Information processing method, information processing program, and information processing system

Abstract

To easily specify a cause of printing failure.SOLUTION: A PC 2 is provided with: a printing data creation part 23 that creates printing data; a hash value generation part 24 that generates a hash value from printing data; a communication part 14 that transmits the printing data to a printer 4; a communication part 14 that receives, from the printer 4, an analysis hash value being a hash value generated from the printing data received by the printer 4; and a comparison part 25 that compares the hash value and the analysis hash value, and determines that the printer 4 has normally received the printing data created by the printing data creation part 23 if the hash value and the analysis hash value match. The printer 4 is provided with: a communication part 31 that receives the printing data from the PC 2; a hash value generation part 37 that generates an analysis hash value from the printing data; and a communication part 31 that transmits the analysis hash value to the PC 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing method, an information processing program, and an information processing system, and is suitable for application to, for example, an information processing apparatus that performs test printing of a printer driver. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, an information processing system has been proposed in which test printing data is sent from an information processing device to an image forming device, the image forming device generates image forming device side printing data, which is bitmap printing data, based on the printing test data, and returns the image forming device side printing data to the information processing device, and the information processing device generates bitmap printing data based on printing test data that it holds, and compares the print data with the image forming device side printing data (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-89149 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In such information processing systems, when a printing defect occurs in an image forming device, it is desirable to improve convenience by easily determining whether the problem is with the print data created by the printer driver of the information processing device or with a process subsequent to the printer driver.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and aims to propose an information processing method, an information processing program, and an information processing system that can easily identify the cause of a printing defect. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve this problem, the information processing method of the present invention includes a print data creation step for creating print data, an identification value generation step for generating an identification value from the print data, a transmission step for transmitting the print data to an image forming device, a reception step for receiving from the image forming device a response identification value which is an identification value generated from the print data received by the image forming device, and a comparison step for comparing the identification value with the response identification value and, if they match, determining that the image forming device has successfully received the print data created in the print data creation step.

[0007] In addition, in the information processing program of the present invention, the information processing device is configured to function as a print data creation unit that creates print data, an identification value generation unit that generates an identification value from the print data, a print data transmission unit that transmits the print data to the image forming device, a response identification value receiving unit that receives from the image forming device a response identification value that is an identification value generated from the print data received by the image forming device, and a comparison unit that compares the identification value with the response identification value and, if they match, determines that the image forming device has successfully received the print data created by the print data creation unit.

[0008] Furthermore, the information processing system of the present invention is an information processing system comprising an information processing device and an image forming device, wherein the information processing device is provided with a print data creation unit that creates print data, an identification value generation unit that generates an identification value from the print data, a print data transmission unit that transmits the print data to the image forming device, a response identification value receiving unit that receives from the image forming device a response identification value that is an identification value generated from the print data received by the image forming device, and a comparison unit that compares the identification value with the response identification value and, if they match, determines that the image forming device has successfully received the print data created by the print data creation unit, and the image forming device is provided with a print data receiving unit that receives print data from the information processing device, a response identification value generation unit that generates a response identification value from the print data, and a response identification value transmission unit that transmits the response identification value to the information processing device.

[0009] The present invention determines that the image forming device has received print data created by a printer driver of an information processing device without modification, and then changes a process subsequent to the printer driver. If the image forming device determines that the print data created by the printer driver has been received in a modified state, it can determine that the print data has been modified by a process subsequent to the printer driver. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, if it is determined that the image forming device has received print data created by a printer driver of an information processing device without alteration, and then a process subsequent to the printer driver is changed, if it is determined that the image forming device has received the print data created by the printer driver in an altered state, it can be determined that the print data has been altered in a process subsequent to the printer driver. Thus, an information processing method, an information processing program, and an information processing system can be realized that can easily identify the cause of printing defects. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of a PC. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the printer. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a print diagnosis screen. [Figure 5] The configuration of the print diagnosis result screen is shown, where (A) is the print diagnosis result OK screen, (B) is the print diagnosis result image data mismatch screen, and (C) is the print diagnosis result timeout screen. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing a print diagnosis process procedure. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a print diagnosis response process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the invention (hereinafter referred to as embodiments) will be described with reference to the drawings. [1. Information Processing System Configuration] As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 1 is composed of a PC 2 and a printer 4 (printers 4A and 4B). Hereinafter, printers 4A and 4B will also be collectively referred to as printer 4. PC 2 and printers 4A and 4B are connected via a communication network 6, which is a LAN (Local Area Network), and can communicate with each other. PC 2 and printer 4A are also connected via a USB connection 8, which is a connection using a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable, and can communicate with each other. Therefore, PC 2 can communicate with printer 4A via the communication network 6 or the USB connection 8. PC 2 can also communicate with printer 4B via the communication network 6. In FIG. 3, printers 4A and 4B are collectively referred to as printer 4.

[0013] [2. PC configuration] As shown in FIG. 2, PC (Personal Computer) 2 is a so-called personal computer and includes a PC control unit 10, a HDD 11, a display unit 12, an input unit 13, and a communication unit 14, with the entire system being controlled by the PC control unit 10. The PC control unit 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory), all of which are not shown, and performs various processes by reading and executing predetermined programs. PC 2 also creates print data based on data specified in an application unit 18 or data specified in test printing by a printer driver 17, and transmits the print data to an external printer 4, causing the printer 4 to print.

[0014] An operating system (OS) 16 is installed on the PC 2. The OS 16 executes functions such as a printer driver 17, an application section 18, a spooler 19, and a print processor 20.

[0015] The printer driver 17 includes a GUI unit 22 , a print data creation unit 23 , a hash value generation unit 24 , a comparison unit 25 , a setting unit 26 , and an IF unit 27 .

[0016] The GUI unit 22 controls the UI, causing the printer driver 17 to be displayed on the display unit 12, and accepting user operations on the printer driver 17. The print data creation unit 23 creates drawing data from images, etc., and further creates print data from the drawing data and PJL (Printer Job Language) information. The hash value generation unit 24 generates a hash value from the print data and saves it in the HDD 11. The same hash value is always generated for the same print data.

[0017] The comparison unit 25 compares the normal print PJL information created when the print data is created and stored in the HDD 11 with the analyzed PJL information, which is the PJL information received by the PC 2 from the printer 4, and determines whether the normal print PJL information and the analyzed PJL information match. The comparison unit 25 also compares the hash value created from the print data and stored in the HDD 11 with the analyzed hash value, which is the hash value received by the PC 2 from the printer 4, and determines whether the hash value and the analyzed hash value match.

[0018] The setting unit 26 stores various setting values ​​related to printing. The setting unit 26 also stores whether the print diagnosis is enabled and should be executed, or whether the print diagnosis is disabled and should not be executed. The IF unit 27 controls communication between the printer driver 17 and the OS 16.

[0019] The application unit 18 is software for viewing and editing document data consisting of characters, figures, images, etc., and issuing printing instructions. The spooler 19 is an area for storing print data. The print processor 20 performs printing control processing.

[0020] The HDD 11 stores data such as images and hash values ​​generated by the printer driver 17. The display unit 12, which serves as a presentation unit, is, for example, a display, and outputs information to the user. The input unit 13 is, for example, a keyboard or mouse, and acquires operation inputs from the user. The communication unit 14 communicates with the printer 4 via the communication network 6 or the USB connection 8.

[0021] [3. Printer Configuration] 3, printer 4 is an image forming device that prints on paper, receiving print data from PC 2 and printing the print data. This printer 4 has a printer control unit 30, a communication unit 31, an HDD 32, and an output unit 33, and the entire printer is controlled by printer control unit 30. Printer control unit 30 has a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. (not shown), and by reading and executing predetermined programs, it performs various processes and performs functions such as a PJL analysis unit 34 and a PDL processing unit 35.

[0022] The PJL analysis unit 34 analyzes the data portion written in PJL in the print data sent from PC2. The PDL processing unit 35 has a common processing unit 36, a hash value generation unit 37, a PCL language processing unit 38, and a PS language processing unit 39, and analyzes the image format portion written in a printer language such as PCL (Printer Control Language) or PS (PostScript) in the print data sent from PC2, converts it into dot data, and rasterizes it. The common processing unit 36 ​​performs processing common to each printer language. The hash value generation unit 37 generates a hash value from the print data. The PCL language processing unit 38 analyzes the printer language of the PDL (Page Description Language) if the PDL is PCL. The PS language processing unit 39 analyzes the printer language of the PDL if the PDL is PS.

[0023] The communication unit 31 communicates with the PC 2 via the communication network 6 and the USB connection 8. The HDD 32 stores data such as print data transmitted from the PC 2, analyzed PJL information which is PJL information analyzed from the print data, and analyzed hash values ​​which are hash values ​​generated from the print data. The output unit 33 has a printing unit 40 and a transmission unit 41. The printing unit 40 prints on paper the rasterized data that has been analyzed by the PDL processing unit 35 and converted into dot data. The transmission unit 41 transmits the analyzed PJL information and analyzed hash values ​​to the PC 2.

[0024] [4. Printing Diagnostics Screen Configuration] FIG. 4 shows a print diagnosis screen DIP1 of the printer driver 17, which is displayed on the display unit 12 of the PC 2 (FIG. 2) in response to a user operation. The print diagnosis screen DIP1 has a check box 50. If the user desires to perform a print diagnosis, the user checks the check box 50. If the check box 50 is checked, the printer driver 17 stores in the setting unit 26 that the print diagnosis is enabled. In this case, when printing is performed, the printer driver 17 adds print diagnosis PJL information, which is PJL information indicating that a print diagnosis will be performed, to the print data and transmits the print data to the printer 4, while generating a hash value in the hash value generation unit 24 (details will be described later). When the printer 4 receives the print data to which the print diagnosis PJL information has been added, the printer 4 generates analyzed PJL information from the print data using the PJL analysis unit 34 and generates an analyzed hash value using the hash value generation unit 37 of the PDL processing unit 35. The printer 4 then notifies the printer driver 17 of the PC 2 of the analyzed PJL information and the analyzed hash value from the transmission unit 41 of the output unit 33.

[0025] On the other hand, if check box 50 is not checked, printer driver 17 stores the fact that print diagnosis is disabled in setting unit 26. In this case, when printer driver 17 executes printing, it sends the print data to printer 4 without adding print diagnostic PJL information to the print data. Printer 4, which receives print data without added print diagnostic PJL information, prints an image based on the print data on paper using printing unit 40 of output unit 33 as before.

[0026] [5. Printing Diagnostic Results Screen Configuration] 5 shows a print diagnosis result OK screen DIP2ok (FIG. 5(A)), a print diagnosis result image data mismatch screen DIP2ng1 (FIG. 5(B)), and a print diagnosis result timeout screen DIP2ng2 (FIG. 5(C)) (hereinafter collectively referred to as print diagnosis result screen DIP2). This print diagnosis result screen DIP2 is displayed as a dialog box of the printer driver 17 on the display unit 12 (FIG. 2).

[0027] If the analyzed PJL information and analyzed hash value received from the printer 4 for the specified print data match the PJL information and hash value generated from the print data and stored in advance, the PC 2 displays the print diagnosis result OK screen DIP2ok shown in Fig. 5(A) on the display unit 12. The print diagnosis result OK screen DIP2ok has a print diagnosis result display section 52. The print diagnosis result display section 52 on the print diagnosis result OK screen DIP2ok indicates that the print diagnosis result is OK.

[0028] Furthermore, if at least one of the analyzed PJL information or analyzed hash value received from printer 4 for specified print data does not match the PJL information and hash value generated from the print data and stored in advance, PC 2 displays a print diagnosis result image data mismatch screen DIP2ng1 shown in FIG. 5(B) on display 12. Print diagnosis result image data mismatch screen DIP2ng1 has a print diagnosis result display section 52 and a NG cause display section 54. The print diagnosis result display section 52 on print diagnosis result image data mismatch screen DIP2ng1 indicates that the print diagnosis result was NG. The NG cause display section 54 on print diagnosis result image data mismatch screen DIP2ng1 indicates that the data contents of the print data created by printer driver 17 and the print data received by printer 4 differ and do not match.

[0029] Furthermore, if PC2 does not receive a response from printer 4 a certain amount of time after sending print data to printer 4, for example due to a communication problem between PC2 and printer 4, PC2 displays a print diagnosis result timeout screen DIP2ng2 shown in FIG. 5(C) on display unit 12. Print diagnosis result timeout screen DIP2ng2 has a print diagnosis result display section 52 and a NG cause display section 54. Print diagnosis result display section 52 on print diagnosis result timeout screen DIP2ng2 indicates that the print diagnosis result was NG. NG cause display section 54 on print diagnosis result timeout screen DIP2ng2 indicates that a timeout occurred because a response was not received from printer 4.

[0030] [6. Print diagnostic processing] Next, a print diagnosis processing procedure RT1, which is a specific processing procedure of the print diagnosis processing, which is executed by the PC control unit 10 of PC 2 to perform a print diagnosis using the printer driver 17, will be described using the flowchart shown in Fig. 6. When the user selects to execute printing in the GUI unit 22 of the printer driver 17, the PC control unit 10 starts the print diagnosis processing procedure RT1 and proceeds to step SP1.

[0031] In step SP1, the PC control unit 10 refers to the setting unit 26 and determines with the printer driver 17 whether or not a print diagnosis is valid (i.e., whether or not to execute a print diagnosis). If a positive result is obtained here, this indicates that the user wishes to execute a print diagnosis, and the PC control unit 10 then proceeds to step SP2. In step SP2, the PC control unit 10 creates normal print PJL information, which is PJL information such as port information and a timestamp, with the printer driver 17 acting as a PJL information creation unit based on the OS 16 and setting unit 26, and then proceeds to SP3. In step SP3, the PC control unit 10 stores the normal print PJL information in a memory, such as the HDD 11, with the printer driver 17, and then proceeds to SP4.

[0032] In step SP4, the PC control unit 10 creates print diagnostic PJL information using the printer driver 17, and then proceeds to SP5. In this way, the PC control unit 10 instructs the printer 4 to perform print diagnosis when the print data includes print diagnostic PJL information, and instructs the printer 4 to perform normal printing without performing print diagnosis when the print data does not include print diagnostic PJL information.

[0033] In step SP5, the PC control unit 10 creates drawing data using the print data creation unit 23 from the data specified in the application unit 18 or the data specified in test printing by the printer driver 17, and then proceeds to step SP6. In step SP6, the PC control unit 10 combines the normal print PJL information, the print diagnostic PJL information, and the drawing data to create print data using the print data creation unit 23, stores the print data in the spooler 19, and then proceeds to step SP7.

[0034] In step SP7, the PC control unit 10 generates a hash value from the print data stored in the spooler 19 using the hash value generation unit 24 and stores the hash value in, for example, the HDD 11, and then proceeds to step SP8. In step SP8, the PC control unit 10 sends an instruction from the print processor 20 to the printer driver 17, passes the print data from the printer driver 17 to the OS 16, sends the print data to the printer 4 via the communication unit 14, and then proceeds to step SP9, where the IF unit 27 of the printer driver 17 waits for a response from the printer 4.

[0035] In step SP9, the PC control unit 10 determines, via the printer driver 17, whether or not a response has been received from the printer 4 via the IF unit 27. If no response has been received from the printer 4 even after a certain time has elapsed since the print data was sent to the printer 4, the PC control unit 10 determines, via the printer driver 17, that a timeout has occurred, and proceeds from step SP9 to step SP10. In step SP10, the PC control unit 10 displays the print diagnosis result timeout screen DIP2ng2 shown in FIG. 5(C) on the display unit 12 via the GUI unit 22, then proceeds to step SP20, where the print diagnosis processing procedure RT1 ends.

[0036] On the other hand, if data such as analyzed PJL information or analyzed hash value is received from the printer 4, the PC control unit 10 proceeds from step SP9 to step SP11. In step SP11, the PC control unit 10 saves the data received from the printer 4 in the HDD 11, returns to step SP9, and waits again until a response is received from the printer 4.

[0037] On the other hand, if an end notification is received from the printer 4, the PC control unit 10 ends waiting for a response from the printer 4 and proceeds from step SP9 to step SP12. In step SP12, the PC control unit 10 compares the analyzed PJL information received from the printer 4 in step SP11 with the normal print PJL information saved in step SP3 using the comparison unit 25, and also compares the analyzed hash value received from the printer 4 in step SP11 with the hash value saved in step SP7 using the comparison unit 25, and proceeds to step SP13.

[0038] In step SP13, the PC control unit 10 uses the comparison unit 25 to determine whether the PJL information and the hash value both match. Specifically, the PC control unit 10 determines whether the analyzed PJL information and the normal print PJL information match, and whether the analyzed hash value and the hash value match. If a positive result is obtained here, this means that the PJL information received from the printer 4 (analyzed PJL information) matches the saved normal print PJL information, and the hash value received from the printer 4 (analyzed hash value) matches the hash value. This indicates that the printer 4 received the print data created in step SP6 without any alteration, and the PC control unit 10 then proceeds to step SP14. In step SP14, the PC control unit 10 displays the print diagnosis result OK screen DIP2ok shown in FIG. 5(A) on the display unit 12 using the GUI unit 22, proceeds to step SP20, and ends the print diagnosis processing procedure RT1.

[0039] On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP13, this indicates that at least one of the analyzed PJL information and the normal print PJL information, or the analyzed hash value and the hash value, does not match, and therefore the print data created in step SP6 was altered before reaching the printer 4, and in this case the PC control unit 10 proceeds to step SP15. In step SP15, the PC control unit 10 causes the GUI unit 22 to display the print diagnosis result image data mismatch screen DIP2ng1 shown in Figure 5(B) on the display unit 12, proceeds to step SP20, and ends the print diagnosis processing procedure RT1.

[0040] On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP1, this indicates that the user does not want to execute the print diagnosis, and in this case a hash value is not generated from the print data in order to perform normal printing, and in this case the PC control unit 10 proceeds to step SP16. In step SP16, the PC control unit 10 creates normal print PJL information using the printer driver 17, and proceeds to SP17.

[0041] In step SP17, the PC control unit 10 creates drawing data using the print data creation unit 23 from data specified in the application unit 18 or data specified in test printing by the printer driver 17, and proceeds to step SP18. In step SP18, the PC control unit 10 combines the normal print PJL information and the drawing data to create print data using the print data creation unit 23, stores the print data in the spooler 19, and proceeds to step SP19. In step SP19, the PC control unit 10 sends an instruction from the print processor 20 to the printer driver 17, sends the print data to the printer 4 using the communication unit 14, and proceeds to step SP20 without waiting for a response from the printer 4 using the printer driver 17, and ends the print diagnosis processing procedure RT1.

[0042] [7. Printing diagnostic response processing] Next, print diagnosis response processing procedure RT2, which is a specific processing procedure of the print diagnosis response processing executed by printer control unit 30 of printer 4 to respond to print data sent from PC 2, will be described using the flowchart shown in Figure 7. Printer control unit 30 starts print diagnosis response processing procedure RT2 and proceeds to step SP21. In step SP21, printer control unit 30 receives print data from printer driver 17 of PC 2 via communication unit 31 and stores it in HDD 32, and proceeds to step SP22. In step SP22, printer control unit 30 analyzes the PJL information of the print data using PJL analysis unit 34, and proceeds to step SP23.

[0043] In step SP23, printer control unit 30 determines whether the PJL information in the print data includes print diagnostic PJL information using PJL analysis unit 34. If a positive result is obtained here, this indicates that print diagnostic processing is required, and printer control unit 30 then proceeds to step SP24.

[0044] In step SP24, the printer control unit 30 saves analyzed PJL information, which is the analysis result of the PJL information analyzed by the PJL analysis unit 34, in the HDD 32, and proceeds to step SP25. This analyzed PJL information includes PJL information such as port information and a timestamp. In step SP25, the printer control unit 30 analyzes the print data using the PDL processing unit 35, generates a hash value from the print data using the hash value generation unit 37, and saves the hash value as an analyzed hash value in the HDD 32, and proceeds to step SP26. At this time, the PDL processing unit 35 determines the type of printer language, such as PCL or PS, using the common processing unit 36, generates a hash value using the hash value generation unit 37, and saves the hash value in the HDD 32. In step SP26, the printer control unit 30 sends the analyzed PJL information and the analyzed hash value to the printer driver 17 of the PC 2 using the transmission unit 41 via the communication unit 31, and proceeds to step SP27.

[0045] In step SP27, the printer control unit 30 exchanges data between the communication unit 31 and the communication unit 14 of the PC 2, and determines whether transmission of both the analyzed PJL information and the analyzed hash value is complete. If a positive result is obtained here, this indicates that transmission of all of the analyzed PJL information and the analyzed hash value is complete, and the printer control unit 30 then proceeds to step SP28. On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP27, this indicates that transmission of the analyzed PJL information and the analyzed hash value is still in progress, and the printer control unit 30 then returns to step SP26 and transmits all of the analyzed PJL information and the analyzed hash value.

[0046] In step SP28, printer control unit 30 sends an end notification to printer driver 17 of PC2 via communication unit 31, and then proceeds to step SP31, where print diagnosis response processing procedure RT2 ends.

[0047] On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP23, this indicates that there is no need to perform print diagnostic processing and normal printing will be performed, and in this case the printer control unit 30 proceeds to step SP29. In step SP29, the printer control unit 30 causes the PDL processing unit 35 to analyze the print data and rasterize it into dot data, and proceeds to step SP30. At this time, the common processing unit 36 ​​determines the type of printer language, such as PCL or PS, and requests processing from the PCL language processing unit 38 or PS language processing unit 39 for the respective language based on the language described in the PJL information. The PCL language processing unit 38 analyzes the image format portion described in PCL language, converts it into dot data, rasterizes it, and saves it on the HDD 32. The PS language processing unit 39 analyzes the image format portion described in PS language, converts it into dot data, rasterizes it, and saves it on the HDD 32.

[0048] In step SP30, printer control unit 30 causes printing unit 40 to print the dot data in HDD 32 onto paper, then moves to step SP31, where print diagnosis response processing procedure RT2 ends.

[0049] [8. Effects, etc.] In the above configuration, the information processing system 1 creates normal print PJL information in the printer driver 17 of PC 2 and generates a hash value from the print data. The information processing system 1 also transfers the print data from the printer driver 17 to the OS 16 in PC 2 and sends the print data to the printer 4. The information processing system 1 then generates analyzed PJL information and an analyzed hash value as response PJL information from the print data received from PC 2 in the printer 4 and sends them to PC 2. Next, the information processing system 1 compares the normal print PJL information with the analyzed PJL information and also compares the hash value with the analyzed hash value in PC 2, and if the normal print PJL information and the analyzed PJL information match and the hash value and the analyzed hash value match, it determines that the print data was successfully received by the printer 4.

[0050] In this way, the information processing system 1 compares a hash value generated from the print data created by the printer driver 17 of the PC 2 and before it is handed over to the OS 16 with an analyzed hash value generated from the print data handed over from the printer driver 17 to the OS 16 and sent to the printer 4. This allows the information processing system 1 to determine whether the print data created by the printer driver 17 has been received normally by the printer 4 without being altered.

[0051] Therefore, the information processing system 1 can determine whether changes have occurred to the print data after the printer driver 17, for example, due to the processing of the OS 16 or the influence of communication between the PC 2 and the printer 4. This allows the information processing system 1 to easily determine whether, when poor printing occurs in the printer 4, there is a problem with the print data created by the printer driver 17, or whether there is a problem with the processing that occurs before the printer driver 17. For example, if the printer driver 17 and the printer 4 of the PC 2 remain in the same environment and only the OS 16 is changed, and the information processing system 1 determines that the print data created by the printer driver 17 was received by the printer 4 in an altered state, it can determine that the print data was altered by the processing of the OS 16.

[0052] Furthermore, the information processing system 1 executes a print diagnosis when print execution is selected while check box 50 is checked on print diagnosis screen DIP1 (FIG. 4) (print diagnosis is enabled), whereas it executes printing as normal when print execution is selected while check box 50 is unchecked (print diagnosis is disabled). Therefore, the information processing system 1 can prompt the user to enable the print diagnosis and execute the print diagnosis to confirm that the printer driver 17 and printer 4 are consistent, and then disable the print diagnosis and execute printing to confirm the print processing on printer 4. As a result, when a problem occurs with the print results of printer 4, the information processing system 1 only requires the user to check the printer 4 side, since consistency between printer driver 17 and printer 4 has already been confirmed, allowing the user to quickly isolate the problem and improve convenience.

[0053] Here, when determining whether test printing was performed normally after printer driver 17 was installed, the user may visually check whether the image displayed on display unit 12 of PC 2 is the same as the image printed on paper after print data created based on that image is converted into dot data in printer 4. In response to this, information processing system 1 compares the hash value generated from the print data with the analyzed hash value. Therefore, information processing system 1 can prevent oversights and inconsistencies in confirmation compared to when the user visually checks the image.

[0054] Furthermore, the information processing system 1 does not print dot data based on the print data on paper in the printer 4, but instead compares the hash value with the analyzed hash value in the PC 2 and displays the determination result on the display unit 12 as a dialog box for the printer driver 17. This allows the information processing system 1 to perform test printing remotely even if the user is not near the PC 2 or the printer 4.

[0055] According to the above configuration, the information processing system 1 is made up of a PC 2 and a printer 4, and the PC 2 is provided with a print data creation unit 23 that creates print data, a hash value generation unit 24 that generates a hash value as an identification value from the print data, a communication unit 14 that transmits the print data to the printer 4, a communication unit 14 that receives from the printer 4 an analyzed hash value as a response identification value, which is a hash value generated from the print data received by the printer 4, and a comparison unit 25 that compares the hash value with the analyzed hash value and, if they match, determines that the printer 4 has successfully received the print data created by the print data creation unit 23, and the printer 4 is provided with a communication unit 31 that receives print data from the PC 2, a hash value generation unit 37 that generates an analyzed hash value from the print data, and a communication unit 31 that transmits the analyzed hash value to the PC 2.

[0056] As a result, if the information processing system 1 determines that the printer 4 has received the print data created by the printer driver 17 of the PC 2 without alteration, and then changes a process subsequent to the printer driver 17, and determines that the printer 4 has received the print data created by the printer driver 17 in an altered state, it can determine that the print data has been altered in a process subsequent to the printer driver 17.

[0057] 9. Other Embodiments In the above-described embodiment, the PC 2 generates a hash value from the print data, the printer 4 generates an analyzed hash value from the print data, and the PC 2 compares the hash value with the analyzed hash value received from the printer 4. The present invention is not limited to this, and the PC 2 may generate various identification values ​​other than hash values ​​from the print data, the printer 4 may generate various identification values ​​other than hash values ​​from the print data, and the PC 2 may compare the stored identification value with the identification value received from the printer 4. In this case, the identification value must always be the same unique value when generated from the same print data.

[0058] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the printer 4 transmits the analyzed PJL information and the analyzed hash value to the PC 2, but does not print the print data received from the PC 2. The present invention is not limited to this, and the printer 4 may transmit the analyzed PJL information and the analyzed hash value to the PC 2 and print the print data received from the PC 2.

[0059] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the printer 4 may transmit to the PC 2 dot data obtained by analyzing the print data received from the PC 2 together with the analyzed PJL information and the analyzed hash value.

[0060] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the PC 2 determines whether the analyzed PJL information and the normal print PJL information match and whether the analyzed hash value and the hash value match. The present invention is not limited to this, and the PC 2 may determine only whether the analyzed hash value and the hash value match, without determining whether the analyzed PJL information and the normal print PJL information match. In this case, the printer 4 does not need to send the analyzed PJL information to the PC 2.

[0061] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the PC 2 executes the print diagnostic process during test printing after the printer driver 17 is installed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the printer 4 may execute the print diagnostic process at various other times.

[0062] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the information processing system 1 may print the analyzed hash value on paper using the printer 4, and allow the user to visually confirm whether the hash value stored in the PC 2 is the same as the analyzed hash value printed on the paper.

[0063] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the information processing system 1 may generate a hash value from only the drawing data of predetermined print data using the PC 2, transmit it to the printer 4, and have the printer 4 print the hash value on paper, and may generate a hash value from only the drawing data of other print data using the PC 2, transmit it to the printer 4, and have the printer 4 print the hash value on paper, and have the user visually confirm whether the hash value of the predetermined print data is the same as the hash value of the other print data. In this case, even if the drawing data of the predetermined print data and the drawing data of the other print data appear to be the same image at first glance, the user can determine whether the drawing data of the predetermined print data is the same as the drawing data of the other print data based on the character string.

[0064] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the PC 2 may perform print diagnosis processing on a plurality of printers 4 collectively by automatically executing the print diagnosis processing procedure RT1 for each of the plurality of printers 4.

[0065] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the information processing system 1 has been described as having two printers 4 (printers 4A and 4B). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the information processing system 1 may have one printer 4 or any number of printers 4, such as three or more.

[0066] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the present invention has been described as being applied to the printer 4, which is an image forming apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be applied to various devices that perform various types of image processing, such as a facsimile, an MFP (Multifunction Printer), or a copier.

[0067] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and other embodiments. That is, the scope of application of the present invention extends to embodiments in which the above-described embodiment and the other embodiments are combined in part or in whole. The scope of application of the present invention also extends to embodiments in which part of the configuration described in any of the above-described embodiment and other embodiments is extracted and used as part of the configuration of any of the above-described embodiment and other embodiments, or in which part of the extracted configuration is added to any of the above-described embodiment.

[0068] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the information processing system 1 is configured as an information processing system including the PC 2 as an information processing device and the printer 4 as an image forming device, the information processing device is configured as the print data creation unit 23 as a print data creation unit, the hash value generation unit 24 as an identification value generation unit, the communication unit 14 as a print data transmission unit, the communication unit 14 as a response identification value reception unit, and the comparison unit 25 as a comparison unit, and the image forming device is configured as the communication unit 31 as a print data reception unit, the hash value generation unit 37 as a response identification value generation unit, and the communication unit 31 as a response identification value transmission unit. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the information processing device may be configured as a print data creation unit, an identification value generation unit, a print data transmission unit, a response identification value reception unit, and a comparison unit having various other configurations, and the image forming device may be configured as a print data reception unit, a response identification value generation unit, and a response identification value transmission unit having various other configurations. [Industrial Applicability]

[0069] The present invention can be used in, for example, an image forming apparatus. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1...information processing system, 2...PC, 4...printer, 6...communication network, 8...USB connection, 10...PC control unit, 11...HDD, 12...display unit, 13...input unit, 14...communication unit, 16...OS, 17...printer driver, 18...application unit, 19...spooler, 20...print processor, 22...GUI unit, 23...print data creation unit, 24...hash value generation unit, 25...comparison unit, 26...setting unit, 27...IF unit, 30...printer control unit, 31...communication unit , 32...HDD, 33...output section, 34...PJL analysis section, 35...PDL processing section, 36...common processing section, 37...hash value generation section, 38...PCL language processing section, 39...PS language processing section, 40...printing section, 41...transmission section, DIP1...printing diagnosis screen, 50...check box, DIP2ok...printing diagnosis result OK screen, 52...printing diagnosis result display section, 54...NG cause display section, DIP2ng1...printing diagnosis result image data mismatch screen, DIP2ng2...printing diagnosis result timeout screen.

Claims

1. a print data creation step of creating print data; an identification value generating step of generating an identification value from the print data; a transmitting step of transmitting the print data to an image forming apparatus; a receiving step of receiving, from the image forming device, a response identification value which is an identification value generated from the print data received by the image forming device; a comparison step of comparing the identification value with the response identification value, and determining, if they match, that the image forming apparatus has normally received the print data created in the print data creation step; An information processing method comprising:

2. The comparing step compares the identification value with the response identification value, and if they do not match, it is determined that the image forming device did not normally receive the print data created in the print data creating step. The information processing method according to claim 1 .

3. In the comparison step, if the identification value and the response identification value match, it is determined that the image forming device has normally received the print data created in the print data creation step without alteration, whereas if the identification value and the response identification value do not match, it is determined that the image forming device has received the print data created in the print data creation step in an altered state. The information processing method according to claim 2 .

4. the print data creation step is performed by a printer driver; the identification value generating step generates the identification value from the print data created by the printer driver and before being passed to an operating system; The transmitting step transmits the print data to the image forming device after the print data has been handed over from the printer driver to the operating system. The information processing method according to claim 1 .

5. a control step of determining that a timeout has occurred if a response is not received from the image forming device in the receiving step within a predetermined time after the print data is transmitted to the image forming device; The information processing method of claim 1 further comprising:

6. a presentation step of presenting the comparison result in the comparison step; The information processing method of claim 1 further comprising:

7. PJL information creation step for creating PJL information and the print data creation step creates the print data including the PJL information; the identification value generating step generates the identification value from the print data including the PJL information; the transmitting step transmits the print data including the PJL information to the image forming device; The receiving step receives, from the image forming device, response PJL information that is PJL information analyzed from the print data received by the image forming device, and the response identification value; The comparison step compares the identification value with the response identification value and also compares the PJL information with the response PJL information, and if the identification value and the response identification value match and the PJL information and the response PJL information match, it is determined that the image forming device has normally received the print data created in the print data creation step. The information processing method according to claim 1 .

8. The identification value is a unique value for each piece of print data.

8. The information processing method according to claim 1.

9. the identification value is a hash value generated from the print data created in the print data creation step, The response identification value is a hash value generated in the image forming device from the print data transmitted in the transmitting step and received by the image forming device. The information processing method according to claim 8.

10. An information processing device a print data creation unit that creates print data; an identification value generation unit that generates an identification value from the print data; a print data transmission unit that transmits the print data to an image forming apparatus; a response identification value receiving unit that receives, from the image forming apparatus, a response identification value that is an identification value generated from the print data received by the image forming apparatus; a comparison unit that compares the identification value with the response identification value, and if they match, determines that the image forming device has normally received the print data created by the print data creation unit; An information processing program that makes it function as such.

11. An information processing system including an information processing device and an image forming device, The information processing device includes: a print data creation unit that creates print data; an identification value generation unit that generates an identification value from the print data; a print data transmission unit that transmits the print data to the image forming device; a response identification value receiving unit that receives, from the image forming apparatus, a response identification value that is an identification value generated from the print data received by the image forming apparatus; a comparison unit that compares the identification value with the response identification value, and if they match, determines that the image forming device has normally received the print data created by the print data creation unit; and the image forming apparatus, a print data receiving unit that receives the print data from the information processing device; a response identification value generating unit that generates the response identification value from the print data; a response identification value transmitting unit that transmits the response identification value to the information processing device; have Information processing system.

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