also includes GDI.

A printer driver UI unit 582 makes various settings such as determination of the output paper size when printing is performed by the application 581.

When the capability of the printer device 509 is acquired and displayed from the printer device 509, a control code for acquiring information from the printer device 509 is generated.

An interface control unit 583 controls an interface with the printer device 509. Also,
If there is a request for acquisition of paper feed port data, the printer device 50
9 to obtain the paper feed port data 584A from the storage medium 584
To store.

The storage medium 584 may be a hard disk, MO, or other memory medium.

Reference numeral 585 denotes a paper feed port data list creation unit which acquires the paper feed port data from the paper feed port data storage unit 584 and creates a paper feed port data list 586A. A storage medium 586 stores the paper feed port data list 586A created by the paper feed port data list creation unit 585. Then, the created paper feed port data list 586A is referred to by the printer driver UI unit 582, and the user is notified using a screen or the like that can be selected by the user.

In the printer unit 509, a controller unit 591 controls the printer unit 591A and a printer control unit 59 controls the printing mechanism unit.
1B, an interface control unit 591C for controlling the interface with the printer server computer, and the like, and sends the paper feed port data acquired from the engine unit 592 to the printer server computer 508.

Reference numeral 592 denotes an engine unit, which is provided with a printing mechanism unit for forming a permanent visible image on a recording sheet, and when the controller unit 591 requests the acquisition of sheet feed port data, the registered sheet feed port data. Is acquired, and the controller unit 591
Through the printer server computer 508. Note that the paper feed port data includes paper name data, paper attribute data, and the like.

The printer resource information acquisition processing operation in the printing system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing an example of the data processing procedure in the printing system according to the present invention. The printer server computer 508 shown in FIG.
The above corresponds to the algorithm for acquiring the paper feed port data from the printer device 509 according to the user request. The printer server computer 508 uses this paper feed port data to create a paper feed port data list such as a paper name list and a paper attribute list. Further, (1) to (7) indicate each step.

First, the printer server computer 508
When it is necessary to acquire the paper feed port data according to the user's instruction, in step (1), it is determined whether or not the paper feed port data is changed in the printer device 509. In the step (1) of determining the sheet feed port data update request, the printer device 509 may be directly inquired, or the printer device 509 may be inquired.
You may want to be notified when there is a change in the paper feed port data, and you may keep a history when there is a notification,
It is also possible to make an inquiry to the printer device 509 at regular intervals and hold the information internally, or else
It goes without saying that there are several ways to improve performance.

If it is determined in the above step (1) that there is a paper feed port data update request, the process proceeds to step (2), where a paper feed port data acquisition command is issued to the printer device 509, and this acquisition command is issued. The printer device 509 received
The paper feed port data is passed to the printer server computer 508.

The printer server computer 508
As a method for acquiring paper feed port data from the printer device 509, the printer server computer 508 makes an inquiry to the printer device 509 at regular time intervals, or a signal of an interface between the printer server computer 508 and the printer device 509 is printed by the printer. Device 509
It is possible by various methods such as operating the.

Next, in step (3), the printer device 5
When the calibration data (paper feed port data) is acquired from the printer server computer 508, the printer server computer 508 executes the step (4).
Paper feed port data storage unit (storage medium 5
The contents of the paper feed port data 584A of 84 are updated, and the process returns to step (1).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (1) that there is no paper feed port data update request, the printer server computer 508 determines in step (5) the paper feed port data 584A stored in the storage medium 584. In step (6), the paper feed port data list creation unit 585 determines the paper feed port data list 586 based on the paper feed port data 584A.
Create A. After that, in step (7), referring to the paper feed port data list 586A created in step (6), the selectable paper feed port data is displayed on a screen (not shown) using a GUI such as a printer driver. Then, the user is made to select the intended paper feed port data, the appropriate printing is enabled, and the process ends.

Seventh Embodiment In each of the fifth and sixth embodiments, the printer server computer collectively manages the paper feed port data. However, each client computer handles the paper feed port data. It may be configured to acquire and manage.

Although the printer server collectively manages the paper feed port data, there are advantages and disadvantages. For example,
If there is a printer server that manages a large number of printers, a large amount of storage media is required if all the paper feed port data for each printer is to be stored. When each client computer stores the paper feed port data, only for the printers required by each client computer, it is not necessary to store all the data, and there is an advantage that the storage medium is saved. this is,
This is the same as replacing the description of the printer server computer of the sixth embodiment with the client computer.

[Eighth Embodiment] In the fifth, sixth, and seventh embodiments described above,
Although the case where all the computers store the paper feed port data in the storage medium has been described, the paper feed port data may be stored in the storage medium of the printer device and managed. The embodiment will be described below.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram for explaining the arrangement of a printing system according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention, which corresponds to the case where the printing system is composed of a printer server computer, a module and a printer device.

In the figure, reference numeral 550 denotes a client computer for printing, which sends print information including print data and a control code to a device 551 which is a printer server computer. Printer server computer 55
1 transmits print information including print data and a control code to the printer device 552. Further, the client computer 550 and the printer server computer 55
1. The printer device 552 performs bidirectional communication with each other, and acquires paper feed port data from the printer device 552.

The printer unit 552 has a printing mechanism unit (engine unit 522) for forming a desired permanent visible image on a recording sheet, and a control unit 52 for controlling the entire printer unit.
1A, a printer control unit 521B that controls the printing mechanism unit,
A controller unit 521 including an interface control unit 521C for controlling an interface with a computer is provided.

In the client computer 550, 501 is an application, which is software for creating data intended by the user. When the operating system of the host computer is Windows, the application 501 also includes GDI. A printer driver UI unit 502 performs various settings such as determination of output paper size when the application 501 performs printing with the application 501.

Further, the printer driver UI section 502
The ability of the printer device 552 to hold the printer device 55
When acquiring from 2 and displaying, the control code for acquiring information from the printer device 552 is generated. An interface control unit 503 controls an interface with the printer server computer 551.

Reference numeral 504 denotes a paper feed port data list creation unit which creates a paper feed port data list from the paper feed port data acquired from the printer device 52 via the printer server computer through the interface control unit 503 in accordance with a user request. To do.

A storage medium 505 stores the paper feed port data list 505A created by the paper feed port data list creation unit 504.

The storage medium 505A may be a hard disk, MO, or another storage medium. Further, the paper feed port data list 505A created and managed on the storage medium 505 is referred to by the printer driver UI unit 502, and the user is notified using a screen or the like that can be selected by the user.

In the printer server computer 551, 511 is an interface control unit, which is the printer device 5.
The interface with the printer 52 is controlled to control transmission of print information including print data and control code to the printer device 552 and reception of information from the printer device 552.

In the printer device 552, a controller unit 521 controls a printer unit 521A for controlling the entire printer device and a printer controller unit 52 for controlling the printing mechanism unit.
1B, an interface control unit 521C for controlling the interface with the host computer, and the like, and stores the paper feed port data 523A acquired from the engine unit 522 in the storage medium 523 in the printer device 552.

Reference numeral 522 denotes an engine section, which is provided with a printing mechanism section for forming a permanent visible image on a recording sheet, and obtains registered sheet feed port data when a sheet feed port data acquisition request is made. Notify the controller unit 521.

[Ninth Embodiment] In the eighth embodiment, the client computer 55 is used.
The case of performing printing with 0 and acquiring the paper feed port data from the client computer 550 via the printer server computer 551 has been described, but the present invention can be applied to the case of performing printing from the printer server computer 551. . The embodiment will be described below.

In this embodiment, the interface controller in the printer server computer may directly communicate with the controller of the printer.

Characteristic configurations of the fifth to eighth embodiments will be described below with reference to FIGS. 17, 19, 21 and the like.

A printing apparatus capable of communicating with a data processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium (including a network and an interface) configured as described above, and a plurality of paper feed mechanisms (printers) for feeding recording media. Device 503,50
Paper feeding device including a multi-stage stackable paper feeding unit (not shown) mounted on the engine unit 532, 592, 522 of 9,552, and paper feeding port data for each paper feeding port of each paper feeding mechanism. Setting means (printer devices 503, 50)
9, 552 operation unit (not shown) and holding means (non-volatile memory (for example, NVRAM) of the printer devices 503, 509, 552) for holding the paper feed port data set for each paper feed port by the setting means. )) And acquisition means (printer devices 503, 509, 5) for acquiring the paper feed port data for each paper feed port held by the holding means.
Controller unit 531, 591, 521 of 52, for example, acquires it from the NVRAM or the like) and notifying unit (controller unit 531, 591, 52) of each sheet feed port data acquired by the acquisition unit.
1 is a printer server computer 502, 508, 55
1 is notified), the latest set paper feed port data can be acquired and provided to the data processing device at any time.

Also, the notifying means (controller section 53
1, 591, 521) notifies the data processing device of the paper feed port data held by the holding means based on an acquisition request from the data processing device (client computer 501, 550 or printer server computer 551). Therefore, it is possible to obtain the latest paper feed port data set according to the request from the data processing device and provide it to the data processing device at any time.

Furthermore, a predetermined communication medium (network,
A data processing device capable of communicating with a printing device via an interface (including an interface), and issuing means (printer) for issuing to the printing device an acquisition request for paper feed port data set in a paper feeding mechanism of the printing device. Server computer 508
Interface control unit 522) and the paper feed port data transferred from the printing device (printer device 583) based on the request for acquisition of the paper feed port data by the issuing unit (paper feed port data list creation unit). Since the printer driver UI unit 582 displays the sheet feeding resource information on the display unit by displaying the sheet feeding resource information on the display unit (not shown), the setting is performed on the sheet feeding mechanism of the printing apparatus. The latest sheet feed port data that has been acquired can be acquired, and the sheet feed resource information that the user can select from the acquired sheet feed port data can be clearly displayed on the screen, and the environment of the sheet feed resources based on the sheet feed port data can be visually grasped. Thus, it is possible to freely construct a printing resource environment in which a desired recording medium is accommodated and a paper feeding port capable of feeding can be selected by a simple operation.

Since the paper feed resource information includes paper name data and paper attribute data set for each paper feed port, the paper name and paper attribute (recording medium type (OHP Film sheet, cut sheet), colored paper,
(Thick paper, size, etc.) can be clearly indicated to the user, and a paper feed port capable of feeding the recording medium intended by the user can be surely selected.

Further, a predetermined communication medium (network,
A printing system in which a data processing device (printer server computer 508) and a printing device can communicate via an interface (including an interface), and the printing device (printer device 509) is a plurality of paper feeding devices for feeding a recording medium. A sheet feeding device including a multi-stage stackable sheet feeding unit (not shown) mounted on the mechanism (engine unit 592 of the printer device 509) and sheet feeding port data is set for each sheet feeding port of each sheet feeding mechanism. Setting means (operation unit of the printer device 509), holding means (non-volatile memory such as NVRAM not shown) for holding the paper feed port data set for each paper feed port by the setting means, and the holding means. An acquisition unit (acquiring process from the engine unit 592 by the controller unit 591) for acquiring the sheet feeding port data for each sheet feeding port held by the acquisition unit; The data processing apparatus, the notification unit (the controller unit 591 performs a notification process to the interface control unit 583) that notifies each sheet feed port data acquired by the above based on the acquisition request issued from the data processing apparatus. Is an issuing unit (an interface control unit 583 issues processing to the controller unit 591) for issuing to the printing apparatus a request for acquisition of paper feed port data set in the paper feeding mechanism of the printing apparatus; The paper feed port data transferred from the printing apparatus is analyzed (created by the paper feed port data list creation unit 585 by analysis) based on a request for acquiring the paper feed port data by means to obtain paper feed resource information. Since a control unit (printer driver UI unit 582) for displaying on the display unit is provided, a simple operation can be performed from the data processing device intended by the user. The latest paper feed port data set in the paper feed mechanism of the printing device connected to printable can be acquired in a timely manner, and the paper feed resource information to be selected by the user from the acquired paper feed port data can be clearly displayed on the screen. , Visually grasp the environment of paper feed resources based on paper feed data,
A printing resource environment in which a desired recording medium is accommodated and a paper feeding port capable of feeding can be selected by a simple operation can be freely constructed.

A printing system in which a data processing device (client computer 501 or client computer 550) can communicate with a printing device via a printer server device (printer server computer 502 or printer server computer 551) via a predetermined communication medium. And the printing device (printer device 5
03 or the printer device 552) includes a plurality of paper feed mechanisms for feeding recording media, and setting means (the printer device 503 or the printer device 552 for setting paper feed port data for each paper feed port of each paper feed mechanism). An operation unit provided), a holding unit (nonvolatile memory (NVRAM) included in the printer device 503 or the printer device 552) that holds the paper feed port data set for each paper feed port by the setting unit,
Acquiring means (printer device 50) for acquiring the paper feed port data for each paper feed port held by the holding means.
3 controller unit 531 or printer device 552
Of the controller unit 521) and a notification unit (controller unit of the printer device 503) for notifying each sheet feed port data acquired by the acquisition unit based on an acquisition request issued from the printer server device. 531) and the printer server device
A storage unit (storage medium 521) that stores the paper feed port data returned from the printing device, and a paper feed port that is stored in the storage unit when acquisition of the paper feed port data requested by the data processing device is requested. Judgment means for judging the data update request state (the interface control section 522 performs judgment processing)
And a reply means (interface control section 522) for returning the latest paper feed port data to the data processing device based on the judgment result of the update request state by the judgment means,
The data processing device issues an acquisition request for the paper feed port data set in the paper feed mechanism of the printing device to the printer server device (interface control unit 51).
3), and a control unit (printer for displaying the paper feed resource information on the display unit by analyzing the paper feed port data returned from the printer server device based on the paper feed port data acquisition request by the issuing unit). The driver UI unit 512 is displayed on a display unit (not shown). Therefore, the user can set the paper feed mechanism of the printing apparatus controlled by the printer server apparatus by a simple operation on the printer server apparatus from the data processing apparatus intended by the user. The acquired latest paper feed port data is acquired in a timely manner and is centrally managed, the managed paper feed port data is presented to the data processing device, and the user is selected based on the presented paper feed port data. Paper feed resource information can be clearly displayed on the screen, the environment of the paper feed resources can be visually grasped based on the paper feed port data, and the paper feed port in which the desired recording medium is accommodated and can be fed can be easily operated. Can build-option to print resource environment freely, and it is possible to reduce the traffic to acquire paper feeding slot data.

Further, a predetermined communication medium (network,
A printing system in which a data processing device and a plurality of printing devices can communicate via an interface (including an interface), and each printing device has a plurality of paper feed mechanisms (engine unit 509 of the printer device 508) for feeding a recording medium. ) Or a sheet feeding device including a multi-stage stackable sheet feeding unit (not shown) that is attached to another printer device (not shown), and a setting for setting sheet feed port data for each sheet feed port of each sheet feed mechanism. Means (the operation unit of the printer device 508 or the operation unit of another printer device), and a holding unit (the printer device 508 or another printer device) that holds the paper feed port data set for each paper feed port by the setting unit. A non-volatile memory medium of
For example, an NVRAM) and an acquisition unit (controller unit 591 of the printer device 508 or an engine unit corresponding to the controller unit of another printer device) that acquires the paper feed port data for each paper feed port held by the holding unit. From the data processing device based on an acquisition request issued from the data processing device (printer device 5).
08 controller part 591 or another printer device controller part performs notification processing to the interface control part 583), and the data processing device is a paper feed port set in the paper feed mechanism of each printing device. Issuing means for issuing a data acquisition request to the printing apparatus (interface control unit 583 of the printer server computer 509)
And control means for displaying the paper feed resource information on the display unit by analyzing the paper feed port data transferred from each printing device based on the request for acquiring the paper feed port data by the issuing means (printer driver UI section). 582 is displayed on a display unit (not shown)), and the latest paper feed mechanism set in the paper feed mechanism of each printing device connected to print can be performed by a simple operation from the data processing device intended by the user. Paper edge data can be acquired in a timely manner, and paper feed resource information that the user can select from the acquired paper feed data can be displayed on the screen, and the environment of the paper feed resources of each printing device based on the paper feed data can be visually displayed. It is possible to freely construct a printing resource environment in which a desired recording medium is accommodated and a paper feed port capable of feeding a desired recording medium is selected by a simple operation.

Further, the data processing device (client computer 501 or client computer 550) is connected to a plurality of printing devices (printer device 503) via the printer server device (printer server computer 502 or printer server computer 551) via a predetermined communication medium. And other printer devices (not shown), each printing device includes a plurality of paper feed mechanisms for feeding recording media, and a paper feed port for each paper feed port of each paper feed mechanism. Setting means for setting data (operation unit included in the printer device 503 or the printer device 552)
Holding means (NVRAM provided in the printer device 503 or the printer device 552) for holding the paper feed port data set for each paper feed port by the setting means, and each paper feed port held by the holding means. Acquiring means for acquiring each sheet feeding port data (obtained from the engine section 532 by the controller section 531 of the printer device 503)
And a notifying unit (notifying by the controller unit 531 of the printer device 503) notifying each paper feed port data acquired by the acquiring unit based on an acquisition request issued from the printer server device. The apparatus (printer server computer 502) includes a storage unit that stores the paper feed port data returned from each printing apparatus,
A determination unit that determines an update request state of the sheet feed port data stored in the storage unit when a request for obtaining the sheet feed port data is requested from the data processing apparatus; and the interface control unit 522 performs determination processing. The data processing device (the client computer 501) is provided with a reply unit (the interface control unit 522 performs a reply process) that returns the latest paper feed port data to the data processing device based on the determination result of the update request state by the determination unit. ) Is an issuing means (issues processing by the interface control unit 513) for issuing to the printer server apparatus a request for acquisition of paper feed port data set in the paper feed mechanism of each printing device, and the paper feed by the issuing means. The paper feed port data returned from the printer server device is analyzed based on the request for acquisition of the paper feed data to analyze the paper feed resource information. Is provided on the display unit (the printer driver UI unit 512 displays it on a display unit (not shown)), the printer server device can be operated by a user's intended simple operation on the printer server device. The latest paper feed port data set in the paper feed mechanism of a plurality of printing devices to be controlled are timely acquired and centrally managed, and the paper feed port data of each managed printing device is presented to the data processing device. Then, the paper feed resource information to be selected by the user based on the presented paper feed port data can be clearly displayed on the screen, the environment of the paper feed resources based on the paper feed port data can be visually grasped, and a desired recording medium can be obtained. It is possible to freely build a printing resource environment that accommodates paper feed ports and select paper feed ports that can be fed with simple operations, and it is also possible to reduce the traffic for acquiring paper feed port data. It made.

Further, the printer server device (printer server computer 502) outputs the latest paper feed port data when the determination means (the interface control section 522 performs determination processing) determines that there is an update request. The storage means obtained from the printing device (storage medium 521)
Since the update means (the interface control unit 522 performs update processing) for updating the paper feed port data stored in the printer is acquired, the paper feed port data is acquired according to the update state of the paper feed port data on each printing device side. Therefore, it is not necessary to acquire the paper feed port data unless the paper feed port data of the corresponding printing device is updated, the traffic associated with the acquisition of the paper feed port data is reduced, and the data processing device is immediately updated with the latest feed data. Paper edge data can be presented.

Since the paper feed resource information includes paper name data and paper attribute data set for each paper feed port, the paper name and paper attribute (recording medium type (OHP Film sheet, cut sheet), colored paper,
(Thick paper, size, etc.) can be clearly indicated to the user, and a paper feed port capable of feeding the recording medium intended by the user can be reliably selected.
Hereinafter, the characteristic configuration of each embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIG.

A data processing method of a printing apparatus capable of communicating with a data processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium (including a network and an interface) configured as described above, or data via a predetermined communication medium. A storage medium that stores a computer-readable program that controls a printing device that can communicate with a processing device, and sets paper feed port data for each paper feed port of a plurality of paper feed mechanisms that feed recording media. Setting process (not shown), a holding process (not shown) for holding the paper feed port data set for each paper feed port in the setting process in the memory, and each paper feed held by the holding process. An acquisition process (not shown) for acquiring the paper feed port data for each port and a notification process for notifying the data processing device of the paper feed port data acquired by the acquisition process (FIG. Since having not) and can be provided at any time the data processing apparatus acquires the latest paper feeding slot data set.

Further, in the notifying step, the paper feed port data held in the memory in the holding step is notified to the data processing device based on the acquisition request from the data processing device. It is possible to obtain the latest paper feed port data set in accordance with the request of (1) and provide it to the data processing device at any time.

Furthermore, a predetermined communication medium (network,
A data processing method of a data processing device capable of communicating with a printing device via an interface (including an interface), or a computer-readable program for controlling the data processing device capable of communicating with the printing device via a predetermined communication medium. Is a storage medium storing therein, and an issuance step for issuing to the printing apparatus a request for acquisition of paper feed port data set in the paper feeding mechanism of the printing apparatus (step (3) in FIG. 18, step in FIG. 20). (2)), and a display step of analyzing the sheet feed port data transferred from the printing device based on a request for obtaining the sheet feed port data in the issuing step and displaying sheet feed resource information on a display unit ( Since step (8) in FIG. 18 and step (7) in FIG. 20 are included, the latest paper feed port data set in the paper feed mechanism of the printing apparatus is acquired, and the acquired paper feed port data is acquired. You can clearly specify the paper feed resource information to be selected by the user from the screen, visually grasp the environment of the paper feed resources based on the paper feed port data, and select the paper feed port in which the desired recording medium is accommodated and can be fed. It is possible to freely construct a printing resource environment that can be selected with a simple operation.

Since the paper feed resource information includes paper name data and paper attribute data set for each paper feed port, the paper name and paper attribute (recording medium type (OHP Film sheet, cut sheet), colored paper,
(Thick paper, size, etc.) can be clearly indicated to the user, and a paper feed port capable of feeding the recording medium intended by the user can be surely selected.
Further, there is provided a data processing method of a printing system capable of communicating between a data processing device and a printing device via a predetermined communication medium (network, interface), or a data processing device and a printing device via a predetermined communication medium. Is a storage medium that stores a computer-readable program that controls a printing system that can communicate with each other, and for example, a printer device that stores paper feed port data for each paper feed port of a plurality of paper feed mechanisms that feed recording media. Setting step (not shown) set by the operation unit of the above, a holding step (not shown) for holding the sheet feed port data set for each sheet feed port in the setting step in the memory, and the sheet feeding of the printing apparatus. The issuing process (not shown) for issuing a request for acquiring the paper feed port data set in the mechanism to the printing device and the holding process include the memory (printer device). Of non-volatile storage a medium, for example, obtaining step of obtaining respective paper feeding slot data for each each sheet feeding port which is held in the NVRAM, etc.) and (not shown),
A notification step (step (3) in FIG. 18) of notifying the data processing device of each sheet feed port data acquired in the acquisition step based on the acquisition request issued in the issuing step
And a display step (step (8) in FIG. 18) of analyzing the paper feed slot data notified by the notification step and displaying the paper feed resource information on the display unit. A paper feed that allows the user to select the latest paper feed port data set in the paper feed mechanism of the printing device connected to print in a timely manner with a simple operation from above and allow the user to select from the acquired paper feed port data. Resource information can be clearly displayed on the screen, the environment of paper feed resources can be visually grasped based on the paper feed data, and a paper feed port that accommodates the desired recording medium and can be fed can be selected with a simple operation. A resource environment can be freely constructed.

A data processing method of a printing system in which a data processing device can communicate with a printing device via a printer server device via a predetermined communication medium, or a data processing device ( A client computer) is a storage medium that stores a computer-readable program that controls a printing system capable of communicating with a printing apparatus (printer apparatus) via a printer server apparatus (printer server computer). Setting process (not shown) for setting the paper feed port data for each paper feed port of each of the plurality of paper feed mechanisms, and a memory (non-volatile) for storing the paper feed port data set for each paper feed port by the setting process. A storage medium, for example, a holding step (not shown) of holding in NVRAM, and a holding step in the memory by the holding step. The acquisition process (not shown) for acquiring the paper feed port data for each of the paper feed ports, and the paper feed port data acquired by the acquisition process based on an acquisition request issued via the printer server device. A notification step (not shown), a saving step (not shown) of storing the paper feed port data returned from the printing device in the memory, and a paper feed port set in the paper feeding mechanism of the printing device. An issuing process (not shown) for issuing a data acquisition request to the printer server device, and a paper feed port saved in the memory by the saving process when the paper feed port data acquisition request issued by the issuing process is issued. A determination process (not shown) for determining a data update request state, and the latest paper feed port data based on the determination result of the update request state by the determination process is performed by the printer server device. A step of returning to the data processing device via the reply process (step (6) in FIG. 18) and a display provided in the data processing device by analyzing the paper feed port data returned by the reply process. Since it has a display step (step (8) in FIG. 18) to be displayed on the section, the user can perform a simple operation on the printer server apparatus from the data processing apparatus intended by the user.
The latest paper feed port data set in the paper feed mechanism of the printing device controlled by the printer server device is acquired in a timely manner and centrally managed, and the managed paper feed port data is presented to the data processing device. Paper feed resource information to be selected by the user based on the presented paper feed port data can be clearly displayed on the screen, the environment of the paper feed resource based on the paper feed port data can be visually grasped, and the desired recording medium can be accommodated. It is possible to freely construct a printing resource environment in which a paper feed port capable of feeding paper can be selected by a simple operation, and it is also possible to reduce traffic for acquiring paper feed port data.

Furthermore, a predetermined communication medium (network,
A data processing method for a printing system in which a data processing device and a plurality of printing devices can communicate via an interface (including an interface), or a data processing device and a plurality of printing devices (printer device 503) via a predetermined communication medium. , 50
9, 552 is a storage medium that stores a computer-readable program that controls a printing system that is capable of communicating with other printer devices (not shown), and each of a plurality of paper feed mechanisms that feed a recording medium. A setting process (not shown) for setting the paper feed port data for each paper feed port, and a holding process (not shown) for holding the paper feed port data set for each paper feed port by the setting process in a memory; An acquisition step (not shown) for respectively acquiring the paper feed port data for each paper feed port held in the memory by the holding process;
Issuing step (step (3) in FIG. 18, step (3) in FIG. 20) for issuing to the printing apparatus a request for acquiring the paper feed port set in the paper feed mechanism of each printing apparatus, and the issuing A notification step (step (7) in FIG. 18, step (7) in FIG. 18) for notifying the data processing device of the paper feed port data for each paper feed port acquired in the acquisition process based on the acquisition request issued by the process. 6)) and a display step of analyzing the paper feed port data notified by the notification step and displaying the paper feed resource information on the display unit of the data processing device (step (8) in FIG. 18, FIG. 20). Step (7))
Therefore, the user can easily obtain the latest paper feed port data set in the paper feed mechanism of each printing device connected in a printable manner from the data processing device intended by the user, and The paper resource information that the user can select from the acquired paper feed data can be displayed on the screen, and the environment of the paper feed resources of each printing device based on the paper feed data can be visually grasped and the desired recording medium can be stored. Thus, it is possible to freely construct a printing resource environment in which a paper feeding port capable of feeding paper is selected by a simple operation.

A data processing method of a printing system in which a data processing device can communicate with a plurality of printing devices via a printer server device via a predetermined communication medium (including a network and an interface), or A data processing device via a communication medium causes a plurality of printing devices (printer devices 503, 509,
A storage medium that stores a computer-readable program that controls a printing system that is capable of communicating with other printer devices (not shown, including 552), and each of the paper feed ports of a plurality of paper feed mechanisms that feed the recording medium. A setting step (not shown) for setting the sheet feed port data for each sheet, a holding step (not shown) for holding the sheet feed port data set for each sheet feed port in the setting step in the memory, and the holding step An acquisition process (not shown) for acquiring the paper feed port data for each paper feed port stored in the memory by the above, and issuing each paper feed port data acquired by the acquisition process via the printer server device. A notification step (not shown) for notifying based on the obtained acquisition request, and a saving step (step (5) in FIG. 18) for saving the paper feed port data returned from each printing device in the memory. An issuance step (step (1) in FIG. 18) for issuing to the printer server apparatus a request for acquisition of the paper feed port data set in the paper feed mechanism of each printing device, and the paper feed issued by the issuing step. A determination step (not shown) for determining the update request state of the sheet feeding port data stored in the memory by the storage step when requesting acquisition of the mouth data, and the latest step based on the determination result of the update request state by the determination step. Reply step (step (6) in FIG. 18) for returning the paper feed port data of the above to the data processing device via the printer server device, and the paper feed port data returned by the reply process is analyzed and supplied. A display step (step (8) in FIG. 18) of displaying the paper resource information on the display unit included in the data processing apparatus is provided. The latest paper feed port data set in the paper feed mechanisms of a plurality of printing devices controlled by the printer server device are acquired in a timely manner by a simple operation on the server device, and the data are centrally managed. The paper feed port data of the printing device is presented to the data processing device, and the paper feed resource information to be selected by the user based on the presented paper feed port data can be clearly displayed on the screen. It is possible to construct a printing resource environment that visually grasps the environment and selects a paper feed port that contains the desired recording medium and can be fed with a simple operation. It is also possible to reduce the traffic to be acquired.

Furthermore, when the determination means determines that there is an update request, the printer server device acquires the latest paper feed port data from each printing device and stores the paper feed stored in the storage means. Since the update unit for updating the mouth data is provided, the paper feed port data is acquired according to the update status of the paper feed port data on each printing device side. The process of acquiring the mouth data becomes unnecessary, the traffic accompanying the acquisition of the paper feed data is reduced, and the latest paper feed data can be immediately presented to the data processing device side.

The paper feed resource information includes paper name data and paper attribute data set for each paper feed port, and the paper name and paper attribute (recording medium type ( OHP film sheet, cut sheet), colored paper,
(Thick paper, size, etc.) can be clearly indicated to the user, and a paper feed port capable of feeding the recording medium intended by the user can be surely selected.

The structure of the data processing program readable by the printing system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the memory map shown in FIG.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by the printing system according to the present invention.

Although not particularly shown, information for managing the program group stored in the storage medium, such as version information, creator information, etc., and information depending on the OS and the like on the program reading side, such as the program, are stored. In some cases, an icon or the like for identification and display is also stored.

Further, data subordinate to various programs is also managed in the above directory. In addition, a program for installing various programs in a computer, or a program for decompressing the program to be installed when it is compressed may be stored.

FIG. 13, FIG. 14 and FIG. 1 in this embodiment.
The functions shown in FIGS. 5, 18 and 20 may be performed by the host computer by a program installed from the outside. And in that case, CD-RO
The present invention can be applied even when the information group including the program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as M, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network.

As described above, the storage medium recording the program code of the software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MP of the system or apparatus is supplied.
It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by U) reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium.

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

A storage medium for supplying the program code is, for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a DVD or a CD-R.
OM, CD-R, magnetic tape, non-volatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, etc. can be used.

Further, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by executing the program code read by the computer, but also the OS (operating system) running on the computer based on the instructions of the program code. It goes without saying that this also includes the case where the above) performs a part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

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

[0248]

As described above, according to the printing system, the data processing method and the storage medium of the present invention, the printer server apparatus prints according to the printing system, the data processing method and the storage medium of the present invention. The paper feed port data including the logical paper name information set in the paper feed port of the device is saved, and when the acquisition request from the data processing device is made, the update request status of the saved paper feed port data is displayed. If it is determined that the paper feed port data needs to be updated, an acquisition request is issued to the printing apparatus, while it is determined that the stored paper feed port data does not need to be updated. In this case, since the stored paper feed port data is returned to the data processing device, the printer server device can always return the latest paper feed port data to the data processing device.

Further, according to the print control apparatus, the print control method and the storage medium according to the present invention, the paper name information is acquired from the first printing apparatus capable of setting the logical paper name information in the paper feed port, In addition, the logical paper name information for the paper feed port of the second printing device, in which the logical paper name information cannot be set for the paper feed port, is set and managed by itself, and is specified by the print information to be transferred. When it is determined that the logical paper name information that is set is the paper name information set for the paper feed port of the second printing device, the logical paper name information specified by the print information is Since the paper feed port corresponding to the paper name information is converted into paper feed port designation information, even for a printing apparatus that cannot set logical paper name information to the paper feed port,
The user can specify logical paper name information,
Further, it is possible to realize an effect that the printing process from the correct paper feed port can be realized.

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[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system to which a print control apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a printer resource management table managed by a host 1 shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a main part configuration on a host side and a printer side of the printing system illustrated in FIG.

4 is a diagram illustrating a payment process of a storage medium supplied to the medium reading unit of the host shown in FIG.

5 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of the storage medium shown in FIG.

6 is a diagram illustrating a memory map on a RAM of a storage unit illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a network information table created by network information acquired by the host shown in FIG. 1 via a network.

8 is a diagram showing an example of a sheet name designation information table of a network printer acquired by the host shown in FIG. 1 via a network.

9 is a diagram showing an example of a sheet name list created based on the sheet name designation information table shown in FIG.

10 is a diagram showing an example of a first print start designation screen displayed on the display unit shown in FIG.

11 is a diagram showing an example of a first print start designation screen displayed on the display unit shown in FIG.

12 is a diagram showing a list of selectable paper names displayed when a button is designated on the print start instruction screen shown in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a data processing procedure of the print control apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data processing procedure of the print control apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a data processing procedure of the print control apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a print system to which a print control apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing an example of a printing system to which a printing control device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data processing procedure in the printing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system showing a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data processing procedure in the printing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system showing an eighth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by the printing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a printing system to which this type of printing control device can be applied.

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a printing system to which this type of printing control device can be applied.

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a printing system to which this type of printing control device can be applied.

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system to which this type of printing control device can be applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 host 2 printer 101 control unit 102 connection 103 storage 104 display 105 medium reading unit 106 storage medium 107 Input section 201 control unit 202 connection 203 storage 204 Printing department 205 paper feeder

Continuation of front page (56) Reference JP-A-7-288621 (JP, A) JP-A-9-167067 (JP, A) JP-A-6-274294 (JP, A) JP-A-6-328817 (JP , A) JP 11-180009 (JP, A) JP 8-258364 (JP, A) JP 8-244318 (JP, A) JP 8-146832 (JP, A) JP 8-221235 (JP, A) JP 5-303475 (JP, A) JP 2-16626 (JP, A) JP 3-250211 (JP, A) JP 4-58367 (JP, A) JP 61-267822 (JP, A) JP 63-302084 (JP, A) JP 59-87539 (JP, A) JP 10-124277 (JP, A) JP 9 -258930 (JP, A) JP-A-7-72993 (JP, A) JP-A-5-282111 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B41J 29/38 G06F 3/12

Claims (9)

(57) [Claims] 1. A printing system in which a data processing device can communicate with a printing device via a printer server device via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the printing device is a paper feed port for feeding a recording medium. Setting means for setting the paper feed port data including logical paper name information for each, holding means for holding the paper feed port data set for each paper feed port by the setting means, and held by the holding means Notification means for notifying the paper feed port data for each paper feed port based on an acquisition request issued from the printer server device, wherein the printer server device is a logical device returned from the printing device. Storing means for storing paper feed port data including various paper name information, and an update request state of the paper feed port data stored in the storing means at the time of requesting acquisition of the paper feed port data requested by the data processing device. And a determination unit that determines that the stored paper feed port data needs to be updated by the determination unit, issues the acquisition request to the printing apparatus, and the determination unit stores the acquisition request. And a reply control unit that returns the stored paper feed port data to the data processing device when it is determined that updating of the paper feed port data is unnecessary. Issuing means for issuing to the printer server device a request for acquisition of paper feed port data including logical paper name information set in the printing device; and based on the acquisition request for the paper feed port data by the issuing device, A display controller that analyzes the latest paper feed port data returned from the printer server device and controls the display unit to display a list of logical paper name information set in the printing device. Printing system comprising: a and. 2. A data processing method in a printing system in which a data processing device can communicate with a printing device via a printer server device via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the printing device should feed a recording medium. A setting step of setting sheet feed port data including logical sheet name information for each sheet feed port, and a holding step of holding the sheet feed port data set for each sheet feed port by the setting step in a holding unit And a notification step of notifying the paper feed port data for each paper feed port held by the holding unit based on an acquisition request issued from the printer server device, the printer server device comprising: A storage step of storing in the storage means the paper feed port data including the logical paper name information returned from the device; and the saving process when acquiring the paper feed port data requested by the data processing device. A determination step of determining an update request state of the sheet feed port data stored in a stack, and the printing apparatus, when the determination step determines that the stored sheet feed port data needs to be updated. Issuing the acquisition request and returning the stored sheet feed port data to the data processing device when the determination step determines that the stored sheet feed port data does not need to be updated. A reply control step, wherein the data processing device issues a request for acquisition of paper feed port data including logical paper name information set in the printing device to the printer server device; The latest paper feed port data returned from the printer server device is analyzed based on the request for acquisition of the paper feed port data by the process, and the logical paper name set in the printing device is displayed on the display unit. Data processing method characterized by comprising a display control step of controlling so as to list information. 3. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program for controlling a printing system in which a data processing device can communicate with a printing device via a printer server device via a predetermined communication medium. The computer that controls the apparatus sets the paper feed port data including logical paper name information for each paper feed port for feeding the recording medium, and the setting process for each paper feed port. A holding step of holding the supplied sheet feed port data in a holding unit, and notifying the sheet feed port data for each sheet feed port held by the holding unit based on an acquisition request issued from the printer server device And a notification step, and the computer that controls the printer server device stores the paper feed port data including the logical paper name information returned from the printing device in the storage unit. A storage step of performing a storage step, a determination step of determining an update request state of the sheet feed port data stored in the storage unit when a request for obtaining the sheet feed port data requested by the data processing device, and the storage step performed by the determination step. If it is determined that the stored paper feed port data needs to be updated, the acquisition request is issued to the printing apparatus, and the stored paper feed port data need not be updated in the determination step. And a reply control step of returning the stored paper feed port data to the data processing device, the computer controlling the data processing device is configured to set the logic set in the printing device. Issuing a request to acquire the paper feed port data including general paper name information to the printer server device, and the printing process based on the request to acquire the paper feed port data by the issuing process. A display control step of analyzing the latest paper feed port data returned from the data server device and controlling the display unit to display a list of logical paper name information set in the printing device. A storage medium that stores a computer-readable program. 4. A first printing device capable of setting logical paper name information in a paper feed port and a second printing device which cannot set a logical paper name in a paper feed port are communicatively connected, A print control device for controlling transfer of print information, the issuing device issuing a request to acquire the logical paper name information set in the first printing device to the first printing device, Means for setting and holding logical paper name information for the paper feed port of the second printing device, and the first printing transferred from the first printing device based on the acquisition request by the issuing device. The first printing device and the second printing device based on the logical paper name information of the device and the logical paper name information of the second printing device set and held by the setting unit. The logical paper name information corresponding to each paper feed port of Based on the management means for managing and the logical paper name information specified by the print information, the paper name information is set in the first printing device or the paper feeding of the second printing device. A determination unit that determines whether the sheet name information is set for the mouth, and the determination unit determines that the sheet name information is set for the sheet feed port of the second printing apparatus. To
A print control device, comprising: a conversion unit that converts logical paper name information specified by the print information into paper feed port designation information that designates a paper feed port corresponding to the paper name information. . 5. The logical paper name information of the first printing device transferred from the first printing device based on the acquisition request by the issuing device and the setting and holding by the setting device. 5. The notification means for notifying the logical paper name information of the second printing device based on an acquisition request from the data processing device which is the transmission source of the printing information. Print control device. 6. A first printing device capable of setting logical paper name information in a paper feed port and a second printing device in which a logical paper name information cannot be set in a paper feed port are communicatively connected, A print control method in a print control apparatus for controlling transfer of print information, comprising: issuing a request for acquisition of logical paper name information set in the first printing apparatus to the first printing apparatus. A step of setting a logical sheet name information for a paper feed port of the second printing device and holding it in a holding means, and a transfer from the first printing device based on the acquisition request by the issuing process. The first printing device based on the logical paper name information of the first printing device and the logical paper name information of the second printing device that is set and held by the holding unit. And each paper feed port of the second printing device Management process for managing the logical paper name information corresponding to, and whether the paper name information is set in the first printing device based on the logical paper name information specified by the print information. A determination step of determining whether or not the sheet name information is set for the paper feed port of the second printing device, and the determination step set for the paper feed port of the second printing device by the determination process. If it is determined that the paper name information,
A conversion step of converting the logical paper name information designated by the print information into paper feed port designation information that designates a paper feed port corresponding to the paper name information. . 7. The logical paper name information of the first printing device transferred from the first printing device based on the acquisition request by the issuing step, and the setting and holding by the setting unit. 7. The notification step of notifying logical sheet name information of the second printing device based on an acquisition request from a data processing device that is a transmission source of the printing information. Data processing method. 8. A first printing device capable of setting logical paper name information in a paper feed port and a second printing device in which a logical paper name information cannot be set in a paper feed port are communicably connected, A storage medium that stores a computer-readable program that controls a print control device that controls transfer of print information, wherein a request for acquisition of logical paper name information that is set in the first printing device, The issuing step of issuing to the first printing apparatus, the holding step of setting logical sheet name information for the paper feed port of the second printing apparatus and holding it in a holding unit, and the acquisition request by the issuing step Logical sheet name information of the first printing device transferred from the first printing device based on the logical sheet name information of the second printing device set and held by the holding unit; Based on A management step of managing logical paper name information corresponding to each paper feed port of the first printing device and the second printing device, and based on the logical paper name information specified by the printing information. A determination step of determining whether the sheet name information is set in the first printing device or the sheet name information set for a paper feed port of the second printing device; When it is determined by the process that the sheet name information is set for the sheet feeding port of the second printing device,
And a conversion step of converting logical paper name information designated by the print information into paper feed port designation information designating a paper feed port corresponding to the paper name information. A storage medium that stores possible programs. 9. The logical paper name information of the first printing device transferred from the first printing device based on the acquisition request by the issuing step, and the setting and holding by the setting unit. 9. The notification process according to claim 8, further comprising a notification step of notifying logical sheet name information of the second printing device based on an acquisition request from a data processing device that is a transmission source of the printing information. Storage medium.