US6172765B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Printing system
Assignee: Canon Inc
•
Filing: 1997-05-30
•
Granted: 2001-01-09
•
Expires: 2017-05-30
Abstract
Abstract An information processing apparatus analyzes the objects contained in print data and creates index information consisting of the types of objects included in one job and on each page of the job, the numbers of the objects and the sizes thereof. The index information is sent to a printer together with print data. On the basis of the index information, the printer calculates the size of the image developed and the quantity of data before it performs printing. If the calculated image size and quantity of data conform to conditions decided from the memory size and printing speed of the printer, the print data is developed into an image the resolution and number of tones of which are less than those originally specified. This image is printed out.
Inventors
- 👤 Hirokazu Kawamoto
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 20:34
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06K; G06K15/00; G06K15/02; G06K2215/00; G06K2215/0002; G06K2215/0005; G06K2215/0011; G06K2215/0062
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 103
Claim 1
Independent Claim
183 words
A printing system having a host and a printing apparatus in which both a resolution and a number of tones are capable of being changed over, the system comprising: index creating means for creating index information indicating a characteristic of print data; decision means for deciding one of a plurality of printing modes, based upon the characteristic obtained from the index information, wherein the plurality of printing modes include a first printing mode in which it is necessary to lower the resolution when the print data is printed by the printing apparatus and a second printing mode in which it is necessary to lower a number of tones when the print data is printed by the printing apparatus; and control means for causing the print data to be printed at a resolution lower than an original resolution when said decision means decides the first printing mode as the printing mode, and causing the print data to be printed with a number of tones smaller than an original number of tones when said decision means decides the second printing mode as the printing mode.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
183 words
A printing system having a host and a printing apparatus in which both a resolution and a number of tones are capable of being changed over, the system comprising: index creating means for creating index information indicating a characteristic of print data; decision means for deciding one of a plurality of printing modes, based upon the characteristic obtained from the index information, wherein the plurality of printing modes include a first printing mode in which it is necessary to lower the resolution when the print data is printed by the printing apparatus and a second printing mode in which it is necessary to lower a number of tones when the print data is printed by the printing apparatus; and control means for causing the print data to be printed at a resolution lower than an original resolution when said decision means decides the first printing mode as the printing mode, and causing the print data to be printed with a number of tones smaller than an original number of tones when said decision means decides the second printing mode as the printing mode.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
87 words
The system according to claim 1 , wherein the characteristic includes a quantity of data and an image size, said decision means compares the quantity of data and the image size obtained from the index information with prescribed values decided from a capacity of a memory possessed by the printing apparatus and a printing speed of the printing apparatus, and decides the first or second printing mode as the printing mode when the quantity of data or the image size is greater than the relevant prescribed value.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
39 words
The system according to claim 1 , wherein said index creating means creates index information that includes types of objects included in the print data, a number of objects of each type and a data size per each type.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
62 words
The system according to claim 1 , wherein said index creating means is included in the host, said decision means and said control means are included in the printing apparatus, said host sends the index information to the printing apparatus together with the print data and the printing apparatus prints the print data based upon the index information and print information received.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
86 words
The system according to claim 1 , wherein said index creating means and said decision means are included in the host, said control means is included in the printing apparatus, the host sends the printing apparatus an instruction whereby the control means causes the printing apparatus to print the print data at a resolution lower than the original resolution or with a number of tones smaller than the original number of tones, and the printing apparatus prints the print data in accordance with the instruction received.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
107 words
The system according to claim 5 , wherein the characteristic of the print data includes a quantity of data and an image size, said decision means compares the quantity of data and the image size obtained from the index information with prescribed values decided from a capacity of a memory possessed by the printing apparatus and a printing speed of the printing apparatus, wherein the capacity of the memory and the printing speed are acquired from the printing apparatus, and decides the first or second printing mode as the printing mode if the quantity of data or the image size is greater than the relevant prescribed value.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
68 words
The system according to claim 1 , wherein said index creating means, said decision means and said control means are included in the host, the host converts the print data to print data having a resolution lower than the original resolution or a number of tones smaller than the original number of tones by using said control means, and transmits the resulting print data to the printing apparatus.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
95 words
The system according to claim 1 , wherein said control means is provided in the host and in the printing apparatus, and said system further comprises means which, in dependence upon a capacity of a memory possessed by the printing apparatus, changes over between control performed by the control means of the host and control performed by the control means of the printing apparatus, said control means causing the print data to be printed at a resolution lower than the original resolution or with a number of tones smaller than the original number of tones.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
100 words
The system according to claim 1 , wherein said control means has means which is operable, if said decision means decides the first or second printing mode as the printing mode, for displaying this fact and allowing an operator to enter whether processing is to be continued or not, the print data being printed at a resolution lower than the original resolution in the first printing mode or with a number of tones smaller than the original number of tones in the second printing mode if an entry to the effect that processing is to be continued has been entered.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
156 words
The system according to claim 1 , wherein the index information includes job index information regarding all print data to be printed, and page index information for each page, said decision means decides whether it is necessary to lower the resolution or the number of tones based upon the job index information and the page index information, and said control means prints all print data upon lowering the resolution or the number of tones with regard to all of the print data if said decision means has decided, based upon the job index, that it is necessary to lower the resolution or the number of tones, and prints print data from a particular page onward upon lowering the resolution or the number of tones with regard to the particular page onward if said decision means has decided, based upon the page index information, that it is necessary to lower the resolution or the number of tones.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
85 words
The system according to claim 1 , wherein said decision means judges the necessity to lower the resolution and judges the necessity to lower the number of tones based upon different standards, and said control means causes printing to be performed upon lowering the resolution in a case where it has been judged necessary to lower the resolution, and causes printing to be performed upon lowering the number of tones in a case where it has been judged necessary to lower the number of tones.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
203 words
An information processing apparatus for generating print data for controlling a printing apparatus in which both a resolution and a number of tones are capable of being changed over, said apparatus comprising: index creating means for creating index information indicating a characteristic of original print data; decision means for deciding one of a plurality of printing modes, based upon the characteristic information obtained from the index information, wherein the plurality of printing modes includes a first printing mode in which it is necessary to lower the resolution when the print data is printed by the printing apparatus and a second printing mode in which it is necessary to lower the number of tones when the print data is printed by the printing apparatus; and generation means for generating print data to be printed by the printing apparatus in accordance with the decided printing mode, so that the print data is printed at a resolution lower than an original resolution when said decision means decides the first print mode as the printing mode, and the print data is printed with a number of tones smaller than an original number of tones when said decision means decides the second printing mode as the printing mode.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
203 words
An information processing apparatus for generating print data for controlling a printing apparatus in which both a resolution and a number of tones are capable of being changed over, said apparatus comprising: index creating means for creating index information indicating a characteristic of original print data; decision means for deciding one of a plurality of printing modes, based upon the characteristic information obtained from the index information, wherein the plurality of printing modes includes a first printing mode in which it is necessary to lower the resolution when the print data is printed by the printing apparatus and a second printing mode in which it is necessary to lower the number of tones when the print data is printed by the printing apparatus; and generation means for generating print data to be printed by the printing apparatus in accordance with the decided printing mode, so that the print data is printed at a resolution lower than an original resolution when said decision means decides the first print mode as the printing mode, and the print data is printed with a number of tones smaller than an original number of tones when said decision means decides the second printing mode as the printing mode.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
87 words
The apparatus according to claim 12 , wherein the characteristic includes a quantity of data and an image size, said decision means compares the quantity of data and the image size obtained from the index information with prescribed values decided from a capacity of a memory possessed by the printing apparatus and a printing speed of the printing apparatus, and decides the first or second printing mode as the printing mode, if the quantity of data or the image size is greater than the relevant prescribed value.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus according to claim 12 , wherein said index creating means creates index information that includes types of objects included in the original print data, a number of objects of each type and a data size per each type.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
49 words
The apparatus according to claim 12 , wherein said generation means generates the print data including an instruction which causes the printing apparatus to print the print data at a resolution lower than the original resolution or with a number of tones smaller than the original number of tones.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
60 words
The apparatus according to claim 15 , further comprising an acquisition means for acquiring a capacity of a memory possessed by the printing apparatus and printing speed of the printing apparatus, or conditions decided from the capacity of the memory and the printing speed, and said decision means decides the printing mode based upon conditions acquired by said acquisition means.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
49 words
The apparatus according to claim 12 , wherein said generation means converts the original print data to print data having a resolution lower than the original resolution or a number of tones smaller than the original number of tones, and transmits the resulting print data to the printing apparatus.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
69 words
The apparatus according to claim 12 , further comprising means which, in dependence upon a capacity of a memory possessed by the printing apparatus, determines changing-over between control performed by the host and control performed by the printing apparatus, said control causing the print data to be printed at a resolution lower than the original resolution or with a number of tones smaller than the original number of tones.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
100 words
The apparatus according to claim 12 , wherein said generation means has means which is operable, if said decision means decides the first or second printing mode as the printing mode, for displaying this fact and allowing an operator to enter whether processing is to be continued or not, the print data being printed at a resolution lower than the original resolution in the first printing mode or with a number of tones smaller than the original number of tones in the second printing mode if an entry to the effect that processing is to be continued has been entered.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
137 words
The apparatus according to claim 12 , wherein the index information includes job index information regarding all print data to be printed, and page index information for each page, said decision means decides the printing mode based upon the job index information and the page index information, and said generation means generates all print data upon lowering resolution or number of tones with regard to all of the print data if said decision means has decided, based upon the job index, the first or second printing mode as the printing mode, and generates print data from a particular page onward upon lowering the resolution or number of tones with regard to the particular page onward if said decision means has decided, based upon the page index information, the first or second printing mode as the printing mode.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
90 words
The apparatus according to claim 12 , wherein said decision means judges the necessity to lower the resolution and judges the necessity to lower the number of tones based upon different standards, and said generation means generates the print data which causes printing to be performed upon lowering the resolution in a case where it has been judged necessary to lower the resolution, and causes printing to be performed upon lowering the number of tones in a case where it has been judged necessary to lower the number of tones.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
175 words
A printing apparatus in which both a resolution and a number of tones are capable of being changed over, said printing apparatus comprising: receiving means for receiving print data and index information indicating a characteristic of the print data; decision means for deciding one of a plurality of printing modes, based upon the index information received by said receiving means, wherein the plurality of printing modes include a first printing mode in which it is necessary to lower the resolution when the print data is printed by the printing apparatus and a second printing mode in which it is necessary to lower the number of tones of the print data; and control means for causing the print data to be printed at a resolution lower than an original resolution when said decision means decides the first printing mode as the printing mode, and causing the print data to be printed with a number of tones smaller than an original number of tones when said decision means decides the second printing mode as the printing mode.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
175 words
A printing apparatus in which both a resolution and a number of tones are capable of being changed over, said printing apparatus comprising: receiving means for receiving print data and index information indicating a characteristic of the print data; decision means for deciding one of a plurality of printing modes, based upon the index information received by said receiving means, wherein the plurality of printing modes include a first printing mode in which it is necessary to lower the resolution when the print data is printed by the printing apparatus and a second printing mode in which it is necessary to lower the number of tones of the print data; and control means for causing the print data to be printed at a resolution lower than an original resolution when said decision means decides the first printing mode as the printing mode, and causing the print data to be printed with a number of tones smaller than an original number of tones when said decision means decides the second printing mode as the printing mode.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
87 words
The apparatus according to claim 22 , wherein the characteristic includes a quantity of data and an image size, said control means compares the quantity of data and the image size obtained from the index information with prescribed values decided from a capacity of a memory possessed by the printing apparatus and a printing speed of the printing apparatus, and decides the first or second printing mode as the printing mode, if the quantity of data or the image size is greater than the relevant prescribed value.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus according to claim 22 , wherein said receiving means receives index information that includes types of objects included in the print data, a number of objects of each type and a data size per each type.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus according to claim 22 , wherein said control means converts the print data to print data having a resolution lower than the original resolution or a number of tones smaller than the original number of tones.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
139 words
The apparatus according to claim 22 , wherein the index information includes job index information regarding all print data to be printed, and page index information for each page, said decision means decides the printing mode based upon the job index information and the page index information, and said control means prints all print data upon lowering the resolution or the number of tones with regard to all of the print data if said decision means has decided, based upon the job index, the first or second printing mode as the printing mode, and prints print data from a particular page onward upon lowering the resolution or number of tones with regard to the particular page onward if said decision means has decided, based upon the page index information, the first or second printing mode as the printing mode.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
85 words
The apparatus according to claim 22 , wherein said decision means judges the necessity to lower the resolution and judges the necessity to lower the number of tones based upon different standards, and said control means causes printing to be performed upon lowering the resolution in a case where it has been judged necessary to lower the resolution, and causes printing to be performed upon lowering the number of tones in a case where it has been judged necessary to lower the number of tones.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
204 words
An information processing method for generating print data for controlling a printing apparatus in which both a resolution and a number of tones are capable of being changed over, the method comprising: an index creating step of creating index information indicating a characteristic of original print data; a decision step of deciding, based upon the characteristic information obtained from the index information, one of a plurality of printing modes, wherein the plurality of printing modes include a first printing mode in which it is necessary to the lower resolution and a second printing mode in which it is necessary to lower the number of tones when the print data is printed by the printing apparatus; and a generation step of generating print data to be printed at the printing apparatus in accordance with the printing mode decided at the deciding step, so that the print data is printed at a resolution lower than an original resolution when the first printing mode is decided as the printing mode at the decision step and the print data is printed with a number of tones smaller than an original number of tones when the second printing mode is decided as the printing mode at the decision step.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
204 words
An information processing method for generating print data for controlling a printing apparatus in which both a resolution and a number of tones are capable of being changed over, the method comprising: an index creating step of creating index information indicating a characteristic of original print data; a decision step of deciding, based upon the characteristic information obtained from the index information, one of a plurality of printing modes, wherein the plurality of printing modes include a first printing mode in which it is necessary to the lower resolution and a second printing mode in which it is necessary to lower the number of tones when the print data is printed by the printing apparatus; and a generation step of generating print data to be printed at the printing apparatus in accordance with the printing mode decided at the deciding step, so that the print data is printed at a resolution lower than an original resolution when the first printing mode is decided as the printing mode at the decision step and the print data is printed with a number of tones smaller than an original number of tones when the second printing mode is decided as the printing mode at the decision step.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
100 words
The method according to claim 28 , wherein the characteristic includes a quantity of data and an image size, said decision step compares the quantity of data and the image size obtained from the index information with prescribed values decided from a capacity of a memory possessed by the printing apparatus and a printing speed of the printing apparatus, and decides that it is necessary to lower the resolution or the number of tones, when the print data is printed by the printing apparatus, if the quantity of data or the image size is greater than the relevant prescribed value.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method according to claim 28 , wherein said index creating step creates index information that includes types of objects included in the original print data, a number of objects of each type and a data size per each type.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method according to claim 28 , wherein said generating step generates the print data including an instruction which causes the printing apparatus to print the print data at a resolution lower than the original resolution or with a number of tones smaller than the original number of tones.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
61 words
The method according to claim 31 , further comprising an acquisition step of acquiring a capacity of a memory possessed by the printing apparatus and a printing speed of the printing apparatus, or conditions decided from the capacity of the memory and the printing speed, and said decision step decides the printing mode based upon conditions acquired at said acquisition step.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method according to claim 28 , wherein said control step converts the original print data to print data having a resolution lower than the original resolution or a number of tones smaller than the original number of tones, and transmits the resulting print data to the printing apparatus.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
73 words
The method according to claim 28 , further comprising a step which, in dependence upon capacity of a memory possessed by the printing apparatus, is a step of determining changing-over between control performed by the host and control performed by the printing apparatus, said control causing the print data to be printed at a resolution lower than the original resolution or with a number of tones smaller than the original number of tones.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
104 words
The method according to claim 28 , wherein said generation step has a step which, if the first or second printing mode is decided as the printing mode at said decision step, is a step of displaying this fact and allowing an operator to enter whether processing is to be continued or not, the print data being printed at a resolution lower than the original resolution in the first printing mode or with a number of tones smaller than the original number of tones in the second printing mode if an entry to the effect that processing is to be continued has been entered.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
144 words
The method according to claim 28 , wherein the index information includes job index information regarding all print data to be printed, and page index information for each page, said decision step decides the printing mode based upon the job index information and the page index information, and said generation step generates all print data upon lowering the resolution or the number of tones with regard to all of the print data if it has been decided, based upon the job index, that it is necessary to lower the resolution or the number of tones, and generates print data from a particular page onward upon lowering the resolution or the number of tones with regard to the particular page onward if it has been decided, based upon the page index information, that it is necessary to lower the resolution or the number of tones.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
89 words
The method according to claim 28 , wherein said decision step judges the necessity to lower the resolution and judges the necessity to lower the number of tones based upon different standards, and said generation step generates the print data which causes printing to be performed upon lowering resolution in a case where it has been judged necessary to lower the resolution, and causes printing to be performed upon lowering the number of tones in a case where it has been judged necessary to lower the number of tones.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
200 words
A storage medium storing a printer driver program for generating print data for controlling a printing apparatus in which both of a resolution and a number of tones are capable of being changed over, the program comprising steps of: creating index information indicating a characteristic of original print data; deciding one of a plurality of printing modes, based upon the characteristic information obtained from the index information, wherein the plurality of printing modes include a first printing mode in which it is necessary to lower the resolution when the print data is printed by the printing apparatus and a second printing mode in which it is necessary to lower a number of tones when the print data is printed by the printing apparatus; and generating print data to be printed at the printing apparatus in accordance with the decided printing mode, so that the print data is printed at a resolution lower than an original resolution when said decision step decides the first printing mode as the printing mode, and the print data is printed with a number of tones smaller than an original number of tones when said decision step decides the second printing mode as the printing mode.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
200 words
A storage medium storing a printer driver program for generating print data for controlling a printing apparatus in which both of a resolution and a number of tones are capable of being changed over, the program comprising steps of: creating index information indicating a characteristic of original print data; deciding one of a plurality of printing modes, based upon the characteristic information obtained from the index information, wherein the plurality of printing modes include a first printing mode in which it is necessary to lower the resolution when the print data is printed by the printing apparatus and a second printing mode in which it is necessary to lower a number of tones when the print data is printed by the printing apparatus; and generating print data to be printed at the printing apparatus in accordance with the decided printing mode, so that the print data is printed at a resolution lower than an original resolution when said decision step decides the first printing mode as the printing mode, and the print data is printed with a number of tones smaller than an original number of tones when said decision step decides the second printing mode as the printing mode.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
173 words
A printing control method for controlling a printing apparatus in which both a resolution and a number of tones are capable of being changed over, the method comprising: a receiving step of receiving print data and index information indicating a characteristic of the print data; a decision step of deciding, based upon the index information received at said receiving step, one of a plurality of printing modes, wherein the plurality of printing modes include a first printing mode in which it is necessary to lower a resolution and a second printing mode in which it is necessary to lower a number of tones of the print data; and a control step of causing the print data to be printed at a resolution lower than an original resolution when the first printing mode is decided as the printing mode, and causing the print data to be printed with a number of tones smaller than an original number of tones when the second printing mode is decided as the printing mode at said decision step.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
173 words
A printing control method for controlling a printing apparatus in which both a resolution and a number of tones are capable of being changed over, the method comprising: a receiving step of receiving print data and index information indicating a characteristic of the print data; a decision step of deciding, based upon the index information received at said receiving step, one of a plurality of printing modes, wherein the plurality of printing modes include a first printing mode in which it is necessary to lower a resolution and a second printing mode in which it is necessary to lower a number of tones of the print data; and a control step of causing the print data to be printed at a resolution lower than an original resolution when the first printing mode is decided as the printing mode, and causing the print data to be printed with a number of tones smaller than an original number of tones when the second printing mode is decided as the printing mode at said decision step.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
91 words
The method according to claim 39 , wherein the characteristic of the print data includes a quantity of data and an image size, said decision step compares the quantity of data and the image size obtained from the index information with prescribed values decided from a capacity of a memory possessed by the printing apparatus and a printing speed of the printing apparatus, and decides the first or second printing mode as the printing mode when the quantity of data or the image size is greater than the relevant prescribed value.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method according to claim 39 , wherein said receiving step receives index information that includes types of objects included in the print data, a number of objects of each type and a data size per each type.
Claim 48
Independent Claim
37 words
The method according to 39 , wherein said control step converts the print data to print data having a resolution lower than the original resolution or a number of tones smaller than the original number of tones.
Claim 49
Independent Claim
37 words
The method according to 39 , wherein said control step converts the print data to print data having a resolution lower than the original resolution or a number of tones smaller than the original number of tones.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
137 words
The method according to claim 39 , wherein the index information includes job index information regarding all print data to be printed, and page index information for each page, said decision step decides the printing mode based upon the job index information and the page index information, and said control step prints all print data upon lowering the resolution or the number of tones with regard to all of the print data if, based upon the job index, it the first or second printing mode has been decided as the printing mode, and prints print data from a particular page onward upon lowering the resolution or number of tones with regard to the particular page onward if it has been decided, based upon the page index information, the first or second printing mode as the printing mode.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
85 words
The method according to claim 39 , wherein said decision step judges the necessity to lower the resolution and judges the necessity to lower the number of tones based upon different standards, and said control step causes printing to be performed upon lowering the resolution in a case where it has been judged necessary to lower the resolution, and causes printing to be performed upon lowering the number of tones in a case where it has been judged necessary to lower the number of tones.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
190 words
A printer driver program for controlling a printing apparatus in which both a resolution and a number of tones are capable of being changed over, the program comprising steps of: creating index information indicating a characteristic of original print data; deciding one of a plurality of printing modes, based upon characteristic information obtained from the index information, wherein the plurality of printing modes include a first printing mode in which it is necessary to lower a resolution when the print data is printed by the printing apparatus and a second printing mode in which it is necessary to lower a number of tones when the print data is printed by the printing apparatus; and generating print data to be printed at the printing apparatus in accordance with the decided printing mode, so that the print data is printed at a resolution lower than an original resolution when said decision step decides the first printing mode as the printing mode and the print data is printed with a number of tones smaller than an original number of tones when said decision step decides the second printing mode as the printing mode.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
190 words
A printer driver program for controlling a printing apparatus in which both a resolution and a number of tones are capable of being changed over, the program comprising steps of: creating index information indicating a characteristic of original print data; deciding one of a plurality of printing modes, based upon characteristic information obtained from the index information, wherein the plurality of printing modes include a first printing mode in which it is necessary to lower a resolution when the print data is printed by the printing apparatus and a second printing mode in which it is necessary to lower a number of tones when the print data is printed by the printing apparatus; and generating print data to be printed at the printing apparatus in accordance with the decided printing mode, so that the print data is printed at a resolution lower than an original resolution when said decision step decides the first printing mode as the printing mode and the print data is printed with a number of tones smaller than an original number of tones when said decision step decides the second printing mode as the printing mode.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
87 words
The program according to claim 45 , wherein the characteristic includes a quantity of data and an image size, said decision step compares the quantity of data and the image size obtained from the index information with prescribed values decided from a capacity of a memory possessed by the printing apparatus and a printing speed of the printing apparatus, and decides the first or second printing mode as the printing mode, if the quantity of data or the image size is greater than the relevant prescribed value.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
39 words
The program according to claim 45 , wherein said index creating step creates index information that includes types of objects included in the print data, a number of objects of each type and a data size per each type.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
48 words
The program according to claim 45 , wherein said generating step sends the printing apparatus an instruction which causes the printing apparatus to print the print data at a resolution lower than the original resolution or with a number of tones smaller than the original number of tones.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
61 words
The program according to claim 48 , further comprising an acquisition step for acquiring a capacity of a memory possessed by the printing apparatus and a printing speed of the printing apparatus, or conditions decided from the capacity of the memory and the printing speed, and said decision step decides the printing mode based upon conditions acquired by said acquisition step.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
49 words
The program according to claim 45 , wherein said generating step converts the original print data to print data having a resolution lower than the original resolution or a number of tones smaller than the original number of tones, and transmits the resulting print data to the printing apparatus.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
70 words
The program according to claim 45 , further comprising a step which, in dependence upon a capacity of a memory possessed by the printing apparatus, determines changing-over between control performed by the host and control performed by the printing apparatus, said control causing the print data to be printed at a resolution lower than the original resolution or with a number of tones smaller than the original number of tones.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
86 words
The program according to claim 45 , wherein said generating step includes a step which, if said decision step decides the first or second printing mode, is for displaying this fact and allowing an operator to enter whether processing is to be continued or not, the print data being printed at a resolution lower than the original resolution or with a number of tones smaller than the original number of tones if an entry to the effect that processing is to be continued has been entered.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
146 words
The program according to claim 45 , wherein the index information includes job index information regarding all print data to be printed, and page index information for each page, said decision step decides the printing mode based upon the job index information and the page index information, and said generating step generates all print data upon lowering the resolution or the number of tones with regard to all of the print data if said decision step has decided, based upon the job index, that it is necessary to lower the resolution or the number of tones, and generates print data from a particular page onward upon lowering the resolution or the number of tones with regard to the particular page onward if said decision step has decided, based upon the page index information, that it is necessary to lower the resolution or the number of tones.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
90 words
The program according to claim 45 , wherein said decision step judges the necessity to lower the resolution and judges the necessity to lower the number of tones based upon different standards, and said generating step generates the print data which causes printing to be performed upon lowering the resolution in a case where it has been judged necessary to lower the resolution, and causes printing to be performed upon lowering the number of tones in a case where it has been judged necessary to lower the number of tones.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
169 words
A storage medium storing a program for controlling a printing apparatus in which both a resolution and a number of tones are capable of being changed over, the program comprising steps of: receiving print data and index information indicating a characteristic of the print data; deciding one of a plurality of printing modes, based upon the index information received by said receiving step, wherein the plurality of printing modes include a first printing mode in which it is necessary to lower the resolution and a second printing mode in which it is necessary to lower the number of tones of the print data; and a control step for causing the print data to be printed at a resolution lower than an original resolution when the decision step decides the first printing mode as the printing mode, and causing the print data to be printed with a number of tones smaller than an original number of tones when said decision step decides the second printing mode as the printing mode.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
169 words
A storage medium storing a program for controlling a printing apparatus in which both a resolution and a number of tones are capable of being changed over, the program comprising steps of: receiving print data and index information indicating a characteristic of the print data; deciding one of a plurality of printing modes, based upon the index information received by said receiving step, wherein the plurality of printing modes include a first printing mode in which it is necessary to lower the resolution and a second printing mode in which it is necessary to lower the number of tones of the print data; and a control step for causing the print data to be printed at a resolution lower than an original resolution when the decision step decides the first printing mode as the printing mode, and causing the print data to be printed with a number of tones smaller than an original number of tones when said decision step decides the second printing mode as the printing mode.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
88 words
The storage medium according to claim 55 , wherein the characteristic includes a quantity of data and an image size, said decision step compares the quantity of data and the image size obtained from the index information with prescribed values decided from a capacity of a memory possessed by the printing apparatus and a printing speed of the printing apparatus, and decides the first or second printing mode as the printing mode if the quantity of data or the image size is greater than the relevant prescribed value.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
39 words
The storage medium according to claim 55 , wherein said receiving step receives index information that includes types of objects included in the print data, a number of objects of each type and a data size per each type.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
39 words
The storage medium according to claim 55 , wherein said control step converts the print data to print data having a resolution lower than the original resolution or a number of tones smaller than the original number of tones.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
141 words
The storage medium according to claim 55 , wherein the index information includes job index information regarding all print data to be printed, and page index information for each page, said decision step decides the printing mode based upon the job index information and the page index information, and said control step prints all print data upon lowering the resolution or the number of tones with regard to all of the print data if said decision step has decided, based upon the job index, the first or second printing mode as the printing mode, and prints print data from a particular page onward upon lowering the resolution or the number of tones with regard to the particular page onward if said decision step has decided, based upon the page index information, the first or second printing mode as the printing mode.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
86 words
The storage medium according to claim 55 , wherein said decision step judges the necessity to lower the resolution and judges the necessity to lower the number of tones based upon different standards, and said control step causes printing to be performed upon lowering the resolution in a case where it has been judged necessary to lower the resolution, and causes printing to be performed upon lowering the number of tones in a case where it has been judged necessary to lower the number of tones.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
86 words
The apparatus according to claim 12 , wherein the plurality of printing modes further include a third mode in which it is necessary to lower both resolution and a number of tones, said generation means generates the print data to be printed at the printing apparatus so that the print data is printed at a resolution lower than the original resolution and with a number of tones smaller than the original number of tones when said decision means decides the third mode as the printing mode.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
49 words
The apparatus according to claim 61 , wherein said generation means generates the print data including an instruction which causes the printing apparatus to print the print data at a resolution lower than the original resolution and with a number of tones smaller than the original number of tones.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
49 words
The apparatus according to claim 61 , wherein said generation means converts the original print data to print data having a resolution lower than the original resolution and a number of tones smaller than the original number of tones, and transmits the resulting print data to the printing apparatus.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
129 words
An information processing apparatus as a host computer for generating print data and outputting the print data to a printing apparatus in which a printing grade can be changed via a printer interface, said apparatus comprising: analyzing means for analyzing data to be printed and obtaining characteristics of the data; decision means for deciding, based upon the characteristics obtained by said analyzing means and a control condition, whether or not it is necessary to lower the printing grade when the print data is printed by the printing apparatus; and generation means for generating the print data to be printed at a printing grade lower than an original printing grade on the basis of said data if said decision means decides that it is necessary to lower the printing grade.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
129 words
An information processing apparatus as a host computer for generating print data and outputting the print data to a printing apparatus in which a printing grade can be changed via a printer interface, said apparatus comprising: analyzing means for analyzing data to be printed and obtaining characteristics of the data; decision means for deciding, based upon the characteristics obtained by said analyzing means and a control condition, whether or not it is necessary to lower the printing grade when the print data is printed by the printing apparatus; and generation means for generating the print data to be printed at a printing grade lower than an original printing grade on the basis of said data if said decision means decides that it is necessary to lower the printing grade.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus according to claim 64 , wherein the data to be printed is temporarily spooled data for generating the print data.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus according to claim 64 , wherein the print data is described in a page description language.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus according to claim 64 , wherein said generation means append at command which designates the printing grade in the print data.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus according to claim 64 , wherein the control condition is given in accordance with the printing apparatus.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
44 words
The apparatus according to claim 64 , wherein resolution and a number of tones of the printing apparatus are capable of being changed over, and the printing grade is changed over by changing at least one of the resolution and the number of tones.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus according to claim 64 , wherein said decision means further decides whether the resolution or the number of tones should be changed when it is decided that it is necessary to lower the printing grade.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus according to claim 64 , wherein said decision means further decides whether both the resolution and the number of tones should be changed or not when it is decided that it is necessary to lower the printing grade.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus according to claim 64 , wherein said information processing apparatus is realized by executing a printer driver program.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
119 words
An information processing method for generating print data and outputting the print data to a printing apparatus in which a printing grade can be changed via a printer interface, said method comprising the steps of: analyzing data to be printed and obtaining characteristics of the data; deciding, based upon the characteristics obtained in said analyzing step and a control condition, whether or not it is necessary to lower the printing grade when the print data is printed by the printing apparatus; and generating the print data to be printed at a printing grade lower than an original printing grade on the basis of said data if said decision means decides that it is necessary to lower the printing grade.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
119 words
An information processing method for generating print data and outputting the print data to a printing apparatus in which a printing grade can be changed via a printer interface, said method comprising the steps of: analyzing data to be printed and obtaining characteristics of the data; deciding, based upon the characteristics obtained in said analyzing step and a control condition, whether or not it is necessary to lower the printing grade when the print data is printed by the printing apparatus; and generating the print data to be printed at a printing grade lower than an original printing grade on the basis of said data if said decision means decides that it is necessary to lower the printing grade.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method according to claim 73 , wherein the data to be printed is temporarily spooled data for generating the print data.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method according to claim 73 , wherein the print data is described in a page description language.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method according to claim 73 , wherein a command which designates the printing grade is appended in the print data at said generating step.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method according to claim 73 , wherein the control condition is given in accordance with the printing apparatus.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method according to claim 73 , wherein resolution and a number of tones of the printing apparatus are capable of being changed over, and the printing grade is changed over by changing at least one of the resolution and the number of tones.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method according to claim 73 , wherein it is decided whether the resolution or the number of tones should be changed when it is decided that it is necessary to lower the printing grade.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method according to claim 73 , wherein it is decided whether both the resolution and the number of tones should be changed or not when it is decided that it is necessary to lower the printing grade.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
129 words
A computer executable program as a printer driver for realizing an information processing apparatus for generating print data and outputting the print data to a printing apparatus in which a printing grade can be changed via a printer interface, said program comprising the steps of: analyzing data to be printed and obtaining characteristics of the data; deciding, based upon the characteristics obtained in said analyzing step and a control condition, whether or not it is necessary to lower the printing grade when the print data is printed by the printing apparatus; and generating the print data to be printed at a printing grade lower than an original printing grade on the basis of said data if said decision means decides that it is necessary to lower the printing grade.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
129 words
A computer executable program as a printer driver for realizing an information processing apparatus for generating print data and outputting the print data to a printing apparatus in which a printing grade can be changed via a printer interface, said program comprising the steps of: analyzing data to be printed and obtaining characteristics of the data; deciding, based upon the characteristics obtained in said analyzing step and a control condition, whether or not it is necessary to lower the printing grade when the print data is printed by the printing apparatus; and generating the print data to be printed at a printing grade lower than an original printing grade on the basis of said data if said decision means decides that it is necessary to lower the printing grade.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
134 words
A storage medium for storing a computer executable program as a printer driver for realizing an information processing apparatus for generating print data and outputting the print data to a printing apparatus in which a printing grade can be changed via a printer interface, said program comprising the steps of: analyzing data to be printed and obtaining characteristics of the data; deciding, based upon the characteristics obtained in said analyzing step and a control condition, whether or not it is necessary to lower the printing grade when the print data is printed by the printing apparatus; and generating the print data to be printed at a printing grade lower than an original printing grade on the basis of said data if said decision means decides that it is necessary to lower the printing grade.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
134 words
A storage medium for storing a computer executable program as a printer driver for realizing an information processing apparatus for generating print data and outputting the print data to a printing apparatus in which a printing grade can be changed via a printer interface, said program comprising the steps of: analyzing data to be printed and obtaining characteristics of the data; deciding, based upon the characteristics obtained in said analyzing step and a control condition, whether or not it is necessary to lower the printing grade when the print data is printed by the printing apparatus; and generating the print data to be printed at a printing grade lower than an original printing grade on the basis of said data if said decision means decides that it is necessary to lower the printing grade.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
180 words
A printing system having a host and a printing apparatus in which both resolution and number of tones are capable of being changed over, the system comprising: an index creating unit which creates index information indicating a characteristic of print data; a decision unit which decides one of a plurality of printing modes, based upon the characteristic obtained from the index information, wherein the plurality of printing modes include a first mode in which it is necessary to lower resolution when the print data is printed by the printing apparatus and a second mode in which it is necessary to lower a number of tones when the print data is printed by the printing apparatus; and a controller which causes the print data to be printed at a resolution lower than an original resolution when said decision unit decides the first printing mode as the printing mode, and causes the print data to be printed with a number of tones smaller than an original number of tones when said decision unit decides the second printing mode as the printing mode.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
180 words
A printing system having a host and a printing apparatus in which both resolution and number of tones are capable of being changed over, the system comprising: an index creating unit which creates index information indicating a characteristic of print data; a decision unit which decides one of a plurality of printing modes, based upon the characteristic obtained from the index information, wherein the plurality of printing modes include a first mode in which it is necessary to lower resolution when the print data is printed by the printing apparatus and a second mode in which it is necessary to lower a number of tones when the print data is printed by the printing apparatus; and a controller which causes the print data to be printed at a resolution lower than an original resolution when said decision unit decides the first printing mode as the printing mode, and causes the print data to be printed with a number of tones smaller than an original number of tones when said decision unit decides the second printing mode as the printing mode.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
202 words
An information processing apparatus for generating print data for controlling a printing apparatus in which both resolution and number of tones are capable of being changed over, said apparatus comprising: an index creating unit which creates index information indicating a characteristic of original print data; a decision unit which decides one of a plurality of printing modes, based upon the characteristic information obtained from the index information, wherein plurality of printing modes include a first printing mode in which it is necessary to lower resolution when the print data is printed by the printing apparatus and a second printing mode in which it is necessary to lower a number of tones when the print data is printed by the printing apparatus; and a generation unit which generates print data to be printed at the printing apparatus in accordance with the decided printing mode, so that the print data is printed at a resolution lower than an original resolution when said decision unit decides the first printing mode as the printing mode, and the print data is printed with a number of tones smaller than an original number of tones when said decision means decides the second printing modes as the printing mode.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
202 words
An information processing apparatus for generating print data for controlling a printing apparatus in which both resolution and number of tones are capable of being changed over, said apparatus comprising: an index creating unit which creates index information indicating a characteristic of original print data; a decision unit which decides one of a plurality of printing modes, based upon the characteristic information obtained from the index information, wherein plurality of printing modes include a first printing mode in which it is necessary to lower resolution when the print data is printed by the printing apparatus and a second printing mode in which it is necessary to lower a number of tones when the print data is printed by the printing apparatus; and a generation unit which generates print data to be printed at the printing apparatus in accordance with the decided printing mode, so that the print data is printed at a resolution lower than an original resolution when said decision unit decides the first printing mode as the printing mode, and the print data is printed with a number of tones smaller than an original number of tones when said decision means decides the second printing modes as the printing mode.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
173 words
A printing apparatus in which both resolution and number of tones is capable of being changed over, said printing apparatus comprising: a reception unit which receives print data and index indicating a characteristic of the print data; a decision unit which decides one of a plurality of printing modes, based upon the index information received by said receiving means, wherein the plurality of printing modes include a first mode in which it is necessary to lower a resolution when the print data is printed by the printing apparatus and a second printing mode in which it is necessary to lower a number of tones of the print data; and a controller which causes the print data to be printed at a resolution lower than an original resolution when said decision unit decides the first printing mode as the printing mode, and causes the print data to be printed with a number of tones smaller than an original number of tones when said decision unit decides the second printing mode as the printing mode.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
173 words
A printing apparatus in which both resolution and number of tones is capable of being changed over, said printing apparatus comprising: a reception unit which receives print data and index indicating a characteristic of the print data; a decision unit which decides one of a plurality of printing modes, based upon the index information received by said receiving means, wherein the plurality of printing modes include a first mode in which it is necessary to lower a resolution when the print data is printed by the printing apparatus and a second printing mode in which it is necessary to lower a number of tones of the print data; and a controller which causes the print data to be printed at a resolution lower than an original resolution when said decision unit decides the first printing mode as the printing mode, and causes the print data to be printed with a number of tones smaller than an original number of tones when said decision unit decides the second printing mode as the printing mode.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
128 words
A host computer apparatus for generating print data and outputting the print data to a printing apparatus in which a printing grade can be changed via a printer interface, said apparatus comprising: an analyzing unit which analyzes data to be printed and obtaining characteristics of the data; a decision means which decides, based upon the characteristics obtained by said analyzing unit and a control condition, whether or not it is necessary to lower the printing grade when the print data is printed by the printing apparatus; and a generation unit which generates the print data to be printed at a printing grade lower than an original printing grade on the basis of said data if said decision unit decides that it is necessary to lower the printing grade.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
128 words
A host computer apparatus for generating print data and outputting the print data to a printing apparatus in which a printing grade can be changed via a printer interface, said apparatus comprising: an analyzing unit which analyzes data to be printed and obtaining characteristics of the data; a decision means which decides, based upon the characteristics obtained by said analyzing unit and a control condition, whether or not it is necessary to lower the printing grade when the print data is printed by the printing apparatus; and a generation unit which generates the print data to be printed at a printing grade lower than an original printing grade on the basis of said data if said decision unit decides that it is necessary to lower the printing grade.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2004-01-09 | 2004-07-10 | 2005-01-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-01-09 | 2008-07-10 | 2009-01-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-01-09 | 2012-07-10 | 2013-01-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |