JP2001109601A - Device and method for controlling printing and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To start printing successively from print data, to which input processing is completed, between print data inputted first and print data to be printed later differentially from the input order of respective pieces of print data inputted to respective input means. SOLUTION: This device has a configuration for switching and setting a first processing mode for instructing the analysis start of respective pieces of print data to be inputted through respective input parts 18 and 30 by detecting the storage of the print data in a RAM 19 for one printing job on the basis of job control information, which can be acquired when inputting respective pieces of input data, and a second processing mode for instructing the analysis start of the inputted print data at the same time when the print data are inputted in the case of storing respective pieces of print data inputted from the respective input parts 18 and 30 in a memory for the unit of a job.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a print control device having a plurality of input means for enabling print data to be input in parallel from a host device, a print control method in the print control device, and a storage medium. is there.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a print control apparatus having a plurality of interfaces and capable of analyzing and controlling print data received from one of the interfaces, when print data input (reception) is recognized from a host device such as a host computer. In some cases, control is performed to start the analysis of the received print data.

[0003]

However, in the above-described print control apparatus, when a large amount of data is input from the first interface, even if a small amount of data is subsequently input from the second interface, There is a problem in that print data input from the second interface is not processed until data input, data analysis, and printing of the preceding first interface are completed.

[0004] In this case, the printing unit (engine) waits until input from the first interface is completed.
The print data input from the first interface and the second
The performance of combining print data input from the first interface is much lower than when printing the print data input from the second interface first and then printing the data input from the first interface later. There was a problem that would.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a print control system having a plurality of input means for enabling a host device to input print data in parallel. In the apparatus, when each print data input from each input unit is stored in the memory in a job unit, based on job control information that can be acquired at the time of inputting each print data input via each input unit, A first processing mode for detecting that the print data is stored in the memory for one print job and instructing the start of analysis of the print data; By switching and setting the second processing mode for instructing the start of analysis of each print data, when print data is input in parallel via each input means, each print data input to each input means is changed. In contrast to the input order of data, it is possible to sequentially print from print data for which input processing has been completed for print data that has been input in advance and print data that is to be subsequently input, thereby reducing overall print processing time. An object of the present invention is to provide a print control device, a print control method, and a storage medium that can be used.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a host apparatus (host computer 300 shown in FIG. 2).
0) is a print control apparatus having a plurality of input means (input units 18 and 30 shown in FIG. 2) for enabling input of print data in parallel. A storage unit (secured on the RAM 19 shown in FIG. 2) for storing the job unit, and an analysis unit for analyzing the input print data to generate output data printable by the printing unit (the CPU 12 shown in FIG. Analysis processing based on a control program stored in the ROM 13 and the external memory 14), and based on job control information that can be acquired at the time of inputting each print data input through each input means, the storage means A first processing mode for detecting that print data is stored for one print job and instructing the analysis unit to start analysis of the print data; and a first processing mode for simultaneously inputting the print data. Second processing mode and the switching setting control means for instructing the start analysis of the print data by the serial analysis means being said input (CPU 12 shown in FIG. 2 is RO
M13, a switching process is performed based on a control program stored in the external memory 14).

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the job control information includes a command part and a parameter part.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the parameter section, data specifying the data size, the number of pages, and the type of data of each print job is set.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the control means determines the type of data, the number of pages, and the data input end time in the parameter portion of the job control information, and based on the determination result, Of the second processing mode or the second processing mode.

In a fifth aspect according to the present invention, the control means includes a step wherein the number of pages of data in the parameter portion of the job control information is one, the type of data is image data, and the input of data is completed. If it is determined that the time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, the second processing mode is set.

A sixth invention according to the present invention provides a plurality of input means (FIG. 2) for enabling print data to be input in parallel from a higher-level device (host computer 3000 shown in FIG. 2).
And a storage step (not shown) for storing each print data input from each input means in a memory in a job unit. An analysis step of analyzing print data and generating output data that can be printed by the printing unit (FIG. 5)
(3) and (4)), and the print data is stored in the memory based on the job control information that can be acquired at the time of inputting each print data input via each input means.
A first processing mode for detecting the storage of print jobs and instructing the start of analysis of print data in the analysis step, and the input print data in the analysis step at the same time that the print data is input; Setting step of switching and setting the second processing mode for instructing the start of the analysis of FIG.
(S8), (S12)) shown in FIG.

In a seventh aspect according to the present invention, the job control information includes a command section and a parameter section.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the parameter section, data for designating the data size, the number of pages, and the type of data of each print job is set.

In a ninth aspect according to the present invention, in the setting step, the type of data, the number of pages, and the data input end time in the parameter portion of the job control information are determined, and the first is determined based on the determination result. Of the second processing mode or the second processing mode.

In a tenth aspect according to the present invention, in the setting step, the number of pages of data in the parameter portion of the job control information is one, the type of data is image data, and the data input is completed. The second processing mode is set when it is determined that the time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time (when all of the determinations in steps (S5) to (S7) shown in FIG. 5 are YES).

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, a plurality of input means (input units 18 and 18 shown in FIG. 2) for enabling print data to be input in parallel from a host device (host computer 3000 shown in FIG. 2). A storage step (not shown) for storing each print data input from each input means in a memory in a unit of a job in the print control device having 30); An analysis process for generating output data (step (S
3), (S4)) and that the print data for one print job is stored in the memory based on the job control information that can be acquired when each print data is input via each input unit. A first processing mode for detecting and instructing start of analysis of print data in the analysis step, and a second processing mode for instructing start of analysis of the input print data by the analysis means at the same time that the print data is input. (Steps (S8) and (S12) shown in FIG. 6) and a program to be executed are stored in a storage medium in a computer-readable manner.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the job control information includes a command part and a parameter part.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the parameter section, data for designating the data size, the number of pages, and the type of data of each print job is set.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the setting step, the type of data, the number of pages, and the data input end time in the parameter portion of the job control information are determined, and the first is determined based on the determination result. Of the second processing mode or the second processing mode.

In a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the setting step, the number of pages of data in the parameter portion of the job control information is one, the type of data is image data, and the data input is completed. The second processing mode is set when it is determined that the time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time (when all of the determinations in steps (S5) to (S7) shown in FIG. 5 are YES).

[0021]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Before describing the configuration of this embodiment, a configuration of a laser beam printer suitable for applying this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In addition,
The printer to which this embodiment is applied is not limited to a laser beam printer, and it goes without saying that a printer of another printing method, for example, an ink jet printer may be used.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an output device to which the present invention can be applied, and shows, for example, the case of a laser beam printer (LBP).

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1000 denotes an LBP main body (hereinafter, referred to as a printer) which inputs and stores print information (character codes, etc.), form information, macro instructions, and the like supplied from an externally connected host computer. At the same time, a corresponding character pattern, form pattern, or the like is created according to the information, and an image is formed on a recording medium such as recording paper.

An operation panel 1012 is provided with switches for operation, an LED display, and the like. 1001
Is a printer control unit that controls the entire printer 1000 and analyzes character information and the like supplied from the host computer. The printer control unit mainly converts the character information into a video signal having a corresponding character pattern and outputs the video signal to the laser driver 1002.

The laser driver 1002 is a semiconductor laser 1
003 is a circuit for driving a laser beam 1004 that is emitted from the semiconductor laser 1003 in accordance with an input video signal. Laser light 10
Reference numeral 04 denotes a rotary polygon mirror 1005 which is swung right and left to scan and expose the electrostatic drum 1006.

Thus, an electrostatic latent image of a character pattern is formed on the electrostatic drum 1006. This latent image is developed by a developing unit 1007 disposed around the electrostatic drum 1006, and then transferred to a recording sheet.

A cut sheet is used as the recording paper. The cut sheet recording paper is stored in a paper cassette 1008 mounted on the printer 1000, and is taken into the apparatus by a paper feed roller 1009, a transport roller 1010, and a transport roller 1011. And supplied to the electrostatic drum 1006.

The printer 1000 is provided with at least one or more card slots (not shown) so that an optional font card and a control card (emulation card) having a different language system can be connected in addition to the built-in fonts.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a printer control system to which the print control apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be applied. Here, a laser beam printer (FIG. 1) will be described as an example. Note that, as long as the functions of the present invention are executed, the present invention is applicable to a single device, a system including a plurality of devices, and a system in which processing is performed via a network such as a LAN. It goes without saying that the invention can be applied.

In the figure, reference numeral 3000 denotes a host computer which executes document processing in which graphics, images, characters, tables (including spreadsheets, etc.) are mixed based on a document processing program or the like stored in a program ROM of the ROM 3. C
The CPU 1 is provided with a PU 1 and controls each device connected to the system device 4 as a whole.

The program ROM of the ROM 3
Stores a control program of the CPU 1 and the like.
The font ROM stores font data and the like used in the document processing, and the data ROM of the ROM 3 stores various data used in the document processing and the like.

Reference numeral 2 denotes a RAM, which functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like for the CPU 1. A keyboard controller (KBC) 5 controls a key input from a keyboard (KB) 9 or a pointing device (not shown). 6 is C
The display of the CRT display (CRT) 10 is controlled by an RT controller (CRTC).

Reference numeral 7 denotes a memory controller (MC) for accessing the external memory 11 such as a hard disk (HD) for storing a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, and editing files, and a floppy disk (FD). Control. Reference numeral 8 denotes a printer controller (PRTC) which controls the printer 1000 via a predetermined bidirectional interface (interface) 21.
And executes communication control processing with the printer 1000.

The CPU 1 executes, for example, a process of rasterizing an outline font in the display information RAM set on the RAM 2, and outputs the W on the CRT 10.
YSIWYG is possible.

The CPU 1 opens various registered windows based on commands specified by a mouse cursor or the like (not shown) on the CRT 10 and executes various data processing.

In the printer 1000, reference numeral 12 denotes a printer CPU (CPU),
M or a control program stored in the external memory 14
, Which controls access to various devices connected to the system bus 15 based on a control program or the like stored in the print unit (printer engine) 17 connected via a print unit interface 16. As an image signal.

The program RO of the ROM 13
In M, a control program of the CPU 12 and the like as shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 3, 5, and 9 are stored. RO
An M13 font ROM stores font data and the like used when generating the output information, and a ROM 13 data ROM stores an external memory 14 such as a hard disk.
In the case of a printer having no printer, information used on the host computer is stored. CPU 12 is an input unit 1
8 enables communication processing with the host computer, and transfers information and the like in the printer to the host computer 3.
000 can be notified.

Reference numeral 19 denotes a RAM which functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the CPU 12, and is configured so that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an extension port (not shown).

The RAM 19 has an output information development area,
Used for environmental data storage area, NVRAM, etc. The access to the external memory 14 such as a hard disk (HD) and an IC card is controlled by a memory controller (MC) 20. The external memory 14 is connected as an option and stores font data, an emulation program, form data, and the like. Reference numeral 18 denotes the above-described operation panel on which switches for operation, an LED display, and the like are arranged.

The above-mentioned external memory is not limited to one, and at least one external memory is provided. In addition to the built-in fonts, an optional font card and a plurality of external memories storing programs for interpreting printer control languages of different languages are connected. It may be configured to be able to do so.

Further, an NVRAM (not shown) may be provided to store printer mode setting information from the operation panel 1012.

FIG. 3 is a time chart for explaining the outline of the data reception processing state in the print control apparatus according to the present invention. Hereinafter, the conventional processing and the processing of the present invention will be compared. FIG. 3A shows a conventional data reception processing state 3001, and FIG. 3B shows a data reception processing state 3002 of the present invention. In addition, here, for the sake of simplicity, the time required for the data analysis processing is set to “0”.

In the data processing method (conventional method) shown in FIG. 3A, the interface IF that has started receiving first
1 is processed first. After the input processing 3003 of the interface IF1 is completed, the print processing 3004 of the interface IF1 is performed.
A print process 3006 of F2 data is performed.

On the other hand, the input processing 3 of the interface IF2
005 ends during reception of the interface IF1.

In this case, the printer engine cannot be operated until the input processing of the interface IF1 is completed.

On the other hand, in the data processing method (method of the present invention) shown in FIG. 3B, the print processing 3010 is performed when the input processing 3009 of the interface IF2 is completed. After that, the input processing 3007 of the interface IF1
Print processing 3 of data of interface IF1 after completion of
008.

In this case, the printing process 3010 of the interface IF2 is completed while waiting for the input of the interface IF1, so that the process can be completed more quickly than the conventional processing method.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a relationship between a job start command and a job end command in the print control apparatus according to the present invention.

In the figure, it is assumed that print data 4001 starts with a job start command 4002 and ends with a job end command 4010. Job start command 4
Reference numeral 002 denotes a command ID portion indicating that the command is a job start command and a print data size 4003.
, The number of pages of print data 4004, and the type of data 4
005, job name size 4006 and job name 40
07 and owner name size 4008 and owner name 4009
Consists of

The data types are character (text) documents,
There are images, figures, and the like, which are determined and set by the printer driver program.

On the other hand, the job end command 4010 comprises only the command ID section 4011. It is assumed that the host-side printer driver program adds print start and end commands to the print data and transfers the print data.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a first data processing procedure in the print control apparatus according to the present invention. (S1) to (S8) indicate each step.

First, in step (S1), after the printer power is turned on, various initialization processes are performed. After the initialization process,
In step (S2), the printer enters an input trigger waiting state.

When a trigger is issued from the input processing module shown in FIG. 6 in detail, step (S3)
To read the data.

As a result of the data analysis in step (S4), it is determined in step (S5) whether or not the command is a discharge command. If it is determined that the command is a discharge command, the process proceeds to step (S5). Printing is performed in S6), the sheet is discharged in step (S7), and the process returns to step (S2).

On the other hand, as a result of the data analysis in step (S4), when it is determined that the command is another drawing command,
In step (S8), drawing processing is performed according to other drawing commands, and the process returns to step (S2).

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the second data processing procedure in the print control apparatus according to the present invention, and corresponds to the data input processing procedure. (S1)
(S114) shows each step.

First, in step (S1), a loop for waiting for data input is entered, and as shown in FIG.
If it is determined that data has been input to either F1 or IF2, the input speed is measured in step (S2).

In step (S3), it is determined whether the input command is a job start command. If it is determined that the input command is not a job start command, the process proceeds to step (S9).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (S3) that the command is a job start command, the parameter section is analyzed in step (S4). Then, step (S
In steps 5) to (S7), if it is determined from the result of the parameter analysis that the print page is one page, is image data, and takes N seconds or more to complete the input, the data input mode MODE is set to "2 (processing method)". 2) ".

On the other hand, steps (S5) to (S
If it is determined to be NO in each step 7), the data input mode MODE is set to "1 (processing method 1)" in step (S12).

The number of print pages is determined by the number of pages 4004 which is a parameter of the job start command shown in FIG. 4, and whether or not it is image data is determined by the type of data 4005 which is a parameter of the job start command. Whether or not it takes N seconds or more to print is determined in step (S
It is determined from the input speed measured in 2) and the data size 4003 which is a parameter of the job start command. The constant N is a value in consideration of the printing speed of the printer engine, and is determined in advance.

The above-mentioned processing method 2 is effective when inputting takes a long time and printing does not take much time. Although image data is large in size and takes a long time to input, printing tends to take less time because the drawing process is simple.

Further, when the number of pages is large, it takes a long time to perform printing, which is effective in the case of a small number of pages. In addition, when the input speed is high, the input time is short, which is effective when the input speed is low.

Next, in step (S9), it is determined whether or not the command is a job end command. If it is determined that the command is a job end command, step (S10)
And the data input mode MODE is determined.
If it is determined that the data input mode MODE is "2", an input trigger is issued in step (S11), and
The process returns to step (S2) shown in FIG.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (S10) that the data input mode MODE is "1", the flow returns to step (S1).

On the other hand, if the result of determination in step (S 9) is that the command is not a job end command, the flow advances to step (S 13) to perform data storage processing, and in step (S 14) the data input mode MODE
Is determined, and if it is determined that the data input mode MODE is “2”, the process returns to step (S1). If it is determined that the data input mode MODE is “1”, the process proceeds to step (S11). .

[First Embodiment] In this embodiment, the determination as to whether or not data is an image is not limited to the designation from the printer driver, but from the job name (file name) which is a parameter of the job start command. The same applies to the case.

[Second Embodiment] In the present embodiment, the same applies to the case where the constant N used for determining the time N required for data input can be changed by a command or input from a panel.

[Third Embodiment] In the present embodiment, the storage means for storing a job is not limited to the RAM but may be a nonvolatile external storage device.

According to each of the above embodiments, while a large amount of data is being input from the first interface (input means), data can be input from the second interface (input means) and printing can be performed. Can be improved.

Hereinafter, the configuration of a data processing program that can be read by a printing system to which the print control device according to the present invention can be applied will be described with reference to a memory map shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a view for explaining a memory map of a storage medium for storing various data processing programs which can be read by a printing system to which the print control apparatus according to the present invention can be applied.

Although not shown, information for managing a group of programs stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, a creator, etc. are also stored, and information dependent on the OS or the like on the program reading side, for example, a program is stored in the storage medium. An icon or the like for identification display may also be stored.

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

The functions shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 in this embodiment may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. And in that case, CD-ROM, flash memory, FD
The present invention is applicable even when a group of information including a program is supplied to an output device from a storage medium such as the above or from an external storage medium via a network.

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

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

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

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

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

[0082]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the fifteenth aspect, when each print data input from each input unit is stored in the memory for each job, job control that can be acquired when each print data input via each input unit is input A first processing mode for detecting, based on the information, that the print data is stored in the memory for one print job and instructing to start analysis of the print data;
At the same time that the print data is input, the second processing mode for instructing the start of the analysis of the input print data is switched and set, so that the print data is input in parallel via each input unit. In this case, different from the input order of each print data input to each input means, it is possible to sequentially print from the print data which has been subjected to the input processing with the print data input in advance and the print data input subsequently. Thus, the printing processing time can be shortened as a whole.

Accordingly, the printing order of the print data input in parallel from each input means can be optimized so as to reduce the time required until the end of printing without depending on the input order. The present invention is advantageous in that a print processing environment in which the total print processing time of print data can be significantly reduced can be freely configured.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an output device to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer control system to which the print control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 3 is a time chart illustrating an outline of a data reception processing state in the print control apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a job start command and a job end command in the print control apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure in the print control apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second data processing procedure in the print control apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by a printing system to which a print control device according to the present invention can be applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 CPU 2 RAM 3 ROM 4 System bus 12 CPU 13 ROM 19 RAM 3000 Host computer 1000 Printer

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. A print control device having a plurality of input means for enabling print data to be input in parallel from a higher-level device, wherein each print data input from each input means is stored in a job unit. Means for analyzing input print data to generate output data that can be printed by the printing unit; and based on job control information obtainable at the time of inputting each print data input via each input means. A first processing mode for detecting that the print data is stored for one print job in the storage unit and instructing the analysis unit to start analysis of the print data; Control means for switching and setting a second processing mode for instructing the analysis means to start analysis of the input print data. 2. The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the job control information includes a command section and a parameter section. 3. The print control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the parameter section sets data specifying a data size, the number of pages, and a type of data of each print job. 4. The control means determines a type of data, the number of pages, and a data input end time in a parameter portion of the job control information, and based on the determination result, determines a first processing mode or a second processing. 2. The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the modes is set. 5. The control means, wherein the number of pages of data in the parameter portion of the job control information is one, the type of data is image data, and the data input end time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time. 2. The printing control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a second processing mode is set when the determination is made. 6. A print control method in a print control device having a plurality of input means for enabling print data to be input in parallel from a host device, wherein each print data input from each input means is converted into a job unit. A storage step of storing the data in a memory, an analysis step of analyzing the input print data to generate output data that can be printed by the printing unit, and obtaining at the time of inputting each print data input via each input means A first processing mode for detecting that the print data for one print job is stored in the memory based on the job control information and instructing the analysis process to start analysis of the print data; A setting step of switching and setting a second processing mode for instructing the start of analysis of the inputted print data by the analysis step at the same time as the input. Characteristic print control method. 7. The print control method according to claim 6, wherein the job control information includes a command section and a parameter section. 8. The print control method according to claim 7, wherein the parameter section is set with data designating a data size, a page number, and a data type of each print job. 9. The setting step includes determining a type of data, a number of pages, and a data input end time in a parameter portion of the job control information, and determining a first processing mode or a second processing based on the determination result. 7. The print control method according to claim 6, wherein one of the modes is set. 10. The setting step is performed when the number of pages of data in the parameter portion of the job control information is one, the type of data is image data, and the data input end time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time. 7. The print control method according to claim 6, wherein a second processing mode is set when the determination is made. 11. A print control device having a plurality of input means for enabling print data to be input in parallel from a higher-level device, and storing print data input from each input means in a memory for each job. A process for analyzing input print data to generate output data that can be printed by the printing unit; and a job control information obtainable at the time of inputting each print data input via each input unit. A first processing mode for detecting that the print data is stored in the memory for one print job and instructing a start of analysis of the print data in the analysis step; A setting step of switching and setting a second processing mode for instructing a start of analysis of the input print data in the analysis step, and a program for executing the setting. Computer-readable storage medium. 12. The storage medium according to claim 11, wherein said job control information includes a command section and a parameter section. 13. The storage medium according to claim 12, wherein the parameter section sets data specifying a data size, the number of pages, and a type of data of each print job. 14. The setting step determines the type of data, the number of pages, and the data input end time in the parameter part of the job control information, and determines the first processing mode or the second processing based on the determination result. The storage medium according to claim 11, wherein one of the modes is set. 15. The setting step, wherein the number of pages of data in the parameter portion of the job control information is one, the type of data is image data, and the data input end time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time. The storage medium according to claim 11, wherein a second processing mode is set when the determination is made.