Printing support device, printing support method, and printing support program

Abstract

To reduce an error in setting of a print condition made by a user.SOLUTION: A printing support device comprises: an instruction detection unit 251 that detects a printing start instruction input by a user; a storage setting unit 253 that performs setting so that a print job is stored in an image forming apparatus without being executed by the apparatus in response to the detection of the start instruction; a job information acquisition unit 367 that acquires job information on the print job stored in the image forming apparatus; a deletion unit 271 that deletes the print job stored in the image forming apparatus; a print condition determination unit 269 that determines a print condition based on the job information; a setting unit 273 that performs setting so that a print job output from an application after the determination of the print condition is executed by the image forming apparatus without being stored in the apparatus and is executed according to the determined print condition; and a re-output instruction unit 275 that instructs the application to re-output the print job.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing support device, a printing support method, and a printing support program, and in particular to a printing support device that supports printing processing in which an image forming device executes a print job output by an application, a printing support method executed by the printing support device, and a printing support program that causes a computer to execute the printing support method.

[0002] In recent years, in the workplace, printing work involves a variety of applications for creating data to be printed, and even for one piece of data, printing conditions vary depending on the purpose of the printed matter, making print settings complicated and often resulting in misprints. JP2002-254773A describes an image forming device that includes a total page number acquisition unit that acquires the total number of pages of a document on which an image is to be formed, and an image formation setting unit that changes settings for image formation according to the total page number acquired by the acquisition unit. However, the technology described in JP2002-254773A requires the installation of such an image forming device, and cannot be realized by a computer on which an application is executed.

[0003] Meanwhile, RPA (Robotic Process Automation) systems are being introduced to routine tasks to improve work efficiency. The introduction of RPA systems makes it possible to print with print settings that correspond to standard applications and intended uses using existing computers and existing image forming devices. This makes it possible to prevent misprints. However, PRA systems have the problem of being cumbersome to introduce, as a program needs to be developed for each application and intended use. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-254773 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a printing support device that can easily reduce errors in setting printing conditions by users.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a printing support method capable of easily reducing errors in setting printing conditions made by a user.

[0007] It is still another object of the present invention to provide a printing support program that can easily reduce mistakes in setting printing conditions made by a user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, according to one aspect of the present invention, a print support device supports print processing in which an image forming device executes a print job output by an application, and includes: an instruction detection means for detecting a print start instruction input by a user; an accumulation setting means for setting the image forming device to accumulate the print job without executing it in response to the detection of the start instruction; a job information acquisition means for acquiring job information related to the print job accumulated in the image forming device; a deletion means for deleting the print job accumulated in the image forming device; a print condition determination means for determining print conditions based on the job information; a setting means for setting the image forming device to execute the print job output from the application after the printing conditions have been determined without accumulating it, and to execute the print job in accordance with the determined printing conditions; and a re-output instruction means for instructing the application to re-output the print job. The storage setting means instructs a printer driver that controls the image forming apparatus so that the print job is stored without being executed by the image forming apparatus, and the setting means instructs the printer driver to change the print job in accordance with the printing conditions. do.

[0009] According to this aspect, a print job output from an application is stored in an image forming device, and after job information regarding the print job stored in the image forming device is acquired, the print job is deleted, so that the print job cannot be executed in the image forming device. Also, after the image forming device is set so that the print job is executed without being stored and the print job is executed according to the printing conditions determined based on the job information, the print job is re-output from the application. Therefore, the printing conditions can be determined regardless of the type of application. Also, since the printing conditions are determined based on the job information, it is possible to print under printing conditions according to the purpose of use of the printed matter. As a result, a printing support device can be provided that can easily reduce errors in setting the printing conditions by the user.

[0011] Also Since the printer driver is controlled, there is no need to control the image forming device, and therefore it is possible to reduce mistakes in setting printing conditions regardless of the type of image forming device.

[0012] Preferably, the printing condition determination means determines the printing conditions based on the number of pages included in the job information.

[0013] According to this aspect, the printing conditions can be made different depending on the number of pages included in the print job.

[0014] Preferably, Printing conditions The determining unit determines the printing conditions based on job identification information for identifying the print job, which is included in the job information.

[0015] According to this aspect, the purpose of use of the printed matter can be obtained from the job identification information.

[0016] Preferably, the printing condition determining means determines the printing conditions in accordance with predetermined default conditions.

[0017] According to this aspect, since the prescribed conditions corresponding to each of a plurality of intended uses are determined, the printing conditions can be easily determined.

[0018] Preferably, the preset conditions include a setting for arranging images of a plurality of pages on one recording medium.

[0019] According to this aspect, the number of pages arranged on one recording medium can be varied depending on the purpose of use.

[0020] Preferably, the predefined conditions include settings that define the surface on which the image is formed on the recording medium.

[0021] According to this aspect, the surface of the recording medium on which the image is formed can be made different depending on the purpose of use.

[0022] Preferably, the default conditions include settings in which printing conditions are defined for each of a plurality of pages.

[0023] According to this aspect, the printing conditions can be made different for each page.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present invention, a printing support method is a printing support method executed by a printing support device that executes a print process in which an image forming device executes a print job output by an application, and includes an instruction detection step of detecting a print start instruction input by a user, an accumulation setting step of setting the image forming device to accumulate the print job without executing it in response to the detection of the start instruction, a job information acquisition step of acquiring job information related to the print job accumulated in the image forming device, a deletion step of deleting the print job accumulated in the image forming device, a printing condition determination step of determining printing conditions based on the job information, a setting step of setting the image forming device to execute the print job output from the application after the printing conditions are determined without accumulating it and to execute the print job in accordance with the determined printing conditions, and a re-output instruction step of instructing the application to re-output the print job. The storage setting step includes instructing a printer driver that controls the image forming apparatus so that the print job is stored without being executed by the image forming apparatus, and the setting step includes instructing the printer driver to change the print job in accordance with the printing conditions. nothing.

[0025] According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a printing support method that can easily reduce mistakes in setting printing conditions by a user.

[0026] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a print support program is a print support program executed by a computer that executes a print process in which an image forming device executes a print job output by an application, and causes the computer to execute an instruction detection step of detecting a print start instruction input by a user, an accumulation setting step of setting the image forming device to accumulate the print job without executing it in response to the detection of the start instruction, a job information acquisition step of acquiring job information related to the print job accumulated in the image forming device, a deletion step of deleting the print job accumulated in the image forming device, a print condition determination step of determining print conditions based on the job information, a setting step of setting the image forming device to execute the print job output from the application after the printing conditions are determined without accumulating it, and to execute the print job in accordance with the determined printing conditions, and a re-output instruction step of instructing the application to re-output the print job. The storage setting step includes instructing a printer driver that controls the image forming apparatus to store the print job without executing it, and the setting step includes instructing the printer driver to change the print job in accordance with the printing conditions. .

[0027] According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a printing support program that can easily reduce mistakes in setting printing conditions made by the user. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an overall outline of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of an outline of the hardware configuration of a PC according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of the hardware configuration of an MFP according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4]2 is a block diagram showing an example of functions of a CPU included in a PC according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a format of job information. [Figure 6] 1 is a first flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of a user, an application unit, a support unit, a printer driver unit, and an MFP. [Figure 7] 11 is a second flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of a user, an application unit, a support unit, a printer driver unit, and an MFP. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0030] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an overall outline of a printing system according to one embodiment of the present invention. With reference to Fig. 1, printing system 1 includes MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) 100, which is a multifunction peripheral, and a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as "PC") 200. PC 200 is an example of a printing support device, and is a general computer. MFP 100 is an example of an image forming device. MFP 100 and PC 200 are each connected to network 3. Therefore, MFP 100 and PC 200 are capable of communicating with each other.

[0031] The network 3 is a local area network (LAN). Note that the network 3 is not limited to a LAN, and may be a wide area network (WAN) or the Internet.

[0032] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of an outline of a hardware configuration of a PC according to the present embodiment. Referring to Fig. 2, the PC 200 includes a CPU 201 for controlling the entire PC 200, a ROM 202 for storing programs executed by the CPU 201, a RAM 203 used as a working area for the CPU 201, an HDD 204 for storing data in a non-volatile manner, a communication unit 205 for connecting the CPU 201 to a network 3, a display unit 206 for displaying information, an operation unit 207 for receiving input of a user's operation, and an external storage device 209.

[0033] The display unit 206 is, but is not limited to, a liquid crystal display device. Note that an organic EL (electroluminescence) display may be used instead of a liquid crystal display device.

[0034] A CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory) 209A is attached to the external storage device 209. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the CPU 201 executes a program stored in the ROM 202, but the CPU 201 may control the external storage device 209 to read a program to be executed by the CPU 201 from the CD-ROM 209A, store the read program in the RAM 203, and execute the program.

[0035] The recording medium for storing the program executed by CPU201 is not limited to CD-ROM209A, and may be a medium such as a flexible disk, a cassette tape, an optical disk (MO (Magnetic Optical Disc) / MD (Mini Disc) / DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)), an IC card, an optical card, a semiconductor memory such as a mask ROM, or an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM). Furthermore, CPU201 may load a program stored in HDD204 into RAM203 and execute it by CPU201. The program stored in HDD204 includes a program downloaded by CPU201 from a computer connected to the Internet, or a program written to HDD204 by a computer connected to the Internet. The program here includes not only a program directly executable by CPU201, but also a source program, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

[0036] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an outline of the hardware configuration of the MFP in the present embodiment. Referring to Fig. 3, MFP 100 functioning as an image forming apparatus includes main circuit 110, document reading unit 130 for reading a document, automatic document feeder 120 for conveying the document to document reading unit 130, image forming unit 140 for forming an image on paper or the like based on image data output by document reading unit 130 after reading the document, paper feed unit 150 for supplying paper to image forming unit 140, and operation panel 160 as a user interface.

[0037] The automatic document feeder 120 automatically transports multiple documents set on a document tray one by one to a predetermined document reading position set on the platen glass of the document reading unit 130, and discharges the document from which the image formed on the document has been read by the document reading unit 130 onto a document discharge tray. The document reading unit 130 includes a light source that irradiates light onto the document transported to the document reading position, and a photoelectric conversion element that receives light reflected by the document, and scans the document image according to the size of the document. The photoelectric conversion element converts the received light into image data, which is an electrical signal, and outputs it to the image forming unit 140. The paper feeding unit 150 transports the paper stored in the paper feeding tray to the image forming unit 140.

[0038] Image forming section 140 forms an image by a well-known electrophotographic method, and forms an image on a sheet conveyed by paper feed section 150 based on image data after various data processing such as shading correction is performed on image data input from document reading section 130, or image data received from the outside, and discharges the sheet on which the image has been formed to a paper discharge tray. Image forming section 140 has a paper inversion path and can form an image on both sides of the sheet. The paper inversion path is a path that inverts a sheet on one side (front side) of which an image has been formed by image forming section 140, and leads the sheet to image forming section 140. As a result, image forming section 140 forms an image on the other side (back side) of the sheet supplied from the paper inversion path.

[0039] Main circuit 110 includes a CPU 111 that controls the entire MFP 100, a communication interface (I / F) unit 112, a ROM 113, a RAM 114, a hard disk drive (HDD) 115 as a large-capacity storage device, a facsimile unit 116, and an external storage device 117. CPU 111 is connected to automatic document feeder 120, document reading unit 130, image forming unit 140, paper feeding unit 150, and operation panel 160, and controls the entire MFP 100.

[0040] Facsimile unit 116 is connected to a public switched telephone network (PSTN) and transmits facsimile data to the PSTN or receives facsimile data from the PSTN. Facsimile unit 116 stores the received facsimile data in HDD 115, converts the data into print data that can be printed by image forming unit 140, and outputs the data to image forming unit 140. As a result, image forming unit 140 forms an image on paper based on the facsimile data received by facsimile unit 116. Facsimile unit 116 also converts the data stored in HDD 115 into facsimile data and transmits the data to a facsimile device connected to the PSTN.

[0041] The communication I / F unit 112 is an interface for connecting the MFP 100 to the network 3. The communication I / F unit 112 communicates with the PC 200 connected to the network 3 using a communication protocol such as TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) or FTP (File Transfer Protocol).

[0042] The ROM 113 stores a program executed by the CPU 111 or data required to execute the program. The RAM 114 is used as a work area when the CPU 111 executes the program. The RAM 114 also temporarily stores read images continuously sent from the document reading unit 130.

[0043] Operation panel 160 is provided on the top surface of MFP 100. Operation panel 160 includes display unit 161 and operation unit 163. Display unit 161 is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), and displays an instruction menu for the user, information related to acquired image data, and the like. Note that, instead of an LCD, for example, an organic EL display may be used as long as it is a device that displays images.

[0044] The operation unit 163 includes a touch panel 165 and a hard key unit 167. The touch panel 165 is of a capacitance type. Note that the touch panel 165 is not limited to the capacitance type, and other types such as a resistive film type, a surface acoustic wave type, an infrared type, and an electromagnetic induction type can be used. The hard key unit 167 includes a plurality of hard keys. The hard keys are, for example, contact switches.

[0045] CPU 111 executes a print job. When executing a print job, CPU 111 generates image data, outputs the image data to image forming unit 140, and causes image forming unit 140 to form an image of the image data on a sheet of paper. The image data is, for example, raster data. A print job includes data to be printed and printing conditions. The data to be printed may be bitmap data or application data. The data to be printed includes data of one or more pages. The printing conditions include storage conditions, aggregation conditions, and forming surface conditions. The storage conditions are conditions that determine whether a print job is stored without being executed, or whether a print job is executed without being stored. The aggregation conditions are conditions that determine the number of pages on which images are formed on one sheet of paper. The forming surface conditions are conditions that determine whether an image is formed on both sides of a sheet of paper or only on the front side. CPU 111 generates image data from data to be printed, which is included in the print job, according to the printing conditions included in the print job, and outputs the image data to image forming unit 140.

[0046] When communication I / F unit 112 receives a print job from PC 200, CPU 111 determines whether an accumulation condition is set in the printing conditions included in the print job. When an accumulation condition indicating that the print job is to be accumulated without being executed is set in the printing conditions, CPU 111 stores the print job in HDD 115 without executing it. When an accumulation condition indicating that the print job is to be executed without being accumulated is set in the printing conditions, CPU 111 executes the print job without storing it in HDD 115.

[0047] External storage device 117 is controlled by CPU 111, and has CD-ROM 118 attached thereto. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which CPU 111 executes a program stored in ROM 113, but CPU 111 may control external storage device 117 to read a program to be executed by CPU 111 from CD-ROM 118, store the read program in RAM 102, and execute it.

[0048] Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of functions of a CPU included in a PC according to the present embodiment. The functions shown in Fig. 4 may be realized by hardware, or may be realized by CPU 201 included in PC 200 by causing CPU 201 to execute a print support program, an application program, and a printer driver program stored in ROM 202, HDD 204, or CD-ROM 209A.

[0049] 4, CPU 201 included in PC 200 includes application unit 251, support unit 253, and printer driver unit 255. Application unit 251 is a function realized in CPU 201 by CPU 201 executing an application program. The same number of application units 251 are realized in CPU 201 as the number of application programs executed by CPU 201. The application programs include, for example, a program for document editing, a program for spreadsheets, a program for drawing, a program for image editing, a program for database creation, and the like. Application unit 251, support unit 253, and printer driver unit 255 are arranged on an operating system realized in CPU 111.

[0050] Printer driver unit 255 is a function that is realized by CPU 201 as a result of CPU 201 executing a printer driver program. Here, printer driver unit 255 is realized by CPU 201 executing a printer driver program for controlling MFP 100. Note that the number of printer driver units 255 realized by CPU 201 is the same as the number of image forming devices that PC 200 controls.

[0051] The support unit 253 is a function realized by the CPU 201 as the CPU 201 executes a print support program. The print support program is a program developed to realize RPA. Therefore, the support unit 253 is a part of the function of the RPA system. The support unit 253 includes an operation start detection unit 261, an accumulation setting unit 263, an execution instruction unit 265, a job information acquisition unit 267, a printing condition determination unit 269, a deletion unit 271, a setting unit 273, and a re-output instruction unit 275.

[0052] The operation start detection unit 261 detects a print start instruction input to the application unit 251 by a user operating the PC 200. For example, the operation start detection unit 261 detects an operation to start printing input to the application unit 251 as a start instruction by monitoring a predetermined part of the operating system. Also, the operation start detection unit 261 detects an operation to start printing input to the application unit 251 as a start instruction by analyzing an image displayed by the application unit 251 on the display unit 206. For example, the operation start detection unit 261 performs character recognition on an image displayed by the application unit 251 on the display unit 206, determines an area in which the characters for printing are displayed, and detects a print start instruction when a cursor moves to that area. Also, when the application unit 251 displays a print condition setting screen for setting print conditions on the display unit 206, the operation start detection unit 261 performs character recognition on an image of the print condition setting screen displayed on the display unit 206, and detects a print start instruction if the recognized characters include characters indicating print conditions.

[0053] The accumulation setting unit 263 sets the print job so that the print job is accumulated without being executed by the image forming device in response to the operation start detection unit 261 detecting the instruction to start printing. The accumulation setting unit 263 determines the image forming device to which the print job is output from the application unit 251. The image forming device to which the print job is output from the application unit 251 may be set as a default or may be specified by the user. The accumulation setting unit 263 determines the image forming device set as a default by inquiring of the operating system. In addition, the accumulation setting unit 263 determines the image forming device specified by the user by analyzing an image displayed by the application unit 251 on the display unit 206. For example, when the application unit 251 displays on the display unit 206 a device specification screen for specifying an image forming device or a print condition setting screen, the accumulation setting unit 263 performs character recognition on the image displayed on the display unit 206, extracts device identification information for identifying the image forming device, and determines the image forming device specified by the extracted device identification information as the image forming device specified by the user. Here, a case will be described in which accumulation setting unit 263 determines MFP 100 as the image forming apparatus designated by the user.

[0054] Accumulation setting unit 263 instructs printer driver unit 255, which controls MFP 100, to accumulate print jobs without executing them by MFP 100. For example, accumulation setting unit 263 outputs to printer driver unit 255 an accumulation command that sets MFP 100 to accumulate print jobs without executing them. The accumulation command includes device identification information for identifying MFP 100.

[0055] In response to input of an accumulation command from accumulation setting unit 263, printer driver unit 255 is set to change the print setting of a print job subsequently input from application unit 251 to a setting for accumulating the print job without executing it, and to transmit the changed print job to MFP 100. Note that printer driver unit 255 may control MFP 100 to set MFP 100 so that the print job is accumulated without being executed.

[0056] Here, a print job will be described. A print job is transmitted from printer driver unit 255 to MFP 100. A print job includes print data generated from application data and job information. The job information includes print conditions indicating the conditions for printing. Note that the print data may be application data. A print job may be output from application unit 251 to printer driver unit 255. In this case, printer driver unit 255 modifies a part of the print job output from application unit 251 and transmits it to MFP 100.

[0057] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the format of job information. Referring to Fig. 5, the job information includes a job ID item, a user name item, a job name item, a job time item, a job status item, a number of copies item, a number of originals item, a double-sided printing item, a color mode item, and a tray number item. Some of the printing conditions are set in the number of copies item, the number of originals item, the double-sided printing item, the color mode item, and the tray number item.

[0058] In the item of job ID, job identification information for identifying a print job is set. In the item of user name, user identification information for identifying a user who instructed printing is set. In the item of job name, the name of the application unit 251 and / or data identification information for identifying application data is set. The application data is data to be processed by the application unit 251. In the item of job time, the date and time when the application unit 251 generated the print job is set. In the item of job status, status information indicating the status of the job is set. The status information includes, for example, a status stored by the MFP 100, a status being executed by the MFP 100, and a status deleted by the MFP 100. In the item of number of copies, the number of copies of an image is indicated. In the item of number of originals, the number of pages included in the application data is indicated. In the item of double-sided printing, a value indicating either double-sided or single-sided is set. In the item of color mode, the number of colors of an image to be formed is set. In the item of color mode, a value indicating either color indicating multiple colors or mono indicating a single color is set. In the item of the tray number, tray identification information for identifying one of the paper feed trays of paper feed unit 150 of MFP 100 is set.

[0059] Returning to FIG. 4, execution instruction unit 265 outputs an execution instruction to application unit 251. The execution instruction is an instruction to application unit 251, and is an instruction for application unit 251 to generate a print job and output the generated print job in response to a print start instruction input by a user operating PC 200. The print job may include print conditions input to application unit 251 by the user operating PC 200. Note that printer driver unit 255 may be called from application unit 251, and the user may input print conditions to printer driver unit 255. Therefore, the print conditions are set by each of application unit 251 and printer driver unit 255.

[0060] The printing conditions are defined as defaults in the application unit 251 and the printer driver unit 255. When printing conditions are input by the user, the values ​​are different from the values ​​defined as defaults. When the default values ​​are not changed by the user, the printing conditions input by the user are determined by the values ​​defined as defaults in the application unit 251 and the printer driver unit 255, respectively, and when the default values ​​are changed by the user, the printing conditions are determined by the values ​​after change by the user.

[0061] In response to an execution instruction being input from support unit 253, application unit 251 outputs a print job to printer driver unit 255. When a print job is input from application unit 251, printer driver unit 255 changes a part of the print job and transmits the changed print job to MFP 100. Specifically, printer driver unit 255 sets the print job output from application unit 251 to change the printing conditions so that the print job is accumulated without being executed. Printer driver unit 255 controls communication unit 205 to transmit the print job after the printing conditions have been changed to MFP 100. When communication I / F unit 112 receives a print job, MFP 100 stores the print job in HDD 115 without executing it according to the printing conditions set in the print job.

[0062] After execution instruction unit 265 outputs an execution instruction, job information acquisition unit 267 acquires job information related to a print job stored in MFP 100. Specifically, job information acquisition unit 267 controls communication unit 205 to communicate with MFP 100 and acquire job information from MFP 100. For example, job information acquisition unit 267 acquires job information from MFP 100 by communicating with MFP 100 using a communication method defined by the IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) standard. Job information acquisition unit 267 may also acquire job information from MFP 100 by communicating with MFP 100 using PJL (Printer Job Language). Job information acquisition unit 267 may also communicate with MFP 100, request MFP 100 to transmit MIB (Management Information Base), and acquire job information from the MIB received from MFP 100.

[0063] Deletion unit 271 deletes the print job from MFP 100 in response to job information acquisition unit 267 acquiring the job information. Specifically, deletion unit 271 controls communication unit 205 to communicate with MFP 100 and cause MFP 100 to delete the print job. For example, deletion unit 271 transmits a delete command to MFP 100. The delete command includes job identification information for identifying the print job. As a result, the print job stored in HDD 115 in MFP 100 is deleted.

[0064] The printing condition determination unit 269 determines the printing conditions based on the job information acquired from the MFP 100. The printing condition determination unit 269 determines the printing conditions based on the number of pages included in the job information. The number of pages is a value set in the item of the number of original sheets in the job information. The printing condition determination unit 269 also determines the printing conditions according to predefined default conditions. The default conditions include a setting for arranging images of multiple pages on one recording medium. For example, it is assumed that a first default condition is set as a 2-in-1 printing condition, which is a condition for arranging images of two pages on one recording medium when the number of pages is less than 8, and a second default condition is set as a 4-in-1 printing condition, which is a condition for arranging images of four pages on one recording medium when the number of pages is 8 or more. In this case, the printing condition determination unit 269 determines the printing conditions to the conditions determined by the first default condition when the number of pages determined in the job information is less than 8, and determines the printing conditions to the conditions determined by the second default condition when the number of pages determined in the job information is 8 or more.

[0065] The default conditions include a setting for determining the side on which an image is formed on a recording medium. For example, a third default condition is set as the default conditions, in which an image is formed on both sides when the number of pages is an even number, and a fourth default condition is set as the default conditions, in which an image is formed on one side when the number of pages is an odd number. In this case, the printing condition determination unit 269 determines the printing condition to be the double-sided condition set by the third default condition when the number of pages set by the job information is an even number, and determines the printing condition to be the single-sided condition set by the fourth default condition when the number of pages set by the job information is an odd number. The default conditions may include a setting for determining the printing condition for each of a plurality of pages. For example, the default conditions may be set to be the condition in which the first to the second pages are printed in 2-in-1, and the subsequent pages are printed in 1-in-1 image formation for each page.

[0066] Furthermore, the printing condition determination unit 269 determines the printing conditions based on data identification information (file name) that identifies application data set in the job name included in the job information. When the data identification information includes a reserved word, the printing conditions are determined to be default conditions defined for the reserved word. The reserved word is preferably a word that indicates the purpose of the printed paper. For example, the reserved word includes words such as "draft," "test," and "draft" that indicate that the document is not a formal document but a trial document. Furthermore, the reserved word may be a word that is defined in advance by the user and is registered in advance in the support unit 253. The reserved word may include a project name, a department name, and a name.

[0067] As an example of the default conditions, if the number of pages is two for the reserved word "Draft", the printing conditions are such that images are formed on both sides of the recording medium. Also, if the number of pages is three or four for the reserved word "Draft", the printing conditions are such that images are formed on both sides of the recording medium and 2-in-1 printing is performed. Also, if the number of pages is five or more for the reserved word "Draft", the printing conditions are such that images are formed on both sides of the recording medium and 4-in-1 printing is performed.

[0068] In response to input of the printing conditions determined by the printing condition determination unit 269, the setting unit 273 sets the print job to be executed without being stored and to be executed by the MFP 100 according to the printing conditions determined by the printing condition determination unit 269. The setting unit 273 instructs the printer driver unit 255 to execute the print job by the MFP 100 without being stored. For example, the setting unit 273 outputs an accumulation release command to the printer driver unit 255 for setting the print job to be executed without being stored in the MFP 100. The accumulation release command includes device identification information for identifying the MFP 100. Furthermore, the setting unit 273 outputs a setting command to the printer driver unit 255 for setting the print job to be executed by the MFP 100 according to the printing conditions determined by the printing condition determination unit 269. The setting command includes the printing conditions determined by the printing condition determination unit 269 and device identification information for identifying the MFP 100. After transmitting the setting command to MFP 100 , setting portion 273 outputs a re-output instruction to re-output instruction portion 275 .

[0069] In response to input of an accumulation release command from setting unit 273, printer driver unit 255 sets the printing conditions of a print job subsequently output from application unit 251 so that the print job is executed without being accumulated. In addition, in response to input of a setting command from setting unit 273, printer driver unit 255 changes the printing conditions of a print job subsequently output from application unit 251 to values ​​determined by the printing conditions included in the setting command.

[0070] In response to the input of the re-output instruction, the re-output instruction unit 275 outputs a re-output instruction to the application unit 251. The re-output instruction is an instruction to the application unit 251, and is an instruction to re-output the same print job as the print job that the application unit 251 output in accordance with the execution instruction input from the execution instruction unit 265.

[0071] In response to a re-output instruction being input from re-output instruction unit 275, application unit 251 outputs the print job to printer driver unit 255. When a print job is input from application unit 251, printer driver unit 255 changes the printing conditions set in the print job to the printing conditions input from printing condition determination unit 269, and transmits the print job in which the changed printing conditions are set to MFP 100. Specifically, it controls communication unit 205 to transmit the print job after the printing conditions have been changed to MFP 100. When communication I / F unit 112 receives a print job, MFP 100 executes the print job because it is set so that the print job is executed without being stored.

[0072] Figures 6 and 7 are flowcharts showing an example of the process flow of the user, application unit, support unit, printer driver unit, and MFP. The process of the application unit shown in Figures 6 and 7 is a process executed by CPU 201 as CPU 201 executes an application program. The process of support unit 253 shown in Figures 6 and 7 is a process executed by CPU 201 as CPU 201 executes a print support program. The process of printer driver unit 255 shown in Figures 6 and 7 is a process executed by CPU 201 as CPU 201 executes a printer driver program corresponding to MFP 100.

[0073] 6 and 7, when a user starts up PC 200 (step S01), the operation system of PC 200 starts up (step S11), and support unit 253 is started up by the operating system.

[0074] When the support unit 253 is started by the operating system, it starts monitoring the print operation input by the user (step S21). Here, the support unit 253 detects the print operation input by the user by monitoring a predetermined storage area managed by the operating system. The support unit 253 judges whether or not the print operation is detected (step S22). The support unit 253 goes into a standby state until it detects the print operation (NO in step S22), and if it detects the print operation (YES in step S22), the process proceeds to step S23.

[0075] When the user starts an application (step S02), the application unit 251 starts on the operating system (step S12). Then, when the user opens a document (step S03), the application unit 251 displays the document file on the display unit 206 (step S13).

[0076] Next, when the user inputs a print operation to PC 200 (step S04), the operating system rewrites the value of a predetermined storage area. Support unit 253, which monitors the print operation, advances the process to step S23 if it detects the print operation (YES in step S22). In step S23, the print setting is changed to a storage setting. Specifically, a storage command is output to printer driver unit 255, which sets the print job to be stored without being executed in MFP 100. Printer driver unit 255 to which the storage command is input sets the storage setting so that the print job is stored without being executed (step S31). As a result, printer driver unit 255 changes the printing conditions of the print job input from application unit 251 thereafter to a setting in which the print job is stored without being executed, and is set to transmit the changed print job to MFP 100.

[0077] After transmitting the accumulation command, the support unit 253 outputs a print execution instruction to the application unit 251 (step S24). The application unit 251 generates a print job according to the print execution instruction, and transmits the print job to the printer driver unit 255 (step S14).

[0078] When printer driver unit 255 receives the print job, it changes the print job according to the accumulation setting set in step S31, and sends the changed print job to MFP 100 (step S32). The print job is changed to a setting that accumulates the print job without executing it. Therefore, MFP 100 that receives the print job accumulates the print job received from printer driver unit 255 without executing it (step S41).

[0079] After outputting a print execution instruction to application section 251, support section 253 requests job information from MFP 100 (step S25). In response to the request for job information, MFP 100 transmits the job information to PC 200 (step S42). Support section 253 receives the job information transmitted from MFP 100 (step S26), and proceeds to step S27. In step S27, support section 253 instructs MFP 100 to delete the print job (step S27). Specifically, support section 253 controls communication section 205 to communicate with MFP 100 and transmits a delete command to MFP 100. The delete command includes job identification information for identifying the print job. As a result, in MFP 100, the print job stored in HDD 115 in step S41 is deleted (step S43).

[0080] Next, the support unit 253 determines print settings from the job information (step S28). Print conditions are determined based on the number of pages included in the job information. For example, the number of pages to be formed on a recording medium is determined according to the number of pages. The print conditions may also be determined according to predefined default conditions. The default conditions may include settings for arranging images of multiple pages on one recording medium. The default conditions may also include settings for determining the surface on which an image is to be formed on a recording medium. The print conditions may also be determined based on data identification information (file name) that identifies application data set in the job name included in the job information. When the data identification information includes a reserved word, the default conditions defined for the reserved word are determined as the print conditions.

[0081] Support unit 253 instructs printer driver unit 255 to set the determined printing conditions (step S29). Specifically, printer driver unit 255 is instructed to execute the print job without accumulating, and execute the print job by MFP 100 according to the printing conditions determined in step S28. For example, an accumulation release command for setting the print job to be executed without accumulating in MFP 100 is output to printer driver unit 255. Also, a setting command for setting the print job to be executed in MFP 100 according to the printing conditions is output to printer driver unit 255. The setting command includes the printing conditions and device identification information for identifying MFP 100. In response to input of the accumulation release command and the setting command, printer driver unit 255 changes the printing conditions of the print job input thereafter (step S33).

[0082] After outputting the setting instruction, support unit 253 instructs application unit 251 to re-output (step S30). Specifically, a re-output instruction is output to application unit 251. The re-output instruction is an instruction to output the print job again. Application unit 251 to which the re-output instruction is input outputs the print job to printer driver unit 255 (step S34). Printer driver unit 255 to which the print job is input changes the printing conditions set in the print job to the printing conditions set in step S33, and transmits the print job in which the changed printing conditions are set to MFP 100 (step S34). MFP 100 that receives the print job executes the print job without accumulating it (step S44). This allows the user operating PC 200 to receive the printed matter that MFP 100 executes and outputs the print job (step S05).

[0083] <Modification> In this embodiment, support unit 253 controls printer driver unit 255, but may also directly control MFP 100 which executes the print job. Specifically, support unit 253 controls MFP 100 in step S23 to set it so that the print job is stored without being executed (step S23). Also, support unit 253 controls MFP 100 in step S29 to set it so that the print job is executed without being stored, and sets it so that the printing conditions of the print job received from outside are changed to the printing conditions determined in step S28.

[0084] As described above, the PC 200 in this embodiment functions as a print support device by the CPU 111 executing the print support program. The PC 200 detects a print start instruction input by a user, sets the print job to be stored without being executed by the MFP 100 in response to the detection of the start instruction, acquires job information related to the print job stored in the MFP 100, and deletes the print job stored in the MFP 100. This makes it possible to prevent the print job set with the printing conditions set by the user from being executed by the MFP 100. Furthermore, the PC 200 determines the printing conditions based on the job information, so that printing can be performed under printing conditions according to the intended use of the printed matter. Furthermore, after the print job is executed without being stored and the print job is set to be executed by the MFP 100 according to the printing conditions determined based on the job information, the PC 200 re-outputs the print job from the task executing the application program. This makes it possible to determine the printing conditions regardless of the type of application program. This reduces the number of times the user sets the printing conditions.

[0085] Furthermore, PC 200 instructs the printer driver to store the print job without executing it by MFP 100, and instructs the printer driver to change the print job in accordance with the printing conditions. Because of this, since PC 200 controls the printer driver, it is not necessary to control MFP 100. Therefore, it is possible to reduce mistakes in setting the printing conditions, regardless of the type of MFP 100.

[0086] Furthermore, the PC 200 determines the printing conditions based on the number of pages included in the job information, so that the printing conditions can be made different depending on the number of pages included in the print job.

[0087] In addition, PC 200 determines the printing conditions based on job identification information for identifying the print job included in the job information. Therefore, the purpose of use of the printed matter can be obtained from the job identification information, and the printing conditions can be determined according to the purpose of use.

[0088] Furthermore, the PC 200 determines the printing conditions according to preset default conditions. Therefore, since the default conditions corresponding to each of a plurality of purposes are determined, the printing conditions can be easily determined.

[0089] The preset conditions also include a setting for arranging images of multiple pages on one recording medium, so that the number of pages arranged on one recording medium can be varied depending on the intended use.

[0090] The preset conditions also include settings that determine the side of the recording medium on which an image is to be formed, so that the side of the recording medium on which an image is to be formed can be changed depending on the purpose of use.

[0091] The default conditions include settings in which printing conditions are determined for each of a plurality of pages, so that printing conditions can be made different for each page.

[0092] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0093] <Additional Notes> (1) The print support device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the job information acquisition means acquires the job information from the image forming device by either communicating using the IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) standard, communicating in PJL (Printer Job Language), or receiving a MIB (Management Information Base). [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 1 printing system, 3 network, 100 MFP, 115 HDD, 200 PC, 201 CPU, 202 ROM, 203 RAM, 204 HDD, 205 communication unit, 206 display unit, 207 operation unit, 209 external storage device, 209A CD-ROM, 251 application unit, 253 support unit, 255 printer driver unit, 261 operation start detection unit, 263 accumulation setting unit, 265 execution instruction unit, 267 job information acquisition unit, 269 printing condition determination unit, 271 deletion unit, 273 setting unit, 275 re-output instruction unit.

Claims

1. A print support device that supports a print process in which an image forming device executes a print job output by an application, An instruction detection means for detecting a print start instruction input by a user; an accumulation setting unit that sets the print job to be accumulated without being executed by the image forming apparatus in response to the detection of the start instruction; a job information acquiring unit that acquires job information regarding the print job stored in the image forming apparatus; a deletion unit for deleting the print job stored in the image forming apparatus; a printing condition determination means for determining printing conditions based on the job information; a setting unit for setting the print job output from the application after the printing conditions are determined so that the print job is executed by the image forming apparatus without being stored and is executed according to the determined printing conditions; a re-output instruction unit for instructing the application to re-output the print job, the storage setting unit instructs a printer driver that controls the image forming apparatus to store the print job without executing the print job by the image forming apparatus; The setting means instructs the printer driver to change the print job in accordance with the printing conditions.

2. The printing support device according to claim 1 , wherein the printing condition determination means determines the printing conditions based on a page count included in the job information.

3. 3. The printing support device according to claim 1, wherein the printing condition determination unit determines the printing conditions based on job identification information for identifying the print job, the job information being included in the printing job information.

4. 4. The printing support device according to claim 2, wherein the printing condition determination means determines the printing conditions in accordance with preset conditions.

5. The printing support device according to claim 4 , wherein the predetermined conditions include a setting for arranging images of a plurality of pages on one recording medium.

6. The printing support device according to claim 4 , wherein the predetermined conditions include a setting that determines a surface on the recording medium on which an image is to be formed.

7. 7. The printing support device according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined conditions include settings in which printing conditions are determined for each of a plurality of pages.

8. A print support method executed by a print support device that executes a print process in which an image forming device executes a print job output by an application, comprising: an instruction detection step for detecting an instruction to start printing input by a user; an accumulation setting step of setting the image forming apparatus so that the print job is accumulated without being executed in response to the detection of the start instruction; a job information acquisition step of acquiring job information regarding the print job stored in the image forming apparatus; a deleting step of deleting the print job stored in the image forming apparatus; a printing condition determination step of determining printing conditions based on the job information; a setting step of setting the image forming apparatus so that the print job output from the application after the printing conditions are determined is executed without being stored and is executed according to the determined printing conditions; a re-output instruction step of instructing the application to re-output the print job, the storage setting step includes instructing a printer driver that controls the image forming apparatus to store the print job without executing the print job by the image forming apparatus; The printing support method, wherein the setting step includes instructing the printer driver to change the print job in accordance with the printing conditions.

9. A printing support program executed by a computer that executes a printing process to cause an image forming device to execute a print job output by an application, an instruction detection step for detecting an instruction to start printing input by a user; an accumulation setting step of setting the image forming apparatus so that the print job is accumulated without being executed in response to the detection of the start instruction; a job information acquisition step of acquiring job information regarding the print job stored in the image forming apparatus; a deleting step of deleting the print job stored in the image forming apparatus; a printing condition determination step of determining printing conditions based on the job information; a setting step of setting the image forming apparatus so that the print job output from the application after the printing conditions are determined is executed without being stored and is executed according to the determined printing conditions; a re-output instruction step of instructing the application to re-output the print job; the storage setting step includes instructing a printer driver that controls the image forming apparatus to store the print job without executing the print job by the image forming apparatus; The setting step includes instructing the printer driver to change the print job in accordance with the printing conditions.

Images