Printer, printing system, and program

Abstract

To provide a technology which enhances possibility that printing is executed in a print mode corresponding to a document to be printed, in a printer executing download printing based on instruction data.SOLUTION: A printer 1 receives instruction data from a server 3 on the basis of a function URL 221, and determines, when the received instruction data includes an execution instruction of download printing, a print mode for the download printing on the basis of characteristics of a document designated by the execution instruction. When the print mode for the download printing is determined to a separation mode, the printer 1 terminates receiving entire portions of one document designated by the execution instruction, and then starts printing based on the received document. When the print mode for the download printing is determined to a parallel mode, the printer 1 starts printing based on a received portion of the document before terminating receiving the entire portions of the one document designated by the execution instruction, and performs receiving and printing in parallel.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technical field disclosed in this specification relates to printers, printing systems, and programs. More specifically, it relates to a technology in which a printer accesses a server, receives a document from a storage according to instruction data stored in the server, and performs printing based on the received document.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1, there is known a printing system including a printer and a server, in which the printer accesses the server, analyzes instruction data sent from the server, and performs processing according to the instruction data. The printer can perform download printing in which it downloads a document from a storage and performs printing. For example, when the instruction data includes an execution instruction for download printing, download printing can be performed according to the instruction data.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When performing download printing, as printing methods, there are a method in which printing is started after the download of the entire document is completed, and a method in which printing is started before the download of the entire document is completed, that is, a method in which the download and printing of the document are performed in parallel. These printing methods have their advantages and disadvantages, and the superiority and inferiority can change depending on the type and content of the document. However, which printing method is used for printing is uniquely determined by the design of the printer, and there may be cases where printing is not performed using a printing method suitable for the document to be printed.

[0005] This specification discloses a technique for increasing the possibility of printing in a printing method suitable for a document to be printed in a printer that performs download printing based on instruction data.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] A printer made for the purpose of solving the above-described problems is a printer including a communication interface and a controller. The printer can register access information indicating the transmission source of instruction data. The instruction data is data for instructing the printer to execute a process. The process to be executed by the printer includes download printing for downloading a document from a storage on a network and printing the document. An execution instruction for the download printing is an instruction specifying the document to be downloaded. Further, there are a first method and a second method different from the first method in the printing method in the download printing. The controller accesses a server that is the transmission source of the instruction data based on the registered access information via the communication interface, and executes a reception process for receiving the instruction data transmitted from the server. Further, when the execution instruction for the download printing is included in the instruction data received in the reception process, the controller determines a printing method in the download printing based on the characteristics of the document specified in the execution instruction, and according to the printing method determined in the determination process, the controller receives the document specified by the execution instruction for the download printing from a predetermined storage indicated by the instruction data via the communication interface, and performs download printing by performing printing based on the received document. In the download printing process, when the printing method in the download printing is determined to be the first method in the determination process, the download printing according to the first method is performed. The first method is a method of starting printing based on the received document after completing the reception of all of one document specified by the execution instruction for the download printing. When the printing method in the download printing is determined to be the second method in the determination process, the download printing according to the second method is performed. The second method is a method of starting printing based on the received part of the document before completing the reception of all of one document specified by the execution instruction for the download printing.It is characterized in that it is a method of parallelizing the reception of the document and printing based on the document.

[0007] According to the technology disclosed in this specification, the printer automatically determines the printing method in download printing based on the characteristics of the document specified in the execution instruction of download printing, that is, the document to be printed. As a result, it can be expected that download printing will be performed in a printing method suitable for the document.

[0008] A printing system including the above printer, a control method for realizing the functions of the printer, a computer program, and a computer-readable storage medium storing the program are also novel and useful.

Effects of the Invention

[0009] According to the technology disclosed in this specification, in a printer that performs download printing based on instruction data, a technology is realized that enhances the possibility of printing in a printing method suitable for the document to be printed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, the printing system according to the embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The printing system 100 of this embodiment includes, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, a printer 1 and a server 3, and these are a system configured to be connectable to each other via a network 200. The printer 1 can be further connected to a storage 4 via a network 300.

[0012] The printer 1 of this embodiment includes a controller 10 including a CPU 11 and a memory 12, as shown in FIG. 1. Further, the printer 1 includes a user interface (hereinafter referred to as "user IF") 13, a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as "communication IF") 14, and a printing engine 15, and these are electrically connected to the controller 10. Note that the CPU 11 may be an example of the controller.

[0013] The CPU 11 executes various processes according to the program read from the memory 12 and based on the user's operation. As shown in FIG. 1, various programs and various information including an operating system (hereinafter referred to as "OS") 21 and an external function program 22 are stored in the memory 12. The external function program 22 is an example of a program. The memory 12 is also used as a work area when various processes are executed. The buffer included in the CPU 11 is also an example of a memory.

[0014] An example of the memory 12 is not limited to a ROM, RAM, HDD, etc. built into the printer 1, and may be a storage medium that can be read and written by the CPU 11. A computer-readable storage medium is a non-transitory medium. Non-transitory media include, in addition to the above examples, recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs. Also, non-transitory media are tangible media. On the other hand, an electrical signal that conveys a program downloaded from a server on the Internet or the like is a computer-readable signal medium, which is a type of computer-readable medium, but is not included in non-transitory computer-readable storage media.

[0015] The external function program 22 is a program that acquires instruction data from an external device such as the server 3 and realizes functions through processing based on the acquired instruction data. Function URLs 221 and 222 for each external function are registered in advance by the designer of the printing system 100 or the like in the external function program 22. The function URLs 221 and 222 are information including access information indicating the source of instruction data for starting the execution of each external function. Details of the external function program 22 will be described later.

[0016] The memory 12 is further provided with a download buffer (hereinafter referred to as "DL buffer") 23 and a RIP buffer 24. The DL buffer 23 is a buffer that temporarily stores data downloaded from an external device. The RIP buffer 24 is a buffer that temporarily stores data of a printing target to be subjected to rasterization processing. Note that the DL buffer 23 and the RIP buffer 24 are storage areas of a predetermined size determined in advance, respectively.

[0017] The user IF 13 is, for example, a touch panel, and includes hardware for displaying a screen for notifying the user of information and hardware for receiving operations by the user. Note that the user IF 13 may be a combination of a display and buttons, keys, etc.

[0018] Communication IF 14 includes a configuration connectable to network 200 and network 300, and includes hardware for communicating with server 3 via network 200 and hardware for communicating with storage 4 via network 300. The communication standards of communication IF 14 are Ethernet (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), USB, etc. Printer 1 may be provided with a plurality of communication IFs 14 corresponding to a plurality of communication standards. Network 200 and network 300 may be a local network connected to printer 1 or the Internet. Also, network 200 and network 300 may be the same network.

[0019] Printing engine 15 includes a configuration for printing an image based on image data on a printing medium such as a sheet. The image forming method of printing engine 15 is, for example, an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method. Printing engine 15 may be configured to enable color printing or to perform only monochrome printing.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, server 3 stores one or more pieces of instruction data 31, 32, 33, etc., and has a function of transmitting the specified instruction data based on a transmission instruction from printer 1 or the like. Server 3 is an example of the transmission source of the instruction data. Each piece of instruction data stored in server 3 is information that can be analyzed by external function program 22 of printer 1, and is, for example, an xml file prepared by a designer or the like of printing system 100. Details of the instruction data will be described later. Note that the designer or the like of printing system 100 is, for example, a system administrator of a company that has introduced printer 1, a seller of printing system 100 including printer 1, a designer or service person of the manufacturer or dealer of printer 1.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, for example, the storage 4 stores various documents 41, 42, 43 for download printing. Each document is data to be printed prepared by the designer or the like of the printing system 100, and is, for example, data indicating various application forms, various report forms, operation manuals of various devices, and terms of use. The document is not limited to a document, and may be a photo, an image, or a chart. Each document stored in the storage 4 may be, for example, print data generated by a printer driver corresponding to the printer 1, or data in a standard format such as the PDF format. The storage 4 may be a part of the same device as the server 3.

[0022] Designers or the like of the printing system 100 including the printer 1 and the server 3 can design a series of processes that combine display of an input screen, download printing, processing other than download printing, etc. by storing a plurality of instruction data in the server 3 and allowing the printer 1 to access the server 3. The instruction data can include an instruction to acquire the next instruction data. Then, when the designers or the like of the printing system 100 cause the printer 1 to execute a series of processes, information indicating the instruction data that the printer 1 first accesses is stored in the printer 1 as the function URLs 221, 222.

[0023] In this specification, download printing executed by the printer 1 based on the instruction data stored in the server 3 will be described as a series of processes. The download printing in this embodiment is a process in which the printer 1 downloads a document from the storage 4 on the network and executes printing based on the downloaded document. In the function URL 221 of the printer 1 in this embodiment, access information for starting the execution of download printing, that is, information indicating one storage destination of the instruction data stored in the server 3, for example, "http: / / www.server-c.com / print_top.xml" is registered.

[0024] Note that the printer 1 may directly receive an instruction to register a function URL via, for example, the user IF 13, or may receive it via a personal computer or the like connectable to the printer 1. The personal computer or the like can cause the printer 1 to register the function URL by using, for example, an embedded web server (hereinafter referred to as "EWS") provided in the printer 1 or an application program dedicated to registering the function URL. The EWS or the dedicated application program causes, for example, an input screen as shown in FIG. 2 to be displayed on the personal computer or the like. FIG. 2 is an example of an input screen when an instruction to register a function URL is received. When an instruction to register is received with the information of the function URL 221 input in the URL input field, the printer 1 stores the function URL 221 in the memory 12 in association with its ID and name. Note that "http" shown in FIG. 2 and the like may be changed to "https".

[0025] Next, based on an instruction from a user who uses the printing system 100, the procedure of the external function process executed by the external function program 22 of the printer 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 3. The external function process is executed by the CPU 11 of the printer 1, for example, triggered by receiving an instruction from the user to start executing the external function program 22 via the user IF 13.

[0026] Incidentally, the following processes basically show the processes of the CPU 11 according to the instructions described in the program. That is, the processes such as "judgment", "extraction", "selection", "calculation", "decision", "specification", "acquisition", "reception", and "control" in the following description represent the processes of the CPU 11. The processes by the CPU 11 include hardware control using the OS API. In this specification, the description of the OS is omitted and the operations of each program are described. That is, in the following description, the description to the effect that "Program B controls Hardware C" may refer to "Program B controls Hardware C using the OS API". Also, the processes of the CPU 11 according to the instructions described in the program may be described in an abbreviated form of words. For example, it may be described as "performed by the CPU 11". Also, the processes of the CPU 11 according to the instructions described in the program may be described in an abbreviated form of words omitting the CPU, such as "performed by Program A".

[0027] Incidentally, "acquisition" is used as a concept that does not require a request. That is, the process of the CPU 11 receiving data without a request is also included in the concept of "the CPU acquiring data". Also, the "data" in this specification is represented by a bit string readable by a computer. And data having the same substantial meaning content but different formats shall be treated as the same data. The same applies to the "information" in this specification. Also, "request" and "instruct" are concepts indicating outputting information indicating what is being requested or information indicating what is being instructed to the other party. Also, the information indicating what is being requested or the information indicating what is being instructed is simply referred to as "request" or "instruct".

[0028] Also, the process of the CPU 11 determining whether information A indicates that matter B is the case may be conceptually described as "determining from information A whether matter B is the case". The process of the CPU 11 determining whether information A indicates that matter B is the case or whether it indicates that matter C is the case may be conceptually described as "determining from information A whether matter B or matter C is the case".

[0029] In the external function process, the CPU 11 reads the function URL of the function that has received the execution instruction from the memory 12 (S101), accesses the server 3 using the obtained function URL, and receives a predetermined xml file that is instruction data (S102). S102 is an example of reception processing. In this embodiment, the CPU 11 reads the function URL 221. The process of accessing the server 3 using the function URL registered in the memory 12 is also a process of requesting the server 3 to transmit instruction data.

[0030] The instruction data stored in the server 3 includes display instruction data for instructing screen display and operation instruction data for instructing an operation. The CPU 11 analyzes the received instruction data and determines whether the instruction data is display instruction data or operation instruction data (S103). Specifically, the CPU 11 <display>It is determined that the instruction data including the tag is display instruction data, <command> It is determined that the instruction data including the tag is operation instruction data. Note that the names and values of various tags only need to be analyzable by the external function program 22 that analyzes the instruction data, and are not limited to the examples in each figure.

[0031] The instruction data 31 that the printer 1 first receives by the function URL 221 of this embodiment is, for example, display instruction data that instructs the display of a selection screen for selecting data to be printed, as shown in part in FIG. 4(A). When it is determined that the received instruction data is display instruction data (S103: display instruction), the CPU 11 causes the user IF 13 to display a display screen based on the instruction data (S104). When receiving the instruction data 31 shown in FIG. 4(A) by an execution instruction for download printing, the CPU 11 causes the user IF 13 to display a selection screen 51 including a selection button 511 for selecting "Manual" and a selection button 512 for selecting "Application Form", as shown in FIG. 4(B).

[0032] Furthermore, the CPU 11 waits until a selection operation of the user is received via the user IF 13 on the displayed selection screen 51 (S105). When it is determined that a selection operation of the user has been received (S105: YES), the CPU 11 determines whether the instruction data being processed includes information for requesting the transmission of the next instruction data (S108). Specifically, <nexturl>Determine whether a tag is included. The next instruction data is the instruction data received after the processing of the instruction data being processed. In the instruction data 31 shown in FIG. 4(A), <nexturl>As tag information, it includes a URL for requesting the following instruction data.

[0033] When it is determined that the instruction data being processed includes information for requesting the transmission of the following instruction data (S108: YES), the CPU 11 <nexturl>Obtain the following URL based on the tag information (S109). That is, when the CPU 11 receives the selection of the data to be printed on the selection screen 51, <nexturl>Based on the tag information and the received selection result, obtain the following URL, return to S102, and receive the following instruction data from server 3.

[0034] For example, based on the user input received on the selection screen 51 shown in FIG. 4(B), the CPU 11 extracts the information indicating the selected button as the information indicating the operation content. For example, when "Manual" is operated, the CPU 11 extracts "1", which is the value corresponding to "Manual", from the instruction data. Then, for example, the CPU 11 <nexturl>Using the URL obtained from the tag information, HTML data including information indicating the operation content is sent to Server 3, and Server 3 sends the next instruction data corresponding to the selected button based on the received HTML data.

[0035] Alternatively, CPU 11 <nexturl>It is also possible to create a URL by adding information indicating the operation content by the user as a parameter to the URL obtained from the tag information, and request the resource indicated by the created URL from the server 3. Note that the operation screen for receiving the user's input is not limited to the screen for receiving the selection of buttons, and may be a screen for receiving the input of text. In this case, the CPU 11 may use the input text itself as the information indicating the operation content.

[0036] The CPU 11 determines whether the next instruction data received from the server 3 is a display instruction or an operation instruction. If it is a display instruction, the processes of S105 and S108 are repeated in the same manner. On the other hand, when it is determined that the received instruction data is operation instruction data (S103: operation instruction), the CPU 11 determines whether the instructed operation is download printing (S110). The instruction data 32 or instruction data 33 shown in FIG. 5 are <downloadprint>Instruction data including tags, and the CPU 11 determines that these instruction data are instruction data including an execution instruction for download printing.

[0037] The instruction data 32 shown in FIG. 5(A) is an example of instruction data received from the server 3 when "Manual" is selected on the selection screen 51 shown in FIG. 4(B). The instruction data 33 shown in FIG. 5(B) is an example of instruction data when "Application Form" is selected on the selection screen 51. The instruction data 32 and the instruction data 33 are <command> instruction data including tags and are operation instruction data. The operation instruction data for download printing includes an item specifying the document to be downloaded by file name. For example, in the instruction data 32 and the instruction data 33 shown in FIG. 5, the documents to be printed are respectively <path>It is specified by the tag with the file name.

[0038] Note that some display instruction data includes a reply instruction in addition to the display instruction. The reply instruction is an instruction to reply to the server 3 with parameters indicating at least one of the document to be printed and the print settings based on the input of the user received on the displayed screen. For example, the designer of the printing system 100 or the like can also prepare display instruction data that accepts not only the selection of the document to be downloaded but also the selection of print settings, for example, the specification of the number of copies to be printed, the selection of double-sided printing or single-sided printing, and the selection of color printing or monochrome printing. The display instruction data that accepts the selection of print settings includes a reply instruction to reply the received selection result to the server 3.

[0039] When the received display instruction data includes a reply instruction, the CPU 11 replies to the server 3 with information on print settings such as the number of copies based on the input of the user. When the server 3 receives the information on print settings and the instruction to send the next instruction data, the server 3 edits the instruction data instructed to be sent based on the received information and sends the edited instruction data to the printer 1. For example, when the server 3 receives the information indicating that the number of copies is 2 and the instruction to send the next instruction data, in the instruction data 32 or instruction data 33 shown in FIG. 5, <collate>Create instruction data in which the value of the tag is replaced with "2" indicating two parts, and send it to Printer 1. Printer 1 analyzes the received instruction data, <collate>The information on the number of printed copies can be obtained based on the value of the tag.

[0040] That is, the printer 1 can reflect the parameter in a series of processes by replying the information of the parameters received on the input screen to the server 3 and receiving the instruction data reflecting the information of the parameters from the server 3. By passing the parameters indicating the print settings via the instruction data and reflecting the parameters in the download printing, the print content can be customized when executing the download printing, enhancing the convenience of the system including the printer 1.

[0041] When it is determined that the received instruction data is the instruction data for instructing download printing (S110: YES), the CPU 11 executes the method determination process (S111). The method determination process is a process of determining the printing method of the download printing based on the characteristics of the document to be printed. The procedure of the method determination process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 6.

[0042] In the method determination process, the CPU 11 attempts to extract the method information from the instruction data (S201). The method information is information indicating the printing method in the download printing. For example, the designer of the printing system 100 or the like can incorporate the method information into the instruction data in advance. For example, in the instruction data 32 and 33 shown in FIG. 5, <parallelprocessing>The value of the tag is format information. The CPU 11 analyzes the instruction data and <parallelprocessing>Attempt to extract the presence or absence of tags and their values. Note that the printer 1 of this embodiment accepts any one of the parallel method, the separation method, and automatic setting as the method information.

[0043] The separation method is a printing method that starts printing after all downloads of the document are completed. The parallel method is a printing method that starts printing before all downloads of the document are completed and executes downloading and printing in parallel. The separation method is an example of the first method, and the parallel method is an example of the second method. The printer 1 of this embodiment can execute both download printing in the separation method and download printing in the parallel method.

[0044] In the separation method, since printing is not started until the download is completed, the printing start timing may be late, but the printing progress speed after printing starts is fast. For example, for a document with a small number of pages, the time required for downloading is not very long, so the separation method with a fast printing progress speed tends to be suitable. On the other hand, in the parallel method, since printing is started even if the download is not completed, the printing start timing is early, but after printing starts, for example, it may wait for downloading and the progress of printing may be delayed. In the case of a document with a large number of pages, the required time until the download is completed may be long, and the parallel method with an early printing start timing tends to be suitable.

[0045] When the instruction data contains the method information, the CPU 11 determines the method specified by the method information (S203). Specifically, the CPU 11 <parallelprocessing>It is determined that the tag value is method information that specifies the parallel method if it is "true", the separation method if it is "false", and the automatic setting if it is "auto", respectively.

[0046] The instruction data includes <parallelprocessing>There may be no tags. When it is determined that the instruction data does not include format information (S203: no), the CPU 11 attempts to obtain the default printing format (S205). The default printing format is accepted for each function URL to be registered at the time of registration of the function URL 221 described above, for example, on the registration screen shown in FIG. 2. When the registration instruction of the default printing format is included in the registration instruction of the function URL, the printer 1 stores the default printing format in association with the function URL. In S205, the CPU 11 attempts to obtain the default printing format stored corresponding to the function URL to be executed.

[0047] Note that the default printing format may be stored not only for each function URL but also as a default common to a plurality of function URLs registered in the printer 1. For example, the printer 1 may accept the registration instruction of the default printing format via the EWS or at the user IF 13 of the printer 1 separately from the registration of the function URL 221. In that case, in S205, the CPU 11 attempts to obtain the common default printing format.

[0048] When it is determined that the instruction data includes format information specifying the parallel format (S203: parallel), or when it is determined that the parallel format is registered as the default printing format (S205: parallel), the CPU 11 obtains the extension of the file specified as the target of download printing (S211). Then, the CPU 11 determines whether the file format is not suitable for the parallel format based on the file extension (S213).

[0049] In order to properly execute download printing in parallel, it is necessary for the format to be such that rasterization can be appropriately started based on the data of the downloaded portion even if not all downloads of the document are completed. For example, in a document in a file format where information indicating the print settings used for printing the first page is included in a predetermined area from the beginning of the document, such as the header area of the document, to before the end of the data of the first page, Printer 1 can determine the print settings required for printing the first page if the download and analysis up to that predetermined area are completed. A document that can determine the print settings for the first page without completing all analysis of the document is not a document with characteristics unsuitable for the parallel method.

[0050] On the other hand, in a document in a file format where it is recognized that information indicating the print settings used for printing the first page is included somewhere between after the end of the data of the first page and the end of the document for a multi-page document, Printer 1 needs to download the entire document in order to determine the print settings required for starting printing. In the case of a file format where the information on the print settings used for printing the first page may be added after the image data of the first page and the location where the print settings information is added is not specified, Printer 1 cannot determine the print settings for the first page unless the download is completed up to the end of the document.

[0051] For example, a file format such as the PDF format, where the print settings used for printing the first page cannot be determined until the entire document is analyzed up to the end, is a format that requires the entire document to be downloaded before starting printing. A document in this format is not suitable for parallel printing. The file format is an example of the characteristics of a document, and the PDF format is an example of a specific format. A document in the PDF format is an example of a document with characteristics unsuitable for the parallel method.

[0052] When it is determined that the file format is not unsuitable for the parallel mode (S213: NO), the CPU 11 determines the printing mode to be the parallel mode (S215). On the other hand, when it is determined that the file format is unsuitable for the parallel mode (S213: YES), the CPU 11 does not adopt the parallel mode. Even if the mode information or the default printing mode indicates the parallel mode, if the file format is unsuitable for the parallel mode, the printer 1 exceptionally does not adopt the parallel mode.

[0053] When it is determined to be YES in S213, the CPU 11 attempts to acquire the data size information. The data size information is information indicating the data size of the document that is the target of the download printing, and is an example of the size information. For example, the designer of the printing system 100 or the like can incorporate the data size information into the instruction data in advance. For example, in the instruction data 33 shown in FIG. 5, <datasize>The value of the tag is data size information. Note that the data size of the document may be obtained not only from the instruction data but also from a part of the document. For example, if it is possible to include the data size information in the header part of the document, the CPU 11 may attempt to obtain the data size information by reading the header of the document.

[0054] Also, when it is determined that the instruction data includes format information indicating the separation method or automatic designation (S203: Separation or Automatic), the CPU 11 also attempts to obtain the data size information. Further, when it is determined that the instruction data does not include format information and either the default printing format is the separation method or the default printing format is not registered (S205: Separation or None), the CPU 11 also attempts to obtain the data size information.

[0055] Then, the CPU 11 determines whether the data size information has been obtained (S221). When it is determined that the instruction data includes the data size information (S221: YES), the CPU 11 determines whether the data size indicated by the data size information is greater than the threshold based on the download area, which is the storage area used for downloading the file (S223). The threshold based on the download area may be, for example, a variable value based on the free memory capacity at that time, or a fixed value determined in advance based on the storage capacity of the download area.

[0056] When it is determined that the data size information could not be obtained (S221: NO), or when it is determined that the data size indicated by the obtained data size information is not greater than the threshold based on the download area (S223: NO), the CPU 11 determines the printing format as the separation method (S225).

[0057] On the other hand, when the CPU 11 determines that the data size indicated by the data size information is larger than the threshold value based on the download area (S223: YES), the CPU 11 decides not to perform download printing in the separation method. When performing download printing in the separation method, the printer 1 temporarily stores the entire document in the memory 12. If the size of the storage area available for download is less than the data size of the document, the printer 1 cannot appropriately execute download printing in the separation method. Even if the method information or the default printing method indicates the separation method, when the data size is larger than the threshold value, the printer 1 cannot appropriately complete the download, so the separation method is not adopted exception. The data size of the document is an example of the characteristics of the document, and a document with a data size larger than the threshold value is an example of a document with characteristics not suitable for the first method.

[0058] Then, the CPU 11 determines whether the printing method specified in the instruction data is automatic setting (S231). When it is determined that automatic setting is specified (S231: YES), the CPU 11 acquires the file extension (S233) and determines whether the file format is a file format not suitable for the parallel method (S235). S233 and S235 are the same processes as S211 and S213. Note that even when the printing method is not specified in the instruction data and the default printing method is not registered, the CPU 11 determines YES in S231.

[0059] When it is determined that the file format is not a file format not suitable for the parallel method (S235: NO), the CPU 11 determines the printing method as the parallel method (S215). When the data size of the document is large, if the file format allows the parallel method to be adopted, the possibility of appropriately executing download printing for a document with a large data size increases.

[0060] On the other hand, when it is determined that the printing method specified in the instruction data is not auto - setting (S231: NO), or even if it is auto - setting, when it is determined that the file format is not suitable for the parallel method (S235: YES), the CPU 11 determines an error (S237). After any of S215, S225, or S237, the CPU 11 ends the method determination process and returns to the external function process.

[0061] Return to the description of the external function process in FIG. 3. In the external function process, the CPU 11 determines which method is the determination result of the method determination process executed in S111 (S112). When it is determined that an error has been determined in S237 of the method determination process (S112: error), the CPU 11 notifies the error (S113) and proceeds to S108. When notifying the error, the CPU 11 may end the external function process regardless of the presence or absence of the next URL.

[0062] When it is determined that the method determined in the method determination process is the separation method (S112: separation), the CPU 11 first executes the download process (S115), and then executes the read - out printing process (S116). The combination of the download process and the read - out printing process is an example of the download printing process for performing download printing in the first method.

[0063] The procedure of the download process in the separation method will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 7. The download process is a process of downloading a document from the storage 4 and storing it in a temporary file. The temporary file is a file for temporarily storing the downloaded data.

[0064] In the download process, the CPU 11 generates a temporary file in the memory 12 (S301), connects to the storage 4, and opens the document to be printed (S302). Next, the CPU 11 downloads the document to be printed in units of the size of the DL buffer 23 (see FIG. 1) (S305), and writes the downloaded data to the temporary file generated in S301 (S306).

[0065] Then, the CPU 11 determines whether all downloads of the document to be printed have been completed (S307). For example, if the size of the data that could be downloaded in S305 is smaller than the size of the DL buffer 23, the CPU 11 determines that the download is complete. If the size of the downloaded data is equal to the size of the DL buffer 23, the CPU 11 determines that there is still a possibility that the download has not been completed.

[0066] If it is determined that the download has not been completed (S307: NO), the CPU 11 returns to S305 and further performs the download and writing to the temporary file. If it is determined that the download is complete (S307: YES), the CPU 11 closes the document in the storage 4 (S308). Then, the CPU 11 closes the temporary file (S309), ends the download process, and returns to the external function process.

[0067] In the external function process of FIG. 3, after the completion of the download process (S115), the CPU 11 executes a read and print process (S116). The procedure of the read and print process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 8.

[0068] In the read and print process, the CPU 11 opens the temporary file that was generated and written in the above-described download process (S401). The CPU 11 reads data from the temporary file and writes it to the RIP buffer 24 (S402). For example, the CPU 11 attempts to read data from the temporary file and write it to the RIP buffer 24 in an amount equal to the free size, based on the free size of the RIP buffer 24.

[0069] The CPU 11 processes the data written to the RIP buffer 24 according to a RIP program and a print program (not shown). Specifically, the CPU 11 sequentially rasterizes the data in the RIP buffer 24 according to the RIP program (S404) to generate print data. When generating the print data, the CPU 11 uses the parameters included in the instruction data and the print settings based on the document. Further, the CPU 11 instructs the print engine 15 to perform printing based on the generated print data according to the print program. As a result, the print engine 15 executes printing based on the print data (S405). The CPU 11 deletes the data in the portion where the rasterization has ended from the RIP buffer 24.

[0070] The CPU 11 determines whether or not the reading of all the data stored in the temporary file has been completed (S411). For example, if the size of the data that could actually be read from the temporary file in S402 is smaller than the free size, the CPU 11 determines that the reading of all the data has been completed. If it is determined that the reading has not been completed (S411: NO), the CPU 11 returns to S402 to continue reading the temporary file.

[0071] If it is determined that the reading of all the data has been completed (S411: YES), the CPU 11 closes the temporary file (S412) and deletes the temporary file (S413). Thereafter, the CPU 11 ends the read and print process and returns to the external function process.

[0072] Return to the description of the external function processing in FIG. 3. After the read and print processing of S116, the CPU 11 proceeds to S108 to determine whether the next URL information is further included in the instruction data being executed. On the other hand, if it is determined in the method determination processing that the method is the parallel method (S112: parallel), the CPU 11 executes parallel print processing (S119). The parallel print processing is an example of download print processing that performs download printing in the second method.

[0073] The procedure of the parallel print processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 9. In the parallel print processing, the CPU 11 connects to the storage 4 and opens the document to be printed (S501). S501 is the same processing as S302 of the download processing shown in FIG. 7. Next, the CPU 11 acquires the free size of the RIP buffer 24 (S502). Then, the CPU 11 determines whether the free size is larger than a predetermined size (S503). The predetermined size is a fixed value determined in advance in consideration of the relationship between the download speed and the printing speed by the print engine 15, the processing speeds of the RIP program and the print program, etc.

[0074] If it is determined that the free size is not larger than the predetermined size (S503: NO), the CPU 11 returns to S502 and acquires the free size of the RIP buffer 24 again. The free size of the RIP buffer 24 gradually increases as the data for which the rasterization processing has ended is deleted.

[0075] If it is determined that the free size is larger than the predetermined size (S503: YES), the CPU 11 downloads the document in the storage 4 up to the predetermined size and writes it to the RIP buffer 24 (S505). Note that instead of writing directly to the RIP buffer 24, the CPU 11 may write the received document to the DL buffer 23 once and immediately transfer it from the DL buffer 23 to the RIP buffer 24.

[0076] When data is written to the RIP buffer 24, the CPU 11 generates print data by rasterization (S506), and instructs the print engine 15 to perform printing based on the generated print data (S507). S506 is the same process as S404 of the read and print process in FIG. 8.

[0077] The CPU 11 determines whether all downloads of the document to be printed have been completed (S511). For example, if the size of the data that could be downloaded in S505 is smaller than a predetermined size, the CPU 11 determines that the download has been completed. If the size of the data that could be downloaded is equal to the predetermined size, the CPU 11 determines that there is a possibility that the download has not been completed yet. If it is determined that the download has not been completed (S511: NO), the CPU 11 returns to S502 to perform further downloads and printing.

[0078] If it is determined that the download has been completed (S511: YES), the CPU 11 closes the document in the storage 4 (S512). Then, the CPU 11 ends the parallel printing process and returns to the external function process. If there is still data remaining in the RIP buffer 24, the CPU 11 continues to execute the process.

[0079] Returning to the description of the external function process in FIG. 3. In the external function process, after the parallel printing process of S119, the CPU 11 proceeds to S108 and determines whether the information of the next URL is further included in the instruction data being executed. Also, if it is determined that the received instruction data is operation instruction data and not download print instruction data (S110: NO), the CPU 11 executes the process based on the instruction data (S120).

[0080] The external functions executable on Printer 1 are not limited to the download printing function. For example, if Printer 1 has a document reading function in addition to the printing function, it may have a scan upload function as an external function. In that case, the designer of the printing system 100 etc. prepares instruction data for realizing the scan upload function in Server 3 and registers the access information of the instruction data as a function URL. Printer 1 also executes appropriate processing in S120 based on the received instruction data for external functions other than the download printing function.

[0081] After S120, the CPU 11 proceeds to S108. When it is determined that the information of the next URL is included in the received instruction data (S108: YES), the CPU 11 acquires the next instruction data from Server 3 based on the information of the next URL as described above. When it is determined that the information of the next URL is not included (S108: NO), the CPU 11 ends the external function processing.

[0082] The differences in the data flow between the separation method and the parallel method will be described with reference to FIG. 10. In the separation method, as shown in FIG. 10(A), the data downloaded from the storage 4 by the download processing unit is once put into the DL buffer 23 and written to a temporary file by the file writing processing unit. Further, the data of the temporary file is read by the file reading processing unit, written to the RIP buffer 24, and rasterized by the RIP processing unit. The printing engine 15 executes printing based on the print data generated by rasterization. The upper part of FIG. 10(A) is the data flow by the download processing shown in FIG. 7, and the lower part is the data flow by the read and print processing shown in FIG. 8.

[0083] On the other hand, in the parallel mode, as shown in Fig. 10(B), the data downloaded from the storage 4 by the download processing unit is written into the RIP buffer 24 and rasterized by the RIP processing unit. The printing engine 15 executes printing based on the print data generated by rasterization. Fig. 10(B) shows the data flow in the parallel printing process shown in Fig. 9. In many cases, the reading speed by the file reading processing unit is faster than the download speed by the download processing unit. Therefore, as described above, the first print start is more likely to be earlier in the parallel mode, and the print speed after the print start is more likely to be faster in the separation mode.

[0084] As described in detail above, the printer 1 of this embodiment automatically determines the printing method in download printing based on the document specified in the execution instruction of download printing, that is, the file format, data size, etc., which are the characteristics of the document to be printed. Thereby, it can be expected that download printing is performed in a printing method suitable for the document.

[0085] Furthermore, the printer 1 of this embodiment accepts the selection of the printing method by the method information included in the instruction data and the default registration. However, when the selected printing method does not match the characteristics of the document, the printing method is determined based on the characteristics of the document. Thereby, since download printing is not performed in a printing method that does not match the document, for example, the possibility of waste of consumables such as an error occurring even though printing has started is reduced.

[0086] Note that this embodiment is merely an example and does not limit the present invention in any way. Therefore, the technology disclosed in this specification can naturally be variously improved and modified without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the printer is not limited to a single-function printer, and can be applied to any device having a printing function and a communication function via a network, such as a multifunction printer, a copier, a fax machine, etc.

[0087] Also, in this embodiment, when the method information included in the instruction data is automatic setting, if the separation method is possible, the separation method is adopted. However, the parallel method may be prioritized. Also, when the method information is not included and the default printing method is not registered, the separation method is prioritized. However, the parallel method may be prioritized. Also, in the embodiment, even if the parallel method is specified by the method information or the default printing method, if the file format does not allow the application of the parallel method, it is determined whether the separation method can be applied. However, it may simply be regarded as an error. Specifically, when it is determined as YES in S213 of the method determination process, the CPU 11 may proceed to S237.

[0088] Also, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the instruction data can include the method information, but it may not include the method information. That is, the printer 1 <parallelprocessing>Even if it is not possible to obtain the method information based on the tag value, it may be determined that the method information is not included in the instruction data. Also, in this embodiment, although it is assumed that the default printing method can be registered, it does not have to be registered.

[0089] Also, in this embodiment, as a characteristic of the document, it is assumed that the printing method is determined based on two types of characteristics, the file format and the data size information, but only one of them may be used.

[0090] Also, the mode of the display screen illustrated in this specification is an example, and the arrangement of each button and the words included therein are not limited to the modes of these figures. For example, there may be display instruction data for displaying a selection screen on which a plurality of documents can be selected. When a plurality of documents are specified on the selection screen, the printer 1 may transmit a transmission instruction including a plurality of parameters to the server 3, or may transmit a transmission instruction for each document to the server 3 in order.

[0091] Also, after starting the download printing in the separation method, the printer 1 monitors the free capacity of the memory 12, and when the free capacity of the memory 12 becomes less than a predetermined threshold value, it may start executing the read printing process without waiting for the end of the download process.

[0092] Also, in this embodiment, the sizes of the DL buffer 23 and the RIP buffer 24 are assumed to be fixed, but the size of each buffer may be variable. Also, the printer 1 of this embodiment is assumed to be able to return parameters to the server 3, but it does not have to be able to return them.

[0093] Further, the printer 1 of this embodiment is configured to accept the selection of a document to be downloaded by user input after receiving an execution instruction for download printing as an execution instruction for the external function program 22, but is not limited thereto. For example, a designer of the printing system 100 or the like may previously store in the memory 12 a function URL indicating operation instruction data for an operation instruction to download and print a specific document. In this case, since the printer 1 receives an instruction for download printing including a document specification in advance as an execution instruction for the external function program 22, the printer 1 executes download printing without displaying a screen such as that in FIG. 4(B).

[0094] In addition, in this embodiment, an example is shown in which one document is specified as a print target for download printing as operation instruction data, but a plurality of documents may be specified in one operation instruction data. For example, on the server 3, a plurality of <path>Operation instruction data including tags may be prepared. In that case, the printer 1 may determine the printing method for each document and execute download printing.

[0095] In addition, the trigger for the printer 1 of this embodiment to execute the download printing function is not limited to the user's instruction. For example, in the external function program 22 of the printer 1, in addition to the function URL 221 including access information for accessing the server 3 according to the user's instruction, a function URL including access information and access conditions may be registered. The access conditions are, for example, fixed times such as once a day or once a week, a predetermined time after the power is turned on, and the like. When it is determined that the access condition is satisfied in a state where the function URL including the access condition is registered, the printer 1 starts the external function process using the access information corresponding to the access condition.

[0096] In addition, in any flowchart disclosed in the embodiment, the plurality of processes in any plurality of steps can be arbitrarily changed in the execution order or executed in parallel within a range where there is no contradiction in the processing content.

[0097] In addition, the processes disclosed in the embodiment may be executed by a single CPU, a plurality of CPUs, hardware such as an ASIC, or a combination thereof. Further, the processes disclosed in the embodiment can be realized in various forms such as a recording medium recording a program for executing the process, or a method.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0098] 1 Printer 3 Server 4 Storage 11 CPU 12 Memory 13 User IF 14 Communication IF 15 Printing Engine 100 Printing System 200, 300 Network< / path> < / parallelprocessing> < / datasize> < / parallelprocessing> < / parallelprocessing> < / parallelprocessing> < / parallelprocessing> < / collate> < / collate> < / path> < / downloadprint> < / nexturl> < / nexturl> < / nexturl> < / nexturl> < / nexturl> < / nexturl> < / display>

Claims

1. A printer comprising a communication interface and a controller, wherein the printer is capable of registering access information indicating a transmission source of instruction data, the instruction data being data for instructing processing to be executed by the printer, and the processing to be executed by the printer includes download printing for downloading a document from a storage on a network and printing the document, an execution instruction for the download printing is an instruction specifying the document to be downloaded, and further, in the printing method for the download printing, there are a first method and a second method different from the first method, the controller executes a reception process of accessing, via the communication interface, a server that is a transmission source of the instruction data based on the registered access information and receiving the instruction data transmitted from the server, and further, the controller when the execution instruction for the download printing is included in the instruction data received in the reception process, performs a determination process of determining a printing method in the download printing based on characteristics of the document specified in the execution instruction, and a download printing process of performing the download printing by downloading, via the communication interface, the document specified in the execution instruction for the download printing from a predetermined storage indicated by the instruction data according to the printing method determined in the determination process and performing printing based on the received document, and when the printing method in the download printing is determined to be the first method in the determination process, the download printing according to the first method is performed, and the first method is a method of starting printing based on the received document after completing reception of all of one document specified in the execution instruction for the download printing. ​ ​ ​ ​ When the printing method in the download printing is determined to be the second method in the determination process, the download printing according to the second method is performed. The second method starts printing based on the received part of the document before completing the reception of all of one document specified by the execution instruction of the download printing, and is a method of parallelizing the reception of the document and the printing based on the document. Either the first method or the second method can be registered as the default printing method in the printer. In the determination process, When the first method is registered as the default printing method, if the characteristics of the document specified in the execution instruction are not characteristics unsuitable for the first method, the printing method in the download printing is determined to be the first method. When the second method is registered as the default printing method, if the characteristics of the document specified in the execution instruction are not characteristics unsuitable for the second method, the printing method in the download printing is determined to be the second method. A printer characterized by the above.

2. In the printer according to Claim 1, In the determination process, As the characteristics of the document, the file format of the document is acquired. When the acquired file format is a specific format that requires receiving all of the document to determine the printing settings necessary for starting the printing of the document, the printing method in the download printing is determined to be the first method. The specific format is a characteristic not suitable for the second method. A printer characterized by the above.

3. A printer comprising a communication interface and a controller, wherein the printer can register access information indicating the transmission source of the instruction data. The instruction data is data for instructing the printer to execute a process. The process to be executed by the printer includes download printing for downloading a document from a storage on a network and printing the document. The execution instruction of the download printing is an instruction specifying the document to be downloaded. Further, the printing methods in the download printing include a first method and a second method different from the first method. The controller ​ Access the server that is the source of the instruction data based on the registered access information via the communication interface, and execute a reception process for receiving the instruction data transmitted from the server. Furthermore, the controller When the execution instruction for download printing is included in the instruction data received in the reception process, A determination process for determining the printing method in the download printing based on the characteristics of the document specified in the execution instruction, According to the printing method determined in the determination process, via the communication interface, receive the document by downloading the document specified in the execution instruction for download printing from a predetermined storage indicated by the instruction data, and perform printing based on the received document, thereby performing a download printing process for performing the download printing. Execute, Furthermore, in the download printing process, When the printing method in the download printing is determined to be the first method in the determination process, perform the download printing according to the first method. The first method is a method of starting printing based on the received document after completing the reception of all of one document specified in the execution instruction for download printing. When the printing method in the download printing is determined to be the second method in the determination process, perform the download printing according to the second method. The second method is a method of starting printing based on the received part of the document before completing the reception of all of one document specified in the execution instruction for download printing, and parallelizing the reception of the document and the printing based on the document. The instruction data can include method information indicating the printing method in the download printing, and the method information can include any one of the first method, the second method, and automatic designation. In the determination process, When the method information indicating the first method is included in the instruction data, if the characteristics of the document specified in the execution instruction are not characteristics unsuitable for the first method, the printing method in the download printing is determined to be the first method; when the method information indicating the second method is included in the instruction data, if the characteristics are not unsuitable for the second method, the printing method in the download printing is determined to be the second method. A printer characterized by the above.

4. In the printer according to Claim 1 or Claim 3, In the determination process, As the characteristics of the document, size information indicating the data size of the document is obtained. When the data size indicated by the obtained size information is larger than a threshold value based on a download area which is a storage area for storing the received document, the printing method in the download printing is determined to be the second method. The data size larger than the threshold value is a characteristic unsuitable for the first method. A printer characterized by the above.

5. A printer comprising a communication interface and a controller, wherein the printer can register access information indicating the transmission source of instruction data. The instruction data is data for instructing a process to be executed by the printer. The process to be executed by the printer includes download printing for downloading a document from a storage on a network and printing the document. The execution instruction for the download printing is an instruction specifying the document to be downloaded. Further, the printing method in the download printing includes a first method and a second method different from the first method. The controller accesses, via the communication interface, a server that is the transmission source of the instruction data based on the registered access information, and executes a reception process for receiving the instruction data transmitted from the server. Furthermore, when the execution instruction for the download printing is included in the instruction data received in the reception process, the controller performs a determination process for determining the printing method in the download printing based on the characteristics of the document specified in the execution instruction. ​ ​ ​ According to the printing method determined in the determination process, the document specified by the execution instruction of the download printing is downloaded from a predetermined storage indicated by the instruction data via the communication interface, and the document is received. Then, by performing printing based on the received document, a download printing process for performing the download printing is carried out, Execute, Furthermore, in the download printing process, When the printing method in the download printing is determined to be the first method in the determination process, the download printing according to the first method is performed. The first method is a method of starting printing based on the received document after all reception of one document specified by the execution instruction of the download printing is completed. When the printing method in the download printing is determined to be the second method in the determination process, the download printing according to the second method is performed. The second method is a method of starting printing based on the received part of the document before all reception of one document specified by the execution instruction of the download printing is completed, and parallelizing the reception of the document and the printing based on the document. Either the first method or the second method can be registered as the default printing method in the printer, In the determination process, As the characteristics of the document, size information indicating the data size of the document and the file format of the document are acquired, When the first method is registered as the default printing method, if the characteristics of the document specified in the execution instruction are not characteristics unsuitable for the first method, the printing method in the download printing is determined to be the first method. When the second method is registered as the default printing method, if the characteristics of the document specified in the execution instruction are not characteristics unsuitable for the second method, the printing method in the download printing is determined to be the second method. The data size that is larger than the threshold value based on the download area, which is the storage area for storing the received document, is a characteristic unsuitable for the first method. The file format that requires receiving all of the document in order to determine the printing settings necessary for starting the printing of the document is a characteristic unsuitable for the second method. A printer characterized by the above.

6. In the printer according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, The execution instruction for the download printing is an instruction that designates a document to be downloaded by a file name. The controller In the determination process, based on the characteristics of the document specified in the execution instruction, determines the printing method in the download printing to be either the first method or the second method. In the download printing process, when performing the download printing in the first method, after completing the reception of all of the document with the file name specified in the execution instruction for the download printing, starts printing based on the received document. When performing the download printing in the second method, before completing the reception of all of the document with the file name specified in the execution instruction for the download printing, starts printing based on the received portion of the document, and parallelizes the reception of the document and the printing based on the document. A printer characterized by the above.

7. In the printer according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, The controller In the determination process, based on the characteristics of the document specified in the execution instruction, determines the printing method in the download printing to be either the first method or the second method. In the download printing process, When the printing method in the download printing is determined to be the first method in the determination process, as the download printing by the first method, after completing the reception of all of one document specified by the execution instruction of the download printing, based on the received document and in accordance with the parameters included in the instruction data, start printing, When the printing method in the download printing is determined to be the second method in the determination process, as the download printing by the second method, before completing the reception of all of one document specified by the execution instruction of the download printing, based on the received portion of the document and in accordance with the parameters included in the instruction data, start printing, and parallelize the reception of the document and the printing based on the document, A printer characterized by the above.

8. In the printer according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, In the download printing process, When the printing method in the download printing is determined to be the first method, after completing the reception of all of one document specified by the execution instruction of the download printing, analyze the entire received document to identify the printing settings, and start printing based on the received document, When the printing method in the download printing is determined to be the second method, before completing the reception of all of one document specified by the execution instruction of the download printing, analyze the received portion of the document, and when the printing settings necessary for starting printing are identified, start printing, and parallelize the reception of the document and the printing based on the document, A printer characterized by the above.

9. In a printing system including a printer and a server, The printer is able to register access information indicating the transmission source of the instruction data, the instruction data is data for instructing the printer to execute a process, the process to be executed by the printer includes download printing for downloading a document from a storage on a network and printing the document, the execution instruction of the download printing is an instruction specifying the document to be downloaded, and further, the printing methods in the download printing include a first method and a second method different from the first method, Furthermore, the printer is Request the server to send the instruction data based on the registered access information. The server When the transmission of the instruction data is requested from the printer, send the instruction data to the printer. The printer When the execution instruction for download printing is included in the instruction data received from the server Based on the characteristics of the document specified in the execution instruction, determine the printing method in the download printing, and according to the determination result, download the document specified in the execution instruction for download printing from a predetermined storage indicated by the instruction data to receive the document, and perform printing based on the received document, thereby executing a download printing process for performing the download printing. Furthermore, in the download printing process When the printing method in the download printing is determined to be the first method, perform the download printing according to the first method. The first method is a method of starting printing based on the received document after completing the reception of all of one document specified in the execution instruction for download printing. When the printing method in the download printing is determined to be the second method, perform the download printing according to the second method. The second method is a method of starting printing based on the received part of the document before completing the reception of all of one document specified in the execution instruction for download printing, and parallelizing the reception of the document and the printing based on the document. Either the first method or the second method can be registered as the default printing method in the printer. The printer When the first method is registered as the default printing method, if the characteristics of the document specified in the execution instruction are not characteristics unsuitable for the first method, determine the printing method in the download printing as the first method. When the second method is registered as the default printing method, if the characteristics of the document specified in the execution instruction are not characteristics unsuitable for the second method, determine the printing method in the download printing as the second method. A printing system characterized by the above.

10. In a printing system including a printer and a server, the printer is capable of registering access information indicating the transmission source of instruction data, the instruction data is data for instructing processing to be executed by the printer, the processing to be executed by the printer includes download printing for downloading a document from a storage on a network and printing the document, an execution instruction for the download printing is an instruction specifying the document to be downloaded, and further, there are a first method and a second method different from the first method in the printing method in the download printing. Furthermore, the printer requests the server to transmit the instruction data based on the registered access information. The server transmits the instruction data to the printer when requested to transmit the instruction data from the printer. The printer when the execution instruction for the download printing is included in the instruction data received from the server, determines the printing method in the download printing based on the characteristics of the document specified by the execution instruction, and according to the determination result, downloads the document specified by the execution instruction for the download printing from a predetermined storage indicated by the instruction data to receive the document, and performs printing based on the received document, thereby executing a download printing process for performing the download printing. Furthermore, in the download printing process, when the printing method in the download printing is determined to be the first method, the download printing according to the first method is performed. The first method is a method of starting printing based on the received document after completing the reception of all of one document specified by the execution instruction for the download printing. when the printing method in the download printing is determined to be the second method, the download printing according to the second method is performed. The second method is a method of starting printing based on the received part of the document before completing the reception of all of one document specified by the execution instruction for the download printing, and parallelizing the reception of the document and the printing based on the document. The instruction data can include format information indicating the printing format in the download printing, and the format information can include any one of the first format, the second format, and automatic specification. The printer When the format information indicating the first format is included in the instruction data, if the characteristics of the document specified by the execution instruction are not characteristics unsuitable for the first format, the printing format in the download printing is determined to be the first format. When the format information indicating the second format is included in the instruction data, if the characteristics are not characteristics unsuitable for the second format, the printing format in the download printing is determined to be the second format. A printing system characterized by this.

11. In a printing system including a printer and a server, The printer can register access information indicating the transmission source of the instruction data. The instruction data is data for instructing the printer to execute a process. The process to be executed by the printer includes download printing for downloading a document from a storage on a network and printing the document. The execution instruction for the download printing is an instruction specifying the document to be downloaded. Further, the printing formats in the download printing include a first format and a second format different from the first format. Furthermore, the printer requests the server to transmit the instruction data based on the registered access information. The server When requested to transmit the instruction data from the printer, transmits the instruction data to the printer. The printer When the execution instruction for the download printing is included in the instruction data received from the server, Based on the characteristics of the document specified by the execution instruction, determines the printing format in the download printing, and according to the determination result, downloads the document specified by the execution instruction for the download printing from a predetermined storage indicated by the instruction data to receive the document, and performs printing based on the received document, thereby executing a download printing process for performing the download printing. Furthermore, in the download printing process, When the printing method in the download printing is determined to be the first method, perform the download printing according to the first method. The first method is a method of starting printing based on the received document after completing the reception of all of one document specified by the execution instruction of the download printing. When the printing method in the download printing is determined to be the second method, perform the download printing according to the second method. The second method is a method of starting printing based on the received portion of the document before completing the reception of all of one document specified by the execution instruction of the download printing, and parallelizing the reception of the document and the printing based on the document. Either the first method or the second method can be registered as the default printing method in the printer. The printer As the characteristics of the document, obtain size information indicating the data size of the document and the file format of the document. When the first method is registered as the default printing method, if the characteristics of the document specified by the execution instruction are not characteristics unsuitable for the first method, determine the printing method in the download printing as the first method. When the second method is registered as the default printing method, if the characteristics of the document specified by the execution instruction are not characteristics unsuitable for the second method, determine the printing method in the download printing as the second method. The data size that is larger than the threshold value based on the download area, which is the storage area for storing the received document, is a characteristic unsuitable for the first method. The file format that requires receiving all of the document to determine the printing settings necessary for starting the printing of the document is a characteristic unsuitable for the second method. A printing system characterized by the above.

12. A printer capable of registering access information indicating the source of instruction data, wherein the instruction data is data for instructing processing to be executed by the printer, and the processing to be executed by the printer includes download printing for downloading a document from a storage on a network and printing the document. The execution instruction for download printing is an instruction specifying the document to be downloaded. Further, the printing methods in the download printing include a first method and a second method different from the first method. In the controller of the printer, execute a reception process of accessing, via the communication interface of the printer, a server that is the source of the instruction data based on the registered access information and receiving the instruction data transmitted from the server. Furthermore, in the controller, when the execution instruction for download printing is included in the instruction data received in the reception process, a determination process of determining the printing method in the download printing based on the characteristics of the document specified in the execution instruction, a download printing process of performing download printing by receiving, via the communication interface, the document specified in the execution instruction for download printing from a predetermined storage indicated by the instruction data according to the printing method determined in the determination process, and causing the printer to perform printing based on the received document. are executed, Furthermore, in the download printing process, when the printing method in the download printing is determined to be the first method in the determination process, perform the download printing by the first method. The first method is a method of starting printing based on the received document after completing the reception of all of one document specified in the execution instruction for download printing. when the printing method in the download printing is determined to be the second method in the determination process, perform the download printing by the second method. The second method is a method of starting printing based on the received portion of the document before completing the reception of all of one document specified in the execution instruction for download printing, and parallelizing the reception of the document and the printing based on the document. The printer can register either the first method or the second method as the default printing method. In the determination process, when the first method is registered as the default printing method, if the characteristics of the document specified in the execution instruction are not characteristics unsuitable for the first method, the printing method in the download printing is determined to be the first method; when the second method is registered as the default printing method, if the characteristics of the document specified in the execution instruction are not characteristics unsuitable for the second method, the printing method in the download printing is determined to be the second method. A program characterized by the above.

13. A printer capable of registering access information indicating the transmission source of instruction data, wherein the instruction data is data for instructing processing to be executed by the printer, and the processing to be executed by the printer includes download printing for downloading a document from a storage on a network and printing the document. The execution instruction for the download printing is an instruction specifying the document to be downloaded. Further, the printing methods in the download printing include a first method and a second method different from the first method. The controller of the printer executes a reception process of accessing, via the communication interface of the printer, the server that is the transmission source of the instruction data based on the registered access information and receiving the instruction data transmitted from the server. Furthermore, the controller when the execution instruction for the download printing is included in the instruction data received in the reception process, a determination process of determining the printing method in the download printing based on the characteristics of the document specified in the execution instruction, and a download printing process of performing the download printing by receiving the document specified in the execution instruction for the download printing from a predetermined storage indicated by the instruction data via the communication interface according to the printing method determined in the determination process and causing the printer to perform printing based on the received document. are executed, Furthermore, in the download printing process, When the printing method in the download printing is determined to be the first method in the determination process, the download printing is performed by the first method. The first method is a method of starting printing based on the received document after completing the reception of all of one document specified by the execution instruction of the download printing. When the printing method in the download printing is determined to be the second method in the determination process, the download printing is performed by the second method. The second method is a method of starting printing based on the received portion of the document before completing the reception of all of one document specified by the execution instruction of the download printing, and parallelizing the reception of the document and the printing based on the document. The instruction data can include method information indicating the printing method in the download printing, and the method information can include any one of the first method, the second method, and automatic designation. In the determination process, when the method information indicating the first method is included in the instruction data, if the characteristics of the document specified by the execution instruction are not characteristics not suitable for the first method, the printing method in the download printing is determined to be the first method; when the method information indicating the second method is included in the instruction data, if the characteristics are not characteristics not suitable for the second method, the printing method in the download printing is determined to be the second method. A program characterized by the above.

14. A printer capable of registering access information indicating the transmission source of instruction data. The instruction data is data for instructing a process to be executed by the printer. The process to be executed by the printer includes download printing of downloading a document from a storage on a network and printing the document. The execution instruction of the download printing is an instruction specifying the document to be downloaded. Further, there are a first method and a second method different from the first method in the printing method in the download printing. In the controller of the printer, Access the server that is the source of the instruction data based on the registered access information via the communication interface of the printer, and execute a reception process for receiving the instruction data transmitted from the server. Furthermore, cause the controller to When the execution instruction for download printing is included in the instruction data received in the reception process, A determination process for determining the printing method in the download printing based on the characteristics of the document specified in the execution instruction; According to the printing method determined in the determination process, via the communication interface, download the document specified in the execution instruction for download printing from a predetermined storage indicated by the instruction data, and cause the printer to perform printing based on the received document, thereby performing a download printing process for performing the download printing. Cause to execute Furthermore, in the download printing process, When the printing method in the download printing is determined to be the first method in the determination process, perform the download printing by the first method. The first method is a method of starting printing based on the received document after completing the reception of all of one document specified in the execution instruction for download printing. When the printing method in the download printing is determined to be the second method in the determination process, perform the download printing by the second method. The second method is a method of starting printing based on the received portion of the document before completing the reception of all of one document specified in the execution instruction for download printing, and parallelizing the reception of the document and the printing based on the document. Either the first method or the second method can be registered as the default printing method in the printer. In the determination process, As the characteristics of the document, obtain size information indicating the data size of the document and the file format of the document. When the first method is registered as the default printing method, if the characteristics of the document specified in the execution instruction are not characteristics unsuitable for the first method, the printing method in the download printing is determined to be the first method. When the second method is registered as the default printing method, if the characteristics of the document specified in the execution instruction are not characteristics unsuitable for the second method, the printing method in the download printing is determined to be the second method. The data size larger than the threshold value based on the download area, which is the storage area for storing the received document, is a characteristic unsuitable for the first method, and the file format that requires all of the document to be received in order to determine the printing settings necessary for starting the printing of the document is a characteristic unsuitable for the second method. A program characterized by the above.

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