JP4857135B2 - Information processing apparatus, information processing method, program, and storage medium - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus having a so-called preview function, an information processing method, a program, and a storage medium that display a print image in a recognizable manner before a print process, for example.

  Conventionally, a technique for acquiring a print image before printing and displaying it on a screen has been proposed.

  As an example of such a technique, a method is known in which a print command interpretable by a printer is analyzed by a computer (data processing device) connected to the printer, and the computer generates a print image by developing for each CMYK plane. It has been. Further, a method is generally known in which after a print command is transmitted from a computer connected to the printer to the printer, the computer receives a print image created in the printer and performs display based on the received print image. ing.

  Here, in a printing system using a computer equipped with Windows (registered trademark) of Microsoft Corporation as an operating system (OS), print data generated by an application program (application) or the like is a spool file in an OS standard data format. Stored in The OS calls a printer driver to print the print data. The printer driver reads the print data stored in the spool file, creates a print image by the image generation processing unit, and further converts the print command into a print command that can be interpreted by the printer. The print command is transmitted to the printer, and the printer interprets the print command and forms an image on the recording medium to execute the printing process.

  In order to provide a preview function in this printing system, the printer driver executes a previewer that displays a print image when printing processing is started. The image generation unit creates a print image for preview, and the previewer displays the print image for preview. That is, in the printer driver, a preview function is realized by cooperation between the image generation unit that creates a print image and the previewer that displays the print image (see Patent Document 1).

  In addition, in a preview in a printing system having a function for combining print jobs, a mechanism has been devised that allows a preview that takes into account the layout of each print job. When a print job obtained by converting data to be printed into an intermediate code format is combined to generate one combined job, layout information of each print job in the combined job is individually saved. When displaying the preview of the combined job, the layout of each print job in the combined job is reproduced by referring to the layout information corresponding to the page to be previewed. Also, by having layout information in addition to the intermediate data, the layout information of each print job in the combined job can be changed during the preview without affecting other print jobs in the same combined job. (See Patent Document 2).

  In addition to the above, the preview print image generated by the image generation unit is processed by the previewer itself, and then a preview display is performed, so that a disc-shaped recording medium such as a CD-R or a complicated short form can be obtained. Sometimes print on some media. In such a case, a means (referred to as a CD-R area display function) is known that makes it possible to more clearly identify areas printed on the inside and outside of the area of the medium when confirming the print contents in advance in a preview. (See Patent Document 3).

Also, a method for checking the contents of the print settings in parallel with the preview contents, and a means that allows the user to continue the actual printing by changing the print settings during the preview display when a mistake in the print settings is noticed during the preview display. (Referred to as a setting change function) (see Patent Document 4).
JP 2004-102618 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-130082 JP 2004-110807 A JP 2006-011847 A

By the way, the conventional techniques as described above have the following problems to be solved.
In the first method of the conventional example, the preview can be executed while the printer driver is called by the OS. The OS calls the printer driver and performs print processing for the first print job in the print queue. Normally, there is only one print job to be subjected to print processing per print queue. Therefore, while the preview function is being executed, other print jobs are not to be printed. For this reason, when there is a print job being processed in the print queue, there is a disadvantage that the preview function of another print job cannot be executed. Further, when the preview function is executed in a print job being printed, there is a drawback that other jobs in the same print queue are not printed until at least processing of the job executing the preview function is completed. Further, when the OS is used, there is a problem that a plurality of users cannot use the preview function at the same time even though a plurality of users may issue a print job at the same time.

  From the viewpoint of layout processing, layout processing is performed when creating a print image for preview, and since the print job is intermediate data at that time, bitmap processing must be performed to display the preview screen. Don't be. The bitmap data for preview that has been subjected to bitmap processing for screen display in this way does not necessarily conform to the bitmap data required by the printer in actually continuing the printing processing, so it should be diverted. I can't. That is, it is necessary to perform the layout process again when creating a print image for actual printing. That is, it is necessary to repeat the same layout process every time a print image is created, and there is a problem that the same process is repeated.

  In the second method of the conventional example, layout information is separately stored when a plurality of print jobs are combined. Therefore, layout processing is required when displaying a print image with the preview function. In addition, since layout information can be changed during preview, layout processing is also required when actually printing with a printer. That is, if the layout information is not changed during the preview, it is necessary to repeat the same layout process at the time of preview and actual printing, and there is a problem that the same process is repeated.

  In view of the above-described conventional problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus having a preview function that efficiently performs processing by not performing the same layout processing repeatedly. It is another object of the present invention to provide an information processing apparatus that does not print preview-specific information added at the time of preview.

In order to achieve the above object, an information processing apparatus of the present invention provides:
Layout processing means for inputting document data from a spool file;
Preview document creation means for inputting document data from the layout processing means;
Print command generation processing means for inputting document data from the preview document creation means;
Preview control means for controlling the preview based on the document data for preview,
When the previewed flag is set, the layout processing unit outputs the document data input from the spool file to the preview document creating unit without performing layout processing based on the print setting information, and the previewed flag is set. If not, the layout processing of the document data input from the spool file based on the print setting information is performed, and the layout-processed document data is output to the preview document creation means,
The preview document creation means outputs the document data subjected to layout processing to the print command generation processing means when previewed or when no preview is set, and when preview is not set and preview is set, Set the completed flag, create document data for preview based on the document data that has undergone layout processing,
The preview control means outputs document data in which a previewed flag in which a rendering instruction specific to a preview display is deleted based on a print instruction is set to the spool file,
The print command generation processing means converts the layout processed document data into a print command that can be interpreted by a printer.

The information processing apparatus of the present invention
Layout processing means for inputting document data from a spool file;
Preview document creation means for inputting document data from the layout processing means;
Print command generation processing means for inputting document data from the preview document creation means;
Preview control means for controlling the preview based on the document data for preview,
When the previewed flag is set, the layout processing unit outputs the document data input from the spool file to the preview document creating unit without performing layout processing based on the print setting information, and the previewed flag is set. If not, the layout processing of the document data input from the spool file based on the print setting information is performed, and the layout-processed document data is output to the preview document creation means,
The preview document creation means outputs the document data subjected to layout processing to the print command generation processing means when previewed or when no preview is set, and when preview is not set and preview is set, Set the completed flag, create document data for preview based on the document data that has undergone layout processing,
The preview control means outputs document data in which a previewed flag is set based on a print instruction to the spool file,
The print command generation processing means does not convert a drawing command specific to the preview display in the layout processed document data into a print command, and prints a drawing command other than the drawing command specific to the preview display in the layout processed document data. Is converted into a print command that can be interpreted.

  With the above configuration, according to the present invention, the layout process is performed only once even when the previewer instructs to start printing, so that the effect of reducing the load on the computer can be obtained. In addition, an information processing apparatus that does not print preview-specific information added at the time of preview can be provided.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on embodiments shown in the drawings. The XPS in the text is an abbreviation for XML Paper Specification, and is one of open standard electronic document formats developed by Microsoft Corporation.

<Configuration of XPS document>
In order to facilitate understanding of the text, XPS will be briefly described first. The XPS document has a tree structure with a Fixed Document Sequence (hereinafter referred to as FDS) as a root. The FDS has a plurality of Fixed Documents (hereinafter referred to as FD), and the FD has a plurality of Fixed Pages (hereinafter referred to as FP). Each of FDS, FD, and FP may be referred to as an XPS part. The FP describes the contents of a document page in XML format, and includes contents that are actually displayed or printed. Resources such as fonts and images used in the FP page contents can be shared by a plurality of FPs. Each of the FDS, FD, and FP can have a print setting as a PrintTicket (hereinafter referred to as PT). PT describes the print settings for printing an XPS document in XML format. Here, the print setting used when printing each FP is the PT obtained by merging the PT of the FDS, the PT of the parent FD of the print target FP, and the PT of the print target FP.

  FIG. 5 is an example of a block diagram showing the logical structure of an XPS document. The logical structure of the XPS document 501 is a tree structure having the FDS 503 as a root. The FDS 503 includes FD 511 and FD 513 as children. The FD 511 has FP 521 and FP 523 as children. The FD 513 has an FP 525 as a child. As for PTs describing print settings, the FDS 503 holds PT531, the FD511 holds PT533, the FP521 holds PT535, and the FD513 holds PT537. FP 523 and FP 525 do not hold PT. The FP 521 and the FP 523 share a resource 541 such as a font and an image, and the FP 525 uses a resource 543 such as a font and an image. Here, for example, the PT used when printing the FP 521 is a PT obtained by merging PT 531, PT 533, and PT 535.

  As described above, an XPS document can be easily understood if the concept of an XPS part is logically used. However, since the XPS document itself can be handled as a byte string (stream), the term XPS data is sometimes used when referring to the data inside the XPS document. Therefore, the embodiment will be described using the words XPS part and XPS data in the text.

<Configuration of printing system>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The printer 101 is an ink jet printer that forms an image, and forms an image on the recording medium 100 based on a print command generated by a data processing apparatus 102 described later. The type of printer is not particularly limited, but here, an ink jet color printer is assumed. In the data processing apparatus 102, an application creates a print job, and a printer driver generates a print command for controlling a printing operation of the connected printer 101 from spool data of the print job. In this embodiment, a personal computer is used as the data processing apparatus 102. It also plays a role of receiving instructions and inputs from the user regarding print settings. The data processing apparatus 102 includes various functional blocks 130 to 135 and 140 to 143. The data processing apparatus 102 incorporates an OS that controls the data processing apparatus 102, and various functional blocks operate on the OS. The communication interface 103 is a communication interface that connects the data processing apparatus 102 and the printer 101. In this embodiment, a USB which is a serial interface is used. In addition to this, a serial interface such as IEEE1394, Ethernet (registered trademark), IrDA, IEEE802.11, or a power line, or a parallel interface such as Centronics or SCSI is used. You can also. Any interface can be used regardless of wired / wireless as long as communication is realized. As described above, the printing system according to the present embodiment is not a single apparatus, but has a configuration in which the data processing apparatus 102 and the printer 101 that performs image formation are connected through a specific bidirectional interface. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and an apparatus-integrated printing system in which the functions of the data processing apparatus and the printer are integrated may be used. It should be noted that functions that are not particularly necessary for describing the features of the present embodiment in the printer 101 and the data processing apparatus 102 are omitted.

  The central control unit 141 controls various functions of the data processing apparatus 102, and the functions of the CPU correspond to this. The input operation unit 142 includes various input devices for reflecting the user's intention in the print settings. The setting information notification unit 143 notifies the user of print settings. As a notification method, a case where a display device such as a monitor is used or a voice notification is considered. The I / F control unit 140 manages the interface function of the data processing apparatus 102. The I / F control unit 140 is configured by a USB host-side controller and has a function as a USB host. Some functions as a USB host are also configured by software such as an OS and a driver. The storage unit 144 stores OS, application programs, and printer driver instruction codes, and is used to temporarily store and read data when the software operates. The storage unit 144 is configured by, for example, a hard disk drive or a semiconductor memory. The printer driver 130 is software for performing various settings for printing, print data generation, and printer control on the data processing apparatus 102. A printer driver program is executed by the central control unit 141, and a print setting processing unit 131, a print command generation unit 134 including a layout processing unit, a preview document generation unit, and a print command generation processing unit, a data communication processing unit 133, and the like. Function is realized. The print setting processing unit 131 performs various print settings including paper settings and print quality settings. The print setting processing unit 131 has a function of receiving an instruction or input from a user and displaying or notifying the set content. The print command generation unit 134 first performs page layout processing for a print job created by an application in the layout processing unit. Thereafter, a preview document is created in the preview document creation unit in accordance with the print settings. The print command conversion processing unit converts the print data after layout processing into a print command. The print command created by the print command generation unit 134 is sent to the I / F control unit 140 via the data communication processing unit 133, and the print command is sent to the printer 101. The preview control unit 135 provides a preview function to the user using the preview document created by the preview document creation unit. Here, the preview function uses a preview document to display a print image via the information notification unit 143, obtains an instruction from the user via the input operation unit 142, switches the print image to be displayed, and performs printing. Refers to the function to continue or cancel printing.

<Printer driver operation>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram conceptually showing the printing system of FIG. 1 centering on the OS print support function and the printer driver in order to explain the embodiment of the printer driver according to the present invention. In FIG. 2, modules relating to the present invention are a user interface module 211 having a function of a print setting processing unit and a filter pipeline 207 having a function of a print command generation unit. Here, the filter pipeline 207 includes a layout filter 213, a preview filter 215, and a print command filter 217. The layout filter 213 has a function of performing layout processing on a page of XPS data. The preview filter 215 is a filter for providing a preview function. The print command filter 217 has a function of converting XPS data into a print command that can be interpreted by the printer.

  Here, the filter generally refers to a program having a function of outputting some data through processes such as processing, conversion, no conversion, and generation based on input data.

  In the printing system in FIG. 2, the print data of each page of the document created by the application 201 is temporarily stored in the XPS spool file 205 through the OS print support function 203. Then, the printer driver's filter pipeline 207 converts this into a print command interpretable by the printer, and supplies the print command to the printer 231 for printing.

  The user interface module 211 provides a function for setting a paper size, a printing direction, and other attributes generally used for printing. At the same time, the user interface module 211 in the present invention has a function of setting a preview for displaying a print image before starting a printing operation by a printer. The user interface module 211 returns to the application 201 print setting information in which setting values of a plurality of print setting items are stored. An example of the print setting dialog provided by the user interface module 211 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When printing the created document, the application 201 notifies the print support function 203 of the OS of the start and end of printing, and notifies the print setting information returned from the user interface module 211 to perform print settings. Or the drawing start or drawing end of each page of the document is notified. The OS print support function 203 stores the contents drawn by the application and the print setting information in the XPS spool file 205.

  The filter pipeline 207 includes one or more filters. When printing, the print setting information and the XPS part are read from the XPS spool file, converted into a print command interpretable by the printer, and supplied to the printer 231 for printing. It has a function to perform. Each filter is called from the OS print support function when despooling a spooled print job. The spooled XPS data is edited with the XPS data passing through each filter of the filter pipeline 207, or converted into a data format unique to the driver, and finally converted into a print command that can be interpreted by the printer. When all the XPS data of the print job has been processed, or when the print job has been canceled, each filter of the filter pipeline 207 ends its operation. The filter pipeline 207 in this embodiment includes a layout filter 213 that is a layout processing unit, a preview filter 215 that is a preview document creation unit, and a print command filter 217 that is a print command conversion unit.

  The layout filter 213 has a function of receiving XPS data stored in the XPS spool file 205, performing page layout processing based on print setting information, and outputting laid-out XPS data. However, if the layout setting is not set in the print setting information or the previewed flag is stored, the input XPS data is output as it is. The layout processing in this embodiment includes, for example, N-up printing that prints a plurality of pages on one sheet surface, poster printing that prints one page on a plurality of sheet surfaces, and the like.

  The preview filter 215 receives the output of the layout filter 213 and provides a preview function to the user based on the print setting information. However, when the preview setting of the print setting information is OFF or when a previewed flag is stored, the input XPS data is output as it is. When the preview setting flag is not stored in the print setting information and the preview setting is ON, the preview filter 215 stores the previewed flag in PT which is the FDS print setting information. Subsequently, the preview control module 219 is activated to prepare a preview XPS document 221. After storing the FDS in the preview XPS document 221, the preview filter 215 caches the input XPS part and stores it in the preview XPS document 221. If the print control notification is received from the preview control module 219 before processing the last input XPS part, the FDS and the cached XPS part are output, and the remaining XPS parts are acquired from the input and output as they are. . The preview filter 215 completes the preview XPS document 221 and ends the processing of each filter.

  The print command filter 217 receives the output of the preview filter 215, and has a function of converting XPS data into a print command interpretable by the printer and outputting the print command in accordance with the print setting information. When the print command filter 217 once converts input XPS data into image data, it is generally called a render filter. Render filters are often found in inexpensive raster printer printer drivers such as inkjet printers. When the print command filter 217 operates as a render filter, the input XPS data is once converted into image data. After that, the image data is converted into a print command that can be interpreted by a raster printer through image processing such as color space conversion and binarization. In a high-function printer represented by a page printer, if XPS is included in the types of print commands that can be interpreted by the printer, the print command filter 217 edits input XPS data and outputs XPS data. Needless to say, if the print command filter 217 does not need to process the input XPS data, the print command filter 217 does not have to be included in the printer driver.

  The printer 231 serving as an output device has a function of interpreting a print command generated by the filter pipeline 207 and forming a visible image on a print sheet. The example of the printing result illustrated on the printing paper 241 shows a case where the layout filter 213 performs 2-up processing.

  Here, the 2-up printing is to reduce the two pages stored in the XPS spool file 205 and print the pages arranged on the same sheet surface so that the user can easily see them. Similarly, if N pages are reduced and arranged on the same sheet surface, N-up printing is performed. Accordingly, the laid-out page created by the N-up layout process includes XML descriptions regarding the contents of a plurality of pages stored in the XPS spool file 205. For example, if the size of the XML description related to the contents of the page stored in the XPS spool file 205 is constant, the size of the XML description related to the contents of the page after the 2-up layout processing is approximately doubled. Similarly, the size of the XML description relating to the contents of the page after the N-up layout processing is about N times. Therefore, when the contents of the page stored in the XPS spool file 205 are complicated, the size of the XML description of the page contents increases, and the cost required for layout processing increases. Further, as the number of pages (N) arranged in N-up increases, the cost required for layout processing increases.

  The preview control module 219 has a function of reading the preview XPS document 221 and providing a preview to the user. The preview control module 219 provides a user interface for preview to the user, and displays a print image, switches a print image of a page to be displayed according to a user instruction, continues printing, or interrupts printing. If the user gives an instruction to start printing while the preview filter 215 is writing XPS data in the preview XPS document 221, the preview control module 219 notifies the preview filter 215 to continue printing and ends. If print cancel is instructed by the user while the preview filter 215 writes XPS data in the preview XPS document 221, the print job is canceled and the process ends. When the user is instructed to start printing after the preview XPS document 221 is completed, a new print job is created using the data of the preview XPS document 221 and the process ends. If printing cancellation is instructed by the user after the preview XPS document 221 is completed, the process ends. When the preview control module 219 ends, the preview XPS document 221 is deleted. The preview window provided by the preview control module 219 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Here, the case of performing 2-up printing with the preview setting ON will be described with reference to FIG. The application 201 uses the print setting function of the user interface module 211 via the OS print support function 203. As the print setting information, the preview setting is set to ON, and the layout setting is set to 2-up. The application 201 starts printing a document composed of a plurality of pages using the acquired print setting information. The print data and print setting information of the document of the application 201 are stored in the XPS spool file 205 via the OS print support function. When document pages start to be spooled in the XPS spool file 205, the OS print support function activates the filter pipeline 207. Since the layout filter 213 refers to the print setting information and the layout print setting is 2-up, the layout filter 213 performs page layout processing and outputs the page after layout. The preview filter 215 stores the previewed flag in the print setting information, stores the print setting and XPS data in the preview XPS document 221, and activates the preview control module 219. The preview control module 219 displays a print image using the preview XPS document 221 and provides a print function to the user.

  Here, if the document of the application 201 is composed of two pages, since 2-up is specified in the layout setting, the number of pages stored in the preview XPS document 221 is one page. Therefore, since the creation of the preview XPS document 221 has been completed, when the user instructs the preview control module 219 to start printing, a new print job is created and the contents of the preview XPS document 221 are stored as they are. When a new print job is printed again, the preview flag is stored in the print setting information, so that the layout filter 213 and the preview filter 215 output the input as it is. Subsequently, the input XPS data is converted into a print command interpretable by the printer by the print command filter 217. The printer 231 interprets the supplied print command and forms an image on the printing paper, and an output result 241 is obtained.

  Further, if the number of pages of the document of the application 201 is very large and the preview XPS document 221 is being created when the user instructs the preview control module 219 to start printing, the preview control module 219 sends a preview filter 215 to the preview filter 215. Notify that printing will continue. The preview filter 215 that is creating the preview XPS document 221 cancels the creation of the preview XPS document 221, outputs all the retained XPS parts, acquires the remaining XPS parts from the input, and outputs them. Subsequently, the print command filter 217 converts the input into a print command, which is interpreted by the printer 231 to obtain a print result 241.

  Thus, by not performing the layout processing that has been processed at the time of preview when the printing is continued, it is possible to eliminate the repeated execution of the same processing and to perform efficient printing processing.

  In addition, when the creation of the preview XPS document 221 is completed during the preview of a certain print job, the print processing of the print job can be temporarily ended, so the print processing of the subsequent print job existing in the print queue is started. Can do. Accordingly, it is possible to preview another print job while previewing a certain print job, and it is possible to generate a print command for another print job and drive the printer.

  In this embodiment, in order to facilitate understanding, the filter pipeline 207 is divided into filters for each function, and is configured by three filters. However, it goes without saying that these filter functions may be realized by a single filter.

  Further, in this embodiment, for easy understanding, each filter is described as handling an input and an output other than the print command in the XPS part. However, it goes without saying that the input / output in each filter may be in a format in which XPS data is handled as a stream.

<Print setting screen>
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a print setting dialog displayed when the print mode and various paper settings are performed in the present embodiment. In FIG. 3, the print setting dialog 301 includes display areas 302 to 311 and 320 to 331. Since there are a large number of items to be displayed in the print settings, it is common to use a tab sheet to divide the setting items according to the contents so that they are easy to see.

  FIG. 3 shows a display example when the basic setting tab 302 is selected. In the basic setting simple display area 320, not only character information but also information set in a form appealing to the eye is displayed. The paper type selection unit 322 displays the paper type and allows the user to select it. The paper type selection unit 322 is a drop-down menu that normally displays the type of paper that is selected, and displays a list of paper types that can be selected by clicking there. The types of paper that can be selected are papers that can be printed by a printer, and include, for example, glossy paper, coated paper, photo-only paper, postcards, New Year's card postcards, etc. in addition to the plain paper shown in the figure. A paper feed method selection unit 323 displays a paper feed method by which the printer body feeds paper, and allows the user to select a paper feed method. The user can select, for example, a paper feed tray or a paper feed cassette, which is an automatic paper feed port, or “manual paper feed” for manually feeding printing paper one by one by the paper feed method selection unit 323. The print quality selection unit 324 is an item for allowing the user to set the print quality. The color adjustment unit 325 is an item for allowing the user to adjust the printing color. The monochrome print setting unit 326 is a check box for making the print result grayscale even if the print document is in color. The preview print setting unit 327 is a check box for confirming how various print settings are reflected in the print document before actual printing by the printer. When the standard setting unit 331 is pressed, the setting of the basic setting 302 is returned to the standard (shipment setting).

  The user closes the print setting dialog 301 by pressing an OK button 308 after selecting each item, and can reflect the selected print setting in printing. When the cancel button 309 is pressed, the print setting dialog 301 is closed and the content of the selected setting item is discarded and is not reflected in printing. The apply button 310 can reflect the selected print setting on printing while the print setting dialog 301 remains open. A help button 311 can display an explanatory text regarding each setting item of the basic setting 302 in a separate window.

<Preview control module preview window>
FIG. 4 shows an example of a display screen (preview window) provided by the preview control module in the present embodiment. The print preview window 401 has both a display area for displaying a preview image and print settings of a print job and an input means for the user to change the display method of the preview image.

  The menu bar 402 allows the user to select a menu format for commands to the previewer such as display switching. The area in which the user operation units 403 to 406 are prepared is a toolbar, and the user can easily switch preview pages by pressing the toolbar 403 without using the menu bar 402. The page switching button 403 includes four buttons, and the preview display can be switched to the first page, the previous page, the next page, and the last page. Reference numeral 404 denotes a drop-down list for changing the display size of the preview image, and an entire display, 100% display, 200% display, or the like can be selected. With the print start button 405, when the user presses this button, the previewer is terminated, and the preview XPS document that has been previewed can be put into a printable state. With the print cancel button 406, the user presses this button to end the previewer, and the print job can be canceled if a preview XPS document is being created. The preview display area 407 uses the contents of the preview XPS file to display a print sheet and a visible image that will be formed on the print sheet as a print image. A display area 408 displays setting values of typical setting items related to print settings of a print job executing the preview function. In this figure, the total number of pages of the document is three pages, the page number currently displayed in the preview is two pages, the number of copies set in the print settings is one, and the same size printing is set. An example is shown.

  In the display screen illustrated in FIG. 4, a print job with print setting information whose preview setting is ON is spooled, the filter pipeline is activated by the OS print support function, and the preview filter activates the preview control module. Displayed at the moment.

<Print queue and preview>
Normally, since one document can be printed simultaneously by one printer, the OS has a logical queue for managing a plurality of print jobs for each printer. This is generally referred to as a print queue, and the processing state of the print job at the head of the queue is “printing” and becomes a processing target of the printer driver.

  FIG. 7 is an example of a conceptual diagram for explaining the relationship between the print queue and the print job preview in this embodiment. In the print job shown in FIG. 7, the print setting information in which the preview setting is ON for Job A and Job B is stored.

  FIG. 7A shows a state where three print jobs are stored in the print queue 701. Here, the processing state of the first Job A 715 is “printing”, and Job B 713 and Job C 711 are “standby”. Here, since the print setting information of Job A 715 is preview setting ON, a preview XPS document A 725 is created. When the preview XPS document A 725 is completed with the passage of time, Job A 715 is deleted from the print queue, and the state shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 7B, the preview based on the preview XPS document A 725 is being executed. The print status of JobB 713 corresponding to the first print job in the print queue is “printing”. Since the preview setting is ON for Job B 713, a preview XPS document B 723 is created. At this time, the preview based on the preview XPS document A 725 and the preview based on the preview XPS document B 723 are simultaneously performed. This is useful when a preview function for a plurality of print jobs is provided for a single user, or when a preview function is provided for a plurality of users simultaneously. When the preview XPS document B 723 is completed with the passage of time, Job B 713 is deleted from the print queue, and the state shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 7C, the preview based on the preview XPS document A 725 and the preview based on the preview document B 723 are being executed simultaneously. The print state of Job C711 corresponding to the first print job in the print queue is “printing”. Since the job C 711 is in the preview setting OFF, the preview is not executed, a print command that can be interpreted by the printer is generated by the filter pipeline, and an image is formed on the printing paper by the printer. In general, the print processing speed of the printer is slow, and the time for the application to print the document and spool the print data is shorter. Here, it is assumed that, while the contents of JobC 711 are being printed by the printer, the user gives an instruction to start printing in the preview based on the preview XPS document A 725. In this case, the preview control module creates a new print job in the queue and stores the contents of the preview XPS document A 725 in the XPS spool file 205. This state is shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 7 (4), the preview based on the preview document B723 is being executed. The print status of Job C 711 corresponding to the print job at the head of the print queue is “printing”, and the printing process by the printer is continued from FIG. 7 (3). Here, the processing state of Job A '735, which is a print job newly created to continue printing the preview XPS document A 725, is "waiting". When the job C711 print processing ends with the passage of time, the state shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 7 (5), the preview based on the preview document B723 is being executed. The processing state of Job A ′ 735 corresponding to the first print job in the print queue is “printing”. It is determined that Job A '735 is a previewed print job because the previewed flag is stored in the print setting as described above. Therefore, no preview is executed for Job A '735, a print command that can be interpreted by the printer is generated by the filter pipeline, and an image is formed on the printing paper by the printer. When the print processing of Job A '735 ends with the passage of time, Job A' 735 is deleted from the print queue, and the state shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 7 (6), the preview based on the preview document B 723 is being executed. There is no print job stored in the print queue.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a plurality of previews at the same time, or to actually print a print job in the print queue while providing the preview function.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the newly created print job is stored at the end of the print queue so as not to depart from the concept of queue. However, depending on the OS print support function, a new print job may be stored in the print queue. That is, when a new print job is stored in the print queue, it may be stored before the existing print job. If the position in the print queue where the new print job is stored is free, the preview control module can select the optimum position and store the new print job. For example, since the print job stored in the print queue is an XPS document, the processing time for each print job to be printed by the printer can be estimated by acquiring the total number of pages and the job size. Therefore, when adding a new print job, a position that minimizes the estimated average waiting time when all the print jobs stored in the print queue are printed may be selected. Further, a user interface may be provided so that the user can select a position in the print queue for storing a new print job. As described above, since the advantage of the present invention is not inhibited, the position in the queue for storing the new print job may be arbitrary.

<PrintTicket and previewed flag>
The previewed flag stored in the PT will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, PT is a print setting described in the XML format. Therefore, since it can be expressed in text, it can be visually described as shown in FIG.

  PT in FIG. 6A represents an example of a print setting in which 2-up is specified as a layout setting. The standard description content of PT is defined by a schema called PrintSchema, and there are setting items related to N-up. Note that PrintSchema is a publicly available specification. The PT includes JobNUpAllDocumentsContiguously that affects the FDS as an N-up setting, and DocumentNUp that affects the FD. These are defined by PrintSchema, and it is necessary for the printer driver to handle these two print settings exclusively. However, which setting is given priority depends on the printer driver. Here, 2-up is specified for both print settings so that either setting may be prioritized.

  Although there are many other setting items in the print setting, only the N-up related to the present embodiment has been described. Some setting items affect not only FDS and FD but also FP.

  FIG. 6B shows an example of a PT in which the previewed flag described above is stored in the PT of FIG. Since the previewed flag stored in the PT is unique information not defined by PrintSchema, it is necessary to add a private name space. In FIG. 6B, the private namespace prefix is “ns0000”. The previewed flag to be stored is expressed as a Property value by using the PrintSchema framework. Here, “ns0000: PreviewFilterProcess” is described as the name attribute of Property. In addition, by describing a string value “Done” as a value, a previewed flag is expressed. If “ns0000: PreviewFilterProcess” does not exist in the PT, or if “ns0000: PreviewFilterProcess” exists and the value is other than “Done”, it can be determined that the preview is not performed.

  In FIG. 6, the property of the framework is used to store the previewed flag, but it goes without saying that Feature / Option may be used in addition to this. Also, a private name space indicating the previewed flag may be prepared, and the previewed flag may be expressed by the presence or absence of the name space. Since PT is described in XML, the previewed flag may be stored in any other representation as long as it conforms to PrintSchema.

<Reference PrintTicket acquisition process>
To obtain print setting information in each filter of the filter pipeline, it is necessary to merge XPS PTs as described above. Each part of an XPS document can have a PT, but it can also have no PT. Even if the XPS part has a PT, only N-up information is described as in the PT illustrated in FIG. 6A, and there is a possibility that the PT is an incomplete PT. Accordingly, when acquiring the PT of the FDS, a merge process with the PT of the default print setting of the user is necessary. Here, all setting items that can be handled by the printer driver are stored in the default print setting PT. Accordingly, the merged PT also includes all print setting items.

  FIG. 9 is an example of a flowchart of processing for acquiring the reference PT by merging the PT of the FDS and the PT of the user default print setting. The program according to the flowchart of FIG. 9 is stored in the hard disk of the storage unit 144 of the data processing device, read out to the RAM of the storage unit 144 as appropriate, and executed by the CPU of the central control unit 141.

  First, in step S201, a default PT storing the user's default print settings is acquired. In step S203, the FDS of the XPS document is acquired. In step S205, the FDS PT is acquired. In S207, it is determined whether or not the FDS PT has been acquired. If it has been acquired, the process proceeds to S211; otherwise, the process proceeds to S209. In step S211, the PT obtained by merging the acquired FDS PT and the default PT is set as a reference PT, and the process ends. In S209, since there is no PT in the FDS, the default PT is set as the reference PT and the process ends.

Here, all the print setting items indicate at least all the setting items that can be set by the application, and the setting items inside the printer driver such as the previewed flag are not included in this.
In this way, the reference PT including all the setting items that can be handled by the printer driver can be acquired.

<Layout filter processing>
The layout filter process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is an example of a flowchart showing the layout filter processing. The program according to the flowchart of FIG. 8 is stored in the hard disk of the storage unit 144 of the data processing device, read out to the RAM of the storage unit 144 as appropriate, and executed by the CPU of the central control unit 141.

  First, in step S101, a reference PT is acquired as described above. Subsequently, in S103, it is determined whether the previewed flag is stored in the reference PT. If stored, the process proceeds to S121, and if not stored, the process proceeds to S105.

  In S105, an FD is acquired, and in S107, a PT is acquired from the FD. In S109, it is determined whether the PT of the FD has been acquired. If it can be acquired, the process proceeds to S111. If it cannot be acquired, the process proceeds to S113. In S111, the PT of the FD that can be acquired is merged into the reference PT. In the next S113, it is determined whether or not the layout is set in the reference PT print setting information. If the layout is set, the process proceeds to S141. If the layout is not set, the process proceeds to S131.

  From S131 to S135, the input XPS data is only output to the preview filter without performing layout processing. In step S131, the acquired FDS is output to the preview filter. In step S133, the acquired FD is output to the preview filter. In step S135, the remaining XPS parts are acquired from the input and output to the preview filter.

  In steps S141 to S145, the input XPS data is subjected to layout processing and output to the preview filter. In S141, the acquired FDS is output to the preview filter, and in S143, the acquired FD is output to the preview filter. In step S145, the remaining XPS parts are sequentially acquired from the input, and a FP having been subjected to FP layout processing is created and output to the preview filter. As described above, since the layout setting stored in the PT has an effect on the FDS and an effect on the FD, the FD is also output to the preview filter as necessary. The newly created layout FP is transmitted to the preview filter as described above, and all FPs are output to the preview filter.

  In S121 and S123, the layout process is not performed because the layout process has already been performed for the previewed print job. In S121, the input FDS is output to the preview filter. In step S123, the remaining XPS parts are sequentially acquired from the input, output to the preview filter, and the process ends. As a result, the output XPS data is transmitted to the next filter (preview filter).

  By referring to the previewed flag stored in the PT in this way, it is possible to prevent the same layout process from being repeated after the preview.

<Preview filter processing>
The preview filter process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is an example of a flowchart showing preview filter processing. The program according to the flowchart of FIG. 10 is stored in the hard disk of the storage unit 144 of the data processing device, read out to the RAM of the storage unit 144 as appropriate, and executed by the CPU of the central control unit 141.

  First, as described above in S401, a reference PT is acquired. Subsequently, in S403, it is determined whether the previewed flag is stored in the reference PT. If stored, the process proceeds to S441, and if not stored, the process proceeds to S405.

  In S405, it is determined whether or not the preview setting of the reference PT print setting information is ON. If not, the process proceeds to S441, and if it is ON, the process proceeds to S411.

  Steps S411 to S425 are processes for creating a preview XPS document. In S411, if the acquired FDS does not have a PT, the PT is added to the FDS. In the subsequent S413, the previewed flag is stored in the PT of the FDS. In subsequent S415, the preview control module is activated. In subsequent S417, a preview XPS document is created and the acquired FDS is added. The preview XPS document is an XPS document in which a previewed flag is added to a layout-processed XPS document. In subsequent S421, the next XPS part is acquired from the input, and the acquired XPS part is cached and added to the preview XPS document. In S423, it is determined whether the acquired XPS part is final. If it is final, the process proceeds to S451. If not, the process proceeds to S425. If the acquired XPS part is final, no XPS data is output, and in S451, the end of the operation is notified to each filter of the filter pipeline, and processing is performed so that the print job is deleted from the print queue. In S425, it is determined whether or not there is a print continuation notification from the preview control module. If there is no notification, the process proceeds to S421, and the creation of the preview XPS document is continued.

  Steps S431 to S435 are processing performed when the user gives an instruction to start printing while the preview XPS document is being created. In step S431, the acquired FDS is output to the print command filter. In step S433, the cached XPS parts are sequentially transmitted to the print command filter. In subsequent S435, the remaining XPS parts are sequentially obtained from the input, output to the print command filter, and the process ends.

  In S441 and S443, since the preview processing has already been performed for the previewed print job, the preview processing is not performed. In step S441, the input FDS is output to the print command filter. In step S443, the remaining XPS parts are sequentially acquired from the input, output to the print command filter, and the process ends. As a result, the output XPS data is transmitted to the next filter (print command filter).

  In this example, the XPS part of the input is cached while the preview XPS document is being created, and XPS is output from the cache to the print command filter when there is a print continuation notification during creation. Also good. When the XPS part is not cached, it is obvious that the XPS part may be read from the preview XPS document being created and output to the print command filter.

  By doing so, it is possible to store the previewed flag in the preview XPS file. Further, even when a preview XPS file is being created, XPS data can be output to create a print command in response to a print start instruction. Further, it is possible to suppress previewing again of the XPS data that has been previewed.

<Processing of preview control module>
Processing of the preview control module will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is an example of a flowchart showing processing of the preview control module.

  First, in S351, the preview window described above is displayed. The program according to the flowchart of FIG. 11 is stored in the hard disk of the storage unit 144 of the data processing device, is read out to the RAM of the storage unit 144 as appropriate, and is executed by the CPU of the central control unit 141.

  An event processing loop is performed from S301 to S311. S301 is a start end of the event processing loop. In S303, an event is acquired. In S305, it is determined whether the event is a print start (print instruction). If the event is printing start, the process proceeds to S321, and if printing is not started, the process proceeds to S307. In S307, it is determined whether or not the event is print cancellation. If the print is canceled, the process proceeds to S331. If the print is not canceled, the process proceeds to S309. In step S309, processing for events other than printing start and printing cancellation is performed. For example, as described above with reference to FIG. 4, if the event generated through the preview window is a display page change, the contents of the preview display area of the preview window are redrawn. In addition, when processing a timer event, the display of the number of spooled pages can be changed. As described above, various processes are performed in S309. Subsequent S311 is the end of the event processing loop, and the process returns to S301.

  S321 to S325 are printing start processing. In S321, it is determined whether the preview XPS document is being created by the preview filter. If it is being created, the process proceeds to S325, and if the creation is completed, the process proceeds to S323. In S325, since the print job having the previewed content remains in the print queue, the print processing is notified to the preview filter, and then the process proceeds to S341. In S323, since the print job has already been deleted from the print queue, a new print job is created in the queue, the contents of the preview XPS document are input, and the XPS document of the new print job is output to the spool file. Then, the process proceeds to S341.

  Here, a print job creation procedure by the preview control module will be described. First, the addition of a print job is notified to the OS, and the path of the XPS spool file 205 is acquired from the OS. Next, the contents of the preview XPS document corresponding to the print job are copied to the XPS spool file 205. Next, a request is made to schedule a print job added to the OS.

S331 and S333 are print cancel processing. In S331, it is determined whether the preview XPS document is being created by the preview filter. If it is being created, the process proceeds to S333, and if the creation is completed, the process proceeds to S341. In step S333, since the print job having the previewed content remains in the print queue, the print job is canceled. If the creation of the XPS document for preview has been completed, the print job having the previewed content does not exist in the print queue, so that the print job need not be canceled.
In step S341, the preview XPS document is deleted and the process ends.

  In this way, when there is a print job being previewed, printing by the printer can be started immediately following the user's print start instruction. Since each original print job has a preview XPS document, a plurality of preview functions can be provided simultaneously.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) Since the same layout process is performed only once even if the print start is instructed from the previewer, the load on the computer is reduced.
(2) If the creation of the preview XPS document is completed, the subsequent print job in the print queue can be processed even during the preview.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, when actual printing is performed after print preview, the actual printing can be continued using the layout-processed preview XPS document created during the print preview as it is. As a result, during the actual printing, only the remaining necessary processing needs to be performed on the layout-processed preview XPS document. Therefore, the layout processing is performed repeatedly during the print preview and the actual printing. Disappears.

  On the other hand, in order to improve the usability for the purpose of checking the print contents in advance and preventing print mistakes before displaying the print preview, a technology has been provided that displays the preview after processing the display contents. Yes. The above-described CD-R area display function and the like correspond to this, and processing such as addition of a boundary line and density adjustment for identifying the inside and outside of the CD-R area is performed on the print image generated for print preview. The function is realized by displaying the printed image after processing. In the case of a printer driver that handles XPS documents, in order to realize the CD-R area display function, the preview control module processes the print image of each page in the preview XPS document.

  For this reason, when the CD-R area display function is realized under the configuration of the first embodiment, actual printing is continued using the processed preview XPS document as it is. There is also a problem that the CD-R region display is performed on the result of the above.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, when the preview control module processes the print image of each page in the preview XPS document when performing the preview display, the print image of each page is returned to the state before the process and actual printing is performed. Configure to continue.

  Note that description of portions common to the first embodiment, for example, FIGS. 1 and 2 is omitted. However, the process of FIG. 11 is unique to the first embodiment, and in this embodiment, the process of FIG. 15 is executed instead of FIG.

  Specifically, when the preview control module 219 is activated by the preview filter 215, the preview control module 219 reads the preview XPS document 221 and performs a preview display process to be described later on a page to be previewed (for example, the first page). The preview control module 219 also performs preview display processing when switching pages to be displayed in accordance with user instructions.

  Furthermore, when the preview control module 219 receives a print start instruction from the user after the preview XPS document 221 is completed, the preview control module 219 performs a preview XPS document reset process, which will be described later, and then the data of the preview XPS document 221. Create a new print job using, and end.

<Preview display processing>
Next, an overview of the preview display process performed by the preview control module 219 in the present embodiment will be described.

  First, the preview control module 219 acquires print setting information (PT) of a page to be previewed from the preview XPS document.

  Subsequently, the preview control module 219 determines whether the print setting of the page to be previewed is CD-R printing with reference to the acquired PT, and if CD-R printing has been set, The print image is processed for displaying the CD-R area. Specifically, for example, a drawing command for drawing a line at the boundary between a portion corresponding to the inside of the CD-R and a portion corresponding to the outside, or drawing for reducing the density of an image located outside the CD-R Add instructions to the FP.

  Subsequently, the preview control module 219 displays the processed print image as a print preview.

<Preview XPS document reset processing>
Next, an outline of the preview XPS document reset process performed by the preview control module 219 in the present embodiment will be described.

  First, the preview control module 219 acquires each FP from the preview XPS document.

  Subsequently, the preview control module 219 determines whether or not a drawing command added for displaying the CD-R area is present in the FP, and there is a drawing command added for displaying the CD-R area. In this case, the drawing command is deleted.

<Example of print preview screen including CD-R area display>
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a print preview screen 1200 on which a CD-R area display is performed, among the print preview screens provided by the preview control module 219 in the present embodiment.

In FIG. 12, “1201” indicates a boundary between a portion corresponding to the inside of the CD-R and a portion corresponding to the outside.
“1202” indicates a region of the print image that is output inside the CD-R.
“1203” indicates a region of the print image that is output outside the CD-R by displaying the print image at a reduced density.

<Example of FixedPage for displaying CD-R area>
Next, a drawing command added by the preview control module 219 in this embodiment for displaying a CD-R area will be described with reference to FIG.

  As described above, the FP describes the document content of one page in the XML format. Therefore, since it can be expressed in text, it can be visually described as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 13A shows an example of the FP included in the preview XPS document 221 stored by the preview filter 215 through the layout processing by the layout filter 213.

FIG. 13B shows an example of an FP in which a drawing command is added to display a CD-R area on the FP print image shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 13B, attribute information belonging to the private name space is added to each drawing command so that the drawing command added by the preview control module 219 can be identified. Specifically, in the root element of the FixedPage, a private namespace whose prefix is “ns0000” is declared, and “ns0000: owner” attribute belonging to the namespace is defined as attribute information of each drawing command. “Previewer” is specified as the attribute value. This makes it possible to identify that the creator of the drawing command is the preview control module 219.
Note that the method for identifying the drawing command is not limited to the above.

<Example of PrintTicket with CD-R print settings>
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a PT for which CD-R print settings are made.
The standard description content of PT is defined by a schema called PrintSchema, and setting items related to “paper type”, “paper feeding method”, and “paper size” are also defined.

  In PrintSchema, a “psf: Feature” element whose “name” attribute value is “psf: PageMediaType” is defined as “paper type”.

  In the example of FIG. 14, by specifying “ns0000: Disc” as the value of the “name” attribute of the “psf: Option” element that is a child element of the “psf: Feature” element, it is handled as the CD-R media setting. It is shown that.

<Processing of preview control module>
FIG. 15 is an example of a flowchart showing processing of the preview control module 219 in the present embodiment. In the same figure, the same step number is shown for the same process as FIG. 11 shown in 1st Embodiment, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In step S501, although details will be described later, the preview control module 219 displays a print preview of the page to be displayed (for example, the first page) by the preview display process.

  In step S502, the preview control module 219 determines whether the event acquired in step S303 is switching of a page to be previewed.

  As a result of this determination, if it is determined that the event acquired in S303 is switching of the page to be previewed, the process proceeds to step S503. Otherwise, if the preview control module 219 determines that this is not the case, the process proceeds to step S309.

  In step S503, the preview control module 219 displays a print preview of the page specified by the user at the event acquired in step S303 by the preview display process.

  In step S504, although details will be described later, the preview control module 219 returns the preview XPS document 221 to the original state by the preview XPS document reset processing.

<Example of preview display processing flow>
FIG. 16 is a detailed processing example of the preview display processing in step S501 and step S503 shown in FIG.

  In addition, S601-S607 shows each step. Each step is realized by the CPU of the data processing apparatus 102 loading a control program from an external storage device or the like to the memory and executing it.

  First, in step S601, although details will be described later, the preview control module 219 acquires print setting information (PT) of a page on which preview display is performed by the FixedPage processing PrintTicket acquisition processing.

  Next, in step S602, the preview control module 219 refers to the PT acquired in step S601 and acquires the setting content of the paper type. Specifically, a “Feature” element having a “name” attribute value “psf: PageMediaType” is searched, and the contents of the “psf: Option” element that is a child element thereof are acquired.

  Next, in step S603, the preview control module 219 refers to the “psf: Option” element acquired in step S602, and determines whether or not the paper type setting is the CD-R setting. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the value of the “name” attribute of the “psf: Option” element is “ns0000: Disc”.

  As a result of the determination, if it is determined that the paper type setting is the CD-R setting, the process proceeds to step S604. On the other hand, if the preview control module 219 determines otherwise, the process proceeds to step S607.

  In step S604, the preview control module 219 refers to the FP of the page on which preview display is performed, and determines whether or not a drawing command for CD-R highlighting has already been added to the FP.

  As a result of the determination, if it is determined that the drawing command for displaying the CD-R area has already been added to the FP, the process proceeds to step S605. On the other hand, if the preview control module 219 determines otherwise, the process proceeds to step S607.

  In step S605, the preview control module 219 adds a drawing command for displaying the CD-R area (drawing command unique to the preview display) to the FP of the page.

  Next, in step S606, the preview control module 219 adds a flag for identifying that the creator of the drawing command is the preview control module 219 to the drawing command added in step S605.

  In step S607, the preview control module 219 performs a preview display using the FP of the page, and ends this process.

  Note that the example of the drawing command for displaying the area of the CD-R media has been described, but the present invention can also be applied to a drawing command for displaying a grid (line) or a scale. In addition, the present invention can be applied to a drawing command for displaying an area to be printed on a medium in an enlarged document image during borderless printing of the document image.

<An example of a preview XPS document reset processing flow>
FIG. 17 is a detailed processing example of the preview XPS document reset processing in step S504 shown in FIG.

  In addition, S801-S804 shows each step. Each step is realized by the CPU of the data processing apparatus 102 loading a control program from an external storage device or the like to the memory and executing it.

  Steps S <b> 801 to S <b> 804 are a page processing loop for processing each page included in the preview XPS document 221.

  Step S801 is the start end of the page processing loop, and the processing in subsequent steps S802 to S803 is sequentially performed from the first page FP included in the preview XPS document 221.

  Next, in step S802, the preview control module 219 determines whether or not a drawing command added for displaying the CD-R area exists in the FP of the page.

  As a result of the determination, if it is determined that the drawing command added for displaying the CD-R area exists in the FP of the page, the process proceeds to step S803. On the other hand, if the preview control module 219 determines otherwise, the process advances to step S804.

  In step S803, the preview control module 219 deletes the drawing command for displaying the CD-R area existing in the FP of the page.

  Step S804 is the end of the page processing loop, and the process of returning to step S801 is repeated until the processing is completed for the FP of the last page included in the preview XPS document 221. On the other hand, when the process is completed for the FP of the last page, this process ends.

<Example of PrintTicket Acquisition Processing Flow for FixedPage Processing>
FIG. 18 is a detailed processing example of the FixedPage processing PrintTicket acquisition processing in step S601 shown in FIG.

  S701 to S713 indicate each step. Each step is realized by the CPU of the data processing apparatus 102 loading a control program from an external storage device or the like to the memory and executing it.

  First, in step S701, the preview control module 219 acquires a default PT that stores a user's default print settings. The default PT acquired in this step is set as a temporary FP processing PT.

  Next, in step S <b> 702, the preview control module 219 acquires the FDS from the preview XPS document 221.

  Next, in step S703, the preview control module 219 acquires the PT associated with the FDS acquired in step S702.

  Next, in step S704, the preview control module 219 determines whether or not the PT associated with the FDS has been acquired in step S703.

  As a result of the determination, if it is determined that the PT associated with the FDS has been acquired, the process proceeds to step S705. Otherwise, if the preview control module 219 determines that it is not, the process proceeds to step S706.

  In step S705, the preview control module 219 merges the PT associated with the FDS acquired in step S703 with the provisional FP processing PT. The PT merged in this step is set as a temporary FP processing PT.

  In step S706, the preview control module 219 obtains the FD to which the page to be previewed belongs from the preview XPS document 221.

  Next, in step S707, the preview control module 219 acquires the PT associated with the FD acquired in step S706.

  Next, in step S708, the preview control module 219 determines whether or not the PT associated with the FD has been acquired in step S707.

  As a result of the determination, if it is determined that the PT associated with the FD has been acquired, the process proceeds to step S709. Otherwise, if the preview control module 219 determines that this is not the case, the process proceeds to step S710.

  In step S709, the preview control module 219 merges the PT associated with the FD acquired in step S707 with the provisional FP processing PT. The PT merged in this step is set as a temporary FP processing PT.

  In step S710, the preview control module 219 acquires the FP of the page to be previewed from the preview XPS document 221.

  Next, in step S711, the preview control module 219 acquires the PT associated with the FP acquired in step S710.

  Next, in step S712, the preview control module 219 determines whether or not the PT associated with the FP has been acquired in step S711.

  As a result of this determination, if it is determined that the PT associated with the FP has been acquired, the process proceeds to step S713. If the preview control module 219 determines otherwise, the provisional FP processing PT is determined as the final FP processing PT, and this processing ends.

  In step S713, the preview control module 219 merges the PT associated with the FP acquired in step S711 with the provisional FP processing PT, and the merged PT is the final FP processing PT. The process is terminated.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, even when the print image of each page in the preview XPS document is processed when the preview control module performs the preview display, the preview XPS document is displayed after the print preview. The actual printing process can be continued using this.

  As a result, the conventional CD-R area display function can be realized while the effect of the first embodiment in which the layout process is not duplicated between the print preview and the actual print can be obtained. Can do.

  Therefore, when printing on CD-R media, the user can accurately confirm in advance the contents printed on the CD-R, thereby preventing the dedicated tray set in the printing apparatus from becoming dirty. This makes it possible to provide a more convenient print preview function.

[Third Embodiment]
In the second embodiment, when the preview control module processes the print image of each page in the preview XPS document for preview display,
The configuration is such that actual printing can be continued after returning the print image of each page to the state before processing. As a result, while implementing the CD-R area display function that has been provided conventionally, the layout process is not duplicated during print preview and actual printing.

  In this embodiment, when the preview control module processes the print image of each page in the preview XPS document for preview display, the preview control module does not return the print image of each page to the state before processing. Configure to continue printing.

  Note that description of portions common to the second embodiment, for example, FIGS. 1 and 2 is omitted. However, the process of FIG. 15 is specific to the second embodiment, and in this embodiment, the process of FIG. 19 is executed instead of FIG. Moreover, the process of FIG. 17 is peculiar to 2nd Embodiment, and the process of FIG. 17 is not performed in this embodiment.

  Specifically, when the preview control module 219 receives a print start instruction from the user after the preview XPS document 221 is completed, the preview control module 219 performs the preview without performing the preview XPS document reset processing in the second embodiment. A new print job is created using the data of the XPS document 221 and the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the print command filter 217 receives the XPS data output from the preview filter 215 as an input, the print command filter 217 converts the XPS data into a print command interpretable by the printer and outputs the print command according to a print command filter process described later.

<Processing of preview control module>
FIG. 19 is an example of a flowchart showing processing of the preview control module 219 in the present embodiment. This figure omits only the process of step S504 from the process of FIG. 15 shown in the second embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

<Example of print command filter processing flow>
FIG. 20 is an example of a flowchart showing processing of the print command filter 217 in the present embodiment.

  In addition, S901-S911 show each step. Each step is realized by the CPU of the data processing apparatus 102 loading a control program from an external storage device or the like to the memory and executing it.

  Steps S901 to S911 are a document processing loop for processing each document included in the XPS data.

  Step S901 is the starting end of the document processing loop, and the subsequent steps S902 to S910 are sequentially performed from the FD of the first document included in the XPS data.

  Steps S902 to S910 are a page processing loop for processing each page included in the FD.

  Step S902 is the start end of the page processing loop, and the processing in subsequent steps S903 to S909 is sequentially performed from the FP of the first page included in the FD.

  In step S903, the print command filter 217 acquires the print setting information (PT) of the page by the FixedPage processing PrintTicket acquisition processing.

  Steps S904 to S908 are a drawing command processing loop for processing each drawing command included in the FP of the page.

  Step S904 is a start end of a drawing command processing loop, and the processing of subsequent steps S905 to S907 is performed in order from the first drawing command included in the FP.

  In step S905, the print command filter 217 acquires a drawing command included in the FP.

  Next, in step S906, the print command filter 217 determines whether the drawing command acquired in step S905 is a drawing command stored by the preview control module in order to perform preview display. Specifically, in the FixedPage root element, whether or not a private name space whose prefix is “ns0000” is declared, and the “ns0000: owner” attribute belonging to the name space is included as attribute information of the rendering command. It is determined whether or not “Previewer” is specified as the attribute value.

  As a result of the determination, if it is determined that the drawing command is stored by the preview control module, the process proceeds to step S908. If the print command filter 217 determines that this is not the case (a drawing command other than the drawing command unique to the preview display), the process advances to step S907.

  In step S907, the print command filter 217 converts the drawing command acquired in step S905 into a print command that can be interpreted by the printer.

  Step S908 is the end of the drawing command processing loop, and the process of returning to step S904 is repeated until the processing for the final drawing command included in the FP is completed. On the other hand, if the processing for the final drawing command has been completed, the process proceeds to step S909.

  In step S909, the print command filter 217 outputs the print command converted in step S907.

  Step S910 is the end of the page processing loop, and the process of returning to step S902 is repeated until the processing is completed for the FP of the last page included in the FD. On the other hand, if the processing for the last page FP is completed, the process advances to step S911.

  Step S911 is the end of the document processing loop, and the process of returning to step S901 is repeated until the processing is completed for the FD of the final document included in the XPS data. On the other hand, when the process is completed for the FD of the final document, the process ends.

[Fourth Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, when actual printing is performed after print preview, the actual printing can be continued using the layout-processed preview XPS document created during the print preview as it is. As a result, during the actual printing, only the remaining necessary processing needs to be performed on the layout-processed preview XPS document. Therefore, the layout processing is performed repeatedly during the print preview and the actual printing. Disappears.

  Here, there has been conventionally provided a technique for accepting a change in print settings on the spot during display of a print preview and executing print processing in accordance with the changed print settings. In the prior art, since a print image for actual printing is generated again from the beginning at the time of actual printing after print preview, printing processing can be performed according to print settings changed during print preview.

  On the other hand, there is a problem when a change in print settings is received on the spot while the print preview is displayed under the configuration of the first embodiment.

  Specifically, in the first embodiment, actual printing is continued using the layout-processed preview XPS document created at the time of print preview as it is. Depending on the contents of the print settings changed during the print preview, There is a discrepancy between the processed layout and the changed print settings. For example, a preview XPS document obtained by performing layout processing for 2-in-1 layout printing on A4 paper is displayed in print preview, and the output paper setting is changed from A4 to B5 during preview display. It is done. The user naturally expects 2-in-1 layout printing that fits the size of B5 paper as the actual printing result, but if the actual printing is continued using the preview XPS document as it is according to the configuration of the first embodiment. , Layout of 2-in-1 layout printing that fits the size of A4 paper. For this reason, print images do not fit on B5 paper, which is different in size and aspect ratio from A4 paper, causing print defects, or even if the document itself fits within B5 paper, the layout position is biased to one side. For example, a desired print result cannot be obtained.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, in providing the print setting change function during print preview display under the configuration of the first embodiment, the print processing (for example, layout processing) already performed on the preview XPS document is affected. It is configured to accept a change in print settings within a range not given.

  Note that description of portions common to the first embodiment, for example, FIGS. 1 and 2 is omitted. However, the process of FIG. 11 is unique to the first embodiment, and in this embodiment, the process of FIG. 25 is executed instead of FIG.

  Specifically, the layout filter 213 performs a page layout process based on the print setting information, and then performs a processed flag storage process to be described later.

  On the other hand, when activated by the preview filter 215, the preview control module 219 reads the preview XPS document 221 and performs a settable value list display process to be described later for the page to be previewed (for example, the first page). The preview control module 219 similarly performs a settable value list display process when switching pages to be displayed in accordance with a user instruction.

  Further, when the preview control module 219 receives a change in print settings in response to a user instruction, the preview control module 219 performs print setting update processing described later.

<Processed flag storage process>
Next, details of the processed flag storage process performed by the layout filter 213 in the present embodiment will be described.

  First, the layout filter 213 stores a processed flag for the layout processing actually performed based on the print setting information for the PT acquired by the reference PrintTicket acquisition processing. Specifically, for example, if a 2-in-1 layout printing process is performed with reference to a “psf: Feature” element in which the value of the “name” attribute is “psf: JobNupAllDocumentsContiguously”, in the root element of the PT, Declare a private namespace whose prefix is “ns0000”. Then, an “ns0000: layoutfilter process” attribute belonging to the name space is defined as attribute information of the “psf: Feature” element, and “done” is designated as an attribute value. As a result, the layout filter 213 can identify that 2in1 layout printing has been processed.

  Subsequently, the layout filter 213 stores a processed flag similar to the above for the print setting that is a precondition when the processed layout processing is performed. Specifically, for example, if the layout position and size are determined based on the paper setting when performing the 2-in-1 layout printing process, the element corresponding to the paper setting, that is, the value of the “name” attribute is “psf”. The attribute information similar to the above is added to the “psf: Feature” element that becomes “: PageMediaSize”. This makes it possible to identify that the layout filter 213 has performed layout processing based on the paper settings.

<Settable value list display processing>
Next, an outline of the settable value list display process performed by the preview control module 219 in the present embodiment will be described.

  First, the preview control module 219 acquires print setting information (PT) of a page to be previewed from the preview XPS document.

  Subsequently, the preview control module 219 refers to the acquired PT, and determines whether or not the layout filter 213 has performed layout processing based on the print setting for accepting the setting change. Here, when layout processing has been performed based on the print setting, the setting change of the print setting is not accepted. On the other hand, when the layout processing has not been performed based on the print setting, options that can be changed based on the PrintCapabilities (hereinafter referred to as PC) acquired using the acquired PT are determined, and a list of the options is determined. Is displayed on the preview screen. Note that PrintCapabilities describes the capability information of the printer and printer driver, specifically, information on settable setting values in the XML format when performing print settings using the PT. Like the PT, PrintCapabilities is defined by a schema called PrintSchema.

<Example of PrintTicket after processed flag storage processing>
FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a PT after the layout filter 213 according to the present embodiment has finished the processed flag storage process.

  FIG. 21A shows an example of PT for which normal printing is set. In the example of FIG. 21A, since layout printing has not been set, the layout filter 213 does not perform layout processing for layout printing. Therefore, the processed flag is not added to the element corresponding to the layout printing, that is, the “psf: Feature” element in which the value of the “name” attribute is “psf: JobNupAllDocumentsContiguously”. Similarly, the processed flag is not added to the paper setting.

  FIG. 21B shows an example of PT for which 2-in-1 setting is performed as layout printing. In the example of FIG. 21B, since layout in 2in1 is set as layout printing, layout processing of layout printing is performed by the layout filter 213. Therefore, the processed flag is added to the element corresponding to the layout printing, that is, the “psf: Feature” element whose “name” attribute value is “psf: JobNupAllDocumentsContiguously”. Similarly, since the processed flag is added to the paper setting, it is indicated that the layout has been determined based on the paper setting when the 2-in-1 layout printing is processed.

<Example of PrintCapabilities>
FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of a PC that is acquired when the preview control module 219 according to the present embodiment determines a setting option that can be set when accepting a print setting change. In the example of FIG. 22, there are a plurality of “psf: Option” elements as child elements of the “psf: Feature” element in which the value of the “name” attribute corresponding to the paper setting is “psf: PageMediaSize”. As a result, the paper supported by the printer 231 can be identified. Furthermore, a “constrained” attribute is defined as attribute information of the “psf: Option” element. The “constrained” attribute indicates whether the paper represented by the “psf: Option” element is currently selectable. Specifically, when the attribute value is “psk: None”, it indicates that the sheet represented by the “psf: Option” element is currently selectable. On the other hand, when the attribute value is “psk: PrintTicketSettings”, it indicates that the sheet represented by the “psf: Option” element is currently not selectable. The example of FIG. 22 shows that the printer 231 specifically supports five sheets of “A5”, “A4”, “B5”, “L size”, and “2L size”, and all the sheets are currently present. This indicates that it can be selected.

<Example of print preview screen>
FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a print preview screen 2300 in the case where the normal print setting has been made, among the print preview screens provided by the preview control module 219 in the present embodiment. In the example of FIG. 23, setting of the paper type, paper feeding method, and output paper can be changed.

  In FIG. 23, “2301” indicates a list of paper settings whose settings can be changed on the print preview screen. Specifically, five sheets of “A5”, “A4”, “B5”, “L size”, and “2L size” can be selected.

  FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of the print preview screen 2400 when 2in1 is set as the allocation printing among the print preview screens provided by the preview control module 219 in the present embodiment. In the example of FIG. 24, the setting of the paper type, paper feeding method, and output paper can be changed.

  In FIG. 24, “2401” indicates a list of paper settings whose settings can be changed on the print preview screen. Specifically, only the currently set paper (“A4” in this example) can be selected.

<Processing of preview control module>
FIG. 25 is an example of a flowchart showing processing of the preview control module 219 in the present embodiment. In the same figure, the same step number is shown for the same process as FIG. 11 shown in 1st Embodiment, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Although details will be described later in step S <b> 1001, the preview control module 219 displays, on the print preview screen, print settings and options that can be changed on the page to be displayed (for example, the first page) by the settable value list display process. indicate.

  In step S1002, the preview control module 219 determines whether the event acquired in step S303 is a change in print settings.

  If it is determined as a result of this determination that the event acquired in S303 is a change in print settings, the process advances to step S1003. On the other hand, if the preview control module 219 determines otherwise, the process advances to step S1004.

  In step S1003, although details will be described later, the preview control module 219 updates the PT of the page included in the preview XPS document 221 by print setting update processing.

  In step S1004, the preview control module 219 determines whether or not the event acquired in step S303 is switching of a page to be previewed.

  As a result of the determination, if it is determined that the event acquired in S303 is switching of the page to be previewed, the process proceeds to step S1005. Otherwise, if the preview control module 219 determines that this is not the case, the process proceeds to step S309.

  In step S1005, the preview control module 219 displays, on the print preview screen, print settings and options that can be changed on the page specified by the user in the event acquired in S303 by the settable value list display process.

<Example of settable value list display processing flow>
FIG. 26 is a detailed processing example of the settable value list display processing in step S1001 and step S1005 shown in FIG.

  S1101 to S1106 indicate each step. Each step is realized by the CPU of the data processing apparatus 102 loading a control program from an external storage device or the like to the memory and executing it.

  First, in step S1101, although the details will be described later, the preview control module 219 acquires a list of paper types that can be set on a page to be displayed by a settable value list acquisition process.

  In step S1102, the preview control module 219 displays a list of paper types acquired in step S1101 on the print preview screen.

  In step S <b> 1103, the preview control module 219 acquires a list of paper feed methods that can be set on the page on which preview display is performed by a settable value list acquisition process.

  In step S1104, the preview control module 219 displays a list of paper feeding methods acquired in step S1103 on the print preview screen.

  Next, in step S1105, the preview control module 219 acquires a list of output sheets that can be set on the page to be previewed by a settable value list acquisition process.

  Next, in step S1106, the preview control module 219 displays the list of output sheets acquired in step S1105 on the print preview screen, and ends this process.

<Example of settable value list acquisition processing flow>
FIG. 27 is a detailed processing example of the settable value list acquisition processing in steps S1101, S1103, and S1105 shown in FIG.

  S1201 to S1205 indicate each step. Each step is realized by the CPU of the data processing apparatus 102 loading a control program from an external storage device or the like to the memory and executing it.

  First, in step S1201, the preview control module 219 acquires print setting information (PT) of a page to be previewed by a FixedPage process PrintTicket acquisition process.

  In step S1202, the preview control module 219 refers to the PT acquired in step S1201, and determines whether or not a layout processing flag has been added to the print settings for which a list of settable values should be acquired. Specifically, for example, when it is desired to obtain a list of settable values of paper types, whether or not a private name space whose prefix is “ns0000” is declared in the PT root element, and “name” is used. It is determined whether or not “ns0000: layoutfilterprocess” attribute belonging to the name space is defined as attribute information of the “Feature” element whose attribute value is “psf: PageMediaType”, and “done” is specified as the attribute value To do.

  As a result of the determination, if it is determined that the layout processing completed flag is added, the process proceeds to step S1205. Otherwise, if the preview control module 219 determines that this is not the case, the process advances to step S1203.

  In step S1203, the preview control module 219 acquires the PC under the current print settings using the PT acquired in step S1201, and ends the process.

  In step S1204, the preview control module 219 acquires a settable value list with reference to the PT acquired in step S1203.

  In step 1205, the preview control module 219 refers to the PT acquired in step S1201, acquires the contents of the print settings for which the list of settable values should be acquired as the only settable value, and ends this processing.

<Example of print setting update processing flow>
FIG. 28 is a detailed processing example of the print setting update processing in step S1003 shown in FIG.
S1301 to S1305 indicate each step. Each step is realized by the CPU of the data processing apparatus 102 loading a control program from an external storage device or the like to the memory and executing it.

  First, in step S1301, the preview control module 219 acquires the FP of the page to be previewed from the preview XPS document 221.

  Next, in step S1302, the preview control module 219 acquires the PT associated with the FP acquired in step S1301.

  Next, in step S1303, the preview control module 219 determines whether or not the PT associated with the FP has been acquired in step S1302.

  As a result of the determination, if it is determined that the PT associated with the FP has been acquired, the process proceeds to step S1305. On the other hand, if the preview control module 219 determines otherwise, the process advances to step S1304.

  In step S1304, the preview control module 219 generates a PT for which no print setting has been made and associates it with the FP acquired in step S1301. Specifically, the PT for which no print setting has been made refers to, for example, a PT in which only the root element exists.

  In step S1305, the preview control module 219 reflects the change in print settings received from the user in the PT associated with the FP of the page to be previewed, and ends the process.

  According to the present embodiment, in providing the print setting change function during print preview display under the configuration of the first embodiment, the print processing (for example, layout processing) already performed on the preview XPS document is affected. Changes in print settings can be accepted within a range that does not give

  As a result, it is possible to realize the print setting change function that has been provided so far, while obtaining the effect of the first embodiment that the layout processing is not duplicated during print preview and during actual printing. . Accordingly, it is possible to easily confirm the contents of the print settings set by the application during the print preview display. Furthermore, the print setting can be changed when a mistake in the print setting is noticed within a certain range, and a more convenient print preview function can be provided.

  The present invention is not necessarily limited to the present embodiment, and can be implemented in various forms.

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

  FIG. 29 is a diagram for explaining a memory map of a storage medium for storing various data processing programs readable by the information processing apparatus according to the present invention.

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

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

  The functions shown in FIGS. 8 to 11, 15 to 20, and FIGS. 25 to 28 in this embodiment may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when an information group including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Is.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  In addition, the functions of the above-described embodiments are not only realized by executing the program code read by the computer. For example, based on an instruction of the program code, an OS (operating system) running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing. Needless to say, the process includes the case where the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized.

  Further, the program code read from the storage medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. After that, based on the instruction of the program code, the CPU of the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing. Needless to say.

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

  Although various examples and embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will not limit the spirit and scope of the present invention to the specific description in the present specification.

1 is a block diagram showing an example of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a printer driver according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a print setting dialog according to the embodiment of the present invention. The figure which shows an example of the preview window concerning embodiment of this invention Conceptual diagram of the logical structure of XPS The figure which shows an example of the storage method of the preview completed flag concerning embodiment of this invention 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a relationship between a print job in a print queue and a preview according to an embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart which shows the process of the layout filter concerning embodiment of this invention Flowchart of processing for acquiring a reference PrintTicket according to an embodiment of the present invention 7 is a flowchart showing preview filter processing according to the embodiment of the present invention. 7 is a flowchart showing processing of a preview control module according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the print preview screen containing the CD-R area | region display concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of FixedPage which performs the CD-R area | region display concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of PrintTicket in which the CD-R print setting concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention was made. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a process of the preview control module concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the preview display process concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the XPS document reset process for a preview concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of PrintTicket acquisition process for FixedPage processing concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process of the preview control module concerning 3rd Embodiment of this invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a print command filter process according to the third embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of PrintTicket after the processed flag storing process concerning 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of PrintCapabilities concerning 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the print preview screen when the setting of the normal printing concerning 4th Embodiment of this invention is made. It is a figure which shows an example of the print preview screen when 2in1 setting is made | formed as the allocation printing concerning 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a process of the preview control module concerning 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the settable value list display process concerning 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the settable value list acquisition process concerning 4th Embodiment of this invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of print setting update processing according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the memory map of the storage medium which stores the various data processing program which can be read by the information processing apparatus which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

130 Printer Driver 134 Print Command Generation Unit 211 User Interface Module 213 Layout Filter 215 Preview Filter 217 Print Command Filter 219 Preview Control Module 301 Print Setting Dialog 327 Preview Print Setting Unit 401 Print Preview Window 405 Print Start Button 406 Print Cancel Button 1200 Print Preview Screen 2300 Print preview screen 2400 Print preview screen

Claims (16)

Layout processing means for inputting document data from a spool file;
Preview document creation means for inputting document data from the layout processing means;
Print command generation processing means for inputting document data from the preview document creation means;
Preview control means for controlling the preview based on the document data for preview,
When the previewed flag is set, the layout processing unit outputs the document data input from the spool file to the preview document creating unit without performing layout processing based on the print setting information, and the previewed flag is set. If not, the layout processing of the document data input from the spool file based on the print setting information is performed, and the layout-processed document data is output to the preview document creation means,
The preview document creation means outputs the document data subjected to layout processing to the print command generation processing means when previewed or when no preview is set, and when preview is not set and preview is set, Set the completed flag, create document data for preview based on the document data that has undergone layout processing,
The preview control means outputs document data in which a previewed flag in which a rendering instruction specific to a preview display is deleted based on a print instruction is set to the spool file,
The information processing apparatus, wherein the print command generation processing means converts the document data subjected to layout processing into a print command that can be interpreted by a printer. Layout processing means for inputting document data from a spool file;
Preview document creation means for inputting document data from the layout processing means;
Print command generation processing means for inputting document data from the preview document creation means;
Preview control means for controlling the preview based on the document data for preview,
When the previewed flag is set, the layout processing unit outputs the document data input from the spool file to the preview document creating unit without performing layout processing based on the print setting information, and the previewed flag is set. If not, the layout processing of the document data input from the spool file based on the print setting information is performed, and the layout-processed document data is output to the preview document creation means,
The preview document creation means outputs the document data subjected to layout processing to the print command generation processing means when previewed or when no preview is set, and when preview is not set and preview is set, Set the completed flag, create document data for preview based on the document data that has undergone layout processing,
The preview control means outputs document data in which a previewed flag is set based on a print instruction to the spool file,
The print command generation processing means does not convert a drawing command specific to the preview display in the layout processed document data into a print command, and prints a drawing command other than the drawing command specific to the preview display in the layout processed document data. Is converted into a print command that can be interpreted.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the drawing command unique to the preview display includes a drawing command for displaying an area.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the preview control unit includes an adding unit that adds a drawing command unique to the preview display. It has setting change means to change the setting at the time of preview,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting change unit has different changes depending on document data settings. Layout processing means for inputting document data from a spool file, preview document creation means for inputting document data from the layout processing means, print command generation processing means for inputting document data from the preview document creation means,
An information processing method executed by an information processing apparatus having preview control means for controlling a preview based on preview document data,
When the previewed flag is set, the layout processing unit outputs the document data input from the spool file to the preview document creating unit without performing layout processing based on the print setting information, and the previewed flag is set. If not, the layout processing of the document data input from the spool file based on the print setting information is performed, and the layout-processed document data is output to the preview document creation means,
The preview document creation means outputs the document data subjected to layout processing to the print command generation processing means when previewed or when no preview is set, and when preview is not set and preview is set, Set the completed flag, create document data for preview based on the document data that has undergone layout processing,
The preview control means outputs document data in which a previewed flag in which a rendering instruction specific to a preview display is deleted based on a print instruction is set to the spool file,
The print command generation processing means converts the layout-processed document data into a print command that can be interpreted by a printer. Layout processing means for inputting document data from a spool file, preview document creation means for inputting document data from the layout processing means, print command generation processing means for inputting document data from the preview document creation means, and preview document An information processing method having preview control means for controlling a preview based on data,
When the previewed flag is set, the layout processing unit outputs the document data input from the spool file to the preview document creating unit without performing layout processing based on the print setting information, and the previewed flag is set. If not, the layout processing of the document data input from the spool file based on the print setting information is performed, and the layout-processed document data is output to the preview document creation means,
The preview document creation means outputs the document data subjected to layout processing to the print command generation processing means when previewed or when no preview is set, and when preview is not set and preview is set, Set the completed flag, create document data for preview based on the document data that has undergone layout processing,
The preview control means outputs document data in which a previewed flag is set based on a print instruction to the spool file,
The print command generation processing means does not convert a drawing command specific to the preview display in the layout processed document data into a print command, and prints a drawing command other than the drawing command specific to the preview display in the layout processed document data. Is converted to a print command that can be interpreted.   The information processing method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the drawing command unique to the preview display includes a drawing command for displaying an area.   The information processing method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the preview control means adds a drawing command specific to the preview display. There is a setting change step to change the setting during preview,
8. The information processing method according to claim 6, wherein the setting change step has different contents depending on the setting of the document data. A layout processing step for entering document data from a spool file;
A preview document creation step for inputting document data from the layout processing step;
A print command generation processing step for inputting document data from the preview document creation step;
A program for causing a computer to execute a preview control step for controlling preview based on document data for preview,
When the previewed flag is set, the layout processing step outputs the document data input from the spool file to the preview document creation step without performing layout processing based on the print setting information, and the previewed flag is set. If not, the layout processing of the document data input from the spool file based on the print setting information is performed, and the layout processed document data is output to the preview document creation step,
The preview document creation step outputs the layout-processed document data to the print command generation processing step when preview has been completed or no preview has been set, and when preview has not been previewed and preview has been set, Set the completed flag, create document data for preview based on the document data that has undergone layout processing,
The preview control step outputs to the spool file document data in which a previewed flag in which a drawing command specific to a preview display is deleted based on a print instruction is set,
The print command generation processing step converts the layout processed document data into a print command interpretable by a printer. A layout processing step for entering document data from a spool file;
A preview document creation step for inputting document data from the layout processing step;
A print command generation processing step for inputting document data from the preview document creation step;
A program for causing a computer to execute a preview control step for controlling preview based on document data for preview,
When the previewed flag is set, the layout processing step outputs the document data input from the spool file to the preview document creation step without performing layout processing based on the print setting information, and the previewed flag is set. If not, the layout processing of the document data input from the spool file based on the print setting information is performed, and the layout processed document data is output to the preview document creation step,
The preview document creation step outputs the layout-processed document data to the print command generation processing step when preview has been completed or no preview has been set, and when preview has not been previewed and preview has been set, Set the completed flag, create document data for preview based on the document data that has undergone layout processing,
The preview control step outputs document data in which a previewed flag is set based on a print instruction to the spool file,
The print command generation processing step does not convert a rendering command specific to the preview display in the layout processed document data into a print command, and prints a rendering command other than the rendering command specific to the preview display in the layout processed document data. Is converted into a print command that can be interpreted.   13. The program according to claim 11, wherein the drawing command unique to the preview display includes a drawing command for displaying an area.   13. The program according to claim 11, wherein the preview control step includes an adding step of adding a drawing command specific to the preview display. There is a setting change step to change the setting during preview,
13. The program according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the setting change step has different changes depending on document data settings.   A storage medium storing the program according to claim 11.

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