JP2006099714A - Information processing apparatus, print management server, printing apparatus, document reading apparatus, printing system, print data transmission method, print management method, printing method, printer driver program, program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

Print data storage is distributed to print servers, bibliographic information of print data is centrally managed by a print management server, and a load print distributed print system is constructed.
A client PC 100 transmits print data to a print server 200, transmits bibliographic information data including an IP address of the print server 200 and bibliographic information of the print data to a print management server 400, and the print server The print server 200 stores the received print data, and the print management server 400 further stores and manages the received bibliographic information data, and stores the print data based on the print request command from the multifunction device 300. 200 is specified, and a print command designating the multifunction device 300 and print data is output to the print server 200. The print server 200 outputs the print command to the multifunction device 300 based on the print command. It features a configuration for outputting data.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to printing of data created by an application. In particular, when print data is temporarily stored using a print server or the like and printing is performed, a print request for the temporarily stored print data is made from a desired printing apparatus. The control of the printing system that enables printing from the printing apparatus.

  Conventionally, a so-called “pull print (accumulated printing)” printing system that enables a user to output print data from the printing apparatus by making a print request to the print data temporarily accumulated on the server from the printing apparatus. Has been proposed. Accordingly, the user can output print data from a desired printing apparatus instead of outputting to a specific printing apparatus when printing from an application.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a conventional pull print system, which discloses a mechanism for printing by designating a temporarily stored print job from the printing apparatus side. Specifically, when the print data is stored in the job server from the client terminal, an identification number is created by the job server and notified to the client terminal. Then, the user can output from the printer connected to the print server by inputting the identification number from the print server connected to the printer to be output later and making a print request to the job server. is there.
JP 2000-035869 A

  However, the system described in Patent Document 1 enables output from a desired printer. However, when a considerable number of users use this mechanism to collectively manage print jobs with a job server. Not only does the amount of print job data stored in the job server become enormous, but it also has the problem that print request processing from the user becomes frequent, increasing the load on the job server and deteriorating the response. Yes.

  In order to solve this problem, for example, it may be possible to install a plurality of job servers. However, if the system of Patent Document 1 is applied as it is, a job for specifying a print job of the job server from the print server may be used. A problem arises in that a server must be appropriately selected to make a print request to the job server, and the user must know which job server the print job is in.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that a printer driver of an information processing apparatus supports a predetermined type of printing apparatus based on data received from an application program. Generate print data and send it to one of the storage print servers, and generate bibliographic information data including information specifying the print server for storage print that transmitted the print data and bibliographic information of the print data Each of the print server for stored printing stores the print data received from the printer driver of the information processing apparatus in the storage means, and the printing apparatus received from the print management server The designated print device is designated based on a print command signal designating the stored print data. Print data is output, and the print management server stores and manages the bibliographic information data received from the printer driver of the information processing apparatus, and print data corresponding to the stored and managed bibliographic information data received from the printing apparatus Based on the print request signal, the print server for storage printing storing the print data is specified, and the printing apparatus and the print data are specified for the specified print server for storage printing By outputting print command signals, print data is stored in a distributed manner on the print servers specified at the time of printing, reducing the load on the server that stores the print data, and managing the bibliographic information for each print data Centralized management by the server and the print data stored in any print server Information processing apparatus, print management server, printing apparatus, document reading apparatus, printing system, print data transmission method, print management method, printing method, printer driver program, program, and recording medium It is.

  The present invention includes one or a plurality of information processing apparatuses capable of communicating via a predetermined communication medium, one or a plurality of storage printing print servers, a print management server, and one or a plurality of printing apparatuses. In the printing system, each of the information processing devices is generated by a print data generation unit that generates print data corresponding to any one of the printing devices based on data received from an application program, and the print data generation unit. Print data transmitting means for transmitting the print data to any one of the stored print server, information for specifying the stored print server that has transmitted the print data by the print data transmitting means, and bibliographic information of the print data Bibliographic information data generating means for generating bibliographic information data including the bibliographic information data generating means Bibliographic information data transmitting means for transmitting the formed bibliographic information data to the print management server, and each storage print server stores print data received from the outside in a storage means. Output the designated print data to the designated printing device based on the printing command signal designating the printing device received from the outside and the stored print data, and the print management server Bibliographic information data storage means for storing and managing bibliographic information data including information specifying a print server for storing and storing print data received from an external device and bibliographic information of the corresponding print data, and received from the printing device Based on the print request signal of the print data corresponding to the stored and managed bibliographic information data, the print data And a print command signal output means for outputting a print command signal designating the printing device and the print data to the specified print server for stored printing. Each of the printing apparatuses transmits a print request signal of print data corresponding to bibliographic information data stored and managed by the print management server to the print management server, and the print request Printing that receives the print data transmitted from the print server for storage printing based on the print command signal transmitted from the print management server to any one of the print servers for storage according to the signal and performs print processing And a processing means.

  The present invention also provides a printing system including one or more information processing apparatuses, a print management server, and one or more printing apparatuses that can communicate via a predetermined communication medium, The processing apparatus generates print data corresponding to any of the printing apparatuses based on data received from the application program, and print data generated by the print data generation means is stored in a predetermined storage location. Print data storage means for storing, bibliographic information data generating means for generating bibliographic information data including information for specifying the information processing apparatus itself and bibliographic information of the print data, and the bibliographic information data generating means Bibliographic information data transmitting means for transmitting bibliographic information data to the print management server; Output means for outputting the designated print data to the designated printing device based on a print command signal designating the print data stored by the print data storage means, and the print management server Includes bibliographic information data storage means for storing and managing bibliographic information data including information specifying a storage print server for storing print data received from an external device and bibliographic information of the corresponding print data; Based on the print request signal of the print data corresponding to the received bibliographic information data that is stored and managed, the device that stores the print data is specified, and the printing device and the print are specified for the specified device. Print command signal output means for outputting a print command signal designating data, and each of the printing devices includes the printing Print request means for transmitting a print request signal of print data corresponding to the bibliographic information data stored and managed by the print management server to the management server, and any one of the above from the print management server in response to the print request signal And print processing means for receiving print data transmitted from the information processing apparatus based on the print command signal transmitted to the information processing apparatus and performing print processing.

  According to the present invention, only the bibliographic information data of print data is collectively stored and managed by the print management server, the print data itself is distributed and stored in a plurality of print servers, and the print data output to the printing apparatus is Since the print server that stores the requested print data executes based on a print command signal issued by the print management server in response to a print request from the printing apparatus, load distribution can be realized in the pull print system. In addition, the print data stored in any print server can be output from a desired printing apparatus, and a flexible pull print environment can be constructed.

  Further, only the bibliographic information data of the print data is collectively stored and managed by the print management server, the print data itself is distributed and stored in each information processing apparatus, and the print data output to the printing apparatus is Since the information processing apparatus that stores the requested print data is executed based on the print command signal issued by the print management server in response to the print request from the printer, load distribution can be realized in the pull print system. Thus, there is an effect that it is possible to construct a flexible pull print environment in which any print data stored in any information processing apparatus can be easily output from a desired printing apparatus.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a printing system to which an information processing apparatus, a print server, a print management server, and a printing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied.

  As shown in “Office A” in FIG. 1, the print system of the present embodiment includes one or more client PCs 100 (for example, for each user), one or more print servers 200 (for example, installed for each floor), One or a plurality of MFPs 300 (for example, installed on each floor), a print management server 400, one or a plurality of login service PCs 500 (for example, installed on each floor), and a directory service server 600 configure a local area network (LAN) 700. It is the structure connected via this.

  A printer driver is installed in the client PC 100. The printer driver generates print data based on data received from the application program, transmits the print data to the print server 200, and the like. Can be stored in the storage location (spool area).

  Further, the printer driver of the client PC 100 generates bibliographic information data corresponding to the print data transmitted to the print server 200, transmits it to the print management server 400, and stores it in a predetermined storage location of the print management server 400. Can do.

  The print server 200 controls the transfer of the print data stored in the predetermined storage location to the multi-function device 300 based on the command for executing the LPR received from the outside.

  The print management server 400 includes a bibliographic information DB (shown in FIG. 10 to be described later), and bibliographic information (print data stored in the print server 200) transmitted from the client PC 100 when “pull print” is executed in the present embodiment. (Bibliographic information corresponding to) is received and stored and managed by the bibliographic information DB. The print management server 400 also stores an IC card authentication table (shown in FIG. 18 described later), and performs authentication processing using the IC card authentication table in response to an authentication request from the multifunction device 300 using an IC card. I do. Further, the print management server 400 describes a print instruction for the print data in the bibliographic information in response to a print request from the multifunction device 300 (print data print request corresponding to the bibliographic information managed in the bibliographic information DB). To the device (print server 200) corresponding to the assigned IP address.

  The login service PC 500 uses the login user name and password of the client PC 100 stored and managed by the directory service server 600 as the login service of the MFP 300 (for example, the login user name and password of Microsoft Windows (registered trademark)). Authentication processing based on SSO (Single Sign-ON), for example, a personal computer equipped with a security agent (Security Agent) of Canon Inc.

  The directory service server 600 includes hardware resources such as servers, clients, and printers existing on the network, and attributes of users who use them (login user name and password of the client PC 100 (for example, Microsoft Windows (registered trademark)). Information such as a login user name and password), and an access right, etc., for example, a server equipped with an active directory function.

  In the print system according to the present embodiment, the “office A” having the above-described configuration is connected to one or more client PCs 100, one or more print servers 200, one or more multifunction devices 300 via a LAN 700. A configuration in which one or a plurality of “offices B” having the above configuration is connected via the WAN 800 may be used.

  Hereinafter, the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus applicable to the client PC 100, the print server 200, the print management server 400, the login service PC 500, and the directory service server 600 illustrated in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus applicable to the client PC 100, the print server 200, the print management server 400, the login service PC 500, and the directory service server 600 illustrated in FIG.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a CPU that comprehensively controls each device and controller connected to the system bus 204. Further, the ROM 202 or the external memory 211 is necessary to realize a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) or an operating system program (hereinafter referred to as an OS), which is a control program of the CPU 201, or a function executed by each server or each PC. Various programs to be described later are stored.

  A RAM 203 functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 201. The CPU 201 implements various operations by loading a program or the like necessary for execution of processing from the ROM 202 or the external memory 211 into the RAM 203 and executing the loaded program.

  An input controller 205 controls input from a keyboard (KB) 209 or a pointing device such as a mouse (not shown). A video controller 206 controls display on a display device such as a CRT display (CRT) 210. In FIG. 2, although described as CRT 210, the display device is not limited to the CRT, but may be another display device such as a liquid crystal display. These are used by the administrator as needed.

  A memory controller 207 is connected to the hard disk (HD), flexible disk (FD), or PCMCIA card slot for storing a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, various data, etc. via an adapter. The access to the external memory 211 such as a compact flash (registered trademark) memory is controlled.

  A communication I / F controller 208 is connected to and communicates with an external device via a network (for example, the LAN 700 shown in FIG. 1), and executes communication control processing on the network. For example, communication using TCP / IP is possible.

  Note that the CPU 201 enables display on the CRT 210 by executing outline font rasterization processing on a display information area in the RAM 203, for example. Further, the CPU 201 enables a user instruction with a mouse cursor (not shown) on the CRT 210.

  Various programs to be described later for realizing the present invention are recorded in the external memory 211 and executed by the CPU 201 by being loaded into the RAM 202 as necessary. Furthermore, definition files and various information tables used when executing the program are also stored in the external memory 211, and a detailed description thereof will be described later.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the controller unit that controls the multifunction peripheral 300 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the controller unit of the multifunction peripheral 300 illustrated in FIG.

  In FIG. 3, reference numeral 316 denotes a controller unit which is connected to a scanner 314 functioning as an image input device and a printer 312 functioning as an image output device, while being connected to a LAN (for example, the LAN 700 shown in FIG. 1) or a public line (WAN). By connecting to (for example, PSTN or ISDN), input / output of image data and device information is performed.

  In the controller unit 316, reference numeral 301 denotes a CPU, which is a processor that controls the entire system. A RAM 302 is a system work memory for the CPU 301 to operate, and is also a program memory for recording a program and an image memory for temporarily recording image data.

  A ROM 303 stores a system boot program and various control programs. A hard disk drive (HDD) 304 stores various programs for controlling the system, image data, and the like.

  An operation unit interface (operation unit I / F) 307 is an interface unit with the operation unit (UI) 308 and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 308 to the operation unit 308. The operation unit I / F 307 serves to transmit information (for example, user information) input by the system user from the operation unit 308 to the CPU 301. Note that the operation unit 308 includes a display unit having a touch panel, and various instructions can be given by a user pressing (touching with a finger or the like) a button displayed on the display unit.

  A network interface (Network I / F) 305 is connected to a network (LAN) and inputs / outputs data. A modem (MODEM) 306 is connected to a public line and inputs / outputs data such as FAX transmission / reception.

  Reference numeral 318 denotes an external interface (external I / F), which is an I / F unit that accepts external inputs such as USB, IEEE 1394, printer port, and RS-232C. In this embodiment, for reading an IC card required for authentication The card reader 319 is connected to the external I / F unit 318. The CPU 301 can control reading of information from the IC card by the card reader 319 via the external I / F 318, and can acquire information read from the IC card. The above devices are arranged on the system bus 309.

  Reference numeral 320 denotes an image bus interface (IMAGE BUS I / F), which is a bus bridge that connects the system bus 309 and an image bus 315 that transfers image data at high speed and converts the data structure.

  The image bus 315 is configured by a PCI bus or IEEE1394. The following devices are arranged on the image bus 315.

  A raster image processor (RIP) 310 develops vector data such as a PDL code into a bitmap image. A printer interface (printer I / F) 311 connects the printer 312 and the controller unit 316, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. A scanner interface (scanner I / F) 313 connects the scanner 314 and the controller unit 316 and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.

  An image processing unit 317 performs correction, processing, and editing on input image data, and performs printer correction, resolution conversion, and the like on print output image data. In addition to this, the image processing unit 317 performs image data rotation and compression / decompression processing such as JPEG for multi-valued image data and JBIG, MMR, MH for binary image data.

  The scanner unit 314 illuminates an image on paper as a document and scans it with a CCD line sensor, thereby converting it into an electrical signal as raster image data. The original paper is set on the tray of the original feeder, and when the apparatus user gives a reading start instruction from the operation unit 308, the CPU 301 gives an instruction to the scanner 314, and the feeder feeds the original paper one by one to read the original image. I do.

  The printer unit 312 is a part that converts raster image data into an image on paper. The method is an electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum or a photosensitive belt, and ink is ejected from a micro nozzle array directly on the paper. There is an inkjet method for printing an image, but any method may be used. The activation of the printing operation is started by an instruction from the CPU 301. The printer unit 312 has a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and has a paper cassette corresponding thereto.

  The operation unit 308 has an LCD display unit, and a touch panel sheet is pasted on the LCD. The operation unit 308 displays an operation screen of the system. When a displayed key is pressed, the position information is displayed on the operation unit I / F 307. To the CPU 301 via The operation unit 308 includes, for example, a start key, a stop key, an ID key, a reset key, and the like as various operation keys.

  Here, the start key of the operation unit 308 is used when starting a document image reading operation. At the center of the start key, there are two color LEDs, green and red, which indicate whether or not the start key can be used. Further, the stop key of the operation unit 308 functions to stop the operation in operation. The ID key of the operation unit 308 is used when inputting the user ID of the user. The reset key is used when initializing settings from the operation unit.

  The card reader 319 reads information stored in an IC card (for example, Sony FeliCa (registered trademark)) under the control of the CPU 301, and reads the read information via the external I / F 318. The CPU 301 is notified.

  With the configuration as described above, the multifunction peripheral 300 can transmit the image data read from the scanner 314 to the LAN 700 and print out the print data received from the LAN 700 by the printer 312.

  Also, the image data read from the scanner 314 can be faxed to the public line by the modem 306, and the image data received by fax from the public line can be output by the printer 312.

  The overall flow of pull printing in the printing system of this embodiment will be described below using FIG.

  First, the premise for executing pull printing of this embodiment will be described.

  First, a printer driver (hereinafter referred to as a custom driver) for realizing pull printing according to the present embodiment is installed in the print server 200.

  Note that the printer driver not only generates print data based on the output of printing and drawing commands instructed by the application, but also a function for setting print settings for controlling functions of the printer driver and printer (user interface). And a function for storing the print settings in an external storage device for each installed logical printer. Further, this print setting is stored in the DevMode structure in the case of Windows (registered trademark) of Microsoft Corporation. This DevMode structure is used to store various settings including default operating conditions related to logical printers such as functions usable by the printer, layout settings, finishing settings, feed / discharge settings, and print quality settings. It is defined by the company and is stored in an external storage device for each installed logical printer.

  The custom driver according to the present embodiment can be used as an ordinary printer driver. By setting the print setting stored for each logical printer to the pull print setting, the logical printer is designated as the print destination. In this case, pull printing according to the present embodiment can be executed.

  Also, to each client PC 100, the custom driver for which pull printing is set is downloaded and installed from the print server 200 by point & print or the like, and a logical printer of the custom driver is added (this logic is added). The printer is set to pull print). When the user gives a print instruction to the logical printer of the custom driver for which the pull print setting is added to each client PC 100, the pull print of this embodiment is executed.

  The overall flow of pull printing according to this embodiment will be described below.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining the entire flow of pull printing (printing everywhere) in the printing system of the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 4, first, the user logs in to the client PC 100 ((1) -1), and from the application program executed on the client PC 100 to the logical printer corresponding to the custom driver set as the pull print setting. A print instruction is given ((1) -2).

  In response to this print instruction, the application program of the client PC 100 transmits data to the custom driver via the graphic engine. The custom driver of the client PC 100 generates print data based on data received from the application program via the graphic engine. Then, the client PC 100 transmits the generated print data to the print server 200 ((2) -1), and uses a file sharing mechanism on the network to set a predetermined storage location (preset in the print server 200). (2) -2). Note that the file name of the print data stored in the predetermined storage location of the print server 200 is a file name specified by the custom driver of the client PC 100 (for example, “time stamp when the user inputs a print instruction” "+" Login user ID of client PC 100 ".prs). The print server 200 does not transmit to the printing apparatus even if the print data is stored in the predetermined storage location.

  Next, the client PC 100 generates bibliographic information data of the print data transmitted to the print server 200, transmits the generated bibliographic information data to the print management server 400, and uses a file sharing mechanism on the network. It is stored in a predetermined storage location (a preset directory) of the print management server 400 ((3) -1). Note that the file name of the print management data stored in the predetermined storage location of the print management server 400 is a file name specified by the custom driver of the client PC 100 (for example, “when the user inputs a print instruction” Time stamp "+" Login user ID of client PC 100 ".inf).

  The print management server 400 monitors the predetermined directory, and when the bibliographic information data file is stored from the client PC 100 in the predetermined directory, the bibliographic information data file is analyzed and the bibliographic information is stored in the bibliographic information DB (print management server). Registered on the 400 external storage device) ((3) -2).

  When the multifunction device 300 detects an IC card that can be read by the card reader 319, the multifunction device 300 reads the personal authentication information in the IC card, and transmits the read personal authentication information to the print management server 400 as an authentication request (( 4) -1). The personal authentication information is information used for authentication and may be a manufacturing number of the IC card.

  When the print management server 400 receives the personal authentication information from the multi-function peripheral 300, the print management server 400 performs authentication processing of the personal authentication information based on the IC card authentication table stored on the external storage device of the print management server 400, and the authentication result. Is returned to the MFP 300 ((4) -2). If the authentication process is successful, the login user ID of the client PC 100 is transmitted as the authentication result.

  Next, upon receiving an authentication result (login user ID of the client PC 100) indicating that the authentication has succeeded from the print management server 400, the multifunction device 300 transmits a print data list request to the print management server 400 ((5)). -1). Note that the print data list request includes the login user ID of the client PC 100.

  When the print management server 400 receives a print data list request from the multifunction device 300, the print management server 400 searches the bibliographic information DB with the login user ID included in the print data list request, and generates a print data list corresponding to the login user ID. Then, the response is sent back to the multifunction machine 300 ((5) -2).

  When the MFP 300 receives the print data list from the print management server 400, the MFP 300 displays the print data list on the UI of the operation unit 308. When the user selects print data and gives a print instruction, the multi-function device 300 transmits a print request (output instruction) for the selected print data to the print management server 400 (6). The print request includes the login user name of the client PC 100 and the print data time stamp.

  When the print management server 400 receives a print data print request (output instruction) from the MFP 300, the bibliographic information of the print data for which the output instruction has been issued, the login user name of the client PC 100, and the print data time stamp as keys. The print server 200 is searched from the bibliographic information DB, the print server 200 storing the corresponding print data is specified from the searched bibliographic information, and a print instruction for the corresponding print data is transmitted to the print server 200 (7). The print instruction is a print command including the corresponding print data file name.

  When the print server 200 receives a print instruction from the print management server 400, the print server 200 transmits print data to the multi-function apparatus 300 based on the print instruction and causes the multi-function apparatus 300 to print (8).

  Hereinafter, processing in the client PC 100 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, a print instruction on an application program running on the client PC 100 shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a print screen of an application program operating on the client PC 100 illustrated in FIG. 1, and is displayed on the display unit under the control of the CPU of the client PC 100.

  A printer selection unit 610 is used to select a logical printer for printing from logical printers set in the client PC 100.

  In this printer selection unit 610, “anywhere monochrome printing” 601 is a logical printer corresponding to a custom driver (particularly, corresponding to a monochrome printer) set to pull printing according to the present embodiment. Further, “anywhere color printing” 602 is a logical printer corresponding to a custom driver (particularly corresponding to a color printer) set to pull printing according to the present embodiment.

  Further, “Cxxxx ix 6060i” 603 and “Cxxxx ix3220” 604 are logical printers corresponding to ordinary printer drivers.

  When one of the logical printers is selected by the printer selection unit 610 and the OK button 605 is instructed by a pointing device or the like, the application program sends the data for printing to the logical printer selected by the printer selection unit 610. Send to the corresponding printer driver via the graphic engine.

  Hereinafter, an operation of the printer driver when “print anywhere monochrome print” 601 or “anywhere color print” 602 is selected and a print instruction is issued will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a first control processing procedure in the print system of the present invention, and corresponds to the printer driver processing in the client PC 100 shown in FIG. Note that the processing of this flowchart is realized by the CPU of the client PC 100 shown in FIG. 1 loading and executing a program stored in the external memory on the RAM. In the figure, S101 to S107 indicate steps.

  When the custom driver executed by the CPU of the client PC 100 (hereinafter, the custom driver of the client PC 100) receives data from the application program (via the graphic engine), first, in step S101, the custom driver of the client PC 100 is Then, it is determined whether or not the print setting of the logical printer selected as the print destination in the application program is in the pull print mode.

  If the custom driver of the client PC 100 determines in step S101 that the print setting is the pull print mode, in step S102, the custom driver generates print data based on the data received from the application program.

  Next, in step S103, the custom driver of the client PC 100 transmits the print data generated in step S102 to the custom driver of the print server 200 set as the logical printer print destination via the print subsystem. The file is stored in a predetermined storage location (spool area) of the print server 200 using the above-described file sharing mechanism ((2) -1 in FIG. 4). Note that the file name of the print data stored in the predetermined storage location of the print server 200 is the file name specified by the custom driver of the client PC 100 (for example, “time stamp when the user inputs a print instruction” "+" Login user ID of client PC 100 ".prs).

  In step S104, the custom driver of the client PC 100 waits until transmission of the print data transmitted in step S103 is completed. If it is determined that transmission has been completed, the bibliography of the print data transmitted in step S103 is determined in step S105. Generate an information data file.

  Next, in step S106, the custom driver of the client PC 100 transmits the bibliographic information data file generated in step S105 to the print management server 400, and uses the file sharing mechanism on the network to perform a predetermined process of the print management server 400. In the storage location ((3) -1 in FIG. 4), and the process ends. Note that the file name of the print management data stored in the predetermined storage location of the print management server 400 is the file name specified by the custom driver of the client PC 100 (for example, “when the user inputs a print instruction” Time stamp "+" Login user ID of client PC 100 ".inf).

  On the other hand, if the custom driver of the client PC 100 determines in step S101 that the print setting is not the pull print mode, it performs other print processing in step S107. In other words, the custom driver of the client PC 100 generates print data based on the data received from the application program via the graphic engine, and the generated print data is sent to the print server (pull print of this embodiment) via the print subsystem. To a print server that does not execute. In this case, the received print server sequentially transmits the received print data to the corresponding printer (multifunction machine), and is sequentially printed by the multifunction machine.

  The contents of the bibliographic information data file of this embodiment are shown in FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a data configuration diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the bibliographic information data in the print system of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the file name of the bibliographic information data transmitted from the client PC 100 to the print management server 400 is “time stamp when the user inputs a print instruction” + “login user ID of the client PC 100”. inf ”.

  The bibliographic information data includes the login user name of the client PC, the print server IP address where the corresponding print data is stored, the color attribute (color or monochrome) of the corresponding print data, the document name of the corresponding print data, It includes information such as the number of copies of the corresponding print data and the number of pages per part of the corresponding print data.

  In the present embodiment, a custom driver installed on the client PC 100 generates print data, transmits the generated print data to the print server 200, and uses a file sharing mechanism on the network. Although it is configured to store in the spool area, it may be configured to generate print data by a printer driver installed in the print server 200. In the case of this configuration, the operation system (OS) generates an intermediate file (for example, an enhanced metafile in Windows (registered trademark)) based on data output from the application, and the intermediate file and a custom installed on the client PC 100 The OS transmits driver print setting information to the printer server driver 200.

  Hereinafter, the printer driver processing of the print server 200 in the other embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a second control processing procedure in the printing system of the present invention, and corresponds to the printer driver processing of the print server 200 in another embodiment. Note that the processing in this flowchart is realized by the CPU of the print server 200 shown in FIG. 1 loading and executing a program stored in the external memory on the RAM. In the figure, S201 to S206 indicate steps.

  When a custom driver executed by the CPU of the print server 200 (hereinafter, the custom driver of the print server 200) receives data (including the intermediate file and print setting information) from the client PC 100, first, in step S201. The custom driver of the print server 200 determines whether the print setting is in the pull print mode.

  If the custom driver of the print server 200 determines in step S201 that the print setting is the pull print mode, it generates print data based on the data received from the client PC 100 in step S202.

  In step S203, the custom driver of the print server 200 stores the print data generated in step S202 in a predetermined storage location (spool area). The file name of the print data stored in a predetermined storage location of the print server 200 is, for example, “time stamp” + “login user ID of the client PC 100”. prs.

  In step S204, the custom driver of the print server 200 generates a bibliographic information data file of the print data stored in step S203.

  In step S205, the custom driver of the print server 200 transmits the bibliographic information data file generated in step S204 to the print management server 400, and uses the file sharing mechanism on the network. The data is stored in a predetermined storage location, and the process ends. Note that the file name of the print management data stored in a predetermined storage location of the print management server 400 is a file name specified by the custom driver of the print server 200 (for example, “time stamp” + “client PC 100 Login user ID ".inf).

  On the other hand, if the custom driver of the print server 200 determines in step S201 that the print setting is not the pull print mode, it performs another print process in step S206. That is, the custom driver of the print server 200 generates print data based on the data received from the client PC 100, and transmits the generated print data to the printer (multifunction device 300) while spooling the generated print data. As a result, printing is performed by the multifunction peripheral.

  As described above, as another embodiment, as another embodiment, a custom driver installed in the client PC 100 uses an intermediate file (for example, enhanced meta-data in Windows (registered trademark)) based on data output from an application. File), the OS sends the intermediate file and the print setting information of the custom driver installed in the client PC 100 to the printer driver 200, and the print server 200 prints from the intermediate file received from the client PC 100. Data is generated, the generated print data is stored in a predetermined storage location (spool area) of the print server 200, and the print server 200 further stores the bibliographic information data file of the stored print data. Produced, it may be configured to transmit the bibliographic information data thus generated to the print managing server 400.

  Hereinafter, the description returns to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The processing information file monitoring process in the print management server 400 shown in FIG. 1 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a third control processing procedure in the print system of the present invention, and corresponds to the processing information file monitoring processing in the print management server 400 shown in FIG. Note that the processing of this flowchart is realized by the CPU of the print management server 400 shown in FIG. 1 loading and executing a program stored in the external memory on the RAM. In the figure, S301 to S306 indicate steps.

  In step S301, the CPU of the print management server 400 stands by until a preset monitoring time is reached. If it is determined that the preset monitoring time has been reached, the bibliographic information is stored in a predetermined storage location in step S302. Determine whether a data file is stored.

  If the CPU of the print management server 400 determines in step S302 that the bibliographic information data file is stored in a predetermined storage location, in step S303, any one of the stored bibliographic information data files ( 7) is opened, and the process proceeds to step S304.

  In step S304, the CPU of the print management server 400 analyzes the bibliographic information data file and registers the information of the bibliographic information data file in the bibliographic information DB (shown in FIG. 10) ((3) -2 in FIG. 4). . Note that if registration fails, the CPU of the print management server 400 controls to store in the back folder in the external storage device of the print management server 400.

  Next, in step S305, the CPU of the print management server 400 deletes the bibliographic information data file registered in step S304 from the predetermined storage location, and returns to step S302 to determine whether there is a next bibliographic information data file. .

  On the other hand, if the CPU of the print management server 400 determines in step S302 that the bibliographic information data file is not stored in the predetermined storage location, the process proceeds to step S306, where it is determined whether there is an end instruction, and the end instruction If it is determined that there is not, the process returns to step S301 and waits until the next monitoring time.

  On the other hand, if the CPU of the print management server 400 determines in step S306 that there is an end instruction, the process ends.

  The bibliographic information DB of this embodiment is shown in FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a data configuration diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the bibliographic information DB in the print system of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the record of the bibliographic information DB of the print management server 400 is composed of information such as time stamp, user ID, IP address, color attribute, document name, number of copies, number of pages per copy, and status. Is done.

  In the time stamp, a time stamp included in the bibliographic information data file name is stored. The user name stores the login user name of the client PC 100 described in the bibliographic information data file. Further, the IP address stores a print server IP address described in the bibliographic information data file.

  The color attribute stores the color attribute (color or monochrome) of the print data described in the bibliographic information data file. Further, the document name stores the document name of the print data described in the bibliographic information data file. The number of print copies stores the number of copies of the print data described in the bibliographic information data file. Further, the number of pages per copy stores the number of pages per copy described in the bibliographic information data file.

  Furthermore, the status stores one of the statuses of “waiting for printing instruction”, “printing completed”, and “deleted” as the printing state of the corresponding print data. When bibliographic information data is registered in the bibliographic information DB, “printing instruction waiting” is stored because no printing instruction has been issued yet.

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 11 to 18, a pull print process in the multifunction peripheral 300 shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a fourth control processing procedure in the print system of the present invention, and corresponds to the pull print processing in the multi-function device 300 shown in FIG. Note that the processing of this flowchart is realized by the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 illustrated in FIG. 1 loading the program stored in the ROM 303 or the HDD 304 onto the RAM 302 and executing the program. In the figure, S401 to S425 indicate each step.

  12 to 16 are schematic diagrams of screens displayed under the control of the CPU 301 on the display unit of the operation unit 308 of the multifunction machine 300 illustrated in FIG.

  Further, FIG. 17 is a data configuration diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of a command transmitted from the multi-function device 300 illustrated in FIG. 1 to the print management server 400.

  FIG. 18 is a data configuration diagram showing an example of the data structure of the IC card authentication table stored in the external storage device of the print management server 400 shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, a description will be given according to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S401, the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 controls to display the default display screen (FIG. 12) on the display unit of the operation unit 308. In step S402, the card reader 319 causes an authentication card (IC card) to be displayed. It is determined whether or not it has been detected.

  If the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 determines in step S402 that the card reader 319 has detected the authentication card (IC card), the card reader 319 reads data in the authentication card (IC card) in step S403. Then, the card manufacturing number stored in the authentication card as the identification ID is acquired.

  Next, in step S404, the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral 300 sends an IC card authentication request command (FIG. 17C) including the command identifier of the IC card authentication request command and the card manufacturing number acquired in step S403 to the print management server 400. ((4) -1 in FIG. 4), and the process proceeds to step S405. The IC card authentication table shown in FIG. 18 is stored in the external memory of the print management server 400, and the print management server 400 performs the authentication process based on the card manufacturing number of the IC card received from the multi-function device 300. It can be carried out.

  Next, in step S405, the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 determines an authentication result returned from the print management server 400. If it is determined that an authentication result indicating an authentication error has been returned, in step S406, Control is performed so that the error display screen (FIG. 13) is displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 308. When the OK button 1401 is pressed on the error display screen, the process returns to step S401, and the default screen is displayed again.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 acquires the login user name of the client PC 100 as the authentication result returned from the print management server 400 in step S405, it determines that the authentication is successful (authentication OK). Proceed to step S415.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S402 that the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 has not detected the authentication card (IC card) by the card reader 319, the keyboard input button 801 is pressed on the default screen in step S407. It is determined whether or not there is a keyboard input instruction. If it is determined that there is a keyboard input instruction, control is performed so that the key input screen shown in FIG. 14 is displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 308.

  In step S409, the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 waits for input of the user name and password on the key input screen. When detecting input of the user name and password on the key input screen, the process proceeds to step S410. . Specifically, when there is an input instruction to the user name 901 and password 902 on the key input screen, the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral 300 controls display of a keyboard screen (not shown) on the display unit of the operation unit 308. When the user name 901 and the password 902 are input using and the login button 903 is pressed or the top screen button 904 as a return button is pressed, the process proceeds to step S410.

  Next, in step S410, the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 determines whether or not the top screen button 904 as a return button has been pressed. If it is determined that the top screen button 904 as a return button has been pressed, Returning to step S401, the display of the default screen is controlled again.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 determines in step S410 that the top screen button 904 as the return button has not been pressed, the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 presses the login button 903 in step S411. If it is determined that the login button 903 has not been pressed, the process returns to step S409.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 determines in step S411 that the login button 903 has been pressed, in step S412, the user name and password entered in the user name 901 and password 902 are entered via the login service PC 500. To the directory service server 600 as an authentication server.

  Next, in step S413, the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 determines an authentication result returned from the directory service server 600 via the login service PC 500, and determines that an authentication result indicating an error in authentication has been returned. In step S414, an error display screen (not shown) is controlled to be displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 308. When the OK button is pressed on the error display screen, the process returns to step S401, and the default screen is displayed again. Control display.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 determines in step S413 that an authentication result indicating that the authentication was successful is returned as the authentication result returned from the print management server 400, the process proceeds to step S415.

  Next, in step S415, the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 sends the print data list request command identifier, the user name (the user name returned from the print management server 400 during the authentication process, or the print management server 400). A print data list request command (FIG. 17A) including the user name transmitted to the directory service server 600 and the printer type (color attribute of the MFP 300) is transmitted to the print management server 400 ((5) in FIG. 4). -1), the process proceeds to step S416.

  Next, in step S416, the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 determines whether or not the print data list data returned from the print management server 400 has been successfully received, and determines that reception of the print data list data has failed. In this case, the process proceeds to step S417, and an error display screen (not shown) is controlled to be displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 308. When the OK button is pressed on the error display screen, the process proceeds to step S418, and an empty print is performed. Control is performed so that the data list data screen (FIG. 15, but the print data list 1001 is blank) is displayed on the display unit. In another embodiment, an empty print data list data screen may be displayed without displaying an error. In this case, although not shown in the flowchart, when the screen switch button 1002 is continuously pressed twice on the print data list screen, the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral 300 again prints a print data list request command (FIG. 17 ( It is assumed that a)) is transmitted to the print management server 400.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 determines in step S416 that the print data list data returned from the print management server 400 has been successfully received, the process proceeds to step S418, where the CPU 301 based on the received print data list data. Control is performed to display the print data list screen (FIG. 15) on the display unit of the operation unit 308, and the process proceeds to step S419. Although not shown in the flowchart, if it is determined in step S416 that the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 has received a message indicating no data from the print management server 400 instead of the print data list data, in step S418. Then, control is performed to display an empty print data list data screen on the display unit of the operation unit 308, and a message screen with no data (not shown) is displayed on the empty print data list data screen. Then, when the OK button is pressed on the message screen without data, the screen without data is closed, and control is made to proceed to step S419. Note that the print data list screen shown in FIG. 15 corresponds to a user who has logged in to the MFP 300 and can be processed by the MFP 300 (more specifically, the MFP 300 can process the print data). Bibliographic information data corresponding to various print data).

  Next, in step S419, the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 waits for input of print data selection, print instruction, deletion instruction, screen switching instruction, etc. on the print data list screen, and detects input on the print data list screen. The process proceeds to step S420.

  In step S420, the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 determines whether screen switching is instructed by the screen switching button 1002 on the print data list screen. If it is determined that screen switching is instructed, the process proceeds to step S421. Then, another processing screen (FIG. 16) is controlled to be displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 308, and the process proceeds to another process.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 determines in step S420 that screen switching is not instructed by the screen switching button 1002 on the print data list screen, the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 prints in step S422. In the data list screen, it is determined whether or not a print instruction has been issued by the print button 1003. If it is determined that a print instruction has been issued, the process proceeds to step S423, and a print request for the print data selected in the print data list 1001 ( As shown in FIG. 17B, the print request command identifier, the user name, and the print data time stamp (s) selected in the print data list 1001 are transmitted to the print management server 400 ((6 in FIG. 4). )), The process returns to step S415. If a print instruction is issued when no print data is selected in the print data list 1001, a message to select print data is displayed, and then the process directly returns to step S415.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 determines in step S422 that no print instruction has been given by the print button 1003 on the print data list screen, the process advances to step S424, and the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 displays the print data list. On the screen, it is determined whether or not an erasure instruction has been issued by the erasure button 1004. If it is determined that an erasure instruction has been issued, in step S425, a request to delete the print data selected in the print data list 1001 (FIG. 17 ( As shown in b), the deletion request command identifier, the user name, and the time stamp (s) of the print data selected in the print data list 1001 are transmitted to the print management server 400, and the process returns to step S415. If an erasure instruction is issued when no print data is selected in the print data list 1001, a message to select print data is displayed, and then control is returned to step S415. .

  Although not shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11, when receiving an error notification indicating that command reception has failed from the print management server 400, the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral 300 retransmits the command to the print management server 400. Control to do.

  Hereinafter, processing in the print management server 400 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of a fifth control processing procedure in the printing system of the present invention, and corresponds to a request processing routine from the multifunction machine in the print management server 400 shown in FIG. Note that the processing of this flowchart is realized by the CPU of the print management server 400 shown in FIG. 1 loading and executing a program stored in the external memory on the RAM. In the figure, S501 to S510 indicate steps.

  First, in step S501, the CPU of the print management server 400 determines whether there is an end instruction. If it is determined that there is an end instruction, the process ends.

  On the other hand, if the CPU of the print management server 400 determines in step S501 that there is no termination instruction, in step S502, it is determined whether reception of a command transmitted from the multifunction device 300 is detected, and the command If it is determined that no reception has been detected, the process returns to step S501.

  On the other hand, if the CPU of the print management server 400 determines in step S502 that the reception of the command transmitted from the multifunction device 300 has been detected, whether the command reception has been completed normally (reception OK or not) in step S503. In step S504, an error notification is sent to the MFP 300, and the process returns to step S501.

  On the other hand, if the CPU of the print management server 400 determines in step S503 that the command reception has been completed normally (reception OK), the received command is analyzed in step S505.

  Next, in step S506, the process branches to a command-specific process based on the command analysis result in step S505.

  First, if it is determined in step S506 that the command is a printed material list request command, the printed material list request process (details are shown in FIG. 20) in step S507 is executed, and the process returns to step S501.

  If it is determined in step S506 that the command is a print request command, the print request process (details are shown in FIG. 21) in step S508 is executed, and the process returns to step S501.

  If it is determined in step S506 that the command is a delete request command, a delete request process (details are shown in FIG. 22) in step S509 is executed, and the process returns to step S501.

  If it is determined in step S506 that the command is an authentication request command, the authentication request process in step S510 (details are shown in FIG. 23) is executed, and the process returns to step S501.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of a sixth control processing procedure in the printing system of the present invention, and print data list request processing from the multifunction machine in the print management server 400 shown in FIG. 1 (step S507 in FIG. 19). Corresponding to Note that the processing of this flowchart is realized by the CPU of the print management server 400 shown in FIG. 1 loading and executing a program stored in the external memory on the RAM. In the figure, S601 to S608 indicate each step.

  First, in step S601, the CPU of the print management server 400 searches the bibliographic information DB by the user name and printer type in the print data list request command (FIG. 17), and acquires the first data.

  Next, in step S602, the CPU of the print management server 400 determines whether there is data acquired from the bibliographic information DB (data can be acquired as a result of searching the bibliographic information DB by user name and printer type). If it is determined that there is data, it is determined in step S603 whether or not the number of transfers (the number of print data lists to be transmitted to the MFP 300) is less than a preset MAX. This determination is made based on the number of print data corresponding to the response character data stored in the buffer. In step S602, there may be a plurality of user print data, and the acquired data is processed in units of print data.

  If the CPU of the print management server 400 determines in step S603 that the transfer number is less than MAX, in step S604, bibliographic information related to the print data is added to the response character string in the buffer provided in the RAM. To do.

  In step S605, the CPU of the print management server 400 searches the DB by the user name and printer type in the print data list request command (FIG. 17A), acquires the next data, and proceeds to step S602. Return.

  On the other hand, when the CPU of the print management server 400 determines in step S602 that there is no data acquired from the bibliographic information DB (data could not be acquired as a result of searching the bibliographic information DB by user name and printer type). Advances to step S606.

  If the CPU of the print management server 400 determines in step S603 that the transfer number is not less than MAX, the process proceeds to step S607.

  In step S606, the CPU of the print management server 400 determines whether or not there is response character string data in the buffer provided in the RAM. If it is determined that there is response character string data, in step S607. Then, response data is transmitted (returned) to the multi-function device 300 ((5) -2 in FIG. 4), and the process returns to the flowchart in FIG.

  On the other hand, if the CPU of the print management server 400 determines in step S606 that there is no response character string data in the buffer provided in the RAM, a message with no data is transmitted to the multi-function device 300 in step S608. (Reply) and return to the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of a seventh control processing procedure in the print system of the present invention, and corresponds to the print request processing (step S508 in FIG. 19) in the print management server 400 shown in FIG. Note that the processing of this flowchart is realized by the CPU of the print management server 400 shown in FIG. 1 loading and executing a program stored in the external memory on the RAM. In the figure, S701 to S712 indicate steps.

  First, in step S701, the CPU of the print management server 400 determines whether or not there is an unprocessed time stamp among the time stamps for identifying print data in the print request command (FIG. 17B). If it is determined that there are still unprocessed time stamps, the process advances to step S702, and the bibliographic information DB is searched with the identification time stamp of the print data and the user name.

  Next, in step S703, the CPU of the print management server 400 determines whether there is data corresponding to the print data identification time stamp and the user name in the bibliographic information DB based on the search result in step S702. If it is determined that there is no data corresponding to the print data identification time stamp and the user name in the bibliographic information DB, in step S704, an error message indicating that there is no data corresponding to the MFP 300 is transmitted ( Reply), and the process returns to step S701.

  On the other hand, if the CPU of the print management server 400 determines in step S703 that the bibliographic information DB includes the bibliographic information data corresponding to the print data identification time stamp and the user name, the search is performed in step S705. The status of the bibliographic information data on the bibliographic information DB is changed to “print instructed”.

  Next, in step S706, the CPU of the print management server 400 stores the bibliographic information data acquired from the bibliographic information DB in the print queue of the print output thread provided in the RAM for each task of this flowchart. The process returns to S701.

  On the other hand, if the CPU of the print management server 400 determines in step S701 that there are no more time stamps that have not been processed in the print data identification time stamp in the print request command (FIG. 17B), In step S707, the CPU of the print management server 400 determines whether there is data in the print queue. If it is determined that there is data in the print queue, the process proceeds to step S708.

  In step S708, the CPU of the print management server 400 acquires the top bibliographic information data of the print queue, and in step S709, the CPU executes a daemon program in the print server 200 corresponding to the IP address in the bibliographic information data. A remote shell (rsh) LPR command for the print data corresponding to the bibliographic information data is issued to issue a print instruction ((7) in FIG. 4).

  FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of a command issued from the print management server 400 to the daemon program of the print server 200 in the print system of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, the description returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  Next, in step S710, the CPU of the print management server 400 determines whether or not the print instruction issued in step S709 has been completed. If it is determined that the print instruction has been completed, in step S711, step S709 is performed. The print server 200 issues a print data file deletion instruction to the print server 200 using a network file sharing mechanism on the network, and further, in the bibliographic information DB of the bibliographic information data corresponding to the print data file instructed to be deleted. Is changed to “deleted”, and the process returns to step S707.

  On the other hand, if the CPU of the print management server 400 determines in step S710 that the print instruction issued in step S709 has not been completed (not printed), the print instructed in step S709 in step S712. The status of the bibliographic information data corresponding to the data on the bibliographic information DB is changed to “waiting for print instruction”, and the process returns to step S707.

  On the other hand, if the CPU of the print management server 400 determines in step S707 that there is no data in the print queue, the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of an eighth control processing procedure in the printing system of the present invention, and corresponds to the deletion request processing (step S509 in FIG. 19) in the print management server 400 shown in FIG. Note that the processing of this flowchart is realized by the CPU of the print management server 400 shown in FIG. 1 loading and executing a program stored in the external memory on the RAM. In the figure, S801 to S806 indicate steps.

  First, in step S801, the CPU of the print management server 400 determines whether or not there is an unprocessed time stamp among the time stamps for identifying print data in the delete request command (FIG. 17B). If it is determined that there are still unprocessed time stamps, the process advances to step S802, and the bibliographic information DB is searched with the identification time stamp of the print data and the user name.

  In step S803, the CPU of the print management server 400 determines whether there is data corresponding to the print data identification time stamp and the user name in the bibliographic information DB based on the search result in step S802. If it is determined that there is no data corresponding to the print data identification time stamp and the user name in the bibliographic information DB, an error message indicating that there is no data corresponding to the MFP 300 is transmitted in step S804 ( Reply), and the process returns to step S801.

  On the other hand, if the CPU of the print management server 400 determines in step S803 that the bibliographic information DB includes the bibliographic information data corresponding to the print data identification time stamp and the user name, the search is performed in step S805. The status of the bibliographic information data on the bibliographic information DB is changed to “deleted”.

  On the other hand, in step S801, the CPU of the print management server 400 determines that there are no more unprocessed time stamps (all processed) among the print data identification time stamps in the delete request command (FIG. 17B). If it is determined, the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  Next, in step S806, the CPU of the print management server 400 sends a print data file deletion instruction corresponding to the retrieved bibliographic information data to the IP address in the bibliographic information data using a file sharing mechanism on the network. To the print server 200 corresponding to the above, and the process returns to step S801.

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an example of a ninth control processing procedure in the print system of the present invention, and corresponds to the authentication request processing (step S510 in FIG. 19) in the print management server 400 shown in FIG. Note that the processing of this flowchart is realized by the CPU of the print management server 400 shown in FIG. 1 loading and executing a program stored in the external memory on the RAM. In the figure, S901 to S904 indicate each step.

  First, in step S901, the CPU of the print management server 400 retrieves user data from the IC card authentication table (FIG. 18) using the card manufacturing number in the authentication request command (FIG. 17C) as a key.

  In step S902, the CPU of the print management server 400 determines whether there is user data in the IC card authentication table (FIG. 18) in the search processing in step S901. In step S903, the login user name of the client PC 100 is returned to the multi-function device 300 as data indicating that the authentication was successful (authentication OK data), and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  On the other hand, if the CPU of the print management server 400 determines in step S902 that there is no user data in the IC card authentication table (FIG. 18) in the search processing in step S901, the process proceeds to step S904 and authentication fails. Data indicating that the error has occurred (error notification without data) is returned to the multi-function device 300, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an example of a tenth control processing procedure in the print system of the present invention, and corresponds to the print server print processing by the daemon program in the print server 200 shown in FIG. Note that the processing in this flowchart is realized by the CPU of the print server 200 shown in FIG. 1 loading and executing a program stored in the external memory on the RAM. In the figure, S1001 to S1003 indicate steps.

First, the CPU of the print server 200 determines in step S1001.
Whether or not a remote shell (rsh) LPR command has been received from the print management server 400 is monitored, and if it is determined that it has been received, in step S1002, the received LPR command is executed to execute printing (FIG. 4 (8)). As a result, the print data stored in the print server 200 designated by the LPR command of the remote shell (rsh) is transmitted from the print server 200 to the multifunction device 300 designated by the command, and printed by the multifunction device 300. Is done. That is, the multifunction device 300 receives the print data transmitted from the print server 200 and performs print processing.

  In step S1003, the CPU of the print server 200 determines whether or not there is an end instruction. If it is determined that there is no end instruction, the process returns to step S1001.

  On the other hand, if the CPU of the print server 200 determines in step S1003 that there is an end instruction, the process ends as it is.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1001 that the CPU of the print server 200 has not received the remote shell (rsh) LPR command from the print management server 400, the process proceeds to step S1003.

  Note that the print management server 400 of this embodiment stores a setting file in an external storage device, and stores a “print data retention period” in the setting file.

  Then, the print management server 400 has a “print data storage period” in the setting file among the bibliographic information data stored in the bibliographic information DB at a predetermined timing (for example, once a day at midnight). If the file is past the “print data storage period”, the print data file deletion instruction corresponding to the bibliographic information data is instructed to be deleted using the file sharing mechanism on the network. Control is performed on the print server 200 corresponding to the IP address in the information data to delete the print data that has passed the storage period of the print data.

  Further, the print management server 400 reads the bibliographic information data whose status is “deleted” from the bibliographic information data stored in the bibliographic information DB at a predetermined timing (for example, once a day at midnight). Control to delete.

  Further, the print management server 400 performs print data list request processing, print request processing, deletion processing, authentication processing, print data deletion processing after the print data storage period, and bibliographic information whose status is “deleted”. Control is performed so that log information of each process such as a data deletion process is stored in the external storage device of the print management server 400.

  In the present embodiment, the client PC 100 that has transmitted print data to the print server 200 generates bibliographic information data of the transmitted print data and transmits it to the print management server 400. The print server 200 that has received the print data may generate bibliographic information data from the print data and transmit it to the print management server 400.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a print data list request is made from a printer (multifunction device 300), the printer type (for example, color attribute (color or monochrome)) from the printer (multifunction device 300) is included in the list request command. The print management server 400 transmits only the bibliographic information of the print data (that can be processed by the printer) corresponding to the printer type (for example, color attribute (color or monochrome)) of the requested printer (multifunction device 300). Although configured, the printer type is not limited to the color attribute, and may be, for example, function information of the printing apparatus such as a sheet size or an optional configuration (such as a sorter, a binding machine, a stapling apparatus, or a punching apparatus). In this configuration, when generating the bibliographic information data, the printer driver transmits the print setting information (sort instruction information, bookbinding instruction information, staple instruction information, punch instruction information, etc.) depending on the functions of the printing apparatus described above. It shall be stored in the information data.

  In this embodiment, the custom driver can switch between normal printer driver processing and printer driver processing for pull printing according to this embodiment according to print settings (steps S101 in FIG. 6 and FIG. 8). However, a dedicated printer driver that executes pull printing according to the present embodiment may be used. In this case, in the printer driver processing of the client PC 100, only the processing of steps S102 to S106 shown in FIG. 6 is executed. In the printer driver process of the print server 200 in the other embodiment described above, only the processes of steps S202 to S205 shown in FIG. 8 are executed.

  As described above, according to the printing system of the present embodiment, only the bibliographic information data is collectively displayed by the print management server 400 simply by designating the logical printer of the custom driver set for pull printing according to the present embodiment. The print job (print data) itself that is stored and managed is distributed and stored in each print server 200 corresponding to each logical printer instructed to print, and the print data to the printer (multifunction device 300) at the time of printing is stored. Since the output processing is also processed by each print server 200, load is not applied to the print management server 400, and load distribution can be realized in the pull print system.

  In addition, no matter what print instruction is issued from any client PC 100, any printer (multifunction machine 300) (from either office A or office B) only needs to access the print management server 400 to obtain the client PC 100. Pull printing of the print data instructed to be printed from is enabled. In particular, managing the bibliographic information data in one place of the print management server 400 facilitates the address management of the transmission destination of the command set to each multifunction device, and further the transmission destination of the bibliographic information data file transmitted from the client PC Management is also easy.

  Further, when a print data list is requested from the printer (multifunction device 300), the printer type (for example, color or monochrome) of the requested printer (multifunction device 300) and other print setting information depending on the printer function The print management server 400 returns only the bibliographic information of the print data corresponding to () to the printer (that is, the bibliographic information data of unnecessary print data is not transmitted), so that the requested printer (multifunction device 300) cannot print. Since the print data is not displayed in the print data list of the printer, it is possible to prevent the user from instructing to print the print data that cannot be printed by mistake.

  As described above, in the pull print system, it is possible to construct a flexible print system that can output print data from a desired printing apparatus while reducing the load on the print server that stores the print data.

  Therefore, centralized management of print data bibliographic information related to stored printing (pull print) by the print management server 400 makes it possible to easily execute a print request from any printing device (multifunction device 300). Distributing the print data storage process and the transmission process to the printer to the print server 200 produces a special effect that the load on each server can be reduced because the process is not concentrated on a specific server.

  In addition, since the printing system of the present embodiment is pull printing, it can be prevented from being left out.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the print data that the user has instructed to print from the client PC 100 is stored in the print server 200, and the bibliographic information data of the print data is collectively managed by the print management server 400, and printed from the desired multifunction device 300. The configuration in which the data list is called and printed has been described. However, the user scans a desired document with the multifunction device 300, stores the scanned print data in the print server 200, and prints the bibliographic information data of the print data. The management server 400 may be configured to collectively manage and print the print data list from a desired multifunction device 300 for printing. The embodiment will be described below.

  In the first embodiment, when the screen switching button 1002 on the print data list screen is pressed, the screen transitions to another processing screen (FIG. 16). In the present embodiment, FIG. A transition is made to the “anywhere document reading screen” shown.

  FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram of a document reading screen anywhere displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 308 of the MFP 300 illustrated in FIG. 1 under the control of the CPU 301.

  In FIG. 26, reference numeral 2601 denotes a screen switching button. When this button is pressed, the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral 300 controls to display another processing screen (FIG. 16) on the display unit of the operation unit 308.

  Reference numeral 2602 denotes a document reading start button. When this button is pressed, the CPU 301 of the multifunction machine 300 executes a scan process anywhere in the flowchart shown in FIG.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing an example of an eleventh control processing procedure in the printing system of the present invention, and corresponds to a reading process anywhere in the multi-function apparatus 300 shown in FIG. Note that the processing of this flowchart is realized by the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 illustrated in FIG. 1 loading the program stored in the ROM 303 or the HDD 304 onto the RAM 302 and executing the program. In the figure, S1101 to S1106 indicate each step.

  First, in step S1101, the CPU 301 of the multifunction machine 300 reads a document placed on a document table (not shown) of the multifunction machine 300 based on the setting on the document reading screen anywhere shown in FIG.

  In step S1102, the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral 300 generates print data based on the settings on the original reading screen shown in FIG. 26 from the original image data read in step S1101.

  Next, in step S1103, the CPU 301 of the multifunction device 300 transmits the print data generated in step S1102 to a custom driver of a predetermined print server 200 (for example, a print server installed on the same floor as the multifunction device 300). The file is stored in a predetermined storage location of the print server 200 using a file sharing mechanism on the network.

  In step S1104, the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 waits until transmission of the print data transmitted in step S1103 is completed. If it is determined that transmission is completed, the bibliography of the print data transmitted in step S1103 is determined in step S1105. Generate an information data file.

  In step S1106, the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 transmits the bibliographic information data generated in step S1105 to the print management server 400, and uses a predetermined file management mechanism of the print management server 400 using a network file sharing mechanism. Store in the storage location and end the process.

  In the present embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the multifunction peripheral 300 itself that has transmitted print data to the print server 200 generates bibliographic information data of the transmitted print data and transmits it to the print management server 400. The print server 200 that has received the print data from 300 may generate bibliographic information data from the print data and transmit the bibliographic information data to the print management server 400.

  As described above, according to the printing system of the present embodiment, any scanner (multifunction device 300) can read an original document, any printer (multifunction device 300) (from business office A, business office). Even from B), by simply accessing the print management server 400, pull-printing of print data read from any MFP 300 can be performed.

  Further, only by reading a document with the multi-function device 300 of this embodiment, only the bibliographic information is collectively stored and managed by the print management server 400. Output processing to the printer (multifunction device 300) is also processed by each print server 200, so that load distribution of the print servers can be realized.

  As described above, it is possible to construct a flexible printing system capable of reading a document with a desired reading device and outputting the original from the desired printing device while reducing the load on the print server for storing the print data. it can.

[Third Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the configuration in which the IC card is used only for user authentication when performing a pull print from the multifunction device 300 has been described. However, the amount data is stored in the IC card (for example, Sony Felica). When performing a pull print from the MFP 300, the IC card so that the amount based on the number of printed sheets and the print attributes (color attribute, type of printing paper), etc. is subtracted from the amount data in the IC card when the printing is completed. The CPU 301 of the multi-function device 300 may be configured to rewrite and control the amount data within.

  Note that the CPU 301 of the multifunction device 300 always detects the IC card from the time of IC card authentication to the completion of printing, and controls to interrupt the processing when the IC card is no longer detected before the printing is completed. .

  In addition, when the user issues a print instruction from the MFP 300, if the amount data stored in the IC card is less than the amount based on the print processing, a message is displayed to charge the IC card. The print processing itself may be controlled not to be performed, or only the number of print processes possible with the amount data stored in the IC card is executed, and then a message is displayed to charge the IC card. You may comprise so that it may control.

  Further, when the printing is started, the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 rewrites and controls the amount data in the IC card so that the amount based on the number of prints and the print attribute is subtracted from the amount data in the IC card. Also good.

  In the case of this configuration, when printing fails and printing cannot be completed, a message such as holding the IC card over the card reader 319 is displayed again on the display unit of the operation unit 308, and the IC card is detected by the card reader 319. In this case, the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 is configured to rewrite and control the amount data in the IC card so that the fee corresponding to the print data that could not be printed is refunded.

  For example, when the print service using the printing system shown in FIG. 1 is realized, an IC card (for example, Sony Felica (registered trademark)) is distributed to a user who has registered as a member, and each member pays an amount of money to the IC card. Remember the data. Each member causes the client PC to send print data to the print server 200 from home, various bases, or the like (at this time, bibliographic information data of the print data is generated and sent to the print management server 400. That is, the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 is executed).

  Each member executes the pull print shown in the first embodiment from the convenience store or the multifunction peripheral 300 installed at each base. At this time, the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 that has performed printing rewrites the amount data in the IC card so that the amount based on the printing process is subtracted from the amount data in the IC card used for user authentication.

  As described above, according to the printing system of the present embodiment, printing can be issued from any client PC, from any printer (multifunction machine 300) (from a contracted convenience store, from other locations). However, by only accessing the print management server 400, print data can be pulled from any multifunction device 300, and the amount can be paid as it is with the IC card used at the time of authentication.

[Fourth Embodiment]
In the first and second embodiments, only the bibliographic information data of the print data is collectively stored and managed by the print management server 400, and the print data itself is distributed and stored in the plurality of print servers 200, and further to the multi-function device 300. As for the print data output, the configuration executed by the print server 200 storing the requested print data based on the print command signal issued by the print management server 400 in response to the print request from the multifunction device 300 has been described. Without using the print server 200, the print data itself is distributed and stored in the client PC 100 or the multifunction peripheral 300 that generated the print data, and the print data output to the multifunction peripheral 300 is performed from the multifunction peripheral 300. Based on the print command signal issued by the print management server 400 in response to the print request of And wherein the configuration client PC100 or the MFP 300 is executed by storing the print data. The embodiment will be described below.

  FIG. 28 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of a print system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  As shown in “Office A” in FIG. 28, the print system according to the present embodiment includes one or a plurality of client PCs 100 (for example, for each user), one or a plurality of multifunction devices 300 (for example, installed for each floor), The print management server 400, one or a plurality of login service PCs 500 (for example, installed on each floor), and a directory service server 600 are connected via a local area network (LAN) 700.

  Note that the printer driver installed in the client PC 100 of the present embodiment generates print data from data acquired from the application program, and stores the generated print data in a predetermined storage location (from the printer driver) in the client PC 100. It can be stored in a spool area that can be managed directly.

  The printer driver of the client PC 100 can generate bibliographic information data corresponding to the stored print data, transmit it to the print management server 400, and store it in a predetermined storage location of the print management server 400.

  The print management server 400 includes a bibliographic information DB (FIG. 10), and bibliographic information (bibliographic information corresponding to print data stored in the client PC 100) transmitted from the client PC 100 when “print anywhere” is executed in this embodiment. ) And is stored and managed by the bibliographic information DB. Further, the print management server 400 stores an IC card authentication table (FIG. 18), and performs an authentication process using the IC card authentication table in response to an authentication request by the IC card from the multifunction device 300. Further, in response to a print request from the multifunction device 300 (print data print request corresponding to the bibliographic information managed in the bibliographic information DB), the print management server 400 describes the print data print instruction in the bibliographic information. To the device (for example, client PC 100) indicated by the IP address.

  The print system according to the present embodiment includes one or more “office A” configured as described above and one or more client PCs 100, one, or a plurality of multifunction peripherals 300 connected via the LAN 700. The office B ”may be connected via the WAN 800.

  The hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus applicable to the client PC 100, the print management server 400, the login service PC 500, and the directory service server 600 is the same as that shown in FIG. The hardware configuration of the controller unit that controls the multi-function device 200 is the same as that shown in FIG.

  The overall flow of pull printing (printing everywhere) in the printing system of this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

  First, the premise for executing pull printing of this embodiment will be described.

  First, a printer driver (hereinafter referred to as a custom driver) for realizing pull printing of this embodiment is installed in each client PC 100, and a logical printer of the custom driver is added. This custom driver can be used as a normal printer driver. When the print setting stored for each registered logical printer is set to the pull print setting, the logical printer is designated as the print destination. The pull print of this embodiment can be executed. Then, when the user issues a print instruction to the logical printer of the custom driver set to the pull print added to each client PC 100, the pull print of the present embodiment is executed.

  The overall flow of pull printing according to this embodiment will be described below.

  FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram illustrating the entire flow of pull printing (printing everywhere) in the printing system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 29, first, the user logs in to the client PC 100 ((1) -1), and from the application program executed on the client PC 100 to the logical printer corresponding to the custom driver set as the pull print. A print instruction is given ((1) -2).

  In response to this print instruction, the application program of the client PC 100 transmits data to the custom driver via the graphic engine. The custom driver of the client PC 100 generates print data based on data received from the application program via the graphic engine.

  Then, the client PC 100 stores the generated print data in a predetermined storage location (spool area set in advance) of the client PC 100 ((2) -1). The file name of the print data stored in the predetermined storage location of the client PC 100 is a file name specified by the custom driver of the client PC 100 (for example, “time stamp when the user inputs a print instruction” + "Login user ID of client PC 100" .prs).

  Next, the client PC 100 generates bibliographic information data of the print data stored in the predetermined storage location, and transmits the generated bibliographic information data to the print management server 400 to establish a file sharing mechanism on the network. And stored in a predetermined storage location (a preset directory) of the print management server 400 ((3) -1). Note that the file name of the print management data stored in the predetermined storage location of the print management server 400 is a file name specified by the custom driver of the client PC 100 (for example, “when the user inputs a print instruction” Time stamp "+" Login user ID of client PC 100 ".inf).

  The print management server 400 monitors the predetermined directory, and when the bibliographic information data file is stored from the client PC 100 in the predetermined directory, the bibliographic information data file is analyzed and the bibliographic information is stored in the bibliographic information DB (print management server). Registered on the 400 external storage device) ((3) -2).

  When the multifunction device 300 detects an IC card that can be read by the card reader 319, the multifunction device 300 reads the personal authentication information in the IC card, and transmits the read personal authentication information to the print management server 400 as an authentication request (( 4) -1). The personal authentication information is information used for authentication and may be a manufacturing number of the IC card.

  When the print management server 400 receives the personal authentication information from the multi-function peripheral 300, the print management server 400 performs authentication processing of the personal authentication information based on the IC card authentication table stored on the external storage device of the print management server 400, and the authentication result. Is returned to the MFP 300 ((4) -2). If the authentication process is successful, the login user ID of the client PC 100 is transmitted as the authentication result.

  Next, upon receiving an authentication result (login user ID of the client PC 100) indicating that the authentication has succeeded from the print management server 400, the multifunction device 300 transmits a print data list request to the print management server 400 ((5)). -1). Note that the print data list request includes the login user ID of the client PC 100.

  When the print management server 400 receives a print data list request from the multifunction device 300, the print management server 400 searches the bibliographic information DB with the login user ID included in the print data list request, and generates a print data list corresponding to the login user ID. Then, the response is sent back to the multifunction machine 300 ((5) -2).

  When the MFP 300 receives the print data list from the print management server 400, the MFP 300 displays the print data list on the UI of the operation unit 308. When the user selects print data and gives a print instruction, the multi-function device 300 transmits a print request (output instruction) for the selected print data to the print management server 400 (6). The print request includes the login user name of the client PC 100 and the print data time stamp.

  When the print management server 400 receives a print data print request (output instruction) from the MFP 300, the bibliographic information of the print data for which the output instruction has been issued, the login user name of the client PC 100, and the print data time stamp as keys. The bibliographic information DB is searched, the apparatus (client PC 100) storing the corresponding print data is specified from the searched bibliographic information, and the print instruction for the corresponding print data is transmitted to the client PC 100 (7). . The print instruction is a print command including the corresponding print data file name.

  When the client PC 100 receives a print instruction from the print management server 400, the client PC 100 transmits print data to the multi-function apparatus 300 based on the print instruction and causes the multi-function apparatus 300 to print (8).

  Hereinafter, processing in the client PC 100 shown in FIG. 28 will be described with reference to FIGS. 30 and 31.

  First, a print instruction on an application program operating on the client PC 100 shown in FIG. 28 will be described.

  FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing an example of a twelfth control processing procedure in the printing system of the present invention, and corresponds to the printer driver processing in the client PC 100 shown in FIG. Note that the processing of this flowchart is realized by the CPU of the client PC 100 shown in FIG. 1 loading and executing a program stored in the external memory on the RAM. In the figure, S101, S102, S1203 to S1205, S106, and S1207 indicate respective steps. In addition, the same step number is attached | subjected to the step same as FIG.

  When a desired logical printer (for example, “monochrome printing everywhere” 601) is selected by the printer selection unit 610 on the print screen of the application program operating on the client PC 100 shown in FIG. Data for printing is transmitted to the printer driver via the graphic engine.

  When a custom driver executed by the CPU of the client PC 100 (hereinafter, the custom driver of the client PC 100) receives data from the application program (via the graphic engine), first, in step S101, the custom driver of the client PC 100 The driver determines whether the print setting of the logical printer selected as the print destination in the application program is in the pull print mode.

  If the custom driver of the client PC 100 determines in step S101 that the print setting is the pull print mode, in step S102, the custom driver generates print data based on the data received from the application program.

  Next, in step S1203, the custom driver of the client PC 100 performs processing to store the print data generated in step S102 in a predetermined storage location (spool area) of the client PC 100 ((2) -1 in FIG. 29). . Note that the file name of the print data stored in the predetermined storage location is the file name specified by the custom driver of the client PC 100 (for example, “time stamp when the user inputs a print instruction” + “client” PC 100 login user ID ".prs).

  In step S1204, the custom driver of the client PC 100 waits until it is determined that the print data stored in step S1203 has been stored. If it is determined that the storage has been completed, the custom driver is stored in step S103 in step S1205. A bibliographic information data file of the processed print data is generated. At this time, the custom driver of the client PC 100 uses the IP address of the client PC 100 as the IP address of the device that stores the print data in the bibliographic information data file (that is, the device that holds and manages the print data). Shall be generated to include.

  In step S106, the custom driver of the client PC 100 transmits the bibliographic information data file (FIG. 31) generated in step S1205 to the print management server 400, and print management is performed using a file sharing mechanism on the network. The data is stored in a predetermined storage location of the server 400 ((3) -1 in FIG. 29), and the process ends. Note that the file name of the print management data stored in the predetermined storage location of the print management server 400 is the file name specified by the custom driver of the client PC 100 (for example, “when the user inputs a print instruction” Time stamp "+" Login user ID of client PC 100 ".inf).

  On the other hand, if the custom driver of the client PC 100 determines in step S101 that the print setting is not the pull print mode, it performs other print processing in step S107. That is, the custom driver of the client PC 100 generates print data based on the data received from the application program via the graphic engine, and the generated print data is set by the logical printer selected as the print destination by the application program. To a printing destination (such as the MFP 300), and print processing is performed.

  The contents of the bibliographic information data file of this embodiment are shown in FIG.

  FIG. 31 is a data configuration diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the bibliographic information data in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 31, the file name of the bibliographic information data transmitted from the client PC 100 to the print management server 400 is “time stamp when the user inputs a print instruction” + “login user ID of the client PC 100”. inf ”.

  The bibliographic information data includes the login user name of the client PC and the IP address of the apparatus (that is, the apparatus that manages the print data) in which the corresponding print data is stored (in this embodiment, the IP address of the client PC 100). ), The color attribute (color or monochrome) of the corresponding print data, the document name of the corresponding print data, the number of prints of the corresponding print data, the number of pages per part of the corresponding print data, and the like.

  The print management server 400 analyzes the bibliographic information data file stored in a predetermined storage location of the print management server 400 by the client PC 100 and registers the information of the bibliographic information data file in the bibliographic information DB (FIG. 10). ((3) -2 in FIG. 29). This bibliographic information file management process is the same as that of FIG. 9 shown in the first embodiment.

  The pull print processing operation in the multifunction machine 300 is also the same as that in FIGS. 11 to 18 of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  Further, the request processing routine performed by the print management server 400 in response to a request transmitted from the multifunction device 300 to the print management server 400 by the pull print processing operation of the multifunction device 300 is substantially the same as that in the first embodiment. The print management server 400 is different in that it issues a print instruction (deletion instruction) for the corresponding print data to the client PC 100 in response to a print request (deletion request) from the multifunction peripheral 300 (in the first embodiment, the print server 200). Went to). Hereinafter, print request processing and deletion request processing in the print management server 400 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing an example of a thirteenth control processing procedure in the print system of the present invention, and corresponds to the print request processing in the print management server 400 shown in FIG. Note that the processing of this flowchart is realized by the CPU of the print management server 400 shown in FIG. 1 loading and executing a program stored in the external memory on the RAM. In the figure, S701 to S708, S1309, S710, S1311, and S712 denote steps, and the same steps as those in FIG.

  First, the processing in steps S701 to S708 is the same as that in FIG.

  In step S1309, the CPU of the print management server 400 sends the bibliography to the daemon program in the device (in this embodiment, the client PC 100) corresponding to the IP address in the top bibliographic information data acquired in step S708. A remote shell (rsh) LPR command for the print data corresponding to the information data is issued to issue a print instruction ((7) in FIG. 29), and the process proceeds to step S710.

  FIG. 33 is a diagram showing an example of commands issued from the print management server 400 to the daemon program of the client PC 100 in the print system of the present invention.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG.

  Next, when the CPU of the print management server 400 determines in step S710 that the print instruction issued in step S1109 has been completed, in step S1311, an instruction to delete the print data file instructed in step S1309 is issued on the network. The file sharing mechanism is used for the device corresponding to the IP address (in this embodiment, the client PC 100), and the bibliographic information data corresponding to the print data file instructed to be deleted is stored in the bibliographic information DB. The status is changed to “deleted”, and the process returns to step S707.

  Note that the processing in step S712 is the same as that in FIG.

  FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing an example of a fourteenth control processing procedure in the print system of the present invention, and corresponds to the deletion request processing in the print management server 400 shown in FIG. Note that the processing of this flowchart is realized by the CPU of the print management server 400 shown in FIG. 1 loading and executing a program stored in the external memory on the RAM. In the figure, S801, S1402, S803 to S805, and S1406 indicate respective steps. The same steps as those in FIG. 23 are denoted by the same step numbers.

  First, in step S801, the CPU of the print management server 400 determines whether or not there is an unprocessed time stamp among the time stamps for identifying print data in the delete request command (FIG. 17B). If it is determined that there are still unprocessed time stamps, the process advances to step S1402, and the CPU of the print management server 400 stores the print data from the bibliographic information DB with the time stamp for identification of the print data and the user name. Searching for a device (in this embodiment, the client PC 100), the process proceeds to step S803.

  Hereinafter, the processes in steps S803 to S805 are the same as those in FIG.

  In step S1406, the CPU of the print management server 400 uses the file sharing mechanism on the network to issue an instruction to delete the print data file corresponding to the bibliographic information data retrieved in step S1402. For the device corresponding to the IP address (client PC 100 in this embodiment), and the process returns to step S801.

  FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing an example of a fifteenth control processing procedure in the print system of the present invention, and corresponds to the print server print processing by the daemon program in the client PC 100 shown in FIG. Note that the processing of this flowchart is realized by the CPU of the client PC 100 shown in FIG. 28 loading and executing a program stored in the external memory on the RAM. In the figure, S1501 to S1503 indicate steps.

First, the CPU of the client PC 100 determines in step S1501.
Whether or not a remote shell (rsh) LPR command has been received from the print management server 400 is monitored, and if it is determined that it has been received, in step S1502, the received LPR command is executed to execute printing (FIG. 29 (8)). As a result, the print data stored in the client PC 100 specified by the LPR command of the remote shell (rsh) is transmitted from the client PC 100 to the MFP 300 specified by the command and printed by the MFP 300. . That is, the MFP 300 receives the print data transmitted from the client PC 100 and performs print processing.

  Next, in step S1503, the CPU of the client PC 100 determines whether there is an end instruction. If it is determined that there is no end instruction, the process returns to step S1301.

  On the other hand, if the CPU of the client PC 100 determines in step S1503 that there is an end instruction, the processing ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1501 that the CPU of the client PC 100 has not received the remote shell (rsh) LPR command from the print management server 400, the process advances to step S1503.

  Note that the print management server 400 of this embodiment stores a setting file in an external storage device, and stores a “print data retention period” in the setting file.

  Then, the print management server 400 has a “print data storage period” in the setting file among the bibliographic information data stored in the bibliographic information DB at a predetermined timing (for example, once a day at midnight). If the file is past the “print data storage period”, the print data file deletion instruction corresponding to the bibliographic information data is instructed to be deleted using the file sharing mechanism on the network. Control is performed on an apparatus corresponding to the IP address in the information data (in this embodiment, the client PC 100) to delete the print data that has passed the storage period of the print data.

  Further, the print management server 400 reads the bibliographic information data whose status is “deleted” from the bibliographic information data stored in the bibliographic information DB at a predetermined timing (for example, once a day at midnight). Control to delete.

  Further, the print management server 400 performs print data list request processing, print request processing, deletion processing, authentication processing, print data deletion processing after the print data storage period, and bibliographic information whose status is “deleted”. Control is performed so that log information of each process such as a data deletion process is stored in the external storage device of the print management server 400.

  In the present embodiment, the custom driver can switch between normal printer driver processing and printer driver processing for pull printing according to the present embodiment according to print settings (configuration switched in step S101 in FIG. 30). However, a dedicated printer driver that executes pull printing according to the present embodiment may be used. In this case, in the printer driver process of the client PC 100, only the processes of steps S102, S1203 to S1205, and S106 shown in FIG. 30 are executed.

  As described above, according to the printing system of the present embodiment, only the bibliographic information data is collectively displayed by the print management server 400 simply by designating the logical printer of the custom driver set for pull printing according to the present embodiment. The print job (print data) itself, which is stored and managed, is distributed and stored in the apparatus (client PC 00 in this embodiment) that generates each print data, and the print data to the printer (multifunction device 300) at the time of printing. Output processing is also processed by an apparatus that stores and manages each print data (in this embodiment, the client PC 00), so that no load is applied to the print management server 400, and load distribution is performed in the pull print system. Can be realized.

  In addition, no matter what print instruction is issued from any client PC 100, any printer (multifunction machine 300) (from either office A or office B) only needs to access the print management server 400 to obtain the client PC 100. Pull printing of the print data instructed to be printed from is enabled. In particular, managing the bibliographic information data in one place of the print management server 400 facilitates the address management of the transmission destination of the command set to each multifunction device, and further the transmission destination of the bibliographic information data file transmitted from the client PC Management is also easy.

  As described above, in the pull print system, it is possible to construct a flexible print system that can output print data from a desired printing apparatus while reducing the load on the print server that stores the print data.

  Therefore, centralized management of print data bibliographic information related to stored printing (pull print) by the print management server 400 makes it possible to easily execute a print request from any printing device (multifunction device 300). Since the print data storage process and the transmission process to the printer are distributed to an apparatus that stores and manages each print data (in this embodiment, the client PC 100), the processing is not concentrated on a specific server. There is a special effect that the load can be reduced.

  In addition, since the printing system of the present embodiment is pull printing, it is possible to prevent unnecessary printing output that has been left out or erroneously instructed to print, and cost reduction can be realized.

[Fifth Embodiment]
In the fourth embodiment, print data instructed by the user from the client PC 100 is stored and managed in a predetermined storage area of the client PC 100, and bibliographic information data of the print data is collectively managed by the print management server 400. In the above description, the print data list is called from the desired multifunction device 300 and printed. However, the user scans a desired document with the multifunction device 300 and stores the scanned print data in a predetermined storage area of the multifunction device 300. The bibliographic information data of the print data may be collectively managed by the print management server 400, and the print data list may be called from the desired multifunction device 300 to be printed. That is, the structure which combined the said 4th Embodiment and the said 2nd Embodiment may be sufficient. The embodiment will be described below.

  When the document reading start button 2602 shown in FIG. 36 is pressed, the CPU 301 of the multifunction machine 300 executes the scanning process anywhere in the flowchart shown in FIG.

  FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing an example of a sixteenth control processing procedure in the print system of the present invention, and corresponds to a reading process anywhere in the client PC 100 shown in FIG. Note that the processing of this flowchart is realized by the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 illustrated in FIG. 1 loading the program stored in the ROM 303 or the HDD 304 onto the RAM 302 and executing the program. In the figure, S1101, S1102, S1603 to S1605, and S1106 indicate each step. In addition, the same step number is attached | subjected to the step same as FIG.

  First, in step S1101, the CPU 301 of the multifunction machine 300 reads a document placed on a document table (not shown) of the multifunction machine 300 based on the setting on the document reading screen anywhere shown in FIG.

  In step S1102, the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral 300 generates print data based on the settings on the original reading screen shown in FIG. 26 from the original image data read in step S1101.

  In step S <b> 1603, the CPU 301 of the multifunction device 300 performs processing for storing the print data generated in step S <b> 1102 in a predetermined storage location (spool area) in the HDD 304 of the multifunction device 300.

  In step S1604, the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 waits until it is determined that the print data stored in step S1603 has been stored. If it is determined that the storage has been completed, the CPU 301 stores the print data in step S1605 in step S1603. A bibliographic information data file of the processed print data is generated. At this time, the CPU 301 of the multifunction device 300 uses the IP address of the multifunction device 300 itself as the IP address of the device that stores the print data in the bibliographic information data file (ie, the device that holds and manages the print data). It shall be generated to include the address.

  In step S1106, the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 transmits the bibliographic information data generated in step S1105 to the print management server 400, and uses a predetermined file management mechanism of the print management server 400 using a network file sharing mechanism. Store in the storage location and end the process.

  As described above, according to the printing system of the present embodiment, any scanner (multifunction device 300) can read an original document, any printer (multifunction device 300) (from business office A, business office). Even from B), by simply accessing the print management server 400, pull-printing of print data read from any MFP 300 can be performed.

  Further, only by reading a document with the multifunction device 300 of the present embodiment, only the bibliographic information is collectively stored and managed by the print management server 400, the print job (print data) itself is stored in the multifunction device 300, and other printers. Since the output processing to the (multifunction device 300) is also processed by the multifunction device 300, load distribution can be realized.

  As described above, it is possible to construct a flexible printing system capable of reading a document with a desired reading device and outputting the original from the desired printing device while reducing the load on the print server for storing the print data. it can.

  In the fourth and fifth embodiments, the configuration in which the device (client PC 100 or multifunction device 300) that generated the print data stores and manages the generated print data has been described. You may comprise so that it may store and manage to an apparatus.

  For example, when a print instruction is issued, the print management server 400 accumulates and stores data associating the user name corresponding to the instruction with the printing apparatus (multifunction device 300) used, and batch processing is performed. For example, the most frequently used printing apparatus is specified for each user. Then, when storing the print data, the client PC 100 or the MFP 300 acquires the data specifying the printing device that is most frequently used by the current user from the print management server 400, and acquires the acquired printing device or the printing device. The print data may be stored in an information processing apparatus within the same LAN as the apparatus (or joined to the same domain).

  As a result, when the user performs pull printing, there is a high possibility that the print data is stored in the printing apparatus used by the user, the transmission time of the print data can be saved, and the printing process can be completed quickly. .

  The print system of the present invention may be configured to include a plurality of print management servers 400.

  In addition, all the structures which combined the said 1st Embodiment-5th Embodiment are also contained in this embodiment.

  Further, the configuration and contents of the various data shown in FIGS. 7, 10, 17, 18, 22, 31, and 33 are not limited to this, and various data may be used depending on the application and purpose. Needless to say, it is composed of composition and contents.

  Although the first to fifth embodiments have been described above, the present invention can take an embodiment as, for example, a system, an apparatus, a method, a program, or a recording medium. You may apply to the system comprised from an apparatus, and may apply to the apparatus which consists of one apparatus. For example, the print management server 400 may also be composed of a plurality of server devices as long as the information can be managed in an integrated manner. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of server apparatuses exchange management information (bibliographic information file, IC card authentication table, etc.) with each other to centrally manage information.

  As described above, the client PC 100 transmits print data to the print server 200, transmits bibliographic information data including the IP address of the print server 200 and bibliographic information of the print data to the print management server 400, and The print server 200 stores the received print data, and the print management server 400 stores and manages the received bibliographic information data, and stores the print data based on the print request command from the multifunction device 300. The print server 200 is specified, and a print command designating the multifunction device 300 and print data is output to the print server 200. The print server 200 outputs the print command to the multifunction device 300 based on the print command. By outputting the print data, the print data can be saved by printing. Distributed over server, centrally managed by the print server for bibliographic information of the print data, it is possible to construct a load distributed pull print system.

  Further, the client PC 100 stores print data in a predetermined storage area of the client PC 100, transmits bibliographic information data including the IP address of the client PC 100 itself and bibliographic information of the print data to the print management server 400, and further performs print management. The server 400 stores and manages the received bibliographic information data, identifies the client PC 100 storing the print data based on the print request command from the multifunction device 300, and sends the multifunction device 300 to the client PC 100. The client PC 100 outputs a print command specifying the print data, and the client PC 100 outputs the print data to the multi-function peripheral 300 based on the print command, whereby the storage of the print data is distributed to each client PC 100. , Bibliographic information of print data In its it can be consolidated in the print server, constructing a pull print system load balancing.

  The configuration of a data processing program that can be read by each device constituting the printing system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the memory map shown in FIG.

  FIG. 37 is a diagram for explaining a memory map of a recording medium (storage medium) that stores various data processing programs that can be read by each device constituting the printing system according to the present invention.

  Although not specifically shown, information for managing a program group stored in the recording medium, for example, version information, creator, etc. is also stored, and information depending on the OS on the program reading side, for example, a program is identified and displayed. Icons may also be stored.

  Further, data depending on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, when a program or data to be installed is compressed, a program to be decompressed may be stored.

  6, 8, 9, 11, 19, 20, 21, 21, 23, 24, 25, 27, 30, 30, 32, 34, 35, and FIG. The function shown in 36 may be performed by the host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when an information group including a program is supplied to the output device from a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external recording medium via a network. Is.

  As described above, a recording medium recording software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the recording medium in the recording medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by reading and executing the programmed program code.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the recording medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the recording medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  As a recording medium for supplying the program code, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD-ROM, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, A silicon disk or the like can be used.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) or the like running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

  Furthermore, after the program code read from the recording medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted in the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. In this case, by reading a recording medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention into the system or apparatus, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. .

  Furthermore, by downloading and reading a program represented by software for achieving the present invention from a server, database, etc. on a network using a communication program, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. It becomes possible.

1 is a system configuration diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a printing system to which an information processing apparatus, a print management server, and a printing apparatus of the present invention can be applied. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus applicable to the client PC, print server, print management server, login service PC, and directory service server shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a controller unit of the multifunction peripheral illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a schematic diagram explaining the whole flow of pull printing (print everywhere) in the printing system of this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a print screen of an application program that operates on the client PC illustrated in FIG. 1. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first control processing procedure in the print system of the present invention. It is a data block diagram which shows an example of the data structure of the bibliographic information data in the printing system of this invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second control processing procedure in the printing system of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a third control processing procedure in the print system of the present invention. It is a data block diagram which shows an example of a data structure of bibliographic information DB in the printing system of this invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a fourth control processing procedure in the print system of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a screen displayed under the control of a CPU on the display unit of the operation unit of the multifunction peripheral illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a screen displayed under the control of a CPU on the display unit of the operation unit of the multifunction peripheral illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a screen displayed under the control of a CPU on the display unit of the operation unit of the multifunction peripheral illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a screen displayed under the control of a CPU on the display unit of the operation unit of the multifunction peripheral illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a screen displayed under the control of a CPU on the display unit of the operation unit of the multifunction peripheral illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a data configuration diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of a command transmitted from the multifunction peripheral illustrated in FIG. 1 to a print management server. FIG. 2 is a data configuration diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of an IC card authentication table stored in an external storage device of the print management server illustrated in FIG. 1. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a fifth control processing procedure in the print system of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 6th control processing procedure in the printing system of this invention. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a seventh control processing procedure in the printing system of the present invention. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a command issued from a print management server to a daemon program of a print server in the print system of the present invention. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 8th control processing procedure in the printing system of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 9th control processing procedure in the printing system of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 10th control processing procedure in the printing system of this invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a document reading screen anywhere displayed on the display unit of the operation unit of the multifunction machine illustrated in FIG. 1 under the control of a CPU. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 11th control processing procedure in the printing system of this invention. It is a system configuration figure showing an example of the composition of the printing system of a 4th embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram explaining the flow of the whole pull printing in the printing system of 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 12th control processing procedure in the printing system of this invention. It is a data block diagram which shows an example of a data structure of the bibliographic information data in 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 13th control processing procedure in the printing system of this invention. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a command issued from a print management server to a daemon program of a client PC in the print system of the present invention. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 14th control processing procedure in the printing system of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 15th control processing procedure in the printing system of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 16th control processing procedure in the printing system of this invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a recording medium (storage medium) that stores various data processing programs that can be read by each device that constitutes the printing system according to the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

100 client PC
200 Print Server 300 MFP 400 Print Management Server 500 Login Service PC
600 Directory service server 700 LAN
800 WAN

Claims (41)

An information processing apparatus capable of communicating with one or a plurality of storage print servers and print management servers via a predetermined communication medium, and capable of outputting print data for storage printing,
Print data generation means for generating print data corresponding to the printing apparatus based on data received from the application program;
Print data transmission means for transmitting the print data generated by the print data generation means to any one of the storage print servers;
Bibliographic information data generating means for generating bibliographic information data including information specifying the print server for stored printing that has transmitted print data by the print data transmitting means and bibliographic information of the print data;
Bibliographic information data transmitting means for transmitting the bibliographic information data generated by the bibliographic information data generating means to the print management server,
Each of the storage printing print servers stores print data received from the outside in a storage unit, and is designated based on a print command signal designating the printing apparatus received from the outside and the stored print data. Outputting the designated print data to a printing device,
The print management server stores and manages the bibliographic information data received from the outside, and prints the print data based on a print request signal of print data corresponding to the bibliographic information data received and stored from a printing apparatus. Information that specifies the stored print server for storage printing and outputs a print command signal specifying the printing apparatus and the print data to the specified print server for storage printing Processing equipment.   First control for determining completion of transmission of print data to the print server for storage printing by the print data transmission unit, and performing control for transmitting the bibliographic information data by the bibliographic information data transmission unit after the transmission completion determination The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means. Determining means for determining whether or not accumulated printing is set in the print setting information corresponding to the printing destination specified in the application program;
When the determination unit determines that the storage printing is set, the print data transmission unit transmits the print data to the storage printing print server, and the bibliographic information data generation unit generates the bibliographic information data. Second storage means for performing storage printing control for causing the bibliographic information data transmission means to transmit the bibliographic information data to the print management server,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is provided.   The second control means is a non-accumulation print server that sequentially outputs print data received from the outside to a set printing apparatus when the determination means determines that the storage print is not set. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein non-accumulation control for transmitting the print data is performed. An information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a print management server and one or more printing apparatuses via a predetermined communication medium,
Print data generation means for generating print data corresponding to the printing apparatus based on data received from the application program;
Print data storage means for storing the print data generated by the print data generation means in a predetermined storage location;
Bibliographic information data generating means for generating bibliographic information data including information for specifying the information processing apparatus itself and bibliographic information of the print data;
Bibliographic information data transmitting means for transmitting the bibliographic information data generated by the bibliographic information data generating means to the print management server;
And an output unit that outputs the designated print data to the designated printing device based on a printing command signal designating the printing device received from the outside and the print data stored in the print data storage unit. Is,
The print management server stores and manages the bibliographic information data received from the outside, and prints the print data based on a print request signal of print data corresponding to the bibliographic information data received and stored from a printing apparatus. An information processing apparatus characterized by specifying a storage apparatus and outputting a print command signal designating the printing apparatus and the print data to the specified apparatus. Determining means for determining whether or not accumulated printing is set in the print setting information corresponding to the printing destination specified in the application program;
When it is determined by the determination means that accumulated printing is set, the print data storage means stores the print data, the bibliographic information data generation means generates the bibliographic information data, and the bibliographic information data transmission Control means for performing storage printing control for sending the bibliographic information data to the print management server by means;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the information processing apparatus is provided.   The control unit performs non-accumulation control for transmitting the print data to an apparatus associated with a printing destination designated by the application program when the determination unit determines that the storage printing is not set. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6. The print data received from the outside is stored in the storage means, and the designated print device is designated based on the print command received from the outside and the print command signal designating the stored print data. A print management server capable of transmitting the print command signal to a storage print server that outputs the print data,
Bibliographic information data storage means for storing and managing bibliographic information data including information specifying a print server for storage printing that stores the print data received from an external device and bibliographic information of the corresponding print data;
Based on the print request signal of the print data corresponding to the bibliographic information data stored and managed received from the printing apparatus, the print server for stored print storing the print data is specified, and the specified stored print use Print command signal output means for outputting a print command signal designating the printing device and the print data to a print server;
A print management server. The print data is stored in the storage means, and the designated print data is sent to the designated print device based on the print device received from the outside and the print command signal designating the stored print data. A print management server capable of transmitting the print command signal to an information processing apparatus for outputting,
Bibliographic information data storage means for storing and managing bibliographic information data including information specifying an information processing apparatus that holds the print data and bibliographic information of the corresponding print data;
Based on the print request signal of the print data corresponding to the bibliographic information data stored and managed received from the printing apparatus, the information processing apparatus holding the print data is identified, and the identified information processing apparatus A print command signal output means for outputting a print command signal designating the printing apparatus and the print data;
A print management server. The bibliographic information data includes logon user information for logging on to the external device,
Based on a list request signal including the logged-on user information received from the printing apparatus, bibliographic information data corresponding to the logged-on user information is acquired from the stored and managed bibliographic information data, and converted into list information. 10. The print management server according to claim 8, further comprising a list reply means for replying to the request. The bibliographic information data includes print setting information of print data corresponding to the bibliographic information data,
Based on a list request signal including function information of the printing device received from the printing device, bibliographic information data including print setting information that can be processed by the printing device is acquired from the bibliographic information data stored and managed, The print management server according to any one of claims 8 to 10, further comprising a list reply unit configured to reply to the printing apparatus as list information. The print setting information includes color attribute information indicating color printing or monochrome printing,
The printing function information of the printing apparatus includes color printing function information indicating whether the printing apparatus is a printing apparatus capable of color printing or a printing apparatus for monochrome printing.
The list reply means includes color attribute information that can be processed by the printing apparatus from the bibliographic information data stored and managed based on a list request signal including color printing function information of the printing apparatus received from the printing apparatus. The print management server according to claim 11, wherein bibliographic information data is acquired and returned to the printing apparatus as list information. Authentication table storage means for storing an authentication table indicating correspondence between IC card authentication information stored in the IC card and logon user information for logging on to the external device;
In response to an authentication request signal including IC card authentication information read from the IC card received from the printing apparatus, an authentication process based on the authentication table of the IC card authentication information is performed, and the authentication process is successful. Authentication means for reading log-on user information corresponding to the IC card authentication information from the authentication table and returning the information to the printing apparatus,
The print management server according to claim 8, wherein the print management server is provided. The print data is stored in the storage means, and the designated print data is sent to the designated print device based on the print device received from the outside and the print command signal designating the stored print data. Bibliographic information data including one or a plurality of stored print server to be output and information for specifying the stored print server for storing the print data and the bibliographic information of the corresponding print data are stored and managed, and printing is performed. Based on the print request signal of the print data corresponding to the bibliographic information data stored and managed received from the apparatus, the print server for storage printing storing the print data is specified, and the specified storage print A print command signal designating the printing apparatus and the print data is output to the print server. A print management server, a communicable printing apparatus,
Print request means for transmitting a print request signal of print data corresponding to bibliographic information data stored and managed by the print management server to the print management server;
Print processing received from the print server for storage printing based on the print command signal transmitted from the print management server to any one of the print servers for storage printing in response to the print request signal Print processing means for performing
A printing apparatus comprising: The print data is stored in the storage means, and the designated print data is sent to the designated print device based on the print device received from the outside and the print command signal designating the stored print data. Bibliographic information data including information specifying one or a plurality of information processing devices to output and information processing device storing the print data and bibliographic information of the corresponding print data is stored and managed and received from the printing device Based on a print request signal of print data corresponding to the bibliographic information data to be stored and managed, the information processing apparatus storing the print data is specified, and the specified information processing apparatus A printing apparatus and a print management server that outputs a print command signal designating the print data;
Print request means for transmitting a print request signal of print data corresponding to bibliographic information data stored and managed by the print management server to the print management server;
Print processing for receiving print data transmitted from the information processing apparatus based on the print command signal transmitted from the print management server to any one of the information processing apparatuses in response to the print request signal and performing print processing Means,
A printing apparatus comprising: The bibliographic information data includes logon user information,
Provided is a list information acquisition means for transmitting a list request signal including the logon user information to the print management server and acquiring list information of bibliographic information data corresponding to the logon user information returned from the print management server. ,
The print request means selects bibliographic information data stored and managed in the print management server from the list information acquired by the list information acquisition means, and print request signals for print data corresponding to the selected bibliographic information data The printing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the printer is transmitted. The bibliographic information data includes setting information of print data corresponding to the bibliographic information data,
A list request signal including print function information of the printing apparatus itself is transmitted to the print management server, and list information of bibliographic information data including setting information that can be processed by the printing apparatus returned from the print management server is displayed. Provide list information acquisition means to acquire,
The print request means selects bibliographic information data stored and managed in the print management server from the list information acquired by the list information acquisition means, and print request signals for print data corresponding to the selected bibliographic information data The printing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the printer is transmitted. The print setting information includes color attribute information indicating color printing or monochrome printing,
The list information acquisition means transmits a list request signal including color printing function information indicating whether the printing apparatus itself is a printing apparatus capable of color printing or a printing apparatus for monochrome printing to the print management server. 18. The printing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein a list information of bibliographic information data that can be processed by the printing apparatus returned from the print management server is acquired. IC card reading means capable of reading IC card authentication information stored in the IC card;
An authentication request signal including IC card authentication information read from the IC card by the IC card reading means is transmitted to the print management server, and corresponds to the IC card authentication information returned from the print management server. The printing apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising an authentication request unit that acquires the logon user information. An original reading apparatus capable of communicating with one or a plurality of stored printing print servers and a print management server via a predetermined communication medium,
Print data generation means for generating print data corresponding to the printing apparatus based on image data obtained by reading image information from a document;
Print data transmission means for transmitting the print data generated by the print data generation means to any one of the storage print servers;
Bibliographic information data generating means for generating bibliographic information data including information specifying the print server for stored printing that has transmitted print data by the print data transmitting means and bibliographic information of the print data;
Bibliographic information data transmitting means for transmitting the bibliographic information data generated by the bibliographic information data generating means to the print management server,
Each of the storage printing print servers stores print data received from the outside in a storage unit, and is designated based on a print command signal designating the printing apparatus received from the outside and the stored print data. Outputting the designated print data to a printing device,
The print management server stores and manages the bibliographic information data received from the outside, and prints the print data based on a print request signal of print data corresponding to the bibliographic information data received and stored from a printing apparatus. A document that specifies the stored print server for storage printing and outputs a print command signal designating the printing apparatus and the print data to the specified print server for storage printing Reader. An original reading apparatus capable of communicating with one or a plurality of information processing apparatuses and a print management server via a predetermined communication medium,
Print data generation means for generating print data corresponding to the printing apparatus based on image data obtained by reading image information from a document;
Print data storage means for storing the print data generated by the print data generation means in a predetermined storage location;
Bibliographic information data generating means for generating bibliographic information data including information specifying the original reading device itself and bibliographic information of the print data;
Bibliographic information data transmitting means for transmitting the bibliographic information data generated by the bibliographic information data generating means to the print management server;
Output means for outputting the designated print data to the designated printing device based on a printing command signal designating the printing device received from outside and the print data stored by the print data storage means Have
The print management server stores and manages the bibliographic information data received from the outside, and prints the print data based on a print request signal of print data corresponding to the bibliographic information data received and stored from a printing apparatus. An original reading apparatus characterized by specifying a storing apparatus and outputting a print command signal designating the printing apparatus and the print data to the specified apparatus. A printing system that includes one or more information processing apparatuses, one or more storage print servers, a print management server, and one or more printing apparatuses that can communicate via a predetermined communication medium. And
Each of the information processing devices
Print data generation means for generating print data corresponding to any one of the printing apparatuses based on data received from an application program;
Print data transmission means for transmitting the print data generated by the print data generation means to any one of the storage print servers;
Bibliographic information data generating means for generating bibliographic information data including information specifying the print server for stored printing that has transmitted print data by the print data transmitting means and bibliographic information of the print data;
Bibliographic information data transmitting means for transmitting the bibliographic information data generated by the bibliographic information data generating means to the print management server,
Each of the storage printing print servers includes:
The print data received from the outside is stored in the storage means, and the designated print device is designated based on the print command received from the outside and the print command signal designating the stored print data. Output print data,
The print management server
Bibliographic information data storage means for storing and managing bibliographic information data including information specifying a print server for storage printing that stores the print data received from an external device and bibliographic information of the corresponding print data;
Based on the print request signal of the print data corresponding to the bibliographic information data stored and managed received from the printing apparatus, the print server for storage print storing the print data is specified, and the specified print for storage print A print command signal output means for outputting a print command signal designating the printing device and the print data to a server;
Each of the printing devices is
Print request means for transmitting a print request signal of print data corresponding to bibliographic information data stored and managed by the print management server to the print management server;
Print processing received from the print server for storage printing based on the print command signal transmitted from the print management server to any one of the print servers for storage printing in response to the print request signal And a print processing means for performing printing. A printing system including one or more information processing apparatuses, a print management server, and one or more printing apparatuses that can communicate via a predetermined communication medium,
Each of the information processing devices
Print data generation means for generating print data corresponding to any one of the printing apparatuses based on data received from an application program;
Print data storage means for storing the print data generated by the print data generation means in a predetermined storage location;
Bibliographic information data generating means for generating bibliographic information data including information for identifying the information processing apparatus itself and bibliographic information of the print data;
Bibliographic information data transmitting means for transmitting the bibliographic information data generated by the bibliographic information data generating means to the print management server;
And an output unit that outputs the designated print data to the designated printing device based on a printing command signal designating the printing device received from the outside and the print data stored in the print data storage unit. Is,
The print management server
Bibliographic information data storage means for storing and managing bibliographic information data including information specifying a print server for storage printing that stores the print data received from an external device and bibliographic information of the corresponding print data;
Based on a print request signal of print data corresponding to the bibliographic information data stored and managed received from the printing device, the device storing the print data is identified, and the printing device is identified with respect to the identified device. And a print command signal output means for outputting a print command signal designating the print data,
Each of the printing devices is
Print request means for transmitting a print request signal of print data corresponding to bibliographic information data stored and managed by the print management server to the print management server;
Print processing for receiving print data transmitted from the information processing apparatus based on the print command signal transmitted from the print management server to any one of the information processing apparatuses in response to the print request signal and performing print processing And a printing system. A print data transmission method in an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with one or a plurality of storage print servers and print management servers via a predetermined communication medium and capable of outputting print data for storage printing,
A print data generation step for generating print data corresponding to the printing device based on the data received from the application program;
A print data transmission step of transmitting the generated print data to any one of the storage print servers;
Bibliographic information data generating step for generating bibliographic information data including information specifying the print server for stored printing that has transmitted the print data and bibliographic information of the print data;
A bibliographic information data transmission step for transmitting the generated bibliographic information data to the print management server,
Each of the storage printing print servers stores print data received from the outside in a storage unit, and is designated based on a print command signal designating the printing apparatus received from the outside and the stored print data. Outputting the designated print data to a printing device,
The print management server stores and manages the bibliographic information data received from the outside, and prints the print data based on a print request signal of print data corresponding to the bibliographic information data received and stored from a printing apparatus. A print characterized by specifying the stored print server for storage printing and outputting a print command signal designating the printing device and the print data to the specified print server for stored printing Data transmission method. A print data transmission method in an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a print management server and one or a plurality of printing apparatuses via a predetermined communication medium,
A print data generation step for generating print data corresponding to the printing device based on the data received from the application program;
A print data storage step for storing the generated print data in a predetermined storage location;
Bibliographic information data generating step for generating bibliographic information data including information specifying the print server for stored printing that has transmitted the print data and bibliographic information of the print data;
Bibliographic information data transmitting step for transmitting the generated bibliographic information data to the print management server;
An output step of outputting the designated print data to the designated printing device based on a printing command signal designating the printing device received from the outside and the print data stored in the print data storing step. Is,
The print management server stores and manages the bibliographic information data received from the outside, and prints the print data based on a print request signal of print data corresponding to the bibliographic information data received and stored from a printing apparatus. A print data transmission method characterized by specifying a storage device and outputting a print command signal designating the printing device and the print data to the specified device. The print data received from the outside is stored in the storage means, and the designated print device is designated based on the print command received from the outside and the print command signal designating the stored print data. A print management method in a print management server capable of transmitting the print command signal to a print server for accumulated printing that outputs the print data,
Bibliographic information data registration step for registering in the storage means bibliographic information data including information specifying a print server for storage printing that stores the print data received from an external device and bibliographic information of the corresponding print data;
Based on a print request signal of print data corresponding to the registered bibliographic information data received from a printing device, the print server for storage print storing the print data is specified, and the specified print for storage print A print command signal output step for outputting a print command signal designating the printing apparatus and the print data to the server;
A print management method characterized by comprising: The print data received from the outside is stored in the storage means, and the designated print device is designated based on the print command received from the outside and the print command signal designating the stored print data. A print management method in a print management server capable of transmitting the print command signal to an information processing apparatus that outputs print data,
Bibliographic information data registration step for registering information specifying an information processing apparatus that stores the print data received from an external device and bibliographic information data including bibliographic information of the corresponding print data in a storage unit;
Based on a print request signal of print data corresponding to the registered bibliographic information data received from the printing apparatus, the information processing apparatus storing the print data is identified, and the identified information processing apparatus A print command signal output step for outputting a print command signal designating the printing device and the print data;
A print management method characterized by comprising: The print data is stored in the storage means, and the designated print data is stored in the designated print device based on the print device received from the outside and the print command signal designating the stored print data. Bibliographic information data including one or a plurality of stored print server to be output and information for specifying the stored print server for storing the print data and the bibliographic information of the corresponding print data are stored and managed, and printing is performed. Based on the print request signal of the print data corresponding to the bibliographic information data stored and managed received from the apparatus, the print server for storage printing storing the print data is specified, and the specified storage print A print command signal designating the printing apparatus and the print data is output to the print server. A print management server, a printing method in a communication a printing apparatus,
A print request step of transmitting a print request signal of print data corresponding to bibliographic information data stored and managed in the print management server to the print management server;
Print processing received from the print server for storage printing based on the print command signal transmitted from the print management server to any one of the print servers for storage printing in response to the print request signal A print processing step for performing
A printing method characterized by comprising: The print data is stored in the storage means, and the designated print data is sent to the designated print device based on the print device received from the outside and the print command signal designating the stored print data. Bibliographic information data including information specifying one or a plurality of information processing devices to output and information processing device storing the print data and bibliographic information of the corresponding print data is stored and managed and received from the printing device Based on a print request signal of print data corresponding to the bibliographic information data to be stored and managed, the information processing apparatus storing the print data is specified, and the specified information processing apparatus A printing apparatus and a print management server that outputs a print command signal designating the print data; There is provided a method,
A print request step of transmitting a print request signal of print data corresponding to bibliographic information data stored and managed in the print management server to the print management server;
Print processing for receiving print data transmitted from the information processing apparatus based on the print command signal transmitted from the print management server to any one of the information processing apparatuses in response to the print request signal and performing print processing Steps,
A printing method characterized by comprising: A print data transmission method in an original reading apparatus capable of communicating with one or a plurality of storage print servers and a print management server via a predetermined communication medium,
A print data generation step for generating print data corresponding to the printing apparatus based on image data obtained by reading image information from a document;
A print data transmission step of transmitting the generated print data to any one of the storage print servers;
Bibliographic information data generating step for generating bibliographic information data including information specifying the print server for stored printing that has transmitted the print data and bibliographic information of the print data;
A bibliographic information data transmission step for transmitting the generated bibliographic information data to the print management server,
Each of the storage printing print servers stores print data received from the outside in a storage unit, and is designated based on a print command signal designating the printing apparatus received from the outside and the stored print data. Outputting the designated print data to a printing device,
The print management server stores and manages the bibliographic information data received from the outside, and prints the print data based on a print request signal of print data corresponding to the bibliographic information data received and stored from a printing apparatus. A print characterized by specifying the stored print server for storage printing and outputting a print command signal designating the printing device and the print data to the specified print server for stored printing Data transmission method. A print data transmission method in an original reading apparatus capable of communicating with one or a plurality of information processing apparatuses and a print management server via a predetermined communication medium,
A print data generation step for generating print data corresponding to the printing apparatus based on image data obtained by reading image information from a document;
A print data storage step for storing the generated print data in a predetermined storage location;
Bibliographic information data generation step for generating bibliographic information data including information for specifying the original reading device itself and bibliographic information of the print data;
Bibliographic information data transmitting step for transmitting the generated bibliographic information data to the print management server;
An output step of outputting the designated print data to the designated printing device based on a printing command signal designating the printing device received from outside and the print data stored in the print data storage step; Have
The print management server stores and manages the bibliographic information data received from the outside, and prints the print data based on a print request signal of print data corresponding to the bibliographic information data received and stored from a printing apparatus. A print data transmission method characterized by specifying a storage device and outputting a print command signal designating the printing device and the print data to the specified device. Printing in a printing system including one or more information processing apparatuses, one or more storage print servers, a print management server, and one or more printing apparatuses that can communicate via a predetermined communication medium A method,
Each of the information processing devices
A print data generation step for generating print data corresponding to the printing device based on the data received from the application program;
A print data transmission step of transmitting the generated print data to any one of the storage print servers;
Bibliographic information data generating step for generating bibliographic information data including information specifying the print server for stored printing that has transmitted the print data and bibliographic information of the print data;
Performing the bibliographic information data transmission step of transmitting the generated bibliographic information data to the print management server,
Each of the storage printing print servers includes:
A storage step of storing print data received from outside in a storage means;
An output step of outputting the designated print data to the designated printing device based on a printing command signal designating the printing device received from outside and the stored print data;
The print management server
Bibliographic information data registration step for registering in the storage means bibliographic information data including information specifying a print server for storage printing that stores the print data received from an external device and bibliographic information of the corresponding print data;
Based on a print request signal of print data corresponding to the registered bibliographic information data received from a printing device, the print server for storage print storing the print data is specified, and the specified print for storage print A print command signal output step of outputting a print command signal designating the printing device and the print data to the server;
Each of the printing devices is
A print request step of transmitting a print request signal of print data corresponding to bibliographic information data stored and managed in the print management server to the print management server;
Print processing received from the print server for storage printing based on the print command signal transmitted from the print management server to any one of the print servers for storage printing in response to the print request signal And a print processing step for performing the printing. A printing method in a printing system including one or more information processing apparatuses, a print management server, and one or more printing apparatuses capable of communicating via a predetermined communication medium,
Each of the information processing devices
A print data generation step for generating print data corresponding to the printing device based on the data received from the application program;
A print data storage step for storing the generated print data in a predetermined storage location;
Bibliographic information data generation step for generating bibliographic information data including information for specifying the information processing apparatus itself and bibliographic information of the print data;
Bibliographic information data transmitting step for transmitting the generated bibliographic information data to the print management server;
An output step of outputting the designated print data to the designated printing device based on a printing command signal designating the printing device received from the outside and the print data stored in the print data storage step Is what
The print management server
A bibliographic information data registration step for registering in the storage means bibliographic information data including information specifying a device for storing the print data received from an external device and bibliographic information of the corresponding print data;
Based on a print request signal of print data corresponding to the registered bibliographic information data received from the printing device, the device storing the print data is specified, and the printing device and A print command signal output step of outputting a print command signal designating the print data,
Each of the printing devices is
A print request step of transmitting a print request signal of print data corresponding to bibliographic information data stored and managed in the print management server to the print management server;
Print processing for receiving print data transmitted from the information processing apparatus based on the print command signal transmitted from the print management server to any one of the information processing apparatuses in response to the print request signal and performing print processing And a step of executing the printing method.   A printer driver program for executing the print data transmission method according to claim 24 or 25.   A program for executing the print management method according to claim 26 or 27.   30. A program for executing the printing method according to claim 28 or 29.   32. A program for executing the print data transmission method according to claim 30 or 31.   A recording medium storing a printer driver program for executing the print data transmission method according to claim 24 in a computer-readable manner.   A recording medium storing a computer-readable program for executing the printing management method according to claim 26 or 27.   A recording medium storing a computer-readable program for executing the printing method according to claim 28 or 29.   32. A recording medium storing a computer-readable program for executing the print data transmission method according to claim 30 or 31.

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