JP2014038410A - Preview screen display control device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a preview screen display control device that can properly display a preview screen even upon offline.SOLUTION: A preview screen display control device comprises: an image data holding part that holds image data created in accordance with an application; a drawing filter that receives the image data and executes drawing processing for creating a preview screen in association with the image data; a preview display control part that outputs the image data to the drawing filter; a management part that outputs the image data held in the image data holding part to the preview screen display control part in accordance with a communication state with a printing device; an offline determination part that determines whether or not the communication with the printing device is possible; and an offline processing part that, when the communication with the printing device is determined to be impossible, acquires the image data held in the image data holding part not via the management part and outputs the acquired image data to the preview screen display control part.

Description

  The present invention relates to a preview screen display control device and a program for displaying a preview screen based on input image data.

  Conventionally, when printing is performed based on image data created by a text editing application such as Notepad or Word (registered trademark), a method of printing after previewing an actual print image before printing is generally used. Known to.

  This preview function is configured by starting a preview application as a separate application from the printer driver, transmitting a print image from the drawing unit of the driver, and displaying the print image received by the preview application on the screen.

  However, if the printer is in an offline state, the processes in the print system are not operated, and data transmission is not performed from the printer driver side to the preview application side. Therefore, there arises a problem that the state where the preview display is not performed (data reception waiting state) continues.

  In this regard, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-237901 proposes a method of starting a preview application from a language monitor.

  Specifically, a method is shown in which print data necessary for preview display is output to a language monitor after processing of the drawing unit is performed. In the case of an XPS (XML Paper Specification) print pass, The drawing unit is not activated when offline. Therefore, since print data is not transmitted to the language monitor, a preview display cannot be performed, and a preview screen cannot be displayed when offline.

JP 2011-237901 A

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a preview screen display control apparatus and program capable of appropriately displaying a preview screen even when offline. To do.

  A preview screen display control device according to an aspect of the present invention includes an image data holding unit that holds image data created according to an application, a drawing filter that receives the image data and executes a drawing process for generating a preview screen, and A preview display control unit that outputs image data to a drawing filter, a management unit that outputs image data held in the image data holding unit to the preview display control unit according to a communication state with the printing device, and a printing apparatus An offline determination unit that determines whether or not communication is possible, and an image data holding unit that does not go through the management unit when the offline determination unit determines that communication with the printing apparatus is impossible Offline processing unit that acquires image data stored in the image and outputs the acquired image data to the preview display control unit Equipped with a. When the communication with the printing apparatus is impossible, the preview display control unit outputs the image data from the offline processing unit to the drawing filter, and displays the preview screen generated by the drawing filter.

  Preferably, the apparatus further includes a preview screen control unit that receives a user operation on the preview screen and instructs the preview display control unit to change print settings, edit the preview screen, and output.

  Preferably, the offline processing unit includes a data search unit for acquiring the image data held in the image data holding unit.

  Preferably, the image processing apparatus further includes a job information acquisition unit that acquires job information of image data and transmits the job information to an offline processing unit.

  In particular, the data search unit acquires matching image data from the image data holding unit based on the job information of the image data.

  Preferably, even when the preview display control unit receives image data from the offline processing unit, the image displayed via the management unit when the preview display control unit is ready to communicate with the printing apparatus. Accepts data and outputs it to the drawing filter.

  Preferably, the application realizing the drawing filter function is different from the application realizing the functions of the preview display control unit, the offline determination unit, and the offline processing unit.

  Preferably, the image processing apparatus further includes a deletion unit that deletes the image data held in the image data holding unit after obtaining the image data held in the image data holding unit in the offline processing unit.

  Preferably, a preview presence / absence determining unit that determines whether or not a preview screen display request is present is further included, and when the preview presence / absence determining unit determines that there is a preview screen display request, the image data is output to the preview display control unit. Is done.

  Preferably, the preview display control unit includes a message display unit that displays a message when image data cannot be acquired from the offline processing unit when communication with the printing apparatus is impossible.

  In particular, the preview display control unit further includes an inquiry unit that inquires of the user whether or not to continue waiting when a message is displayed.

  A program for a preview screen display control device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a computer for a preview screen display control device that receives an image data holding unit that holds image data created according to an application, and generates a preview screen. A drawing filter for executing drawing processing, a preview display control unit for outputting image data to the drawing filter, and a preview display of the image data held in the image data holding unit according to the communication state with the printing apparatus When it is determined that communication between the management unit output to the control unit, the offline determination unit that determines whether communication with the printing apparatus is possible, and communication with the printing apparatus is impossible in the offline determination unit , Get the image data held in the image data holding unit without going through the management unit, and preview To function as an offline processing unit for outputting image data acquired shown controller. When the communication with the printing apparatus is impossible, the preview display control unit outputs the image data from the offline processing unit to the drawing filter, and displays the preview screen generated by the drawing filter.

  The preview screen can be appropriately displayed even when offline.

It is a figure explaining schematic structure of the image processing system according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure explaining the structure of PC1 according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a functional block diagram of a printer driver and a preview application according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the flow of a preview display process at the time of online of the preview screen display control apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the flow of a preview display process at the time of offline of the preview screen display control apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the offline state of the printer 100 according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure explaining the example of a display of the preview screen of a prior art example as Embodiment 1 of this invention and a comparative example. It is a flowchart explaining the process of the preview display according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the preview application process according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a flowchart explaining the offline determination process in the offline determination part 44 according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the offline process in the offline process part 46 according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the preview display process in the preview display control unit 50 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which displays the offline message according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the process of the preview mounting function in mounting function processing unit 56 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a functional block diagram of a printer driver and a preview application according to the second embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the flow of the process of the preview display at the time of online according to Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the process of the preview display according to Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the offline determination process according to Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the offline process in the offline process part 46 according to Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the preview application process according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, the detailed description of the same parts will not be repeated.

<Embodiment 1>
<Overall configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 1, a PC (Personal Computer) 1 which is a preview screen display control device and a printer 100 connected to the PC 1 via a network are provided.

  In this example, a print job is transmitted from the PC 1 to the printer 100, and a print job (print data) preview screen is displayed before executing a print process according to the print job by the printer function of the printer 100. explain.

<Hardware configuration>
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of PC 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 2, PC 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 that is a control device (control means) that executes various programs including an operating system (OS), A RAM 13 that temporarily stores data necessary for execution of the program portion of the CPU 11 and a hard disk drive (HDD: HDD) that is a storage device (storage means) that stores the program executed by the CPU 11, various data, files, and the like in a nonvolatile manner. Hard Disk Drive) 14, ROM 12 in which a program executed by CPU 11 is stored in advance, input device (input means) 15 including a keyboard, a mouse, and the like, and a display device (display means) for displaying a screen. As an example, it exchanges data with the display 16 via the LAN (Local Area Network). A transmitting / receiving device (transmitting / receiving means) for containing a network interface card (NIC) 18.

  The above-described units exchange data with each other via the internal bus 19. In this example, the case where the display 16 is integrated with the PC main body is described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the display 16 may be a separate body.

  The ROM 12 or the HDD 14 stores basic software (OS) of the computer and applications (for example, word processing software that is a document editing application, spreadsheet software, etc.) that operate on the basic software. It is assumed that the data to be printed created in this way is saved in the form of file data. The ROM 12 or the HDD 14 also stores a printer driver for converting the data to be printed into PDL (page description language) data and transmitting it as a print job together with command data as necessary.

  In this example, a case will be described in which file data to be printed is mainly opened and a print instruction with a preview display is executed for the image data opened and displayed. In particular, a case where the PC 1 and the printer 100 are in an offline state will be described.

<Functional block diagram>
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the printer driver and the preview application according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 3, a printer driver 20 and a preview application 40 provided as a program independent of the printer driver 20 are shown.

  The printer driver 20 includes a UI (User Interface) processing unit 22 that executes processing related to a user interface, and a drawing processing unit 34 that executes drawing processing.

  The UI processing unit 22 includes a UI screen display unit 24, a print event processing unit 26, and a preview processing unit 28.

  The UI screen display unit 24 displays a printer driver setting screen as a user interface.

  The print event processing unit 26 receives an operation related to a user's print setting or the like on the UI screen display unit 24 and generates job information.

The preview processing unit 28 includes a preview activation unit 30 and a job information acquisition unit 32.
The job information acquisition unit 32 acquires job information generated by the print event processing unit 26.

  The preview activation unit 30 activates the preview application 40 and outputs the job information acquired by the job information acquisition unit 32 to the preview application 40.

The drawing processing unit 34 includes a preview filter 36 and a drawing filter 38.
The preview filter 36 is a filter that receives image data from a filter pipeline service FP, which will be described later, and transmits the image data to the preview application.

The drawing filter 38 is a filter used for various drawing processes.
The preview application 40 includes a data reception unit 42, an offline determination unit 44, an offline processing unit 46, a job cancel processing unit 48, a preview display control unit 50, a preview screen control unit 52, a print processing unit 54, And a mounted function processing unit 56.

  The data receiving unit 42 receives the image data transmitted from the preview filter 36.

  The offline determination unit 44 checks the connection state with the printer 100 and determines whether or not communication with the printer 100 is possible.

  The offline processing unit 46 performs offline processing described later based on the determination result of the offline determination unit 44.

  The job cancel processing unit 48 executes processing for deleting image data stored in a spooler, which will be described later, as necessary.

  The preview display control unit 50 displays a preview screen according to the print data on the display 16.

  The print processing unit 54 outputs the print data output from the preview display control unit 50 as a print job to an output port connected to the printer 100.

  The on-board function processing unit 56 instructs the preview display control unit 50 to execute a function process corresponding to a user operation on the preview screen displayed on the display 16.

  The drawing filter 38 corresponds to the “drawing filter” of the present invention. The preview display control unit 50 corresponds to the “preview display control unit” of the present invention. The offline determination unit 44 corresponds to the “offline determination unit” of the present invention. The offline processing unit 46 corresponds to the “offline processing unit” of the present invention. The on-board function processing unit 56 corresponds to the “preview screen control unit” of the present invention. The print processing unit 54 corresponds to the “print data output unit” of the present invention. The job cancel processing unit 48 corresponds to the “deleting unit” of the present invention.

<Preview display processing when online>
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the flow of preview display processing when online by the preview screen display control apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 4, a UI screen display unit 24 in the UI processing unit 22 of the printer driver displays a printer driver screen according to the application AP.

  The print event processing unit 26 receives a user operation related to print settings and generates job information according to the application AP. The job information includes file information including a file name and file format information associated with the image data to be processed.

  Then, the preview activation unit 30 activates the preview application 40. More specifically, the job information acquisition unit 32 of the preview processing unit 28 determines whether or not a preview display instruction is included in the job information. When it is determined that a preview display instruction is included, the preview activation unit 30 activates the preview application 40. Also, job information is transmitted together.

On the other hand, image data according to the application AP is stored in the spooler SP.
The image data stored in the spooler SP is stored in association with file information including a file name and file format information. The file information is used when searching for image data.

  The filter pipeline service FP acquires image data stored in the spooler SP when the connection state with the printer 100 is online, and outputs the image data to the preview filter 36 of the drawing processing unit 34.

  The preview filter 36 outputs the received image data to the data receiving unit 42 of the preview application 40.

  The data receiving unit 42 of the preview application 40 receives the image data output from the preview filter 36 and outputs it to the preview display control unit 50.

  The preview display control unit 50 executes drawing processing for preview using the drawing filter 38 of the drawing processing unit 34 and outputs the drawing processing to the display 16. As a result, a preview image is displayed on the display 16.

  After the preview image is displayed on the display 16, a predetermined function process is executed by the mounted function processing unit 56. For example, the mounted function processing unit 56 instructs the preview display control unit 50 to perform preview display control according to a print instruction. The unit 50 outputs print data to the print processing unit 54.

  The print processing unit 54 outputs the print data output from the preview display control unit 50 to an output port connected to the printer 100. Then, a print job is transmitted to the printer 100, and printing processing is executed in the printer 100.

  The spooler SP corresponds to the “image data holding unit” of the present invention. The filter pipeline service FP corresponds to the “management unit” of the present invention.

<Preview display processing when offline>
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a flow of preview display processing when the preview screen display control apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention is offline.

  Referring to FIG. 5, a UI screen display unit 24 in the UI processing unit 22 of the printer driver displays a screen of the printer driver according to the application AP.

  The print event processing unit 26 receives a user operation related to print settings and generates job information according to the application AP.

  Then, the preview activation unit 30 activates the preview application 40. More specifically, the job information acquisition unit 32 of the preview processing unit 28 determines whether or not a preview display instruction is included in the job information. When it is determined that a preview display instruction is included, the preview activation unit 30 activates the preview application 40. At that time, job information is also transmitted.

Up to this point, the processing is the same as in FIG.
On the other hand, the filter pipeline service FP stops the process of the print system when the connection state with the printer 100 is offline. That is, the filter pipeline service FP acquires the image data stored in the spooler SP and does not transmit it to the preview filter 36. Therefore, the preview application 40 cannot acquire image data from the spooler SP.

  In the system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, is the offline determination unit 44 of the preview application 40 monitoring the output port 102 to confirm the connection state with the printer 100 and whether communication with the printer 100 is possible? Determine whether or not. When the offline determination unit 44 determines that communication with the printer 100 is not possible, that is, offline, the offline determination unit 44 instructs the offline processing unit 46 to execute offline processing.

  The offline processing unit 46 acquires image data stored in the spooler SP in accordance with an instruction from the offline determination unit 44.

  Then, the offline processing unit 46 outputs the acquired image data to the preview display control unit 50.

  The preview display control unit 50 receives the image data from the offline processing unit 46, executes a drawing process for preview using the drawing filter 38 of the drawing processing unit 34, and outputs it to the display 16. As a result, a preview image is displayed on the display 16.

  After the preview image is displayed on the display 16, a predetermined function process is executed by the mounted function processing unit 56. For example, the mounted function processing unit 56 instructs the preview display control unit 50 to perform preview display control according to a print instruction. The unit 50 outputs print data to the print processing unit 54.

  The print processing unit 54 outputs the print data output from the preview display control unit 50 to an output port connected to the printer 100. Then, a print job is transmitted to the printer 100, and printing processing is executed in the printer 100.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an offline state of printer 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 6, here, a connection status screen with printer 100 is shown, and a case in which communication is not possible and the printer 100 is not connected is shown.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of display of the preview screen of the conventional example as the first embodiment of the present invention and a comparative example.

  Referring to FIG. 7A, here, a case where a UI screen capable of various settings of the printer driver is displayed is shown. Here, a case where the check box of “print preview” is checked is shown. When the operation is performed, a preview display instruction is included in the job information.

  Referring to FIG. 7B, here, as a comparative example, a case where a preview image is not displayed on display 16 when offline is shown.

  FIG. 7C shows a case where an offline message is displayed after a predetermined period has elapsed. Therefore, with the conventional configuration, the preview image cannot be displayed in the offline state.

  Referring to FIG. 7D, in the method according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a case where a preview image is displayed on display 16 even when offline is shown by the above processing.

<Processing flow>
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating preview display processing according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  This processing is processing when the CPU 11 of the present invention reads and executes the OS, the printer driver, and the preview application.

  Referring to FIG. 8, the printer driver is set (step S2). Specifically, various settings of the printer driver can be made on the UI screen shown in FIG.

  Next, it is determined whether there is an instruction to execute printing (step S4). Specifically, it is determined whether or not a “OK” button indicating a print execution instruction is selected on the UI screen of the printer driver.

  If it is determined in step S4 that there is an instruction to execute printing (YES in step S4), job information is acquired (step S6). In accordance with the instruction, the print event processing unit 26 generates job information. Then, the job information acquisition unit 32 of the preview processing unit 28 acquires the job information.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S4 that there is no print execution instruction (NO in step S4), the process ends (END).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the preview function is ON (step S8). The job information acquisition unit 32 of the preview processing unit 28 determines whether a preview display instruction is included in the job information.

  If the preview function is ON in step S8 (YES in step S8), the preview application is activated (step S10). The job information acquisition unit 32 instructs the preview activation unit 30 when a preview display instruction is included in the job information. Then, the preview activation unit 30 activates the preview application 40. At that time, job information is also transmitted.

  Next, preview application processing is executed (step S12). The preview application process will be described later.

Then, the process ends (END).
On the other hand, if the preview function is not ON in step S8 (NO in step S8), a drawing process is executed (step S14). The job information acquisition unit 32 does not instruct the preview activation unit 30 to activate the preview application 40 when the preview display instruction is not included in the job information. Therefore, the preview application 40 is not activated. Further, a drawing process using the drawing filter 38 is executed in the drawing processing unit 34 according to the job information generated by the print event processing unit 26 as necessary.

  Next, print data is transmitted (step S16). Then, the print data after the drawing process is transmitted from the printer driver as a print job.

Then, the printer 100 executes print processing (step S18).
Then, the process ends (END).

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating preview application processing according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 9, first, the data reception flag is initialized (set to “incomplete”) (step S20).

  Next, an offline determination process in the offline determination unit 44 is executed (step S24). Details of the offline determination process will be described later.

  Next, it is determined whether the offline state is in the offline state as the determination result of the offline determination process (step S26).

  If it is determined in step S26 that the device is offline (YES in step S26), offline processing in the offline processing unit 46 is executed (step S28). Details of the offline processing will be described later.

  Next, preview display processing in the preview display control unit 50 is executed (step S30). Details of the preview display process will be described later.

  Next, the process of the preview loading function in the loading function processing unit 56 is executed (step S32). Details of the processing of the preview loading function will be described later.

Then, the process ends (return).
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S26 that it is not in an offline state (NO in step S26), that is, if it is determined that it is in an online state, the data receiving unit 42 receives data output from the preview filter 36. (Step S34).

  Then, the data receiving unit 42 determines whether all data has been received (step S36).

  If it is determined in step S36 that all data has not been received (NO in step S36), step S38 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S30.

  If it is determined in step S36 that all data has been received (YES in step S36), the data reception flag is set to “completed” (step S38).

  And the preview display process in the preview display control part 50 is performed (step S30). The subsequent processing is the same.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating offline determination processing in offline determination unit 44 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 10, first, a print status flag is initialized (step S40).
Next, it is determined whether or not it is in an offline state (step S46). Specifically, the output port 102 connected to the printer 100 is monitored to check the connection state with the printer, and it is determined whether or not communication with the printer 100 is possible.

  If it is determined in step S46 that the offline state is not established (NO in step S46), it is next determined whether or not there is an internal state error (step S48). If the preview application is not in a normal state even in the online state, an internal state error occurs.

  If it is determined in step S48 that there is no internal state error (NO in step S48), it is next determined whether it is a data reception timeout (step S50). In step S36 of FIG. 9, when all the data has not been received, the process proceeds to the offline determination process (step S24) again. Is a data reception timeout. For example, there may be a case where the online state is initially set, but the offline state is set halfway.

  If it is determined in step S50 that the data reception timeout has not occurred (NO in step S50), the print status flag is set to "online" (step S52).

Then, the process ends (return).
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S46 that it is in an offline state (YES in step S46), if it is determined in step S48 that it is an internal state error (YES in step S48), it is a data reception timeout in step S50. Is determined (YES in step S50), the print status flag is set to "offline" (step S54).

Then, the process ends (return).
When the determination processing is set to offline, the offline processing is executed.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating offline processing in offline processing unit 46 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 11, first, job information data is acquired (step S60). Specifically, the job information data output from the preview activation unit 30 is acquired.

  Next, an unprocessed spool file is detected (step S62). Specifically, the offline processing unit 46 accesses the spooler SP and searches for an unprocessed spool file.

  Next, the detected spool file is set as a processing target (step S64).

  Then, the file information of the spool file set as the processing target is acquired (step S66). Specifically, the file name and file format information are acquired.

  Next, job information comparison determination processing is executed (step S74). Specifically, the file name and file format information included in the job information output from the preview activation unit 30 are compared with the file name and file format information included in the file information of the spool file. Note that it is also possible to execute a comparison determination process by acquiring a print ticket of job information.

  Next, as a result of the comparison determination process, it is determined whether or not they match (step S76). That is, it is determined whether the data is the same.

  If it is determined in step S76 that they match (YES in step S76), the spool file set as the processing target is set as a data file for preview display (step S78).

Then, the process proceeds to step S82.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S76 that they do not match (NO in step S76), it is determined whether all the detections have been completed (step S80).

  If it is determined in step S80 that all the detections have not been completed (NO in step S80), the process returns to step S62 again, and the same processing as described above is repeated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S80 that all the detections have been completed (YES in step S80), it is determined whether there is a data file for preview display (step S82).

  If it is determined in step S82 that there is a data file for preview display (YES in step S82), a data file for preview display is acquired (step S84).

  Next, the data reception flag is set to “complete” (step S86). As a result, preview display is possible.

  Next, image data cancellation processing is executed (step S88). Specifically, the offline processing unit 46 instructs the job cancel processing unit 48, and the job cancel processing unit 48 deletes the image data from the spooler SP. Since the data file for preview display is acquired, it is possible to secure the area of the spooler SP by deleting the spool file.

Then, the process ends (return).
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S82 that there is no data file for preview display (NO in step S82), the process ends because there is no data file (return).

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating preview display processing in preview display control unit 50 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 12, first, it is determined whether or not the data reception flag is completed (step S210). When the data file for preview display is acquired from the spooler SP in the offline state, or when the image data is acquired from the preview filter 36 in the data receiving unit 42 in the online state, the data reception flag is completed. It has become.

  If it is determined in step S210 that the data reception flag has been completed (YES in step S210), a page is selected (step S212). If there are multiple pages that make up the file, select one by one.

  Next, a drawing process is executed (step S214). Specifically, drawing processing for generating a preview image using the drawing filter 38 of the drawing processing unit 34 is executed.

Next, rasterization processing is executed (step S216).
Next, a main body simulation process is executed (step S218).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the page is finished (step S220). It is determined whether or not the above processing has been executed for all pages. If it is determined that the page has not ended (NO in step S220), the process returns to step S212.

  If it is determined in step S220 that the page has been completed (YES in step S220), a preview image of the first page is displayed on display 16 (step S222). As a result, a preview image before printing is displayed on the display 16.

Then, the process ends (return).
If it is determined in step S210 that the data reception flag has not been completed (NO in step S210), it is determined whether the print status flag is offline (step S224). For example, when the spooler SP is searched, a data file for preview display cannot be detected. For example, there may be a case in which the online state is initially set to an offline state.

  If it is determined in step S224 that the print status flag is offline (YES in step S224), an offline message is displayed (step S226).

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an offline message according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 13, an inquiry “A timeout has occurred during document data reception. There is a possibility of being offline. Do you want to continue waiting to receive data?” Is shown here. .

  “Yes” and “No” buttons are displayed, and are provided so that the user can select them.

When the user selects “Yes”, it is determined that the reception waiting is continued.
On the other hand, by selecting “No”, it is determined not to continue waiting for reception.

  Referring to FIG. 12 again, it is determined whether or not to wait for data reception (step S228). Specifically, if it is determined on the screen displaying the offline message in FIG. 13 that the data reception wait is continued, the process returns to step S24 in FIG. Then, the above process is repeated again.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S228 that data reception is not continued (NO in step S228), a preview display canceling process is executed (step S232). Then, the process ends (END). That is, the preview display process ends.

  In step S224, the preview display canceling process is also executed when the print status flag is online (NO in step S224).

  Even though it is online, the data reception flag is incomplete, so error processing is performed, and the preview display processing is terminated.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating processing of the preview loading function in loading function processing unit 56 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 14, it is determined whether or not execution of various functions is selected as an operation from the user on the preview screen (step S240).

  If it is determined in step S240 that there is an execution selection (YES in step S240), processing according to each function is executed.

  Specifically, when the execution selection is print setting, the print setting is changed (step S242). Next, a preview update process is performed in accordance with the change of the print setting (step S254). Specifically, the installed function processing unit 56 receives a print setting change instruction and instructs the preview display control unit 50. The preview display control unit 50 regenerates and displays the preview screen via the drawing filter 38.

Then, the process ends (return).
If the execution selection is page movement, a preview of the selected page is displayed (step S246). The on-board function processing unit 56 receives an instruction to move the page and instructs the preview display control unit 50. The preview display control unit 50 displays a preview screen according to the selected page.

  If the execution selection is zoom display, a preview is displayed at the designated zoom rate (step S248). The on-board function processing unit 56 receives the change in the designated zoom ratio and instructs the preview display control unit 50. The preview display control unit 50 displays a preview screen according to the designated zoom rate.

  If the execution selection is print execution, printing is executed (step S250). The on-board function processing unit 56 receives a print execution instruction and instructs the preview display control unit 50. The preview display control unit 50 outputs print data to the print processing unit 54 in accordance with the instruction.

  If the execution selection is complete, a preview application end process is executed (step S252).

Then, the process ends (return).
As described above, according to this method, the offline processing unit 46 acquires image data from the spooler SP and outputs the acquired image data to the preview display control unit 50 even when offline. The preview display control unit 50 displays the preview image that has been subjected to the drawing process via the drawing filter 38 on the display 16. Therefore, it is possible to display a preview image even when image data is not output from the filter pipeline service FP to the preview filter when offline.

<Embodiment 2>
In the first embodiment, the configuration in which the offline determination unit, the offline processing unit, and the like are provided on the preview application side has been described. However, a configuration in which the function is provided on the printer driver side may be used.

  FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram of a printer driver and a preview application according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 15, printer driver 20 # and preview application 40 # provided as a program independent of printer driver 20 # are shown.

  The printer driver 20 # is different in that the preview processing unit 28 is changed to a preview processing unit 28 #. Since other parts are the same, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  Preview processing unit 28 # includes a preview activation unit 30, a job information acquisition unit 32, an offline determination unit 44, an offline processing unit 46, and a job cancellation processing unit 48.

  Preview application 40 # includes a data receiving unit 42, a preview display control unit 50, a print processing unit 54, and a built-in function processing unit 56.

  That is, the offline determination unit, the offline processing unit, and the job cancel processing unit included in the preview application 40 are included in the preview processing unit 28 #, and basically have the same functions as described in FIG. Execute the process.

  The online preview display process is the same as the process described with reference to FIG.

<Preview display processing when offline>
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a flow of preview display processing when online according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 16, the UI screen display unit 24 of the printer driver displays a printer driver screen according to the application AP.

  The print event processing unit 26 accepts an operation related to a user's print settings in accordance with the application AP and generates job information.

  Then, the preview activation unit 30 activates the preview application 40. More specifically, the job information acquisition unit 32 of the preview processing unit 28 determines whether or not the job information includes a preview display instruction. Then, the preview application 40 is activated. At that time, job information is also output.

Further, image data according to the application AP is stored in the spooler SP.
On the other hand, the filter pipeline service FP stops the process of the print system when the connection state with the printer 100 is offline. That is, the filter pipeline service FP acquires the image data stored in the spooler SP and does not transmit it to the preview filter 36. Therefore, the preview application 40 # cannot acquire image data from the spooler SP.

Up to this point, the process is the same as described with reference to FIG.
In the method according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the offline determination unit 44 of the UI processing unit 22 # of the printer driver can monitor the output port 102 to check the connection state with the printer 100 and can communicate with the printer 100. It is determined whether or not the current state is correct. When the offline determination unit 44 determines that communication with the printer 100 is not possible, that is, offline, the offline determination unit 44 instructs the offline processing unit 46 to execute offline processing.

  The offline processing unit 46 acquires image data stored in the spooler SP in accordance with an instruction from the offline determination unit 44.

  Then, the offline processing unit 46 outputs the acquired image data to the preview display control unit 50.

  The preview display control unit 50 receives the image data from the offline processing unit 46, executes a drawing process for preview using the drawing filter 38 of the drawing processing unit 34, and outputs it to the display 16. As a result, a preview image is displayed on the display 16.

  After the preview image is displayed on the display 16, a predetermined function process is executed by the mounted function processing unit 56. For example, the mounted function processing unit 56 instructs the preview display control unit 50 to perform preview display control according to a print instruction. The unit 50 outputs print data to the print processing unit 54.

  The print processing unit 54 outputs the print data output from the preview display control unit 50 to an output port connected to the printer 100. Then, a print job is transmitted to the printer 100, and printing processing is executed in the printer 100.

<Processing flow>
FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating preview display processing according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  This processing is processing when the CPU 11 of the present invention reads and executes the OS, the printer driver, and the preview application.

  Referring to FIG. 17, the printer driver is set (step S100). Specifically, various settings of the printer driver can be made on the UI screen shown in FIG.

  Next, it is determined whether there is an instruction to execute printing (step S102). Specifically, it is determined whether or not a “OK” button indicating a print execution instruction is selected on the UI screen of the printer driver.

  If it is determined in step S102 that there is an instruction to execute printing (YES in step S102), job information is acquired (step S106). In accordance with the instruction, the print event processing unit 26 generates job information. Then, the job information acquisition unit 32 of the preview processing unit 28 acquires the job information.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S102 that there is no print execution instruction (NO in step S102), the process ends (END).

  Then, it is determined whether the preview function is ON (step S108). The job information acquisition unit 32 of the preview processing unit 28 # determines whether a preview display instruction is included in the job information.

  If the preview function is ON in step S108 (YES in step S108), the alternative data transmission flag is initialized (set to “not executed”) (step S110).

  Next, an offline determination process in the offline determination unit 44 is executed (step S112). The offline determination process will be described later.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the offline state is the offline state as a determination result of the offline determination process (step S114).

  If it is determined in step S114 that it is in an offline state (YES in step S114), offline processing in the offline processing unit 46 is executed (step S116). Then, the process proceeds to step S118. Details of the offline processing will be described later.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S114 that the determination result of the offline determination process is not offline, that is, if it is determined to be online (NO in step S114), step S116 is skipped and step S118 is performed. move on.

  Next, the preview activation unit 30 activates the preview application (step S118). When the job information acquired by the job information acquisition unit 32 includes a preview display instruction, the preview information is instructed to the preview activation unit 30. Then, preview activation unit 30 activates preview application 40 #. At that time, job information is also transmitted.

  Next, preview application processing is executed (step S120). The preview application process will be described later.

Then, the process ends (END).
On the other hand, if the preview function is not ON in step S108 (NO in step S108), a drawing process is executed (step S122). The job information acquisition unit 32 does not instruct the preview activation unit 30 to activate the preview application 40 # when the job information does not include a preview display instruction. Therefore, preview application 40 # is not activated. Further, a drawing process using the drawing filter 38 is executed in the drawing processing unit 34 according to the job information generated by the print event processing unit 26 as necessary.

  Next, the print job is transmitted (step S124). Then, the print data after the drawing process is transmitted from the printer driver as a print job.

Then, the printer 100 executes print processing (step S126).
Then, the process ends (END).

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating offline determination processing according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 18, first, a print status flag is initialized (step S130).

  Next, it is determined whether or not it is offline (step S136). Specifically, the output port 102 connected to the printer 100 is monitored to check the connection state with the printer, and it is determined whether or not communication with the printer 100 is possible.

  If it is determined in step S136 that it is not in an offline state (NO in step S136), it is next determined whether or not there is an internal state error (step S138). If the preview application is not in a normal state even in the online state, an internal state error occurs.

  If it is determined in step S138 that there is no internal state error (NO in step S138), the print status flag is set to “online” (step S140).

Then, the process ends (return).
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S136 that it is in an offline state (YES in step S136), if it is determined in step S138 that it is an internal state error (YES in step S138), the print status flag is set to “offline. "(Step S142).

Then, the process ends (return).
When the determination processing is set to offline, the offline processing is executed.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating offline processing in offline processing unit 46 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 19, first, job information data is acquired (step S150). Specifically, the job information data acquired by the job information acquisition unit 32 is acquired.

  Next, an unprocessed spool file is detected (step S152). Specifically, the offline processing unit 46 accesses the spooler SP and searches for an unprocessed spool file.

  Next, the detected spool file is set as a processing target (step S154).

  Then, the file information of the spool file set as the processing target is acquired (step S156). Specifically, the file name and file format information are acquired.

  Next, job information comparison determination processing is executed (step S164). Specifically, the file name and file format information included in the acquired job information are compared with the file name and file format information included in the file information of the spool file.

  Next, as a result of the comparison determination process, it is determined whether or not they match (step S166). That is, it is determined whether the data is the same.

  If it is determined in step S166 that they match (YES in step S166), the spool file set as the processing target is set as a data file for alternative preview display (step S168).

Then, the process proceeds to step S172.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S166 that they do not match (NO in step S166), it is determined whether or not all the detections are completed (step S170).

  If it is determined in step S170 that all the detections have not been completed (NO in step S170), the process returns to step S152 again, and the same processing as described above is repeated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S170 that all the detections have been completed (YES in step S170), it is determined whether there is a data file for alternative preview display (step S172).

  If it is determined in step S172 that there is a data file for alternative preview display (YES in step S172), the data file for alternative preview display is transmitted (step S174).

  Then, the alternative data transmission flag is set to “execute” (step S176). This enables preview display based on the data file for alternative preview display in the preview application 40 #.

  Next, image data cancel processing is executed (step S178). Specifically, the offline processing unit 46 of the preview processing unit 28 # instructs the job cancel processing unit 48, and the job cancel processing unit 48 deletes the image data from the spooler SP. Since the data file for the alternative preview display is transmitted to the preview application 40 #, it is possible to secure the area of the spooler SP by deleting the spool file.

Then, the process ends (return).
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S172 that there is no data file for alternative preview display (NO in step S172), the process ends because there is no data file (return).

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating preview application processing according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 20, first, the data reception flag is initialized (set to “incomplete”) (step S180).

  Next, it is determined whether the offline state is in the offline state as the determination result of the offline determination process (step S182). Specifically, the print status flag is checked to determine whether or not it is offline. Note that the offline determination unit 44 constantly monitors the output port 102 and changes the print status flag when the offline state is changed to the online state.

  If it is determined in step S182 that the offline state is set (YES in step S182), it is determined whether the alternative data transmission flag is executed (step S184).

  If it is determined in step S184 that the alternative data transmission flag is executed (YES in step S184), the alternative data is received (step S186). Specifically, the preview display control unit 50 acquires the alternative data.

Then, the data reception flag is set to “completed” (step S188).
Next, a preview display process in the preview display control unit 50 is executed (step S190). The preview display process is the same as that described with reference to FIG.

  Next, the process of the preview loading function in the loading function processing unit 56 is executed (step S192). The processing of the preview loading function is the same as that described with reference to FIG.

Then, the process ends (return).
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S182 that it is not in the offline state (NO in step S182), that is, when it is determined that it is in the online state, the data receiving unit 42 receives the data output from the preview filter 36. (Step S196).

  Then, the data receiving unit 42 determines whether all data has been received (step S198).

  If it is determined in step S198 that all data has been received (YES in step S198), the data reception flag is set to “completed” (step S200).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S198 that all data has not been received (NO in step S198), step S200 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S190.

  And the preview display process in the preview display control part 50 is performed (step S190). The subsequent processing is the same.

  In the preview display process described with reference to FIG. 12, if there is an instruction to continue waiting for data reception, the process returns to step S112 in FIG. Then, the above process is repeated again.

  As described above, according to this method, when the printer driver determines whether the printer driver is offline and determines that it is offline, if the preview display is present, the offline processing unit 46 determines in advance from the spooler SP. Image data is acquired, and the acquired image data is transmitted to the preview application 40 # as alternative preview display data. The preview application 40 # determines whether it is offline. If it is determined that the preview application 40 # is offline, the preview application 40 # receives the alternative preview display data transmitted from the offline processing unit 46. Then, using the received data, the preview display control unit 50 displays a preview image that has been subjected to the drawing process via the drawing filter 38 on the display 16. Therefore, it is possible to display a preview image even when image data is not output from the filter pipeline service FP to the preview filter 36 when offline.

  In the above preview application process, when the offline state is set in step S182, the preview display using the alternative preview display data is performed. However, when the preview application process is online, the preview display is received via the preview filter 36. Preview display using the image data to be performed is performed. In this regard, even if the alternative preview display data is first transmitted to the preview application 40 # in the offline state, the preview filter 36 is more suitable if the image data can be received from the preview filter 36 after that in the online state. The image data output from the preview filter 36 is received and preview display is executed.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  1 PC, 11 CPU, 12 ROM, 13 RAM, 16 display, 19 internal bus, 20 printer driver, 22 UI processing unit, 24 UI screen display unit, 26 print event processing unit, 28 preview processing unit, 30 preview activation unit, 32 job information acquisition unit, 34 drawing processing unit, 36 preview filter, 38 drawing filter, 40 preview application, 42 data receiving unit, 44 offline determination unit, 46 offline processing unit, 48 job cancel processing unit, 50 preview display control unit, 52 preview screen control unit, 54 print processing unit, 56 built-in function processing unit, 100 printer, 102 output port.

Claims (12)

An image data holding unit for holding image data created according to the application;
A drawing filter that accepts image data and executes a drawing process to generate a preview screen;
A preview display control unit for outputting the image data to the drawing filter;
A management unit that outputs the image data held in the image data holding unit to the preview display control unit according to a communication state with a printing apparatus;
An offline determination unit that determines whether communication with the printing apparatus is possible;
When the offline determination unit determines that communication with the printing apparatus is impossible, the image data held in the image data holding unit is acquired without going through the management unit, and the preview is acquired. An offline processing unit that outputs the acquired image data to the display control unit,
The preview display control unit outputs the image data from the offline processing unit to the drawing filter when the communication with the printing apparatus is impossible, and displays the preview screen generated by the drawing filter. A preview screen display control device for display.   The preview screen display control device according to claim 1, further comprising: a preview screen control unit that receives a user operation on the preview screen and instructs the preview display control unit to change print settings, edit the preview screen, and output the preview screen. .   The preview screen display control device according to claim 1, wherein the offline processing unit includes a data search unit for acquiring image data held in the image data holding unit.   The preview screen display control apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a job information acquisition unit that acquires job information of the image data and transmits the job information to the offline processing unit.   The preview screen display control device according to claim 4, wherein the data search unit acquires matching image data from the image data holding unit based on job information of the image data.   Even when the preview display control unit receives image data from the offline processing unit, the preview display control unit outputs the image data via the management unit when communication with the printing apparatus is possible. The preview screen display control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the preview screen display control apparatus receives image data and outputs the image data to the drawing filter.   The preview screen display according to claim 1, wherein an application that realizes the function of the drawing filter is different from an application that realizes the functions of the preview display control unit, the offline determination unit, and the offline processing unit. Control device.   The preview screen according to claim 1, further comprising: a deletion unit that deletes the image data held in the image data holding unit after obtaining the image data held in the image data holding unit in the offline processing unit. Display control device. A preview presence / absence determining unit that determines whether or not there is a display request for the preview screen;
The preview screen display control device according to claim 1, wherein, when the preview presence / absence determination unit determines that there is a request to display the preview screen, image data is output to the preview display control unit.   The preview display control unit includes a message display unit that displays a message when the image data cannot be acquired from the offline processing unit when communication with the printing apparatus is impossible. The preview screen display control device described.   The preview screen display control device according to claim 10, wherein the preview display control unit further includes an inquiry unit that inquires of the user whether or not to continue waiting when the message is displayed. The computer of the preview screen display control device
An image data holding unit for holding image data created according to the application;
A drawing filter that accepts image data and executes a drawing process to generate a preview screen;
A preview display control unit for outputting the image data to the drawing filter;
A management unit that outputs the image data held in the image data holding unit to the preview display control unit according to a communication state with a printing apparatus;
An offline determination unit that determines whether communication with the printing apparatus is possible;
When the offline determination unit determines that communication with the printing apparatus is impossible, the image data held in the image data holding unit is acquired without going through the management unit, and the preview is acquired. Let the display control unit function as an offline processing unit that outputs the acquired image data,
The preview display control unit outputs the image data from the offline processing unit to the drawing filter when the communication with the printing apparatus is impossible, and displays the preview screen generated by the drawing filter. A program for a preview screen display control device to be displayed.

Images