JP2005109681A - Printing device and printing program - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a printing apparatus capable of reading data file storage location information of print data printed on printing paper and printing the same print conditions as the original.
Information reading means 12 for reading data file storage location information of print data 3 printed on a printing paper 1 and recorded on the printing paper, and read storage location information Based on the print condition of the print data 3 contained in the data file 22 and the print data 3 included in the data file 22, the print control means 14 that prints the print data on the print paper based on the data file 22 from the corresponding storage location. And with.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention provides a printing apparatus capable of reading information on a print file and storing the data file of the print data on the printing paper and printing the same under the same printing conditions as the original. And the printing program.

When it is desired to duplicate a printed document, the printed image deteriorates if the document is duplicated repeatedly. Therefore, it is preferable to print using the original data file. Also, when it is desired to correct a part of a printed document, it is better to take out the original data file and perform correction processing. In response to such a request, for example, a technique using a printed image printed on printing paper has been introduced (Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-216451

By the way, the conventional techniques as described above have the following problems to be solved.
Compared to the operation of copying the printing paper, the operation of taking out the original data file from the storage location, starting the corresponding application program, and printing is considerably complicated. Including the work of starting up a computer, there is a problem that it takes a very long time to obtain the desired printed matter. In addition, if the printing conditions are set incorrectly, there is a problem that printing fails and the requested printed matter cannot be obtained.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to the above points. When the storage location information of the data file of the printed print data is recorded on the printing paper, the information is read and the same as the original is read. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing apparatus and a printing program that can perform printing under printing conditions.

The present invention solves the above problems by the following configuration.
<Configuration 1> Based on the information reading means for reading the data file storage location information of the print data printed on the print paper and recorded on the print paper, and the read storage location information A file reading means for reading the data file from the corresponding storage location, and a print control means for printing the print data on the print paper based on the print condition of the print data included in the data file. A printing apparatus comprising:

  On the printing paper, in addition to the print data, storage location information of a data file storing the print data is recorded. This printing apparatus has a function of reading the storage location information. Since the data file is read from the storage location and printing is automatically executed according to the printing conditions, the print data can be quickly reproduced as it is. In addition, the document can be reproduced more clearly than the copy. Furthermore, since printing is performed using a data file, it is possible to change a part of the print data for printing.

  <Configuration 2> In the printing apparatus according to Configuration 1, the storage location information is a predetermined identification code, and a storage device storing information for specifying the storage location of the data file in association with the identification code; A printing apparatus comprising: a storage location specifying unit that acquires information for specifying the storage location of the data file from the storage device using the identification code read by the information reading unit as a key.

  Since the storage location information is recorded on the printing paper, the smaller the amount of information, the better. If information for specifying the storage location of the data file is stored in the storage device in correspondence with the identification code, even a long data file name can be specified without any problem. Further, it is attached to the data file, and there is an effect that information necessary for printing such as printing conditions can be stored together.

  <Configuration 3> The printing device according to Configuration 1, wherein the data file includes printer control data generated by a printer driver for controlling printing and transmitted to the printing device.

  By storing the data generated by the printer driver that controls the printing of the printer and sent to the printer as a data file in the storage device, there is no need to be aware of the application program that created the data that is the basis of the print data. . Therefore, even if an application program is not installed in the printer, the data file can be read and printed as it is. In addition, there is an effect that it is not necessary to start the host device.

  <Configuration 4> The printing device according to Configuration 3, wherein the print control means includes a print condition changing function for directly processing the printer control data.

  The printer control data is print control data dedicated to a specific printer output from the printer driver. If this control data structure is recognized in advance and the program module for processing for changing the printing conditions is included in the print control means and installed in the printer, the data file for printing can be processed without using an application program. Is possible.

  <Structure 5> The printing apparatus according to Structure 3, wherein the file reading unit transfers the read data file to a higher-level apparatus in which an application capable of processing the data file is installed.

  In Configuration 4, a program module for performing processing for changing printing conditions is mounted on the printer side. In this configuration, an application for processing a data file is installed in the host device. When it is difficult to process the data file on the printer side, the host device can be used.

  <Configuration 6> Print control means for printing print data on print paper based on given print conditions, and a data file necessary for printing the print data printed on the print paper, including the print conditions A printing apparatus, comprising: a file storage unit that stores data in a storage device; and an information recording unit that records storage location information of a data file stored in the storage device on the printing paper.

  This printing apparatus has a function of printing the contents of a data file on a print sheet and simultaneously recording storage location information of the data file on the print sheet. This can be used when a new document is created and the data file is printed. Further, it can be used when a data file is processed by a host device and the processed data file is stored and printed. Since this data file includes the printing conditions, the printing process of configuration 1 can be performed. The data file may be transferred from the host device.

  <Structure 7> The printing apparatus according to Structure 6, wherein the data file includes printer control data generated by a printer driver for controlling printing and transmitted to the printing apparatus.

  The apparatus having this configuration has a function of automatically storing a data file including printer control data used at the time of printing in a predetermined storage location. Further, when printing is performed on the printing paper, the storage location information of the data file is recorded on the printing paper. This process has the effect that it can be executed without depending on the host device.

  <Configuration 8> An information reading means for reading data file storage location information of print data printed on a printing paper, which is recorded on the printing paper, and the read storage location information. And a file reading means for reading out the data file from the corresponding storage location, and a print control for printing the print data on the printing paper based on a print condition of the print data included in the data file. Print program for functioning as a means.

    In the present invention, data file storage location information of print data printed on a print sheet is read on the print sheet. Based on the read storage location information, the data file is read from the corresponding storage location. This data file includes print conditions for print data. Printing is performed on the printing paper based on the printing conditions. If the data file is processed, the contents of the print data can be changed. Examples of the present invention will be described below.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a printing apparatus according to the present invention.
A printing apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a multifunction machine having a function of reading an image and a function of printing. As shown in FIG. 1, the printing apparatus 10 includes a scanner 11, an information reading means 12, a file reading means 13, a print control means 14, a print engine 15, a network interface 16, a storage device 17, a storage location specifying means 19, and the like. Is provided. The information reading unit 12, the file reading unit 13, the print control unit 14, and the storage location specifying unit 19 are all computer programs that cause a computer built in the printing apparatus to execute predetermined processing.

  The scanner 11 has a function of reading an image of a document and converting it into an electric signal using a well-known image line sensor or the like. In this example, the document is the printing paper 1. Print data 3 and data file storage location information 5 are printed on the printing paper 1. The print data 3 is a print image created by an application program (not shown) and recorded on print paper. The storage location information 5 is a bar code in this example, and is information indicating a directory or URL in which the data file is stored, for example.

  The information reading unit 12 has a function of accepting the output signal of the scanner 11 and recognizing the storage location information 5. That is, the computer program has a function of acquiring character data representing the contents of the storage location information 5 through recognition processing and code conversion processing. Since a known technique may be employed for the recognition process, detailed description is omitted. The storage location information 5 read by the information reading unit 12 is transferred to the file reading unit 13.

  The file reading unit 13 is a computer program having a function of reading the data file 22 from the corresponding storage location based on the storage location information 5. In the illustrated example, the data file 22 is stored in the external storage device 2 accessible through the network interface 16 and the network 7. For example, if a mass storage device is provided in the printing apparatus 10, the data file 22 may be stored therein. The file reading unit 13 transfers the read data file 22 to the print control unit 14. When processing the print data, the read data file 22 may be transferred to the host device 20. The host apparatus 20 controls the printing apparatus, and is a computer or the like in which an application for processing the data file is installed.

  The print control unit 14 is a computer program that executes control for printing the print data on a new print sheet based on the print condition of the print data 3 included in the data file 22. Specifically, the print control means 14 includes a printer driver or a print control module that directly controls the print engine 15. The print engine 15 is controlled by the printer control data 23 output from the print control unit 14 and has a function of printing print data corresponding to a new print sheet.

  The storage location information 5 may not be information that directly displays the storage location of the data file 22. For example, it may be identification data from which information indicating the storage location of the data file 22 can be extracted. The storage device 17 stores an index file 18 from which the storage location information of the data file 22 can be extracted from the identification data. The storage location specifying unit 19 receives the storage location information 5 including identification data from the file reading unit 13, searches the index file 18, acquires information corresponding to a specific storage location of the file, and reads the data to the file It is a computer program having a function passed to the means 13.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram regarding the storage location information.
The storage location information in FIG. 2A includes a barcode 5A printed on the printing paper 1. The storage location information in FIG. 2B includes a specific folder name 5B printed on the printing paper 1. The storage location information in FIG. 2C includes an IC tag 5C that can read and write various information on the printing paper 1 wirelessly. Thus, the storage location information can be recorded on the printing paper 1 by various methods. FIG. 2D is an explanatory diagram of processing when the barcode 5A indicates an identification code. When the information reading means 12 recognizes the barcode 5A, an identification code 31 as shown in FIG. 2 (d) is obtained. The index file 18 is data having information 33 for specifying the storage location of the data file in association with the identification code 31. The storage location specifying means 19 (FIG. 1) can search the index file 18 in the storage device 17 using the identification code 31 as a key, and acquire information for specifying the storage location of the data file.

  As described above, there are various methods for recording the storage location information. FIG. 2E shows a functional block diagram of an apparatus that can cope with storage location information recorded by any method when printing paper is set. That is, a barcode reading unit 34, a character recognition unit 35, and a tag data reading unit 36 are provided as functional blocks for passing storage location information to the file reading unit 13. The barcode reading means 34 reads a barcode as shown in FIG. 2A and obtains an identification code or the like therefrom.

  The character recognizing means 35 reads the characters as shown in FIG. 2B and passes the character information indicating the file storage location etc. to the file reading means 13. Of course, this may also be an identification code made up of simple numbers and letters. The tag data reading means 36 acquires storage location information from the tag 5C by radio. Since a relatively large amount of information can be written in the tag, in this case, the name of the computer, network, etc. that stores the data file can be specified. Information indicating printing conditions can also be included. Note that the printing paper 1 may be distributed to unspecified users. Therefore, it may be inconvenient if information such as the location where the data file is stored and the file name can be read. If the storage location information is converted into an identification code, the amount of information to be recorded can be reduced and the security can be improved.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the apparatus shown in FIG.
First, in step S <b> 1, reading of the printing paper 1 set in the printing apparatus 10 is executed using the scanner 11. In step S2, the information reading means 12 detects the barcode and recognizes the identification code. In step S3, the storage location information is sent to the storage location specifying means 19, and the storage location specifying means 19 searches the index file 18 to obtain information indicating the storage location of the data file. The file reading unit 13 reads the data file 22 from the external storage device 21 through the network interface 16 or the like in step S4.

  In step S5, it is determined whether or not processing of the print data 3 is requested. If the print data needs to be processed, an application program is called in step S6. Otherwise, jump to step S7. If the application program is installed in the printing apparatus 10, the printing apparatus 10 can be operated to correct, for example, the printing date of the print data. The application program may be called by transferring the print data to the host apparatus 20. In step S7, it is determined whether or not a change in printing conditions is requested. The printing conditions are, for example, a printing size and a printing method. If it is necessary to change the printing conditions, the printer driver is called in step S8 to change the printing conditions. Otherwise, jump to step S9.

  In step S9, an instruction to start printing is awaited. When the print start instruction is input, in step S10, the print control unit 14 prints the print data on the print paper using the data file. Thereafter, in step S11, the printing paper is discharged and the process is terminated. By the above processing, the print data on the input print paper is automatically printed on the new print paper in the same procedure as apparently copying the print paper with the printing apparatus 10. . At this time, part of the print data can be processed, or part of the print conditions can be changed.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a printing function of the printing apparatus according to the second embodiment.
As shown in the figure, it is assumed that a predetermined document is created by the document creation application program 40 in the host device. When there is a print request for this document, printer control data for controlling the print engine 15 is generated by the printer driver 41. At this time, the printer control data input to the printing apparatus is received by the file storage means 42 and stored in the external storage device 21 through the network interface 16 and the network 7. That is, in this embodiment, the data file 22 is printer control data output from the printer driver 41.

  The file storage means 42 includes data necessary for printing the print data, such as print conditions, in the data file 22 together with the printer control data. Further, the file storage unit 42 generates storage location information 5 storing the data file 22 and passes it to the information recording unit 43. The information recording unit 43 generates the index file 18 having the structure as described above, in which the identification information is associated with the actual storage location, and stores the index file 18 in the storage device 17. At the same time, the identification data and printer control data are supplied to the print engine 15 and printed on the printing paper 1. When an IC tag 5C as shown in FIG. 2C is used for recording the storage location information 5, an IC tag writing device may be provided inside the print engine 15. Since this part may have a known configuration, its description is omitted.

  The data file 22 described with reference to FIG. 1 may be a file generated by the host apparatus 20 of the printing apparatus using an application program. The application program may generate the storage location information 5 and print it on the printing paper. On the other hand, in the embodiment of FIG. 4, the document creation application program 40 does not have a function of generating the storage location information 5. When there is a print request, the file storage means 42 of the printing apparatus requests the document creation application program 40 to transfer the data file. At this time, the data file is transferred to the file storage means without passing through the printer driver as indicated by the broken line. The subsequent processing is the same as the example in which the printer control data is saved as the data file 22.

  In any case, according to this embodiment, the printing apparatus can print on the printing paper the information on the storage location of the data file of the print data. The printer control data received on the printing device side is stored in a predetermined storage device under the control of the printing device, and when the printing device generates the storage location information 5, there is no portion depending on the processing of the host device. There is an effect that management of control data and the like is ensured. On the other hand, the printer control data received on the printing apparatus side is data dedicated to this type of printing apparatus. Therefore, a dedicated program is required to directly modify the contents.

FIG. 5A is an explanatory diagram showing a general print data changing process.
As shown in FIG. 5A, the document creation application program 40 is activated on the host device and the print data file 50 is read out and then edited as appropriate. Then, the edited print data file 50 is supplied to the printer driver 41 to drive the print engine 15. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the data file is printer control data. In that case, the control as shown in FIG. First, the syntax of the printer control data 23 output from the printer driver 41 is recognized in advance, and the program module 55 is installed in the printing apparatus for changing printing conditions.

  The printing condition change program module 55 extracts control codes 23A and 23B for determining printing conditions from specific code data of the printer control data 23. Then, such processing as directly rewriting or deleting this, or adding another control code is performed. Such processing can be realized by a program module having a simple configuration. If this is installed in the printer, the printing conditions can be changed without using the document creation application program 40 on the host device side or controlling the printer driver 41. That is, in this embodiment, a printing condition changing function for directly processing the printer control data 23 is added to the printing control means 14 (FIG. 1).

  In order to control the printing condition changing program module 55, a user interface as shown on the control screen 56 may be displayed on a control panel (not shown) of the printing apparatus 10 shown in FIG. On this control screen 56, for example, it is possible to perform control such as selecting and changing printing paper, changing single-sided printing to front / back printing, and changing monochrome printing to color printing. It should be noted that there are some limits to changing the printing conditions and printing contents by processing the printer control data 23. It is not easy to change the contents of unique print data edited by various application programs. Therefore, when it is desired to change the contents of the print data drastically, it is preferable to provide a function for transferring the printer control data 23 and the print data file to the host device.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the printing apparatus according to the second embodiment.
This process will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step S21, a printing data file is generated by the application program 40 of the host device. In step S22, printer control data is generated by the printer driver 41 for portions that require printing. The file storage means 42 of the printing apparatus receives this printer control data in step S23. In step S24, the storage location of the printer control data is determined. In step S25, the printer control data is stored in the external storage device 21. In step S26, storage location information is generated and transferred to the information recording means 43. In step S27, the information recording unit 43 generates a barcode for displaying the identification information. Then, the index file 18 is generated in step S28, and the index file 18 is stored in the storage device 17 in step S29. In step S30, the printer control data and the barcode are combined and supplied to the print engine 15. Finally, when printing is executed by the print engine 15 in step S31, the printing paper is discharged in step S32.

  The printing apparatus according to the first embodiment includes a scanner 11, a file reading unit 13, and a print engine 15, and reads a data file necessary for printing without starting the host apparatus 20, and prints the same as the original print data. There is an effect that printing can be performed under conditions. In the example of FIG. 2, the storage location information is recorded in the lower corner of the printing paper, but it can be recorded in any location such as the margin or the back of the paper. In the first embodiment, color printing and monochrome printing, single-sided printing and double-sided printing, selection of printing paper, and the like are exemplified as printer control data change targets. However, print data reduction rate, resolution, bag binding printing, etc. Presence / absence can also be controlled. That is, almost all the various printing conditions that can be changed on the printer driver side can be included in the change target. In addition, a utility program that can display and edit a document data file created by a main application program for document creation on a printer may be installed. As a result, various data files can be processed independently for the printer. In the second embodiment, the data file received from the host device is stored in a predetermined storage device under the control of the file storage means 42 to generate storage location information. However, for example, the printer driver of the host device may acquire the storage location information of the data file stored in the document creation application program and transfer it to the printing device.

  The computer program for controlling the printing apparatus may be configured by combining independent program modules, or may be configured by a program that is integrated as a whole. All or part of the processing controlled by the computer program may be configured by hardware having equivalent functions. The computer program for realizing the present invention can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM and installed in any information processing apparatus for use. That is, it can be installed in a general personal computer and used as a printing apparatus. It can also be downloaded and used in the memory of any computer through the network.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a printing apparatus according to the present invention. Explanatory drawing regarding the storage location information of the Example. The flowchart figure which shows the operation example of the apparatus of FIG. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a function for printing on a printing paper according to a second embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows the change process of print data. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the printing apparatus according to the second embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

    DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Print paper, 3 Print data, 5 Storage location information, 7 Network, 10 Printing apparatus, 11 Scanner, 12 Information reading means, 13 File reading means, 14 Print control means, 15 Print engine, 16 Network interface, 17 Storage device, 18 index file, 19 storage location specifying means, 21 external storage device, 22 data file, 23 printer control data

Claims (8)

Information reading means for reading the data file storage location information of the print data printed on the print paper and recorded on the print paper;
Based on the read storage location information, a file reading means for reading out the data file from the corresponding storage location;
A printing apparatus comprising: a printing control unit that prints the printing data on the printing paper based on a printing condition of the printing data included in the data file. The printing apparatus according to claim 1,
The storage location information is a predetermined identification code,
A storage device storing information for specifying a storage location of the data file in correspondence with the identification code;
A printing apparatus comprising: a storage location specifying unit that acquires information for specifying a storage location of the data file from the storage device using the identification code read by the information reading unit as a key. The printing apparatus according to claim 1,
The printing apparatus, wherein the data file includes printer control data generated by a printer driver for controlling printing and transmitted to the printing apparatus. The printing apparatus according to claim 3.
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing control unit includes a printing condition changing function for directly processing the printer control data. The printing apparatus according to claim 3.
The file reading means transfers the read data file to a higher-level device in which an application capable of processing the data file is installed. Print control means for printing print data on printing paper based on given printing conditions;
A file storage means for storing in the storage device a data file that includes the printing conditions and is necessary for printing the print data printed on the printing paper;
A printing apparatus comprising: information recording means for recording storage location information of a data file stored in the storage device on the printing paper. The printing apparatus according to claim 6.
The printing apparatus, wherein the data file includes printer control data generated by a printer driver for controlling printing and transmitted to the printing apparatus. Computer
Information reading means for reading the data file storage location information of the print data printed on the print paper and recorded on the print paper;
Based on the read storage location information, a file reading means for reading out the data file from the corresponding storage location;
Print control means for printing the print data on the printing paper based on the print conditions of the print data included in the data file;
Print program to function as

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