Print system

A controller able to communicate with print devices each of which is configured to print a file on a medium, includes: a storage; a folder specifying unit configured to specify a folder stored in the storage as a print target folder; a destination specifying unit configured to specify one of the print devices as a destination print device; a file analyzing unit configured to analyze a format of each of print target files, which are all files in all hierarchical levels in the print target folder, and to determine whether each print target file is a printable file formats which has one of formats printable by the destination print device; and a transmission unit configured to transmit, to the destination print device, the printable format file.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority based on 35 USC 119 from prior Japanese Patent Application No. P2009-249163 filed on Oct. 29, 2009, entitled “Print System and Image Forming Apparatus”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

An aspect of the invention relates to a print system.

2. Description of Related Art

A conventional print system includes printers and an external device such as a host computer, wherein the external device selects an electrical file therein, selects one of the printers that supports direct-printing of the selected electric file of a specific file format as a destination printer, and sends the selected electric file to the destination printer, and then the destination printer prints the selected file.

As a direct-printable electric file format, which is a file format that is able to be direct-printed by a printer, there has been known a PDF (Portable Document Format; Registered trademark), an XPS (XML Paper Specification), a PS (PostScript; Registered trademark), an EPS (Encapsulated PostScript; Registered trademark), a JPEG or JPG (Joint Photographic Experts Group), a TIF (Tagged Image File Format), a PCL (Printer Control Language; Registered trademark), a PJL (Printer Job Language), and an HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-39908 discloses a print system that is capable of performing a broadcast printing with general-purpose applications and drivers, wherein a host computer allows a user to select files and destination printers for each of the selected files, and the host computer transmits, in response to a single print instruction, the files to the corresponding destination printers, in order to cause the destination printers to print the files, respectively.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

However, in the print system disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-39908, a user operation of selecting plural files may be troublesome. In the print system, a user operation of screening for a duplicate file to prevent printing the duplicate file may be also troublesome.

A first aspect of the invention is a print system including print devices each of which is configured to print a file on a medium; and a controller able to communicate with the print devices. The controller includes: a storage; a folder specifying unit configured to specify a folder stored in storage as a print target folder, a destination specifying unit configured to specify one of the print devices as a destination print device; a file analyzing unit configured to analyze all files in the print target folder, and a transmission unit configured to transmit, to the destination print device, all the files.

According to the first aspect, a user does not need to analyze all files in a folder.

A second aspect of the invention is a print system including: print devices each of which is configured to print a file on a medium; and a controller able to communicate with the print devices. The controller includes: a storage; a folder specifying unit configured to specify a folder stored in the storage as a print target folder; and a destination specifying unit configured to specify one of the print devices as a destination print device; a file analyzing unit configured to analyze the format of each of print target files, which are all files in all hierarchical levels in the print target folder, and to determine whether each print target file is a printable format file, which has one of the formats printable by the destination print device; and a transmission unit configured to transmit the printable format file to the destination print device.

According to the second aspect, by specifying a folder as a print target folder and a print device as a destination print device, all the printable format files in the print target folder are sent to a destination print device and will be printed by the destination print device. Thus, a user does not need to analyze the format of each file in a folder in order to determine if each file is printable in the destination print device.

A third aspect of the invention is a controller able to communicate with the print devices, each of which is configured to print a file on a medium, including: a storage; a folder specifying unit configured to specify a folder stored in the storage as a print target folder; a destination specifying unit configured to specify one of the print devices as a destination print device; a file analyzing unit configured to analyze the format of each of print target flies, which are all files in all hierarchical levels in the print target folder, and to determine whether each print target file is a printable file format which has one of the formats printable by the destination print device; and a transmission unit configured to transmit, to the destination print device, the printable format file.

According to the third aspect, by specifying a folder as a print target folder and a print device as a destination print device, all the printable format files in the print target folder are sent to a destination print device and will be printed by the destination print device. Thus, a user does not need to analyzing the format of each file in a folder in order to determine if each file is printable in the destination print device.

A fourth aspect of the invention is a print device including: a print engine configured to print a file on a medium; an interface unit able to communicate with a storage connectable to the print device; a folder specifying unit configured to specify one of folders stored in the storage as a print target folder, a file analyzing unit configured to analyze the format of each of print target files, which are all files in all hierarchical levels in the print target folder, and to determine whether each print target file is a printable format file which has one of formats printable by the print engine, and a transmission unit configured to transmit, to the print engine, the printable format file.

According to the fourth aspect, by specifying a folder in the storage, such as an external memory connectable to the print device or an internal memory in an external device connectable to the print device, as a print target folder, all printable format files in the print target folder are printed by the print device. Thus, a user does not need to analyze the format of each file in a folder in order to determine if each file is printable in the destination print device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

First Embodiment

Configuration of First Embodiment

FIG. 1is a diagram of the entire configuration of print system1according to a first embodiment of the invention.

Print system1includes host computer2with mouse3and display4and printers30aand30bconnected to host computer2via a network. Host computer2includes an unillustrated central processing unit (hereinafter, referred to as “CPU”) therein and functions as a control means to transmit a file to printer30aor30bvia the network by using the CPU. Host computer2includes therein direct print program10and storage20in which folder21or the like is to be stored.

Mouse3is provided at its upper face with left button3aand right button3band at its lower face with an unillustrated location detection sensor. Note that clicking right button3bof mouse3is referred to as a “right click” and clicking left button3aof mouse3is simply referred to as a “click”.

Direct print program10includes event handler11, output destination specifying unit12, job type specifying unit13, file analyzing unit14, job type command attaching unit15, and transmission unit16. Direct print program10is previously installed in host computer2and operates as a resident service program.

Event handler11functions as a folder specifying unit to specify one of folder21or the like stored in storage20as a print target folder. Event handler11includes icon specifying unit11a, menu displaying unit11b, and menu selecting unit11c.

Icon specifying unit11ais configured to specify folder21or the like in response to an operation of mouse3. Menu displaying unit11bis configured to display a menu having plural operation menu items for a folder (for example, folder21) that is specified by icon specifying unit11a. Menu selection unit11cis configured to select and execute one of the operation menu items in response to an operation of mouse3.

Destination-specifying unit12is configured to determine which of printers30aand30bis selected as a destination printer. Job type specifying unit13is configured to determine which one of job types, “Print”, “Print and Hold”, and “Hold” is selected.

File analyzing unit14is configured to analyze whether each file in all hierarchical levels in the print target folder (for example, folder21) is a direct-printable format file, which has one of the file formats that are directly-printable by the destination printer30aor30b. All of the direct-printable format files are transmitted to command attaching unit15.

When “Hold” is specified as a job type, command attaching unit15transmits, to transmission unit16, the direct-printable format file with a “hold command” attached. When “Print and Hold” is specified as a job type, command attaching unit15transmits, to transmission unit16, the direct-printable format file with a “print and hold command”. When “Print” is specified as a job type, command attaching unit15transmits, to transmission unit16, the direct-printable format file with no command.

Transmission unit16includes printer drivers16aand16b. Transmission unit16is configured to receive the direct-printable format file from command attaching unit15and to transmit it from printer drivers16aand16bto the destination printer30aor30bthat is specified by destination-specifying unit12via the network.

Printer30aincludes communication unit31a, job type determination unit32a, hold job processing unit33a, hold queue34a, and print unit35a(print engine).

Communication unit31ais configured to receive the direct-printable format file from direct print program10through the network and to transmit it to job type determination unit32a. Job type determination unit32ais configured to determine which command such as the “hold command” and the “print and hold command” is attached to the direct-printable format file, and to transmit the direct-printable format file to hold job processing unit33a.

When it is determined that no command is attached to the direct-printable format file, which means printing is instructed, hold job processing unit33atransmits the direct-printable format file to print unit35a. When it is determined that the “hold command” is attached to the direct-printable format file, hold job processing unit33astores the direct-printable format file into hold queue34a. When it is determined that the “print and hold command” is attached to the direct-printable format file, hold job processing unit33atransmits the direct-printable format file to print unit35aand stores the direct-printable format file to hold queue34a.

Note that upon receiving a print start instruction to start priming the direct-printable format file that is stored in hold queue34a, hold job processing unit33atransmits the direct-printable format file from hold queue34ato print unit35a. For example, the print start instruction is generated when the user pushes an unillustrated start button provided on the destination printer (30aor30b) or when the user clicks an unillustrated print start button in an unillustrated dialog box displayed on display4of host computer2A.

Hold queue34ais a queue configured to store therein and extract therefrom the direct-printable format file. Print unit35ais configured to print the direct-printable format file that is transmitted from hold job processing unit33aonto a print medium such as a sheet medium or the like.

Printer30bhas communication unit31b, job type determination unit32b, hold job processing unit33b, hold queue34band print unit35bthat have the same configuration as those of printer30a.

FIG. 2is a view of an example of folders and files stored in storage20shown inFIG. 1.

Files22ato22care stored in sub-folder21a, files22dto22fare stored in sub-folder21b, and files22gto22iare stored in sub-folder21c. Note that “all files in folder21” means “all files in all hierarchical levels in folder21” and are, in this example, files22ato22i.

FIG. 3is a view of an example of a display screen image executed by event handler11shown inFIG. 1when a folder is right-clicked.

Mouse cursor23is an arrow-shaped icon pointing to the upper left. Mouse3is configured to detect the position change thereof and to transmit the position change information to icon specifying unit11a. Icon specifying unit11ais configured to move mouse cursor23around according to the position change of mouse3.

FIG. 3illustrates mouse cursor23and icon21-1of folder21beneath mouse cursor23, which is to be specified by mouse3. When icon21-1is right-clicked, menu displaying unit11bshows right-click menu40, which is an operation menu with respect to folder21.

Right-click menu40contains menu items41ato41h. Right-click menu40is displayed upon a right-click (that is, to click right button3bof mouse3) and disappears upon a click (that is, to click left button3aof mouse3). When one of menu items41ato41his clicked, menu selection unit11cexecutes an operation corresponding to the clicked one of menu items41ato41h. For, example, when menu item41dcorresponding to “Direct Print” is clicked, menu selection unit11cdisplays a dialog box corresponding to a direct print.

FIG. 4is a view of an example of a display screen image of direct print dialogue box50executed by event handler11shown inFIG. 1.

Direct print dialogue box50includes destination selecting combo box51, job type selecting combo box52, OK button53, and cancel button54.

Destination selecting combo box51includes drop-down list icon51band destination printer display area51a. Like destination selecting combo box51, job type selecting combo box52includes drop-down list icon51band job type display area52a. When OK button53is clicked, direct print dialogue box50disappears and direct print program10starts to process step S1. When cancel button54is clicked, direct print dialogue box50disappears and the process of direct print program10is cancelled.

FIG. 5is a view of an example of a display screen image of direct print dialogue box50when drop-down list icon51bshown inFIG. 4is clicked.

When drop-down list51bis clicked, drop-down list51cused for selecting one of the destination printers is displayed beneath destination printer display area51aas shown inFIG. 5. When printer30aor30bin selection drop-down list51cis selectively clicked, drop-down list51cdisappears and destination printer display area51ashows the name of the selected printer (30aor30b).

In the example shown inFIG. 5, “printer30a” is displayed in destination printer display area51aof destination selecting combo box51as a destination, while “printer30a” and “printer30b” are displayed in drop-down list51cas selectable destinations since drop-down list icon51bhas been clicked.

FIG. 6is a view of an example of a display screen image of direct print dialogue box50when drop-down list icon52bshown inFIG. 4is clicked.

When drop-down list icon52bis clicked, drop-down list52cused for selecting one of the job types is displayed beneath job type display area52aof job type selecting combo box52. When one of the job types is selectively clicked in drop-down list52c, drop-down list52cdisappears and job type display area52ashows the name of the selected job type.

In the example shown inFIG. 6, “Print” is displayed in job type display area52aof job type selecting combo box52as the job type, and “Print”, “Print and Hold”, and “Hold” are displayed in drop-down list52cas selectable job types since drop-down list icon52bhas been clicked.

FIGS. 7A and 7Bare extension lists16a-1and16b-1showing extensions that are supported by printer drivers16aand16bof printers30aand30b.

FIG. 7Aillustrates extension list16a-1for printer driver16a, listing extensions of files that are able to be direct-printed by printer30a. That is, printer30ais able to print a file in any file format of PS, EPS, PDF, JPEG, JPG, PCL, and PJL.

FIG. 7Billustrates extension list16b-1for printer driver16b, listing extensions of files that are able to be direct-printed by printer30b. That is, printer30bis able to print a file in any file format of PS, EPS, and TIF.

Operation of First Embodiment

When folder icon21-1shown inFIG. 3is right-clicked by using mouse cursor23, icon specifying unit11aof event handler11shown inFIG. 1determines whether or not printer30aor30bis connected to print system1. When printer30aor30bis connected to print system1, menu displaying unit11bdisplays, on display4, right-click menu40shown inFIG. 3with menu item41dof “Direct Print” being added therein by using the operating system of host computer2. On the other hand, when no printer30aor30bis connected to print system1, menu displaying unit11bdisplay right-click menu40without menu item41dof “Direct Print”.

Then, when menu item4W of “Direct Print” is clicked by using mouse3, menu selection unit11cdisplays, on display4, direct print dialogue box50shown inFIG. 4for inquiring a destination printer (30aor30b) and an job type.

FIG. 8is a flowchart of the operation of host computer10after menu item41dof “Direct Print” is clicked, especially showing a detailed operation after a destination printer (30aor30b) and an job type are selected by using direct print dialogue box50.

In step S1, destination-specifying unit12shown inFIG. 1memorizes a destination printer, which is printer30aor30b, that is specified by using direct print dialogue box50shown inFIG. 5.

In step S2, job type specifying unit13shown inFIG. 1memorizes an job type, which is “Print”, “Hold”, or “Print and Hold”, that is specified by using direct print dialogue box50shown inFIG. 6. The job type includes “Print” to print the direct-printable format files, “Hold” to store the printable files to a hold queue of the destination printer (that is, hold queue34aof printer30aor hold queue34bof printer30b) without printing them in the destination printer, and “Print and Hold” to print the re-printable files and then store direct-printable format files to the hold queue of the destination printer such that the direct-printable format files that are stored in the hold queue of the destination printer are able to be printed again by the destination printer after the printable format file has been printed.

In step S3, file analyzing unit14checks, one by one, all files in folder21(that is, all files in all hierarchical levels of folder21shown inFIG. 2) corresponding to folder icon21-1that was appointed with mouse cursor23ofFIG. 3when a right-click event occurred. Note that all files in all hierarchical levels of folder21shown inFIG. 2are files22ato22i, in this example.

In step S4, file analyzing unit14determines whether the check of all the files in the folder is completed or not, and then proceeds to step S5when the check is not completed (NO, in step S4) and ends the process ofFIG. 8when the check is completed (YES, in step S4). In other words, step S4(file analyzing unit14) precedes to step S5if a new file is detected in step S3, and step S4(file analyzing unit14) proceeds to end the process ofFIG. 8if no new file is detected in step S3.

In step S5, file analyzing unit14determines whether or not the new detected file is a direct-printable format file in the destination printer, which is able to be direct-printed in the destination printer (30aor30b). Specifically, file analyzing unit14obtains an extension list (16a-1or16b-1) corresponding to the destination printer (30aor30b), which lists the extensions of files that are able to be direct-printed by the destination printer (30aor30b), and determines whether or not an extension of the new detected file is found in the extensions in the extension list (16a-1or16b-1) of the destination printer (30aor30b). Note that extension list16a-1corresponding to printer driver16aof printer30aand extension list16a-1corresponding to printer driver16bof printer30bare previously stored as extension list files.

For example, in the case where printer30awas selected as a destination printer by using direct print dialogue box50shown inFIG. 5, file analyzing unit14compares the extension of the new detected file with extension list16a-1in printer driver16aof printer30a. When the extension of the new detected file is the same as one of the extensions (PS, EPS, PDF, JPEG, JPG, PCL, and PJL) listed in extension list16a-1(Yes, in step S5), file analyzing unit14determines that the new detected file is supported by the destination printer30a(that is, the new detected file is a direct-printable format file, which is able to be direct-printed by the destination printer30a) and proceeds to step S6. On the other hand, when the extension of the new detected file does not correspond to any of the extensions (PS, EPS, PDF, JPEG, JPG, PCL, and PJL) listed in extension list16a-1(Yes, in step S5), file analyzing unit14determines that the new detected file is not supported by the destination printer30a(that is, the new detected file is unable to be direct-printed by the destination printer30a) and returns to step S3.

In step S6, command attaching unit15attaches a hold command to the direct-printable format file if the specified job type is “Hold” or “Print and Hold”.

In step S7, transmission unit16transmits the direct-printable format file to the destination printer (30aor30b) that is specified in step S1and then returns to step S3.

Effects of First Embodiment

According to the first embodiment, all files22ato22iin folder21(that is, all files22ato22iin all the hierarchical levels of folder21) can be direct-printed, simply by selecting “Direct Print” while right-clicking folder21and specifying one of printers30aand30bas a destination printer. Therefore, a user does not need a time-consuming job to filter direct-printable format files. This simplifies the print operation.

Second Embodiment

Configuration of Second Embodiment

FIG. 9is a diagram of the entire configuration of print system1A according to the second embodiment of the invention. In the second embodiment, the same constituents as in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment.

Print system1A of the second embodiment includes host computer2A, which has a configuration different from host computer2of the first embodiment, and printers30aand30b, which have the same configuration as the first embodiment, connected to host computer2A via a network.

Host computer2A is connected to mouse3and display4, which are the same as those of the first embodiment. Host computer2A includes therein: direct print program10A, which is different from direct print program10of the first embodiment, to be executed by the unillustrated CPU: and storage20, which is the same as that of the first embodiment, to store therein folder21or the like.

Direct print program10A includes sent file history storage17and file duplication determination unit18, in addition to all the configuration of direct print program10of the first embodiment.

Sent file history storage17stores therein the history of transmitted files that are transmitted from transmission unit16. File duplication determination unit18determines whether or not the direct-printable format file, which is the new detected file that was determined by file analyzing unit14to be printable by the destination printer (30aand30b), is identical to one of the files that have already been transmitted to the destination printer (30aand30b), and then transmits, to command attaching unit15, the direct-printable format file that is not identical to one of the files that have already been transmitted to the destination printer (30aand30b).

The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.FIG. 10is a view of an example of the storage configuration of sent file history70of sent file history storage17shown inFIG. 9.

Sent file history70includes items which correspond to the transmitted files respectively, and includes storage number71, file size72, file update time73, and checksum74, for each of the transmitted files. That is, each item in sent file history has storage number71, file size72, file update time73, and checksum74.

The first item which corresponds to storage number71of “1” has file size72of “427523 bytes”, file update time73of “16:43 and 19 seconds on Aug. 21, 2008”, and checksum74of hexadecimal “d23386a3d51d256a402c2c807b8c14a2”.

The second item which corresponds to storage number71of “2” has file size72of “62464 bytes”, file update time73of “13:56 and 47 seconds on Aug. 10, 2008”, and checksum74of hexadecimal “e7c102a6c8a07b66c9541c9cd051cff”.

The third item which corresponds to storage number71of “3” has file size72of “258048 bytes”, file update time73of “19:56 and 41 seconds on Jul. 3, 2009”, and checksum74of hexadecimal “a871036bc5d02f55c22e007163224737”.

Operation of Second Embodiment

The operation and the screen display executed by event handler11shown inFIG. 9are the same as those of the first embodiment.

FIG. 11is a flowchart of the operation of host computer10after menu item41dof “Direct Print” is clicked, especially showing a detailed operation after a destination printer (30aor30b) and an job type are selected by using direct print dialogue box50.

InFIG. 11, the operation from steps S1to S3is the same as that of the first embodiment. In step S4, file analyzing unit14determines whether or not the check of all the files in all hierarchical levels of specified folder21is completed. Then, file analyzing unit14proceeds to step S12when the check is completed (YES, in step S4) and proceeds to step S5when the check is not completed (NO, in step S4). In other words, step S4(file analyzing unit14) proceeds to step S12if no new file is detected in step S3, while step S4(file analyzing unit14) proceeds to step S5if a new file is detected in step S3.

In step S8, file duplication determination unit18shown inFIG. 9calculates the checksum of the direct-printable format file. The checksum is calculated based on one or more algorithms of CRC32 (Cyclic Redundancy Check 32), MD5 (Message Digest Algorithm 5), SHA-1 (Secure Hash Algorithm 1), or the like.

In step S9, file duplication determination unit18shown inFIG. 9obtains the size and the update time of the direct-printable format file. In step S10, file duplication determination unit18compares the size, the update time, and the checksum of the direct-printable format file with those of each item in sent file history70of sent file history storage17, so as to determine whether any of the items in sent file history70has all components identical to those of the direct-printable format file. Sent file history70proceeds back to step S3when one or more of the items of sent file history70is identical to the direct-printable format file (YES, in step S9) and proceeds to step S11when no item is identical to the printable file (NO, in step S9).

In step S11, sent file history storage17adds, to sent file history70, a new item having the size, the update time, and the checksum of the direct-printable format file. The operation from step S5to step S7is the same as that of the first embodiment. In step S12, sent file history storage17deletes all of the items stored in sent file history70and then ends the process ofFIG. 11.

Effects of Second Embodiment

The second embodiment achieves the effects of the first embodiment. Further, the second embodiment can prevent printing the cumulative files even through the cumulative files are stored in specified folder21. This further simplifies user operation of print instruction for each folder and prevents the printer from printing the same file twice, thereby reducing the print media (for example, paper sheets) and the printing time.

Modifications

The invention is not limited to the above described embodiments and includes various modifications or the like. The modifications or the like includes the followings (a) to (i), for example.

(a) Modification (a) may have a configuration wherein icon specifying unit11aof event handler11shown inFIGS. 1 and 9specifies a file such as file22a, menu displaying unit11bin response to operation of mouse3, icon specifying unit11adisplays an operation menu including operations such as “Direct Print” with respect to the specified file, and then menu selection unit11cdisplays direct print dialogue box50for inquiring a destination printer and an job type when “Direct Print” is selected.

In modification (a), event handler11ofFIG. 9functions as a file specifying unit for specifying a file as a print target file, and file analyzing unit14analyzes the format (for example, the extension) of the print target file. Therefore, in modification (a), user operation upon right-clicking on a folder icon is the same as user operation upon right-clicking on a file icon, thereby simplifying the users operation.

(b) In step4shown inFIGS. 8 and 11, file analyzing unit14determines whether or not a file in the print target folder has a file format (file extension) that is able to be direct-printed by the destination printer (30aor30b). The determination is made based on the file extension in the first and second embodiments. In modification (b), the determination may be executed based on a necessary key of the file format or based on header information of the file, instead of the file extension. Therefore, modification (b) can accurately determine the file format, even when a wrong extension has been attached to the file by mistake.

(c) In the first and second embodiments, mouse3is connected to print systems1and1A (FIGS. 1 and 9). In modification (c), a pointing device such as a touch-pad, a trackball, a touch screen, or the like may be connected to print system. Modification (c) can achieve the same effects as in the first and second embodiments.

(d) In modification (d), menu displaying unit11bof event handler11displays menu40with operation menu item41dof “Direct Print” even when no printer (30aand30b) is connected to print system1or1A (seeFIG. 1or9), and then menu selection unit11cchecks whether any printers (30aand30b) are connected to the print system (1or1A) when menu item41dof “Direct Print” is selected. When it is determined that no printer (30aand30b) is connected, menu selection unit11cdisplays a warning message box saying “no printer is connected”.

(e) In modification (e), menu displaying unit11bof event handler11displays right-click menu40with operation menu item41dof “Direct Print” even when no printer (30aand30b) is connected to print system1or1A (seeFIG. 1or9), and menu selection unit11cchecks whether any printers (30aand30b) are connected to the print system (1or1A) when menu item41dof “Direct Print” is selected. When it is determined that no printer (30aand30b) is connected, menu selection unit11cdisplays direct print dialogue box50with blank destination printer display area51aand blank destination selection drop-down list51c.

(f) Modification (f), which is a modification of the second embodiment, includes a determination process instruction unit configured to determine whether or not to execute the determination process of file duplication determination unit18by using direct print dialogue box50or the like. Only when a determination process instruction unit instructs file duplication determination unit18to execute the determination process, file duplication determination unit18executes the determination process. According to modification (f), when the determination process of file duplication determination unit18is not needed, the determination process can be omitted (skipped) to speed up the direct print.

(g) In the second embodiment, file duplication determination unit18calculates the checksum of the corresponding file in step S8ofFIG. 11, and compares the corresponding file with items in sent file history70of sent file history storage17, to determine whether there is any item whose update time, size, and checksum are all identical to those of the corresponding file in step S10ofFIG. 11. In modification (g), which is a modification of the second embodiment, file duplication determination unit18does not execute the calculation of the checksum in step S8and then compares the update time and the size of the corresponding file with those of items in sent file history70so as to determine whether the corresponding file is a duplicated file of any item in sent file history70in step S10. According to modification (g), sent file history70needs to store the update time and the size of each item but does not need to store the checksum of each item. Therefore, file duplication determination unit18can complete the determination process faster, thereby speeding up the direct print.

(h) In order to determine whether there is any item that is identical to the corresponding file in step S10ofFIG. 11, file duplication determination unit18may compare the update time and the checksum of the corresponding file with those of each item in sent file history70, may compare the size and the checksum of the corresponding file with those of each item in sent file history70, or may compare only the checksum of the corresponding file with that of each item in sent file history70. Modification (h) achieves the same effect as the second embodiment.

(i) The first and second embodiments analyze the file format of all the print target files, which are the files in the print target folder, to determine whether each print target file is printable by the destination printer and then transmit only the printable format files to the destination printer. Modification (i) may analyze the file format of all the print target files, which are the files in the print target folder, to determine whether each print target file is printable by the destination printer and then transmit all the print target files with the analyzing result of the file analyzing unit. In modification (i), the destination printer may print only the printable format files based on the analyzing result of the file analyzing unit.

(j) Printer30aor30bin the first and second embodiments may be other print devices (image forming apparatus) having a print engine, such as a copying machine, facsimile machine, MFP (Multifunction Printer/Product/Peripheral), or the like. That is, a print device according to the invention means a device having a print engine, such as a printer, a copying machine, facsimile machine, MFP (Multifunction Printer/Product/Peripheral), or the like.

(k) A print device according to the invention may include; a print engine configured to print a file on a medium; an interface unit able to communicate with a storage connectable to the print device; a folder specifying unit configured to specify one of folders stored in the storage as a print target folder, a file analyzing unit configured to analyze a format of each of print target files, which are all files in all hierarchical levels in the print target folder, and to determine whether each print target file is a printable format file which has one of formats printable by the print engine, and a transmission unit configured to transmit, to the print engine, the printable format file. Such a print device can achieve a similar effect to the above embodiment.