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

Abstract

To suppress reduction in convenience about addition of printing contents that can be used for creation of printing data.SOLUTION: An information processing device 3 comprises: a communication unit 340 which receives from an external device 4 an archive file including at least one printing content that can be used for creation of printing data and list information indicating a correspondence between the printing content and at least one type of a printer; a storage unit 310 which stores the archive file and the list information; and a control unit 300 which holds the printing content corresponding to a printer 2 connected to an own apparatus or the printer 2 selected by the own apparatus among the printing contents obtained by expanding the archive file in the storage unit 310 on the basis of the list information, and deletes the printing content not corresponding to the printer 2 connected to the own apparatus or the printer 2 selected by the own apparatus from the storage unit 310.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, an information processing method, a program, and a printing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Some printing apparatuses that create labels by printing characters, figures, etc. on a tape-shaped printing medium can create labels based on print data created by an information processing apparatus such as a smartphone (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Users of this type of printing apparatus can operate the information processing apparatus to create print data including layout information of character strings and figures to be printed on the printing medium, settings for the number of printed sheets, and settings related to cutting, and transmit the print data to the printing apparatus. Creation of print data using the information processing apparatus and transmission to the printing apparatus can be performed by executing a dedicated application program associated with the printing apparatus on the information processing apparatus.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] For example, some of the above-described application programs have a function of downloading and adding additional print contents (hereinafter also referred to as "additional contents") such as character fonts and figures (for example, emojis) from a server device that provides the additional contents to the information processing apparatus via a communication network such as the Internet.

[0005] In addition, among the above-described application programs, there are those that can support multiple types of printing devices and can create print data corresponding to a selected printing device among the multiple types of printing devices. However, for multiple types of printing devices that can be supported by a single common application program, for example, the combinations of available additional contents may differ depending on the type (model) of the printing device. Such differences in the combinations of available additional contents may reduce the convenience for users of the information processing device that stores the additional contents.

[0006] An object according to one aspect of the present invention is to provide a technology capable of suppressing a decrease in convenience related to adding print contents available for creating print data.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a communication unit that receives from an external device an archive file including at least one print content available for creating print data, and list information indicating a correspondence relationship between the print content and at least one type of printing device, a storage unit that stores the archive file and the list information, and a control unit that, based on the list information, holds in the storage unit the print content corresponding to a printing device connected to the own device or a printing device selected by the own device among the print contents obtained by expanding the archive file, and deletes from the storage unit the print content that does not correspond to the printing device connected to the own device or the printing device selected by the own device.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to the above aspect, it is possible to suppress a decrease in convenience related to adding print contents available for creating print data.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an information processing system according to an embodiment. The information processing system 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 is a system in which various information processes related to the creation of print data for causing a printing apparatus 2 to perform printing are performed, and includes an information processing apparatus 3 and a server apparatus 4.

[0012] The printing device 2 is capable of creating a label by printing characters, graphics, etc. on a tape-shaped medium to be printed based on print data, and is also capable of communicating with an external device such as an information processing device 3. The information processing device 3 is an electronic device capable of executing various information processes related to the creation of print data, and is also capable of communicating with the printing device 2 and with a server device 4 via a communication network 5 such as the Internet. The information processing device 3 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet computer, or a notebook computer that can execute an application program including a process of creating print data.

[0013] The server device 4 is a server computer such as a web server that is connected to the communication network 5 and provides various information related to the printing device 2. The server device 4 stores an archive file 401 that includes at least one additional print content that can be used when creating print data with the information processing device 3. The additional print content included in the archive file 401 is, for example, print content such as character fonts and graphics that is different from the print content such as character fonts and graphics provided together with an application program. The archive file 401 includes, for example, data (e.g., an electronic file) of a plurality of additional print contents that can be used for creating print data, and information (e.g., download file list information described later) indicating the types of printing devices (e.g., models) that can use each print content. For example, the archive file 401 is an archive file compressed in ZIP format. In the following description, the above print content is simply referred to as "content". Note that the server device 4 may store an archive file including additional content and a file of information (e.g., download file list information described later) indicating the types of printing devices (e.g., models) that can use the additional content included in the archive file, and provide them to the information processing device 3.

[0014] Note that although FIG. 1 shows only one information processing apparatus 3, the information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment may include a plurality of information processing apparatuses 3. Also, although FIG. 1 shows only one printing apparatus 2, the information processing apparatus 3 of the information processing system 1 according to the present invention can create print data for a printing apparatus 2 selected from among a plurality of printing apparatuses 2 and transmit the print data to the printing apparatus 2.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration example of a printing apparatus. A printing apparatus 2 that performs printing based on print data created by an information processing apparatus 3 includes, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, a control unit 200, a storage unit 210, an input unit 220, a display unit 230, a communication unit 240, a printing unit 260, a conveyance unit 250, a cutting unit 270, and a detection unit 280.

[0016] The control unit 200 performs various controls related to the operation of the printing apparatus 2. The control unit 200 is realized by, for example, a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes a control program stored in the storage unit 210. The storage unit 210 stores various programs executed by the processor (control unit 200), various data referred to by the processor during program execution, print data, and the like. The storage unit 210 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). All of the storage unit 210 may be an integrated circuit component separate from the processor as the control unit 200, or a part or all of the storage unit 210 may be integrated into the integrated circuit component as the control unit 200. Also, a part or all of the control unit 200 and the storage unit 210 may be realized by an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or the like.

[0017] The input unit 220 receives input operations related to the operation of the printing apparatus 2. The display unit 230 displays information related to the operation of the printing apparatus 2. The input unit 220 may include a character input device (keyboard device) that can be used to create print data. Further, the input unit 220 may include an input device in a touch panel display, that is, a digitizer (position detector) disposed on the display area of a display device (for example, a liquid crystal display or the like) as the display unit 230.

[0018] The communication unit 240 communicates with the information processing apparatus 3. The communication unit 240 may include a communication interface that performs wireless communication according to wireless communication standards such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) and Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark). Further, the communication unit 240 may include a communication interface that performs wired communication using a transmission cable such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable.

[0019] The conveyance unit 250 conveys the printing medium. The printing unit 260 performs printing on the printing medium. The cutting unit 270 cuts the printing medium. The detection unit 280 detects information related to the printing medium in the printing apparatus 2. The information detected by the detection unit 280 includes information on whether the printing medium is loaded in the printing apparatus 2 and information on the width of the printing medium. The operations of the conveyance unit 250, the printing unit 260, and the cutting unit 270 are controlled, for example, by the control unit 200 based on the print data and the detection information of the detection unit 280.

[0020] Note that the printing apparatus 2 that can be used in combination with the information processing apparatus 3 of the present embodiment is not limited to the configuration described above with reference to FIG. 2, and may have other configurations. The printing apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment may be any well-known printing apparatus that can create a label by printing on a tape-shaped printing medium based on print data created by the information processing apparatus 3 among printing apparatuses called label printers or the like. For example, the printing apparatus 2 may have a configuration in which the cutting unit 270 is omitted. Therefore, detailed descriptions of specific configuration examples, mechanisms, operations, and the like of each part of the printing apparatus 2 are omitted.

[0021] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment. The information processing apparatus 3 of the present embodiment includes, for example, as shown in Figure 3, a control unit 300, a storage unit 310, an input unit 320, a display unit 330, and a communication unit 340.

[0022] The control unit 300 performs various controls related to the operation of the information processing apparatus 3. The control unit 300 is realized by a processor such as a CPU that executes various programs such as, for example, an OS (Operating System) program stored in the storage unit 310 and an application program 311 (hereinafter referred to as "program 311") that includes a process of creating print data. The storage unit 310 stores various programs executed by the processor (control unit 300), various data referred to by the processor during program execution, print data, and the like. The storage unit 310 includes a ROM and a RAM. All of the storage unit 310 may be an integrated circuit component separate from the processor as the control unit 300, or a part or all of the storage unit 310 may be integrated into the integrated circuit component as the control unit 300. Further, the storage unit 310 of the information processing apparatus 3 may include a storage device such as an SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0023] The storage unit 310 in the information processing apparatus 3 of the present embodiment stores a program 311 including a process of creating print data, print device information 312, and standard content 313. The print device information 312 is information for identifying a print device to which the print data created by the information processing apparatus 3 is to be transmitted, and includes, for example, information indicating the model of the print device connected to the own device. The standard content 313 is content such as character fonts and graphics that can be used for creating print data, and is, for example, content provided together with the program 311 by the server device 4 described with reference to Figure 1 or another server device. The standard content 313 includes one or more electronic files.

[0024] Also, when the archive file 401 of additional content is downloaded (acquired) from the server device 4 described with reference to FIG. 1, the storage unit 310 of the information processing device 3 further stores the additional content 314 and the additional content management data 315. The additional content 314 is additional content such as character fonts and graphics extracted from the archive file 401, which is different from the standard content 313 provided together with the program 311. The additional content 314 includes, for example, one or more electronic files included in the archive file 401 downloaded from the server device 4. The additional content management data 315 includes various data used for managing the additional content (electronic files) included in the additional content 314. The additional content management data 315 is used, for example, to align the additional content included in the additional content 314 with the content corresponding to the printing device 2 connected to the information processing device 3 among all the content included in the archive file 401. The additional content management data 315 includes the archive file 401 downloaded from the server device 4 and information indicating the content included in the additional content 314 among all the content included in the archive file 401 (for example, the file list information described later).

[0025] Note that the storage unit 310 in the information processing device 3 of the present embodiment may further store other programs, data, etc. not shown in FIG. 3.

[0026] The control unit 300 in the information processing apparatus 3 of the present embodiment includes a print data creation unit 301 and a content management unit 302. The print data creation unit 301 creates print data based on the information input from the input unit 320 during the execution of the program 311. The print data creation unit 301 creates print data using the print content of the standard content 313 and the additional content 314 in accordance with a well-known method for creating print data using the information processing apparatus 3. The content management unit 302 manages the additional content included in the additional content 314. The content management unit 302 aligns, for example, the additional content included in the additional content 314 with the content corresponding to the printing apparatus 2 connected to the information processing apparatus 3 among all the content included in the archive file 401.

[0027] The input unit 320 receives an input operation regarding the operation of the information processing apparatus 3. The display unit 330 displays information regarding the operation of the information processing apparatus 3. The input unit 320 may include a character input device (keyboard device) available for creating print data. Further, the input unit 320 may include an input device in a touch panel display, that is, a digitizer (position detector) disposed on the display area of a display device (for example, a liquid crystal display or the like) as the display unit 330.

[0028] The communication unit 340 communicates with an external device (e.g., the server device 4, etc.) via the communication network 5 and also communicates with the printing device 2. The communication unit 340 includes, for example, a first communication unit 341 and a second communication unit 342. The first communication unit 341 connects the information processing device 3 to the communication network 5 by any well-known connection method according to a well-known communication standard to communicate with an external device such as the server device 4. The first communication unit 341 may include a communication interface for communicating with an external device via a communication network 5 such as the Internet. The second communication unit 342 communicates with the printing device 2 according to a well-known communication standard applied to the communication unit 240 of the printing device 2. The second communication unit 342 may include a communication interface for communicating with the printing device 2. Note that the first communication unit 341 and the second communication unit 342 may be realized by a single communication interface that communicates according to the same communication standard.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an example of processing performed by an information processing device according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 shows an example of processing performed by the information processing device 3 when a program 311 including processing for creating print data is started. Some or all of the processing illustrated in FIG. 4 is performed in a state where the printing device 2 is connected to the information processing device 3.

[0030] When the program 311 is started, the information processing device 3 first displays a menu screen (step S1) and waits until a process is selected (step S2; NO). The menu screen is, for example, a screen that allows selection of whether to execute any of creating print data, viewing / editing setting information related to creating print data and controlling the printing device, and adding (downloading) content. Adding content corresponds to a process of downloading an archive file 401 from the server device 4 and storing, as additional content 314, content that can be used with the printing device 2 connected to the own device and included in the archive file 401 in the storage unit 310.

[0031] When the user of the information processing apparatus 3 selects a process (step S2; YES), the information processing apparatus 3 determines whether the selected process is the addition of content (step S3). If it is not the addition of content (step S3; NO), the information processing apparatus 3 executes the selected process other than the addition of content (step S4). For example, when the selected process is the creation of print data, the information processing apparatus 3, as the process of step S4, creates print data by the print data creation unit 301 and transmits the created print data from the second communication unit 342 to the printing apparatus 2. After finishing the process of step S4, the information processing apparatus 3 returns to the process of step S1.

[0032] When the selected process is the addition of content (step S3; YES), the information processing apparatus 3 downloads and expands the archive file 401 from the server apparatus 4 (step S5). The process of step S5 is performed, for example, by the control unit 300 (more specifically, the content management unit 302) of the information processing apparatus 3 in cooperation with the first communication unit 341. The control unit 300 connects the first communication unit 341 to the communication network 5 and downloads the archive file 401 including additional content from the server apparatus 4. Thereafter, the control unit 300 stores the downloaded archive file 401 in the storage unit 310 as one of the additional content management data 315 and expands it in a work area (not shown) of the storage unit 310. In the work area, for example, data of a plurality of contents (e.g., electronic files) that can be used for creating print data and download file list information (list information) are stored in a state readable by the information processing apparatus 3. The download file list information includes, for example, information indicating all the contents included in the archive file 401 and information indicating the types (e.g., models) of printing apparatuses available for each content. The plurality of contents included in the archive file 401 may include contents that do not correspond to the printing apparatus connected to the own apparatus (information processing apparatus 3). Contents that do not correspond to the printing apparatus connected to the own apparatus are contents that cannot be used for creating print data to be transmitted to (to execute printing on) the printing apparatus connected to the own apparatus.

[0033] After step S5, the information processing apparatus 3 performs content copy processing (step S6). In the content copy processing, among the plurality of contents expanded in the work area, the content corresponding to the printing apparatus 2 connected to the own apparatus (information processing apparatus 3) is stored in the storage unit 310 as additional content 314. The content copy processing is performed by the control unit 300 (more specifically, the content management unit 302). In the content copy processing, the control unit 300 stores only the content that can be used to create print data to be transmitted to the printing apparatus 2 connected to the own apparatus and printed, among all the contents obtained by expanding the archive file 401, in the storage unit 310 as additional content 314. In this process, the control unit 300 creates, for example, a folder for storing the additional content 314 in the storage unit 310, and copies only the available content among the contents expanded in the work area into the created folder. Also, in this process, after the copy of the content is completed, the control unit 300 deletes all the contents expanded in the work area. When the control unit 300 finishes the content copy processing in step S6, the information processing apparatus 3 returns to the processing in step S1.

[0034] In step S5, the archive file 401 to be downloaded contains a plurality of contents as described above, and each content can be used to create print data for at least one type of printing device 2 among the plurality of types of printing devices 2. In other words, among the plurality of contents included in the archive file 401, there are contents that cannot be used to create print data for one or more types of printing devices 2 among the plurality of types of printing devices 2. For example, an emoji content that can be used to create print data for printing on a print medium of a first width cannot be used in a printing device 2 that does not correspond to printing on a print medium of the first width. Therefore, in the information processing device 3 that is used to create print data to be transmitted to a printing device 2 that does not correspond to the print medium of the first width, the content included in the archive file 401 that can be used to create print data for printing on the print medium of the first width becomes unnecessary content. If unnecessary content is also stored in the storage unit 310 as additional content 314, the capacity of the additional content 314 will increase, consuming more storage area of the storage unit 310 than necessary. In order to suppress such unnecessary consumption of the storage area, the information processing device 3 of the present embodiment performs the above-described content copy process (step S6). The information processing device 3 of the present embodiment performs a process along the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 5, for example, as the content copy process.

[0035] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the content of the content copy process in the flowchart of FIG. 4. The content copy process illustrated in FIG. 5 is performed by the control unit 300 (more specifically, the content management unit 302) of the information processing device 3.

[0036] When starting the content copy process, the information processing apparatus 3 first creates a storage folder and file list information for additional content 314 in the storage unit 310 (step S601). The file list information is, for example, information for identifying the printing apparatus 2 connected to the own apparatus (information processing apparatus 3) and information indicating a list of contents (electronic files) stored in the storage folder for the additional content 314. The information for identifying the printing apparatus 2 is, for example, the identification information (e.g., model name) of the printing apparatus 2 specified by the printing apparatus information 312. The printing apparatus information 312 can be, for example, the identification information (e.g., SSID (Service Set Identifier) used for Wi-Fi connection, etc.) broadcast by the printing apparatus 2 connected to the own apparatus (information processing apparatus 3). The printing apparatus information 312 may be, for example, the identification information of the printing apparatus 2 set (selected) by the user of the information processing apparatus 3 on a predetermined setting screen during the execution of the program 311.

[0037] Next, the information processing apparatus 3 reads the download file list information expanded (stored) in the work area in step S5 (step S602), and performs a loop process (step S603) of storing the contents in the storage folder for the additional content 314.

[0038] The loop process of step S603 is performed for each of the plurality of contents (for example, electronic files) expanded in the work area in step S5. The information processing apparatus 3 selects one of the plurality of expanded contents (step S604), and determines whether the selected content is a content available on the printing apparatus 2 that is currently connected (step S605). In step S604, for example, the contents are selected one by one in the order of registration of the download file list information. In step S605, for example, in the download file list information, it is determined whether the printing apparatus 2 specified by the printing apparatus information 312 is included in the information indicating the printing apparatuses available for the selected content. For example, when the printing apparatus 2 specified by the printing apparatus information 312 is included in the information indicating the printing apparatuses available for the selected content, the information processing apparatus 3 determines that the selected content is a content available on the printing apparatus 2 that is currently connected.

[0039] When the selected content is a content available on the printing apparatus 2 that is currently connected (step S605; YES), the information processing apparatus 3 stores the selected content in the storage folder of the additional content 314, and adds the information of the content to the file list information (step S606). That is, in step S606, the information processing apparatus 3 copies the selected content among the plurality of contents (for example, electronic files) expanded in the work area to the storage folder of the additional content 314. Also, in step S606, the information processing apparatus 3 additionally registers the information indicating the selected content (for example, the file name of the electronic file) in the file list information.

[0040] After step S606, the information processing apparatus 3 determines whether all of the expanded multiple contents have been selected (step S607). If there is unselected content, it returns to the start of the loop (the selection process in step S604). Also, if the selected content is not content that can be used by the connected printing apparatus 2 (step S605; NO), the information processing apparatus 3 omits (skips) the process of step S606 and determines whether all of the expanded multiple contents have been selected (step S607). That is, if the selected content is not content that can be used by the connected printing apparatus 2, the selected content is not copied to the storage folder of the additional content 314. Then, if there is unselected content, it returns to the start of the loop (the selection process in step S604). When all the contents have been selected, the information processing apparatus 3 ends the loop process (step S603). After the loop process ends, the information processing apparatus 3 stores the download file list information and the file list information in the storage unit 310 as additional content management data 315, deletes all of the multiple contents expanded in the work area (step S608), and ends the content copy process. That is, among the multiple contents expanded in the work area, if the selected content is content that can be used by the connected printing apparatus 2, it is copied and held in the storage folder of the additional content 314, and if the selected content is not content that can be used by the connected printing apparatus 2, it is deleted without being held in the storage folder of the additional content 314. The download file list information and the file list information stored in the storage unit 310 as the additional content management data 315 are referred to, for example, in the consistency confirmation process described later with reference to FIG. 9. The consistency confirmation process is a process of matching the additional content included in the additional content 314 with the content corresponding to the printing apparatus 2 connected to the information processing apparatus 3 among all the contents included in the archive file 401.

[0041] In this way, the information processing apparatus 3 of the present embodiment extracts only the content corresponding to the printing apparatus 2 connected to the own apparatus from among a plurality of contents included in the archive file 401 that provides additional content, and stores it as additional content 314. For this reason, it is possible to suppress the consumption of the storage area of the storage unit 310 due to unnecessary content that cannot be used for creating print data for the printing apparatus 2 connected to the own apparatus being included in the additional content 314. In addition, since it is possible to suppress the consumption of the storage area without the user of the information processing apparatus 3 performing the work of deleting unnecessary content, it is also possible to prevent a decrease in convenience for the user.

[0042] Further, by causing the information processing apparatus 3 to execute the content copy process described above, it is possible to store a single archive file 401 that can be compatible with all of a plurality of types of printing apparatuses 2 in the server apparatus 4 and provide it to the information processing apparatus 3. For this reason, compared to the case where an archive file containing only the content corresponding to each printing apparatus is created and managed for each type (e.g., model) of the printing apparatus 2, the workload related to the creation and management of additional content by the provider of the archive file 401 can be reduced. In addition, for the user of the information processing apparatus 3 (printing apparatus 2), the trouble of selecting additional content corresponding to the type (model) of the printing apparatus 2 to be used can be saved, and the convenience is improved.

[0043] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a first example of a method for extracting available content in the content copy process. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a second example of a method for extracting available content in the content copy process.

[0044] In the first example shown in FIG. 6, the download file list information 601 is associated with the file name (extension omitted) that identifies the content and the corresponding model indicating the printing device 2 that can use the content for each type of content included in the archive file 401. For example, the emoji with the file name "EAD001" is an emoji that can be used to create print data to be sent to the printing devices 2 with the model names "LP001", "LP002", and "LP003" for printing. Also, for example, the emoji with the file name "EAD003" is an emoji that can be used only to create print data to be sent to the printing device 2 with the model name "LP001" for printing.

[0045] When providing the archive file 401 including such download file list information 601, the printing device information 312 stored in the storage unit 310 of the information processing device 3 is information indicating the model name of the printing device 2 connected to the information processing device 3. FIG. 6 shows the model name "LP002" as an example of the printing device information 312. As described above, the printing device information 312 can be, for example, the identification information (e.g., SSID used for Wi-Fi connection, etc.) broadcast by the printing device 2 connected to the own device (information processing device 3). The printing device information 312 can also be, for example, the identification information of the printing device 2 set (selected) by the user of the information processing device 3 on a predetermined setting screen during the execution of the program 311.

[0046] In the first example shown in FIG. 6, in the content copy process, the information processing apparatus 3 determines, for each file name in the download file list information 601, whether the model name "LP002", which is the printing apparatus information 312, is included in the corresponding model associated with the file name. Then, only the files (contents) with file names for which "LP002" is included in the corresponding model are copied to the storage folder of the additional content 314. In the first example shown in FIG. 6, the information processing apparatus 3 copies the contents with file names "EAD001" and "EAD002" to the storage folder, and does not copy the content with the file name "EAD003". For this reason, it is possible to prevent unnecessary contents (such as the content with the file name "EAD003") that cannot be used for creating print data to be transmitted to the printing apparatus 2 with the model name "LP002" and included in the archive file 401 from being stored in the storage unit 310 as the additional content 314.

[0047] The download file list information 602 in the second example shown in FIG. 7 associates, for each type of content included in the archive file 401, identification information for identifying the content, the file name of the content (the extension is omitted), and information indicating the tape width of the printable medium on which the content can be printed. For example, the content for a single emoji (graphic) identified by the identification information "EAD001" includes four files with file names "EAD001-24", "EAD001-18", "EAD001-12", and "EAD001-09", respectively. The content (file) with the file name "EAD001-24" is content that can be used for creating print data for printing on a printable medium with a tape width of 24 mm. Also, the contents with file names "EAD001-18", "EAD001-12", and "EAD001-09" are, respectively, content that can be used for creating print data for printing on printable media with tape widths of 18 mm, 12 mm, and 9 mm. These four contents represent a single emoji (graphic) as described above, but the number of print dots representing the emoji differs according to the tape width of the corresponding printable medium.

[0048] When providing the archive file 401 including such download file list information 602, the printing device information 312 stored in the storage unit 310 of the information processing device 3 includes information indicating the width of the printable medium (corresponding tape width) that can be used in the printing device 2. FIG. 7 illustrates the printing device information 312 including information indicating the model name and information indicating the corresponding tape width. The printing device 2 with the model name "LP003" specified by this printing device information 312 can use printable media with tape widths of 9 mm, 12 mm, and 18 mm.

[0049] In the second example shown in FIG. 7, in the content copy process, the information processing device 3 determines, for each file name in the download file list information 602, whether the tape width associated with the file name is included in the corresponding tape width of the printing device information 312. Then, only the files (contents) with file names whose corresponding tape widths are included are copied to the storage folder of the additional content 314. In the second example shown in FIG. 7, the information processing device 3 copies the contents with file names "EAD001-18", "EAD001-12", and "EAD001-09" to the storage folder of the additional content 314, and does not copy the content with the file name "EAD001-24". Therefore, it is possible to prevent unnecessary contents (such as contents corresponding to printable media with a tape width of 24 mm) that cannot be used by the printing device 2 with the model name "LP003" included in the archive file 401 from being stored in the storage unit 310 as the additional content 314.

[0050] The download file list information 601 in FIG. 6 and the download file list information 602 in FIG. 7 are merely examples of the download file list information included in the archive file 401. The download file list information is not limited to the configurations illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, and may include information indicating the correspondence between the contents included in the archive file 401 and the printing device capable of performing printing based on the print data created using the contents.

[0051] Also, as described above, the program 311 executed by the information processing apparatus 3 of the present embodiment can create print data corresponding to one type of printing apparatus 2 selected from among a plurality of types of printing apparatuses 2 (more specifically, the printing apparatus 2 connected to the own apparatus). Further, the user of the information processing apparatus 3 can appropriately change the printing apparatus 2 to which the information processing apparatus 3 is connected and transmit the print data. When the printing apparatus 2 to which the information processing apparatus 3 is connected is changed, the contents available for creating the print data to be transmitted to the printing apparatus 2 may be different before and after the change. For example, one or more of the plurality of contents stored in the storage folder of the additional content 314 before the change may become unnecessary contents that cannot be used for creating the print data for the printing apparatus 2 after the change. Also, for example, when some error occurs in the process of downloading and expanding the archive file 401 described with reference to FIG. 4 (step S5) or the content copy process (step S6), unnecessary contents may be stored in the storage folder of the additional content 314. Therefore, the information processing apparatus 3 according to the present embodiment may perform a process of matching the contents available for creating the print data for the printing apparatus 2 to which the information processing apparatus 3 is connected with the contents included in the additional content 314 at a predetermined timing. For such a process of matching the contents, for example, the file list information stored in the storage unit 310 as the above-described additional content management data 315 is used. Also, when the contents are insufficient, for example, the download file list information stored in the storage unit 310 as the above-described additional content management data 315 and the archive file 401 are used.

[0052] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method of deleting unnecessary contents from the storage folder of the additional content. The two storage units 310 in FIG. 8 show the state before the upper storage unit 310 deletes the unnecessary contents, and the lower storage unit 310 shows the state after the deletion.

[0053] By the above-described content copying process (step S6), four contents 390 to 393 may be stored in the storage unit 310 of the information processing apparatus 3 in the storage folder of the additional content 314, for example, like the upper storage unit 310 in FIG. 8. Assume that the content 390 has the file name "EAD001" and the content 391 has the file name "EAD002". Also assume that the content 391 has the file name "EAD004" and the content 392 has the file name "EAD005".

[0054] On the other hand, in this content copying process, in the file list information 610 stored in the storage unit 310 as one of the additional content management data 315, as illustrated in FIG. 8, only three file names "EAD001", "EAD002", and "EAD005" may be registered. That is, the file list information 610 illustrated in FIG. 8 indicates that the content 392 with the file name "EAD004" is not content that can be used to create print data to be transmitted to the printing apparatus 2 specified by the printing apparatus information 312. The identification number in the file list information 610 in FIG. 8 is information for identifying the content (file) stored in the storage folder of the additional content 314. When the identification number is a sequential number, the maximum value of that number represents the number of contents registered in the file list information 610. Note that the file list information is not limited to information having an identification number as illustrated in FIG. 8, and may be information in which information (file name) of one content is recorded in one record, and the number of rows of the records represents the number of contents registered in the file list information.

[0055] In this way, the state where content not registered in the file list information 610 is stored in the storage folder of the additional content 314 is a state in which the storage area is consumed by unnecessary content. In order to suppress the consumption of the storage area by such unnecessary content, the information processing apparatus 3 of the present embodiment deletes the content whose file name is not registered in the file list information 610 among the plurality of contents stored in the storage folder of the additional content 314. In the example shown in FIG. 8, like the lower storage unit 310, the content 392 with the file name "EAD004" is deleted from the storage folder of the additional content 314.

[0056] Note that FIG. 8 illustrates the case where one of the four contents 390 to 393 is unnecessary content. However, in reality, more contents (for example, dozens to hundreds of files) are stored in the storage folder of the additional content 314. Also, the number of unnecessary contents not registered in the file list information 610 among the contents stored in the storage folder is not limited to one, and may be two or more. Further, when the printing apparatus 2 connected to the information processing apparatus 3 is changed after the content copy process, all the contents that cannot be used to create print data for the changed printing apparatus 2 become unnecessary content. When the unnecessary content in the storage folder of the additional content 314 increases, there is a risk of reducing the free capacity of the storage area and causing a decrease in convenience such as delays in various processes in the information processing apparatus 3. Therefore, it is preferable to suppress the consumption of the storage area by such unnecessary content by deleting the unnecessary content in the storage folder of the additional content 314.

[0057] Also, in the information processing apparatus 3 after the content copy process, one or more of the contents whose file names are registered in the file list information 610 may not be stored in the storage folder of the additional content 314. Even in such a case, since one or more contents available for creating print data for the printing apparatus 2 connected to the information processing apparatus 3 are insufficient, the convenience is reduced.

[0058] As described above, when the content with the file name registered in the file list information 610 does not match (does not coincide) with the content stored in the storage folder of the additional content 314, the convenience regarding the use of the additional content deteriorates. For this reason, the information processing apparatus 3 of the present embodiment may perform, as additional processing, a process of matching the content that can be used for creating print data for the printing apparatus 2 to which the information processing apparatus 3 is connected with the content included in the additional content 314. As a process of matching the content, the information processing apparatus 3 performs, for example, a consistency confirmation process as illustrated in FIG. 9.

[0059] FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a consistency confirmation process performed by an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment. The consistency confirmation process illustrated in FIG. 9 is performed by the control unit 300 (more specifically, the content management unit 302) of the information processing apparatus 3. The consistency confirmation process illustrated in FIG. 9 is performed in a state where the printing apparatus 2 is connected to the information processing apparatus 3.

[0060] When starting the consistency confirmation process, the information processing apparatus 3 first determines (step S11) whether there is file list information of the additional content 314 (for example, the file list information 610 as illustrated in FIG. 8) in the storage unit 310. The information processing apparatus 3 determines, for example, whether there is file list information (for example, the file list information 610 as illustrated in FIG. 8) in a storage area that stores the additional content management data 315 of the storage unit 310. When there is no file list information, the content copy process as described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 has not been performed in the information processing apparatus 3, and there is no additional content copied from the archive file 401 to the storage folder of the additional content 314. For this reason, when there is no file list information (step S11; NO), the information processing apparatus 3 ends the consistency confirmation process.

[0061] If there is file list information (step S11; YES), the information processing apparatus 3 next determines whether the file list information corresponds to the printing apparatus 2 specified by the printing apparatus information 312. If it is the file list information corresponding to the printing apparatus information 312 (step S12; YES), the information processing apparatus 3 performs loop processing (step S13) to match the content of the file list information with the content in the storage folder of the additional content 314.

[0062] The loop processing in step S13 is performed for each content (for example, an electronic file) in the storage folder of the additional content 314. The information processing apparatus 3 selects one content from among the plurality of contents in the storage folder of the additional content 314 (step S14) and determines whether the selected content is the content registered in the file list information (step S15). In step S14, for example, the contents are selected one by one in descending order when the contents are sorted by file name. In step S15, for example, it is determined whether the file name of the selected content is registered in the file list information.

[0063] If the selected content is not registered in the file list information (step S15; NO), the information processing apparatus 3 deletes the target content (the selected content) in the storage folder (step S16). After step S16, the information processing apparatus 3 determines whether all of the plurality of contents in the storage folder have been selected (step S17), and if there is unselected content, returns to the start of the loop (the process of selecting the content in step S14).

[0064] If the selected content is registered in the file list information (step S15; YES), the information processing apparatus 3 skips the process of step S16 and determines whether all of the plurality of contents in the save folder have been selected (step S17). If there is unselected content, the process returns to the start of the loop (the process of selecting the content in step S14). If all of the contents have been selected, the information processing apparatus 3 ends the loop process (step S13).

[0065] After the loop process ends, the information processing apparatus 3 determines whether the number of contents registered in the file list information matches the number of contents in the save folder of the additional content 314 (step S18). If the number of contents matches (step S18; YES), the information processing apparatus 3 ends the consistency confirmation process. If the number of contents does not match (step S18; NO), the information processing apparatus 3 expands, for example, the archive file 401 stored as one of the additional content management data 315 in the storage unit 310 to the work area (step S20), and copies the available contents (step S21).

[0066] In the process according to the flowchart of FIG. 9, if the number of contents does not match in the determination at step S18, for example, one or more of the plurality of contents registered in the file list information are not stored in the storage folder of the additional content 314. Therefore, when the number of contents does not match, in step S21, for example, only the contents that are not stored in the storage folder among the contents registered in the file list information are copied from the work area into the storage folder of the additional content 314. The process of copying the contents when the number of contents does not match may be, for example, a process of copying all the contents registered in the file list information from the work area into the storage folder of the additional content 314, and overwriting the contents already stored in the storage folder. Thereafter, the information processing apparatus 3 deletes the contents and the like expanded in the work area and ends the process of step S21. When the process of step S21 ends, the information processing apparatus 3 ends the consistency check process.

[0067] As described above, when it is determined in step S12 that the information is the file list information corresponding to the printing apparatus information 312, the information processing apparatus 3 performs a process of deleting unnecessary contents from the storage folder of the additional content 314 and adding the insufficient contents to the storage folder of the additional content 314. By this process, the contents available for creating print data for the printing apparatus 2 connected to the information processing apparatus 3 can be stored in the storage folder of the additional content 314 without excess or deficiency. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in convenience due to the presence of unnecessary contents and a decrease in convenience due to a shortage of contents.

[0068] On the other hand, when it is determined in step S12 that the file list information does not correspond to the printing device information 312 (step S12; NO), the information processing device 3 deletes all the contents in the storage folder of the additional content 314 and the file list information (step S19). After that, the information processing device 3 expands the archive file 401 stored as one of the additional content management data 315 in the storage unit 310 to the working area (step S20), and copies the available content (step S21).

[0069] When the file list information does not correspond to the current printing device information 312, in step S21, for example, the content copying process of step S6 described above is performed with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. After that, the information processing device 3 deletes the content etc. expanded in the working area and ends the content copying process. When the content copying process as the process of step S21 ends, the information processing device 3 ends the consistency confirmation process.

[0070] As described above, when it is determined in step S12 that the file list information does not correspond to the printing device information 312, the information processing device 3 performs a process of replacing the content in the storage folder of the additional content 314 with content that can be used to create print data for the printing device 2 specified by the current printing device information 312. By this process, the content that can be used to create print data for the printing device 2 connected to the information processing device 3 can be stored in the storage folder of the additional content 314 without excess or deficiency. Therefore, even when the type (model) of the printing device 2 connected to the information processing device 3 is changed, it is possible to prevent a decrease in convenience due to the presence of unnecessary content and a decrease in convenience due to a shortage of content.

[0071] Note that the timing for performing the above-described consistency confirmation process is not limited to a specific timing. For example, the consistency confirmation process may be performed at the time of starting the application program (Program 311) used for creating print data (immediately after the start of execution), or may be performed after the completion of the content copy process (Step S6) described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. Further, the consistency confirmation process may be performed, for example, when the printing device 2 connected to the information processing device 3 (that is, the printing device 2 that transmits print data) is changed during the execution of Program 311.

[0072] Also, when Program 311 includes the above-described consistency confirmation process, as described above, the archive file 401 downloaded from the server device 4 to the information processing device 3 may be stored in the storage unit 310 as one of the additional content management data 315. The archive file 401 is generally compressed in a well-known compression format such as the ZIP format, and its capacity is smaller than the capacity after expansion. Therefore, the consumption amount of the storage area of the storage unit 310 by the archive file 401 is generally smaller than the case where unnecessary content remains in the storage unit 310 after expansion. Further, when adding the content lacking due to the above-described consistency confirmation process, the trouble of downloading the archive file 401 again can be saved, and an increase in the processing load when executing the consistency confirmation process can be suppressed.

[0073] The above-described embodiments are merely examples for facilitating the understanding of the invention. That is, the information processing device, information processing system, and program according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0074] For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which additional content different from the standard content 313 is provided by the archive file 401. However, the archive file of the content provided by the above-described server device 4 may include, for example, the standard content 313 provided together with an application program including a process of creating print data. That is, in the process of installing the application program in the information processing device 3, for example, after the printing device connected to the information processing device 3 is specified (set), a process similar to the content copy process as described above with reference to FIG. 5 may be performed. By performing such a process, content that does not correspond to the printing device connected to the information processing device 3 among a plurality of contents downloaded together with the program main body can be excluded from the standard content 313 and deleted from the storage unit 310. Therefore, it is possible to provide one common application program corresponding to a plurality of types of printing devices, and it is possible to suppress a decrease in convenience for the user of the information processing device 3.

[0075] Further, for example, the information processing device 3 may delete the downloaded archive file 401 from the storage unit 310 at the end of the content copy process described above with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. When performing the above-described consistency check process in this type of information processing device 3, the archive file 401 is downloaded from the server device 4 as necessary, and the archive file 401 is deleted at the end of the consistency check process. By deleting the archive file 401 from the storage unit 310, it is possible to further suppress a decrease in convenience, such as a reduction in the free capacity of the storage area of the storage unit 310 and a delay in various processes.

[0076] Furthermore, for example, the content copy process described above with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, and the consistency check process described above with reference to FIG. 9 may each include a process of verifying whether the content (electronic file) copied to the storage folder of the additional content 314 is correctly copied. Also, the above-described content copy process and consistency check process may, for example, transform the additional content provided by the archive file 401 for a limited period so that it can still be used after the period ends.

[0077] Also, in the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which the information processing apparatus 3 downloads and expands the archive file 401, performs the content copy process, and performs the consistency check process when connected to the printing apparatus 2. However, the information processing apparatus 3 may perform the process of downloading and expanding the archive file 401, the content copy process, and the consistency check process when not connected to the printing apparatus 2. For example, there may be a program 311 executed by the information processing apparatus 3 that can create print data by executing even when the power of the printing apparatus 2 connected to the own apparatus is off. Also, the program 311 may, for example, identify (select) the printing apparatus 2 connected to the own apparatus at the time of installation of the program 311 in the information processing apparatus 3 or at the time of past execution, and store information for identifying the printing apparatus 2 in the storage unit 310 as the printing apparatus information 312. When such a program 311 is executed by the information processing apparatus 3, if it is possible to perform the process of downloading and expanding the archive file 401, the content copy process, and the consistency check process even when the own apparatus is not connected to the printing apparatus 2 specified by the printing apparatus information 312, for example, it is possible to save the trouble of turning on the power of the printing apparatus 2 and connecting the own apparatus to the printing apparatus 2 only to download the archive file 401 and perform the content copy process.

[0078] Also, in the above-described embodiment, an information processing system 1 has been described in which print data is created in an information processing apparatus 3 separate from the printing apparatus 2, and the print data is transmitted to the printing apparatus 2 to cause printing on a print medium. However, the processes of downloading and expanding the archive file 401, content copying process, and consistency check process performed by the above-described information processing apparatus 3 may be performed by the printing apparatus 2.

[0079] Hereinafter, the invention described in the claims of the present application at the time of filing is appended. [Appendix 1] A communication unit that receives from an external device an archive file including at least one print content that can be used for creating print data, and list information indicating a correspondence relationship between the print content and at least one type of printing apparatus. A storage unit that stores the archive file and the list information. Based on the list information, among the print contents obtained by expanding the archive file, the print contents corresponding to the printing apparatus connected to the own apparatus or the printing apparatus selected by the own apparatus are held in the storage unit, and the print contents not corresponding to the printing apparatus connected to the own apparatus or the printing apparatus selected by the own apparatus are deleted from the storage unit. A control unit. An information processing apparatus comprising the above. [Appendix 2] The communication unit transmits the print data created using the print content stored in the storage unit to the printing apparatus. The information processing apparatus according to Appendix 1, characterized in that. [Appendix 3] At least one of the print contents included in the archive file does not correspond to at least one of the printing apparatuses. The information processing apparatus according to Appendix 1 or 2, characterized in that. [Appendix 4] The printing apparatus is a printing apparatus that prints on a tape-shaped print medium. The list information includes information indicating a correspondence relationship between the print content included in the archive file and the tape width of the print medium on which printing can be performed using the print content. The information processing apparatus according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3, characterized in that. [Appendix 5] Based on the printing device information that identifies the printing device connected to the own device or the printing device selected by the own device, and the list information, the control unit matches the print content corresponding to the printing device connected to the own device or the printing device selected by the own device with the print content held in the storage unit. The information processing apparatus according to any one of Appendices 1 to 4, characterized in that. [Appendix 6] The control unit holds the archive file and the list information in the storage unit. When there is print content that has not been expanded from the archive file among the print content corresponding to the printing device connected to the own device or the printing device selected by the own device, the control unit expands the missing print content from the archive file, and deletes from the storage unit the print content that does not correspond to the printing device connected to the own device or the printing device selected by the own device among the print content expanded from the archive file. The information processing apparatus according to any one of Appendices 1 to 5, characterized in that. [Appendix 7] The list information is included in the archive file. The information processing apparatus according to any one of Appendices 1 to 6, characterized in that. [Appendix 8] The print content included in the archive file includes at least one of a file related to a character font for printing on a print medium and a file related to emojis. The information processing apparatus according to any one of Appendices 4 to 7, characterized in that. [Appendix 9] The information processing apparatus is connected to the printing apparatus by wireless connection or wired connection. The information processing apparatus according to any one of Appendices 1 to 8, characterized in that. [Appendix 10] An information processing apparatus that creates print data using print content and transmits the created print data to a printing apparatus, An external device that stores an archive file including at least one piece of print content usable for creating print data, and list information indicating a correspondence relationship between the print content and at least one type of printing apparatus, including The information processing apparatus A communication unit that receives the archive file and the list information from the external device, A storage unit that stores the archive file and the list information, Based on the list information, among the print content obtained by expanding the archive file, the print content corresponding to the printing apparatus connected to the own apparatus or the printing apparatus selected by the own apparatus is held in the storage unit, and the print content not corresponding to the printing apparatus connected to the own apparatus or the printing apparatus selected by the own apparatus is deleted from the storage unit. A control unit, equipped with An information processing system characterized in that. [Appendix 11] An information processing apparatus that creates print data using print content and transmits the created print data to a printing apparatus receives from an external device an archive file including at least one piece of print content usable for creating print data and list information indicating a correspondence relationship between the print content and at least one type of printing apparatus, Based on the list information, among the print content obtained by expanding the archive file, the print content corresponding to the printing apparatus connected to the own apparatus or the printing apparatus selected by the own apparatus is held in the storage unit, and the print content not corresponding to the printing apparatus connected to the own apparatus or the printing apparatus selected by the own apparatus is deleted from the storage unit. An information processing method characterized by the following. [Appendix 12] In an information processing apparatus that creates print data using print content and transmits the created print data to a printing apparatus, receives from an external device an archive file including at least one piece of print content usable for creating print data and list information indicating a correspondence relationship between the print content and at least one type of printing apparatus, based on the list information, retains in the storage unit the print content corresponding to the printing apparatus connected to the own apparatus or the printing apparatus selected by the own apparatus among the print content obtained by expanding the archive file, and deletes from the storage unit the print content not corresponding to the printing apparatus connected to the own apparatus or the printing apparatus selected by the own apparatus, A program characterized by causing the above processing to be executed. [Appendix 13] A communication unit that receives from an external device an archive file including at least one piece of print content usable for creating print data and list information indicating a correspondence relationship between the print content and at least one type of printing apparatus, a storage unit that stores the archive file and the list information, a control unit that, based on the list information, retains in the storage unit the print content corresponding to the own apparatus among the print content obtained by expanding the archive file, and deletes from the storage unit the print content not corresponding to the own apparatus, A printing apparatus characterized by comprising the above.

Explanation of Signs

[0080] 1 Information processing system 2 Printing apparatus 200 Control unit 210 Storage unit 220 Input unit 230 Display unit 240 Communication unit 250 Conveying unit 260 Printing unit 270 Cutting part 280 Detection part 3 Information processing device 300 Control part 301 Printing data creation part 302 Content management part 310 Memory part 311 Program 312 Printer information 313 Standard content 314 Additional content 315 Data for additional content management 320 Input part 330 Display part 340 Communication part 341 First communication part 342 Second communication part 390, 391, 392, 393 Files 4 Server device 401 Archive file 5 Communication network 601, 602 Download file list information 610 File list information

Claims

1. A communication unit that receives from an external device an archive file including at least one printing content that can be used for creating print data, and list information indicating a correspondence relationship between the printing content and at least one type of printing device; A storage unit that stores the archive file and the list information; Based on the list information, among the printing content obtained by expanding the archive file, the printing content corresponding to the printing device connected to the own device or the printing device selected by the own device is held in the storage unit, and the printing content not corresponding to the printing device connected to the own device or the printing device selected by the own device is deleted from the storage unit; a control unit; An information processing apparatus comprising the above.

2. The communication unit transmits the print data created using the printing content stored in the storage unit to the printing device. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that.

3. At least one of the printing content included in the archive file does not correspond to at least one type of the printing device. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that.

4. The printing device is a printing device that performs printing on a tape-shaped printing medium, The list information includes information indicating a correspondence relationship between the printing content included in the archive file and the tape width of the printing medium on which printing can be performed using the printing content. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that.

5. Based on the printing device information for identifying the printing device connected to the own device or the printing device selected by the own device and the list information, the control unit matches the printing content corresponding to the printing device connected to the own device or the printing device selected by the own device with the printing content held in the storage unit. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that.

6. The control unit holds the archive file and the list information in the storage unit. Of the print content corresponding to the printing device connected to the own device or the printing device selected by the own device, expand the print content missing from the archive file, and hold the print content corresponding to the printing device connected to the own device or the printing device selected by the own device in the storage unit. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that.

7. The list information is included in the archive file. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that.

8. The print content included in the archive file includes at least one of a file related to a character font to be printed on a print medium and a file related to an emoji. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that.

9. The information processing apparatus is connected to the printing device by wireless connection or wired connection. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that.

10. An information processing apparatus that creates print data using print content and transmits the created print data to a printing device, An external device that stores an archive file including at least one print content that can be used to create print data, and list information indicating a correspondence relationship between the print content and at least one type of printing device, including The information processing apparatus is A communication unit that receives the archive file and the list information from the external device, A storage unit that stores the archive file and the list information, Based on the list information, of the print content obtained by expanding the archive file, hold the print content corresponding to the printing device connected to the own device or the printing device selected by the own device in the storage unit, and the printing device connected to the own device or the printing device selected by the own device A control unit that deletes print content that does not correspond to the selected printing device from the storage unit, comprising An information processing system characterized by that.

11. An information processing apparatus that creates print data using print content and transmits the created print data to a printing device is Receive, from an external device, an archive file including at least one print content that can be used to create print data, and list information indicating a correspondence relationship between the print content and at least one type of printing device. Based on the list information, among the print content obtained by expanding the archive file, hold in a storage unit the print content corresponding to a printing device connected to the own device or a printing device selected by the own device, and delete from the storage unit the print content that does not correspond to the printing device connected to the own device or the printing device selected by the own device. An information processing method characterized by the above.

12. In an information processing apparatus that creates print data using print content and transmits the created print data to a printing device, Receive, from an external device, an archive file including at least one print content that can be used to create print data, and list information indicating a correspondence relationship between the print content and at least one type of printing device. Based on the list information, among the print content obtained by expanding the archive file, hold in a storage unit the print content corresponding to a printing device connected to the own device or a printing device selected by the own device, and delete from the storage unit the print content that does not correspond to the printing device connected to the own device or the printing device selected by the own device. A program characterized by causing the above processing to be executed.

13. A communication unit that receives, from an external device, an archive file including at least one print content that can be used to create print data, and list information indicating a correspondence relationship between the print content and at least one type of printing device; A storage unit that stores the archive file and the list information; A control unit that, based on the list information, holds in the storage unit the print content corresponding to the own device among the print content obtained by expanding the archive file, and deletes from the storage unit the print content that does not correspond to the own device; A printing device characterized by comprising the above.

Images