JP4458977B2 - Image forming system, image forming method, image forming apparatus, control method for image forming apparatus, and computer program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique that allows an administrator to uniformly manage print output from an image forming apparatus such as a printer.

  In creating documents to be disclosed / submitted to customers, such as presentation materials and proposal materials, color documents are increasingly being created with the aim of attracting customers by visual effects. Along with this, demand for color printers is also increasing. Companies are actively introducing color printers because the price gap with monochrome printers is shrinking.

  However, considering the cost of operation, since toners of four colors, yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, are used for printing a document, the toner fee is higher than that of a monochrome printer that uses only one black. Operating costs increase.

  Nevertheless, the introduction of a color printer tends to output even unnecessary documents in color. In some cases, in combination with a monochrome printer, a monochrome printer is used when color output is not required, and a color printer is used when color output is required. However, there may be a human error in which the user selects the wrong printer, and it is necessary to install a color printer and a monochrome printer in order to use them properly. I don't mean. Since most color printers also have a monochrome printing function, it is desirable to use different methods for each color printer if possible.

  Therefore, in Patent Document 1, print setting information set by a user at the time of printing from a printer or the like is displayed on a screen before actually shifting to print processing, and the print processing is performed after the user confirms the setting. The technology is disclosed.

JP 2000-122835 A

  However, in Patent Document 1, print settings are left to individual user settings, and unified management is impossible.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to enable an administrator to manage print output from an image forming apparatus in a unified manner, and to reduce operating costs for print output after the introduction of the image forming apparatus.

An image forming system according to the present invention includes an information processing apparatus that creates print data , and a printing unit that is communicably connected to the information processing apparatus and that performs print processing of print data received from the information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus includes: print setting information; and print information including priority information indicating which of the print setting in the information processing apparatus or the print setting in the image forming apparatus is to be prioritized. A creation unit that creates data; and a transmission unit that transmits the print data created by the creation unit to a designated image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus applies an application priority applied when printing the print data. First storage means for storing a plurality of first allowable print setting information including information, and receiving means for receiving the print data transmitted from the information processing apparatus A determination unit that determines which of the print setting in the information processing apparatus or the print setting in the image forming apparatus is to be prioritized according to the priority information included in the print data; and the printing in the image forming apparatus by the determination unit First permissible print setting information to be applied to print data determined to be prioritized for setting, according to the attribute information of the print data acquired by the acquisition unit and the application priority information, the plurality of first permissible print settings Of the first setting means acquired from the setting information and the print setting information included in the print data received by the receiving means, the first allowable print setting information acquired by the first acquisition means is not allowed. Based on the print setting information changed by the changing means, the changing means for changing the print setting information according to the first allowable print setting information, and the print data. And having a printing execution unit to execute the printout of data to the printing means.

  According to the present invention, the print setting information included in the print data is changed based on the print setting information that is allowed when the print data is printed, or based on the print setting information that can be set when the print data is printed. Thus, it is possible to limit the setting contents relating to the print processing of the print data by the user's operation input. Accordingly, by reflecting the administrator's intention on the contents of the print setting information allowed when printing the print data and the print setting information that can be set in the print processing of the print data, the print output from the image forming apparatus is reflected on the administrator. Can be managed in a unified manner, and the operation cost for printing output after the introduction of the image forming apparatus can be reduced.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments to which the invention is applied will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Reference numerals 101-1 and 101-2 are information processing apparatuses used by the user, and can issue an instruction to print data created using an application to the image forming apparatuses 102-1 and 102-2 described later. is there.

  Reference numerals 102-1 and 102-2 denote image forming apparatuses that output an image when there is a print instruction from the information processing apparatuses 101-1 and 101-2. Reference numeral 103 denotes print setting information that is permitted to be set when performing a print instruction from the information processing apparatuses 101-1 and 101-2 to the image forming apparatuses 102-1 and 102-2. Alternatively, it is a print management server held for each image forming apparatus.

  A network 104 interconnects the information processing apparatuses 101-1 and 101-2, the image forming apparatuses 102-1 and 102-2, and the print management server 103. The network 104 is typically a LAN, WAN, Internet, telephone line, dedicated digital line, ATM, frame relay line, communication satellite line, cable TV line, wireless line for data broadcasting, or the like. As long as it is a so-called communication network realized by a combination of the above and the data can be transmitted and received between each other, the wired / wireless form is not limited.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the information processing apparatuses 101-1 and 101-2 and the print management server 103.
A CPU 201 controls the entire computer using programs and data stored in the RAM 202 and the ROM 203, and is also performed by the information processing apparatuses 101-1 and 101-2 and the print management server 103 to which the computer is applied. Each process to be described later is executed.

  A RAM 202 has an area for temporarily storing programs and data loaded from an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 204 and a work area used by the CPU 201 for performing various processes.

  A ROM 203 stores a computer boot program, BIOS, and the like. Reference numeral 204 denotes an HDD (hard disk drive), which is a program for causing the CPU 201 to execute processing described later performed by the OS (operating system), the information processing apparatuses 101-1 and 101-2 to which the computer is applied, and the print management server 103. Are stored in the RAM 202 and executed under the control of the CPU 201 as necessary.

  Reference numeral 205 denotes a network I / F (interface) for connecting a computer to the network 104. The computer can perform data communication with an external computer or the like via the network I / F 205.

  A storage medium drive 206 includes a CD-ROM, CD-R / RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-R / RW, DVD-RAM, and the like.

  A pointing device 207 and a keyboard 208 can input various instructions to the CPU 201. These function as an input unit.

  Reference numeral 209 denotes a video I / F (interface), to which the display device 210 is connected. The display device 210 includes a CRT, a liquid crystal screen, and the like, and has a function of displaying characters, images, and the like on the display screen based on a signal sent via the video I / F 209.

  Reference numeral 211 denotes an external device I / F (interface), which is a port for connecting a peripheral device to a computer. The computer can transmit and receive data to and from the peripheral device via the external device I / F 211. It is composed of USB, IEEE 1394, etc., and usually has a plurality of external device I / Fs. The connection form with the peripheral device may be wired or wireless. Needless to say, the image forming apparatuses 102-1 and 102-2 may be connected via the external device I / F. A system bus 212 functions as a bus that connects the above-described units.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a controller unit that controls the image forming apparatuses 102-1 and 102-2.
The controller unit 312 is connected to the print unit 315 functioning as an image output device to output image data, and is connected to the NIC (network interface card) 313 via the NIC connection unit 305 and connected to the network 104. To input / output device information and input print data.

  A CPU 301 controls the entire image forming apparatus using programs and data stored in the RAM 302 and the ROM 303, and executes processes to be described later performed by the image forming apparatuses 102-1 and 102-2. To do.

  A RAM 302 has an area for temporarily storing programs and data loaded from an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 304 and a work area used by the CPU 301 to perform various processes.

  A ROM 303 stores a system boot program, various control programs, and the like.

  An HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 304 stores various programs for controlling the system and control programs for causing the image forming apparatuses 102-1 and 102-2 to perform processing described later.

  A NIC (network interface card) connection unit 305 is connected to the NIC 313 and connects the image forming apparatus to the network 104. Through the NIC connection unit 305 and the NIC 313, the image forming apparatuses 102-1 and 102-2 can perform data communication with an external computer or the like.

  An operation unit I / F (interface) 307 is an interface unit with the operation unit (UI) 314 and outputs data to be displayed on the operation unit 314 to the operation unit. Further, it plays a role of transmitting information input from the operation unit 314 to the CPU 301. The above devices are arranged on the system bus 310.

  An image bus I / F (interface) 306 is a bus bridge that connects the system bus 310 and an image bus 311 that transfers image data at high speed and converts the data structure.

  Reference numeral 308 denotes a RIP (raster image processor), which develops vector data such as a PDL code into a bitmap image.

  Reference numeral 309 denotes a printer I / F (interface), which connects the print unit 315 and the controller unit, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.

  Reference numeral 315 denotes a print unit which outputs raster image data on paper. The method is an electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum or a photosensitive belt, and ink is ejected from a micro nozzle array onto the paper. There is an ink jet method for direct printing, but the method is not limited in the present invention. Activation of the printer operation is performed according to an instruction from the CPU 301. The print unit 315 has a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and has paper cassettes corresponding to the paper feed stages.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the NIC 313 of the image forming apparatuses 102-1 and 102-2.
A CPU 401 controls the operation of the entire NIC 313 using programs and data stored in the RAM 402 and the ROM 403.

  Reference numeral 302 denotes a RAM having an area for temporarily storing programs and data, and a work area used by the CPU 401 for performing various processes.

  A ROM 403 stores various control programs for the NIC 313.

  Reference numeral 404 denotes a device connection I / F (interface). The printer controller 312 which is an external device and the NIC 313 are connected via the device connection I / F 404.

  Reference numeral 405 denotes a network I / F (interface), and the network 104 and the NIC 313 are connected via the network I / F 405.

  Next, print setting information acquisition processing performed by the information processing apparatuses 101-1 and 101-2 will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. Note that the processing shown in FIG. 5 is executed under the control of the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatuses 101-1 and 101-2. Hereinafter, the information processing apparatus 101-1 will be described as an example.

  The CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101-1 determines whether or not a print request has been made by an operation of an input unit including the pointing device 207, the keyboard 208, and the like by the user using the information processing apparatus 101-1 (step S501). . Specifically, a determination is made as to whether a print menu of the application program has been selected by the user's input unit operation.

  If it is determined that the print request has not been received (step S501: NO), the input request is continuously detected. On the other hand, if it is determined that a print request has been received (step S501: YES), a print setting application program has been installed on the information processing apparatus 101-1, and if it has been installed, further print settings have been made. It is determined whether the application program is being executed (step 502).

  If the application program for print setting is not installed, or if it is installed but not executed (step 502: NO), nothing is done and the information processing apparatus 101-1 shown in FIG. In step S509, the process proceeds to print setting performed based on control by the printer driver.

  If the application program for print setting is installed and executed (step S502: YES), the print setting application acquires a print request message. The CPU 201 performs processing for restricting the print setting by the printer driver before the shift to the control by the printer driver by the control based on the print setting application.

  First, under the control of the application for print setting, the CPU 201 information on the application program that has made a print request to the printer driver (for example, application name) and object data information being edited by the application program (for example, file name). Is acquired (steps S503 and S504).

  Next, the CPU 201 acquires a print setting file from the storage device (specifically, the HDD 204) of the information processing apparatus 101-1, and expands it on the RAM 202 in accordance with control by the application for print setting (step S505). Thereafter, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the process of step S505 has been performed normally (step S506).

  If it is determined in step S506 that the process has not been performed normally by the CPU 201 (step S506: NO), the process proceeds to step S509 without performing the subsequent processes as in the case of NO in step S502. Then, the processing shown in FIG. 6 is performed according to control by the printer driver.

  If it is determined in step S506 that the CPU 201 has successfully acquired the print setting file (step S506: YES), the contents of the print setting file developed in the RAM 202 in step S505 are confirmed.

  As a result of referring to the print setting file, when it is determined that the permitted print setting information is stored in the HDD 204 of the print management server 103 (step S508: YES), the process proceeds to step S511, and is shown in FIG. Processing will be performed.

  When it is determined that the permitted print setting information is described in the print setting file stored in the HDD 204 of the information processing apparatus 101-1 (step S508: NO), the process proceeds to step S510. 7 is performed. The function described as the function of the application for print setting in this process can of course be implemented as the function of the printer driver. Here, the data configuration of the print setting file stored in the information processing apparatus 101-1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 12A and 12B.

  FIG. 12A is an example of a print setting file stored in the information processing apparatus 101 when permitted print setting information is described in the print setting file (NO in step S508 in FIG. 5). 12-2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print setting file that is displayed in the print setting file stored in the HDD 204 of the print management server 103. FIG. 1 is an example of a print setting file (an example of a print setting file determined to be YES in step S508 in FIG. 5).

  First, the print setting file shown in FIG. 12-2 will be described. FIG. 12-2 is an example of a print setting file when print setting information permitted by the print management server 103 is stored as described above.

  First, the [Printer Address] item describes the IP address of the image forming apparatus selected by the user. The item [Print Management Server] describes which print management server 103 stores and manages the print setting information of the image forming apparatus having the IP address. Here, an IP address is used as information for specifying the print management server, but any other information that can uniquely identify the server, such as a computer name, may be used.

  In the item [Setting File Path], path information of a directory (folder) in which a print setting file storing permitted print setting information is stored is described. That is, the print setting file of the information processing apparatus 101-1 is for the image forming apparatus 102-1 (IP address: 172.10.3.115) and the image forming apparatus 102-2 (IP address: 172.10.3. 116) both of them are stored in a terminal having an IP address of “172.10.3.123”, that is, in the \ Print \ Setting directory of the print management server 103 shown in FIG.

  As described above, based on the information recorded in the print setting file, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus can access the print management server 103 and obtain permitted print setting information.

  Next, before describing the data structure of the print setting file in FIG. 12A, print data is transmitted from the information processing apparatus 101-1 shown in FIG. 10 to the image forming apparatuses 102-1 and 102-2. Next, the header information of the print data transmitted together with the print data will be described as additional information at the time.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of header information of print data (hereinafter referred to as “print header”).
First, the first 4 bytes of the print header indicate the IP address of the information processing apparatus that has transmitted the print data. For example, when print data is transmitted from the information processing apparatus 101-1, the first 4 bytes are 0xAC, 0x0A, 0x03, and 0x79 (172. 13.3.121). As a result, the CPU 301 of the image forming apparatus determines from which information processing apparatus the print data has been transmitted.

  In the subsequent 40 bytes, application program information that has issued a print instruction is set, and in the next 40 bytes, object data information that has been edited by the application program and received a print instruction is set.

  In the “priority setting”, 0x01 is set when the setting on the image forming apparatus side has priority, and 0x02 is set when the setting on the information processing apparatus side has priority. By default, 0x01 is set. How “priority setting” is used will be described in detail in the description of FIG. 9.

  “Monochrome / Color” indicates whether the print data was created as monochrome data, color data, or whether the print data was created by automatic switching between monochrome / color according to the characteristics of the object data. ing. Each set value is as shown in the figure.

  “Single-sided / double-sided” indicates whether the print data is created as single-sided printing data or double-sided printing data. Each set value is as shown in the figure.

  “Page layout” indicates how many pages of print data are generated as data to be output on one sheet of paper. The set values are as shown in the figure.

  “Toner saving mode” indicates whether the printing instruction is in the toner saving mode (SAVEON) or not (SAVEOFF), or whether the toner saving setting is matched with the setting on the image forming apparatus side (SAVEPANEL). Each setting is as shown in the figure.

FIG. 12A is a diagram illustrating an example of a print setting file stored in the HDD 204 of the information processing apparatus 101-1.
First, the data set in the “printer address” item indicates from which image forming apparatus print setting information allowed for printing. [Printer address] The setting following 172.10.3.115 is data for the image forming apparatus 102-1 in FIG. 1, and the setting following 172.10.3.116 is data for the image forming apparatus 102-2. Is shown.

  The print setting data for the image forming apparatus 102-1 is [application name] *. * (* Is a wild card), that is, when a print instruction is issued in all application programs, since the priority setting is 0x01, the print setting priority on the image forming apparatus side ("printer setting priority") is obtained. This setting is linked to the print header.

  The print setting data for the image forming apparatus 102-2 is [Application Name] WINWORD. In the case of EXE, that is, when setting the print setting for word data that includes the word “suggestion” in the document name using a Microsoft word, the [Priority setting] is 0x02, so the PC setting has priority. (The setting on the information processing apparatus side is prioritized), and since the setting of [Monochrome / Color] is 0x03, monochrome and color can be set. This indicates that the data that can be set in the print header data and the data described in the print setting file are bit-calculated (logical product calculation), and can be set if the result does not become 0. 0x01 (monochrome) and 0x02 (color) can be set because they do not become 0 when the logical product with 0x03 is calculated, and 0x04 (Auto) indicates that the logical product with 0x03 is 0 and cannot be set. . The same applies to the “one side / double side” setting, “page layout” setting, and “toner saving mode” setting.

  For the print setting for printing object data that does not include the character string “Proposal” in the document name, [Document Name] *. * The print setting data described below will be applied. [Application name] is Acrobat. In the case of exe, [application name] Acrobat. exe and subsequent print setting data (details omitted) are applied. For print settings for print instructions from other application programs, [application name] *. * The following settings will be applied. Of course, the contents of the file can be changed, and the print setting file can be added / deleted.

  FIG. 6 shows details of the processing in step S509 in FIG. 5, and is a flowchart showing print setting processing performed by the CPU 201 in accordance with the control of the printer driver installed in the information processing apparatus 101-1.

  First, under the control of the printer driver, the CPU 201 acquires application program information for which a print request has been issued and object data information edited by the application program (steps S601 and S602).

  Thereafter, a print setting screen for performing print settings for the image forming apparatus selected by the user is displayed on the display device 210 (step S603). Then, the printing conditions are set in accordance with the operation by the input unit including the pointing device 207 and the keyboard 208 by the user.

  In step S604, it is determined whether the image forming apparatus that performs the printing process has been changed by the user's input unit operation.

  If it is determined that the image forming apparatus has been changed (step S604: YES), the process proceeds to step S603, where the newly selected print setting screen for the image forming apparatus is displayed on the display device 210, and is displayed to the user. Prompts for print settings. On the other hand, when it is determined that the image forming apparatus has not been changed (step S604: YES), the process proceeds to step S605.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a print instruction has been given by an input unit operation by the user. If the printing process is canceled (step S605: NO), the printing process is terminated. If the CPU 201 determines that a print instruction has been issued (step S605: YES), it acquires print setting information set by the user's operation (step S606).

  Thereafter, PDL data is created from the object data for which a print instruction has been issued, a print header is created from the application program information acquired in step S601, the object data information acquired in step S602, and the print setting data acquired in step S606. Print data is created by giving it to the PDL data (step S607). At this time, 0x01 (printer setting priority) is set in [priority setting] in the print header. Then, the print data created in S607 is transmitted to the selected image forming apparatus (step S608). Thereafter, the printing process shown in FIG. 9 is performed in the image forming apparatus (step S609).

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing in detail the process in step S510 of FIG.
First, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus acquires the content of the print setting file stored in the HDD 204 (step S701), and selects the selected image formation according to the content of the allowable print setting information described in the print setting file. The print setting screen for the device is customized (step S702), and the customized print setting screen is displayed on the display device 210.

  FIG. 14 shows that WINWORD. Is executed in the information processing apparatus 101-1 by the processing in steps S 701 to S 703. FIG. 10 is an example of a print setting screen that is set when a print request is made for object data that does not include the “proposal” character string in the object name edited using EXE. In order to facilitate the understanding of the contents, all the data set in each combo box is expanded and described.

  The image forming apparatus 102-2 is an image forming apparatus in which all settings such as [Monochrome / Color] in FIG. 10 are possible by default. Here, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101-1 customizes the display screen for print settings with reference to the print setting file shown in FIG. Here, since the [Monochrome / Color] setting in the print file shown in FIG. 12A is 0x01, the [Monochrome / Color] setting is used when outputting from the information processing apparatus to the image forming apparatus 102-2. Only “Monochrome” can be set for.

  Hereinafter, [single side / double side], [page layout], and [toner saving mode] are set in the same manner as shown in FIG. Here, when [priority setting] in the print setting file is 0x01 (priority for printer setting), a default print setting screen is set.

  Returning to the description of FIG. In step S704, when the CPU 201 determines that the image forming apparatus that performs data printing has been changed by a user operation (step S704: YES), the processing in steps S701 to S703 is repeated. If it is determined that the image forming apparatus has not been changed (step S704: NO), the process proceeds to step S705.

  Thereafter, in steps S705 to S709, processing similar to that in steps S605 to S609 in FIG. 6 is performed. In the [priority setting] of the print header transmitted in step S708, [priority setting] data in the highest priority print setting file is set.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing in detail the process of step S511 of FIG.
This process is a process in which the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101-1 acquires print setting information by making an inquiry to the print management server 103. Of course, as described above, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101-1 accesses a predetermined directory of the print management server 103 based on the information described in the print setting file (FIG. 12-2), and acquires the print setting information. Is also possible.

  First, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101-1 acquires the contents of the print setting file (FIG. 12-2) stored in the HDD 204 (step S801).

  Then, the print management server information holding the print setting file in the print setting file is acquired (step S802).

  Then, the application information acquired in step S503 in FIG. 5, the object data information acquired in step S504, the selected image forming apparatus information, and the identification information (specifically, the IP address) of the information processing apparatus are stored in step S802. To the print management server 103 acquired in step S803.

  The print management server 103 receives the data transmitted from the information processing apparatus 101-1 in step S803 (step S821), and the CPU 201 of the print management server 103 acquires a default print setting file stored in the HDD 204. (Step S822). FIG. 13A shows the structure of the default print setting file. The default setting is first stored and managed on the RAM 202. Thereafter, it is determined whether there is a print setting file to be applied other than the default print setting (step S823).

  FIG. 13B is a diagram illustrating an example of a print setting file stored and managed on the HDD of the print management server 103. This is a print setting file to be applied with priority over the default print setting file shown in FIG. That is, from the [priority] information described in both FIGS. 13-1 and 13-2 (the smaller the number, the higher the priority), so that the print setting file illustrated in FIG. 13-2 is applied. It has become. The contents of the print setting file can be changed as necessary, and a new print setting file can be added / an unnecessary print setting file can be deleted.

  Here, the application information of the data received in step S821 from the information processing apparatus 101-1 is “WINWORD.EXE”, the object information is “proposal.doc”, and the selected image forming apparatus is the image forming apparatus 102-1. The print setting method will be described assuming that the IP address is 172.10.3.115.

  First, in step S822, the default print setting file (FIG. 13-1) is referred to first, so the print setting information is first described in FIG. 13-1.

  In step S823, it is determined whether there is another priority print setting file. In FIG. 13B, the information processing apparatus 101-1 transmits the WINWORD. Since there is print setting information that is allowed when the object data including the character string “Proposal” is included in the object name edited with “exe”, the priority is given to the print setting information.

  Therefore, in step S823, the CPU 201 determines that there is another print setting file to be prioritized (step S823: YES), obtains print setting information to be prioritized from the print setting file (step S824), and manages it on the RAM 202. The existing print setting information is replaced (step S825).

  For example, if the data received in step S821 is data from the information processing apparatus 101-2, the data of [host address] 172.10.3.122 does not exist in FIG. In step S823, it is determined that there is no print setting file to be prioritized (step S823: NO), and the process proceeds to step S826.

  The CPU 201 transmits the print setting information stored and managed in the RAM 202 to the information processing apparatus (step S826).

  After receiving the permitted print setting information transmitted from the print management server 103 (step S804), the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101-1 customizes the print setting screen of the image forming apparatus according to the print setting information ( In step S805), display on the display device 210 prompts the user to input print settings (step S806).

  If the CPU 201 determines that the selected image forming apparatus has been changed by the user's input unit operation (step S807: YES), the process proceeds to step S801, and the processes in the information processing apparatus and the print management server are repeated. It will be.

  If the CPU 201 determines that no change has been made to the image forming apparatus (step S807: NO), the process proceeds to step S808.

  Thereafter, in steps S808 to S812, processing similar to that in steps S605 to S609 in FIG. 6 is performed. In the [priority setting] of the print header transmitted in step S811, [priority setting] data in the print setting file having the highest priority is set.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing in detail the processing in step S609 in FIG. 6, the processing in step S709 in FIG. 7, and the processing in step S812 in FIG. The processing represented by this flowchart is performed by the CPU 301 of the image forming apparatuses 102-1 and 102-2.

  First, the CPU 301 of the image forming apparatus 102-1 acquires the print data transmitted from the information processing apparatus 101-1 via the NIC 313 and the NIC connection unit 305, and stores the print data on the RAM 302 (step S901).

  Thereafter, referring to [priority setting] information in the print header included in the print data, it is confirmed whether or not the setting on the image forming apparatus side is prioritized (step S902).

  If the byte of the [priority setting] information in the print header is 0x02, the setting on the information processing apparatus side is prioritized (step S902: NO), and the process proceeds to step S911 without any particular processing.

  On the other hand, when the byte of the [priority setting] information in the print header is 0x01, the setting on the image forming apparatus side is prioritized (step S902: YES), and the process proceeds to step S903.

  In step S903, a default print setting file stored and managed on the HDD 304 of the image forming apparatus 102-1 shown in FIG. 11A is acquired, the setting is expanded on the RAM 302, and temporary print setting information is acquired. Hold. The contents of the default print setting file can be changed as necessary.

  Thereafter, the CPU 301 determines whether there is another print setting file to be prioritized in the HDD 304 (step S905). When it is determined that there is another print setting file to be applied (step S905: YES), the process proceeds to step S906 to acquire the print setting file (step S906), and the RAM 302 stores and manages the setting. The temporary print setting information is replaced (step S907). The processing in steps S905 to S907 is similar to steps S823 to S825 in FIG. The print setting file can be added / changed in contents / deleted when it becomes unnecessary.

  Thereafter, the print setting information allowed for the data from the information processing apparatus is determined (step S908). In step S908, the print header information received in step S901 is compared with the allowable print settings determined in step S908 to determine whether the print header information should be changed (step S909).

  When the CPU 301 of the image forming apparatus 102-1 determines that the print header should be changed (step S909: YES), for example, in step S908, the print setting is set to permit only monochrome printing, but the [ When 0x02 (color) is set in the “monochrome / color” byte, the print header information is changed to permitted print header information (step S910). At that time, the print header information before the change is separately stored as additional data. If it is necessary to change the PDL data as well, the PDL data may be changed.

  If it is determined in step S909 that there is no need to change the print header (step S909: NO), the process proceeds to step S911. For example, when all the print setting information of the print header received in step S901 matches the allowable print setting determined in step S908, or as a result of applying the priority print setting, the setting on the information processing apparatus side has priority. In other words, there is a case where [priority setting] is changed to 0x02 (priority is given to the information processing apparatus side) by applying the setting to be prioritized in FIG.

  In step S911, the CPU 301 sends the print data held on the RAM 302 to the RIP 308, and the RIP 308 creates a bitmap image based on the PDL data according to the contents of the print header. Output from the printer unit 315 via F309. When a change is made to the print header, the header information before the change is also received as additional data, and when the bitmap data is created, a change process accompanying the header change is also performed. This is not the case when the process of changing to PDL data is performed in step S910.

  9 can be performed not by the CPU 301 of the printer controller 312 but by the CPU 401 of the NIC (network interface card) 313. At that time, the print setting file stored in the image forming apparatus is stored in the RAM 402 or ROM 403 of the NIC 313.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described.
As another embodiment of the present invention, when the print setting file is in the information processing apparatus, first, the print setting is made without any restriction as in normal printing, and the print data is created based on the setting. And transmitted to the spooler of the information processing apparatus.

  The print setting application may monitor the spooler, and when detecting that the print data is spooled, the print setting application may perform a process similar to that in FIG. 9 and transmit the print data to the image forming apparatus.

Hereinafter, other embodiments described above will be described in detail.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an operation performed by the printer driver that is performed in the information processing apparatus 101-1 when a print request is received from a normal application program.

  First, it is determined whether or not a print menu of an application program is specifically selected by a user operation on the input unit (step S1501).

  If it is determined that a print request has not been received (step S1501: NO), the process of step S1501 is repeated. On the other hand, if it is determined that a print request has been received (step S1501: YES), a UI for allowing the user to make print settings is displayed on the display device 210 when performing printing (step S1502). Thereafter, the process shifts to a print setting input waiting state by the user (step S1503).

  Then, the print setting input by the user is confirmed (step S1504). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a print execution instruction has been given by the operation of the input unit by the user (step S1505).

  If the print execution instruction has not been issued (printing has been canceled) (step S1505: NO), the processing in FIG. 15 is terminated without performing the subsequent processing. If it is determined that a print execution instruction has been issued (step S1505: YES), a print header is created according to the print settings determined in step S1504 (step S1506), and based on the data being edited by the application. Print data is created by adding a print header to the PDL data created based on the control of the printer driver. After that, the print data is sent to the spooler.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating another embodiment of the print setting application installed in the information processing apparatus. This application monitors whether print data has been sent to the spooler, checks the print header when print data enters the spooler, determines whether the print settings are valid, and changes it if it is not. Do.

  First, in step S1601, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus determines whether the spooler has received print data in accordance with the control of the print setting application (step S1601).

  If it is determined that the spooler has not received print data (step S1601: NO), the process returns to S1601, and monitoring is continued. If it is determined that it has been received (step S1601: YES), the print settings included in the print data are referenced to obtain print settings (step S1602). Thereafter, the (allowable) print setting information stored in the HDD 204 of the information processing apparatus 101-1 is acquired (step S1603).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether the print setting acquired in step S1602 is an acceptable print setting (step S1604). If it is determined that the permitted condition is satisfied (step S1604: YES), the process proceeds to step S1606. If it is determined that it is not satisfied (step S1604: NO), the print header is changed to an allowable setting (step S1605). The print header information before the change is added to the print data.

  Then, the print data is transmitted to the printer (step S1606). Then, the process proceeds to the process of step S1607 (described in FIG. 9) performed on the image forming apparatus side.

  As described above, according to the above-described embodiment, the print header included in the print data can be changed based on the print setting information that is allowed when the print data is printed, or can be set when the print data is printed. It is possible to generate a print setting screen based on the setting information and limit the setting contents relating to the print processing of the print data by the user's operation input. Accordingly, the image forming apparatuses 102-1 and 102-2 are reflected by reflecting the intention of the administrator in the print setting information allowed when printing the print data and the contents of the print setting information that can be set in the print processing of the print data. Can be uniformly managed by the administrator, and the operation cost for image output after the introduction of the image forming apparatus can be reduced.

  Another object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the storage medium. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in.

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

  As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (basic system or operating system) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. Needless to say, a case where the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

  Further, after 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, the function is determined based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU or the like provided in the 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.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus and a print management server. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a controller unit that controls the image forming apparatus. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a NIC of an image forming apparatus. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating print setting information acquisition processing by the information processing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the process of FIG.5 S509 in detail. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a process of step S510 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a process of step S511 of FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing details of the processing in step S609 in FIG. 6, the processing in step S709 in FIG. 7, and the processing in step S812 in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the header information of print data. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a default print setting file stored and managed in the image forming apparatus. FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print setting file that can be prioritized over a default print setting file that is stored and managed in the image forming apparatus. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example in which print setting information is described in a print setting file. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example in which print setting information is not described in a print setting file. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a default print setting file stored and managed in a print management server. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print setting file that is stored and managed in a print management server and that can be prioritized over a default print setting file. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen for print settings. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation performed by the printer driver when a print request is received from a normal application program, which is performed in the information processing apparatus. 10 is a flowchart illustrating another embodiment of a print setting application installed in the information processing apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

101-1, 101-2: Information processing apparatus 102-1, 102-2: Image forming apparatus 103: Print management server 104: Network 201, 301, 401: CPU
202, 302, 402: RAM
203, 303, 403: ROM
204, 304: HDD
205, 405: Network I / F
206: Storage medium drive 207: Pointing device 208: Keyboard 209: Video I / F
210: Display device 211: External device I / F
212: System bus 305: NIC connection unit 306: Image bus I / F
307: Operation unit I / F
308: RIP
309: Printer I / F
310: System bus 311: Image bus 312: Controller 313: NIC
314: Operation unit 315: Printer unit 404: Device connection I / F

Claims (15)

An image forming system comprising: an information processing apparatus that creates print data; and an image forming apparatus that is communicably connected to the information processing apparatus and includes a printing unit that performs print processing of print data received from the information processing apparatus. ,
The information processing apparatus includes:
Creating means for creating print data including print setting information and priority information indicating which of the print setting in the information processing apparatus or the print setting in the image forming apparatus is to be prioritized;
A transmission unit that transmits the print data created by the creation unit to a designated image forming apparatus;
The image forming apparatus includes:
First storage means for storing a plurality of first allowable print setting information including application priority information applied when printing the print data;
Receiving means for receiving the print data transmitted from the information processing apparatus;
Determining means for determining which of the print setting in the information processing apparatus or the print setting in the image forming apparatus is to be prioritized according to the priority information included in the print data;
First permissible print setting information to be applied to print data determined to prioritize print settings in the image forming apparatus by the determination unit, attribute information of the print data received by the reception unit, and the application priority information According to the first acquisition means for acquiring from the plurality of first allowable print setting information,
Of the print setting information included in the print data received by the receiving unit, the print setting information that is not allowed in the first allowable print setting information acquired by the first acquiring unit is changed according to the first print setting information. Change means to
An image forming system comprising: a print execution unit that causes the print unit to execute print output of the print data based on the print setting information changed by the change unit. The information processing apparatus includes:
A plurality of print settings that can be used when performing print processing in the image forming apparatus, and a plurality of pieces of priority information that indicate which of the print settings in the information processing apparatus or the print settings in the image forming apparatus has priority. Second storage means for storing the two allowable print setting information;
Second acquisition means for acquiring second allowable print setting information used for creating print data from the second allowable print setting information stored in the second storage means;
The creation means is acquired by the second acquisition means, including print setting information and priority information indicating which of the print setting in the information processing apparatus or the print setting in the image forming apparatus is prioritized. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein print data for causing the image forming apparatus to perform print processing satisfying second allowable print setting information is created. The information processing apparatus includes:
Display control means for displaying a screen for specifying print settings for print data in accordance with usable print setting information included in the second allowable print setting information acquired by the second acquisition means. The image forming system according to claim 2. 2. The first allowable print setting information includes at least one of setting information relating to a print color, setting information relating to a page layout, and setting information relating to one side / both sides. 4. The image forming system according to any one of items 1 to 3. 5. The condition of an application program used for creating print data to which the first allowable print setting information is applied can be set in the first allowable print setting information. The image forming system according to claim 1. 6. The condition of an information processing apparatus that has transmitted print data to which the first allowable print setting information is applied can be set in the first allowable print setting information. 2. The image forming system according to item 1. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein expiration date information of the first allowable print setting information can be set in the first allowable print setting information. An information processing device that creates print data, and a plurality of first allowable prints that are communicably connected to the information processing device and include application priority information applied when printing the print data received from the information processing device An image forming method performed by an image forming system having a storage unit that stores setting information and an image forming apparatus that includes a printing unit that performs printing processing of the print data,
A creation step in which the creation unit of the information processing apparatus creates print data including print setting information and priority information indicating which of the print setting in the information processing apparatus or the print setting in the image forming apparatus has priority When,
A transmission step in which the transmission unit of the information processing device transmits the print data created in the creation step to a designated image forming device;
A receiving step in which a receiving unit of the image forming apparatus receives the print data transmitted from the information processing apparatus;
A determining step in which the determination unit of the image forming apparatus determines which of the print setting in the information processing apparatus or the print setting in the image forming apparatus is to be prioritized according to the priority information included in the print data;
In the receiving step, the first obtaining unit of the image forming apparatus receives the first allowable print setting information to be applied to the print data determined to prioritize the print setting in the image forming apparatus in the determining step. A first acquisition step of acquiring from the plurality of first allowable print setting information according to the attribute information of the print data and the application priority information;
Print setting information that is not permitted in the first allowable print setting information acquired in the first acquisition step among the print setting information included in the print data received by the changing unit of the image forming apparatus, A changing step for changing according to the first print setting information;
An image characterized in that a print execution unit of the image forming apparatus includes a print execution step for causing the printing unit to execute a print output of the print data based on the print setting information changed in the change step. Forming method. And print setting information, is connected either to the priority information indicating the order of precedence, to be capable of communicating with an information processing apparatus that generates print data including the print setting of the print setting or the image forming apparatus in the information processing apparatus, wherein An image forming apparatus including a printing unit that performs a printing process of the print data received from an information processing apparatus ,
First storage means for storing a plurality of first allowable print setting information including application priority information applied when printing the print data;
Receiving means for receiving the print data transmitted from the information processing apparatus;
Determining means for determining which of the print setting in the information processing apparatus or the print setting in the image forming apparatus is to be prioritized according to the priority information included in the print data;
First permissible print setting information to be applied to print data determined to prioritize print settings in the image forming apparatus by the determination unit, attribute information of the print data received by the reception unit, and the application priority information And obtaining means for obtaining from among the plurality of first permissible print setting information,
Of print setting information that is part of the print data received by the receiving means, the first allowable print print setting information is not permitted in the setting information acquired by the acquisition unit, changes in accordance with the first allowable print setting information Change means to
An image forming apparatus comprising: a print execution unit that causes the print unit to execute print output of the print data based on the print setting information changed by the change unit. Claim 9, the first allowable print setting information, setting information related to printing color, characterized in that it contains one at least one of setting information related setting information according to the page layout, and simplex / duplex The image forming apparatus described in 1. 11. The condition of an application program used for creating print data to which the first allowable print setting information is applied can be set in the first allowable print setting information. The image forming apparatus described. 12. The condition of an information processing apparatus that has transmitted print data to which the first allowable print setting information is applied can be set in the first allowable print setting information. 2. The image forming apparatus according to item 1. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein expiration date information of the first allowable print setting information can be set in the first allowable print setting information. A print setting information and a priority setting information indicating which priority is given to the print setting in the information processing apparatus or the print setting in the image forming apparatus. Storage means for storing a plurality of first allowable print setting information including application priority information applied when printing print data, and printing means for performing print processing of the print data received from the information processing apparatus. An image forming apparatus control method comprising:
A receiving step of receiving the print data transmitted from the information processing apparatus;
A determination step of determining which of the print setting in the information processing apparatus or the print setting in the image forming apparatus is to be prioritized according to the priority information included in the print data;
First permissible print setting information to be applied to print data determined to prioritize print settings in the image forming apparatus in the determination step, attribute information of the print data received in the reception step, and the application priority information To obtain from among the plurality of first permissible print setting information,
Of print setting information that is part of the print data received in said receiving step, the first allowable print print setting information is not permitted in the setting information acquired by the acquisition step, modified according to the first allowable print setting information Change process to
A control method for an image forming apparatus, comprising: a print execution step for causing the printing unit to execute print output of the print data based on the print setting information changed in the change step. A print setting information and a priority setting information indicating which priority is given to the print setting in the information processing apparatus or the print setting in the image forming apparatus. Storage means for storing a plurality of first allowable print setting information including application priority information applied when printing print data, and printing means for performing print processing of the print data received from the information processing apparatus. The image forming apparatus
Receiving means for receiving the print data transmitted from the information processing apparatus;
Determining means for determining which of the print setting in the information processing apparatus or the print setting in the image forming apparatus is to be prioritized according to the priority information included in the print data;
First permissible print setting information to be applied to print data determined to prioritize print settings in the image forming apparatus by the determination unit, attribute information of the print data received by the reception unit, and the application priority information And obtaining means for obtaining from among the plurality of first permissible print setting information,
Change means for changing print setting information not permitted in the first allowable print setting information acquired by the acquisition means, in accordance with the first print setting information, among the print setting information included in the print data received by the reception means. When,
A computer program for functioning as a print execution unit that causes the print unit to execute print output of the print data based on the print setting information changed by the change unit.

Images