Print recording system and method for controlling print recording system

A print recording system, including: at least one print recording device; and a computer system that includes a database storing a plurality of print setting information items and is capable of sending and receiving data with respect to the print recording device. The computer system searches the print setting information corresponding to a search condition that is input from the database in accordance with the search condition, repeats the search in accordance with a new search condition when the print setting information does not match the search condition, and sends the print setting information obtained by the search or the repeated search to the print recording device to set the print recording device.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a print recording system and a method for controlling a print recording system.

BACKGROUND ART

A print recording device such as an ink jet recording device has been widely used in a production line or the like for industrial purpose. Such a print recording device prints information such as a product name, a manufacturing date, and an expiration date on manufactures transported through a line. It has been known that a print content is registered (stored) in advance in a server as a template, a necessary template is searched at the time of performing print, and print is performed by using the template. Such a technology, for example, is described in JP 2014-71583 A (Patent Document 1).

In the technology of Patent Document 1, when the created template is registered (stored) in the server, a keyword for facilitating the search of the template is generated, and the template and the keyword are stored in the server by being associated with each other. Then, in a case where print is performed, a manipulator inputs the keyword by a terminal manipulation, searches the server, and displays the corresponding template on a terminal device, and in the case of an intended template, the manipulator performs print by instructing the print recording device to perform print using the template.

CITATION LIST

Patent Document

Patent Document 1: JP 2014-71583 A

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

According to Patent Document 1 described above, the necessary template can be extracted by keyword search.

However, the template is information of the “print content” itself, and does not include various setting information items with respect to a print device that is necessary at the time of performing print. Even in a case where a content to be printed is determined in accordance with the template, in order for the print recording device to execute normal print, many setting operations with respect to the print recording device are necessary. For example, print quality greatly varies in accordance with a transport speed of a production line transporting a printed matter, a distance between a print head and the printed matter, a print posture, and the like. For this reason, when print is started, in order to make the print quality excellent, it is necessary to set setting items affecting the print quality to a suitable value. Such setting is performed by an operator with a manual manipulation, on the basis of the previous experience, in the current conditions, but such a setting operation is extremely complicated. In addition, a setting content is greatly changed in accordance with the degree of deftness of the operator, and thus, it is difficult to stably maintain excellent print quality.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a print recording system and a method for controlling a print recording system that enable print setting information to be easily set.

Solutions to Problems

The present invention, for example, is a print recording system, including: at least one print recording device; and a computer system that includes a database and is capable of sending and receiving data with respect to the print recording device, in which the computer system stores a plurality of print setting information items as the database, searches the print setting information corresponding to a search condition that is input from the database in accordance with the search condition, repeats the search in accordance with a new search condition when the searched print setting information does not match the search condition, and sends the print setting information to the print recording device when the print setting information obtained by the search or the repeated search is applied, and the print recording device is set on the basis of the sent print setting information.

Effects of the Invention

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a print recording system and a method for controlling a print recording system that are capable of facilitating print setting.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail on the basis of specific examples. In the following description, in principle, the same reference symbols (numerals) will be applied to the same device, the operation processing, and the like, and the description of a device and an operation that have been already described may be omitted in the description of the drawings described later. Note that, the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

Next, Example 1 of the present invention will be described by usingFIG.1toFIG.5.FIG.1illustrates the configuration of a print recording system in Example 1 of the present invention. InFIG.2, print setting information is exemplified.FIG.3is a diagram illustrating an example of a search condition that is used at the time of extracting the print setting information by search.FIG.4is an example of a screen for inputting the search condition.FIG.5is an operation flowchart describing the operation of the system in Example 1 of the present invention.

(Description of Configuration and Function of System)

First, the configuration of the print recording system in Example 1 of the present invention will be described by usingFIG.1.

InFIG.1,100is a computer system provided with a database. In this example, the computer system100includes a server1, a terminal device5, and a network line6for performing communication between devices.

The server1is provided with a storage device11including the database that stores and retains a plurality of sets of print setting information items as illustrated inFIG.2. In addition, the server1has an arithmetic processing function as a computer, and includes an arithmetic processing unit12, a memory13storing a program for the arithmetic processing unit12to execute arithmetic processing, and an input/output unit14controlling the input of information or data that is sent from other devices into the server1or the output of the information or the data to the other devices through the network line6. Note that, the network line6may be wired or wireless, and in this example, a local area network (LAN) is used. In addition, the server1inputs the search condition from the terminal device5, searches print setting information corresponding to the requested search condition from the plurality of print setting information items in the database, and outputs (sends) the searched print setting information to the terminal device5.

The terminal device5has a function as man-machine communication for a user (a manipulator) to use the system, a function of fetching information (data) that is input to perform an operation command of the server1or of receiving and storing information (data) such as the print setting information sent from the server1, a function of sending the print setting information to print recording devices2and3when the print setting information to be set in the print recording devices2and3can be checked, and the like. A general-purpose computer (for example, personal computer) can be used as the terminal device5. The terminal device5includes an arithmetic processing unit51, a memory52storing a program for the arithmetic processing unit51to perform arithmetic processing or information (data) necessary for the arithmetic processing, and an input/output unit55controlling the input and the output of the information (the data). In addition, the terminal device5includes a display unit53and a manipulation unit54such as a keyboard, in order to perform communication with respect to the manipulator (the user of the system).

The print recording devices2and3are provided in a production line7. In this example, the print recording devices2and3are an ink jet recording device. The print recording devices (the ink jet recording devices)2and3contain an ink for print in a main body22, and supply the ink to a print head23. The print head23particulates the ink, lands the ink that is charged and deflected by a charged electrode and a deflection electrode provided inside in a print target, and performs print. A control unit21executes control for print using the main body22and the print head23. In addition, in this example, the control unit21inputs the print setting information that is sent from the terminal device5, and executes a setting operation of the print recording device on the basis of the print setting information.

Note that, in this example, two print recording devices are provided, but at least one print recording device may be provided, and three or more print recording devices may be provided. In addition, in this example, the print recording device is the ink jet recording device, but may be other types of recording devices (for example, a laser printer).

A print scanning device4scans the printed content, and transmits (sends) a scanning result to the terminal device5through the network line6.

The detailed operation content of the print recording system will be described below, but the outline is as follows. First, the manipulator inputs a search condition for searching desired print setting information to the terminal device5by manipulating the manipulation unit54while referring to display contents of the screen displayed on the display unit53of the terminal device5. The terminal device5sends the search condition to the server1, and the server1searches print setting information corresponding to the search condition and sends the searched print setting information to the terminal device5. The terminal device5fetches the print setting information and displays the print setting information on the display unit53. According to such display, the manipulator is capable of checking the content of the print setting information extracted by the search. The terminal device5waits for the check from the manipulator. In a case where the check from the manipulator (a setting permission command) is input, the terminal device5sends the print setting information to the print recording devices2and3. The print recording devices2and3to which the print setting information is sent execute the setting of the print recording device on the basis of the print setting information.

(Specific Operation Content of System)

Next, a specific procedure until the print setting information is applied (the operation content) in Example 1 of the present invention will be described by usingFIG.3toFIG.5.FIG.3is a diagram illustrating an example of the search condition.FIG.4illustrates a screen example of inputting the search condition for searching the print setting information.FIG.5is a diagram illustrating a specific operation procedure of the system ofFIG.1.FIG.5(A)illustrates an operation flow (a processing content) of the terminal device5, andFIG.5(B)illustrates an operation flow of the server1.

First, an operation of inputting the search condition for searching the print setting information will be described. Such an operation is processing of step S101inFIG.5(A). In step S101, the manipulator inputs the search condition as illustrated inFIG.3(A)to the terminal device5while watching the screen. A search condition input screen as illustrated inFIG.4is displayed on the display unit53, and the manipulator manipulates the manipulation unit54while watching the screen and inputs the search condition, and thus, the input is executed. First, the terminal device5is started up, the manipulation unit54is manipulated, and the search condition input screen as illustrated inFIG.4(A)is displayed on the display unit53. InFIG.4(A), in a case where “Call Print Setting” in a selection display430is selected, the terminal device5displays the screen. In a case where the screen is displayed, the manipulator inputs and designates the number410of search items (in this example, the number of items is 5). According to such designation, a table420in which five setting items can be input is displayed on the screen. In the table420, there are a column421of a priority order and a column422of setting items. Note that, in a case where the plurality of print setting information items are set by the search, as illustrated inFIG.4(B), the search is repeated by increasing the number of search items, and thus, more desired print setting information can also be extracted.

In principle, the manipulator selects and inputs the setting item in descending order of the priority order, in consideration of the importance of the search.423illustrates a content example of inputting a content to be input in each of the columns by pull-down. In a case where the input with respect to the condition input table420(the search condition) is completed, and then, the manipulator designates a “Execute Search” button in the selection display430of the screen, the terminal device5is capable of recognizing that the input of the search condition is completed and there is a search execution command. Such processing is step S101inFIG.5(A). In a case where the processing of step S101is ended, the processing proceeds to step S102.

Next, in step S102, the terminal device5and the server1are connected to each other such that communication can be performed, the terminal device5executes step S103of sending the search condition to the server1by checking that the communication can be performed. In a case where the processing of step S103(the sending of the search condition) is ended, the processing proceeds to step S104, and the terminal device5waits for the response from the server1.

On the other hand, as illustrated in step S121ofFIG.5(B), the server1waits for a search request (a command) from the terminal device5, and fetches the search condition in a case where there is the search request, as illustrated in step S122, and the processing proceeds to step S123. In step S123, search processing of the print setting information corresponding to (matching) the search condition is executed.

Next, in step S124, it is determined whether or not there is the print setting information satisfying (coincident with) the search condition (whether or not the print setting information satisfying the search condition exists) by the search. In step S124, in a case where there is the print setting information coincident with the search condition (in the case of YES), the processing proceeds to step S125. In a case where there is no print setting information that is completely coincident with the search condition (in the case of NO), the processing proceeds to step S126.

In step S125, the print setting information matching the search condition is sent to the terminal device5. On the other hand, in step S126, print setting information that does not match the search condition but has a high coincidence degree, that is, print setting information close to the search condition is searched, and a search result (the print setting information) is sent to the terminal device5.

Next, in step S104(refer toFIG.5(A)), the terminal device5waits for the print setting information to be sent from the server1, and in a case where the print setting information is received, the processing proceeds to step S105.

In step S105, the sent print setting information is fetched, and the content thereof is displayed on the display unit53. According to the display, the manipulator is capable of checking the content of the searched print setting data on the screen. The manipulator checks the displayed print setting information, and in a case where it is determined that there is no problem with the acquired (displayed) print setting information, the manipulation unit54instructs an input device to apply the print setting information. According to the instruction, the terminal device5performs the determination of step S107, and in a case where the print setting information is applied (in the case of YES), the processing proceeds to step S111. In step111, the print setting information is stored. In a case where the manipulator is not satisfied with the content of the displayed print setting information (in the case of NO in step S106), the terminal device5recognizes that the manipulator has determined not to apply at least the displayed print setting information as it is, and the processing proceeds to step S107.

In step S107, the screen for the manipulator to set the search condition is displayed, and in a case where the manipulator inputs a novel search condition (new search condition) while watching the screen (in the case of YES in step S107), the processing proceeds to step S108. In step S108, the new search condition is sent to the server1, and the repeat of the search (repeated search) is requested. The new search condition, for example, is set such that in the initial search, the search is performed in the search condition as illustrated inFIG.3(A)(in this example, there are five setting items), and as illustrated inFIG.3(B), an item with a low priority order is deleted (inFIG.3(B), the fifth item is deleted). Alternatively, the novel search condition is set such that in a case where the plurality of print setting information items are searched in the search condition ofFIG.3(A), the number of search conditions is increased. According to the novel search condition, the search is repeated, and thus, desired print setting information can be searched. Note that, the condition with a low degree of priority is deleted from the original search condition, and thus, the new search condition can be efficiently set.

The server1that has received the new search condition executes processing of step S121to step S126(refer toFIG.5(B)). The details thereof have been described above, and thus, will be omitted. The result of the repeated search (the print setting information) of the server1is sent to the terminal device5.

InFIG.5, the terminal device5determines whether or not there is the sending of the print information setting information to which the search is repeated in step S104, and in a case where there is the sending, the processing proceeds to step S105. The operation of step S105to step S108is as described above. As described above, such processing is continuously performed until the manipulator has no intention of repeating the search in accordance with the novel search condition.

In step S109ofFIG.5(A), even in a case where the acquired print setting information is not coincident with the search condition, it is determined whether or not there is a request indicating an intention of using the information by changing a part thereof (an edit request). In step S109, in a case where there is the edit request (in the case of YES), the processing proceeds to step S110, and waits for the manipulator to end an edit operation. The manipulator performs the edit request, and then, performs the edit operation. In step S109, in a case where there is no edit request (in the case of NO), it is determined to use the acquired print setting condition even when the print setting condition is not completely coincident with the search condition. In principle, such determination is based on the instruction from the manipulator. Even in a case where there is no instruction from the manipulator, in a case where there is no instruction from the manipulator within a certain period of time, the processing may proceed to step S111.

In step S110, in a case where the edit operation is ended (in the case of YES), the processing proceeds to step S111. In step S111, the print setting information after the edit is stored in the terminal device. The storage can be attained by being stored in the memory52of the terminal device5. That is, in a case where there is the print setting information coincident with the search condition (in the case of YES in step S105), the print setting information is stored, otherwise in a case where there is print setting information that can be applied (in the case of NO in step S109), the print setting information is stored. In addition, in a case where there is no print setting information completely coincident with the search condition, and a part of the print setting information close to the requested search condition is edited, the print setting information after the edit is stored (step S111).

Such storage is ended, and then, the processing proceeds to step S112.

Then, in step S112, the print setting information to be set (applied) is sent to the print recording devices2and3.

The print recording devices2and3(refer toFIG.1) fetch the print setting information sent from the terminal device5in the control unit21, and the control unit21executes the setting for print on the basis of the print setting information.

Note that, in this example, the computer system100is set to a system provided with the server1and the terminal device5and is set to a distributed system in which the server1executes processing of inputting the search condition by the terminal device and of searching the print setting information corresponding to the search condition from the database, but the present invention is not limited to such a computer system. For example, the computer system may be a centralized system in which the database is constructed in a general storage device not having an arithmetic processing function, and the search processing using the search condition is executed by the terminal device, instead of providing the server. In such a centralized system, it is not necessary to send and receive the information and the data between the terminal device and the server, and thus, the terminal device may execute processing in which the processing ofFIG.5(A)and the processing ofFIG.5(B)are combined.

Effects of Example 1

According to Example 1 of the present invention described above, the manipulator is capable of taking out the print setting information to be set in the print recording device by performing the search on the basis of the search condition, and thus, the setting operation of the manipulator with respect to the print recording device is simplified, and the time required for the operation can be reduced. In addition, even in a case where there is no print setting information matching the search condition, the search can be repeated by changing the search condition, and more desired print setting condition information can be fetched in the terminal device. In addition, according to the search, the print setting information close to the search condition can be edited by manipulating the terminal device, and thus, print setting information with a higher accuracy can be obtained.

Next, Example 2 of the present invention will be described by usingFIG.6andFIG.7.FIG.6is a system configuration diagram in Example 2 of the present invention.FIG.7is an operation flowchart of Example 2.

(Description of Configuration and Function of System)

First, a system configuration in Example 2 will be described by usingFIG.6. The computer system100ofFIG.6is a centralized system including the terminal device5, the storage device11, and the network line6. In the respect, the system ofFIG.6is different from the system ofFIG.1. InFIG.6, the database including the plurality of print setting information items used in the setting of the print recording device is stored in the storage device11. The other configurations are identical to those inFIG.1, and thus, the description of the other configurations inFIG.6will be omitted. In addition, in Example 2, the fact that a search condition is the search condition with the priority order as illustrated inFIG.3is identical to that in Example 1, but a specific operation in a case where the print setting information coincident with the original search condition is not capable of being obtained (not capable of being searched) is different from that in Example 1. Here, the reason for setting the priority order is to acquire print setting information having many items coincident with setting values of designated print setting items even in a case where the print setting information of the setting values of the print setting items designated by the user does not exist (is not stored) in the storage device11.

(Specific Operation Content of System)

Next, a specific operation content in Example 2 will be described byFIG.7.FIG.7is an operation flowchart in Example 2 of the present invention.

First, inFIG.7, in step S201, the terminal device5fetches the search condition with the priority order that is input through the manipulation unit54by the manipulator. Here, the search condition with the priority order is the search condition as illustrated inFIG.3, and setting items and setting contents are registered in descending order of the priority order. The screen as illustrated inFIG.4is displayed on the display unit53, and an input operation is performed by the manipulator manipulating the manipulation unit54. The terminal device5fetches the search condition with the priority order (in this example, hereinafter, referred to as a “search condition”), and then, the processing proceeds to step S202.

In step S202, on the basis of the fetched search condition, the print setting information corresponding to the condition is searched. After the search, the processing proceeds to step S203, and the print setting information that is a search result is displayed on the display unit53. According to such display, the manipulator is capable of grasping the content of the search result. After such display, the processing proceeds to step S204.

In step S204, it is determined whether or not the searched print setting information is content matching (coincident with) the search condition. In step S204, in a case where there is no print setting information matching the search condition (in the case of NO), the processing proceeds to step S209. In a case where there is the print setting information coincident with the search condition (in the case of YES), the processing proceeds to step S205.

Here, the processing of step S205to step S208, step S215, and step S216will be described below, and step S209to step S214will be described first.

First, in step S209, it is determined whether or not the print setting information displayed in step S203is applied (is set in the print recording device). Such determination is performed by the manipulator inputting (instructing) a determination result from the manipulation unit54. In a case where the manipulator inputs an instruction of applying the displayed print setting information, the processing proceeds to step S215, and the print setting information is retained. In step S209, in a case where an instruction of not applying the displayed print setting information is input (in the case of NO), the processing proceeds to step S210.

In step S210, it is determined whether or not the number of items of the search condition used in the search is “1”. For example, in the case of the search condition illustrated inFIG.3(A), there are five setting items, and thus, the number of search conditions is “5” in the initial search, and it is determined that the number of search conditions is greater than “1” (it is determined as YES). In this case, the processing proceeds to step S211. In step S211, the search condition with the lowest priority order is removed (deleted). For example, the fifth search condition with the lowest priority order is deleted from the search condition ofFIG.3(A)to be the search condition as illustrated inFIG.3(B). As described above, an item with the lowest priority order is deleted to be a new search condition, and in order to repeat the search, the processing returns to step S202. Accordingly, the server1repeats the search in accordance with the new search condition by step S202. In step S210, in a case where the number of search conditions is “1”as a result of repeating the search several times (in the case of NO), the processing proceeds to step S212without performing further search.

In step S212, it is determined whether or not the print setting information that is searched and displayed (refer to step S203) is used by being edited. The terminal device5waits for the determination from the manipulator, and determines that a determination result is input by the manipulator. In step S212, in a case where it is determined that the print setting information is not used (in the case of NO), the processing is ended. In a case where it is determined that the print setting information is used by being edited in step S212(it is determined as YES), the edit operation of the print setting information is performed by step S213and step S214. The edit operation is performed by the manipulator manipulating the manipulation unit54while watching the print setting information displayed on the screen of the display unit53. In step S214, in a case where the terminal device5checks that the edit operation of the manipulator is ended (in the case of YES), the processing proceeds to step S215. In a case where the edit operation is not ended (in the case of NO), the processing returns to step S213. The content of the processing of step S215and step S216will be described below.

Next, an operation content of step S204to step S208, step S215, and step S216will be described.

In step S204, in a case where it is determined that the searched print setting information matches the search condition, the processing proceeds to step S205. In step S205, it is determined whether or not the number of existing print setting information items matching the search condition is greater than or equal to 2. This is because the plurality of print setting information items coincident with the search condition may exist. In the determination of step S205, in a case where the number of print setting information items matching the search condition is 1 (in the case of YES), the processing proceeds to step S215. In a case where the plurality of print setting information items exist (in the case of NO), the processing proceeds to step S206.

In step S206, it is determined whether or not it is the print setting information searched in accordance with the original search condition, in other words, whether or not it is the print setting information obtained as a result of performing the search by deleting the search condition. In step S206, in a case where it is the print setting information obtained by the initial search condition (in the case of NO), the processing proceeds to step S208. In step S208, in a case where the processing of step S208of selecting one from the plurality of print setting information items is ended, the processing proceeds to step S215. Such selection is automatically performed by the designation from the manipulator or a selection rule set in advance in the terminal device.

On the other hand, in step S206, in a case where it is the print setting information obtained as the result of performing the search by deleting the search condition (in the case of YES), the processing proceeds to step S207.

In step S207, the print setting information closer to the original search condition is selected from the plurality of print setting information items. Such determination may be performed by calculating a match rate between the acquired data and the search condition in the terminal device5, or may be designated by the manipulator. In a case where the terminal device5performs the determination, the print setting information data with the highest priority order and the smallest difference in the setting values is selected from the print setting items of the deleted search condition. In a case where the selection is performed in step S207, the processing proceeds to step S215.

As described above, in step S215, the print setting information to be applied is retained by the search or the determination operation described above. That is, in a case where there is the print setting information coincident with the search condition (YES in step S205or in a case where one print setting information item is selected in step S208), the print setting information is retained and is used for setting the print recording device. In addition, in a case where the print setting information closest to the search condition is selected in step S207, the print setting information is retained. In addition, in a case where there is the print setting information edited by step S213, the print setting information after the edit is retained.

In step S215, the print setting information to be applied is retained once. After that, the processing proceeds to step S216. Then, in step S216, the print setting information that is set (that is applied) is sent to the print recording devices2and3.

The print setting information sent from the terminal device5is fetched in the control unit21of the print recording devices2and3, and the control unit21executes the setting on the basis of the print setting information.

As described above, the manipulator is capable of inputting the search condition in a priority sequence, and the computer system searches the intended data by performing the search in accordance with the search condition with the priority order, and thus, an operation of applying the print setting information to each of the print recording devices is simplified.

Note that, in Example 2, the system ofFIG.6is used, but instead of this system, the print recording system illustrated inFIG.1can be used. In the case of using the print recording system illustrated inFIG.1, the search processing is performed by the server. In addition, communication processing of the information or the data between the terminal device and the server is necessary.

Effects of Example 2

According to Example 2 of the present invention described above, the same effects as those in Example 1 described above are obtained. Further, in Example 2, the search condition with the priority order is created, and the item with a low priority order is sequentially deleted to be the new search condition, and thus, the input operation of the search condition is simplified, and desired print setting information is easily obtained.

Next, Example 3 of the present invention will be described by usingFIG.8.FIG.8is a diagram illustrating an operation in which new print setting information can be registered in the database. As with Examples 1 and 2 described above, in Example 3 (FIG.8), the print setting information is searched, and the print setting operation of the print recording device is facilitated by using the print setting information, but Example 3 illustrates only a respect relevant to the operation of registering the set of the plurality of print setting information items as the database. Therefore, in Example 3, the system configuration and the operation of searching the print setting information and of applying the print setting information to the print recording device, described in Examples 1 and 2, have been already described, and thus, the description thereof will be omitted, and only a processing operation in the case of registering the print setting information will be described.

(Description of Operation when Storage Capacity is Insufficient)

InFIG.8, first, in step S301, it is determined whether or not there is a registration request of novel print setting information. In a case where there is the new registration request from the manipulator, in step S301, it is determined that there is the registration request (YES), and then, the processing proceeds to step S302. In step S301, in a case where there is no registration request (in the case of NO), the processing is ended without being executed. Note that, the print setting information to be newly registered is temporarily retained in the terminal device.

In step S302, the initial print setting information is read in (a plurality of) print setting information (items) that is newly registered, and the capacity is checked. In a case where the processing is ended, the processing proceeds to step S303.

In step S303, a residual capacity (a free area) of the storage device is checked. After the check, the processing proceeds to step S304.

In step S304, the capacity of the print setting information that is obtained in step S302is compared with the residual capacity that is checked in step S303. In a case where the residual capacity is greater than the capacity of the print setting information, the print setting information can be registered. Therefore, as a result of such comparison, in a case where the read print setting information can be registered (in the case of YES), the processing proceeds to step S308, and new registration is executed.

On the other hand, in step S304, in a case where the capacity of the print setting information is greater than the residual capacity of the storage device (in the case of NO), the new registration is not capable of being executed, and thus, the processing proceeds to step S305.

In step S305, the number of times of actually using (applying) the print setting information that has been already registered in the setting of the print recording device is acquired with reference to the past history. Then, the processing proceeds to step S306.

In step S306, the print setting information with the minimum number of applying times is selected from the number of applying times that is obtained in step S305, and the print setting information is deleted. After such deletion is ended, the processing returns to step S303.

In step S303, the residual capacity of the storage device is checked again. In step S304, the capacity of the print setting information to be registered is compared with the residual capacity of the storage device. In a case where such a comparison result is YES, the processing proceeds to step S307, and the print setting information is registered.

In step S307, new registration processing is performed, and then, the processing proceeds to step S308. In step S308, it is determined whether or not print setting information to be further registered remains. As a result of such determination, in a case where the print setting information to be registered still remains (in the case of YES), the processing returns to step S302, and the processing described above is repeated. In step S308, in a case where the print setting information to be registered does not remain (in the case of NO), it is determined that the new registration processing does not remain, and the processing is ended.

Effects of Example 3

According to Example 3, the same effects as those in the examples described above are obtained, and in a case where there is the print setting information newly registered, the print setting information can also be registered in the storage device. Even in a case where there is no free capacity in the storage device (the residual capacity is small), the novel print setting information can be registered by deleting the print setting information with a small number of calling times.

Next, Example 4 of the present invention will be described by usingFIG.9andFIG.10.FIG.9is an operation flowchart thereof.FIG.10is a diagram illustrating a display screen that is used at the time of performing the operation of Example 4.

As with Examples 1 to 3 described above, in Example 4, the print setting information is searched, and the print setting operation of the print recording device is facilitated by using the print setting information, but Example 4 relates to an operation in a case where in a print recording system provided with many print storage devices, the print setting data is collectively applied to each of the print storage devices. Therefore, in Example 4, the detailed description of the system configuration and the operation of searching the print setting information and of applying the print setting information to the print recording device, described in Examples 1 and 2, will be omitted, and a respect relevant to the operation in a case where the print setting data is collectively applied to each of the print storage devices will be mainly described.

A display content of a screen in a case where the print setting information is simultaneously applied to a plurality of print recording devices in the system will be described by usingFIG.10will be described before describing a specific operation content of Example 4 (an operation content ofFIG.9). InFIG.10, a screen example is illustrated in which six print recording devices represented by510to560are connected, and buttons for referring to operation states such as a warning, an error, a current state, and the number of print times are displayed in each screen of the print recording devices. In addition, a device to which the print setting information is sent is designated by checking a check button in the vicinity of a device name. After such check, the same print setting information can be collectively sent to the print recording devices by clicking a sending button570.

Next, returning toFIG.9, processing of sending and applying the same print setting information to the plurality of print recording devices will be described. InFIG.9, in step S400, processing of extracting the print setting information to be applied by the search and of performing a necessary edit operation is performed, and such a respect has been described in detail in Example 1 and Example 2 described above. Therefore, here, the details thereof will be omitted. When the processing of step S400is ended, it is described that the print setting information to be applied (set) to each of the print recording devices is completed.

In step S410ofFIG.9, a screen for simultaneously applying the print setting information, as illustrated inFIG.10, is displayed on the display unit53of the terminal device5. After such display is performed, the processing proceeds to step S420. In step S420, the manipulator selects the print recording devices to which the print setting information is simultaneously applied while watching the screen. Such a manipulation content is fetched in the terminal device5through the manipulation unit54.

In step S430, it is determined whether or not the manipulation is ended, and in a case where the manipulation is not ended (in the case of NO), the processing returns to step S420. In step S430, in a case where the manipulation is ended (in the case of YES), the processing proceeds to step S440.

In step S440, the setting using the screen as illustrated inFIG.10is ended, and thus, the manipulator clicks the sending button570on the screen. Accordingly, the same print setting information can be sent to the plurality of print recording devices in the system.

As described above, according to Example 4, in the system having a configuration in which the plurality of print recording devices are connected, the same print setting information can be collectively sent.

Next, Example 5 of the present invention will be described by usingFIG.11.FIG.11is an operation flowchart thereof.

As with Examples 1 to 4 described above, in Example 5, the print setting information is searched, and the print setting operation of the print recording device is facilitated by using the print setting information, but processing of registering and accumulating the print setting information applied to the print recording device is registered in the database is added. Therefore, in Example 5, the system configuration or the operation of searching the print setting information and of applying the print setting information to the print recording device, described in Examples 1 and 2, will be simply described, and the processing of registering and accumulating the print setting information in the database will be mainly described.

InFIG.11, first, in step S500, the processing of extracting and editing the “print setting information” to be applied by the search, described above, is performed, and here, such processing will be omitted.

After the processing of step S500is performed, the processing proceeds to step S510. In step S510, the print setting information is temporarily retained. In step S520, the retained print setting information is sent to each of the print storage devices. The print recording device to which the print setting information is sent executes setting on the basis of the print setting information.

Next, in step S530, it is determined whether or not the applied print setting information is registered. Such determination is performed in the terminal device by the manipulator manipulating the manipulation unit54to input the availability of the registration to the terminal device.

In such determination, in a case where the print setting information is registered (in the case of YES), the processing proceeds to step S540. In a case where the print setting information is not registered (in the case of NO), the processing is ended.

In step S540, the print recording information is registered in the database. After such registration, the processing is ended.

As described above, according to Example 5 of the present invention, the print setting information applied to the print recording device can be added to the database as novel data. For this reason, print setting information items used in various environments can be arranged, and the types can be increased.

The present invention is not limited to one example of the present invention described above, but includes various modifications within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. In addition, the above examples have been described in detail in order to describe the present invention in an understandable way, but are not necessarily limited to those having all of the configurations described above.

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