Computer program product, print control device, and print control method

Abstract

The invention provides a computer program product, a printing control device, and a printing control method which are expected to increase the speed of manual double-sided printing. The program causes the computer to execute: an acquisition process for acquiring settings for manual double-sided printing; a first printing process of printing the printing data of the first surface by the printing device; a transmission process in which, after the first printing process has started, a printing process interruption instruction is transmitted to the printing apparatus until a user performs a specific process; and a second printing process of causing the printing device to print printing data on a second surface, which is a surface opposite to the first surface, after detecting that the specific process has been performed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a program, a printing control device, and a printing control method. Background Technology

[0002] Technology is being researched to enable users to print in a variety of ways.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a printer that allows a user to perform manual duplex printing. Manual duplex printing refers to a printing method in which the user feeds paper while printing the other side of the paper is being performed after printing on one side has been completed. After printing on one side is completed and the paper is ejected, the printer displays a message prompting the user to perform printing on the other side. Based on the user's instruction to print on the other side, the printer outputs a paper feed instruction and feeds paper from a predetermined paper feed unit to perform printing on the other side.

[0004] The printer described in Patent Document 1 requires user input of printing instructions not only for printing on one side but also for printing on the other side when performing manual duplex printing. This necessitates multiple inputs of printing instructions during printing, potentially causing delays in the completion of manual duplex printing. Therefore, it is desirable to increase the speed of manual duplex printing.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-027042 Summary of the Invention

[0006] One aspect of this disclosure involves a program that causes a computer to perform the following processes: an acquisition process to acquire settings for manual double-sided printing; a first printing process to cause a printing device to print printing data for the first side; a sending process to send an interruption instruction for the printing process to the printing device after the first printing process has started, until the user performs a specific process; and a second printing process to cause the printing device to print printing data for the side opposite to the first side, i.e., the second side, after detecting that the specific process has been performed.

[0007] One aspect of the printing control device disclosed herein includes: an acquisition unit that acquires a setting for manual double-sided printing; a first printing control unit that causes a printing device to print printing data for a first side; a transmission unit that, after the printing of the printing data for the first side performed by the printing device begins, sends an interruption instruction for the printing process to the printing device until a user performs a specific process; and a second printing control unit that, after detecting that the specific process has been performed, causes the printing device to print printing data for the side opposite to the first side, i.e., the second side.

[0008] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a printing control method in which a computer performs the following processes: obtaining a setting for manual double-sided printing; causing a printing device to print printing data for a first side; after the printing of the printing data for the first side performed by the printing device begins, sending an interruption instruction for the printing process to the printing device until a specific process is performed by the user; and after detecting that the specific process has been performed, causing the printing device to print printing data for the side opposite to the first side, i.e., the second side. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the printing system according to Embodiment 1.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of an external computer involved in Implementation 1.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the display screen of manual double-sided printing according to Embodiment 1.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the printer described in Embodiment 1.

[0013] Figure 5A This is a flowchart illustrating the printing process in the printing system according to Embodiment 1.

[0014] Figure 5B This is a flowchart illustrating the printing process in the printing system according to Embodiment 1.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of an external computer involved in Implementation 2. Detailed Implementation

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, for clarity, the following description and drawings have been appropriately omitted and simplified. The accompanying drawings are merely illustrative of one or more embodiments. For the purpose of illustrating illustrative embodiments, not all features or processes shown in any figure are necessary, and some features or processes may be omitted. In the drawings, the same elements are labeled with the same symbols, and repeated descriptions are omitted as needed.

[0017] Implementation Method 1

[0018] Structural description

[0019] Figure 1This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the printing system disclosed herein. The printing system 1 includes an external computer 100 and a printer 200. The external computer 100 is connected to the printer 200 in a communicative manner via wired or wireless means. The external computer 100 may also be connected to the printer 200 in a communicative manner via a LAN (Local Area Network), for example. Furthermore, the external computer 100 may also be connected to the printer 200 in a communicative manner via the Internet, for example.

[0020] External computer 100 is a computer with a processor and memory. External computer 100 is, for example, an information processing device or information processing terminal such as a PC (Personal Computer). External computer 100 functions as a printing control device that instructs printer 200 to print. Printer 200 is any printing device with printing capabilities. Printer 200 can use any printing method, such as inkjet or electronic printing. Printer 200 executes printing according to the instructions of external computer 100.

[0021] External computer 100 includes APP110 (Application), PSA120 (Print Support Application), OS130 (Operating System) and DB140 (Database).

[0022] APP110 is an application software capable of performing processing associated with printing. APP110 can also be, for example, document editing software, spreadsheet software, image editing software, or photo display software.

[0023] Furthermore, when performing printing processing, APP110 can also display the basic printing settings screen (hereinafter also referred to as the basic settings screen) on the display unit 154, which will be described later. The basic printing settings refer to the standard printing settings that the user can set using APP110. After the user selects the desired printing settings from the settings displayed on the basic settings screen by operating the input unit 152, which will be described later, the user instructs the printing of data related to APP110.

[0024] The PSA120 is a general-purpose printer driver, specifically the OS130 standard printer driver in this example. The PSA120 is software used to control and operate the printer 200. Upon acquiring print data, the PSA120 generates a print job containing that data. A print job is a command used to instruct the printer 200 to print an image represented by the print data. The PSA120 can also obtain print setting information from the DB140 and add this information to the print job.

[0025] Furthermore, the PSA120 also functions as an extension application of the APP110. Specifically, when printing print data related to the APP110, the PSA120 can also display the application print settings screen (hereinafter also referred to as the application settings screen) on the display unit 154 according to user instructions. The application print settings represent the print settings that the user can set using the PSA120. The user can specify print methods that cannot be set in the basic print settings via the application settings screen. Here, the user examines the situation where manual duplex printing cannot be performed in the basic print settings but can be performed in the application print settings. Manual duplex printing refers to the printing method in which the user performs the paper supply when printing on the other side of a piece of paper after printing on one side of the paper is completed. The application print settings screen displayed on the display unit 154 displays the selection items for manual duplex printing. After the user selects the desired manual duplex printing setting from the settings displayed on the application settings screen through the operation input unit 152, the user instructs the printing of data related to the APP110.

[0026] Users can specify printing settings information such as the number of pages to be printed (i.e., the quantity printed), image quality, printing colors, and the paper tray used in printing via the basic settings screen or application settings screen. Furthermore, a print button for performing printing can be displayed on both the basic settings screen and application settings screen. By pressing the print button via input unit 152, the user prints the printing data that is the subject of the basic print settings or application print settings. Additionally, a transfer button for navigating to the application settings screen can be displayed on the basic settings screen. By pressing the transfer button via input unit 152, APP 110 invokes PSA 120 and displays the application settings screen on display unit 154. Furthermore, a return transfer button for returning to the basic settings screen can be displayed on the application settings screen. By pressing the return transfer button via input unit 152, PSA 120 invokes APP 110 and displays the basic settings screen on display unit 154.

[0027] Furthermore, the PSA120 can also display a notification screen on the display unit 154 to inform the user of specific processing during manual duplex printing. The PSA120 can also switch the notification content displayed on the notification screen based on at least one of the paper tray information or the printer model information of the printer 200. The PSA120 can obtain the paper tray information as information input by the user for printing settings. Additionally, the PSA120 can obtain the printer model information of the printer 200, for example, by referring to DB140.

[0028] In addition, the PSA120 uses the printing data generated by the OS130 to generate printing data for odd-numbered pages and printing data for even-numbered pages (hereinafter referred to as first printing data and second printing data, respectively). The first printing data is the data extracted from the data of all pages to be printed, specifically the data of the odd-numbered pages. The second printing data is the data extracted from the data of all pages to be printed, specifically the data of the even-numbered pages, which are the opposite side of the odd-numbered pages. The odd-numbered pages and even-numbered pages are printed on different first and second sides of the paper, respectively. The PSA120 outputs the generated first and second printing data to the printer 200.

[0029] OS130 is the basic software that controls the operation of external computer 100. OS130 may be, for example, Windows (registered trademark), but is not limited thereto. In the following description, OS130 is appropriately described as an example of Windows.

[0030] During the printing process, OS130 generates printing data for the entire printed object (hereinafter also referred to as "total printing data"). OS130 outputs the generated total printing data to PSA120. Using this total printing data, first printing data and second printing data are generated.

[0031] DB140 stores paper tray information or printer model information for printer 200. Paper tray information indicates which paper tray in printer 200 holds the paper for duplex printing. Printer model information indicates the printer's model. Additionally, DB140 can also store a log of printing jobs performed by printer 200.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the external computer 100 according to Embodiment 1. As the main hardware structure, the external computer 100 includes a processing unit 102, a storage unit 104, a communication unit 106, and an IF 108 (Interface). The IF 108 includes an input unit 152 and a display unit 154. The processing unit 102, storage unit 104, communication unit 106, and IF 108 can also be interconnected via a data bus or the like.

[0033] The processing unit 102 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Microprocessor), or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The processing unit 102 has one or more processors. The processing unit 102 functions as a computing device for performing control processing and arithmetic processing. The processing unit 102 controls the storage unit 104, the communication unit 106, and the IF 108.

[0034] Storage unit 104 is a storage device comprising one or more memories or storage devices, or combinations thereof. The memories may be volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or combinations thereof. Volatile memory may be, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory). Non-volatile memory may be, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory). Storage devices may be flash memory, HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or SSD (Solid State Drive). Storage unit 104 has the function of storing control programs and arithmetic programs executed by processing unit 102. Furthermore, storage unit 104 has the function of temporarily storing processing data. Storage unit 104 may include DB140, described later. Storage unit 104 may also store printing setting information.

[0035] The communication unit 106 performs the processing required for the external computer 100 to communicate with other devices via a communication network. The communication unit 106 may include communication ports, routers, firewalls, etc. For example, the communication unit 106 implements processing for communication between the external computer 100 and the printer 200. The communication unit 106 may also implement processing for enabling the external computer 100 to communicate with the printer 200 via a LAN such as a wireless LAN. Furthermore, the communication unit 106 may, for example, implement processing for enabling the external computer 100 to communicate with the printer 200 via the Internet.

[0036] IF108 is the user interface of the external computer 100. IF108 has an input section 152, which serves as an input device such as a button, keyboard, or mouse. The user inputs information into the external computer 100 by operating the input section 152. For example, by operating the input section 152, the user can input instructions for setting up printing and instructions for executing printing into the external computer 100.

[0037] Furthermore, IF108 has a display unit 154 as a data output device. The display unit 154 includes, for example, a monitor. The display unit 154 can display a basic print setting screen according to control from APP110, and can display an application print setting screen or a notification screen according to control from PSA120.

[0038] Alternatively, the input unit 152 and the display unit 154 may be configured as a physically integrated device, such as a touch screen or a touch panel.

[0039] Furthermore, as structural elements, the external computer 100 includes the aforementioned APP 110, PSA 120, OS 130, and DB 140. Additionally, as structural elements, the external computer 100 also includes an acquisition unit 162, an odd-page data generation unit 164, an odd-page printing control unit 166, a notification control unit 168, an instruction sending unit 170, an even-page data generation unit 172, and an even-page printing control unit 174.

[0040] The acquisition unit 162, odd-page data generation unit 164, odd-page printing control unit 166, notification control unit 168, instruction sending unit 170, even-page data generation unit 172, and even-page printing control unit 174 can also be implemented by the PSA 120 as a function for manual duplex printing. For example, these structural elements can be implemented by the processing unit 102 reading and executing the program related to the PSA 120 stored in the storage unit 104. Alternatively, these structural elements can be implemented by recording the required program on any non-volatile recording medium and installing it on the external computer 100 as needed.

[0041] Furthermore, each structural element can be implemented not only through program-based software, but also through any combination of hardware, firmware, and software. Additionally, each structural element can be implemented using user-programmable integrated circuits such as FPGAs (field-programmable gate arrays) or microcomputers. In this case, the program composed of the aforementioned structural elements can also be implemented using this integrated circuit.

[0042] The acquisition unit 162 acquires the manual duplex printing settings input by the user via the input unit 152. The user refers to the application settings screen displayed on the display unit 154, selects the desired manual duplex printing item, and thus inputs the manual duplex printing settings.

[0043] The odd-page data generation unit 164 performs a first generation process to generate first print data using all print data generated by OS 130. The odd-page printing control unit 166 causes the printer 200 to print the first print data generated by the odd-page data generation unit 164. Specifically, the odd-page printing control unit 166 sends a print job containing the first print data to the printer 200, causing the printer 200 to print the first print data. This printing process may also be referred to as the first printing process.

[0044] After the odd-numbered page printing control unit 166 sends the printing task to the printer 200, the notification control unit 168 causes the display unit 154 to display a notification that specific processing is required by the user in order to print even-numbered pages in manual duplex printing. Figure 3 This is an example of a notification displayed on display unit 154. Figure 3 The notification displays diagrams illustrating each step of manual duplex printing, along with explanatory text for each step. Furthermore, the notification includes buttons for stopping printing and resuming printing, which the user can instruct via the input unit 152. In particular, the notification describes the following specific actions performed by the user.

[0045] • After printing the odd-numbered pages, rotate all the finished sheets 180 degrees.

[0046] Place the paper and click the "Restart Printing" button shown on display 154.

[0047] The user performs the steps shown in the notification and uses the mouse (which functions as input unit 152) to press the "Restart Printing" button, thereby restarting manual duplex printing (i.e., starting the printing of the second print data). Alternatively, the user can stop manual duplex printing by pressing the "Stop Printing" button using the mouse. When either the "Restart Printing" or "Stop Printing" button is pressed, the notification control unit 168 stops displaying the notification on the display unit 154.

[0048] Furthermore, if the position of the paper tray of the printer 200 used in duplex printing changes, or if the model of the printer 200 changes, it is preferable to change the content of the notification in order to properly guide the user in manual duplex printing. For example, in Figure 3 The notification shown displays an image and explanatory text indicating that the paper tray is positioned on the front of the printer 200. However, if the paper tray is positioned on the back of the printer 200 instead of the front, it is preferable to display an image and explanatory text indicating that the paper tray is positioned on the back of the printer 200. Therefore, the notification control unit 168 can switch the content of the notification based on at least one of the printer 200's paper tray information and printer model information.

[0049] After the printer 200 completes a printing task containing the first printing data, the instruction sending unit 170 sends an interruption instruction to the printer 200 for the printing process until it is determined that the user has performed a specific process. For example, in Figure 3 When the notification shown is displayed on the display unit 154, the instruction sending unit 170 determines that the user has pressed the restart printing button shown on the display unit 154 by detecting the input of the input unit 152, and thus determines that the user has performed a specific action. However, the method of determining that the user has performed a specific action by detecting the input of the input unit 152 is not limited to this.

[0050] Furthermore, if the user presses the stop printing button in the notification, the instruction sending unit 170 can send a printing end instruction to the printer 200. The printer 200 ends the printing process upon receiving the printing end instruction.

[0051] When the even-page data generation unit 172 determines that a specific process has been performed by the user by detecting input from the input unit 152, it executes a second generation process to generate second print data using all print data generated by the OS 130. The even-page printing control unit 174 causes the printer 200 to print the second print data generated by the even-page data generation unit 172. Specifically, the even-page printing control unit 174 sends a print job containing the second print data to the printer 200, causing the printer 200 to print the second print data. This printing process may also be referred to as the second printing process.

[0052] Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, the even-page data generation unit 172 generates second printing data containing printing data for all even-pages after the user performs the determination process. However, the even-page data generation unit 172 may also generate at least a portion of the printing data for all even-pages before the user performs the specific process. Details of this example will be described later in Embodiment 2.

[0053] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of a printer 200 according to Embodiment 1. As the main hardware structure, the printer 200 includes a processing unit 202, a storage unit 204, a communication unit 206, an information display unit (IF) 208, a printing unit 210, paper trays 222 and 224, and a print job receiving unit 230. The processing unit 202, storage unit 204, communication unit 206, IF 208, and printing unit 210 can also be interconnected via a data bus or the like.

[0054] The processing unit 202 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The processing unit 202 has one or more processors. The processing unit 202 functions as a computing device for performing control processing and arithmetic processing. The processing unit 202 controls the storage unit 204, the communication unit 206, the IF 208, and the printing unit 210.

[0055] Storage unit 204 is a storage device consisting of one or more memories or storage devices, or combinations thereof. Examples of memories and storage devices are the same as those for storage unit 104, therefore descriptions are omitted. Storage unit 204 has the function of storing control programs and arithmetic programs executed by processing unit 202. Furthermore, storage unit 204 has the function of temporarily storing processing data, etc.

[0056] The communication unit 206 implements the processing required for the printer 200 to communicate with other devices via a communication network. The communication unit 206 may include a communication port, router, firewall, etc. For example, the communication unit 206 implements processing for enabling the printer 200 to communicate with an external computer 100. The communication unit 206 may also implement processing for enabling the printer 200 to communicate with the external computer 100 via a LAN such as a wireless LAN. Furthermore, the communication unit 206 may also implement processing for enabling the printer 200 to communicate with the external computer 100 via the Internet.

[0057] IF208 is the user interface of printer 200. IF208 has input devices such as buttons, keyboard, or mouse, and output devices such as a display or speaker. IF208 can also be a structure that integrates input and output devices, such as a touch panel. In addition to accepting data input operations performed by the user to printer 200, IF208 also outputs information from printer 200 to the user.

[0058] The printing unit 210 has a printing function for forming an image on paper, i.e., a printing medium. The printing unit 210 includes a printing engine. The printing engine is a mechanical structure that performs image printing onto the printing medium. The printing engine may, for example, have a mechanism for printing using toners in an electrophotographic manner. Alternatively, the printing engine may, for example, have a mechanism for printing using inkjet printing. Additionally, the printing engine may also have a transport mechanism for transporting the printing medium.

[0059] Paper trays 222 and 224 are trays for users to manually supply paper for printing. In this example, printer 200 has two paper trays, but printer 200 may also have one or more paper trays. The number and position of paper trays sometimes vary depending on the printer model information of printer 200. Therefore, as described above, notification control unit 168 can switch the content of the notification based on at least one of the paper tray information and the model information of printer 200 during manual duplex printing. For example, when paper tray 222 is used in manual duplex printing, notification control unit 168 generates notification content corresponding to the position of paper tray 222. When paper tray 224 is used in manual duplex printing, notification control unit 168 generates notification content corresponding to the position of paper tray 224.

[0060] Furthermore, as a structural element, the printer 200 also includes a print job receiving unit 230. The print job receiving unit 230 can be implemented, for example, by executing a program under the control of the processing unit 202. More specifically, the print job receiving unit 230 can be implemented by the processing unit 202 executing a program stored in the storage unit 204. Alternatively, the print job receiving unit 230 can also be implemented by recording the required program on any non-volatile recording medium and installing it in the printer 200 as needed.

[0061] The print job receiving unit 230 receives print jobs from the external computer 100. The print job receiving unit 230 may also be implemented by the communication unit 206. The received print jobs are output to the printing unit 210. The printing unit 210 performs printing according to the print jobs. That is, the printing unit 210 performs printing according to the instructions of the external computer 100.

[0062] Processing flow description

[0063] Figure 5A and Figure 5B This is a routine diagram illustrating the printing process in the printing system 1 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 5A And 5B shows a description of the user U, the APP110, PSA120, and OS130 as structural elements of the external computer 100, and the printer 200. Hereinafter, refer to... Figure 5A Section 5B explains the process and details of handling external computer 100 and printer 200.

[0064] (1) First, user U outputs a printing request for predetermined data to external computer 100 by operating input unit 152. (2) APP 110 receives the printing request and displays a basic settings screen for printing the data specified in the printing request on display unit 154. Thus, APP 110 allows user U to set the detailed content for printing.

[0065] (3) In this example, although user U wants to print predetermined data using manual duplex printing, manual duplex printing settings cannot be configured in the basic printing settings. Therefore, user U operates the input unit 152 and presses the transfer button displayed on the basic settings screen, thereby outputting an application printing setting request to the external computer 100 that enables manual duplex printing. (4) In response to receiving the application printing setting request, APP 110 outputs the application printing setting request to PSA 120. (5) In response to receiving the application printing setting request, PSA 120 causes the display unit 154 to display the application setting screen. Thus, PSA 120 allows user U to configure the printing details.

[0066] (6) User U operates the input unit 152 by referring to the application setting screen displayed on the display unit 154, thereby inputting manual duplex printing settings into the external computer 100. (7) In response to receiving the manual duplex printing settings, PSA 120 updates the printing settings information stored in DB 140.

[0067] (8) User U sends a print start request to APP110 by pressing the print button displayed on the application settings screen via input unit 152. (9) In response to receiving the print start request, APP110 sends the print start request to OS130. (10) In response to receiving the print start request, OS130 generates XPS (XML (Extensible Markup Language) Paper Specification) drawing data that serves as the print start object. The XPS drawing data is all the print data mentioned above. In addition, OS130 updates the PrintTicket as the print setting. OS130 can generate a PrintTicket indicating that the print to be performed is manual duplex printing by referring to the print setting information stored in DB140.

[0068] (11) After that, OS130 outputs an instruction to PSA120 to activate the function for manual duplex printing. Hereinafter, the functions performed by PSA120 will be described using the above-mentioned acquisition unit 162, odd-page data generation unit 164, odd-page printing control unit 166, notification control unit 168, instruction sending unit 170, even-page data generation unit 172, and even-page printing control unit 174.

[0069] (12) In response to receiving a startup instruction from OS130, the acquisition unit 162 acquires the XPS drawing data and PrintTicket generated by OS130. (13) The acquisition unit 162 determines whether manual duplex printing is set by reading the acquired PrintTicket. The manual duplex printing setting input by user U in (6) is shown in the PrintTicket.

[0070] Here, the acquisition unit 162 determines that the manual duplex printing setting is displayed in the PrintTicket. For example, the manual duplex printing setting is set to enabled in the PrintTicket. Based on this determination, the PSA120 performs the following processing.

[0071] (14) The acquisition unit 162 acquires information about the paper tray used in printing by reading the PrintTicket. (15) The odd-page data generation unit 164 acquires the printing settings by reading the PrintTicket. The odd-page data generation unit 164 edits the XPS plotting data based on the acquired printing settings to generate odd-page data in the XPS plotting data. (16) The odd-page data generation unit 164 generates a first instruction as an instruction for the printer 200 by performing PDL (page description language) conversion on the generated odd-page XPS plotting data and the PrintTicket. The first instruction can be said to be a printing task containing the aforementioned first printing data. (17) The odd-page printing control unit 166 sends the first instruction, which has undergone PDL conversion, to the printer 200. (18) Upon receiving the first instruction, the printer 200 prints the odd-page data contained in the first instruction. Thus, the printing process for the odd-page data begins.

[0072] (19) The notification control unit 168 generates notification content for specific processing required by the user U for printing even-numbered pages, based on the information of the paper tray obtained by the acquisition unit 162 in (14). Alternatively, the notification control unit 168 may further use the printer model information of the printer 200 obtained by referring to DB140 to generate notification content for specific processing. The notification control unit 168 displays the generated notification content on the display unit 154. Here, the notification content displayed on the display unit 154 is as follows: Figure 3 As shown in the image, the notification displays a button to restart printing and a button to stop printing.

[0073] (20) After the printer 200 completes a printing task containing the first printing data, the instruction sending unit 170 sends virtual instructions to the printer 200 at fixed time intervals. These virtual instructions are interruption indications for the printing process. However, examples of interruption indications that the instruction sending unit 170 can send are not limited to virtual instructions. For example, the instruction sending unit 170 may also begin sending virtual instructions based on receiving a notification from the printer 200 indicating that the printing task has been completed. The instruction sending unit 170 may also continue sending virtual instructions during the period when the notification generated by the notification control unit 168 is displayed on the display unit 154. Furthermore, the period during which the instruction sending unit 170 sends virtual instructions to the printer 200 may partially overlap with the period during which the printing unit 210 prints on the paper. The instruction sending unit 170 repeatedly sends virtual instructions to the printer 200 until it is determined that the user U has pressed the restart printing button displayed in the notification.

[0074] (21) User U visually confirms the notification displayed on display unit 154 and performs the specific processing required for manual duplex printing. By pressing the restart printing button at the end of the specific processing, user U outputs a restart request for printing to external computer 100. In response to receiving the restart request for printing, notification control unit 168 stops displaying the notification to display unit 154. Furthermore, instruction sending unit 170 stops sending virtual commands to printer 200 based on receiving the restart request for printing.

[0075] (22) In response to receiving a request to resume printing, the even-page data generation unit 172 obtains the printing settings by reading the PrintTicket. Based on the obtained printing settings, the even-page data generation unit 172 edits the XPS drawing data to generate even-page data in the XPS drawing data. (23) The even-page data generation unit 172 generates a second instruction as an instruction to the printer 200 by performing PDL conversion on the generated even-page XPS drawing data and the PrintTicket. The second instruction can be said to be a printing task that includes the aforementioned second printing data. However, the printing task involved in the first instruction and the printing task involved in the second instruction are tasks that originate from the overall manual duplex printing printing task. (24) The even-page printing control unit 174 sends the second instruction that has undergone PDL conversion to the printer 200. (25) Based on receiving the second instruction, the printer 200 prints the even-page data contained in the second instruction. By adopting this method, the printing process of the second printing data (second printing process) is performed. Through the above processing, the printing based on the manual duplex printing data is completed.

[0076] The following describes the process implemented when user U presses the stop printing button instead of the restart printing button in (21).

[0077] (26) User U outputs a printing stop request to external computer 100 by pressing the stop printing button. (27) In response to receiving the printing stop request, instruction sending unit 170 generates a printing end command to indicate the end of printing. Then, instruction sending unit 170 sends the printing end command to printer 200. (28) Printer 200 ends the printing process performed by printing unit 210 based on receiving the printing end command.

[0078] Furthermore, the processing performed when the acquisition unit 162 determines in (13) that the manual duplex printing setting is not indicated in the PrintTicket will be explained. This situation is, for example, when the manual duplex printing setting in the PrintTicket is set to off. Based on this determination result, PSA120 performs the following processing.

[0079] (29) PSA120 obtains the printing settings by reading the PrintTicket. PSA120 edits the XPS drawing data based on the obtained printing settings. (30) PSA120 generates instructions for printer 200 by performing PDL conversion on the edited XPS drawing data and PrintTicket. The instructions can be described as a printing task containing all the data that will be printed. (31) PSA120 sends the PDL-converted instructions to printer 200. (32) Printer 200 prints all the data based on the received instructions. Through the above processing, the printing of the data is completed.

[0080] Furthermore, in the above example, after the information acquisition process of the paper tray shown in (14) is completed, the sending process of the first instruction shown in (17) is executed, and then the generation process of the notification content of the specific process shown in (19) is executed. However, the process shown in (14) can also be executed at a timed interval after the process of (17) and before the generation process of the notification content of the specific process shown in (19). In addition, the process shown in (19) can also be executed at any timed interval after the process shown in (14).

[0081] Explanation of effects

[0082] In Embodiment 1, the external computer 100 performs the following processes by executing a program related to the PSA 120. The acquisition unit 162 acquires the manual duplex printing settings. The odd-page printing control unit 166 causes the printer 200 to print the printing data for the odd-numbered pages. The instruction sending unit 170 sends a virtual instruction to the printer 200 as an interruption instruction for the printing process from the start of the printing of the odd-numbered page printing data until the user performs a specific process. The even-page printing control unit 174, after detecting that a specific process has been performed, causes the printer 200 to print the printing data for the even-numbered pages.

[0083] Additionally, as a variation, the external computer 100 can also perform the following processes by executing a program related to the PSA 120: The acquisition unit 162 acquires the manual duplex printing settings. The even-page printing control unit 174 causes the printer 200 to print the printing data for even-numbered pages. The instruction sending unit 170 sends a virtual instruction to the printer 200 as an interruption instruction for the printing process after the printing process for even-numbered pages begins, until the user performs a specific process. The odd-page printing control unit 166, after detecting that a specific process has been performed, causes the printer 200 to print the printing data for odd-numbered pages.

[0084] As shown above, during manual duplex printing, the external computer 100 sends an interruption instruction to the printer 200 between the timing of printing the first side of the page and the timing of printing the second side. During the period of sending the interruption instruction, the entire manual duplex printing task continues uninterrupted between the external computer 100 and the printer 200. Therefore, it is possible to maintain a single task without splitting the entire manual duplex printing task, and to set the manual duplex printing settings input by the user to the printer 200 only once. Thus, the external computer 100 can speed up the manual duplex printing performed by the printer 200.

[0085] As an additional benefit of using the external computer 100, the following points are also listed. Since it is not necessary to divide the entire manual duplex printing task into separate logs, the external computer 100 can generate a log that clearly indicates the start and end times of printing, and record it in DB140. Therefore, in the event of a problem during manual duplex printing, the user can easily identify the logs involved in the manual duplex printing from the total number of printed logs. Thus, even in the event of a problem, the external computer 100 facilitates log analysis for the user. Furthermore, when the manual duplex printing task is a single task, the amount of log data generated can be reduced compared to the case of dividing the task.

[0086] Furthermore, the external computer 100 can use the PSA 120 to perform the aforementioned processing. Therefore, even when implementing printing processing using a general printer driver instead of a dedicated printer driver corresponding to the printer 200, the external computer 100 can perform manual duplex printing.

[0087] Furthermore, the notification control unit 168 of the external computer 100 can notify the user of the content of a specific process. At this time, the notification control unit 168 can switch the content of the notification based on at least one of the paper tray information and the printer model information of the printer 200. Therefore, the external computer 100 can notify the user of appropriate content corresponding to the printing status. Since the user can visually confirm the notification and accurately perform the specific process, manual duplex printing can be performed smoothly.

[0088] Furthermore, the even-page data generation unit 172 of the external computer 100 can generate even-page printing data before the even-page printing control unit 174, after detecting that a specific process has been performed. As a variation of the above, it is also envisioned that the odd-page printing control unit 166 of the external computer 100 causes the printer 200 to print odd-page printing data after detecting that a specific process has been performed. In this case, the odd-page data generation unit 164 can generate odd-page printing data before the odd-page printing control unit 166, after detecting that a specific process has been performed. In other words, when the user performs a specific process for completing manual duplex printing, the external computer 100 generates printing data for the side opposite to the first side that has been printed, i.e., the second side. Therefore, if the user does not intend to complete manual duplex printing and stops printing midway, the external computer 100 can prevent the execution of unnecessary processes.

[0089] Furthermore, the even-page data generation unit 172 of the external computer 100 may, after detecting that a specific process has been performed, generate a portion of the printing data for the even-pages in place of all the printing data, but before the processing of the even-page printing control unit 174. In the above variation, the odd-page data generation unit 164 of the external computer 100 may, after detecting that a specific process has been performed, generate a portion of the printing data for the odd-pages in place of all the printing data, but before the processing of the odd-page printing control unit 166.

[0090] Implementation Method 2

[0091] In the following Embodiment 2, the points already described in Embodiment 1 will be omitted as appropriate, and the differences from Embodiment 1 will be the focus of the explanation.

[0092] Structural description

[0093] Figure 6 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the external computer 100 according to Embodiment 2. The external computer 100 and... Figure 2 Compared to the external computer 100 involved, it also has a decision unit 176. The decision unit 176 in... Figure 5A After step (13) shown, it is determined whether the printing of the odd-numbered pages of printing data executed by the printer 200 meets the predetermined conditions. The timing for the determination unit 176 to perform this determination may also be... Figure 5B The timing can be any time before the timing shown in (21). For example, the decision unit 176 can also perform the decision at a timing after (17).

[0094] For example, the predetermined condition could be that the printing time for odd-numbered pages of print data is a predetermined time or more. Furthermore, the predetermined condition could also be that the number of pages included in the odd-numbered pages of print data is a predetermined number of pages or more. Additionally, the predetermined condition could also be that the image quality during the printing of the odd-numbered pages of print data is a predetermined image quality or more. The determination unit 176 can also determine whether the printing meets such predetermined conditions by using the print settings information, i.e., the PrintTicket, obtained in (13).

[0095] If the determination unit 176 determines that the printing of odd-numbered pages does not meet the predetermined conditions, the external computer 100 performs the same processing as shown in Embodiment 1 after (15). On the other hand, if the determination unit 176 determines that the printing of odd-numbered pages meets the predetermined conditions, the external computer 100 performs the following processing.

[0096] In embodiment 2, the even-page data generation unit 172 generates part or all of the printing data for the even-page number of pages based on the XPS drawing data generated by OS 130 after (13) and before (21). For example, after (17), the even-page data generation unit 172 may generate a part of the printing data for the even-page number of pages in advance before the timing of (22). The even-page data generation unit 172 may perform either the generation process of a part of the printing data or the processing of (19) or (20) in parallel. In addition, the remaining data in the printing data of the even-page number of pages that was not generated in advance is generated in (22) and (23). The details of the printing data generation process performed by the even-page data generation unit 172 are shown in (22) and (23), so the description is omitted.

[0097] Furthermore, as another example, after (17), the even-page data generation unit 172 may also generate all the printing data for the even-pages in advance before the timing of (22). In this case, when the external computer 100 receives a request to restart printing from the user U, the processes of (22) and (23) are not executed. In (24), the even-page printing control unit 174 sends the second instruction, which has been generated in advance and implemented PDL conversion, to the printer 200. The processing after (25) is as described in Embodiment 1.

[0098] Explanation of effects

[0099] As described above, before detecting that a specific processing has been performed, the even-page data generation unit 172 of the external computer 100 can generate at least a portion of the printing data for even-pages based on XPS plotting data, which serves as printing data. Furthermore, in the variation described in Embodiment 1, the odd-page data generation unit 164 of the external computer 100 can generate at least a portion of the printing data for odd-pages based on XPS plotting data, which serves as printing data, before detecting that a specific processing has been performed. Therefore, the external computer 100 can pre-generate at least a portion of the printing data for the second side, which is to be printed later. Thus, the external computer 100 can reduce the time required for printing the second side, resulting in faster manual double-sided printing.

[0100] Furthermore, the determination unit 176 can determine whether the printing process of the first side meets predetermined conditions. Predetermined conditions may include, for example, any one of the following: the time spent on the printing process of the first side is more than a predetermined time; the number of pages included in the printing data of the first side is more than a predetermined number of pages; or the image quality in the printing of the printing data of the first side is more than a predetermined image quality. If the printing process of the first side meets the predetermined conditions, the external computer 100 can pre-generate at least a portion of the printing data for the second side. If the printing conditions do not meet the appropriate conditions, the external computer 100 does not pre-generate the printing data for the second side. Therefore, if it is assumed that the time required for printing the second side cannot be reduced, the external computer 100 can suppress the execution of unnecessary processes that are considered ineffective by not pre-generating the printing data for the second side.

[0101] Furthermore, the threshold used in the judgment regarding the predetermined conditions can be not just one, but multiple. For example, the judgment unit 176 can determine whether the time spent on the printing process of the first page is more than or equal to time T1, less than or equal to time T2, or less than time T2. Where T1 > T2. If the time spent on the printing process of the first page is more than or equal to time T1, then after (17), the even-numbered page data generation unit 172 generates all the printing data of the even-numbered pages in advance before the timing of (22). If the time spent on the printing process of the first page is less than time T1 but more than or equal to time T2, then after (17), the even-numbered page data generation unit 172 generates a portion of the printing data of the even-numbered pages in advance before the timing of (22). For example, the even-numbered page data generation unit 172 may also generate half of the printing data of the even-numbered pages in advance before the timing of (22). Then, the remaining data in the printing data of the even-numbered pages that was not generated in advance is generated in (22) and (23). Furthermore, if the time spent on printing the first side is less than time T2, the external computer 100 performs the same processing as shown in Embodiment 1 after (15). Not only the time spent on printing the first side, but also the number of pages included in the printing data of the first side, and the image quality during printing of the printing data of the first side, can be set with multiple thresholds for judgment. Thus, the external computer 100 can implement higher-speed control more suited to the situation.

[0102] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the above-described embodiments... Figure 5A The order of processes shown in the routines in 5B can be changed appropriately. Furthermore, it can be omitted... Figure 5A and 5B One or more processes in the routines.

[0103] Figure 5A and 5B The formats shown in the printing process, such as XPS, PrintTicket, and PDL, are examples, but other formats can also be used.

[0104] The notification control unit 168 may replace the screen-based notification via the display unit 154, or, based on that, execute a sound-based notification via a speaker (not shown) that serves as a data output device. The content of the sound-based notification is the same as the content of the screen-based notification described above.

[0105] In Implementation 1, the case where the OS 130 of the external computer 100 is Windows was described. However, OS 130 is not limited to Windows; for example, it can be any operating system such as macOS (registered trademark) or Linux (registered trademark).

[0106] In the above examples, the program includes a set of commands (or software code) for causing the computer to perform one or more functions described in the embodiments when read by the computer. The program may be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium or a tangible storage medium. As a non-limiting example, the computer-readable medium or tangible storage medium includes random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD), or other memory technologies. As another example, the computer-readable medium or tangible storage medium includes CD-ROM, digital versatile optical disc (DVD), Blu-ray disc (registered trademark) or other optical disc storage, cassette tape, magnetic tape, disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices. The program may also be transmitted on a temporary computer-readable medium or a communication medium. As a non-limiting example, the temporary computer-readable medium or communication medium includes electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of propagation signals. Furthermore, the program is included in a program product.

[0107] Symbol Explanation

[0108] 1… Printing system; 100… External computer; 102… Processing unit; 104… Storage unit; 106… Communication unit; 108… IF; 110… APP; 120… PSA; 130… OS; 140… DB; 152… Input unit; 154… Display unit; 162… Acquisition unit; 164… Odd-page data generation unit; 166… Odd-page printing control unit; 168… Notification control unit; 170… Instruction sending unit; 172… Even-page data generation unit; 174… Even-page printing control unit; 176… Judgment unit; 200… Printer; 202… Processing unit; 204… Storage unit; 206… Communication unit; 208… IF; 210… Printing unit; 222… Paper tray; 224… Paper tray; 230… Printing task receiving unit.

Claims

1. A computer program product comprising a program, said program causing a computer to execute the following processing: acquisition processing of acquiring a setting of manual double-sided printing; first printing processing of causing a printing device to print print data of a first side; transmission processing of transmitting an interruption instruction of printing processing to the printing device until a user performs a specific processing after the start of the first printing processing; second printing processing of causing the printing device to print print data of a second side opposite to the first side after detecting a case where the specific processing is performed.

2. The computer program product according to claim 1, wherein the program is a print support application.

3. The computer program product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the program causes the computer to further execute notification control processing of notifying the user of contents of the specific processing and switching contents of the notification according to at least either one of paper tray information and model information of the printing device.

4. The computer program product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the program causes the computer to further execute first generation processing of generating at least a part of the print data of the second side before the second printing processing after detecting a case where the specific processing is performed.

5. The computer program product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the program causes the computer to further execute second generation processing of generating at least a part of the print data of the second side before detecting a case where the specific processing is performed.

6. The computer program product according to claim 5, wherein the program causes the computer to further execute determination processing of determining whether the first printing processing satisfies a predetermined condition, and the second generation processing is executed before detecting a case where the specific processing is performed in a case where the first printing processing satisfies the predetermined condition.

7. The computer program product according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined condition is a case where a time taken for the first printing processing becomes a predetermined time or more.

8. The computer program product according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined condition is a case where a number of pages included in the print data of the first side becomes a predetermined number of pages or more.

9. The computer program product according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined condition is a case where a quality in the first printing processing becomes a predetermined quality or more.

10. A printing control device comprising: an acquisition section that acquires a setting of manual double-sided printing; a first printing control section that causes a printing device to print print data of a first side; a transmission section that transmits an interruption instruction of printing processing to the printing device until a user performs a specific processing after the start of printing of the print data of the first side performed by the printing device; a second printing control section that causes the printing device to print print data of a second side opposite to the first side after detecting a case where the specific processing is performed.

11. A print control method in which, the following process is executed by a computer: a setting of manual double-sided printing is acquired; a print device is caused to print print data of a first side; after the start of printing of the print data of the first side by the print device, an interruption instruction of a print process is sent to the print device until a user performs a specific process; after detecting that the specific process has been performed, the print device is caused to print print data of a second side opposite to the first side.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the specific process is a process of turning over the print medium.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the specific process is a process of replacing the print medium.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the specific process is a process of replacing the print medium and turning over the print medium.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the specific process is a process of replacing the print medium and turning over the print medium.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the specific process is a process of replacing the

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