JP4830573B2 - Printing system, preview apparatus, printing method, and printing program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing system that prints predetermined data, a preview device used in the printing system, a printing method, and a printing program.

Conventionally, as this type of printing system, for example, a personal computer and a printer are provided, print data for printing predetermined data is generated by the personal computer, and the predetermined data is printed by the printer based on the print data. There is something.
In such a printing system, for example, a preview device having a high-definition display screen is provided between a personal computer and a printer, and print data transmitted from the personal computer to the printer is processed by the preview device. In some cases, a print result of a printer is displayed as a preview (for example, see Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-75950

  However, in the above-described conventional printing system, the personal computer, the printer, and the preview apparatus are arranged close to each other. For example, for a user (for example, a customer) who is away from the personal computer or the printer. When selecting print settings, it is necessary to actually print the data to be printed with multiple print settings, carry it to the customer, let the customer view it, and perform the final print with the print settings selected by the customer was there.

  An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned unsolved problems of the conventional printing system, and allows a user away from the print data generation apparatus or the printing apparatus to easily view the preview display. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing system, a preview apparatus, a printing method, and a printing program.

In order to solve the above problems, the printing system of the present invention, a print data generating apparatus that generates print data for printing the predetermined data, the predetermined based on the print data generated by the print data generating device A printing system comprising: a printing device that prints data; and a preview device that displays a preview of a print result of the predetermined data by the printing device, wherein the print data generation device is configured to perform the printing according to a set print setting. wherein the preview data generating means for generating a preview data for previewing a print result of the predetermined data by the printing device, the ID number identifying the preview data and the preview data generated by the preview data generating unit preview First transmission means for transmitting to the device and the preview device Said predetermined data and a print data generation means for generating the print data based on the print setting, the print data generation unit corresponding to the preceding Kipu review data that the ID number is specified by and sent the ID number And a second transmission unit that transmits the print data generated in step 1 to the printing apparatus, and the preview apparatus stores the preview data and the ID number transmitted from the first transmission unit. means and a preview display unit that displays a preview of the printing result of the predetermined data by the printing apparatus by displaying the preview data stored in the storage means, said preview display means and set operation is performed transmitting the ID number for specifying the preview data being displayed on the print data generating device And a D number transmission means,
The printing apparatus prints the predetermined data based on the print data transmitted from the second transmission unit.

In addition, the preview apparatus includes an editing unit that edits the preview data stored in the storage unit, and the ID number transmitting unit displays print command data representing the editing contents by the editing unit together with the ID number. transmits the print data generation apparatus, the print data generating means, the predetermined data to which the print command data from the preview unit corresponding to the prior SL preview data specified by both transmitted by the corresponding ID number and the ID number and it may generate the print data based on the print command data.

On the other hand, a preview device of the present invention includes a print data generation device that generates print data for printing predetermined data, and a printing device that prints the predetermined data based on the print data generated by the print data generation device And a preview device for displaying a preview of the print result of the predetermined data by the printing device, wherein the print device displays the print result of the predetermined data by the printing device in accordance with a set print setting. If the ID number for specifying the preview data and the preview data for preview display is transmitted from the print data generation apparatus and storing means for storing the preview data and the ID number, the stored in the storage means wherein the predetermined data by the printing apparatus by displaying preview data A preview display means for displaying a preview of the printing result, ID number transmission means for transmitting the ID number for specifying the preview data displayed in the preview display means and set operation is performed to the print data generating device And.

In the printing method of the present invention, print data for printing predetermined data is generated by a print data generation device, and the predetermined data is printed by the printing device based on the print data generated by the print data generation device. And a print method for displaying a print result of the predetermined data by the printing device on a preview device, wherein the print data generating device is configured to print the predetermined data by the printing device according to a set print setting. the generated preview data for previewing, the generated the preview data and the ID number for specifying the preview data is transmitted to the preview device by the first transmission means, the ID number is transmitted from the preview device It is when the predetermined data and the previous corresponding prior Kipu review data identified by the ID number is Generating the print data based on print settings, and sends the generated the print data to the printing apparatus in the second transmission means, the preview device, the preview data transmitted from said first transmission means and storing the ID number in the storage unit, the printing result of the predetermined data by the printing device to display preview by displaying the preview data stored in the storage means, when the set operation is performed The ID number for specifying the preview data displayed on the preview display means is transmitted to the print data generation apparatus, and the printing apparatus is configured to transmit the ID number based on the print data transmitted from the second transmission means. The predetermined data is printed.

Furthermore, the printing program of the present invention includes a print data generation device that generates print data for printing predetermined data, and a printing device that prints the predetermined data based on the print data generated by the print data generation device. And a preview device that displays a preview of the print result of the predetermined data by the printing device, and a print program that is executed by a printing system according to print settings that are set in the computer of the print data generation device A preview data generation function for generating preview data for displaying a preview of the print result of the predetermined data by the printing apparatus, the preview data generated by the preview data generation function, and an ID number for specifying the preview data. first transmission function for transmitting to said preview device A print data generation function of generating the print data based on the predetermined data and the print setting corresponding to the preceding Kipu review data that the ID number from the preview device is identified by and sent the ID number, A second transmission function for transmitting the print data generated by the print data generation function to the printing apparatus, and the preview data transmitted from the first transmission function to a computer of the preview apparatus and a storage function for storing the ID number, and a preview display function for previewing a print result of the predetermined data by the printing apparatus by displaying the preview data stored in the storage function, set the operation wherein identifying the preview data displayed in the preview display means and is carried out An ID number transmission function for transmitting a D number to the print data generation device, and causing the computer of the printing device to print the predetermined data based on the print data transmitted from the second transmission function A printing function is executed.

  According to such a configuration, for example, after generating a plurality of preview data having different print settings from the data to be printed by the print data generating device and storing the plurality of preview data in the storage device of the preview device When the preview device is carried to the customer and the customer performs an operation for selecting any preview data, the ID number of the preview data is transmitted to the print data generating device, so that the print data generating device or the printing device can A customer (user) who is away can easily select print settings.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a printing system of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
<Configuration of printing system>
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printing system according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 1 includes a personal computer 2, a preview device 3, and a printer 4.

As shown in FIG. 2, the personal computer 2 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 5, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 6, an HDD (Hard Disc Drive) 7, a graphic controller 8 and an I / O (Input Output) controller 9. Consists of including.
A display device 10 is connected to the graphic controller 8, and an input device 11, a preview device 3, and a printer 4 are connected to the I / O controller 9.

The personal computer 2 reads various programs in the HDD 7 into the CPU 5, develops them into a work area formed in the RAM 6, and controls the units 6 to 9.
Specifically, the personal computer 2 opens a file created or acquired by the personal computer 2 by the operation of the input device 11 by the user as shown in FIG. (Steps S101 and S102), the print setting is changed according to the setting operation by the user, and preview data of the displayed file is generated according to the print setting (step S103).

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the personal computer stores the ID number, file path, and print setting group (record) of the generated preview data in the RAM 6 (ID management table) (step S104), and the record. Is added to the preview data corresponding to the record and output to the preview device 3 (step S105).
Here, the ID number is an identification code unique to the printing system 1, the file path is the path of the recording location of the file that is the source of the preview data, and the print settings are paper size, enlargement / reduction, density, This is information used to generate print data, such as the number of copies and a printer.

Further, when the personal computer 2 acquires the ID number output from the preview device 3 (step S106), the personal computer 2 reads out the file path and print settings corresponding to the ID number from the ID management table, and generates print data based on them. In step S107, the print data is output to the printer 4 (step S108).
Further, as shown in FIG. 5A, the personal computer 2 acquires an ID deletion command (command for instructing deletion of a record related to a specific ID number from the ID management table) output from the preview device 3 (step). S401), the information regarding the ID number corresponding to the ID deletion command is deleted from the ID management table of the RAM 6 (step S402).

As shown in FIG. 6, the preview device 3 includes a CPU 12, a RAM 13, a graphic controller 14, and an I / O controller 15.
Further, a display device 16 is connected to the graphic controller 14, and an input device 17 and a personal computer 2 are connected to the I / O controller 15.
Here, the display device 16 is equal in size to the maximum paper size that can be set by the personal computer 2 and has the same resolution as the printer 4. Further, it is assumed that the display device 16 can express an amount of information substantially equivalent to that of the printer 4 by using multi-value expression. As the display device 16, it is preferable to use a display device that has a memory property that can hold display contents without consuming electric power and that is a reflective display body like paper.

  As a method for connecting the I / O controller 15 of the preview apparatus 3 and the I / O controller 9 of the personal computer 2, there are a method using general-purpose I / O and a method using a network (a method using wired or wireless). Can be mentioned. When using a network, for example, the personal computer 2 is connected to a LAN (Local Area Network), and the preview device 3 and the printer 4 are connected to a wireless LAN such as IEEE802.11x having an access point in the same network. It may be.

The preview device 3 reads various programs in the RAM 13 into the CPU 12 and develops them in a work area formed in the RAM 13 to control the units 13 to 15.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3B, the preview device 3 acquires preview data from the personal computer 2 and stores it in the RAM 13 (step S201).
Also, the preview device 3 displays the preview data stored in the RAM 13 on the display device 16 by the graphic controller 14 by the operation of the input device 17 by the user (step S202), and when the preview data is displayed. When the printing operation is performed by the user (step S203, Yes), the ID number added to the preview data is output to the personal computer 2 (step S204).

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the preview data is deleted by the user (step S501), the preview device 3 deletes the record relating to the ID number corresponding to the deleted preview data. An ID deletion instruction is output to the personal computer 2 (step S502).
As shown in FIG. 3C, when the printer 4 obtains print data from the personal computer 2 (step S301), the printer 4 prints the print data (step S302).

<Print system operation>
Next, the operation of the printing system of the present invention will be described based on specific conditions.
First, it is assumed that the user operates the input device 11 of the personal computer 2 at the company, and the file is opened by the personal computer 2 and displayed on the display device 10 by the graphic controller 8 as shown in FIG. (Steps S101 and S102).

  If the user performs a setting operation for changing the print setting, the personal computer 2 generates preview data of the displayed file in accordance with the print setting (step S103). As shown in FIG. A set (record) of the ID number, file path and print setting of the preview data is stored in the ID management table of the RAM 6 (step S104), and the ID number of the record is added to the preview data corresponding to the record and the preview device. 3 (step S105).

Then, as shown in FIG. 5B, the preview data is acquired by the preview device 3 and stored in the RAM 13 (step S201), and the above flow is repeated from the change of the print setting by the user (from step S103). The preview data with different print settings is stored in the RAM 13 of the preview device 3.
Here, it is assumed that the user removes the preview device 3 storing a plurality of preview data having different print settings in the RAM 13 from the personal computer 2 and carries the preview device 3 to the customer, and the customer performs an operation for selecting arbitrary preview data. Then, the selected preview data is read from the RAM 13 by the preview device 3, and the preview data is displayed on the display device 16 by the graphic controller 14 (step S202).

Further, it is assumed that a printing operation is performed by the customer while the preview data is displayed (step S203, Yes). Then, the preview apparatus 3 outputs the ID number added to the preview data to the personal computer 2 (step S204).
Further, when the output ID number is acquired by the personal computer 2 (step S106), the file path and print settings corresponding to the ID number are read from the ID management table, and the print data is based on them. The print data is generated (step S107), and the print data is output to the printer 4 (step S108). Then, the printer 4 acquires and prints the print data (steps S301 and S302).

  As described above, in the printing system 1 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of preview data having different print settings are generated from the file to be printed by the personal computer 2, and the plurality of preview data are stored in the RAM 13 of the preview device 3. Then, the preview device 3 is carried to the customer, and when the customer performs a printing operation (selection operation) of arbitrary preview data, the ID number of the preview data subjected to the printing operation is stored in the personal computer 2. Therefore, the customer (user) who is away from the personal computer 2 or the printer 4 can easily select the print setting.

Further, before actual printing is performed by the printer 4, the print content can be confirmed with the size and resolution equivalent to the printed matter by the display device 16 of the preview device 3.
Furthermore, there is no need to check the preview data on the screen of the personal computer 2, and the actual print command and print job (print data) corresponding to the ID number are transmitted from the personal computer 2 to the printer 4, so that the preview is displayed. The apparatus 3 and the printer 4 do not need to be directly connected, and the printer 4 can be installed at a remote place.

  In the above embodiment, the personal computer 2 in FIG. 1 constitutes the print data generation apparatus described in the claims, and similarly, the printer 4 in FIG. 1 constitutes the printing apparatus, and step S105 in FIG. 3 constitutes the first transmission means, step S107 in FIG. 3 constitutes the print data generation means, step S108 in FIG. 3 constitutes the second transmission means, and step S201 in FIG. 3 constitutes the storage means. Step S202 in FIG. 3 constitutes a preview display means, and step S204 in FIG. 3 constitutes an ID number transmission means.

The printing system, preview apparatus, printing method, and printing program of the present invention are not limited to the contents of the above-described embodiment, and can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
In the above embodiment, an example in which preview data is generated in accordance with print settings set by the user has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when a file is displayed on the display device 10 of the personal computer 2, preview data of the file may be automatically generated. Specifically, a plurality of preview data having different magnifications such as 90%, 100%, 110%, and 120% may be generated.

In addition, for example, one display of content for one page on one screen, display of two pages of content on one screen, display of four pages of content on one screen, display per screen Preview data having a different number of pages may be generated.
Further, for example, a plurality of preview data having different image processing methods such as preview data density, contrast, gamma curve, and halftone processing may be generated.

If there is a plurality of pages of one preview data, all pages of the preview data displayed on the preview device 3 may be printed when the customer performs a printing operation. Only the displayed page may be printed.
When there are a plurality of printers 4, the printer 4 that can be used is displayed on the display device 10 of the personal computer 2, and when preview data in which an output destination printer is designated as print settings is selected, the printers are displayed. You may make it output.

  Further, the preview data stored in the RAM 13 of the preview device 3 is edited, and print command data representing the edited content is output to the personal computer 2 together with the ID number. The personal computer 2 uses the print command data and the ID number. Is output based on the file corresponding to the print preview data of the ID number and the print command data, so that the printer 4 can print with the contents reflecting the edited contents. It may be. By doing so, since the print command is interpreted on the personal computer 2, the load on the preview device 3 can be reduced.

1 is a perspective view showing an overview of an embodiment of a printing system of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of a personal computer. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating operation | movement of a printing system. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating ID management table. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating operation | movement of a printing system. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of a preview apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

1 is a printing system, 2 is a personal computer, 3 is a preview device, 4 is a printer, 5 is a CPU, 6 is a RAM, 7 is an HDD, 8 is a graphic controller, 9 is an I / O controller, 10 is a display device, and 11 is a display device. Input device, 12 CPU, 13 RAM, 14 graphic controller, 15 I / O controller, 16 display device, 17 input device

Claims (5)

A print data generation device that generates print data for printing predetermined data, a printing device that prints the predetermined data based on the print data generated by the print data generation device, and the predetermined data by the printing device A printing system comprising a preview device that displays a preview of the print result of
The print data generation device is generated by a preview data generation unit that generates preview data for displaying a preview of a print result of the predetermined data by the printing device according to a set print setting, and the preview data generation unit. the preview data and the first transmission means for transmitting the ID number for identifying the preview data in the preview device, Kipu review before the ID number from the preview device specified by and sent the ID number was said predetermined data and said print data generation means for generating the print data based on the print setting, a second transmission means for transmitting the print data generated by the print data generating unit to the printing device corresponds to the data And comprising
The preview device, the by the printing device in the storing means for storing the preview data and the ID number is transmitted from the first transmission unit, displaying the preview data stored in said storage means Preview display means for previewing a print result of predetermined data, and an ID for transmitting the ID number for specifying the preview data displayed on the preview display means to the print data generating apparatus when a set operation is performed A number transmission means,
The printing system, wherein the printing apparatus prints the predetermined data based on the print data transmitted from the second transmission unit. The preview device includes editing means for editing the preview data stored in the storage means,
The ID number transmission unit transmits print command data representing the editing contents by the editing unit to the print data generation device together with the ID number,
The print data generating means, based on the predetermined data and the print command data the printing command data from the preview unit corresponding to the prior SL preview data specified by both transmitted by the corresponding ID number and the ID number The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the print data is generated. A print data generation device that generates print data for printing predetermined data, a printing device that prints the predetermined data based on the print data generated by the print data generation device, and the predetermined data by the printing device A preview apparatus for previewing the print result of the printing system, comprising:
When preview data for displaying a preview of the print result of the predetermined data by the printing device and an ID number for specifying the preview data are transmitted from the print data generation device according to the set print setting, the preview data and storage means for storing the ID number, and the preview display unit for the printing apparatus and the display preview a print result of a predetermined data by by displaying the preview data stored in the storage means, operation which is set An ID number transmitting means for transmitting the ID number for specifying the preview data displayed on the preview display means to the print data generating apparatus when performed. Print data for printing predetermined data is generated by a print data generation device, the predetermined data is printed by a printing device based on the print data generated by the print data generation device, and the predetermined data by the printing device A printing method for previewing the print result of the image on a preview device,
The print data generation device generates preview data for displaying a preview of the print result of the predetermined data by the printing device according to the set print setting, and specifies the generated preview data and the preview data It transmits the ID number to the preview device by the first transmission means, the predetermined data and the print setting corresponding to the preceding Kipu review data that the ID number is specified by and sent the ID number from the preview device the generated print data, and sends the generated the print data to the printing apparatus in the second transmission means based on,
The preview device, the by the printing apparatus by the said preview data and the ID number is transmitted from the first transmitting means stored in the memory unit, and displays the preview data stored in said storage means A preview of the print result of the predetermined data is displayed, and when the set operation is performed, the ID number for specifying the preview data displayed on the preview display means is transmitted to the print data generation device,
The printing method, wherein the printing apparatus prints the predetermined data based on the print data transmitted from the second transmission unit. A print data generation device that generates print data for printing predetermined data, a printing device that prints the predetermined data based on the print data generated by the print data generation device, and the predetermined data by the printing device A printing program that is executed in a printing system including a preview device that displays a preview of the print result of
A preview data generation function for generating preview data for displaying a preview of a print result of the predetermined data by the printing apparatus in accordance with a set print setting on the computer of the print data generation apparatus, and the preview data generation function before the first transmission function for transmitting the generated preview data and the ID number for identifying the preview data in the preview device, the ID number from the preview device is identified by and sent the ID number Symbol a print data generation function of generating the print data based on the predetermined data and the print setting corresponding to the preview data, the second for transmitting the print data generated by the print data generating function to the printing apparatus Execute the transmission function,
The computer of the preview device, a storage function of storing the preview data and the ID number is transmitted from the first transmission function, the printing apparatus by displaying the preview data stored in the storage function to preview a print result of the predetermined data by a preview display function, transmits the ID number for specifying the preview data displayed in the preview display means and set operation is performed to the print data generating device ID number transmission function to be executed,
A printing program for causing a computer of the printing apparatus to execute a printing function for printing the predetermined data based on the printing data transmitted from the second transmission function.

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