JP4933302B2 - Printing system, printing apparatus, and reprint control method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing system, a printing apparatus, a reprinting control method, and a program.

  In a printing apparatus that receives and prints a print job from an information processing apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a host) such as a host computer, the printed matter output by the printing process may be undesired by the user. In this case, after the user returns to the host once, re-printing is performed by selecting a document to be printed again, starting a print setting screen, and setting desired printing conditions again.

  In order to improve such a complicated situation, a method has been proposed in which print data is stored in a storage device in the printing apparatus and reprinting is performed.

In addition, the host designated by the printing apparatus is designated with a host and a preset instruction (for example, an instruction to reprint the whole (or part of) a document created by the document creation software and designated for printing immediately before). It has been proposed to transmit an instruction specified in (Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent No. 32744641

  However, in the proposal for storing the print data in the storage device in the printing device, all the printed data is saved, so only the resources of the storage device can be saved, and the number of jobs that can be reprinted is the printing device. There is a problem that it is affected by the storage device resources. In addition, when it is desired to change a setting that cannot be changed by the user interface of the printing apparatus, there is also a problem that the complicated operation described above must be performed after returning to the host.

  Further, in the above-described Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent No. 3274641), only a preset instruction can be transmitted. Therefore, if you want the host to execute other processing (such as when you want to reprint a document other than the document that was printed immediately before, or if you want to reprint by changing the print settings freely), the user must once host There is a problem that the complicated operation as described above must be performed after returning to step (b).

  Therefore, a “trial printing function” has been proposed as a means for solving these problems. This function means that even if a job is sent from the host to the printing device, the print data of the job is retained on the host without being deleted, and the user who has taken the printed material to the printing device returns to the host again. When reprinting, the data as it is retained is used for reprinting ”.

  Since the function stores only necessary print data, the burden on the storage device resource is small. However, when the document to be printed is first input to the printing apparatus, this function can be used only after the function is selected on the setting screen of the host and the print setting is performed thereon. .

  Therefore, when a document to be printed is input from the host to the printing apparatus, it is necessary for the user to intentionally select the function. In such a situation, it is convenient for a user who is familiar with the function, but it is assumed that the user does not know the function or submits a job without knowing the selection of the function.

  Therefore, it is desirable to construct a printing environment in which a user's desired job can be redone regardless of the storage device resource of the printing device and the level of the user to use.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide an improved printing system and printing apparatus.

  Furthermore, an object of the present invention is to execute reprinting based on application data held in an information processing apparatus or perform reprinting based on print data held in a printing apparatus according to printing conditions to be changed upon reprinting. It is to provide a mechanism that can appropriately select whether to execute.

The present invention provides a printing system having an information processing apparatus and a printing apparatus that receives and prints print data transmitted from the information processing apparatus, and the information processing apparatus is executed by an application executable by the information processing apparatus. a first holding means for holding the application data available, setting means for setting print conditions, to said printing conditions set by the first of said application data and said setting means are held in the holding means based comprising generating means for generating print data, and transmitting means for transmitting print data to said generating means has generated to the printing apparatus, the by the printing device, receiving the print data to which the transmission means has transmitted reception means for, converting means for converting the print data received by the receiving means to a predetermined format, converted by said converting means A case of executing a second holding means for holding the print data, and a print unit that executes print processing based on the received print data by the receiving means, the re-printing based on the print data, the When the printing conditions set by the setting unit are changed, whether to request print data from the information processing apparatus or to execute reprinting based on the print data held in the second holding unit , Control means for selectively controlling according to the changed printing condition, and when the print apparatus requests print data from the printing apparatus, the information processing apparatus transmits the print data based on the application data. It is characterized by controlling to transmit to a means .

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing apparatus that receives print data in which printing conditions are set from an information processing apparatus having a first holding unit that holds application data and performs print processing. The print data is received from the information processing apparatus. Receiving means, converting means for converting the print data received by the receiving means into a predetermined format, second holding means for holding the print data converted by the converting means, and received by the receiving means and a print unit that executes print processing based on the print data, a case to perform reprinting based on the print data, if the set printing conditions are changed, to the information processing apparatus to request the print data, selectively or to perform reprinting based on print data held in said second holding means, in accordance with the changed printing conditions And control means for controlling, characterized by having a.

  According to the present invention, execution of reprinting based on application data held in the information processing apparatus and printing data held in the printing apparatus in accordance with printing conditions to be changed upon reprinting without making the user aware of it. There is an effect that execution of reprinting based on it can be appropriately determined.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<Configuration of printing system>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 3000 denotes a host computer composed of an information processing apparatus. The host computer 3000 is a CPU 1 that executes document processing mixed with graphics, images, characters, tables (including spreadsheets), etc., based on a document processing program stored in the ROM 3 program ROM or the external memory 11. Is provided. The CPU 1 comprehensively controls each device connected to the system bus 4.

  The ROM for program in the ROM 3 or the external memory 11 stores an operating system program (hereinafter referred to as OS) which is a control program for the CPU 1 and a printer driver which will be described later. The font ROM of the ROM 3 or the external memory 11 stores font data used for the document processing. Further, the data ROM of the ROM 3 or the external memory 11 stores various data used when performing the document processing or the like.

  The RAM 2 functions as a main memory and work area for the CPU 1.

  A keyboard controller (KBC) 5 accepts a key input from a keyboard 9 or a pointing device (not shown). Here, the data input via the keyboard 9 includes various setting items for poster printing described later.

  A CRT controller (CRTC) 6 controls display on a CRT display (CRT) 10. The display device is not limited to the CRT, and may be a liquid crystal display or the like.

  A disk controller (DKC) 7 controls access to an external memory 11 such as a hard disk (HD) or a floppy (registered trademark) disk (FD). The external memory 11 stores a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, a printer control command generation program (hereinafter referred to as a printer driver), and the like.

  The printer controller (PRTC) 8 is connected to the printer 1500 via the bidirectional interface (interface) 21 and executes communication control processing with the printer 1500. The host computer 3000 may be configured to be able to communicate with the printer 1500 via a network (not shown) using a network interface card (NIC) 22. A plurality of host computers and printers may exist on the network.

  For example, the CPU 1 executes an outline font development (rasterization) process on the display information RAM set on the RAM 2, and can display the same image as the image to be printed on the CRT 10.

  The CPU 1 opens various windows registered based on commands instructed by a mouse cursor (not shown) on the CRT 10 and executes various data processing. When executing printing, the user opens a window relating to print settings, and can set the print processing method for the printer driver including printer settings and print mode selection.

  The printer 1500 is controlled by the CPU 12. The CPU 12 outputs an image signal as output information to a printing unit (printer engine) 17 connected to the system bus 15 based on a control program stored in the program ROM of the ROM 13 or a control program stored in the external memory 14. Is output. Further, a control program for the CPU 12 is stored in the program ROM of the ROM 13.

  The font ROM of the ROM 13 stores font data used for generating the output information. The data ROM of the ROM 13 stores information used on the host computer in the case of a printer without the external memory 14 such as a hard disk.

  The CPU 12 can communicate with the host computer 3000 via the input unit 18 and can notify the host computer 3000 of information in the printer. The printer 1500 may be configured to be communicable with the host computer 3000 via a network (not shown) using a network interface card (NIC) 23.

  The RAM 19 is a RAM that functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the CPU 12, and is configured such that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown). The RAM 19 is used as an output information expansion area, environment data storage area, NVRAM, and the like.

  The external memory 14 indicates a hard disk (HD), an IC card, or the like. Access to the external memory 14 is controlled by a memory controller (MC) 20. The external memory 14 is connected as an option and stores font data, an emulation program, form data, and the like.

  The external memory 14 is not limited to one, and a plurality of external memories 14 are provided, and a plurality of external memories storing an option card and a program for interpreting a printer control language having a different language system in addition to a built-in font can be connected. May be. Furthermore, an NVRAM (not shown) may be provided, and printer mode setting information from the operation unit 1501 may be stored.

  The operation unit 1501 includes switches for operation, a display device with a touch panel, an LED display, and the like.

  The printing unit (printer engine) 17 may be a laser beam system or an electrophotographic system (for example, an LED system) other than the laser beam system. Further, the present invention can be applied to a liquid crystal shutter system, an ink jet system, a thermal transfer system, a sublimation system, and other printing systems.

  Further, the printer 1500 may be an MFP (Multi Function peripheral).

  FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing a typical print processing configuration in a host computer capable of communicating with a printing apparatus such as a printer.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the application 201, the graphic engine 202, the printer driver 203, and the system spooler 204 exist as files stored in the external memory 11. When executed, the program module is loaded into the RAM 2 and executed by the OS executed by the CPU 1 or a module to be used.

  Further, the application 201 and the printer driver 203 can be added to the HD of the external memory 11 via the FD of the external memory 11, a CD-ROM (not shown), or a network (not shown).

  The application 201 stored in the external memory 11 is loaded into the RAM 2 by the CPU 1 and executed. When printing is performed from the application 201 to the printer 1500, output (rendering) is similarly performed using the graphic engine 202 loaded into the RAM 2 by the CPU 1 and executable.

  Similarly, the graphic engine 202 loads the printer driver 203 prepared for each printing apparatus from the external memory 11 to the RAM 2 by the CPU 1, and converts the output of the application 201 into a printer control command using the printer driver 203.

  The converted printer control command is output to the printer 1500 via the interface 21 via the system spooler 204 loaded into the RAM 2 by the OS executed by the CPU 1.

  In addition to the printing system comprising the printer 1500 and the host computer 3000 shown in FIG. 2, the printing system of this embodiment is configured to temporarily spool print data from the application 201 as intermediate code data as shown in FIG. Have

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a print processing configuration in the printing system illustrated in FIG. 1. The print processing configuration is an extension of the system illustrated in FIG. 2. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same thing as FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the print processing configuration of the present embodiment is configured to generate a spool file 303 consisting of an intermediate code once when a print command is sent from the graphic engine 202 to the printer driver 203.

  In the system shown in FIG. 2, the application 201 is released from the printing process when the printer driver 203 has converted all print commands from the graphic engine 202 into printer control commands.

  On the other hand, in the system shown in FIG. 3, the spooler 302 has converted all print commands into intermediate code data and output them to the spool file 303. The latter usually requires less time.

  In the system shown in FIG. 3, the contents of the spool file 303 can be processed. Accordingly, it is possible to realize a function that the application does not have, such as printing a plurality of pages by reducing the print data from the application 201 to one page. As a result, an enlarged printing function (poster printing function) can be realized.

  For these purposes, the system shown in FIG. 2 has been extended to spool with intermediate code data as shown in FIG.

  In order to process the print data, settings are made from a window (setting screen) normally provided by the printer driver 203, and the printer driver 203 is controlled to store the setting contents in the RAM 2 or the external memory 11. To do.

  Hereinafter, FIG. 3 will be described in detail.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in this expanded processing method, the dispatcher 301 receives a print command from the graphic engine 202.

  If the print command received from the graphic engine 202 is a print command issued from the application 201 to the graphic engine 202, the dispatcher 301 loads the spooler 302 stored in the external memory 11 into the RAM 2. Then, the dispatcher 301 sends a print command to the spooler 302 instead of the printer driver 203.

  The spooler 302 converts the received print command into an intermediate code and outputs it to the spool file 303. In addition, the spooler 302 acquires the processing setting related to the print data set for the printer driver 203 from the printer driver 203 and stores it in the spool file 303. The spool file 303 is generated as a file on the external memory 11, but may be generated on the RAM 2.

  Further, the spooler 302 loads the spool file manager 304 stored in the external memory 11 into the RAM 2 and notifies the spool file manager 304 of the generation status of the spool file 303. Thereafter, the spool file manager 304 determines whether printing can be performed in accordance with the contents of the processing settings relating to the print data stored in the spool file 303.

  When the spool file manager 304 determines that printing can be performed using the graphic engine 202, the despooler 305 stored in the external memory 11 is loaded into the RAM 2. Then, the spool file manager 304 instructs the despooler 305 to perform the printing process of the intermediate code described in the spool file 303.

  The despooler 305 processes the intermediate code included in the spool file 303 in accordance with the contents of the processing setting included in the spool file 303, and outputs it again via the graphic engine 202. At that time, the spool file manager 304 displays the progress of printing.

  If the print command received from the graphic engine 202 is a print command issued from the despooler 305 to the graphic engine 202, the dispatcher 301 sends the print command to the printer driver 203 instead of the spooler 302.

  The printer driver 203 generates a printer control command and outputs it to the printer 1500 via the system spooler 204.

  The application 201 operates on the host computer 3000 and can transmit a print job to the printer 1500 using the printer driver 203. When transmitting a print job, the application 201 generates host-side print job data 400 as shown in FIG. 4 and stores it in the external memory 11.

  The host driver print job data 400 may be generated and stored in the external memory 11 by the printer driver 203. Further, a means for monitoring the transmission of a print job to the printer 1500 may be provided, and the means may generate the host side print job data 400 and store it in the external memory 11. That is, any means on the host computer 3000 side may be configured to store the host-side print job data 400 in the external memory 11.

  Note that the host-side print job data 400 is limited to be stored in the external memory 11 based on the number of jobs held in the external memory 11 (the number of stored data), the free capacity of the external memory 11 (memory resources), and the like. You may comprise. That is, when the number of jobs of the host-side print job data 400 held in the external memory 11 exceeds a preset number (for example, 100 jobs), the host-side print job data 400 is generated and stored. Do not execute. Even when the free space in the external memory 11 falls within a preset threshold value (for example, 10%), the host side print job data 400 is not generated or stored.

  Further, the CPU 1 may be configured to delete from the external memory 11 the host side print job data 400 that has passed a preset period (for example, three days).

  FIG. 4 is a data configuration diagram showing an example of the host-side print job data 400 in the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the host side print job data 400 includes a print setting 402, application information 403, and print data 404 using a job ID 401 that can uniquely identify a print job as a key.

  A job ID 401 indicates a unique job ID assigned by the application 201 during printing, and has a one-to-one relationship with a print job. When the print data 404 can directly store the data of the application 201, the application 201 stores the application data stored immediately before printing as the print data 404. On the other hand, when the data of the application 201 cannot be directly saved, the data sent to the printer driver 203 is saved as the print data 404.

  When the print data 404 is in a data format that can include print settings, the print setting information is included in the print data 404 and nothing is stored in the print settings 402. On the other hand, if the print data 404 is a data format that cannot be bundled with print settings or data sent to the printer driver 203, print setting information at the time of printing is stored in the print settings 402.

  The application information 403 stores information that identifies the application that performed printing.

  Further, the printer driver 203 transmits print data with a job ID 401 corresponding to the print job to the printer 1500 at the time of printing.

  Further, a reprint request monitoring unit 306 (FIG. 3) that operates upon receiving an instruction from the printing apparatus is added to the host computer 3000. The reprint request monitoring unit 306 is realized by the CPU 1 of the host computer 3000 reading and executing it on the program RAM 2 stored in the external memory 11. The reprint request monitoring unit 306 has a function of monitoring a specific communication port of the host computer 3000. When the reprint request monitoring unit 306 receives a reprint request at the monitored communication port, the reprint request monitoring unit 306 causes the host computer 3000 to execute reprint processing shown in the flowcharts of FIGS.

  Accordingly, when the printer 1500 issues a reprint instruction, it is performed for this communication port.

  If there is a print setting file at a predetermined position in the external memory 11, the printer driver 203 can initialize the print setting interface with the print setting described in the print setting file.

  When the CPU 12 of the printer 1500 receives the print data from the host computer 3000, the CPU 12 executes print processing. At this time, the printing apparatus side print job data 500 as shown in FIG.

  Note that the CPU 12 transfers the print device-side print job data 500 to the external memory 14 based on the number of jobs held in the external memory 14 (the number of stored data), the free capacity of the external memory 14 (memory resources), and the like. You may comprise so that preservation | save of may be restrict | limited. That is, when the number of jobs of the printing apparatus side print job data 500 held in the external memory 14 exceeds a preset number (for example, 100 jobs), the CPU 12 generates the printing apparatus side print job data 500.・ Do not execute the save process. In addition, even when the free space in the external memory 14 falls within a preset threshold value (for example, 10%), the CPU 12 does not execute processing for generating / saving the host-side print job data 400.

  The CPU 12 may be configured to delete from the external memory 14 the printing apparatus side print job data 500 that has passed a preset period (for example, three days).

  FIG. 5 is a data configuration diagram showing an example of the printing apparatus side print job data 500 in the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the printing apparatus side print job data 500 includes a job name 502, a print source host PC name 503, an IP address 504 of the print source host PC, with a job ID 501 that can uniquely specify a print job as a key. It consists of print data 505.

  A job ID 501 indicates a unique job ID assigned at the time of printing, and has a one-to-one relationship with a print job (that is, job ID 401 in FIG. 4).

  Hereinafter, the operation in the case of performing reprinting will be described with reference to FIG.

  The reprinting is performed by using the print data stored in the printer 1500 (ie, 404 in FIG. 4) and the print data stored in the host computer 3000 (ie, 505 in FIG. 5). There are two types of methods.

  A case of performing reprinting using print data stored in the printer 1500 will be described.

  In this case, first, the user uses the operation unit 1501 to select a job to be reprinted from a list of printer-side print job data (history information about print data that has been subjected to print processing) stored in the external memory 14. Then, reprinting of the print data stored in the printer 1500 is instructed. In response to this operation, the CPU 12 of the printer 1500 controls to perform reprinting using the print data associated with the selected job.

  In this case, if necessary, the user can also change print settings that can be changed by the operation unit 1501. However, reprinting cannot be performed if there is no print data in the printer-side print job data.

  Next, a case where reprinting is executed using print data stored in the host computer 3000 will be described.

  Also in this case, as in the case described above, the user uses the operation unit 1501 to select from the printer-side print job data list (history information about print data that has been subjected to print processing) stored in the external memory 14. A job for reprinting print data stored in the host computer 3000 is selected, and reprinting is instructed. In response to this operation, the CPU 12 of the printer 1500 uses the job ID 501 of the selected job (specific information for specifying a print job corresponding to reprinting), the job name 502, and the printing source host computer information of the job to be reprinted. A print source host PC name 503 and an IP address 504 of the print source host PC are acquired (extracted). Furthermore, using the acquired information, the printer 1500 is controlled to transmit a reprint instruction with the job ID 501 attached (included) to the designated communication port from the printer 1500 to the host computer 3000.

  On the other hand, the reprint request monitoring unit 306 of the host computer 3000 that has received the reprint instruction uses the job ID attached to the received reprint instruction and uses the job ID attached to the received reprint instruction from the external memory 11 for the host side print job. Get the data. Then, the reprint request monitoring unit 306 acquires the print data 404 and, if necessary, the print application information 403 and the print setting information 402 from the acquired host side print job data. If the acquired print data 404 is application data, the reprint request monitoring unit 306 controls to create the initial printing state by opening the print data with the application indicated in the print application information 403. . (That is, the reprint request monitoring unit 306 controls the host computer 3000 to create a state in which a print job can be generated).

  If the print data 404 has a data format in which print settings cannot be saved, the reprint request monitoring unit 306 controls to place the information of the print setting information 402 as a file at a specified position in the external memory 11. Accordingly, when the application 201 performs reprinting using the printer driver 203, the user can perform reprinting using the interface of the printer driver 203 in which the print setting at the time of initial printing has been performed.

  When the print data 404 is data sent to the printer driver 203, the reprint request monitoring unit 306 displays the job list that has received the reprint request so that the selected job can be printed. By doing so, reprinting is possible. At that time, the reprint request monitoring unit 306 can place the setting of the printer driver 203 in the state immediately before the previous printing by arranging the information of the print setting information 402 as a file at the designated position of the external memory 11. . Further, at the time of reprinting, the user can change the print setting by opening the interface of the printer driver 203.

  Next, the configuration of the operation unit 1501 of the printer 1500 shown in FIG. 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the operation unit 1501 of the printer 1500 illustrated in FIG. Here, a case where the printer 1500 is an MFP is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the operation unit 1501 includes a key input unit 601 and a touch panel unit 602. FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 show the details of each, and the details will be described below.

  First, the key input unit 601 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the key input unit 601 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the key input unit 601 includes a plurality of hard keys.

  The operation unit power switch 701 switches between a standby mode (normal operation state) and a sleep mode, and can be controlled while a main power switch for supplying power to the entire system is in an ON state. The sleep mode refers to a state in which the main controller (CPU 12) suppresses power consumption by stopping the program in an interrupt waiting state in preparation for network printing, facsimile, or the like.

  The power saving key 702 is a key that can reduce the power consumption, although it takes time until the printer can be printed by lowering the control temperature of the fixing device in the standby mode. The control temperature can be lowered by setting the power saving rate.

  A start key 703 is a key for instructing the start of copying or transmission. The stop key 704 is a key for interrupting it.

  The numeric keypad 705 is a key for performing various settings. The clear key 706 is a key for canceling the number. The ID key 707 is a key for inputting a preset password for authenticating the operator of the MFP.

  A reset key 708 is a key for invalidating various settings and returning to a default state. A help key 709 is a key for displaying guidance and help. A user mode key 710 is a key for shifting to a system setting screen for each user.

  A counter confirmation key 711 is a key for displaying the number of output sheets stored in a software counter that counts the number of printed sheets provided in the MFP. By pressing the key 711, the number of output sheets is displayed on the touch panel unit 602 in accordance with an operation mode such as copy / print / scan / fax, a color mode such as color / monochrome, a paper size such as large / small, and the like. Can be made.

  The image contrast dial 712 is a dial for adjusting the visibility of the screen by adjusting the backlight of the liquid crystal display of the touch panel unit 602.

  The execution / memory lamp 713 is a lamp that blinks to notify during execution of a job or access to a memory. The error lamp 714 is a lamp that blinks to notify when an job cannot be executed, an error such as a serviceman call, or an operator call that notifies a jam or out of consumables.

  Next, the touch panel unit 602 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the touch panel unit 602 illustrated in FIG. 6.

  In the present embodiment, the touch panel unit 602 is configured as a touch panel display including an LCD (Liquid Crystal DISPLAY) and a transparent electrode pasted thereon. Then, when a transparent electrode corresponding to a key displayed on the LCD is touched with a finger, such a control is detected that a different operation screen is displayed in advance. This figure is an initial screen in the standby mode, and various operation screens can be displayed according to the setting operation.

  A copy tab 801 is a tab key for transitioning to an operation screen for a copy operation. A transmission tab 802 is a tab key for transitioning to an operation screen for instructing a transmission operation such as fax or E-mail transmission. A box tab 803 is a tab key for transitioning to a screen for inputting / outputting a job to / from a box (storage means for storing a job for each user). An option tab 804 is a tab key for setting extended functions such as scanner settings. When the user selects (touches) these tabs 801 to 804, the operation mode can be changed.

  A system monitor key 805 is a key for displaying the state and status of the MFP. When the user selects (touches) the system monitor key 805, the screen can be changed to a screen (for example, the screen shown in FIG. 9) that displays the state and status of the MFP.

  A color selection setting key 806 is a key for selecting in advance whether color copy, black-and-white copy, or automatic selection. A magnification setting key 807 is a key for transitioning to a screen for setting magnification such as equal magnification, enlargement, and reduction. A post-processing setting key 808 is a key for transitioning to a screen for setting the presence / absence, number, position, and the like of stapling and punching. A duplex setting key 809 is a key for transitioning to a screen for selecting single-sided printing or double-sided printing. A paper size setting key 810 is a key for transitioning to a screen for selecting a paper feed stage, paper size, and media type. An image mode setting key 811 is a key for selecting an image mode suitable for a document image such as a character mode or a photo mode. A density setting key 812 is a key for adjusting the output image to be darker or lighter. Each setting can be performed when the user selects (touches) these keys 806 to 812.

  Next, the status display unit 813 is a display unit that performs simple status display such as a standby state, during warm-up, jam, and error. The magnification display unit 814 is a display unit that displays the magnification set by the magnification setting key 807. The paper size display unit 815 is a display unit that displays the paper size and mode set by the paper size setting key 810. The sheet number display unit 816 is a display unit that displays the number of sheets designated by the numeric keypad 705 and displays what number is being printed during operation.

  Further, the interrupt key 817 is used to interrupt another job during the copying operation. When the user selects (touches) this key, another job is interrupted during the copying operation. be able to.

  The application mode key 818 is a key for transitioning to a screen for setting various image processing and layout such as page continuous shooting, cover / interleaf setting, reduced layout, and image movement. When the user selects (touches) the application mode key 818, the screen can be changed to an application mode setting screen.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen for operating a job history. This screen is displayed on the touch panel unit 602 when the system monitor key 805 shown in FIG. 8 is selected, and can display a job history and perform operations on jobs in the history.

  A job display switching button 901 is a button for switching an operation screen related to a job. By selecting (touching) this job display switching button 901, “spool” for displaying the spooled job, “job status” for displaying the job status, and “job history” for displaying the job history are displayed. You can switch freely.

  A job history display unit 902 is a part that displays a job history, and displays a job reception number, a processing date and time, a department ID, a job name, a user name, a print result, and the like. The user can select a job by touching the job history in the job history display unit 902.

  A type selection key 903 is a button for selecting and displaying various jobs input to the MFP by type (for example, copy, print, facsimile, scan, etc.). The history of the job of the type selected by this type of selection key 903 is displayed on the job history display unit 902.

  The scroll button 904 can scroll the job history display unit 902 when the job history display unit 902 has a plurality of lines and does not enter the screen. A detailed display button 905 can display detailed information of the job selected in the job history display unit 902. The list print button 906 can print the job history displayed on the job history display unit 902.

  A mode switching key 907 can be switched to another function setting screen such as copying or facsimile. An end key 908 can end the job history display and return to the screen shown in FIG. When the user selects (touches) these keys or buttons 903 to 908, processing corresponding to each key can be executed.

  In this embodiment, a job confirmation function is added to the normal job history display, and a job confirmation button 909 is added so that reprinting can be performed.

  The job confirmation button 909 can also be used when it is desired to delete the job selected in the job history display unit 902 from the history.

  When the job confirmation button 909 is selected (touched), a dialog 1001 is displayed as shown in FIG. 10, and it is possible to select whether to delete the selected job from the history or reprint.

  Next, an embodiment of the present invention in the above-described system will be described.

  The present invention enables reprinting from the user interface of the printing apparatus. In order to perform this reprinting, the present invention enables job information and print data to be stored in the memory unit of the printing apparatus.

  In the present embodiment, job information and print data (that is, print device side print job data in FIG. 5) are stored in the external memory 14 of the printer 1500 shown in FIG. Further, the host computer 3000 is configured to add a function (reprint request monitoring unit 306 in FIG. 3) that operates upon receiving an instruction from the printer 1500.

  In addition, the host computer 3000 is configured to store information (job ID 401) for specifying print data and print data 404 (that is, host-side print job data in FIG. 4) in the external memory 11 during printing. With this configuration, when there is a reprint request from the printer 1500, the host computer 3000 can perform reprinting using information (host side print job data in FIG. 4) stored in the external memory 11. it can.

  Note that the above reprinting process is performed according to the flow of FIGS. 16 to 19 described later.

  Next, the reprinting procedure will be described using the user interface shown in FIGS.

  First, the user selects a job to be reprinted from the user interface of the printer 1500 (job history display unit 902 in FIG. 9). In this embodiment, a job confirmation button 909 is added to the print history display unit shown in FIG. 9 so that reprinting can be performed.

  The job confirmation button 909 can also be used when the job selected in the job history display unit 902 is to be deleted from the history.

  When the user selects (touches) the job confirmation button 909, the CPU 12 of the printer 1500 displays a dialog 1001 as shown in FIG. 10 on the touch panel unit 602, and the user deletes the job from the history or performs reprinting. Control to be able to select.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a dialog for selecting deletion or reprinting of a job whose history is managed.

  In the screen of FIG. 10, the user can display detailed information for the job selected in the job history display unit and select whether to delete the job history completely or to perform reprinting.

  When the user instructs (touches) the “operator confirmation job complete end” button 1002 on this screen, the CPU 12 of the printer 1500 changes the screen on the touch panel unit 602 to a dialog 1101 as shown in FIG. Further, the CPU 12 of the printer 1500 controls to delete the selected job information (printing device side print job data in FIG. 5) from the external memory 14.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a dialog displayed when an instruction to delete a job whose history is managed is given.

  On the other hand, when the user instructs (touches) the “re-execute operator confirmation job” button 1003, the CPU 12 of the printer 1500 changes the screen on the touch panel unit 602 to a dialog 1201 as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a dialog displayed when an instruction to reprint a job whose history is managed is given.

  In the screen of FIG. 12, it is selected whether reprinting is performed using data in the printing apparatus or from the printing source host.

  On this screen, when the user instructs (touches) the “input a re-execution request from the printer operation unit” button 1202, the CPU 12 of the printer 1500 changes the screen on the touch panel unit 602 to a screen as shown in FIG. Let If there is a print setting to be changed, the user can change the setting from the screen of FIG. 13 and execute reprinting.

  FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a screen for performing print settings when a re-execution request is input from the operation unit of the printer.

  On the other hand, when the user instructs (touches) a button 1203 “input a re-execution request from the host” in the dialog 1201 of FIG. 12, the CPU 12 of the printer 1500 performs the following control. The CPU 12 specifies the printing source host from the information of the job to be reprinted (the job selected in 902 of FIG. 9), and transmits a reprinting instruction to which the job ID is added to the printing source host computer. The processing in these printing apparatuses is performed according to the flow of FIGS.

  Next, a reprint procedure on the host computer 3000 will be described.

  In the host computer 3000, the reprint request monitoring unit 306 performs a process of receiving an instruction. When the reprint request monitoring unit 306 receives the reprint instruction, the reprint request monitoring unit 306 displays a dialog as shown by 1401 in FIG. Then, the user is notified that the reprint instruction has been received.

  FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a dialog displayed on the CRT 10 of the host computer 3000 when the host computer 3000 receives a reprint instruction from the printer 1500.

  As described above, when the host computer 3000 receives a reprint instruction, the reprint request monitoring unit 306 displays a dialog such as 1401 on the CRT 10 to inform the user that the reprint instruction has been received. Notice. When the “OK” button of this dialog 1401 is clicked by a pointing device (not shown) or the like, this dialog is closed.

  Further, when receiving a reprint instruction from the printer 1500, the reprint request monitoring unit 306 displays a reprint instruction list 1402 on the CRT 10 when a plurality of reprint instructions are received, and performs reprinting. The user selects a reprint instruction (corresponding document) to be performed. The user selects a reprint instruction (corresponding document) for performing reprinting with a pointing device (not shown) or KB9.

  On the other hand, when no other reprint instruction is received, the reprint request monitoring unit 306 sets the reprint instruction as a reprint target.

  When the reprint request monitoring unit 306 can identify a reprint instruction for performing reprinting, the reprint request monitoring unit 306 acquires the job ID added to the reprint instruction, and the corresponding print data 404 and print setting 402 are obtained from the job ID. To get.

  If the print data 404 corresponding to the job ID does not exist in the external memory 11, reprinting cannot be performed.

  When the print data to be reprinted and the print settings are acquired, the reprint request monitoring unit 306 activates the print application 201 corresponding to the acquired print data 404 as indicated by 1403 in FIG. Then, the reprint request monitoring unit 306 passes the print setting 402 to the application 201, and displays a print dialog as shown by 1404 in FIG. 15, and print control means (201 to 204, 301 to 305, etc. in FIG. 3). Is set to the state immediately before printing (immediately before generating the print job).

  If the application 201 cannot receive the print settings 402, the reprint request monitoring unit 306 can also pass the print settings 402 to the printer driver 203.

  FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which the reprint request monitoring unit 306 is activated up to a screen immediately before printing in response to a reprint instruction.

  In this state, if the print dialog 1404 and the necessary settings are made (in the UI of the printer driver 203 activated by the property button) and printing is instructed, the job selected by the printer 1500 can be reprinted.

  In this embodiment, the application corresponding to the job to be reprinted is activated, but it is possible to stop only by notifying the application corresponding to the job to be reprinted.

  If an application that manages printing exists on the host computer 3000, the application that manages printing is notified that the reprint instruction has been received. The application for managing the printing may be configured to display a status such as receiving reprinting in the job history list on the host side.

  Hereinafter, the above-described processing will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  First, processing on the printer 1500 side will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the first control processing procedure in the present invention, and corresponds to the processing procedure when the job confirmation button 909 is pressed (touched) on the screen shown in FIG. Note that the processing of this flowchart is realized by the CPU 12 of the printer 1500 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 13. Also, S1501 to S1505 in the figure indicate each step.

  First, when the job confirmation button 909 is pressed, the CPU 12 acquires the job selected in the job history display unit 902 and acquires detailed information of the job from the external memory 14 in step S1501.

  In step S1502, the CPU 12 displays a dialog 1101 (FIG. 10) that displays detailed job information acquired in step S1501 on the touch panel unit 602, and determines whether the job is to be completely terminated or reprinted. Let them choose. If the CPU 12 detects that the “complete job end” button 1002 or the “execute operator reconfirmation job reprint” button 1003 is selected, the CPU 12 advances the process to step S1503.

  In step S1503, the CPU 12 determines whether the “execute operator confirmation job reprint” button 1003 has been selected. If it is determined that the “execute operator reprint job execution” button 1003 has been selected, the process advances to step S1504.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 12 determines in step S1503 that the “complete job end” button 1002 has been selected, the process advances to step S1505.

  In step S1505, the CPU 12 displays the dialog 1101 shown in FIG. 11 on the touch panel unit 602, completely deletes the job information selected by the job history display unit 902 from the inside of the printing apparatus (external memory 14), The process of the flowchart ends.

  In step S1504, the CPU 12 executes processing for reprinting (reprinting processing) (FIG. 17), and ends the processing of this flowchart.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the second control processing procedure in the present invention, and corresponds to the reprint processing procedure shown in step S1504 of FIG. Note that the processing of this flowchart is realized by the CPU 12 of the printer 1500 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 13. In the figure, S1601 to S1604 indicate each step.

  First, in step S1601, the CPU 12 displays the dialog 1201 shown in FIG. 12 on the touch panel unit 602, and selects whether to perform reprinting by setting in the printing apparatus or reprinting at the printing source host. Let When the CPU 12 detects that the “input a re-execution request from the printer operation unit” button 1202 or the “input a re-execution request from the host” button 1203 is selected, the CPU 12 advances the process to step S1602.

  In step S1602, the CPU 12 determines whether or not the “input a re-execution request from the host” button 1203 has been selected. If it is determined that the “input re-execution request from host” button 1203 has been selected, the process advances to step S1603.

On the other hand, if the CPU 12 determines in step S1602 that the “input re-execution request from printer operation unit” button 1202 has been selected, the process proceeds to step S1604.

  In step S <b> 1604, the CPU 12 displays a setting screen (FIG. 13) for the printer 1500 and allows the user to perform reprint printing settings.

  Next, in step S1605, the CPU 12 executes a reprint process using the print settings set in step S1604, and ends the process of this flowchart.

  In step S1603, the CPU 12 acquires print source host information (such as an IP address) and a job ID from detailed job information in order to perform reprinting on the print source host. Further, the CPU 12 transmits a reprint notification with a job ID added thereto to the host computer 3000 specified by the acquired host information. And the process of this flowchart is complete | finished.

  Next, processing on the computer 3000 side will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a third control processing procedure according to the present invention, which is executed by the reprint request monitoring unit 306 executed by the CPU 1 of the host computer 3000. In the figure, S1701 to S1704 indicate steps.

  First, when the reprint request monitoring unit 306 receives an instruction from the printer 1500, in step S1701, it is determined whether the received instruction is related to reprinting. If the reprint request monitoring unit 306 determines that the instruction is other than reprint, the process of this flowchart ends.

  On the other hand, if the reprint request monitoring unit 306 determines that the received instruction is related to reprint, the process proceeds to step S1702.

  In step S <b> 1702, the reprint request monitoring unit 306 acquires the job ID added to the reprint instruction, and uses the job ID to print data corresponding to the job ID stored in the external memory 11. Execute the acquisition process.

  In step S1703, the reprint request monitoring unit 306 determines whether the print data corresponding to the job ID has been acquired (exists) in the process of step S1702. If it is determined that the print data corresponding to the job ID cannot be acquired (does not exist), the processing of this flowchart is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the reprint request monitoring unit 306 determines in step S1703 that print data corresponding to the job ID has been acquired (exists) in the process of step S1702, the dialog 1401 in FIG. Is displayed on the CRT 10. If the “OK” button in the dialog 1401 is clicked with a pointing device (not shown) or the like, the process proceeds to step S1704.

  In step S1704, the reprint request monitoring unit 306 executes reprint processing (FIG. 19) using the print data corresponding to the job ID acquired in step S1702. And the process of this flowchart is complete | finished.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of a fourth control processing procedure according to the present invention, which is executed by the reprint request monitoring unit 306 executed by the CPU 1 of the host computer 3000. In the figure, S1801 to S1804 indicate steps.

  In step S1801, the reprint request monitoring unit 306 checks whether the host computer 3000 has received a reprint instruction in addition to the print instruction request determined as the reprint instruction in step S1701 of FIG. If it is determined that no other reprint instruction has been received, the job corresponding to the print instruction is set as a reprint request job, and the process proceeds to step S1803.

  On the other hand, if the reprint request monitoring unit 306 determines in step S1801 that a reprint instruction has been received in addition to the print instruction request determined as the reprint instruction in step S1701 in FIG. 18, the process proceeds to step S1802. Proceed with the process.

  In step S1802, the reprint request monitoring unit 306 displays a reprint request job list 1402 (FIG. 14) corresponding to the reprint instruction received by the host computer 3000 on the CRT 10, and selects a job to be reprinted. . When a reprint request job is selected with a pointing device (not shown) and the OK button of the dialog 1401 is designated, the reprint request monitoring unit 306 shifts the processing to step S1803.

  In step S1803, the reprint request monitoring unit 306 acquires a job ID from a reprint instruction for a job to be reprinted, and acquires print data 404, print setting information 402, and application information 403 corresponding to the job ID. Then, as shown in FIG. 15, the reprint request monitoring unit 306 activates the application 201 corresponding to the application information 403 and opens a print screen on the CRT 10 in the state when the job that received the reprint request is printed. To control. The print setting 402 is controlled so as to be passed to an application that performs printing if possible. Then, if the application cannot be received, the printer driver 203 is controlled to perform setting.

  That is, the reprint request monitoring unit 306 reads data (print data 404, print settings 402, application information 403) related to generation of the print job that has received the reprint request from the external memory 11. Further, the reprint request monitoring unit 306 controls the print control means (201 to 204, 301 to 305, etc. in FIG. 3) to be set to the state immediately before the print job generation using the read data.

  In step S1804, when a print setting change or print instruction is issued, the application 201 executed by the CPU 1 executes print processing. As a result, a print job is generated by the print control means (201 to 204, 301 to 305, etc. in FIG. 3) and transmitted to the printer 1500. And the process of this flowchart is complete | finished.

  With the above processing, when performing reprinting in the printing system that performs printing from the host computer 3000 to the printer 1500, reprint processing can be performed from the user interface of the printer 1500. Further, if necessary, a reprint instruction can be issued from the printer 1500 to the host computer 3000 of the printing source, and reprinting can be performed from the user interface of the host computer 3000 of the printing source. That is, according to the designation from the printer 1500, the host computer 3000 can change the print condition of the print data for reprinting to make it ready for printing.

  That is, in the printing system of the present embodiment, the print job designated for reprinting is not retransmitted to the host computer 3000, but the print processing condition is changed on the host computer 3000. Specifically, the printer 1500 designates a job ID and transmits it to the host computer 3000. In the host computer 3000, the reprint request monitoring unit 306 sets the print job that matches the received job ID to a state immediately before the print job is transmitted. The state immediately before transmission indicates a state in which the application that generated the print job is started up and the print processing conditions (the same as the print processing conditions of the printed job) are set in the printer driver. By setting the application program 201 and the printer driver 203 in this state, the following effects can be obtained. The user can generate a print job for reprinting by changing the settings on the host computer 3000 side and then clicking the “OK” button of the print dialog 1404 with a pointing device (not shown).

  In this way, it is possible to easily perform reprinting such as changing print processing conditions (such as page layout) that cannot be changed from the printer 1500 or changing the content of the print data itself.

  Therefore, when a reprint instruction for a job printed on the printing apparatus is issued from the printing apparatus, the job selected on the printing apparatus can be easily reprinted from an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer. Will be able to.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  In the first embodiment, the following (1) or (2) is selected by the user via the screen of FIG.

(1) Reprinting is performed based on the printing apparatus side print job data 500 held in the external memory 14 provided in the printer 1500. (2) Reprinting is requested to the host computer 300. Here, (1) The print job data 500 used in the method is obtained by converting the host-side print job data 400 received from the host computer 300 into the bitmap format by the CPU 12 of the printer 1500. For example, it is assumed that the host side print job data 400 has been designated to lay out image data for two pages on one page (hereinafter designated as 2 in 1). In this case, the printing apparatus-side print job data 500 is bitmap data in which two pages of image data are laid out on one page and one page. Therefore, even if the CPU 12 tries to change the layout so that the layout becomes one page unit (1 in 1) upon reprinting, the layout cannot be changed based on the printing apparatus side print job data 500. That is, when reprinting is performed using the printing apparatus side print job data 500 by the method (1), it is not possible to cope with a change in specific printing conditions.

  Therefore, in the first embodiment, the user of the printer 1500 determines whether or not the printing condition that the user desires to change when performing reprinting is the printing condition that can be handled by the method (1), and based on the determination result. Therefore, it is necessary to select the method (1) or the method (2). However, in order for the user of the printer 1500 to appropriately select the method (1) or the method (2), the user knows in advance what printing conditions can be handled by the method (1). There is a need.

  On the other hand, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the method of (1) or (2) is appropriate even if the user does not know in advance which of (1) and (2) should be selected. It provides a mechanism to decide on.

  In the second embodiment of the present invention, the printer 1500 performs the same processing as in the first embodiment except for the screen shown in FIG. 12 and the processing shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 20 to 25.

  20 to 24 are schematic diagrams illustrating examples of screens displayed on the touch panel unit 602 of the printer 1500 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  When the CPU 12 of the printer 1500 determines that the user has selected the “Re-execute operator confirmation job” button 1003 via the screen illustrated in FIG. 10, the CPU 12 causes the touch panel unit 602 to display the screen illustrated in FIG. 20. Then, the CPU 12 of the printer 1500 receives an input from the user (selection of the buttons 2101 and 2102) on the screen of FIG.

  The CPU 12 of the printer 1500 determines whether the user has selected the “change print condition” button 2101 or the “do not change print condition” button 2102 via the screen shown in FIG. When the CPU 12 of the printer 1500 determines that the user has selected the “change print condition” button 2101, the CPU 12 causes the touch panel unit 602 to display the screen illustrated in FIG. 21. Then, the CPU 12 of the printer 1500 accepts an input from the user (selection of the buttons 2201 to 2104) on the screen of FIG.

  The CPU 12 of the printer 1500 determines which one of the “paper” button 2201, the “single / double-sided” button 2202, the “staple” button 2203, and the “page layout” button 2204 is selected when changing the printing condition. To do. When the CPU 12 of the printer 1500 determines that the user has selected the “paper” button 2201 via the screen in FIG. 21, the CPU 12 displays the screen illustrated in FIG. 22 on the touch panel unit 602. Then, the CPU 12 of the printer 1500 receives input from the user (selection of buttons 2301 to 2304) on the screen of FIG.

  Then, the CPU 12 reprints the sheet corresponding to the button (one of 2301, 2302, 2303, and 2304) selected by the user via the screen of FIG. The print data 505 is set to be used.

  If the CPU 12 determines that the user has selected the “single / double-sided” button 2202 on the screen shown in FIG. 21, the CPU 12 causes the touch panel unit 602 to display the screen shown in FIG. 23. Then, the CPU 12 of the printer 1500 receives input from the user (selection of the buttons 2401 and 2402) on the screen of FIG.

  If the CPU 12 determines that the button selected by the user via the screen of FIG. 23 is the “single-sided” button 2401, the CPU 12 sets the print data 505 to perform single-sided printing as the printing condition for reprinting. On the other hand, if the CPU 12 determines that the button selected by the user via the screen of FIG. 23 is the “double-sided” button 2402, the CPU 12 sets the print data 505 to perform double-sided printing as the printing condition for reprinting.

  If the CPU 12 determines that the user has selected the “staple” button 2203 on the screen shown in FIG. 21, the screen shown in FIG. 24 is displayed on the touch panel unit 602. Then, the CPU 12 of the printer 1500 receives input from the user (selection of buttons 2501 and 2502) on the screen of FIG.

  When the CPU 12 determines that the button selected by the user via the screen of FIG. 24 is the “ON” button 2501, the print data is subjected to the stapling process on the sheet bundle that has been subjected to the printing process as the printing condition for reprinting. 505 is set.

  On the other hand, when the CPU 12 determines that the button selected by the user via the screen of FIG. 24 is the “OFF” button 2502, the print data is subjected to the stapling process on the sheet bundle that has been subjected to the printing process as the reprint printing condition. 505 is set.

  As described above, when the user selects the “paper” button 2201, the “single / double-sided” button 2202, and the “staple” button 2203 in FIG. 21, reprinting is performed on the printing apparatus side print job data 500. Can be done on the basis. Therefore, in this case, the CPU 12 rewrites the print data 505 included in the printing apparatus side print job data 500. Then, the CPU 12 controls the reprinting process based on the print data 505.

  On the other hand, when the user selects the “page layout” button 2204 in FIG. 21, the operation is different from the case where the user selects another button. Specifically, the CPU 12 performs the same operation as when the user selects the “input a re-execution request from the host” button 1203 in FIG. 12 of the first embodiment.

  That is, the CPU 12 executes the processing of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 to request reprinting to the host computer 3000 and display the screen shown in FIG. 15 on the host computer 3000. To do.

  Here, operations performed by the CPU 12 by displaying the screens shown in FIGS. 20 to 24 on the touch panel unit 602 will be described with reference to FIG. 25.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control processing procedure (fifth control processing procedure) according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to the reprint processing procedure according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Note that the processing of this flowchart is realized by the CPU 12 of the printer 1500 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 13. In addition, S2701 to S2707 in the figure indicate each step.

  First, in step S2701, the CPU 12 determines the button selected by the user via the screen shown in FIG. 20, and determines that the “change print conditions” button 2101 is selected, the process proceeds to step S2702. Proceed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2701 that the “Do not change printing conditions” button 2102 has been selected, the CPU 12 advances the process to step S2707.

  In step S 2702, the CPU 12 displays the screen of FIG. 21 on the touch panel unit 602, and determines whether the button selected by the user via the screen of FIG. 21 is the “page layout” button 2204. If the CPU 12 determines that the “page layout” button 2204 has been selected, the process proceeds to step S2703. If the CPU 12 determines that a button other than the “page layout” button 2204 has been selected, the process proceeds to step S2706.

  In step S2703, the CPU 12 extracts the host PCIP address 504 and the job ID 501 from the printing apparatus side print job data 500 so that the host computer 3000 can perform reprinting. The CPU 12 transmits a reprint request including the job ID 501 to the host computer 3000 specified by the host PCIP address 504, and advances the process to step S2704.

  In step S2704, the CPU 12 waits (determines) whether or not the host-side print job data 400 corresponding to the reprint request transmitted by the host computer 3000 executing the processing shown in FIG. 19 has been received. To do. If the CPU 12 determines that the host-side print job data 400 corresponding to the reprint request has been received, the CPU 12 advances the process to step S2705.

  In step S2705, the CPU 12 executes print processing based on the host-side print job data 400 corresponding to the reprint request received from the host computer 3000. And the process of this flowchart is complete | finished.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 12 determines in step S2702 that the print condition selected by the user is to be changed to something other than a page layout, the CPU 12 executes the process of step S2706. Specifically, the CPU 12 sets the print conditions included in the print data 505 of the printing apparatus side print job data 500 so that reprinting can be performed with the print conditions set by the user via the screens shown in FIGS. Change to step S2707.

  In step S2707, the CPU 12 executes a printing process based on the printing apparatus side print job data 500 whose printing conditions have been changed in step S2706. And the process of this flowchart is complete | finished.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, even if the user does not know in advance which of (1) or (2) should be selected, the user sets the reprint. According to the printing conditions, the method (1) or the method (2) can be appropriately determined. The above (1) and (2) are (1: reprinting is performed based on the printing apparatus side print job data 500 held in the external memory 14 provided in the printer 1500), (2: reprinting is performed by the host. Request to the computer 300).

  In the above description, when the user selects the “page layout” button 2204 via the screen of FIG. 21, a reprint request including a job ID is transmitted to the host computer 3000. It may be. Specifically, when the “page layout” button 2204 is selected via the screen shown in FIG. 21, the screen shown in FIG. 26 is further displayed on the touch panel unit 602, and the specific type of page layout is displayed to the user. You may make it select.

  FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the touch panel unit 602 of the printer 1500 according to another aspect of the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In this case, the CPU 12 includes, in the reprint request, information indicating which page layout method the user has selected via the screen of FIG. 26 (that is, change information for changing the printing conditions at the time of reprinting). be able to. Then, when the reprint request includes the page layout method (the change information described above), the host computer 3000 starts up to the screen immediately before printing while reflecting the page layout method (change information). be able to. That is, a print job can be generated based on the change information described above. In this way, when reprinting is executed, the page layout method is designated by the printer 1500, and the state immediately before the host computer 3000 can transmit the print job is reflected in the state reflecting the designation. it can.

  Note that the host computer 1500 may perform the following control when the reprint request includes a print condition to be changed in the reprint. That is, the host-side print job data 400 in which the print condition is changed as described above may be transmitted to the printer 1500 regardless of the change of the print condition by the user on the host computer 1500 side.

  As described above, the CPU 12 of the printer 1500 accepts a change in printing conditions by the user when executing reprinting. Whether the CPU 12 of the printer 1500 executes reprinting based on the application data held in the host computer 3000 or reprinting based on the print data held in the printer 1500 according to the changed printing condition. Select. If the CPU 12 selects execution of reprinting based on application data, the CPU 12 transmits a reprint request to the host computer 3000. When the CPU 12 selects execution of reprinting based on the print data held in the printer 1500, the CPU 12 performs reprinting based on the print data held in the printer 1500.

  Therefore, appropriate reprinting based on application data held in the host and reprinting based on print data held in the printer can be performed appropriately without depending on the user, depending on the printing conditions to be changed during reprinting. It becomes possible to make a decision.

  It should be noted that the configuration and contents of the various data described above are not limited to this, and it goes without saying that the various data and configurations are configured according to the application and purpose.

  Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention can take an embodiment as, for example, a system, apparatus, method, program, or storage medium. Specifically, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices, or may be applied to an apparatus composed of a single device.

  Hereinafter, with reference to the memory map shown in FIG. 27, the configuration of the information processing apparatus constituting the printing system according to the present invention and the memory map of the storage medium storing various data processing programs readable by the printing apparatus will be described.

  FIG. 27 illustrates a memory map of a storage medium (recording medium) that stores various data processing programs that can be read by the information processing apparatus (host computer 3000) and the printing apparatus (printer 1500) that constitute the printing system according to the present invention. It is a figure to do.

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

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

  The functions shown in FIG. 16, FIG. 17 (FIG. 25 in the case of the second embodiment), FIG. 18, and FIG. 19 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, script data supplied to the OS, etc. is not limited.

  Examples of storage media for supplying programs include flexible disks, hard disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, MOs, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, CD-RWs, magnetic tapes, nonvolatile memory cards, ROMs, DVDs, 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, the program can be supplied by connecting to a home page on the Internet using a browser of a client computer and downloading the program of the present invention from the home page to a storage medium such as a hard disk. It can also be supplied by downloading a file compressed from the home page and including an automatic installation function to a storage 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. In other words, 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.

  Further, the program of the present invention is encrypted, stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, and distributed to users. Further, the user who has cleared the predetermined condition is allowed to download key information for decryption from the homepage via the Internet. Furthermore, it is also possible to execute the encrypted program by using the key information and install the program on a computer.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but it is needless to say that the following configurations are included. For example, an OS (operating system) running on a computer performs part or all of actual processing based on an instruction of the program code, and the functions of the above-described embodiments may be realized by the processing. Needless to say, it is included.

  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. Based on the instruction of the program code written in the memory, the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing. Needless to say, it is also included.

  Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. In this case, by reading a storage medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention into the system or apparatus, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

  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.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when performing reprinting in a printing system that performs printing from a host computer to a printing apparatus, reprinting processing can be performed from the user interface of the printing apparatus. Further, if necessary, the reprinting instruction can be given from the printing apparatus side to the printing source host computer, and the state of the host computer can be controlled so that reprinting can be easily performed from the user interface of the printing source host computer. .

  In addition, all the structures which combined each modification shown in embodiment mentioned above are also included in this invention.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a printing system to which an embodiment of the present invention can be applied. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a typical print processing configuration in a host computer that can communicate with a printing apparatus such as a printer. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a print processing configuration in the printing system illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a data block diagram which shows an example of the host side print job data in this embodiment. FIG. 4 is a data configuration diagram illustrating an example of printing apparatus side print job data in the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an operation unit of the printer illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a key input unit illustrated in FIG. 6. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a touch panel unit illustrated in FIG. 6. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the operation screen for operating the log | history of a job. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a dialog for selecting deletion or reprinting of a job whose history is managed. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a dialog displayed when an instruction to delete a job whose history is managed is given. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a dialog displayed when an instruction to reprint a job whose history is managed is given. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a screen for performing print settings when a re-execution request is input from an operation unit of a printer. FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a dialog displayed on the CRT of the host computer when the host computer receives a reprint instruction from the printer. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which a reprint request monitoring unit is activated up to a screen immediately before printing in response to a reprint instruction. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 1st control processing procedure regarding 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 2nd control processing procedure regarding 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 3rd control processing procedure regarding 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 4th control processing procedure regarding 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the screen displayed on a touchscreen part. It is a schematic diagram which shows the screen displayed on a touchscreen part. It is a schematic diagram which shows the screen displayed on a touchscreen part. It is a schematic diagram which shows the screen displayed on a touchscreen part. It is a schematic diagram which shows the screen displayed on a touchscreen part. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing procedure regarding 2nd Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the screen displayed on a touchscreen part. It is a figure explaining the memory map of the storage medium (recording medium) which stores the information processing apparatus which comprises the printing system of this invention, and the various data processing program which can be read with a printing apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

201 Application 203 Printer Driver 306 Reprint Request Monitoring Unit 400 Host-side Print Job Data 402 Print Settings 403 Application Information 404 Print Data 500 Printer-side Print Job Data 502 Job Name 503 Printing Source Host PC Name 504 IP Address 505 Print Data 902 Job History display section 909 Job confirmation button

Claims (11)

In a printing system having an information processing apparatus and a printing apparatus that receives and prints print data transmitted from the information processing apparatus,
The information processing apparatus includes:
First holding means for holding application data usable by an application executable by the information processing apparatus;
Setting means for setting printing conditions;
Generating means for generating print data based on said print condition set by the first of said application data and said setting means are held in the holding means,
Transmitting means for transmitting the print data generated by the generating means to the printing apparatus ;
Have,
The printing apparatus includes:
Receiving means for receiving the print data transmitted by the transmitting means;
Converting means for converting the print data received by the receiving means into a predetermined format;
Second holding means for holding the print data converted by the converting means ;
And a print unit that executes print processing based on the print data received by the receiving means,
A case of executing the re-printing based on the print data, if the printing condition set by the setting means is changed, to request the print data to the information processing apparatus, the second holding means Control means for selectively controlling whether to perform reprinting based on the print data held in the printer according to the changed printing condition ,
The information processing apparatus includes:
When printing data is requested from the printing apparatus , the printing system is controlled to cause the transmission unit to transmit print data based on the application data . The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit requests print data from the information processing apparatus when the changed printing condition relates to a page layout. The printing apparatus includes an extraction unit that extracts specific information for specifying print data corresponding to reprinting based on history information regarding print data that has been subjected to print processing by the printing unit;
Before SL control unit, when conversion by said converting means has selected the execution of the previous re-printing based on the print data performed, the information processing apparatus Kiyo determined before containing specific information extracted by the extracting unit To
The information processing device, when the requested printing data from the printing apparatus performs control so as to transmit the print data to the based on the application data corresponding to the specific information included before Kiyo determined in the transmitting unit, The printing system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that. The information processing apparatus further includes display means for displaying a screen for the print means to generate print data based on the application data in response to a request for print data from the printing apparatus. The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The information processing apparatus, when a change information for changing the printing condition Kiyo determined before received from the printing apparatus is included, to generate print data corresponding to the changed information to the generating means The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The first holding unit limits data holding based on a preset number of held data or a free space of a memory resource,
6. The printing according to claim 1, wherein the second holding unit restricts data holding based on a preset number of held data or a free space of a memory resource. system. In a printing apparatus that receives and prints print data in which printing conditions are set from an information processing apparatus having a first holding unit that holds application data.
Receiving means for receiving print data from the information processing apparatus;
Converting means for converting the print data received by the receiving means into a predetermined format;
Second holding means for holding the print data converted by the converting means ;
And a print unit that executes print processing based on the print data received by the receiving means,
In the case to perform reprinting based on the print data, if the set printing conditions are changed, or to request the print data to the information processing apparatus, held in the second holding means Control means for selectively controlling whether to perform reprinting based on the printed data, according to the changed printing condition ;
Printing apparatus characterized by having a. The printing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the control unit requests print data from the information processing apparatus when the changed printing condition relates to a page layout. Extracting means for extracting specific information for specifying print data corresponding to reprinting based on history information relating to print data printed by the printing means;
Before SL control means, to request the print data to the information processing apparatus, it transmits the Kiyo determined before containing specific information extracted by the extracting unit to the information processing apparatus, characterized in that The printing apparatus according to claim 7 or 8. The first holding unit limits data holding based on a preset number of held data or a free space of a memory resource,
The printing according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the second holding unit limits data holding based on a preset number of held data or a free space of a memory resource. apparatus. A reprint control method in a printing system having an information processing apparatus and a printing apparatus that receives and prints print data transmitted from the information processing apparatus,
A first holding step in which the information processing apparatus holds application data usable by an application executable by the information processing apparatus in a first holding unit;
A setting step in which the information processing apparatus sets printing conditions;
A generation step of the information processing apparatus generates the print data based on said print condition set by the first of said application data and said setting step held by the holding means,
A transmission step in which the information processing apparatus transmits the print data generated in the generation step to the printing apparatus ;
Before SL printing device, a receiving step for receiving print data transmitted in said transmitting step,
A conversion step in which the printing apparatus converts the print data received in the reception step into a predetermined format;
A second holding step in which the printing apparatus holds the print data converted in the conversion step in a second holding unit;
The printing apparatus, a printing step of executing printing process based on print data received by said receiving step,
Whether the printing apparatus, in a case to perform reprinting based on the print data, if the printing condition set by said setting step is changed, requesting the print data to the information processing apparatus A control step of selectively controlling whether to perform reprinting based on the print data held in the second holding means according to the changed printing condition ;
The information processing apparatus, in response to a request from the printing apparatus, causing the transmission step to transmit print data based on the application data;
A reprinting control method characterized by comprising:

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