JP2006072739A - Information processing device, control method for the same, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processing device, a control method therefor and a program that can increase user operability and efficiency in printing of a print job combining a plurality of print jobs. <P>SOLUTION: Print data generated by an application are converted into a print job in an intermediate code format. The print job and print setting information are related and temporarily saved. Two or more specified print jobs out of a plurality of saved print jobs are combined to generate a combined job. According to the print setting information about each print job combined into the combined job, print setting information is generated about the combined job. When the combined job and the print setting information are generated, the combined job and the print setting information are related and temporarily saved as an update in the saving means. A printing method for a print job or combined job acquired by reference to the saved contents is selected and specified from a plurality of types of printing methods. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus that generates print data to be output to a printing apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program.

  In conventional printing, when printing is performed from an application on a host computer, one print job is usually generated according to the print setting contents set in advance by a printer driver, and is transmitted to the printer. In addition to normal printing, the printing method of the print job includes interrupt printing that raises the priority of the printing order, “secure printing” with a password, and “box save” that saves to the hard disk of the printer. There is a printer driver that provides a printing method such as “Patent Document 1”.

  In addition, the document data instructed to be printed by the application is held in the client (host computer) without being output to the printer, and a “collective printing” function for collectively sending a plurality of document data to the printer as one job is provided. Software also exists.

  However, when printing is performed by a printing method other than normal printing, and when a large number of print jobs are created from a job issuing device (for example, a host computer) and printing is performed, more setting operations are required. .

For example, in the case of “secure printing”, it is generally required to input a user name and a password. In the case of “save box”, it is requested to specify a mailbox number in the printer body. Therefore, when the user performs special printing such as “secure printing” or “save box” from a plurality of applications or a plurality of times, the setting operation may become troublesome. In “collective printing”, a plurality of print jobs can be bundled and transmitted to the printer, but a printing method such as “secure printing” or “save box” other than printing by that cannot be designated.
JP 2001-134395 A

  As described above, the conventional “summary printing” can be realized by a single print job (single job), “secure print”, “box save”, other than normal printing of a combined job obtained by combining a plurality of print jobs. “,“ Interrupt printing ”,“ print + save ”and the like cannot provide a high-performance printing method, so the user's operability and efficiency regarding the printing process are low.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and an information processing apparatus capable of improving user operability and efficiency relating to print processing of a print job obtained by combining a plurality of print jobs, and a control method therefor The purpose is to provide a program.

In order to achieve the above object, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention comprises the following arrangement. That is,
An information processing apparatus that generates print data for output to a printing apparatus,
Conversion means for converting print data generated by the application into a print job in an intermediate code format;
Storage means for temporarily storing the print job and print setting information of the print data in association with each other;
A combining unit that generates a combined job by combining two or more designated print jobs among the plurality of print jobs stored in the storage unit;
Generating means for generating print setting information of the combined job based on print setting information of each print job to be combined constituting the combined job;
An update unit that associates the combined job and the print setting information with the storage unit and temporarily updates the combined job and the print setting information when the combined job and the print setting information are generated;
Instructing means for selecting and instructing a printing method for the print job or the combined job obtained by referring to the storage content of the storage means from a plurality of types of printing methods.

  Preferably, the print job is temporarily stored in the storage unit as a page drawing file for each page.

  Preferably, the print setting information of the combined job includes information indicating an output page number as an output destination of the page drawing file.

  Preferably, the print setting information is temporarily stored in the storage unit as a print setting file for each print job.

  Preferably, the instruction unit includes a display instruction unit for instructing display of a preview image based on print setting information of the print job or the combined job obtained by referring to the storage content of the storage unit.

  Preferably, the instruction unit includes a change instruction unit that instructs to change the order of the print job or the combined job obtained by referring to the stored content of the storage unit.

  Preferably, the instruction unit includes a deletion instruction unit for instructing deletion of the print job or the combined job obtained by referring to the storage content of the storage unit.

  Preferably, the instruction unit further includes a disassembly instruction unit that instructs to disassemble the combined job obtained by referring to the storage content of the storage unit into a plurality of print jobs before combining.

  Preferably, the instruction unit includes a copy instruction unit that instructs to copy the print job or the combined job obtained by referring to the stored content of the storage unit.

  Preferably, the print job or the combined job instructed to be printed by the instruction means is converted into a print control command for the printing apparatus based on the print setting information and output to the printing apparatus. Is further provided.

Preferably, as a printing method for the print job or the combined job, when a printing method to be stored in the storage device of the printing apparatus is instructed by the instruction unit, when performing printing by the instructed printing method, Display means for displaying a confirmation screen for confirming whether or not to continue the printing, including notification that the predetermined print setting information included in the print setting information is invalid;
Job name change for changing the job name of the print job to be processed or the combined job to a job name including information related to the predetermined print setting information when the print is instructed via the confirmation screen And a means.

In order to achieve the above object, a method for controlling an information processing apparatus according to the present invention comprises the following arrangement. That is,
A method of controlling an information processing apparatus that generates print data for output to a printing apparatus,
A conversion process for converting print data generated by the application into a print job in an intermediate code format;
A storage step of temporarily storing the print job and print setting information of the print data in association with each other;
A combining step of generating a combined job by combining two or more designated print jobs among a plurality of print jobs stored in the storage medium;
A generation step of generating print setting information of the combined job based on print setting information of each print job to be combined constituting the combined job;
An update step in which when the combined job and the print setting information thereof are generated, the combined job and the print setting information are associated with the temporary storage and updated in the storage unit;
An instruction step of selecting and instructing a printing method for the print job or the combined job obtained by referring to the storage content of the storage medium from a plurality of types of printing methods.

In order to achieve the above object, a program according to the present invention comprises the following arrangement. That is,
A program that realizes control of an information processing apparatus that generates print data to be output to a printing apparatus,
A program code for a conversion process for converting print data generated by the application into a print job in an intermediate code format;
A program code of a storage step for temporarily storing the print job and the print setting information of the print data in a storage medium in association with each other;
Program code for a combining step for generating a combined job combining two or more specified print jobs among a plurality of print jobs stored in the storage medium;
Based on the print setting information of each print job to be combined that constitutes the combined job, the program code of the generating step for generating print setting information of the combined job;
A program code for an update process for temporarily storing and updating the combined job and the print setting information in the storage unit in association with the combined job and the print setting information;
And a program code of an instruction process for selecting and instructing a printing method for the print job or the combined job obtained by referring to the storage content of the storage medium from a plurality of types of printing methods.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an information processing apparatus capable of improving the operability and efficiency of a user related to print processing of a print job obtained by combining a plurality of print jobs, a control method therefor, and a program. .

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<Embodiment 1>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the printer control system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  If the function of the present invention is executed, it may be a single device or a system composed of a plurality of devices on a system connected via a network such as a LAN or WAN. Needless to say, the present invention can also be applied.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 3000 denotes a host computer, which includes a CPU 1. The CPU 1 includes components such as graphics, images, characters, and tables (including spreadsheets) based on a program such as a document processing program (application program) stored in the program ROM 3b of the ROM 3 or the external memory 11. The document processing is executed, and each device connected to the system bus 4 in the host computer main body 2000 is comprehensively controlled.

  The ROM 3b for program of the ROM 3 or the external memory 11 also stores programs such as an operating system program (hereinafter referred to as OS) which is a control program for the CPU 1. The font ROM 3a of the ROM 3 or the external memory 11 stores data such as font data used for the document processing. The data ROM 3c of the ROM 3 or the external memory 11 stores various data used when performing various processes such as the document process.

  Reference numeral 2 denotes a RAM which functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 1. A keyboard controller (KBC) 5 controls key input from a keyboard (KB) 9 or a pointing device (not shown). Reference numeral 6 denotes a CRT controller (CRTC), which controls display on a CRT display (CRT) 10. In place of the CRT controller 6 and the CRT display 10, an LCD controller and an LCD may be used.

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

  A printer controller (PRTC) 8 is connected to the printer 1500 via a predetermined bidirectional interface (interface) 21 and executes communication control processing with the printer 1500. Examples of the bidirectional interface include a USB interface, an IEEE 1394 interface, and a wireless LAN interface.

  For example, the CPU 1 performs WYSIWYG on the CRT 10 by executing an outline font rasterizing process on the display information RAM set on the RAM 2 and providing a GUI. Further, the CPU 1 opens various registered windows based on commands instructed by a mouse cursor (not shown) on the CRT 10 and executes various data processing. When printing, the user opens a window related to print settings, and can set the printer method and print method settings for the printer driver including print mode selection.

  In the printer 1500, reference numeral 12 denotes a printer CPU. The printer CPU 12 generally controls each device connected to the system bus 15 in the printer control unit 1000. Further, the printer CPU 12 sends an image signal as output information to a printing unit (printer engine) 17 connected to the system bus 15 based on a program such as a control program stored in the program ROM 13 b of the ROM 13 or the external memory 14. Output.

  A program such as a control program for the printer CPU 12 is stored in the program ROM 13 b of the ROM 13. The font ROM 13a of the ROM 13 stores data such as font data used when generating the output information. In the case of a printer that does not have an external memory 14 such as a hard disk (HD) or an IC card, the data ROM 13c of the ROM 13 stores information used on the host computer 3000.

  The printer CPU 12 can perform communication processing with the host computer 3000 via the input unit 18 and is configured to notify the host computer 3000 of various types of information such as status information in the printer 1500. Reference numeral 19 denotes a RAM that functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 12. The RAM 19 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. 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 data such as font data, an emulation program, and form data. An operation unit 1501 includes an operation panel, a switch, an LED display, and the like for realizing various operations on the printer 1500.

  Further, the number of external memories 14 is not limited to one, and at least one external memory 14 is provided. In addition to the built-in font, an optional font card and a plurality of external memories storing programs for interpreting printer control languages having different language systems can be connected. May be. Further, an NVRAM (not shown) may be provided, and printer mode setting information from the operation unit 1501 may be stored.

  Next, the main functional configuration of the host computer 3000 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a main functional configuration of the host computer according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 2 shows a typical configuration for realizing a printing process in the host computer 3000 in which the printer 1500 is connected directly or via a network.

  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. These files are program modules that are loaded into the RAM 2 and executed by the OS and modules that use the modules. The application 201 and the printer driver 203 can be added to the external memory 11 or to the external memory 11 via a network (not shown).

  The application 201 stored in the external memory 11 is loaded into the RAM 2 and executed. When printing from the application 201 to the printer 1500, the application 201 is similarly loaded into the RAM 2 and executable. The graphic engine 202 is used for output (drawing).

  The graphic engine 202 similarly loads a printer driver 203 prepared for each type of printer to be connected from the external memory 11 to the RAM 2, and uses the printer driver 203 to output output (print data) from the application 201. Convert to The converted print 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.

  Note that the present invention is premised on a printing system including a printer 3000 and a host computer 1500 as shown in FIG. 2, but further, as shown in FIG. The system can be extended to a system that spools with an intermediate code print job.

  FIG. 3 is an extension of the main functional configuration of FIG. 2, and takes a configuration in which a spool file 303 composed of intermediate code data is once generated when a print command is transmitted from the graphic engine 202 to the printer driver 203. 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 print control commands, whereas in FIG. This is the time when the spooler 302 converts all print commands into intermediate code data and outputs them to the spool file 303, and the latter usually takes less time.

  Further, in FIG. 3, the contents of the spool file 303 can be processed, whereby the print data from the application 201 can be enlarged or reduced, or a plurality of pages can be reduced to one page before printing. It is possible to realize processing (processing) other than the processing of the print data and the function of the application 201. In order to realize such processing, a configuration in which print data is once spooled with intermediate code data as shown in FIG. 3 is adopted as compared with the configuration in FIG.

  In order to process the print data, the settings are usually made from a window (printer driver dialog) provided by the printer driver 203, and the printer driver 203 stores the setting contents in the RAM 2 or the external memory 11. .

  In the configuration of FIG. 3, the dispatcher 301 receives a DDI function which is a print command from the graphic engine 202. When the print command (DDI function) received by the dispatcher 301 from the graphic engine 202 is based on the print command (GDI function) issued from the application 201 to the graphic engine 202, the dispatcher 301 stores data in the external memory 11. The stored spooler 302 is loaded into the RAM 2 and a print command (DDI function) is transmitted to the spooler 302 instead of the printer driver 203.

  The spooler 302 analyzes the received print command, converts it into intermediate code data for each page, and outputs it to the spool file 303. The spool file of intermediate code data stored in units of pages is called a page drawing file (PDF: Page Description File). Further, the spooler 302 acquires print setting information (Nup, double-sided, staple, color / monochrome designation, etc.) regarding print data set for the printer driver 203 from the printer driver 203 and spools it as a setting file for each job. Save to file 303.

  As described above, in the spool file 303, a print job in the intermediate code data format and its print setting information are stored in association with each other. At this time, the setting file (print setting information) stored in units of jobs is referred to as a job setting file (or sometimes referred to as SDF: Spool Description File). This job setting file will be described later.

  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 according to the contents of the print settings (job setting file) 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, and is described in the spool file 303 with respect to the despooler 305. Instructed to print the page drawing file of the intermediate code data.

  The despooler 305 processes the page drawing file of the intermediate code data included in the spool file 303 in accordance with the job setting file including the print setting information included in the spool file 303, regenerates the print command (GDI function), and generates the graphic again. A print command (GDI function) is output via the engine 202.

  When the print command (DDI function) received by the dispatcher 301 from the graphic engine 202 is based on the print command (GDI function) issued from the despooler 305 to the graphic engine 202, the dispatcher 301 is not the spooler 302. A print command is transmitted to the printer driver 203.

  The printer driver 203 generates a print control command including a page description language based on the DDI function acquired from the graphic engine 202, and outputs the print control command to the printer 1500 via the system spooler 204.

  Further, FIG. 3 shows a configuration example that includes a previewer 306 and a setting change editor 307 in addition to the configuration described so far, and enables print preview, print setting change, and combination of multiple jobs for a print job. Yes.

  In order to perform print preview, print setting change, and combination of a plurality of jobs, first, the user designates “designate output destination” in the properties of the window (printer driver dialog) generated by the printer driver 203 shown in FIG. In the pull-down menu 401 which is a copy, “edit + preview” is designated.

  The contents set in the properties of the window generated by the printer driver 203 in this way are stored as a setting file in a structure provided by the OS (for example, called DEVMODE in Windows (registered trademark)). The structure includes, for example, a setting for whether or not to save in the spool file manager 304 in the print setting information included in the spool file 303. The spool file manager 304 uses the printer driver 203 to set print settings. Read information.

  If “edit + preview” is designated in the print setting information, a page drawing file and a job setting file are generated and stored in the spool file 303, and the spool file manager 304, as shown in FIG. The print jobs spooled in the spool file 303 are displayed as a list as a print job operation window.

  FIG. 5 shows an example in which five print jobs are spooled in the spool file 303. In the print job operation window, a print method for selecting a print method for the displayed print job is shown. A selection unit is configured. In FIG. 5, the printing method selection unit is realized by the menu bar 501 or the tool bar combo box 502 or icon immediately below the menu bar 501, and a print job can be operated by operating the printing method selection unit. .

  Next, the processing flow of the printing method selection function when an arbitrary print job is selected in the print job operation window will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of the printing method selection function according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 6, the tool bar combo box 502 in FIG. 5 will be described as an example of the printing method selection function. The toolbar combo box 502 will be described by taking as an example a case where “print”, “secure print”, “save”, and “save + print” are provided as four types of printing methods.

  First, in step S801, whether or not a print job is output is determined. If there is no print job output (NO in step S801), the process ends. On the other hand, if there is a print job output (YES in step S801), the process advances to step S802.

  Here, the case where there is a print job output is a case where the user operates the printing method selection unit in the window of FIG.

  In step S802, printing method setting information obtained by operating the printing method selection unit is acquired. Based on the acquired printing method setting information, the process branches to one of the following steps S803 to S806.

  “Print”: If the print method setting information is “print”, the process advances from step S803 to step S807, and the spool file 303 of the intermediate code data of the selected print job is transferred to the printer driver according to the print setting information of the print job. 203 converts the print control command into a print control command that can be transmitted to the printer 1500 and causes the printer 1500 to perform normal printing. At the same time, the spool file 303 of the intermediate code data of the print job that has been printed is deleted.

  “Secure Print”: If the printing method setting information is “Secure Print”, the process advances from step S805 to step S809, and the user name / password input dialog shown in FIG. 7 is displayed to prompt the user to enter the user name and password. When the “OK” button is pressed in this input dialog, in step S812, a print control command is transmitted to the printer 1500 in the same manner as the “print” function, and the intermediate code spool of the print job that has been printed is sent. The file 303 is deleted.

  However, in the “secure print”, unlike the “print” function, the printer 1500 does not immediately execute printing by the print control command, but temporarily stores it in the external memory 14 in the printer 1500 in consideration of security. After that, when the user himself / herself who created the print job for the secure print inputs a password on the operation unit 1501 of the printer 1500, printing by the print job is executed.

  “Save”: If the printing method setting information is “Save (Box)”, the process advances from Step S804 to Step S808 to display the job name / box number input dialog shown in FIG. , Prompt for the destination box number. If the “OK” button is pressed in this input dialog, the print job is transmitted to the box of the designated box number in the external memory 14 of the printer 1500 in step S811. Note that the transmission of the print job here means that the printer driver 203 actually converts the print control command that can be transmitted to the printer 1500 in accordance with the print setting information of the print job, and then transmits the print control command. Means that.

  As a result, the printer 1500 expands the print job including the received print control command into a normal bitmap image, and saves it in the box of the designated box number. Thereafter, when necessary, the user can print the print job stored in a desired box number by operating the operation unit 1501.

  “Save + Print”: When the printing method setting information is “Save + Print” (basically, the combination processing of “Save” and “Print” is executed), the process proceeds from Step S806 to Step S810. The job name / box number input dialog shown in FIG. 8 is displayed to prompt the user to input the job name of the print job to be saved and the box number of the save destination. In this input dialog, when the “OK” button is pressed, in step S813, the print job is transmitted to the box of the designated box number in the external memory 14 of the printer 1500, and at the same time, the printer 1500 performs normal printing. Further, the spool file 303 of the intermediate code data of the print job that has been printed is deleted.

  Note that the printing method selection function by the tool bar combo box 502 of FIG. 5 is an example, and it is possible to configure other printing method options in accordance with the purpose of use and purpose.

  For example, other printing methods include the following.

  “Trial printing”: printing is performed leaving the spool file 303 of the intermediate code data of the print job as it is.

  “Preview”: Preview of each logical page image of the intermediate code data stored in the spool file 303 is performed. In this preview, the zoom rate of the image to be displayed can be changed.

  “Delete”: As one of the print job editing functions, the spool file 303 of the intermediate code data of the print job is deleted.

  “Duplicate”: As one of the print job editing functions, a duplicate of the spool file 303 of the intermediate code data of the print job is generated.

  “Combine”: Combines spool files 303 of intermediate code data of a plurality of print jobs to generate one print job (combined job).

  ● “Separation”: The combined job is decomposed into a plurality of original print jobs before combining.

  ● “Print Settings”: Execute print settings (layout settings, finishing settings, etc.) for a single print job (single job) or combined job.

  ● “Edit print job order”: “Move to top” to set the print order of the desired print job first, “Move up” to make the print order of the desired job one previous, desired print job The print order of the desired print job is edited, such as “move down one” after the print order of “1” or “move last” to end the print order of the desired print job.

  Here, a process when “preview” is designated as the printing method selection function will be described.

  When “preview” of an arbitrary single job or combined job is designated on the print job operation window screen (FIG. 5) of the spool file manager 304, the previewer 306 stored in the external memory 11 is loaded into the RAM 2. The previewer 306 is instructed to perform the preview process of the print job of the intermediate code data described in the spool file 303.

  The previewer 306 sequentially reads the page drawing file (PDF) of the intermediate code data included in the spool file 303 and processes it according to the contents of the print setting information included in the job setting file (SDF) stored in the spool file 303. , On-screen output is possible.

  By performing the preview process, a preview screen of a print job according to the print setting information included in the spool file 303 is displayed on the screen by the previewer 306 as shown in FIG. Thereafter, when the previewer 306 is closed by a user instruction, the control shifts to the print job operation window (FIG. 5) of the spool file manager 304.

  When the user executes printing in accordance with the contents displayed by the previewer 306, the print request is issued by instructing “printing” on the spool file manager 304 using the above-described printing method selection function. To do. The print request is processed by the despooler 305 based on the job setting file to generate a print command (GDI function), is transmitted to the graphic engine 202, and is sent to the printer driver 203 via the dispatcher 301. And printing is performed.

  Next, an operation procedure when the user combines a plurality of print jobs will be described.

  As described above, when printing is started from the application 201, a window (printer driver dialog) generated by the printer driver 203 is opened and spooled with intermediate code data of the print job in a state where the window can be operated. Can be specified. In the example of the printer driver dialog in FIG. 4, this can be realized by selecting “edit + preview” from the combo box 401.

  Next, printing (appears as viewed from the application 201, not from actual printing. That is, since background printing processing is performed, the rendering command is output from the application 201 to the graphic engine 202. As shown in FIG. 5, the print job operation window of the spool file manager 304 displays an intermediate file so that the user designation can be accepted in the spooled state with the intermediate code data of the print job. Code data print jobs are listed. In this state, the user selects a desired print job from the print job list (job management list) in this window, duplicates it, deletes it, changes the printing order, or selects a plurality of print jobs. Can be combined.

  Hereinafter, an operation flow when the user combines a plurality of print jobs will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation flow when combining a plurality of print jobs according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  First, in step S1001, the selection of a print job to be combined on the print job operation window shown in FIG. 5 is accepted from the user, and the spool file manager 304 prints the print job when the intermediate code data print job is selected. Switch to the display indicating that the job has been selected (the color is highlighted).

  From this state, the process advances to step S1002, and the user is instructed to execute a print job combining process from a menu, a toolbar, or the like. When the spool file manager 304 is instructed to execute a print job combining process, the spool file manager 304 starts combining the selected print jobs.

  Here, the print setting information of each print job is read from the job setting file from the intermediate code data in which the print job to be combined is stored, the contents are confirmed, and only one for each print job. Determine print setting information that cannot be set. If it is determined that only one print setting information can be set for one print job, a dialog for allowing the user to select whether or not to combine print jobs is displayed. To do. This dialog may notify that print setting information that can only be set for one print job is designated, or notify the contents of the print setting information.

  On the other hand, if print setting information that can only be set for one print job is not specified, the print setting information set for each print job to be combined is set in common for each print job. At least one possible print setting information is determined, and the determined print setting information is set as the print setting information of the combined job.

  For example, when the print job to be combined is composed of three print jobs, and one print setting information is “color” and the remaining two print setting information is “monochrome”, the three print jobs are combined. “Monochrome” is set in the print setting information of the combined job.

  Also, if at least one piece of print setting information that can be set in common for each print job among the print setting information set for each print job to be combined is set as print setting information for the combined job as it is. Since there is a possibility that the print result is not intended by the user, it is preferable to display a dialog for allowing the user to confirm the contents of the print setting information set in the combined job before continuing the printing operation.

  For example, if the print job to be combined is composed of three print jobs, one print setting information is “double-sided”, and the remaining two print setting information is “single-sided”, these three print jobs are common. The print setting information that can be set in this way is “single-sided”, but this print setting information can be realized on the configuration if the user generates a combined job in the hope that double-sided printing will be performed. However, it is inappropriate for the user's purpose. Therefore, in such a case, a dialog notifying that is displayed and accepting the continuation of the final printing operation.

  Returning to the description of FIG.

  If it is determined in step S1003 that the combination is not to be performed (NO in step S1003), the process returns to step S1001, and the print job is selected again. On the other hand, if an instruction to join is given (YES in step S1003), the process proceeds to step S1004.

  In step S <b> 1004, the spool file manager 304 uses the setting change editor 307 to perform control so as to combine a plurality of selected print jobs.

  Even when a combined job is generated, the page drawing file and job setting file of each combined print job are spooled in the spool file 303, and in addition to this, a job output setting file for the combined job Create The job output setting file includes information indicating an output page number as an output destination of each page drawing file.

  In the first embodiment, in order to distinguish a combined job from a normal single job, one job is expressed by a pair of a flag indicating whether the print job is a combined job and a job ID. When the flag indicates a normal single job, the corresponding intermediate code data ID is managed as the job ID. When the flag indicates a combined job, the intermediate code data ID corresponding to each print job combined in the combined job is managed as a job ID.

  Here, since the combined job is managed in the external memory 14, a pointer to a structure (a combined job structure) representing the combined job is stored in the external memory 14. The combined job structure includes the number of jobs in the combined job and the intermediate code data ID of each print job in the combined job.

  On the other hand, when the disassembly instruction for the combined job is received, the spool file manager 304 sets all the intermediate code data IDs held in the combined job structure indicated by the job pointer of the combined job to be disassembled to the job. Return to the management list, delete the combined job to be disassembled from the job management list, and delete the combined job structure. Then, the spool file manager 304 displays each print job (single job) obtained by disassembling the combined job in the window of FIG.

  When a print job copy instruction is received, the spool file manager 304 adds the job ID of the currently selected copy target print job to the job management list. The same applies to the combined job, and the pointer indicating the combined job structure is copied.

  When a print job deletion request is received, the spool file manager 304 first determines whether the selected print job is a combined job or a single job. If the job is a single job, the intermediate code data and job setting file of the job are deleted, and further, the print job selected from the job management list of the spool file manager 304 is deleted. On the other hand, if it is a combined job, the combined job structure is deleted, and then the combined job selected from the job management list of the spool file manager 304 is deleted.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, by combining a combined job after combining a plurality of print jobs, a configuration that can provide a printing method other than normal printing is provided. The degree of freedom for can be increased.

  Also, when performing job printing with a printing method that requires many screen operations, such as “Secure Print” and “Save”, conventionally, the print settings that must be set for each single job are combined jobs. Therefore, it is possible to improve the efficiency of user setting by completing the setting in a lump.

  In addition, the print job operation screen (spool file manager 304) shown in FIG. 5 that functions as a job management screen provides various editing functions (duplication / deletion / change of print order / disassembly of combined jobs, etc.) for single jobs or combined jobs. By doing so, various edits to the print job can be realized.

<Embodiment 2>
In the first exemplary embodiment, when “save” is selected as the print method setting for a print job (single job or combined job), predetermined print setting information (for example, finishing related information) among the print setting information for the single job or combined job is selected. (Staple / Saddle Stitch / Punch / Trimmer, etc.) is invalidated, and the print job is developed into a bitmap image on the printer and stored in the box of the designated box number.

  Therefore, when a print job having print setting information including the predetermined print setting information is simply printed, a print result in which the predetermined print setting information works effectively can be obtained. When the print job is printed after the job is temporarily stored in the box in the printer, a print result that does not reflect the predetermined print setting information is obtained.

  In addition, the predetermined print setting information originally possessed by the print job can be grasped because the print setting setting information has already been deleted when printing from the box. Can not. For this reason, the intended print result cannot be obtained unless the predetermined print setting information is reset on the printer.

  In addition, when “Save” is selected in the print method setting, the user is not notified that the predetermined print setting information does not work effectively, so the user cannot obtain an opportunity to know the fact. .

  Here, when the data format of the print job when saving in the printer box is a job control language and PDL (Printer Description Language), the print job is converted into a bitmap image for saving in the box. At this time, predetermined print setting information (finishing setting information) held in the job control language is deleted. Therefore, it is preferable from the viewpoint of usability that there is a mechanism that can prevent the user from obtaining a print result unintended by notifying the user at an appropriate timing.

  Therefore, in the second embodiment, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, the print job setting selected by the user is predicted to generate a bitmap image conversion and invalidate some print setting information. In this case, a configuration for notifying the user in advance and providing an opportunity to determine whether to continue the printing work will be described.

  In addition, when a continuation instruction is given, the information regarding the print setting information to be invalidated is reflected in the job name of the print job, so that the fact of invalidation can be easily notified to the user.

  Hereinafter, a processing flow of the printing method selection function in a state where an arbitrary print job is selected in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of the printing method selection function according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  Note that the same steps as those in the flowchart of FIG. 6 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same step numbers, and details thereof are omitted. In the second embodiment, when the printing method setting information is “save”, in step S808a, a save process related to saving a print job in the printer box is executed.

  Details of step S808a will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing details of step S808a according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In step S1101, print setting information of the print job is acquired. In step S1102, the presence / absence of finishing setting information in the print setting information is determined. If there is no finishing setting information (NO in step S1102), the process proceeds to step S1106. On the other hand, if there is finishing setting information (YES in step S1102), the process proceeds to step S1103, and a confirmation dialog as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed. Accordingly, when executing “save (box)” of the print job, it is possible to notify the user that the finishing setting information in the print setting information is invalid, and to accept the instruction to continue the print job. .

  In step S1104, it is determined whether or not to continue the printing operation. If it is not instructed to continue the printing operation (NO in step S1104), that is, if “No” is pressed in the confirmation dialog, the confirmation dialog is closed and the process is terminated. On the other hand, if an instruction to continue the printing operation is given (YES in step S1104), that is, if “Yes” is pressed in the confirmation dialog, the process proceeds to step S1105.

  In step S1105, job name change processing is executed. Specifically, a job name is generated by combining the finishing setting information acquired in step S1101 and the current job name. A specific example is shown in FIG. FIG. 14 shows a case where the job name of the print job is “product plan” and the finishing setting information is “upper left staple”. In this case, the combined job name is “product plan (→ upper left staple)”.

  Next, in step S1106, the job name / box number input dialog shown in FIG. 8 is displayed to prompt the user to input the job name to be saved and the box number of the save destination. In particular, in this dialog, when the user selects “use file name”, the job name generated in step S1105 is used.

  In step S1107, the print job is transmitted to the box of the designated box number in the external memory 14 of the printer 1500.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, when a printing method setting in which the predetermined printing setting information in the printing setting information is invalid is notified, the user is notified to that effect and the printing operation is continued. By providing an opportunity to determine whether or not, it is possible to reduce operation errors related to printing.

  Also in the above case, when the printing operation is continued, the print job is managed in such a manner that information related to invalid print setting information is included in the job name of the print job. As a result, when a print operation of the print job is executed later on the operation unit 1501 on the printer, the invalid specified print setting information can be recognized from the job name. The predetermined print setting information can be reset, and printing according to the reset predetermined print setting information can be executed.

  This resetting may be performed manually after the user confirms the job name with the operation unit 1501, or the printer analyzes the contents of the designated job name and automatically performs the analysis according to the analysis result. You may make it implement | achieve.

  Although the embodiments have been described in detail above, the present invention can take an embodiment as, for example, a system, an apparatus, a method, a program, or a storage medium, and specifically includes a plurality of devices. The present invention may be applied to a system that is configured, or may be applied to an apparatus that includes a single device.

  In the present invention, a software program (in the embodiment, a program corresponding to the flowchart shown in the figure) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment is directly or remotely supplied to the system or apparatus, and the computer of the system or apparatus Is also achieved by reading and executing the supplied program code.

  Accordingly, since the functions of the present invention are implemented by computer, the program code installed in the computer also implements the present invention. In other words, the present invention includes a computer program itself for realizing the functional processing of the present invention.

  In that case, as long as it has the function of a program, it may be in the form of object code, a program executed by an interpreter, script data supplied to the OS, or the like.

  As a recording medium for supplying the program, for example, floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card ROM, DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD-R) and the like.

  As another program supply method, a client computer browser is used to connect to an Internet homepage, and the computer program of the present invention itself or a compressed file including an automatic installation function is downloaded from the homepage to a recording medium such as a hard disk. Can also be supplied. 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 that allows a plurality of users to download a program file for realizing the functional processing of the present invention on a computer is also included in 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. It is also possible to execute the encrypted program by using the key information and install the program on a computer.

  In addition to the functions of the above-described embodiments being realized by the computer executing the read program, the OS running on the computer based on an instruction of the program is a part of the actual processing. Alternatively, the functions of the above-described embodiment can be realized by performing all of them and performing the processing.

  Furthermore, after the program read from the recording 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, the function expansion board or The CPU or the like provided in the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer control system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the main function structures of the host computer of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of an expansion of the main function structures of the host computer of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the printer driver dialog of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the print job operation window of Embodiment 1 of this invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow of a printing method selection function according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the user name and password input dialog of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the job name and box number input dialog of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the preview screen of Embodiment 1 of this invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation flow when combining a plurality of print jobs according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the processing flow of the printing method selection function of Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of step S808a of Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the confirmation dialog of Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the specific example of the job name change process of Embodiment 2 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

201 Application 202 Graphic Engine 203 Printer Driver 204 System Spooler 301 Dispatcher 302 Spooler 303 Spool File 304 Spool File Manager 305 Despooler 306 Previewer 307 Setting Change Editor

Claims (13)

An information processing apparatus that generates print data for output to a printing apparatus,
Conversion means for converting print data generated by the application into a print job in an intermediate code format;
Storage means for temporarily storing the print job and print setting information of the print data in association with each other;
A combining unit that generates a combined job by combining two or more designated print jobs among the plurality of print jobs stored in the storage unit;
Generating means for generating print setting information of the combined job based on print setting information of each print job to be combined constituting the combined job;
An update unit that associates the combined job and the print setting information with the storage unit and temporarily updates the combined job and the print setting information when the combined job and the print setting information are generated;
An information processing apparatus comprising: instruction means for selecting and instructing a printing method for the print job or the combined job obtained by referring to the storage contents of the storage means from a plurality of types of printing methods. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print job is temporarily stored in the storage unit as a page drawing file for each page. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the print setting information of the combined job includes information indicating an output page number that is an output destination of the page drawing file. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print setting information is temporarily stored in the storage unit as a print setting file for each print job. 2. The display unit according to claim 1, wherein the instruction unit includes a display instruction unit that instructs to display a preview image based on print setting information of the print job or the combined job obtained by referring to the storage content of the storage unit. The information processing apparatus described in 1. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the instruction unit includes a change instruction unit that instructs to change the order of the print job or the combined job obtained by referring to the storage content of the storage unit. . The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the instruction unit includes a deletion instruction unit that instructs to delete the print job or the combined job obtained by referring to the storage content of the storage unit. The disposing instruction means for instructing to disassemble the combined job obtained by referring to the storage content of the storing means into a plurality of print jobs before combining. The information processing apparatus described in 1. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the instruction unit includes a copy instruction unit that instructs to copy the print job or the combined job obtained by referring to the storage content of the storage unit. Output means for converting the print job instructed to be printed by the instruction means or the combined job into a print control command for the printing apparatus based on the print setting information and outputting the print control command to the printing apparatus; The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. When a printing method to be stored in the storage device of the printing apparatus is instructed by the instruction unit as a printing method for the print job or the combined job, the print setting information is included in execution of printing by the instructed printing method. Display means for displaying a confirmation screen for confirming whether or not to continue the printing, including notification that the predetermined print setting information included is invalid;
Job name change for changing the job name of the print job to be processed or the combined job to a job name including information related to the predetermined print setting information when the print is instructed via the confirmation screen The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: means. A method of controlling an information processing apparatus that generates print data for output to a printing apparatus,
A conversion process for converting print data generated by the application into a print job in an intermediate code format;
A storage step of temporarily storing the print job and print setting information of the print data in association with each other;
A combining step of generating a combined job by combining two or more designated print jobs among a plurality of print jobs stored in the storage medium;
A generation step of generating print setting information of the combined job based on print setting information of each print job to be combined constituting the combined job;
An update step in which when the combined job and the print setting information thereof are generated, the combined job and the print setting information are associated with the temporary storage and updated in the storage unit;
An instruction step of selecting and instructing a printing method for the print job or the combined job obtained by referring to the storage content of the storage medium from a plurality of types of printing methods. Method. A program that realizes control of an information processing apparatus that generates print data to be output to a printing apparatus,
A program code for a conversion process for converting print data generated by the application into a print job in an intermediate code format;
A program code of a storage step for temporarily storing the print job and the print setting information of the print data in a storage medium in association with each other;
Program code for a combining step for generating a combined job combining two or more specified print jobs among a plurality of print jobs stored in the storage medium;
Based on the print setting information of each print job to be combined that constitutes the combined job, the program code of the generating step for generating print setting information of the combined job;
A program code for an update process for temporarily storing and updating the combined job and the print setting information in the storage unit in association with the combined job and the print setting information;
A program code comprising: an instruction step for selecting and instructing a printing method for the print job or the combined job obtained by referring to the storage content of the storage medium from a plurality of types of printing methods.

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