JP2006137137A - Printing apparatus, printing system, and printing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To print history information in a printing apparatus capable of "print reprinting" when the user does not notice that it is stored as history information and prints with the same setting as history information in "normal printing mode". Printing was done from scratch without using it. Therefore, the present invention reduces the printing time by automatically utilizing the history information automatically, even if the user is not conscious of whether the combination of image data and print settings that the user is trying to print exists in the history information. The purpose is to do.
SOLUTION: The present invention automatically retrieves history information at the time of printing even when not in a mode using history information, and if history information of image data having the same print settings is stored, the remaining data is received. A printing apparatus, a printing system, and a printing method, characterized in that the operation is canceled and printing is performed using image data stored in history information, thereby reducing the data reception time.
[Selection] Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus, a printing system, and a printing method. For example, a printing apparatus capable of obtaining the same output result again by using previously printed image data stored in a storage device and history information of its print settings. The present invention relates to a printing system and a printing method.

  With the development of image processing technology in recent years, conventional printing devices not only set the size and type of recording paper, set the number of print outputs, but also scaling, color conversion, trimming, masking, etc. for image data, It has become possible to print out image data to be printed on a recording sheet after performing various image processing. In addition, the output image quality itself can be selected in a wide range from a high-detailed image such as a photographic image to a draft output for recognizing only the outline of the image.

  Furthermore, the input source of image data to be printed is not only an image reading device such as a scanner or a computer, but also a printing device (hereinafter referred to as a direct printer) that can perform printing processing alone without a host computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC). It is also possible to input image data held in a removable external device such as a memory card, or to input image data directly from a digital camera, and various input modes can be selected. It became so.

  As described above, as functions and input forms that can be executed in the printing apparatus increase and become more complicated, the setting work becomes complicated. In particular, when detailed settings are made on a direct printer that does not have a user interface environment compared to a PC or the like, a large load is placed on the user, and the total printing time required from the print setting operation to the printing result output. May take longer than expected. In order to reduce such a burden on the user, in the conventional printing apparatus, it is general that the previous setting once stored is valid as it is unless the apparatus is turned off. This eliminates the need for the user to perform the same setting each time printing is performed.

  However, when performing so-called “print-in-print” in which it is desired to perform the same printing as the previously executed printing, if the user has already executed printing with other settings, the user can perform the same printing as the previously executed printing. It was necessary to set again.

As a technique corresponding to such a situation, Patent Document 1 is proposed. This technology saves the print information of the image data together with the image data printed on the storage device as history information, and selects a history to be printed in a mode using the history information when performing “printing extra printing”. Even if the printing device is turned off or another printing is performed before reprinting, the print settings of the previous printing can be easily reproduced, resulting in the trouble of printing operations. And can save time.
JP 11-215358 A

  However, there is a problem in the above prior art. For example, in the prior art, history information cannot be used unless the printing apparatus is set to “mode using history information”. Certainly, the prior art pays attention to the simplification of print settings. Therefore, in order to efficiently reduce the labor and time required for A in the total printing time shown in FIG. It is effective to prepare [2] in FIG. 1 is the total printing time when printing is performed using the same setting as the previous printing in the “history information using mode”, but the time and labor required for A can be omitted. Yes.

  However, more closely, since image data stored in advance as history information in the storage device is used, the labor and time required for C can be omitted.

  However, even though the combination of the image file to be printed and the print setting is stored in the storage device as history information, the user does not notice that, and the user can select the image from scratch in the “normal print mode”. When the print setting is performed, the image data to be printed is already stored as the history information in the storage device without receiving the image data, but the data reception process is performed without using the data. Such labor and time cannot be omitted (state [1] in FIG. 1). If the input mode has a high data transfer rate, the labor and time required for C are reduced. However, if a wireless standard or a card I / F having a slow data transfer rate is used as the input mode, the labor and time required for C also increase. Therefore, it can be said that whether or not the labor and time required for C can be omitted greatly affects the total printing time.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and is automatically most efficient even if the user is not conscious of whether the combination of image data and print settings that the user is trying to print exists in the history information. The present invention provides a printing apparatus, a printing system, and a printing method that can shorten the total printing time by using the typical data (state [3] in FIG. 1).

  In order to solve the above problems, the printing apparatus of the present invention has the following configuration. That is, when printing image data with print settings received via the input interface, the image data to be printed and the print setting information related to the image data are stored as history information, and the history information is used. Is a printing device that has the function of printing image data that has been previously printed with the same settings as before, and receives only a part of all data necessary for printing first, and the received part Data identification information that can identify the image data to be printed from the data, print setting information acquisition means for acquiring the print setting information, and the image to be printed from where the acquired data identification information is searched from the history information Image data acquisition destination determination means for determining whether to acquire data, and the image data acquisition destination determination means uses history information. Even if not in the mode, the history information is automatically searched when printing is executed, and if the history information of the same image data is saved, the remaining data reception operation is canceled and the image data saved in the history information is deleted. If the data is not stored, the remaining data receiving operation is continued, and printing is performed using the received data.

  In order to solve the above problems, the printing apparatus of the present invention has the following configuration. That is, when printing image data with print settings received via the input interface, the image data to be printed after processing according to the print settings and the print setting information related to the image data are stored as history information. A printing apparatus having a function capable of printing image data that has been previously printed in a mode that uses the history information with the same settings as before, and a part of all data necessary for printing first. Print setting information acquisition means for acquiring data identification information and print setting information that can identify image data to be printed from the received partial data, and history of the acquired data identification information and print setting information It has image data acquisition destination determination means for determining from where to acquire image data to be printed by searching from the information. The data acquisition destination judging means automatically searches the history information when printing is executed even if the history information is not used, and if the combination history information of the same image data and print setting information is stored, the remaining data is received. Cancel the operation, print using the image data saved in the history information, and if it is not saved, continue the remaining data receiving operation and print using the received data. Features.

  The printing system of the present invention has the following configuration in order to solve the above problems. That is, when printing image data with print settings received via the input interface, the image data to be printed and the print setting information related to the image data are stored as history information, and the history information is used. Is a printing system used in a printing apparatus having a function capable of printing image data that has been previously printed at the same setting as before, and receives only a part of all data necessary for printing first. , Data identification information that can identify the image data to be printed from the received partial data, print setting information acquisition means for acquiring the print setting information, and by searching the acquired data identification information from the history information, from where Image data acquisition destination determination means for determining whether image data to be printed is acquired, and image data acquisition destination determination Even if the history information is not in a mode that uses the history information, the history information is automatically searched when printing is executed, and if the history information of the same image data is saved, the remaining data receiving operation is canceled and the history information is included in the history information. Printing is performed using the stored image data. If the image data is not stored, the remaining data receiving operation is continued and printing is performed using the received data.

  The printing system of the present invention has the following configuration in order to solve the above problems. That is, when printing image data with print settings received via the input interface, the image data to be printed after processing according to the print settings and the print setting information related to the image data are stored as history information. A printing system used in a printing apparatus having a function capable of printing image data that has been printed in a mode that uses the history information with the same settings as before, and is necessary for printing first. Print identification information acquisition means for receiving data identification information and print setting information for receiving only a part of all data and identifying image data to be printed from the received partial data; and the acquired data identification information Image data that determines where to obtain image data to be printed by retrieving print setting information from history information There is a source determination unit, and the image data acquisition destination determination unit automatically searches for history information when printing is performed even if the history information is not used, and the combination history information of the same image data and print setting information is obtained. If saved, cancel the remaining data reception operation, print using the image data stored in the history information, and if not saved, continue the remaining data reception operation and receive the received data It is characterized by printing using.

  The printing method of the present invention has the following configuration in order to solve the above problems. That is, when printing image data with print settings received via the input interface, the image data to be printed and the print setting information related to the image data are stored as history information, and the history information is used. Is a printing method used in a printing apparatus having a function capable of printing image data that has been previously printed at the same setting as before, and receives only a part of all data necessary for printing first. The print setting information acquisition step for acquiring the data identification information and the print setting information that can identify the image data to be printed from the received partial data, and by searching the acquired data identification information from the history information, from where An image data acquisition destination determination step for determining whether to acquire image data to be printed; Even if the history information is not in the mode that uses the history information, the history information is automatically searched when printing, and if the history information of the same image data is saved, the remaining data reception operation is canceled and saved in the history information. If the image data is printed and the data is not stored, the remaining data receiving operation is continued, and printing is performed using the received data.

  The printing method of the present invention has the following configuration in order to solve the above problems. That is, when printing image data with print settings received via the input interface, the image data to be printed after processing according to the print settings and the print setting information related to the image data are stored as history information. A printing method used for a printing apparatus having a function capable of printing image data that has been printed in the mode using the history information with the same setting as before, and is necessary for printing first. A print setting information acquiring step for receiving only a part of all data and identifying the image data to be printed from the received partial data and print setting information; and the acquired data identification information Image data acquisition that determines where to acquire image data to be printed by searching print setting information from history information In the image data acquisition destination determination step, the history information is automatically searched when printing is executed even when the history information is not used, and the combination history information of the same image data and print setting information is stored. If not, cancel the remaining data reception operation and print using the image data stored in the history information. If not, continue the remaining data reception operation and use the received data. Printing.

  In the present invention, when the user does not notice that the history information is stored and tries to print with the same setting as the history information in the “normal print mode”, the data communication processing is automatically canceled and stored. A function to execute printing by using the history information. This allows the user to be aware of whether the combination of the image file that the user is trying to print and the print settings exists in the history information, so that the history can be used without using the “normal print mode” and “mode using the history information”. It is possible to shorten the printing time by effectively using the information.

  In the examples, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the printing apparatus 200 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The printing apparatus 200 has a function of receiving and printing image data directly from a digital camera, and a direct access to a storage medium, in addition to a function as a normal PC printer that receives and prints data from a PC. Printing function and a function of receiving and printing image data directly from a portable terminal by infrared communication. Any recording method may be used. In the first embodiment, from the viewpoint of recording resolution, printing quality, and the like, an ink jet printer that ejects ink droplets toward a recording medium (recording paper) using thermal energy. It was.

  In the figure, the main body that forms the outer shell of the printing apparatus 200 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a lower case 201, an upper case 202, an access cover 203, and an exterior member for a discharge tray 204. The lower case 201 forms a substantially lower half portion of the printing apparatus 200, and the upper case 202 forms a substantially upper half portion of the main body. A storage space for storing each mechanism to be described later by combining both cases. A hollow body structure is formed, and an opening is formed in each of the upper surface portion and the front surface portion.

  Further, one end of the discharge tray 204 is rotatably held by the lower case 201, and an opening formed on the front surface of the lower case 201 can be opened and closed by the rotation. For this reason, when performing the recording operation, by rotating the discharge tray 204 to the front side to open the opening, it is possible to discharge the recording medium from here, and sequentially stack the discharged recording media. It has come to be able to do.

  One end of the access cover 203 is rotatably held by the upper case 202 so that an opening formed on the upper surface can be opened and closed. By opening the access cover 203, the access cover 203 is housed inside the main body. It is possible to replace the recording head cartridge (not shown) or the ink tank (not shown). Although not specifically shown here, when the access cover 203 is opened and closed, the protrusion formed on the back surface rotates the cover opening and closing lever, and the rotation position of the lever is detected by a micro switch or the like. Thus, the open / closed state of the access cover 203 can be detected.

  A power key 205 is provided on the upper surface of the upper case 202 so that it can be pressed. On the right side of the upper case 202, an operation panel 209 including a liquid crystal display unit 206 (for user interface and preview display) and various key switches is provided. An automatic feeding unit 207 automatically feeds the recording medium into the apparatus main body.

  Reference numeral 208 denotes a card slot, into which an adapter card (PCMCIA compliant) into which a memory card can be inserted is inserted, and image data stored in the memory card can be directly captured and printed via this adapter. Examples of the memory card include a compact flash (registered trademark) memory, smart media, and a memory stick.

  Reference numeral 210 denotes a connector terminal (a USB terminal in the first embodiment) for directly connecting a digital camera, which is for receiving image data directly from the digital camera.

  Note that a connector terminal (a USB connector in the first embodiment) for connecting a PC is provided on the rear surface of the printing apparatus 200. An infrared communication interface 211 is configured to be able to communicate with the infrared interface of the mobile terminal.

  FIG. 3 is a block configuration diagram of the printing apparatus 200 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As described above, the printing apparatus 200 has a function of printing by connecting to a PC (having already been described that the connector terminal for connecting to the PC is provided on the back of the apparatus). Also, a function for directly connecting to an imaging device such as a digital camera and printing (connector terminal 210 in FIG. 2), a function for directly accessing a memory card used in the digital camera or the like, and reading and printing image data (FIG. 2). Card slot 208) and a function of reading and printing image data by directly accessing the portable terminal such as a cellular phone by infrared communication (infrared interface 211 in FIG. 2).

  In order to realize such functions, a PC communication I / F 301 for communicating with a PC, a DSC communication I / F 302 for communication with a digital camera, an external storage medium I / F 303 for directly accessing a memory card, and a portable terminal Infrared communication I / F 304 for communicating with.

  The storage device 305 includes a nonvolatile memory, and can store a plurality of print setting information regarding image data to be printed and a plurality of image data before image processing is applied by the print setting information as history information.

  The history information confirming unit 306 receives only a part of all data necessary for printing through various I / Fs according to the transmission method, and can identify image data to be printed from the received partial data. The print setting information acquisition means for acquiring the information and the print setting information, and the image data having the acquired data identification information is searched from the history information stored in the storage device 305, and the image data to be printed is acquired from where. It has image data acquisition destination judgment means for judging whether to do.

  In other words, the history information confirmation unit 306 first receives and analyzes a portion where information that can identify image data to be printed and a print setting exists, and the image data to be printed is stored as history information in the storage device 305. (When image data is read from the memory card, the print setting information is acquired from the system control unit). If the data is stored, the subsequent data reception process is canceled, and the acquired print setting and the stored image data are transferred to the system control unit 307. If not stored, the data reception process is continued, and the acquired print settings and the received image data are transferred to the system control unit 307.

  For example, when data as shown in FIG. 4 is transmitted from the mobile terminal by infrared communication, the history information confirmation unit 306 uses the infrared communication I / F to print the image data header including the print setting information and the data identification information. Only the first part corresponding to the part is received first, and the paper size, paper type, print quality, print layout, which is print setting information, and the image data name, data type, data size, data creation date and time, which are data identification information, are received. get. Next, using the acquired file identification information, it is searched whether the image data to be printed is stored as history information in the storage device 305 shown in FIG. Even if the print setting information is different, if the file identification information matches, it is determined that the target image data is stored in the storage device 305.

  A system control unit 307 includes an MPU, a RAM, and the like, and controls the entire printing apparatus 200. For example, when acquiring the image data to be printed and the print setting data of the image data, the system control unit 307 can instruct the image processing unit 308 to perform image processing of the acquired image data. In addition, it is possible to instruct the print processing unit 309 to execute printing of data after image processing.

  The image processing unit 308 can perform image processing on the image data to make the data printable by the print processing unit 309.

  The print processing unit 309 includes an ink tank for each recording color component (not shown) and a mechanism for scanning a carriage on which the recording head is mounted, a mechanism for transporting a recording medium, a drive circuit for the recording head, and the like. Controlled by the system control unit 307.

  The display unit 310 indicates a general display device (color liquid crystal, dot matrix liquid crystal, pattern liquid crystal, etc.) that can display a graphical user interface or a preview.

  The operation unit 311 indicates operation keys related to the operation of the printing apparatus 200.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when printing is performed in the “normal printing mode” according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  First, in step S501, the history information confirmation unit 306 receives only a part of all data necessary for printing through various I / Fs according to the transmission method of the device that has performed printing. A certain part refers to a head part in which information that can identify image data to be printed and print settings generally exist.

  In step S502, the history information confirmation unit 306 acquires data identification information and print setting information that can identify image data to be printed from partial data including all data necessary for printing received in step S501.

  In step S503, the history information confirmation unit 306 searches for image data that matches the data identification information acquired in step S502 as history information in the storage device 305.

  In step S504, the history information confirmation unit 306 determines whether image data that matches the data identification information is stored in the storage device 305 as a result of the search in step S503. If stored, the process proceeds to step S505. If not saved, the process proceeds to step S509.

  In step S505, the history information confirmation unit 306 cancels the remaining data reception processing.

  In step S506, the history information confirmation unit 306 determines whether the print setting information of the image data that matches the data identification information is the same as the print setting information acquired in step S502. If they are the same, the process proceeds to step S508. If not, the process proceeds to step S507.

  In step S507, the system control unit 307 saves the print setting information in the current printing as history information in the storage device 305. In step S508, the history information confirmation unit 306 passes the image data matching the data information identification information to the system control unit 307 as print data together with the print setting information.

  In step S509, the history information confirmation unit 306 continues the reception process of the remaining data, and acquires image data to be printed. In step S <b> 510, the system control unit 307 stores the print setting information and image data for the current printing in the storage device 305 as history information.

  In step S511, the system control unit 307 instructs the image processing unit 308 to perform image processing on the acquired image data, and the image processing unit 308 executes image processing according to the print setting information. In step S512, the system control unit 307 instructs the print processing unit 309 to print the data that has undergone image processing in step S511, and the print processing unit 309 executes print processing according to the print setting information.

  In the above embodiment, the infrared communication interface 211 is present in the printing apparatus 200 in FIG. 1, but it goes without saying that a wireless communication interface other than infrared communication is also included in the invention according to the present application. Yes.

  In the above-described embodiment, the configuration of the printing apparatus 200 is a direct printer, but it goes without saying that configurations other than the direct printer are included in the invention according to the present application.

<Second Embodiment>
In the above embodiment (first embodiment), it is determined whether or not image data to be printed is stored in the storage device 305, and the match of the print setting information is not asked. However, when the image data after image processing or the like is added according to the print setting information is stored as history information (for example, when trimming is specified, only the trimmed area is stored as image data). In such a format, there is a possibility that the image data cannot be specified only by the data identification information.

  Therefore, the second embodiment corresponds to such a point, and history information can be effectively used even in a printing apparatus and a printing system that store image data after image processing or the like is added as history information. .

  The overview of the apparatus in the second embodiment of the present invention is the same as FIG. 1, and the block diagram inside the printer is also the same as FIG. 2, but the processing contents of the history information confirmation unit 306 and the “normal printing mode” The processing procedure when printing is slightly different from that of the first embodiment. Therefore, these points will be described.

  The difference from the history information confirmation unit 306 of the first embodiment is that whether the image data to be printed is stored as history information in the storage device 305 using the acquired data identification information and print setting information. It is a point to search.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when printing is performed in the “normal printing mode” according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  First, in step S601, the history information confirmation unit 306 receives only a part of all data necessary for printing through various I / Fs according to the transmission method of the device that has performed printing. A certain part refers to a head part in which information that can identify image data to be printed and print settings generally exist.

  In step S602, the history information confirmation unit 306 acquires data identification information and print setting information that can identify image data to be printed from partial data including all data necessary for printing received in step S601. In step S603, the history information confirmation unit 306 searches for image data that matches the data identification information and print setting information acquired in step S602 as history information in the storage device 305.

  In step S604, the history information confirmation unit 306 determines whether image data that matches the data identification information and the print setting information has been stored in the storage device 305 as a result of the search in step S603. If stored, the process proceeds to step S605. If not saved, the process proceeds to step S607.

  In step S605, the history information confirmation unit 306 cancels the remaining data reception processing. In step S606, the history information confirmation unit 306 passes the image data that matches the data identification information and the print setting information to the system control unit 307 as print data together with the print setting information.

  In step S607, the history information confirmation unit 306 continues the reception process of the remaining data, and acquires image data to be printed. Thereafter, the acquired image data is transferred as print data to the system control unit 307 together with the print setting information. In step S608, the system control unit 307 instructs the image processing unit 308 to perform image processing on the acquired image data, and the image processing unit 308 executes image processing according to the print setting information. In step S <b> 609, the system control unit 307 saves the print setting information and the image data after image processing in the current printing in the storage device 305 as history information.

  In step S610, the system control unit 307 instructs the print processing unit 309 to print data after image processing, and the print processing unit 309 executes print processing according to the print setting information.

Diagram showing the total printing time required from print setting operation to printing result output 1 is a perspective view of an overview of a printing apparatus 200 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block configuration diagram of a printing apparatus 200 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The figure which shows the example of the content of the data identification information and print setting information which the log | history information confirmation part 306 handles 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when printing is performed in the “normal printing mode” according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when printing is performed in the “normal printing mode” according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

200 Printing device 201 Lower case 202 Upper case 203 Access cover 204 Eject tray 205 Power key 206 Liquid crystal display unit 207 Automatic feeding unit 208 Card slot 209 Operation panel 210 Connector terminal 211 Infrared communication interface 301 PC communication interface 302 DSC communication interface 303 External Storage medium interface 304 Infrared communication interface 305 Storage device 306 History information confirmation unit 307 System control unit 308 Image processing unit 309 Print processing unit 310 Display unit 311 Operation unit

Claims (18)

  When printing image data with print settings received via the input interface, the image data to be printed and the print setting information related to the image data are stored as history information, and the history information is used in a mode that uses the history information. A printing apparatus having a function capable of printing the previously printed image data with the same settings as before, receiving only a part of all data necessary for printing first, and receiving the received partial data From the history information, the print setting information acquisition unit that acquires the data identification information and the print setting information that can identify the image data to be printed from Image data acquisition destination determination means for determining whether to acquire image data, and the image data acquisition destination determination means includes the history information. If the history information of the same image data is stored automatically when printing is performed even if the mode is not used, the remaining data receiving operation is canceled and stored in the history information. A printing apparatus, wherein printing is performed using the image data, and if the image data is not stored, the remaining data receiving operation is continued and printing is performed using the received data.   The input interface includes an interface that directly communicates with the imaging device, an interface that houses a storage medium used in the imaging device, accesses the storage medium, an interface that communicates wirelessly with the portable terminal, and a host device The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of interfaces that communicate with the printing apparatus.   The print setting information includes at least one of a paper size, a paper type, a print quality, a print layout, and a trimming area, which are information necessary for printing. Printing device.   4. The data identification information according to claim 1, wherein the data identification information includes at least one of a data name, a data type, a data size, and a data creation date and time, which is data-specific information. Printing device.   When printing image data with print settings received via the input interface, the image data to be printed after processing according to the print settings and the print setting information related to the image data are stored as history information, A printing apparatus having a function capable of printing the image data previously printed in the mode using the history information with the same setting as before, and only a part of all data necessary for printing first. Print setting information acquisition means for acquiring data identification information and print setting information capable of identifying image data to be printed from the received partial data, and the acquired data identification information and print setting information. It has an image data acquisition destination determination means for determining from where to acquire image data to be printed by searching from history information, The image data acquisition destination determining means automatically searches the history information when printing is executed even when the history information is not used, and the combination history information of the same image data and print setting information is stored. , Cancel the remaining data receiving operation, perform printing using the image data stored in the history information, and if not stored, continue the remaining data receiving operation, the received data A printing apparatus characterized by using it for printing.   The input interface includes an interface that directly communicates with the imaging device, an interface that houses a storage medium used in the imaging device, accesses the storage medium, an interface that communicates wirelessly with the portable terminal, and a host device The printing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising at least one of interfaces that communicate with the printing apparatus.   7. The print setting information according to claim 5, wherein the print setting information includes at least one of a paper size, a paper type, a print quality, a print layout, and a trimming area, which are information necessary for printing. Printing device.   8. The data identification information according to claim 5, wherein the data identification information includes at least one of a data name, a data type, a data size, and a data creation date and time, which is data-specific information. Printing device.   When printing image data with print settings received via the input interface, the image data to be printed and the print setting information related to the image data are stored as history information, and the history information is used in a mode that uses the history information. A printing system used in a printing apparatus having a function capable of printing the previously printed image data with the same settings as before, and receiving only a certain part of all data necessary for printing first, By searching the history information for the data identification information that can identify the image data to be printed from the received partial data and the print setting information acquisition means for acquiring the print setting information, from the history information, Image data acquisition destination determining means for determining from where image data to be printed is acquired, and acquiring the image data The determination unit automatically searches the history information when printing is executed even if the history information is not used, and cancels the remaining data receiving operation when the history information of the same image data is stored, Printing is performed using the image data stored in the history information, and if not stored, the remaining data receiving operation is continued, and printing is performed using the received data. Printing system.   When printing image data with print settings received via the input interface, the image data to be printed and the print setting information related to the image data are stored as history information, and the history information is used in a mode that uses the history information. A printing method used in a printing apparatus having a function capable of printing the previously printed image data with the same settings as before, receiving only a part of all data necessary for printing first, A print setting information acquisition step for acquiring data identification information and print setting information capable of identifying image data to be printed from the received partial data, and searching for the acquired data identification information from the history information. An image data acquisition destination determination step for determining from where image data to be printed is acquired; The process searches for the history information automatically at the time of printing even when not in the mode using the history information, and when history information of the same image data is stored, cancels the remaining data receiving operation, Printing is performed using the image data stored in the history information. If the image data is not stored, the remaining data receiving operation is continued and printing is performed using the received data. Method.   The input interface includes an interface that directly communicates with the imaging device, an interface that houses a storage medium used in the imaging device, accesses the storage medium, an interface that communicates wirelessly with the portable terminal, and a host device The printing system according to claim 9, further comprising at least one interface that communicates with the printing system.   12. The print setting information according to claim 9, wherein the print setting information includes at least one of a paper size, a paper type, a print quality, a print layout, and a trimming area, which are information necessary for printing. Printing system.   13. The data identification information according to claim 9, wherein the data identification information includes at least one of a data name, a data type, a data size, and a data creation date and time, which is data-specific information. The printing system described.   When printing image data with print settings received via the input interface, the image data to be printed after processing according to the print settings and the print setting information related to the image data are stored as history information, and A printing system used in a printing apparatus having a function capable of printing the image data previously printed in a mode using history information with the same settings as before, all data necessary for printing first Print setting information acquisition means for receiving only a part of the image data and identifying the image data to be printed from the received partial data and print setting information; and the acquired data identification information and print Image data for determining where to obtain image data to be printed by retrieving setting information from the history information The image data acquisition destination determination means automatically searches for the history information when printing is executed even when the history information is not used, and the combination of the same image data and print setting information. If the history information is stored, cancel the remaining data receiving operation, print using the image data stored in the history information, and if not stored, perform the remaining data receiving operation. A printing system that continues and performs printing using the received data.   When printing image data with print settings received via the input interface, the image data to be printed after processing according to the print settings and the print setting information related to the image data are stored as history information, and A printing method used in a printing apparatus having a function capable of printing the image data previously printed in a mode using history information with the same setting as before, and all data necessary for printing first. A print setting information acquisition step for receiving only a part of the data and acquiring data setting information and print setting information capable of identifying image data to be printed from the received partial data; and the acquired data identification information and printing Image data acquisition that determines where to acquire image data to be printed by retrieving setting information from the history information A determination step, wherein the image data acquisition destination determination step automatically searches for the history information when printing is performed, even if the history information is not used, and combines history information of the same image data and print setting information. Is stored, cancel the remaining data receiving operation, print using the image data stored in the history information, and if not stored, continue the remaining data receiving operation. And printing using the received data.   The input interface includes an interface that directly communicates with the imaging device, an interface that houses a storage medium used in the imaging device, accesses the storage medium, an interface that communicates wirelessly with the portable terminal, and a host device The printing system according to claim 14, further comprising at least one of interfaces for communicating with the printing system.   The print setting information includes at least one or more of a paper size, a paper type, a print quality, a print layout, and a trimming area, which are information necessary for printing. Printing system.   18. The data identification information according to claim 14, wherein the data identification information includes at least one of a data name, a data type, a data size, and a data creation date and time, which is data-specific information. The printing system described.

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