Print data processing device, print data processing method, program, and printing system

A print data processing method of a computer that processes print data sent from a host device, comprising:

• a data storage step of receiving and storing the sent print data;
• an information acquisition step of acquiring requirement information indicating if printing on print media is required based on the print data;
• a data processing step of, when the requirement information indicates printing on the print media is not required, converting the stored print data to print simulation data that does not cause execution of a printing process by a printer;
• a data output step of outputting the stored print data or the print simulation data to the printer according to the requirement information;
• and
• a response step of receiving the response to the host device from the printer based on the output print data or print simulation data, and relaying the response to the host device.

A printing system including a printer and a server connected to the printer through a network,

• the printer comprising a data storage unit that receives and stores print data sent from a host device;
• an information acquisition unit that acquires requirement information indicating if printing on print media is required based on the print data;
• a data processing unit that, when the requirement information indicates printing on the print media is not required, converts the stored print data to print simulation data that does not execute a printing process;
• a data output unit that outputs the stored print data or the print simulation data according to the requirement information;
• a print unit that executes a process based on the output print data or print simulation data;
• a response unit that receives a response to the host device from the print unit based on the output print data or print simulation data, and relays the response to the host device;
• and
• a data transmission unit that sends print data stored by the data storage unit to the server;
• and
• the server storing print data sent from the data transmission unit, and electronically providing a printout based on the print data.