JP2006347115A - Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer which can obtain desired printout by enabling the setting of a setting priority of each means in terms of an attribute with a value, capable of being set by a plurality of means, so as to enable the attribute value set by the setting means desired by a user. <P>SOLUTION: This printer, which has the plurality of attribute value setting means for setting the values of the various attributes required for printing, is equipped with an attribute-value priority setting means for setting the priority so as to determine which of the plurality of means sets and enables the attribute value. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus having attribute value setting means for setting various attribute values necessary for printing.

  In a general printing apparatus in which a host computer creates print data, receives print data created by the host computer, analyzes the print data, and performs printing, the host computer performs printing as shown in the data conceptual diagram of FIG. It was generating data.

  Reference numeral 100 in FIG. 3 denotes job data, which mainly includes an attribute value setting command for setting an attribute value close to device control, such as a default paper size setting, a color mode, and various finishing settings. Reference numeral 101 denotes a PDL (Print Description Language) data portion, which is included in the job data 100 as shown in a conceptual diagram. The PDL data mainly includes a drawing command for generating an image.

  However, there are various kinds of language forms in PDL, and some of the PDL language forms include an attribute value setting command for performing device control in the same way as job data.

  Further, a general printing apparatus is equipped with an operation panel for performing various settings such as a status display of the printing apparatus and network settings, and the device control is performed from a menu displayed on the operation panel. Can be set.

Such a printing apparatus has three setting means, job data, PDL data, and an operation panel, for an attribute value for performing one device control.
It is common that the operation panel <job data <PDL data. In other words, if the attribute value set in the operation panel is set in the job data, the value set in the job data is valid, and if the same attribute value is set in the PDL data, The value set in the PDL data is valid.

As a conventional example, for example, Patent Document 1 can be cited.
JP 2003-5927 A

  However, in the case of the above-described printing apparatus, when print data that has already been created is used instead of recreating print data by a host computer, an attribute value setting command is included in job data or PDL data. Since the contents of the attribute value setting command cannot be overwritten by the printing apparatus, the operation specified by the attribute value cannot be changed. For example, data for which color printing is designated as job data or PDL data as existing data is printed in color even if monochrome printing is designated by the printing apparatus.

  Similarly, even when already created PDL data is used, job data for device control is made into PDL data as print data, and the print data is input, the attribute value setting command is included in the PDL data. If the same attribute value setting command is described in the job data, it cannot be validated.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problem, and by enabling setting priority of each means to be set for attributes whose values can be set by a plurality of means, the user can set the desired setting means. An object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus that validates a set attribute value and obtains a desired print output.

  In order to achieve the above object, in a printing apparatus having a plurality of attribute value setting means for setting various attribute values necessary for printing, priority is given to which attribute value set by any of the plurality of means is valid. Attribute value priority order setting means for setting the order is provided.

  In the printing apparatus, the attribute value priority setting unit sets a priority for which attribute value set by the plurality of units is valid for each attribute.

  In the printing apparatus, the attribute value priority setting unit sets, for all attributes, the same priority for which attribute value set by each of the plurality of units is valid. .

  Further, in the printing apparatus, the print data notified to the printing apparatus includes job control data and PDL data, and the plurality of attribute value setting means includes an attribute value setting command in the job control data and an attribute in the PDL data. A value setting command and panel setting means from an operation panel provided in the printing apparatus.

  In such a configuration, with respect to an attribute whose value can be set by a plurality of means, the setting priority order of each means can be set, so that the attribute value set by the user by the desired setting means becomes valid, and the desired print output A printing apparatus is provided.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to set an attribute value set by a user using a desired setting means by enabling setting priority of each means to be set for attributes whose values can be set by a plurality of means. And a printing apparatus that obtains a desired print output.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a printer control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As long as the functions of the present invention are executed, the present invention can be used for a single device, a system composed of a plurality of devices, or a system in which processing is performed via a network such as a LAN. It goes without saying that the invention can be applied.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1000 denotes a printing apparatus (printer). The printer 1000 is, for example, a laser beam printer or an ink jet printer, and stores print information supplied from the external network 2000 as an input and creates a corresponding character pattern or the like according to the information, and is a recording medium. Form an image on paper. Reference numeral 1012 denotes an operation panel, on which various switches for operation and an LCD panel are arranged. A printer control unit 1001 controls the entire printer and analyzes print data supplied from an external device. The printer control unit 1001 mainly converts character and graphic information into a bitmap image and sends it to the printing unit 7.

  In this printer control unit 1001, reference numeral 1 denotes a printer CPU, which is a system bus based on a control program or the like stored in a program ROM of the ROM 2 or a control program or the like stored in a hard disk (HD) 3 and loaded into the RAM 4 at startup. 5 collectively controls access to various devices connected to 5 and outputs an image signal as output information to a printing unit (printer engine) 7 connected via the printing unit interface 6. Further, a control program for the CPU 1 is stored in the program ROM of the ROM 2. The font ROM of the ROM 2 stores font data used when generating the output information. The CPU 1 can perform communication processing with an external device such as a host computer (not shown) connected to the external network 2000 via the I / O 7. Although communication with an external device is performed via the external network 2000, it goes without saying that communication may be performed by connecting to the external device via a direct interface (not shown). Reference numeral 4 denotes a RAM that functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the CPU 12, and is configured such that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown). The RAM 4 is used as an output information expansion area, an environment data storage area, and the like. Access to the HD 3 is controlled by a memory controller (MC) 9. The HD 3 stores spool jobs, spool images, font data, emulation programs, form data, and the like. In addition to the HD3, the MC9 is configured so that at least one external memory such as a PC card memory can be connected. In addition to the built-in font, an optional font card and a program for interpreting printer control languages with different language systems are stored. A plurality of external memories may be connected.

  Reference numeral 1012 denotes an operation panel on which an operation switch, an LED display, and the like are arranged, and the state is managed and controlled by the operation unit controller 10. Reference numeral 11 denotes a non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) that retains information even when the printer 1000 is turned off, and stores printer mode setting information from the operation panel 1012, a flag that is referred to when the printer 1000 is restarted, and the like. An optional unit 13 has a staple function, a shift sort function, and a punch function, and performs a finishing process on the recording paper output from the printing unit 7. The option unit 13 is controlled via the option controller 12.

  4 is an example of an attribute value priority setting screen displayed on the operation panel 1012 in order to set the priority order of attribute values set by job data, PDL data, and panel settings. The user can select where to give priority to the set value by selecting one of the radio buttons 401 to 405. The setting of the line selected by the user becomes effective. For example, FIG. 4 shows a case where 405 is selected, and the radio button is turned on as illustrated in FIG.

  When the user selects 401, the value set by the attribute value setting command in the PDL data has the highest priority, and the attribute value having the attribute value setting command in the PDL data is set in the PDL data. If there is no attribute value setting command in the PDL data and there is an attribute value setting command in the job data, the attribute value is set in the job data, both in the PDL data and in the job data For attribute values that do not have a setting command, those set on the panel are used.

  When the user selects 402, the value set by the attribute value setting command in the job data has the highest priority, and the attribute value having the attribute value setting command in the job data is set in the job data. When there is no attribute value setting command in the job data and there is an attribute value setting command in the PDL data, the attribute value set in the PDL data, the attribute value in the PDL data or in the job data For attribute values that do not have a setting command, those set on the panel are used.

  When the user selects 403, the value set by the attribute value setting command in the PDL data has the highest priority, and the attribute value having the attribute value setting command in the PDL data is the one set by the panel. The

  When the user selects 404, the value set by the attribute value setting command in the job data has the highest priority, and the attribute value having the attribute value setting command in the PDL data is the one set by the panel. The

  When the user selects 405, the panel is always prioritized and all attribute values set in the panel are used, and the value specified by the attribute value setting command in the job data or PDL data is not valid. .

  The user operates the operation panel 1012 and sets the attribute value priority order from this setting screen before inputting print data to the printer 1000.

  FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing the module structure of the printer control software executed by the CPU 1 in the software structure and print control unit 1001. The operation when print data is notified from the external device on the network 2000 to the printer 1000 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 202 denotes a job controller module, which controls each software module (to be described later) and each hardware module described later, and prints data notified from the external network 2000 to the printer 1000 via the I / O 8 as a bitmap image. The developed bitmap image is sent to the printing unit 7 to be printed on the recording paper, and the optional unit is controlled to perform various finishing processes on the recorded output.

  When the print data as shown in the conceptual diagram of FIG. 3 is received via the I / O 8, the job controller module 202 passes the received data to the job data analysis unit 201 and initializes the attribute value database 203.

  FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram of the attribute database. The column 501 stores the value of each attribute set by the attribute value setting command in the job data, and is initialized when the printer 1000 receives print data. A value is set by the job data analysis unit 201. A column 502 stores an attribute value setting command in the PDL data. The printer 1000 is initialized when print data is received, and a value is set by a PDL analysis unit 205 described later. Reference numeral 503 denotes a panel setting value of each attribute, which can be changed / set by the user operating the operation panel 1012. Each row from 504 to 512 corresponds to each attribute and its value. For example, the line 504 is an attribute for designating the paper size. In the example of FIG. 5, the paper size is set to A4 by the attribute value setting command in the job data, and the paper size is set by the attribute value setting command in the PDL data. The size is set to A4, and the panel setting value indicates that Letter is stored. In addition, “−” in the columns 501 and 502 is a value set at the time of initialization, which indicates that there is no attribute value setting command for setting the attribute value indicated by the column in the job data or PDL data. Yes. For example, a line 506 is an attribute for designating a paper feed tray. In the example of FIG. 5, a tray of 1 is set in the attribute location setting command in the job data, but this attribute is set in the PDL data. Indicates that there is no value setting command. Note that there are many other attributes set in the printer 1000 in addition to those shown in FIG.

  The job data analysis unit 201 analyzes the print data, extracts the PDL data unit from the print data (204), and processes an attribute value setting command included in the job data. When there is an attribute value setting command for each attribute value in the job data, the attribute value of the attribute specified by the command is set in the attribute database 203.

  When the job data analysis unit 201 extracts the PDL data 204 from the transmitted print data, the job controller module 202 activates the PDL analysis unit 205. The PDL analysis unit 205 analyzes the PDL data 204, and when there is an attribute value setting command for each attribute value in the data, sets the attribute value of the attribute specified by the command in the attribute database 203. Further, it interprets a rendering command in the PDL data 204 and generates intermediate data 206 for each page.

  The PDL analysis unit 205 acquires attribute values necessary for generating the intermediate data 206 such as the paper size with reference to the attribute database 203. The data acquired at this time depends on the user setting on the attribute value priority setting screen. If the user selects 401 by referring to the corresponding attribute row in the attribute value database, the column 502 is first viewed. If a value other than “-” is described in 502, that value is adopted, and if “-” is described, the column 501 is referenced next. If a value other than “−” is described in the column 501, that value is adopted, and if a value “−” is described, the value in the column 503 is adopted. When the user selects 402, first, the column 501 is viewed. If a value other than “−” is described in 501, that value is adopted, and if “−” is described, the column 502 is then referenced. When a value other than “−” is described in the column 502, that value is adopted, and when a value “−” is described, the value in the column 503 is adopted. When the user selects 403, first, the column 502 is viewed. If a value other than “−” is described in 502, that value is adopted, and if “−” is described, the value in the column 503 is adopted. When the user selects 404, first, the column 501 is viewed. If a value other than “−” is described in 501, that value is adopted, and if “−” is described, the value in the column 503 is adopted. When the user selects 405, only the column 503 is seen and the value described there is adopted.

  When the PDL analysis unit 205 finishes generating the intermediate data 206 for one page, the job controller module 202 activates the RIP 207. The RIP 207 reads and renders the intermediate data 206 to generate image data 208. Image data is generated for each page.

  When the image data 208 is generated, the job controller module 202 acquires the image data by referring to the attribute database 203, and controls the printing unit 7 and the option unit 13 to generate a final print output.

  The data acquired at this time depends on the user setting on the attribute value priority setting screen. If the user selects 401 by referring to the corresponding attribute row in the attribute value database, the column 502 is first viewed. If a value other than “-” is described in 502, that value is adopted, and if “-” is described, the column 501 is referenced next. If a value other than “−” is described in the column 501, that value is adopted, and if a value “−” is described, the value in the column 503 is adopted. When the user selects 402, first, the column 501 is viewed. If a value other than “−” is described in 501, that value is adopted, and if “−” is described, the column 502 is then referenced. When a value other than “−” is described in the column 502, that value is adopted, and when a value “−” is described, the value in the column 503 is adopted. When the user selects 403, first, the column 502 is viewed. If a value other than “−” is described in 502, that value is adopted, and if “−” is described, the value in the column 503 is adopted. When the user selects 404, first, the column 501 is viewed. If a value other than “−” is described in 501, that value is adopted, and if “−” is described, the value in the column 503 is adopted. When the user selects 405, only the column 503 is seen and the value described there is adopted.

  As a specific example of the operation of the job controller module 202, a case where the state of the attribute value database 203 is the state of FIG. 5 when the user selects 405 on the attribute value priority setting screen will be described. Since 405 is selected, the attribute values of the respective attributes adopted are those in the column 503 which is the set value of the panel. Since the paper size is set to Letter and the paper orientation is set to Landscape, the image data 208 of all pages is generated with this size and orientation. Since the paper feed tray is 1, the printing unit 7 is instructed to draw paper from the first paper feed tray. Also, since the color mode is monochrome and the duplex mode is duplex, the setting of the printing unit 7 is set to monochrome printing and duplex mode, and the image data 208 is transferred to the printing unit 7 every two pages. In each option setting, stapling is ON and the sorting mode is group shift, so when a portion of image data 208 is transferred to the printing unit 7 and printing is completed, stapling to the option unit 13 via the option controller 12 is performed. Then, a shift instruction is sent, and stapling and shifting are executed. This operation is repeated 5 times set to the number of copies.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, the user gives priority to the attribute value setting command in the job data, the attribute value setting command in the PDL data, and each value set in the attribute value setting from the panel in the printer 1000. Can be switched, and printing can be performed with the attribute setting desired by the user.

(Second embodiment)
In the second embodiment, in addition to the first embodiment, the user can set a priority for each attribute value.

  The present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and FIG. 3 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  Reference numeral 600 in FIG. 6 denotes a printer 1000, which is an individual attribute value priority order setting screen displayed on the operation panel 1012 for setting the priority order of attribute values set in job data, PDL data, and panel settings for each attribute. It is an example. On this screen, for each attribute, the user uses the value set with the attribute value setting command in the job data, the value set with the PDL data attribute value setting command, or the panel setting value with the highest priority. Set. For example, 601 is an area for setting a paper size attribute to be used with the highest priority. By selecting 602, a pull-down menu is displayed. From this pull-down menu, "PDL", "job data", "PDL" Select one of the following. Reference numeral 601 indicates that the panel is selected and the panel setting value is used with the highest priority. Reference numeral 603 denotes a setting area for the number of copies attribute. In the example of FIG. 6, the value specified by the attribute value setting command in the job data is used with the highest priority. Similarly, reference numeral 604 denotes a setting area for stapling attributes, which indicates that the value used in the attribute value setting command in the PDL data is used with the highest priority. Reference numeral 605 denotes a next screen transition button. When this button is selected, a transition is made to the next screen for performing similar settings for attributes other than the attributes displayed in 600. Selecting the button 606 means that the user confirms the settings for each attribute at that time, and the values set on this screen at that time are stored in the attribute database 203. The contents of the attribute database of the second embodiment will be described later. When the user selects the cancel button 607, this screen is closed without rewriting the contents of the attribute database 203.

  FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram of the attribute database 203 in this embodiment. The only difference from FIG. 5 of the first embodiment is that 720 columns are added, the columns 701 are the same as 501, the columns 702 are 502, and the columns 703 are the same as 503. The column 720 stores the setting used with the highest priority selected by the user on the individual attribute value setting screen 600 for each attribute.

  In this embodiment, an operation when the PDL analysis unit and the job controller module acquire the attribute value of each attribute from the attribute database 203 will be described.

  First, the highest priority setting of 720 is confirmed by referring to the row of the corresponding attribute in the attribute value database. If the highest priority setting is a panel, the value in the column 703 is adopted. If the highest priority setting is PDL, looking at the value in the column 702, if a value other than “−” is described, that value is adopted, and if “−” is described, the attribute value is used. In accordance with the setting on the priority order setting screen 400, a value to be adopted in the same procedure described in the first embodiment is determined. If the highest priority setting is job data, looking at the value in the column 701, if a value other than “−” is described, that value is adopted, and if “−” is described, the attribute is used. In accordance with the setting on the value priority order setting screen 400, the value to be adopted in the same procedure described in the first embodiment is determined.

  As a specific example of the operation of the job controller module 202, a case where the state of the attribute value database 203 is the state of FIG. 7 when the user selects 405 on the attribute value priority setting screen will be described. Since the panel is designated at 720 for the paper size and paper orientation, the values are obtained from the column 703, and the image data 208 of all pages is generated with the paper size of Letter and the paper orientation of Landscape. Since the job data is specified in 720 for the paper feed tray, the value in the column 701 is adopted and is 1. Therefore, the print unit 7 is instructed to draw paper from the first paper feed tray. Since job data is designated at 720 for the color mode, a value of 701 is adopted. For both sides, since the job data is specified at 720, the column 701 is referred to. However, since it is “−”, it is confirmed that 405 is selected at 400, and the value of 703 is finally adopted. . Accordingly, the color mode is monochrome, the duplex mode is duplex, and the setting of the printing unit 7 is set to color printing and duplex mode, and the image data 208 is transferred to the printing unit 7 every two pages. As for the attribute of each option setting, since all PDLs are set in 720, the value 701 is referred to first. Since values are described for the sort mode and punch attribute, the sort mode is group sort and punch is ON. Since “−” is designated for the staple attribute, it is confirmed that 405 is selected in 400, and the value of 703 is adopted as sampling and is turned ON. Accordingly, the job controller module 202 transfers a portion of the image data 208 to the printing unit 7 and, when printing is completed, sends a stapling, punching, and shifting instruction to the option unit 13 via the option controller 12, stapling, Perform punch and shift. This operation is repeated 5 times set to the number of copies.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the user uses the printer 1000 to set each value set by the attribute value setting command in the job data, the attribute value setting command in the PDL data, and the attribute value setting from the panel for each attribute. It is possible to switch which is prioritized, and it is possible to perform printing with attribute settings desired by the user.

(Third embodiment)
In the second embodiment, in the individual attribute value priority setting screen 600, only the attribute value setting means used with the highest priority is selected for each attribute. It goes without saying that the same effect can be obtained even if the five priorities 405 are set for each attribute value.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram showing the soft block of the Example of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram of the data notified to the printer of this invention. It is an example of the attribute value priority order setting screen of the present invention. It is a conceptual diagram of the attribute database of 1st Example. It is an example of the separate attribute value priority order setting screen of 2nd Example. It is a conceptual diagram of the attribute database of 2nd Example.

Explanation of symbols

1 CPU
3 HD
8 I / O
10 Operation unit controller
11 NVRAM
13 Optional controller
202 Job control module
203 attribute database
1000 printer
1001 Printer control unit
2000 External network

Claims (4)

  Attribute value priority setting, in a printing apparatus having a plurality of attribute value setting means for setting various attribute values necessary for printing, to set the priority order of which attribute value set by the means becomes effective A printing apparatus having a rank setting means.   2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the attribute value priority setting unit sets a priority for which attribute value set by each of the plurality of units is valid for each attribute. A printing device.   2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the attribute value priority order setting means sets the same priority order for which attribute value set by each of the plurality of means is effective for all attributes. The printing apparatus characterized by performing.   4. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing data notified to the printing apparatus includes job control data and PDL data, and the plurality of attribute value setting means includes an attribute value setting command in the job control data and the PDL. A printing apparatus comprising an attribute value setting command in data and panel setting means from an operation panel provided in the printing apparatus.

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