Printing systems, printer drivers, and printers

Abstract

To provide a technology capable of controlling whether to print a print job in each model in the case that an information processing device designates a specific printing medium having a different correspondence propriety in each model to a printer.SOLUTION: A printing system is provided. In the case of receiving a specific job in which "cloth" and "glossy paper" are designated as a paper type, a printer starts to execute the specific job on condition that a specific command is received if it is a printer 3 of a high grade which supports "cloth" and "glossy paper" as a paper type, and can control whether to print the specific job in each model by preventing the execution of the specific job from being started if it is a printer of a low grade.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The technical field disclosed herein relates to printing systems, printer drivers, and printers. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, printers that print images on print media support various types of print media, and print settings include parameters that specify the type of print media. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a paper type setting is accepted on a print setting screen displayed by a printer driver. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-049661 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There are printer models that support printing on specific print media that are different from plain paper, and models that do not support printing on such specific print media. However, even models that do not support printing on the specific print media may not restrict printing itself, and the transport of the specific print medium may be successful, and printing may be performed on the specific print medium. In this case, the use of the model that does not support printing on the specific print medium is outside the warranty and is not desirable. Furthermore, if the transport fails, it may cause a malfunction. Therefore, there is room for improvement in the control of the printer or printer driver when a specific print medium that is compatible or not varies from model to model is specified.

[0005] This specification discloses a technique that, when a specific print medium, the compatibility of which varies depending on the model, is specified for a printer from an information processing device, and that makes it possible to control whether or not the print job can be printed for each model. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A printing system made for the purpose of solving the above-mentioned problems includes a printer and a printer driver incorporated in an information processing device, the printer being a first model corresponding to a specific printing medium and a second model not corresponding to the specific printing medium, the printer driver being a program corresponding to both the first model and the second model, when instructed to send a specific job, which is a print job in which the specific printing medium is specified as the type of printing medium, the printer driver transmits a specific command indicating that the specific printing medium has been specified to the printer in association with the specific job, and when the printer receives the specific job, if the printer is the first model, it starts execution of the specific job on the condition that it has received the specific command associated with the specific job, and if the printer is the second model, it does not start execution of the specific job.

[0007] According to the above-mentioned configuration, when the printer receives a specific job that specifies a specific print medium, if the printer is a first model that corresponds to the specific print medium, it starts the execution of the specific job on the condition that the specific command is received, and if the printer is a second model, it does not start the execution of the specific job, thereby controlling whether or not the specific job can be printed for each model. Also, because the printer driver performs the same process of sending the specific command whether it is the first model or the second model, there is no need to prepare a different printer driver for each model, and it can be used as a common printer driver.

[0008] A printer driver for implementing the functions of the above-mentioned device, and a printer are also novel and useful. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the technology disclosed in this specification, when a specific print medium, the compatibility of which varies depending on the model, is specified for a printer from an information processing device, a technology is realized that can control whether or not the print job can be printed for each model. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1A is a schematic electrical configuration diagram of a personal computer according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a print setting screen for setting print settings. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic external view of a printer. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the electrical configuration of the printer. [Diagram 5] 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a printing process by a printer driver. [Figure 6] 13A and 13B are explanatory diagrams showing examples of an exclusion warning screen on the PC and printer sides, respectively; [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a printing process by a printer. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a print process by a printer driver according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a printing process by a printer according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] (First embodiment) Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. That is, as shown in Fig. 1, a printing system 1 of this embodiment is composed of a personal computer (hereinafter, "PC") 2 and a printer 3 connected to the PC 2 so as to be able to communicate with the PC 2.

[0012] The PC 2 in this embodiment is a device capable of executing various application programs (hereinafter, referred to as "apps") to cause the printer 3 to perform various functions. The PC 2 is an example of an information processing device. Instead of the PC 2, for example, a smartphone or a tablet computer may be used.

[0013] As shown in Fig. 1(A), the PC 2 includes a control unit 20 including a CPU 21 and a memory 24. Furthermore, the PC 2 includes a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as "communication IF") 26 and a user interface (hereinafter referred to as "user IF") 28, which are electrically connected to the control unit 20. Note that the control unit 20 in Fig. 1(A) is a general term for hardware and software used to control the PC 2, and does not necessarily represent a single piece of hardware actually present in the PC 2.

[0014] The CPU 21 executes various processes according to the programs read from the memory 24 and based on the user's operation. The memory 24 is, for example, a HDD or a flash memory, and is used as an area for storing various programs, data such as image data and document data, and various settings. A buffer provided in the CPU 21 is also an example of a memory.

[0015] An example of the memory may be a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium is a non-transitory medium. In addition to the above examples, the non-transitory medium also includes recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs.

[0016] The communication IF 26 includes hardware for communicating with an external device such as the printer 3. The communication method of the communication IF 26 may be wireless or wired, and may be any standard method such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), USB, LAN, etc.

[0017] The user IF 28 includes hardware for displaying information on a screen and hardware for accepting input operations by the user. For example, as shown in Fig. 1(B), the user IF 28 may be a combination of a display 28A for displaying information on a screen and a keyboard 28B and a mouse 28C for accepting input operations by the user, or may be a touch panel having a display function and an input acceptance function.

[0018] 1A, an operating system (hereinafter, referred to as "OS") 41, a print application 42, and a printer driver 43 are installed in the memory 24 of the PC 2 in this embodiment. The OS 41 is, for example, Windows (registered trademark), macOS (registered trademark), iOS (registered trademark), Android (registered trademark), or Linux (registered trademark).

[0019] The print application 42 is a program that accepts various instructions related to printing. For example, the print application 42 accepts instructions to specify the printer 3 to be used for printing, the number of copies to be printed, the print range, and an instruction to execute printing. In addition, the print application 42 may accept instructions to specify the type and size of paper to be printed on, double-sided printing, etc.

[0020] The printer driver 43 is a program that is compatible with all models of the printer 3 that were developed around the same time, and communicates with the printer 3 via the communication IF 26 to control the operation of the printer 3. The printer driver 43 is started, for example, when an instruction to set properties of the printer 3 is received while the printer 3 is specified in the print application 42 or the like. The printer driver 43 is an example of a resident program.

[0021] When printer driver 43 is started, CPU 21 displays, on display 28A, for example, print setting screen 51, an example of which is shown in Fig. 2. On a basic tab 51A of print setting screen 51, for example, a paper type selection field 511, a print quality selection field 512, a paper size selection field 513, a number of copies selection field 514, a paper feed method selection field 515, an OK button 516, and a cancel button 517 are displayed. CPU 21 accepts operation of each selection field and each button displayed on print setting screen 51 by the user through operation of keyboard 28B or mouse 28C.

[0022] Specifically, in the paper type selection field 511, the user can select one of plain paper, glossy paper, cloth, inkjet paper, etc. Note that plain paper, glossy paper, cloth, inkjet paper, etc. are examples of print media, and glossy paper and cloth are examples of a specific print medium.

[0023] In addition, in the paper size selection field 513, the user can select one of the precut standard size paper names, for example, A4, B4, A5, B5, A6, Letter, Legal, A3, etc. Also, corresponding to the paper types "glossy paper" and "fabric", the user can select one of the sizes, such as long paper (297 mm x 600 mm) and long paper (297 mm x 1200 mm).

[0024] In addition, in the paper feed method selection field 515, the user can select the paper feed tray of the printer 3, i.e., one of the multipurpose tray 3A, the first tray 3B, and the second tray 3C shown in FIG. 3, which will be described later, or select "automatic selection," which allows the printer 3 to select the paper feed tray.

[0025] Furthermore, when printer driver 43 receives print instruction information from OS 41, it generates print data based on image data specified in the print instruction information. Furthermore, printer driver 43 transmits to printer 3 a print job including the generated print data and print settings including the paper type set on print setting screen 51 or the like.

[0026] Furthermore, when the user has selected "glossy paper" or "cloth" in the paper type selection field 511 upon receiving print instruction information from the OS 41, the printer driver 43 sends to the printer 3 a print job including a specific command indicating that "glossy paper" or "cloth" has been selected as the paper type. Note that the specific command may be the parameter itself in the print settings that indicates "glossy paper" or "cloth" as the paper type. Also, a print job including a specific command is an example of a specific job.

[0027] Printer 3 is a device that has at least an inkjet printing function and a communication function for communicating with PC 2, and is capable of printing based on a print job sent from PC 2. There are certain limitations on the range of paper sizes that can be printed by the printing function of printer 3. In the following, the size of the paper in the direction in which the paper is conveyed by printer 3 is referred to as the "paper height," and the size in the direction perpendicular to the paper height is referred to as the "paper width." The range of paper sizes includes the range of paper heights and the range of paper widths, and printer 3 is capable of printing on paper or fabric that is within both the paper height and paper width ranges.

[0028] 3 is a schematic external view of the printer. That is, the printer 3 of this embodiment is a so-called high-end model printer 3 equipped with a paper feed tray consisting of three types of trays. Specifically, the three types of paper feed trays are a multipurpose tray 3A, a first tray 3B, and a second tray 3C. The printer 3 also has a paper discharge tray 3D, and the print medium fed from the paper feed tray is discharged to the paper discharge tray 3D by a transport mechanism 39 (shown in FIG. 4) through a print mechanism 38 (shown in FIG. 4) that is responsible for the printing function of the printer 3.

[0029] Specifically, in the printer 3, the transport mechanism 39 from the multipurpose tray 3A to the paper discharge tray 3D is configured with a so-called straight path arranged in a substantially straight line. Therefore, the multipurpose tray 3A can supply print media of various paper sizes, such as A4, B4, A5, B5, A6, Letter, Legal, A3, long paper (297 mm x 600 mm), and long paper (297 mm x 1200 mm).

[0030] Furthermore, even when "glossy paper" or "cloth" is used as a paper type, the transport mechanism 39 from the multipurpose tray 3A to the discharge tray 3D can transport them appropriately. In other words, there is a type of "glossy paper" that is significantly stronger than "plain paper". Even in such a case, the transport mechanism is configured with a straight path, so it can transport the "glossy paper" smoothly. Also, there is a type of "cloth" that is thicker than "plain paper". Even in such a case, the transport mechanism 39 is configured with a straight path, so it can transport the "cloth" smoothly.

[0031] Furthermore, the printing mechanism 38 of the high-end model printer 3 can print well even when "glossy paper" or "cloth" is used as the paper type. Specifically, for example, when "cloth" is used as the paper type, the amount of ink must be increased when printing compared to paper, because cloth absorbs ink. However, the printing mechanism 38 of the high-end model printer 3 can print well on cloth by increasing the amount of ink when printing based on a specific command included in the print job, i.e., when "cloth" is specified as the paper type. Furthermore, when "glossy paper" is specified as the paper type, the amount of ink when printing is appropriately controlled based on a specific command included in the print job, making it possible to print well on glossy paper.

[0032] Meanwhile, in the printer 3, the transport mechanism 39 from the first tray 3B to the discharge tray 3D is configured as a so-called U-shaped path, in which the transport direction is largely reversed by approximately 180 degrees midway. Therefore, the first tray 3B cannot feed print media of paper sizes such as long paper (297 mm x 600 mm) and long paper (297 mm x 1200 mm). In terms of paper type, the transport mechanism 39 from the first tray 3B to the discharge tray 3D is configured as a U-shaped path, so it is not suitable for transporting paper types such as "cloth" and "glossy paper."

[0033] The second tray 3C can supply a long piece of "cloth" wound in a roll, and the transport mechanism 39 from the second tray 3C to the paper discharge tray 3D is configured to be able to smoothly transport the "cloth" which is thicker and more flexible than "plain paper." The transport mechanism 39 from the second tray 3C to the paper discharge tray 3D also includes a cutting mechanism (not shown) for cutting the long piece of "cloth" to a predetermined dimension (paper height) in the transport direction.

[0034] Furthermore, the printer 3 of this embodiment is provided with a paper size sensor (not shown) on each of the multipurpose tray 3A, the first tray 3B, and the second tray 3C. Therefore, for each tray, the paper size sensor can detect whether or not paper is set in that tray, and further detect the paper size of the paper set in that tray. The printer 3 stores the detected paper size for each of the paper feed trays. Furthermore, the user can store the paper size of the paper set in each of the paper feed trays by operating the operation panel of the printer 3.

[0035] Therefore, when the printer 3 of this embodiment receives a print job from the PC 2, it selects one of the paper feed trays based on the print settings included in the print job. In other words, it selects one of the paper feed trays specified by the paper feed method included in the print settings. Then, it feeds paper from the selected paper feed tray, making it possible to print. Also, when the print settings included in the print job received from the PC 2 include automatic selection as the paper feed method, it is possible to select one of the paper feed trays based on the paper size stored for each paper feed tray, and feed paper of the paper size set in the print settings from the selected tray. The high-end model printer 3 is an example of the first model.

[0036] On the other hand, among the printers developed at the same time as the high-end model printer 3, there are so-called popular model printers (not shown) that are configured with only the first tray 3B of the printer 3, without the multipurpose tray 3A and second tray 3C that the high-end model printer 3 has. The popular model printer does not have the multipurpose tray 3A of the printer 3, so it cannot handle long paper (297 mm x 600 mm) and long paper (297 mm x 1200 mm) as paper sizes. In terms of paper type, the transport mechanism from the first tray to the paper output tray is configured with a U-shaped path, so it is not suitable for transporting paper types such as "glossy paper" and "cloth." The popular model printer is an example of the second model.

[0037] Furthermore, the printing mechanism 38 of the popular model printer cannot perform good printing even when "glossy paper" or "cloth" is used as the paper type. Specifically, for example, when "cloth" is used as the paper type, since cloth absorbs ink, it is necessary to increase the amount of ink when printing compared to paper. However, the printing mechanism 38 of the popular model printer cannot properly control the amount of ink, and cannot perform good printing on cloth. Furthermore, when "glossy paper" is specified as the paper type, it cannot properly control the amount of ink when printing, and cannot perform good printing on glossy paper. In other words, printing on "glossy paper" or "cloth" as the paper type is not guaranteed for the popular model printer.

[0038] When printer driver 43 receives print instruction information from OS 41, it is possible to send a print job including print data and print settings set on print setting screen 51 to a popular model printer. In other words, printer driver 43 is capable of commonly controlling the operation of each model in a series developed around the same time, such as a high-end model, a mid-range model, and a popular model, specifically, for example, a high-end model printer 3 and a popular model printer.

[0039] In this manner, in this embodiment, the same printer driver 43 can be used to control each model in a series that was developed at the same time, making it possible to reduce development costs compared to developing a printer driver for each model.

[0040] Fig. 4 is a schematic electrical configuration diagram of the printer, and next, the electrical configuration of the high-end model printer 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The electrical configuration of the popular model printer is substantially the same as that of the high-end model printer 3, so the description thereof will be omitted.

[0041] That is, the printer 3 is equipped with a controller 30 including a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, and an NVRAM (non-volatile RAM) 34. The printer 3 also includes a user interface (hereinafter referred to as "user IF") 35, a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as "communication IF") 36, a USB interface (hereinafter referred to as "USB IF") 37, a printing mechanism 38, and a transport mechanism 39, which are electrically connected to the controller 30. The printing mechanism 38 includes a configuration for printing an image based on printing data onto a printing medium such as paper. The printing mechanism 38 is an example of a printing unit.

[0042] The ROM 32 stores various control programs, various settings, initial values, etc. for controlling the printer 3. The RAM 33 is used as a working area from which the various control programs are read, or as a storage area for temporarily storing data. The CPU 31 controls each component of the printer 3 according to the control programs read from the ROM 32 while storing the processing results in the RAM 33 or the NVRAM 34. The RAM 33 or the NVRAM 34 constitutes a storage unit.

[0043] Also, information as to whether the printer 3 is a model that supports the paper types "glossy paper" and "fabric" is stored in the ROM 32 or the NVRAM 34. Specifically, for example, if the printer 3 is a high-end model, information is stored that the printer is a model that supports "glossy paper" and "fabric," and if the printer is a popular model, information is stored that the printer is a model that does not support "glossy paper" and "fabric."

[0044] The CPU 31 is an example of a control unit. The controller 30 may be an example of a control unit. Note that the controller 30 in FIG. 4 is a general term for hardware used to control the printer 3, such as the CPU 31, and does not necessarily represent a single piece of hardware actually present in the printer 3.

[0045] The user IF 35 is hardware that displays notifications to the user and accepts user input instructions. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 3, the user IF 35 is composed of a display 35A for displaying information on a screen and a number of keys 35B for accepting input operations by the user.

[0046] The communication IF 36 is hardware for communicating with the PC 2 connected via a network. The USB IF 37 is hardware for communicating with a connected device based on the USB standard.

[0047] Next, the processing by the printer driver 43 of this embodiment will be described. Note that the following processing and each processing step of the flowchart basically indicate the processing of the CPU 21 according to the instructions written in each program. That is, the processing by the CPU 21 also includes hardware control using the API of the OS 41 of the PC 2. In this specification, the description of the OS 41 will be omitted and the operation of each program will be described. That is, in the following description, a statement to the effect that "program B controls hardware C" may also mean that "program B controls hardware C using the API of the OS 41". Also, the processing of the CPU 21 according to the instructions written in the program may be described in abbreviated terms. For example, it may be described as "performed by the CPU 21" or "performed by the program".

[0048] The procedure of the print process by the printer driver 43 of this embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 5. The print process by the printer driver 43 is executed by the CPU 21 of the PC 2 when the print application 42 accepts an instruction to execute printing.

[0049] First, in step 10 (hereinafter referred to as S10), the CPU 21 transmits to the printer 3 a precedent command for causing the printer 3 to start preparations for printing prior to transmission of a print job.

[0050] Next, in S11, the CPU 21 checks the validity of the settings relating to printing in the application and the print settings set on the print setting screen 51.

[0051] Next, in S12, the CPU 21 transmits a job-level header command including the print settings set on the print setting screen 51 or the like to the printer 3. The job-level header command constitutes a part of the print job. The job-level header command includes job-level parameters such as paper type, print quality, paper size, number of copies, and paper feed method, which are set on the print setting screen 51 or the like. The job-level header command when either "fabric" or "glossy paper" is selected as the paper type is an example of a specific job.

[0052] Next, in S13, the CPU 21 waits to receive either a compatible command or a non-compatible command sent from the printer 3 in response to the header command sent in S12, and determines whether a compatible command or a non-compatible command has been received. Note that the compatible command is a command sent from the printer 3 to the PC 2 in response to the header command in S48 shown in Fig. 7, and the non-compatible command is a command sent in S50 shown in Fig. 7. Here, if PC 2 receives a compatible command, the CPU 21 determines that it has received a compatible command from the printer 3 (S13: compatible command), and proceeds to the next S14.

[0053] Next, in S14, the CPU 21 transmits a page-by-page header command, which constitutes a part of the print job, to the printer 3. The page-by-page header command includes page-by-page parameters, such as print quality, color / grayscale, etc., that are set on the print setting screen 51 or the like.

[0054] Next, in S15, the CPU 21 generates print data on a page-by-page basis based on the image data specified in the print instruction information from the OS 41.

[0055] Next, in S16, the CPU 21 transmits the generated print data, which constitutes a part of the print job, to the printer 3.

[0056] Next, in S17, the CPU 21 judges whether or not printing of all pages has been completed. If printing of all pages has been completed, the CPU 21 judges that printing of all pages has been completed (S17: YES), and proceeds to the next S18.

[0057] Next, in S18, the CPU 21 transmits a job-unit footer command, which constitutes part of the print job, to the printer 3, and then ends the print process.

[0058] On the other hand, in S15, if printing of all pages is not completed, the CPU 21 determines that printing of all pages is not completed (S17: NO), and proceeds to S14 to print the next page.

[0059] On the other hand, if the PC 2 receives a non-compatible command from the printer 3 in S13, the CPU 21 determines that a non-compatible command has been received from the printer 3 (S13: non-compatible command), and proceeds to the next step S19.

[0060] Next, in S19, the CPU 21 displays an exclusion warning screen 52 shown in Fig. 6(A) on the display 28A. This process is a notification process on the PC 2 side. The exclusion warning screen 52 includes an exclusion warning message 52A for notifying the user that the printer specified in the print application 42 and the paper type "fabric" cannot be set at the same time. The exclusion warning screen 52 also includes a guidance message 52B for urging the user to change the printer specified in the print application 42 or the paper type selected on the print setting screen 51.

[0061] Next, in S20, the CPU 21 determines whether the user has operated either the OK button 52C or the Cancel button 52D on the exclusion warning screen 52. If the user has operated the OK button 52C, the CPU 21 determines that the OK button 52C on the exclusion warning screen 52 has been operated (S20: OK button), and then proceeds to S24 to execute processing to interrupt printing. That is, a print interrupt command is sent to a printer model that cannot optimally print "fabric" or "glossy paper."

[0062] In this case, in this embodiment, the user who sees the exclusion warning screen 52 displayed on the display 28A can re-specify in the printing application 42 a high-end model printer 3 capable of printing on "fabric" or "glossy paper" while still in the location where the PC 2 is installed. If the user then instructs printing execution again in the printing application 42, the specified printer 3 can smoothly print on "fabric" or "glossy paper". Also, good print results can be obtained.

[0063] Generally, in the prior art, for example, if the paper type is specified as "cloth" or "glossy paper" and a printer that cannot print "cloth" or "glossy paper" is specified in print application 42, the user will not realize that they are unable to print until they move from the location where PC 2 is installed to the location where the printer is installed, which is inconvenient.

[0064] However, in this embodiment, when the paper type is specified as "cloth" or "glossy paper" and a printer that cannot print "cloth" or "glossy paper" is specified in the printing application 42, an exclusive warning screen 52 is displayed on the display 28A of the PC 2. Therefore, a user who sees the exclusive warning screen 52 can re-specify in the printing application 42 a high-end model printer 3 that can print "cloth" or "glossy paper" as the paper type, thereby enabling the user to smoothly print on "cloth" or "glossy paper" on the printer 3, improving convenience.

[0065] In addition, in this embodiment, when the user operates the OK button 52C on the exclusion warning screen 52 (S20: OK button), a process to interrupt printing is executed (S24). Therefore, when a printer that cannot print "fabric" or "glossy paper" is specified in the print application 42, the CPU 21 does not execute the image processing (S15) which involves a very large amount of processing, and the load on the CPU 21 is reduced. Also, unguaranteed printing operations can be avoided in the printer.

[0066] On the other hand, in S20, if the user operates the cancel button 52D, the CPU 21 determines that the cancel button 52D on the exclusion warning screen 52 has been operated (S20: cancel button), and then proceeds to S14 to continue the printing process.

[0067] In this case, in this embodiment, printing can be executed smoothly according to the user's intention, improving convenience. Although not shown in the figure, if a timeout occurs in S13 without receiving either a compatible command or an incompatible command, a process is executed to interrupt printing as an error.

[0068] Next, the procedure of the printing process by the printer of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 7. The printing process by the printer is executed by the CPU 31. In the description, the printer 3 will be described without distinguishing between the high-end model printer 3 and the popular model printer, but when it is necessary to distinguish between the high-end model printer 3 and the popular model printer, the printer will be described as the high-end model printer 3 or the popular model printer.

[0069] First, in S41, the CPU 31 determines whether or not data has been received from the PC 2. If the printer 3 has received data from the PC 2, the CPU 31 determines that data has been received from the PC 2 (S41: YES) and proceeds to the next step S42.

[0070] On the other hand, if the printer 3 has not received data from the PC 2, the CPU 31 determines that data has not been received from the PC 2 (S41: NO), and proceeds to the next step S43. Then, in S43, the CPU 31 executes other processes.

[0071] Next, in S42, the CPU 31 judges whether the data received by the printer 3 is a preceding command. Here, if the data received by the printer 3 is a preceding command, the CPU 31 judges that the received data is a preceding command (S42: YES) and proceeds to the next step S44. Then, in S44, the CPU 31 starts a print preparation operation prior to the execution of printing by the printer 3, and then returns to S41. In the case of an inkjet printer, the print preparation operation corresponds to, for example, an operation of removing a drying prevention cap from the print head and moving the print head to the print start position. Also, in the case of an electrophotographic printer, it corresponds to, for example, an operation of starting preheating of the fixing device.

[0072] On the other hand, if the data received by the printer 3 is not a preceding command in S42, the CPU 31 determines that the received data is not a preceding command (S42: NO), and proceeds to the next step S45.

[0073] Next, in S45, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the data received by the printer 3 is a job-unit header command. If the data received by the printer 3 is a job-unit header command, the CPU 31 determines that the received data is a job-unit header command (S45: YES) and proceeds to the next step S46.

[0074] Next, in S46, the CPU 31 determines whether or not a specific print medium is selected in the header command for the job. In this embodiment, the specific print medium is, for example, "fabric" or "glossy paper." If "fabric" or "glossy paper" is selected in the paper type selection field 511 on the print setting screen 51 of the PC 2, the CPU 31 determines that a specific print medium is selected in the header command for the job (S46: YES), and proceeds to the next step S47.

[0075] Next, in S47, the CPU 31 determines whether the printer 3 is a compatible model capable of printing on "fabric" or "glossy paper." The CPU 31 in S47 makes this determination based on information stored in the ROM 32 or NVRAM 34 as to whether the model is compatible with "glossy paper" or "fabric." Note that information on whether the model is compatible with "glossy paper" or "fabric" is an example of model information.

[0076] In this embodiment, information on whether the model corresponds to "glossy paper" or "cloth" is used as the model information, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a model name of the printer 3 stored in the ROM 32 or the NVRAM 34 and a table indicating whether the model name corresponds to "glossy paper" or "cloth" may be used. In this case, a serial number or an IP address may be used instead of the model name of the printer 3. The table may be stored in the ROM 32 or the NVRAM 34 in advance, or may be transmitted from the PC 2 to the printer 3. When the printer 3 is specified in the print application 42 and "cloth" is selected in the paper type selection field 511, the PC 2 may determine whether the specified printer 3 corresponds to "glossy paper" or "cloth" and transmit the corresponding information to the printer 3 from the PC 2.

[0077] Then, in S47, if the CPU 31 determines that the printer 3 is a compatible model capable of optimally printing on "fabric" or "glossy paper," that is, a high-end model printer 3 (S47: YES), the process proceeds to S48. Then, in S48, the CPU 31 transmits a compatible command to the PC 2, and then in S49, the CPU 31 stores the parameters included in the header command for each job in the RAM 33 or NVRAM 34, and then returns to S41.

[0078] On the other hand, in S47, if the CPU 31 determines that the printer 3 is a model that cannot optimally print on "fabric" or "glossy paper," that is, a popular model printer (S47: NO), the process proceeds to the next S50.

[0079] Next, in S50, the CPU 31 transmits the incompatible command to the PC 2, and then proceeds to S49. Note that the incompatible command is an example of an error command.

[0080] In this embodiment, the CPU 31 is configured to transmit a compatible command to the PC 2 when the printer 3 is a model capable of optimally printing "fabric" or "glossy paper", that is, when the printer 3 is determined to be a high-end model (S47: YES), and to transmit a non-compatible command to the PC 2 when the printer 3 is determined to be a model incapable of optimally printing "fabric" or "glossy paper", that is, when the printer 3 is determined to be a popular model (S47: NO), but is not limited thereto. For example, either a compatible command or a non-compatible command may be transmitted to the PC 2 when the printer 3 is a model capable of optimally printing "fabric" or "glossy paper", that is, when the printer 3 is a model capable of optimally printing "fabric" or "glossy paper", or when the printer 3 is a model incapable of optimally printing "fabric" or "glossy paper".

[0081] On the other hand, in S46, if the CPU 31 determines that a specific print medium is not selected in the header command for the job unit (S46: NO), the CPU 31 proceeds to the next S48 and transmits a corresponding command to the PC 2.

[0082] On the other hand, if the data received by the printer 3 is not a job-unit header command in S45, the CPU 31 determines that the received data is not a job-unit header command (S45: NO), and proceeds to the next step S51.

[0083] Next, in S51, the CPU 31 determines whether the data received by the printer 3 is a page-based header command. If the data received by the printer 3 is a page-based header command, the CPU 31 determines that the received data is a page-based header command (S51: YES) and proceeds to the next step S52. Then, in S52, the CPU 31 stores the parameters included in the page-based header command in the RAM 33 or NVRAM 34, and then returns to S41.

[0084] On the other hand, if the data received by the printer 3 is not a page-based header command in S51, the CPU 31 determines that the received data is not a page-based header command (S51: NO), and proceeds to the next step S53.

[0085] Next, in S53, the CPU 31 judges whether the data received by the printer 3 is image data in units of pages. If the data received by the printer 3 is image data in units of pages, the CPU 31 judges that the received data is image data in units of pages (S53: YES) and proceeds to the next step S54. Then, in S54, the CPU 31 drives the printing mechanism 38 and the transport mechanism 39 based on the image data in units of pages and the parameters stored in the RAM 33 or the NVRAM 34 to print on one sheet of recording medium, and then returns to S41. Note that if an error such as a paper jam occurs during printing, a command indicating the occurrence of the error may be sent to the PC 2, and the content of the error may be displayed on the display 28A of the PC 2.

[0086] On the other hand, if the data received by the printer 3 is not image data in units of pages in S53, the CPU 31 determines that the received data is not image data in units of pages (S53: NO), and proceeds to the next step S55.

[0087] Next, in S55, the CPU 31 judges whether the data received by the printer 3 is a job-based footer command. If the data received by the printer 3 is a job-based footer command, the CPU 31 judges that the received data is a job-based footer command (S55: YES) and proceeds to S56. Then, in S56, the CPU 31 executes a print end process, and then returns to S41. In the print end process, for example, if printing of all pages has been completed, a normal end command indicating normal end may be sent to the PC 2, and the display 28A of the PC 2 may display the normal end.

[0088] In this embodiment, when the user operates the OK button 52C on the exclusion warning screen 52 of the PC 2 (S20: OK button), a print interrupt command is sent from the PC 2 to the printer 3 (S24), and the printer 3 executes the print end process upon receiving the print interrupt command. In this case, S54 is not executed and the printing operation is not performed.

[0089] On the other hand, if the data received by the printer 3 is not a job-based footer command in S55, the CPU 31 determines that the received data is not a job-based footer command (S55: NO), and returns to S41.

[0090] Although not shown in the flowchart showing the steps of the printing process by the printer shown in FIG. 7, if a print cancel command sent from PC 2 to printer 3 is received in S24 of FIG. 5, a printer model that cannot optimally print "fabric" or "glossy paper" will execute print cancel processing.

[0091] Second embodiment The procedure of the print process according to the second embodiment by the printer driver 43 will be described below with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 8. In the first embodiment, the PC 2 is configured to display the exclusion warning screen 52, but in the second embodiment, the printer 3 is configured to display the exclusion warning screen 38, which is a major difference between the first and second embodiments. In the description, the same reference numerals will be used to designate parts that have the same effects as those in the first embodiment.

[0092] That is, in this embodiment, analysis of the command returned in response to the header command as shown in S13 of Fig. 5 is not performed, and further processing after S19 is not performed if the command is an incompatible command. Meanwhile, as a process after sending the footer command as shown in S18, in S21, the CPU 21 judges whether the PC 2 has received a normal end command or an error command. If the normal end command has been received from the printer 3, the CPU 21 judges that the normal end command has been received from the printer 3 (S21: normal end), and then, in the next S22, the CPU 21 displays on the display 28A that printing has been normally completed, and ends the print processing on the PC 2 side.

[0093] On the other hand, if PC 2 has received an error command, in S21, CPU 21 determines that an error command has been received from printer 3 (S21: Error), and proceeds to next S23 where CPU 21 displays on display 28A that an error has occurred and ends the print processing on PC 2. Note that even if a timeout occurs without receiving either a normal end command or an error command, CPU 21 displays on display 28A that an error has occurred and ends the print processing on PC 2.

[0094] Therefore, in this embodiment, after the user sees the error screen displayed on the display 28A, the user moves from the installation location of the PC 2 to the installation location of the printer 3. Then, the user can proceed with the print process after seeing the exclusion warning screen 38 described later.

[0095] Next, the procedure of the printing process by the printer of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 9. In the description, the same reference numerals will be used to denote parts that have the same effects as those in the first embodiment.

[0096] That is, in this embodiment, if the CPU 31 determines in S47 that the printer 3 is a model that cannot optimally print on "fabric" or "glossy paper," that is, a popular model printer (S47: NO), the process proceeds to S60. Then, in S60, the CPU 31 causes the display 35A to display an exclusion warning screen 38, and then proceeds to S61. This process is an example of a notification process.

[0097] The exclusion warning screen 38 includes, for example, an exclusion warning message 38A for notifying the user that the printer does not support "fabric" as a paper type. The exclusion warning screen 38 also includes a guidance message 38B for urging the user to specify a printer in the print application 42 or to change the paper type selected on the print setting screen 51. Next, in S61, the CPU 31 determines whether the user has operated either the OK button 38C or the cancel button 38D on the exclusion warning screen 38.

[0098] Here, if the user operates the OK button 38C, the CPU 31 determines that the OK button on the exclusion warning screen 38 has been operated (S61: OK button), and proceeds to the next step S49. Then, in S49, the CPU 31 transmits an error command to the PC 2, and then proceeds to S56, where it executes a process of interrupting printing on the printer side.

[0099] On the other hand, if the user operates the cancel button, the CPU 31 determines that the cancel button on the exclusion warning screen 38 has been operated (S61: cancel button), and proceeds to the next step S49 to continue the print process. This process is an example of a confirmation print process.

[0100] Thus, in this embodiment, when the printer 3 does not support a specific paper type, a notification indicating that the paper type is not supported is displayed on the display 35A of the printer 3, allowing the user to recognize that there has been an error regarding the paper type on the printer 3 side. Furthermore, by receiving an instruction as to whether or not to print together with the notification, the user can decide whether or not to print after recognizing that it is unsupported printing, and unsupported printing can be suppressed.

[0101] It should be noted that this embodiment is merely an example and does not limit the present invention in any way. Therefore, the present invention can be modified and improved in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the printer 3 is not limited to a device with a single printing function, but may be a device having a document reading function or a fax sending / receiving function. This embodiment can also be applied to a PC 2 connected to a multifunction machine, a copier, a fax machine, etc. instead of the printer 3. Also, two or more printers may be connected to the PC 2.

[0102] In this embodiment, when "cloth" or "glossy paper" is selected as the paper type, a job-unit header command that constitutes part of the print job is sent to the printer 3 as a specific job, but this is not limited to this. For example, when "cloth" or "glossy paper" is selected as the paper type, it is acceptable to send a preceding command to the printer 3 prior to the print job with identification information indicating that "cloth" or "glossy paper" has been selected. Note that the print setting parameters themselves indicating that "cloth" or "glossy paper" has been selected may be used as the identification information.

[0103] In this case, by sending the identification information prior to sending the specific job, the printer 3 can start transporting the print medium earlier, and printing can be started earlier. This is particularly effective in the case of a long rolled "cloth" supplied from the second tray 3C.

[0104] In addition, the screen configurations shown in each drawing are merely examples and are not limited to the illustrated examples. For example, the screen of the basic tab 51A of the print setting screen 51 accepts all of the selections of paper size, double-sided printing, and paper feed tray, but some of the selections may be accepted on a different screen, or each may be a different screen.

[0105] In addition, in this embodiment, the exclusion warning screen 52 is displayed on the display 28A of the PC 2, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, each message on the exclusion warning screen 52 may be notified by voice. The contents of each message on the exclusion warning screen 52 may be notified to the user by a sound or vibration pattern. Also, a combination of these may be used.

[0106] Also, the exclusion warning screen 52 may be displayed on the display 28A of the user IF 18 in a state where it is incorporated into the print setting screen 51. Of course, the exclusion warning screen 52 may be displayed independently on the display 28A.

[0107] In addition, the exclusion warning screen 38 is displayed on the display 35A of the printer 3, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, each message on the exclusion warning screen 38 may be notified by voice. The contents of each message on the exclusion warning screen 38 may be notified to the user by a sound or vibration pattern. Also, a combination of these may be used.

[0108] In addition, in this embodiment, the processing of the printer driver 43 has been described, but the program of the present invention is not limited to a printer driver. It can also be applied to a PC having a so-called driverless configuration, in which an OS equipped with a general-purpose printing program instead of a printer driver is installed. For example, the present invention can also be applied to a program related to printing that is installed in a PC separately from a general-purpose printing program, or a program that cooperates with a general-purpose printing program to accept print settings.

[0109] In addition, in this embodiment, the printer driver 43 is used as a resident program, but this is not limiting. For example, the print application 42 or a separate application for that purpose may be used as a resident program.

[0110] In addition, in any of the flowcharts disclosed in each embodiment, the execution order of multiple processes in any of the steps can be changed as desired or the processes can be executed in parallel, as long as no contradiction occurs in the process content.

[0111] The processes disclosed in the embodiments may be executed by a single CPU, multiple CPUs, hardware such as ASIC, or a combination of these. The processes disclosed in the embodiments may be realized in various forms, such as a recording medium having a program for executing the processes recorded thereon, or a method. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 1 Printing System 2 PC 21 CPU 28A Display 43 Printer Driver 51 Print setting screen 52 Exclusive warning screen 3. Printer 31 CPU 35A Display 38 Exclusive warning screen

Claims

1. A printing system including a printer and a printer driver installed in an information processing device, The printer includes a first model that corresponds to a specific print medium and a second model that does not correspond to the specific print medium, and the printer driver is a program that corresponds to both the first model and the second model, The printer driver When an instruction is given to transmit a specific job, which is a print job in which the specific print medium is specified as a type of print medium, a specific command indicating that the specific print medium has been specified is transmitted to the printer in association with the specific job; When the printer receives the specific job, If the first model is selected, starting execution of the specific job on condition that the specific command associated with the specific job is received; If the model is the second model, a non-compatible command is sent to the information processing device, the non-compatible command indicating that the type of print medium is not compatible. The printer driver When the non-compatible command is received from the printer, a notification is given that the type of print medium is not compatible. A printing system comprising:

2. In the printing system according to claim 1, The printer driver when the incompatible command is received from the printer, notifying the user that the type of print medium is not compatible, accepting an instruction as to whether or not to print, starting execution of the specific job on the condition that the instruction to print has been accepted, and canceling execution of the specific job on the condition that the instruction not to print has been accepted. A printing system comprising:

3. A printing system including a printer and a printer driver installed in an information processing device, The printer includes a first model that corresponds to a specific print medium and a second model that does not correspond to the specific print medium, and the printer driver is a program that corresponds to both the first model and the second model, The printer driver When an instruction is given to transmit a specific job, which is a print job in which the specific print medium is specified as a type of print medium, a specific command indicating that the specific print medium has been specified is transmitted to the printer in association with the specific job; When the printer receives the specific job, If the first model is selected, starting execution of the specific job on condition that the specific command associated with the specific job is received; If the model is the second model, notify the user that the type of print medium is not supported, and accept an instruction as to whether or not to perform printing. On the condition that the instruction to perform printing is accepted, start execution of the specific job. A printing system comprising:

4. In the printing system according to claim 3, When the printer receives the specific job, If the information processing device is the second model, notify the user that the type of print medium is not supported, and accept an instruction as to whether or not to print. If the instruction to print is accepted, start execution of the specific job. If the instruction not to print is accepted, send an error command to the information processing device. The printer driver notifying the occurrence of an error when the error command is received from the printer; A printing system comprising:

5. 5. The printing system according to claim 1, The specific print medium is fabric. A printing system comprising:

6. 5. The printing system according to claim 1, The specific print medium is glossy paper. A printing system comprising:

7. The computer of the information processing device executes a transmission process in which, when an instruction to transmit a specific job, which is a print job in which a specific print medium is specified as the type of print medium, a specific command indicating the specific print medium is associated with the specific job and transmitted to a printer, the printer to which the job is to be transmitted having a first model that corresponds to the specific print medium and a second model that does not correspond to the specific print medium, and if the printer that has received the specific job is the first model, starts execution of the specific job on the condition that the specific command associated with the specific job has been received, and if the printer that has received the specific job is the second model, transmits to the information processing device a non-compatible command indicating that the type of print medium is not compatible; The computer of the information processing device further comprises: when the incompatible command is received from the printer, a notification process is executed to notify the user that the type of print medium is not compatible. A printer driver comprising:

8. 8. The printer driver according to claim 7, In the transmission process, by including the specific command in data constituting the specific job, the specific command is associated with the specific job and transmitted to the printer; A printer driver comprising:

9. 8. The printer driver according to claim 7, The computer of the information processing device When a transmission instruction for the specific job is received as the type of print medium, a main body transmission process is executed to transmit the specific job including image data to be printed by the specific job and identification information of the specific job to the printer; Furthermore, the computer of the information processing device executing the transmission process for transmitting the identification information as a specific command prior to the transmission of the specific job by the main body transmission process; A printer driver comprising:

10. A printing unit; A communication interface; Memory, A controller; Equipped with The memory stores model information indicating whether the model is compatible with a specific print medium, The controller: when a specific job, which is a print job in which the specific print medium is specified as a type of print medium, is received by the communication interface, and the model information indicating that the specific print medium is compatible with the specific print medium is stored in the memory, a print process is executed to cause the printing unit to perform printing based on the specific job, on condition that the communication interface receives a specific command associated with the specific job, the specific command being a command transmitted in association with the specific job by a printer driver incorporated in an information processing device that transmitted the specific job, when the specific job is transmitted; The controller further comprises: When the specific job is received by the communication interface and the model information indicating that the specific print medium is not compatible is stored in the memory, an error process is executed to send a non-compatible command indicating that the type of print medium is not compatible to the information processing device, and the information processing device that has received the non-compatible command notifies that the type of print medium is not compatible. A printer characterized by:

11. A printing unit; A communication interface; Memory, A controller; A user interface; Equipped with The memory stores model information indicating whether the model is compatible with a specific print medium, The controller: when a specific job, which is a print job in which the specific print medium is specified as a type of print medium, is received by the communication interface, and the model information indicating that the specific print medium is compatible with the specific print medium is stored in the memory, a print process is executed to cause the printing unit to perform printing based on the specific job, on condition that the communication interface receives a specific command associated with the specific job, the specific command being a command transmitted in association with the specific job by a printer driver incorporated in an information processing device that transmitted the specific job, when the specific job is transmitted; The controller further comprises: when the specific job is received by the communication interface and the model information indicating that the specific print medium is not compatible is stored in the memory, a notification process is executed to notify the user that the type of print medium is not compatible using the user interface, and a confirmation printing process is executed to receive an instruction as to whether or not to print, and, on condition that the instruction to print has been received, to cause the printing unit to print based on the specific job. A printer characterized by:

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