JP2007199771A - Information processor, image forming device, data processing system, information processing method, storage medium, program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a mechanism that manages continuous contents such as a serial, and can appropriately obtain and conveniently and continuously output the serial with a simple operation from an image forming device. <P>SOLUTION: A document information management section 103-2 of a document providing system server 103 issues a document management ID or continuous document management ID for uniquely identifying document information or continuous document information stored in a storage device 103-4. Then, the document information, document attribute information, document management ID, and continuous document management ID are stored and managed in the storage device 103-4. When the document ID required to be printed by the image forming device 104 is a continuous document ID, the document management ID managed by the continuous document ID is retrieved. Then, document information at the head of the continuous document and the document management ID of the trailing continuous document are retrieved from the storage device 103-4, and are transmitted to the image forming device 104. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to data processing in a data processing system including an information processing apparatus that stores content registered from a content provider terminal and processes a content deli request from an image forming apparatus.

  In recent years, various document information providing services have been provided through telecommunication networks such as the Internet.

  In particular, recently, printing terminals such as multi-function printers / copiers are installed in stores such as convenience stores, companies, and public facilities. Various services for printing out document information managed by a central host or the like from these multifunction printing / copiers via a telecommunication network have been proposed and implemented (see Patent Documents 2 and 3 below). ).

  In addition, a service for printing out document information registered by a content provider from printing devices installed in convenience stores and public facilities scattered in various places has been proposed.

  In a conventional content providing system, a user accesses a content server and follows a directory structure. Then, a desired content is selected by inputting a keyword or the like to search, and the content is purchased and downloaded to the HDD of the local PC or printed.

Further, in the provision of contents such as newspapers, contents are regularly distributed by making a subscription (see Patent Document 1 below).
JP 2004-252673 A JP 2004-139158 A JP-A-11-003353

  However, in the conventional technology described above, in order to provide continuous content such as serialized content, it is necessary for the user to designate and purchase and print the continuous content, which places a heavy burden on the user. Become.

  In addition, in the providing method based on the regular distribution, it is difficult for the user to select a place and time to print.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to manage continuous contents such as serialized articles and acquire serialized articles in a timely manner by a simple operation from an image forming apparatus. It is to provide a mechanism that allows convenient continuous output.

  The information processing apparatus of the present invention that achieves the above object has the following configuration.

An information processing apparatus that processes a content print request from an image forming apparatus,
Storage means for receiving a document registration instruction including one or more document files and document attribute information, and storing them in order as a continuous document;
Issuing a document management ID or continuous document management ID for uniquely identifying the document information or continuous document information stored in the storage means, the document information, the document attribute information, the document management ID, and the continuous document management ID A document ID management means for storing and managing the information in the storage means;
When the document ID requested to be printed from the image forming apparatus is a continuous document ID, the continuous document management ID managed by the continuous document ID is searched, and the first document information of the continuous document is searched from the storage unit. And transmitting means for transmitting to the image forming apparatus,
The transmission unit retrieves and acquires a document ID of a subsequent continuous document from the storage unit, adds the document ID to the transmitted document information, and transmits the document information to the image forming apparatus.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to manage continuous contents such as serialized articles, obtain serialized articles in a timely manner with a simple operation from the image forming apparatus, and perform continuous output with good convenience.

  Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Description of system configuration>
[First Embodiment]
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an information processing system according to the first embodiment of this invention. In this example, it is assumed that the document registration client 102 and the image forming apparatus 104 in this system are connected to one or more. In the present embodiment, an example in which the information processing system stores and manages a document or a continuous document as content is shown. However, the content is not limited to a document, and is an image, graphics, or a combination thereof. However, the present invention is applicable. In the following, in this embodiment, an example of a document is shown as content.

  In FIG. 1, the document registration client 102 and the document providing system server 103 are constituted by information processing apparatuses. The document registration client 102 and the document providing system server 103 include a controller unit such as a so-called CPU, ROM, or RAM. In addition, an external storage device, an input device, and an output device are provided, and various programs such as application programs are loaded into the RAM so that the CPU can be executed. Further, the document registration client 102 and the document providing system server 103 load a predetermined OS stored in the storage device onto the RAM and execute various service processes.

  The image forming apparatus 104 also has an information processing function and can execute various programs such as an application program. The document registration client 102, the document providing system server 103, and the image forming apparatus 104 are connected to a communication network 101 such as a LAN, WAN, or the Internet via a network cable and can communicate with each other using a predetermined protocol.

  The image forming apparatus 104 has a printer function as a print control apparatus, analyzes a print job including print data transmitted from a computer or acquired from the computer, converts the print job into a dot image page by page, and converts the print job to each page. Print. In addition to the printer function, the image forming apparatus 104 has a scanner function for reading a document image, and is configured to be able to perform facsimile transmission processing of the read image data via a public line (not shown). In addition, image data transmitted by facsimile via a public line can be received and printed out by a printer function.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the image forming apparatus is configured by an MFP including a printer function and a scanner function will be described, but it is needless to say that the image forming apparatus may be configured by a printer apparatus having a printer function alone.

  Of course, the image forming apparatus 104 can be applied to a laser beam printer employing an electrophotographic system, an inkjet printer employing an inkjet system, and a printer utilizing a thermal transfer system. Furthermore, it is assumed that the present invention can be applied to various systems such as a printer that performs large format printing such as A0.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 104 may not have an information processing function that enables execution of various programs such as application programs. In that case, apart from the image forming apparatus 104, a print control computer (not shown) having an information processing function capable of executing various programs such as application programs is arranged as an external controller. A configuration may be adopted in which a document print instruction is received from the user, communication with the document providing system, and control of the image forming apparatus 104 are performed. Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus 104 indicates a configuration of a printing apparatus having an information processing function, and both a printing apparatus and a print control computer.

  The document providing system server 103 is an application server that stores a predetermined OS in a storage device and manages a user and single or continuous document information and printing device information. Here, “continuous” is a concept including serialization.

  Information relating to document information, for example, registered users, document IDs, document files, document attribute information, and the like are stored and can be referred to.

  The document providing system server 103 may be accessible from the document registration client 102 by using a Web browser by providing a Web server function. Alternatively, a configuration in which a dedicated application (not limited to a Web browser) operating on the document registration client 102 and the image forming apparatus 104 is connected to the document providing system server 103 using a communication protocol such as TCP / IP or HTTP. It does not matter.

  In the present embodiment, the communication protocol between the devices in the data processing system is not limited.

  On the other hand, a registered user who registers document information in order to provide content activates a Web browser or a predetermined application from the document registration client 102. Then, a document attribute, a document file, and the like are designated, and a single or continuous content document created by the user is registered in the document providing system server 103. Note that the document registration client 102 in FIG. 1 is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is assumed that the function of the document registration client 102 described above and below is incorporated in the document providing system server 103 or the image forming apparatus 104. For example, when the function of the document registration client 102 is incorporated in the image forming apparatus 104, a paper document is read by the scanner function of the image forming apparatus 104, and image data based on the read document is registered as a document. Further, the document providing system server 103 itself may have a function of registering a user-desired content document. Hereinafter, an example in which the document registration client 102 is incorporated in the system as a content document registration source will be described.

  A printing user who prints a content document registered in the document providing system server 103 performs the following printing operation. For example, the image forming apparatus 104 refers to and downloads document information and document files constituting the content document from the document providing system server 103 via the print instruction application, and performs operations such as printing.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 104 illustrated in FIG.

  In FIG. 2, a reader device (reader unit) 120 optically reads a document image and converts it into image data. The reader unit 120 includes a scanner unit 122 having a function for reading a document and a document feeding unit (DF unit) 121 having a function for transporting document paper. The DF unit 121 is not necessarily required as an optional unit.

  The printer device (printer unit) 130 conveys the paper, prints the image data as a visible image on the paper, and discharges it outside the device. The printer unit 130 includes a paper feed unit 142 having a plurality of types of paper cassettes and a marking unit 141 having a function of transferring and fixing image data onto paper.

  The printer unit 130 is connected to a paper discharge unit 140 having a stacking function for paper output from the printer unit and a case binding function.

  The control device (controller unit) 110 is electrically connected to the reader unit 120 and the printer unit 130, and is further connected to the document registration client 102 and the document providing system server 103 via the network 400.

  Further, the control device 110 controls the reader unit 120 to read image data of a document, and controls the printer unit 130 to output the image data to a recording medium to provide a copy function.

  In addition, a scanner function is provided in which image data read from the reader unit 120 is converted into code data and transmitted to the computer via the network 400. In addition, a printer function for converting code data received from a computer via the network 400 into image data and outputting the image data to the printer unit 130 is provided.

  The operation unit 150 is connected to the control device 110, is configured with a liquid crystal touch panel, and provides a user I / F for operating the image forming apparatus. The operation unit 150 is configured to display a user interface screen (to be described later) and accept an instruction to process the content document.

  In the present embodiment, the control device 110 includes a so-called controller unit such as a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and a communication control interface for connecting to a communication network 101 including the Internet. The control device 110 is configured to be able to communicate with the document registration client 102 and the document providing system server 103 with a predetermined protocol using a predetermined protocol.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a module configuration of the data processing system shown in FIG. First, main component modules will be described.

  In the document registration client 102 shown in FIG. 3, a Web browser 102-1 is a Web browser that operates in the document registration client 102. The web browser 102-1 displays a user interface screen for document registration processing shown in FIGS. 7 to 10 described later on the display device.

  In the document providing system server 103, a registration-side I / F unit 103-1 is an interface unit for the document registration client of the document providing system server 103. Therefore, it has a Web server function and is configured to be able to accept requests from the document registration client 102 using HTTP, HTTPS, or the like.

  The document information management unit 103-2 stores and manages document information and a document file as a set in a storage device 103-4 (not shown). The document providing system server 103 includes a storage device 103-4 such as a hard disk as a storage device.

  The output-side I / F unit 103-3 is an interface unit to the image forming apparatus (including a print control computer that controls the image forming apparatus) 104. Similar to the registration-side I / F unit 103-1, requests by HTTP, HTTPS, etc. can be accepted.

  In the image forming apparatus 104, a print instruction application 104-1 is an application that operates on the image forming apparatus 104, and displays a user interface screen (to be described later) from the document providing system server 103 on the operation unit. A function is provided for instructing printing by acquiring and displaying document information and a document file by designating via the displayed user interface screen.

  Next, document information, document files, and the like that are stored and managed by the document information management unit 103-2 in the storage device 103-4 in the document providing system server 103 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a structure of a document information management table TAB1 for storing document information data created by the document information management unit 103-2 shown in FIG. 3 and managed in the storage device.

  In FIG. 4, as document information to be registered in the storage device 103-4, a registered user ID 1003 of a user who registered the document information of the document name 1002 is managed in association with the document management ID 1001 that uniquely identifies the document. Here, the document information is document information acquired from the document registration client 102.

  In addition, a printing paper size 1005, a printing surface (single side / double side) 1006, a page layout (1up, 2up, 4up, etc.) 1007, and the like are managed as print style settings for document information registered in the storage device 103-4. Furthermore, a color / monochrome 1008, a valid period 1009, the number of pages 1010, a document file size 1011, and the like are managed.

  The document file is also managed in association with it, but is managed separately from the document information data, and the document file data reference information 1012 is held in the document information data. However, the document file may be held in the document information data.

  In addition, when a charging process is accompanied with a printing service for document information registered in the storage device 103-4, it can be applied by adopting a configuration in which charging information or the like is added.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the structure of the document ID management table TAB2 created by the document information management unit 103-2 shown in FIG. 3 and managed in the storage device 103-4.

  In FIG. 5, a document management ID 1101 corresponds to the document management ID 1001 shown in FIG. 4, and stores an ID for uniquely identifying document information registered in the storage device 103-4. The document ID 1102 stores a document ID that is notified to the image forming apparatus 104 to the user instructing the print request.

  Since this document ID 1102 is assigned for each user to the document information, a plurality of document IDs may be associated with the same document.

  The document ID management table TAB2 is a table for holding these correspondences. User information 1103 is an area for storing information relating to the printing user, and stores an e-mail address for notifying the document ID and the like.

  FIG. 6 is a view showing the structure of the continuous document management table TAB3 created by the document information management unit 103-2 shown in FIG. 3 and managed in the storage device 103-4.

  In the present embodiment, the continuous document management table TAB3 is used to manage document information registered as continuous content (hereinafter referred to as continuous document) in association with the order in the continuous document.

  In FIG. 6, the continuous document ID 1201 stores an ID for uniquely identifying the continuous document. In the document management ID list 1202, document management IDs of a plurality of documents included in a continuous document are stored as a list according to the order in the continuous document. The content name 1203 stores the name given to the continuous document.

  The content name 1203 may be configured so that the name can be changed under the authority of the registrant. Note that the content includes a case where the content is a copyrighted work of a registrant and a case where the content is a copyrighted work by a plurality of creators.

  Next, the flow of document information registration processing according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 7 to 11.

  7 to 11 are views showing examples of document information registration processing screens displayed on the display device of the document registration client 102 shown in FIG.

  Note that this registration processing screen is displayed on the display device of the document registration client 102 by activating the Web browser 102-1 operating in the document registration client 102.

  The content providing user operates the Web browser 102-1 operating in the document registration client 102 via the display device, and the registration side I / F of the document providing system server 103 via the communication network 101 including a network or the like. Access the section 103-1. Then, first, a menu selection form is returned from the document providing system server 103. Then, the menu screen shown in FIG. 7 according to the menu selection form is displayed on the display device via the Web browser 102-1 (see FIG. 7).

  When the content providing user selects the icon IC1 corresponding to “Register a new document” from the menu 0301 with the menu screen shown in FIG. 7 displayed, the menu selection information is set in the menu selection form, and the registration side It is transmitted to the I / F unit 103-1.

  Note that the menu screen shown in FIG. 7 includes an icon IC2 corresponding to “display registered document”, an icon IC3 corresponding to “change user information”, and an icon IC4 corresponding to “change password”. It is configured to be displayable.

  Subsequently, the registration-side I / F unit 103-1 returns a login screen form to the document registration client 102. As a result, the Web browser 102-1 of the document registration client 102 displays a login screen according to the login screen form in the browser format shown in FIG. 8 on the display device.

  In FIG. 8, when the content providing user inputs the login ID 401 and the password 402 and presses the “login” button BT1, the login information is set in the login screen form, and the registration side I / F unit 103- of the document providing system server 103 is displayed. 1 is transmitted. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the login ID 401 and the password 402 are registered in the document providing system server 103 in advance by performing predetermined processing.

  The login information received from the document registration client 102 is passed to the document information management unit 103-2 via the registration-side I / F unit 103-1, and user authentication processing is performed, and the authentication result is registered. Returned from the side I / F unit 103-1 to the document registration client 102.

  This user authentication process confirms that the user is a legitimate user registered in the system. Subsequently, the registered document designation form is returned to the document registration client 102, and a document registration screen is displayed on the display device via the Web browser 102-1, as shown in FIG. The content name is configured to be selectable when registering as a single content and when registering as a continuous content.

  Here, the content providing user designates, for example, a continuous document name in the content name 501 shown in FIG. Then, in the registered file specifying unit 502 in the registered document specifying form, the file name and path of the document to be registered as a continuous document are specified, and the “upload” button BT2 is pressed. In this example, a plurality of files constituting a continuous document can be specified for the content name.

  As a result, the document file specified by the registered file specifying unit 502 is transmitted to the registration-side I / F unit 103-1 of the document providing system server 103.

  The registration-side I / F unit 103-1 of the document providing system server 103 transfers the transmitted document file to the document information management unit 103-2, and the document information management unit 103-2 updates the information in the management table. The document file is saved in the storage device 103-4.

  Subsequently, the registration-side I / F unit 103-1 returns a document attribute information designation form to the document registration client 102. As a result, the document registration client 102 displays a document attribute information designation screen for document setting in accordance with the document attribute information designation form acquired from the document providing system server 103 via the Web browser 102-1, as shown in FIG. Display above.

  In FIG. 10, on the document attribute information designation screen, output paper size 601, print side (single side / double side) 602, page layout 603, and color mode (color / monochrome) 604 can be designated as print settings for document printing. .

  Further, the storage period 605 can be designated as the registration setting. In the storage period 605, the content registration user designates how long a registered document can be printed from when the document is registered. When the designated storage period 605 has passed, that is, when the printable period has passed, the document file is deleted from the storage device 103-4 by the deletion processing of the document information management unit 103-2, and then the image forming apparatus From 104, a print request is disabled.

  The content providing user designates document print settings on the document attribute information designation screen shown in FIG. When the “next” button BT3 is pressed, the designated document attribute information is set in the form and transmitted to the registration-side I / F unit 103-1 of the document providing system server 103.

  In response to this, the registration-side I / F unit 103-1 of the document providing system server 103 analyzes each setting value input to the received form, extracts setting values related to the printing, and obtains document attribute information. Created and transferred to the document information management unit 103-2.

  Here, the document information management unit 103-2 issues a document management ID to each document, and is associated with the document attribute information and the document file and secured in the storage device 103-4 as shown in FIG. It is stored in the document information management table TAB1.

  Further, the document information management unit 103-2 issues a continuous document ID, creates a list in which the document management IDs are arranged in the order of specification of the document at the time of registration, and is secured in the storage device 103-4 together with the content name 1203. Stored in the continuous document management table TAB3.

  Subsequently, the document information management unit 103-2 returns the continuous document ID 1201 and the document management ID and document name of each registered document to the registration-side I / F unit 103-1.

  Then, the registration-side I / F unit 103-1 creates a document management ID notification form including a continuous document ID and a document management ID, and returns it to the Web browser 102-1 of the document registration client 102.

  As a result, the Web browser 102-1 displays the registration end notification screen shown in FIG. 11 on the display device.

  In FIG. 11, on the registration end notification screen, a document management ID 701 of a registered document, a continuous document ID 702 of a registered continuous document, a document name 703, a content name 704, and the like are displayed.

  In this embodiment, the document management ID 701 and the continuous document ID 702 are juxtaposed and displayed as a list. However, the display control may be performed as separate pages.

[Processing when printing content documents]
Next, a series of documents that are acquired from the document providing system server 103 and printed out by the operation from the client computer with the document information registered in the storage device 103-4 by the document information management unit 103-2 shown in FIG. A process flow during printing will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a content list screen displayed on the display device of the client computer in the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 12, the print user first uses a Web browser from a client computer (not shown) in the system configuration shown in FIG. 3 in order to search and purchase content desired to be printed. Then, the output side I / F unit 103-3 of the document providing system server 103 is accessed.

  Then, first, a content selection form for displaying the content list screen shown in FIG. 12 is returned from the document providing system server 103 to the client computer.

  When the output side I / F unit 103-3 creates a content selection form, the content registered in the storage device 103-4 is searched from the document information management unit 103-2, and the continuous document ID is searched. , Collect information such as content name and registration date.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, a content name 1301, a registration date 1302, an expiration date 1303, and the like are displayed on the content selection form. Then, the user selects a desired content by clicking the content selection unit 1304 and adding a check mark.

  Further, when the purchase button 1305 is pressed, the content selection status is set in the form together with the continuous document ID from the client computer and transmitted to the output I / F unit 103-3.

  In response to this, the output I / F unit 103-3 of the document information management unit 103-2 analyzes and extracts the setting value input to the form received from the client computer, and continues the selected content. Get the document ID.

  Subsequently, the output-side I / F unit 103-3 requests the document information management unit 103-2 to issue a document ID by designating a continuous document ID. In response to this request, the document information management unit 103-2 retrieves a record of the designated continuous document ID from the continuous document management table TAB3 stored in the storage device 103-4, and acquires a document management ID list. The first document management ID of the list is acquired.

  Next, a new document ID is issued, a record is added to the document ID management table TAB2, and the document management ID is stored as a set in the storage device 103-4.

  Subsequently, the document information management unit 103-2 transfers the newly issued document ID to the print user's client computer via the output-side I / F unit 103-3.

  In response to this, the Web browser of the printing user's client computer displays the acquired document ID on the display device and notifies the printing user of the document ID.

  Here, the document ID is displayed on the Web browser, but as another embodiment, the mail address of the printing user is input to the form when content is selected. When a new document ID is issued and a record is added to and stored in the document ID management table TAB2, the input mail address is stored in the user information 1103, and the document ID is assigned to the input mail address. An email for notification may be sent.

  Further, the output-side I / F unit 103-3 may create a barcode (two-dimensional barcode, QR code) in which the document ID is embedded, and transmit it by attaching it to an email.

[Process when printing documents]
Next, the notified document ID is input to the document information registered in the storage device 103-4 by the document information management unit 103-2 of the document providing system server 103 by operating the image forming apparatus 104. Hereinafter, a flow of processing during a series of document printing in which document information is acquired from the document providing system server 103 and printed out will be described.

  Next, the printing user operates the operation unit 150 such as a touch panel attached to the image forming apparatus 104 to make a document print request to the document providing system server 103 via the print instruction application 104-1.

  First, a document ID designation screen shown in FIG. 13 is displayed on the touch panel attached to the image forming apparatus 104 under the control of the control device 110.

  The document ID is input from a keyboard (or a software keyboard using a touch panel) provided in the operation unit 150 of the image forming apparatus 104, for example. The document ID is a document ID for a continuous document issued by the document provision management unit 103-2 based on a request from the print user's client computer.

  As another embodiment, a barcode or the like in which the document ID is embedded is used, and a barcode reader connected to the image forming apparatus 104 is printed on a barcode or a display such as a mobile phone or PDA. Hold the displayed barcode. Then, the barcode is read.

  The print instruction application 104-1 operating in the image forming apparatus 104 may be configured to specify the document ID by causing the document ID embedded in the barcode to be acquired.

  For example, the print instruction application 104-1 instructs the button 801 illustrated in FIG. 13 to transmit the designated document ID to the output I / F unit 103-3 of the document providing system server 103.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a document ID input screen displayed on the operation unit 150 of the image forming apparatus 104 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 13, a button 801 is pressed when the input document ID is transmitted to the document providing system server 103.

  In response to this, the output I / F unit 103-3 of the document providing system server 103 designates the document ID and issues a document information acquisition request to the document information management unit 103-2. The document information management unit 103-2 searches for the document management ID of the document associated with the designated document ID from the document ID management table TAB2 (see FIG. 5) stored in the storage device 103-4. Further, the document information of the document identified by the document management ID is searched and acquired on the storage device 103-4 from the document information management table TAB1 (see FIG. 4). Then, the acquired document information is returned to the print instruction application 104-1 of the image forming apparatus 104 via the output side I / F unit 103-3. As a result, the document information is displayed on the operation unit 150 in the print instruction application 104-1 (see FIG. 14).

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print document setting screen displayed on the operation unit of the image forming apparatus 104 illustrated in FIG. This screen is displayed on the operation unit 150 under the control of the control device 110 shown in FIG. Note that the image of the document displayed on the operation unit 150 may be subjected to predetermined image processing according to the display capability of the operation unit 150. In the case of a continuous document or the like, the related document image may be controlled to be circulated and displayed.

  In FIG. 14, detailed information display 902 of a document, designation of printing style 903, and designation of number of copies 904 are possible.

  When the “print start” button 901 shown in FIG. 14 is pressed, the print instruction application 104-1 of the image forming apparatus 104 assigns the document ID to the output-side I / F unit 103-3 of the document providing system server 103. Specify and issue a document file acquisition request.

  Further, the output side I / F unit 103-3 of the document providing system server 103 designates the document ID to the document information management unit 103-2 and issues a document file acquisition request. The document information management unit 103-2 searches the document ID management table TAB2 shown in FIG. 5 for the document management ID of the document associated with the designated document ID.

  Further, the document information management unit 103-2 searches the document identified by the document management ID from the document information management table TAB1 shown in FIG. Then, the document file is acquired from the storage device 103-4 from the location (folder or the like) specified by the document file data reference information 1012.

  Further, the document information management unit 103-2 searches the document ID management table TAB2 shown in FIG. 5 for a record including the document ID, and acquires the associated document management ID 1101 and user information 1103.

  Further, the document information management unit 103-2 searches the continuous document management table TAB3 shown in FIG. 6 for a record that includes the document management ID 1 in the document management ID list 1202, and next records the document management ID 1 in the document management ID list. Document management ID 2 is acquired.

  Subsequently, a document management ID 2 is newly issued, a record is added to the document ID management table TAB2, and the document management ID 2 and the user information are stored as a set.

  Subsequently, the document information management unit 103-2 of the document providing system server 103 sends the retrieved document file and the next one to the print instruction application 104-1 of the image forming apparatus 104 via the output-side I / F unit 103-3. Document management ID 2 is transmitted.

  In response to this, the print instruction application 104-1 of the image forming apparatus 104 prints the received document file in the image forming apparatus 104 in accordance with the print format and the number of copies designated by the user.

  At this time, the next document management ID 2 is printed as the last page or a subsequent page of the document.

  As the next document management ID 2 printing method, there are a method of printing an ID as a character as it is and a method of creating a barcode (two-dimensional barcode, QR code) in which the ID is embedded and printing it as an image.

  When the printing of the acquired document file is completed, the print instruction application 104-1 notifies the output side I / F unit 103-3 of the document providing system server 103 of the completion of printing. In response to this, when the output side I / F unit 103-3 of the document providing system server 103 receives the print completion notification, the output side I / F unit 103-3 designates the document ID of the document that has been printed to the document information management unit 103-2 Then, the client computer is requested to delete the notified document ID.

  The document information management unit 103-2 of the document providing system server 103 searches for the specified document ID from the document ID management table TAB2, and deletes the corresponding record. As a result, the corresponding document ID becomes invalid.

  If the document management ID 1 is the last ID in the document management ID list, the output side I / F unit 103-3 is notified that it is the last document in the continuous document, and the print instruction application 104-1. To the print user.

  Further, as another embodiment, the next document management ID 2 is not printed as the last page or a subsequent page of the document, but displayed on the print instruction application 104-1 and the document ID is notified to the printing user. It is also possible to do.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a next document ID notification screen displayed on the operation unit of the image forming apparatus 104 illustrated in FIG. 1. In this example, the next document ID 1402 is displayed together with the document name 1401 of the next document.

  As another embodiment, the user ID (1103) stored in the document ID management table can be used to notify the printing user of the document ID.

  For example, as described above, when a content is selected, the user's mail address is input, the mail address is stored in the user information 1103, and a record is added to the document ID management table when the next document ID is newly issued. The document management ID 2 and the user information are stored as a set. This makes it possible to take over user information (email address).

  The document ID of the next document issued is not notified to the print instruction application 104-1 of the image forming apparatus 104 via the output-side I / F unit 103-3 of the document providing system server 103, but instead of the next document ID. It is also possible to notify the user by e-mail.

  Furthermore, as another embodiment, the next document ID issuance and storage process performed at the time of the document file acquisition request process in the document information management unit 103-2 of the document providing system server 103 is omitted. Then, at the time of printing completion notification, a record including the document ID that has been printed is searched from the document ID management table, and the associated document management ID 1 (1101) is acquired.

  Further, the record including the document management ID 1 in the document management ID list 1202 is searched from the continuous document management table shown in FIG. 6, and the document management ID 2 next to the document management ID 1 in the document management ID list is acquired.

  Subsequently, the document management ID 1101 of the record including the document ID for which printing of the document ID management table shown in FIG. 5 has been completed is replaced with the next document management ID 2 for updating.

  If the document management ID 1 is the last ID in the document management ID list, the record associated with the document management ID 1 is deleted from the document ID management table, and the output side I / O is identified as the last document in the continuous document. Notify F section 103-3. As a result, the print user is notified via the print instruction application 104-1.

  By doing so, the next time the same document ID as the document ID is designated for printing, the document identified by the next document management ID 2 can be printed.

  According to the present embodiment, when document information registered as a continuous document is designated from a client computer, the user can be notified when printing a document designated by the document ID of the continuous document.

[Process when printing documents]
Next, the notified document ID is input to the document information registered in the storage device 103-4 by the document information management unit 103-2 of the document providing system server 103 by operating the image forming apparatus 104. Hereinafter, a flow of processing during a series of document printing in which document information is acquired from the document providing system server 103 and printed out will be described.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure in the data processing system according to the present embodiment. This processing corresponds to a continuous document printing processing procedure by the image forming apparatus 104. In addition, (1)-(6) shows each step. Each step is realized by the control device 110 of the image forming apparatus 104 loading and executing a control program on the RAM.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second data processing procedure in the data processing system according to the present embodiment. This process corresponds to a continuous document print processing procedure by the document providing system server 103. In addition, (21)-(45) shows each step. Each step is realized by the CPU of the document providing system server 103 loading and executing a control program on the RAM.

  First, the printing user operates the operation unit 150 such as a touch panel attached to the image forming apparatus 104 to make a document print request to the document providing system server 103 via the print instruction application 104-1 (1). .

  Next, on the touch panel attached to the image forming apparatus 104, a document ID designation screen shown in FIG. 13 is first displayed under the control of the control device 110 (2).

  The print instruction application 104-1 then instructs the button 801 shown in FIG. 13, for example, and transmits the designated document ID to the output I / F unit 103-3 of the document providing system server 103 (3). .

  In response to this, the output I / F unit 103-3 of the document providing system server 103 issues a document information acquisition request by designating the document ID to the document information management unit 103-2 (21). The document information management unit 103-2 searches the document management ID of the document associated with the designated document ID from the document ID management table TAB2 (see FIG. 5) stored in the storage device 103-4 (22). ). Further, the document information of the document identified by the document management ID is retrieved from the storage device 103-4 and obtained from the document information management table TAB1 (see FIG. 4) (23). Then, the acquired document information is returned to the print instruction application 104-1 of the image forming apparatus 104 via the output side I / F unit 103-3 (24).

  Accordingly, when the print instruction application 104-1 receives the document information (4), the received document information is displayed on the operation unit 150 (5).

  When the “print start” button 901 shown in FIG. 14 is pressed (6), the print instruction application 104-1 of the image forming apparatus 104 is sent to the output-side I / F unit 103-3 of the document providing system server 103. A document file acquisition request is issued by designating the document ID (7).

  Further, the output I / F unit 103-3 of the document providing system server 103 designates the document ID to the document information management unit 103-2 and issues a document file acquisition request (25). The document information management unit 103-2 searches the document ID management table TAB2 shown in FIG. 5 for the document management ID of the document associated with the designated document ID (26).

  Further, the document information management unit 103-2 searches the document identified by the document management ID from the document information management table TAB1 shown in FIG. 4 (27). Then, the document file is acquired from the storage device 103-4 from the location (folder or the like) designated by the document file data reference information 1012 (28).

  Further, the document information management unit 103-2 searches the document ID management table TAB2 shown in FIG. 5 for a record including the document ID, and acquires the associated document management ID 1101 and user information 1103 (29). .

  Further, the document information management unit 103-2 searches the document management ID list 1202 for records including the document management ID 1 from the continuous document management table TAB3 shown in FIG. 6 (30). Then, the document management ID 2 next to the document management ID 1 in the document management ID list is acquired (31).

  Subsequently, a new document management ID2 is issued, a record is added to the document ID management table TAB2, and the document management ID2 and the user information are stored as a set (32).

  Subsequently, the document information management unit 103-2 of the document providing system server 103 sends the retrieved document file and the next one to the print instruction application 104-1 of the image forming apparatus 104 via the output-side I / F unit 103-3. The document management ID 2 is transmitted (33).

  When the document file and the next document management ID 2 are received (8), the print instruction application 104-1 of the image forming apparatus 104 uses the received document file in accordance with the print format and the number of copies designated by the user. Printing is performed at 104 (9).

  At this time, the next document management ID 2 is printed as the last page or a subsequent page of the document.

  When the printing of the acquired document file is completed (10), the print instruction application 104-1 notifies the output completion to the output side I / F unit 103-3 of the document providing system server 103 (11).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the document management ID 2 has been input (12). If it is determined that the document management ID 2 has not been specified, this processing is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step (12) that the document management ID 2 has been input, the process returns to step (3) and the process is repeated.

  In response to this, when the output side I / F unit 103-3 of the document providing system server 103 receives the print completion notification (34), the document of the document for which printing has been completed is sent to the document information management unit 103-2. Specify an ID. Then, the client computer is requested to delete the notified document ID (35).

  The document information management unit 103-2 of the document providing system server 103 searches for the specified document ID from the document ID management table TAB2, deletes the corresponding record (36), and ends the process.

  As a result, continuous contents such as serialized articles can be continuously provided to the user, and the user can freely select a printing location, a printing time, and the like of the next content. Can be improved.

  Note that the data processing system according to the present embodiment includes an information processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus, and has features as an information processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus, respectively. Therefore, the present invention can be applied as a system configuration or a single device, or can be configured by combining them.

  Below, the characteristic structure of the information processing apparatus in this embodiment is demonstrated.

  A document providing system server 103 which is an information processing apparatus in the present embodiment is configured to be able to process a content print request from the image forming apparatus 104 via a communication network (101).

  Then, a document registration instruction including one or more document files and document attribute information is received from the document registration client 102 which is a document registrant terminal via the communication network, and the storage can be stored in order as a continuous document. Device 103-4 is provided.

  Further, the document providing system server 103 issues a document management ID or continuous document management ID for uniquely identifying document information stored in the storage device 103-4 or continuous document information. A document information management unit 103-2 that stores and manages the document information, the document attribute information, the document management ID, and the continuous document management ID in the storage unit is provided. The document management ID or continuous document management ID, the document information, the document attribute information, the document management ID, the continuous document management ID, etc. are stored in the respective document information management tables TAB1 to TAB3 shown in FIGS. It is managed by storing it in the device 103-4.

  Further, when the document ID requested to be printed from the image forming apparatus 104 is a continuous document ID, the document information management unit 103-2 searches for a continuous document management ID managed by the continuous document ID. Then, it has a transmission function for retrieving the first document information of the continuous document from the storage device 103-4 and transmitting it to the image forming apparatus 104.

  In the present embodiment, the document information management unit 103-2 retrieves and acquires the document ID of the subsequent continuous document from the storage device 103-4, adds it to the document information to be transmitted, and transmits it to the image forming apparatus 104. To do.

  As a result, the user who has designated the document ID of the continuous document in the image forming apparatus 104 can acquire the next document ID continuous with the designated document ID. In other words, when the user designates the next document ID to be serialized from the image forming apparatus 104 or another image forming apparatus at a convenient timing, the user can acquire and print the next document information in succession. it can.

  Further, when the document information management unit 103-2 acquires a print completion notification from the image forming apparatus 104, the document information management unit 103-2 deletes the document ID managed by the document management ID stored in the storage device 103-4.

  Thereby, the user management burden on the information processing apparatus side is reduced.

  As another embodiment, when the document ID requested to be printed from the image forming apparatus 104 is a continuous document ID, the document information management unit 103-2 searches for the continuous document management ID managed by the continuous document ID. . A function of acquiring the next document ID and transmitting it to an e-mail address according to user information notified from the image forming apparatus 104 is provided.

  As a result, when the next document ID is directly notified to the user by e-mail at the time of printing, and the user designates and inputs the document ID notified by e-mail at an arbitrary timing from the image forming apparatus, the next document information that is serialized Can be obtained and printed accurately.

  Furthermore, as another embodiment, the document information management unit 103-2 sets the continuous document management ID managed by the continuous document ID when the document ID requested to be printed from the image forming apparatus 104 is a continuous document ID. Search for. And it has the transmission function which searches the document information of the head of a continuous document from a memory | storage means, and transmits to the said image forming apparatus. Also, an update function for updating the document ID so as to designate the document information to be transmitted next is obtained every time a print end notification of the document information transmitted by the transmission function is acquired from the image forming apparatus 104.

  As a result, even if the user does not directly manage the document ID of the continuous document, if the same document ID is designated and input from the image forming apparatus by the user, the next document information is acquired. Can be printed.

  Further, the document information management unit 103-2 has a deletion function for deleting the document ID to be managed when there is no document ID to be updated.

  As a result, when there is no document ID to be updated, the document ID is automatically deleted, and after that, even if the user designates and inputs the same document ID, the search cannot be performed, and thus the serialization has ended. User confidence can be confirmed.

  On the other hand, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment receives a document registration instruction including one or more document files and document attribute information from a document registrant terminal via a communication network. And it is comprised so that communication with the information processing apparatus provided with the memory | storage means which can store them in order as a continuous document is possible.

  The print instruction application 104-executes a designation function for designating the document ID for the document information to be acquired from the document provision system server 103 and a transfer function for transferring the document ID designated by the designation function to the information processing apparatus. 1 is provided. The printer unit 130 prints document information received from the information processing apparatus.

  At that time, the print instruction application 104-1 has a document ID printing function for extracting and printing a document ID for designating continuous document information added to the document information acquired from the document providing system server 103.

  In the present embodiment, printing processing is performed in the following manner as the document ID printing function.

  As a first aspect, the print instruction application 104-1 prints together with the document information for which the extracted document ID has been acquired.

  As a second aspect, the print instruction application 104-1 prints the extracted document ID in the page of the document information that has been acquired.

  As a third aspect, in the print instruction application 104-1, the document ID printing unit prints on the last page of the document information for which the extracted document ID is acquired.

  As a fourth aspect, in the print instruction application 104-1, the document ID printing unit prints on the additional page after printing of the document information for which the extracted document ID is acquired.

  The print instruction application 104-1 of the image forming apparatus 104 has the following document ID designation function.

  A code creation function for creating a code for designating the next document ID based on the document ID extracted from the acquired document information and a code printing function for printing the code created by the code creation function are provided. Further, the print instruction application 104-1 has a document ID transmission function for transmitting the next document ID generated by reading the printed code to the information processing apparatus.

  A system in which the aspect of the image forming apparatus 104 is appropriately combined with the aspect of the information processing apparatus is also within the scope of the present invention.

[Second Embodiment]
The configuration of a data processing program that can be read by the data processing system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the memory maps shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs readable by the information processing apparatus according to the present invention.

  Although not particularly illustrated, information for managing a program group stored in the storage 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, a program for installing various programs in the computer, and a program for decompressing when the program to be installed is compressed may be stored.

  The functions shown in FIG. 6 in this embodiment 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 storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Is.

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

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

  Therefore, as long as it has the function of the program, the form of the program such as an object code, a program executed by an interpreter, or script data supplied to the OS is not limited.

  As a storage medium for supplying the program, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, DVD, etc. Can be used.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  As another program supply method, a browser on a client computer is used to connect to an Internet home page. Then, the computer program itself of the present invention or a compressed file including an automatic installation function can be downloaded from the homepage by downloading it to a recording medium such as a hard disk. It can also be realized by dividing the program code constituting the program of the present invention into a plurality of files and downloading each file from a different homepage. That is, a WWW server, an ftp server, and the like that allow a plurality of users to download a program file for realizing the functional processing of the present invention on a computer are also included in the claims of the present invention.

  In addition, the program of the present invention is encrypted, stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, distributed to users, and key information for decryption is downloaded from a homepage via the Internet to users who have cleared predetermined conditions. Let It is also possible to execute the encrypted program by using the key information and install the program on a computer.

  In addition, the functions of the above-described embodiments are not only realized by executing the program code read by the computer. For example, based on an instruction of the program code, an OS (operating system) running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing. Needless to say, the process includes the case where the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized.

  Further, the program code read from the storage medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. After that, based on the instruction of the program code, the CPU of the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing. Needless to say.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications (including organic combinations of the embodiments) are possible based on the spirit of the present invention, and these are excluded from the scope of the present invention. is not.

  While various examples and embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, the spirit and scope of the present invention are not limited to the specific descriptions in the present specification by those skilled in the art.

It is a block diagram explaining the structure of the information processing system which shows 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a figure explaining the module structure of the data processing system shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the document information management table TAB1 for storing the document information data produced by the document information management part shown in FIG. 3, and managed in a memory | storage device. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a structure of a document ID management table created by a document information management unit shown in FIG. 3 and managed in a storage device. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a structure of a continuous document management table created by a document information management unit shown in FIG. 3 and managed in a storage device. It is a figure which shows an example of the registration process screen of the document information displayed on the display apparatus of the document registration client shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the registration process screen of the document information displayed on the display apparatus of the document registration client shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the registration process screen of the document information displayed on the display apparatus of the document registration client shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the registration process screen of the document information displayed on the display apparatus of the document registration client shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the registration process screen of the document information displayed on the display apparatus of the document registration client shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the content list screen displayed on the display apparatus of the client computer in this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a document ID input screen displayed on an operation unit of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print document setting screen displayed on an operation unit of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a next document ID notification screen displayed on an operation unit of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 1st data processing procedure in the data processing system which shows this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 2nd data processing procedure in the data processing system which shows this embodiment. 2 is a memory map of a storage medium for storing various data processing programs readable by the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. 2 is a memory map of a storage medium for storing various data processing programs readable by the information processing apparatus according to the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

102 Document Registration Client 103 Document Provision System Server 103-2 Document Information Management Unit 103-4 Storage Device (HDD)
104 Image forming apparatus 104-1 Print instruction application 3 TAB
TAB2 Document ID management table TAB2 management table TAB3 Continuous document management table 101 Communication network 102 Browser 102 Document registration client computer 102 Document registration client 102 Document registration client 103 Electronic provision system server 103 Document provision system server 103 Document provision management section 103 Document provision System 103 Unit 103 Document request system server 103 Document information management unit 103 Storage device 103 Storage device 103 Image forming device 104 Printing device 104 Print instruction application 104 Image forming device 104 Image forming device 110 Control device 120 Reader unit 121 DF unit 122 Scanner unit 130 Printer unit 140 Paper discharge unit 141 Marking unit 142 Paper feed unit 150 Operation Unit 400 Network 402 Password 501 Content Name 502 Registered File Specification Unit 601 Output Paper Size 603 Page Layout 605 Storage Period 703 Document Name 704 Content Name 801 Button 901 Button 902 Detailed Information Display 903 Designation 904 Designation ID701 Document Management ID702 Continuous Document 0301 Menu 1002 Document name 1005 Printing paper size 1008 Monochrome 1009 Valid period 1010 Number of pages 1011 Document file size 1012 Document file data reference information 1103 User information 1202 Document management ID list 1202 List 1203 Content name 1301 Content name 1302 Registration date 1303 Expiration date 1304 Content Selection unit 1305 Purchase button 1401 Document name I 1101 Document Management I User ID successive document management ID document ID successive document ID document management ID this document

Claims (19)

An information processing apparatus that processes a content print request from an image forming apparatus,
Storage means for receiving a document registration instruction including one or more document files and document attribute information, and storing them in order as a continuous document;
Issuing a document management ID or continuous document management ID for uniquely identifying the document information or continuous document information stored in the storage means, the document information, the document attribute information, the document management ID, and the continuous document management ID A document ID management means for storing and managing the information in the storage means;
When the document ID requested to be printed from the image forming apparatus is a continuous document ID, the continuous document management ID managed by the continuous document ID is searched, and the first document information of the continuous document is searched from the storage unit. And transmitting means for transmitting to the image forming apparatus,
The information processing apparatus, wherein the transmission unit retrieves and acquires a document ID of a subsequent continuous document from the storage unit, adds the document ID to the transmitted document information, and transmits the document information to the image forming apparatus.   The document ID management unit deletes a document ID managed by a document management ID stored in the storage device when a print completion notification is acquired from the image forming apparatus. The information processing apparatus described. An information processing apparatus that processes a content print request from an image forming apparatus,
Storage means for receiving a document registration instruction including one or more document files and document attribute information, and storing them in order as a continuous document;
Issuing a document management ID or continuous document management ID for uniquely identifying the document information or continuous document information stored in the storage means, the document information, the document attribute information, the document management ID, and the continuous document management ID A document ID management means for storing and managing the information in the storage means;
When the document ID requested to be printed from the image forming apparatus is a continuous document ID, the continuous document management ID managed by the continuous document ID is searched to obtain the next document ID, and the image forming apparatus acquires the next document ID. A transmission means for transmitting to an e-mail address according to the notified user information;
An information processing apparatus comprising: An information processing apparatus that processes a content print request from an image forming apparatus,
Storage means for receiving a document registration instruction including one or more document files and document attribute information, and storing them in order as a continuous document;
Issuing a document management ID or continuous document management ID for uniquely identifying the document information or continuous document information stored in the storage means, the document information, the document attribute information, the document management ID, and the continuous document management ID A document ID management means for storing and managing the information in the storage means;
When the document ID requested to be printed from the image forming apparatus is a continuous document ID, the continuous document management ID managed by the continuous document ID is searched, and the first document information of the continuous document is searched from the storage unit. Transmitting means for transmitting to the image forming apparatus,
Update means for updating a document ID so as to designate document information to be transmitted next, every time a print end notification of document information transmitted by the transmission means is acquired from the image forming apparatus;
An information processing apparatus comprising:   5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a deleting unit that deletes a document ID to be managed when there is no document ID to be updated by the updating unit. An image forming apparatus capable of receiving a document registration instruction including one or more document files and document attribute information, and communicating with an information processing apparatus including a storage unit capable of storing them in order as a continuous document,
Designating means for designating a document ID for document information to be acquired from the information processing apparatus;
Transfer means for transferring the document ID designated by the designation means to the information processing apparatus;
Printing means for printing document information received from the information processing apparatus;
Document ID printing means for extracting and printing a document ID for designating continuous document information added to the document information;
An image forming apparatus comprising:   4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the document ID printing unit prints together the document information for which the extracted document ID is acquired.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the document ID printing unit prints the extracted document ID in a page of the document information from which the extracted document ID is acquired.   4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the document ID printing unit prints on the last page of the document information for which the extracted document ID is acquired.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the document ID printing unit prints an additional page after printing of the document information for which the extracted document ID is acquired. Code creating means for creating a code for designating the next document ID based on the extracted document ID;
Code printing means for printing the code created by the code creating means;
A document ID transmission unit that transmits a next document ID generated by reading the code printed by the code printing unit to the information processing apparatus;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: A data processing system comprising an information processing apparatus for processing a content print request from an image forming apparatus,
The information processing apparatus includes:
Storage means for receiving a document registration instruction including one or more document files and document attribute information, and storing them in order as a continuous document;
Issuing a document management ID or continuous document management ID for uniquely identifying the document information or continuous document information stored in the storage means, the document information, the document attribute information, the document management ID, and the continuous document management ID A document ID management means for storing and managing the information in the storage means;
When the document ID requested to be printed from the image forming apparatus is a continuous document ID, the continuous document management ID managed by the continuous document ID is searched, and the first document information of the continuous document is searched from the storage unit. And transmitting means for transmitting to the image forming apparatus,
The transmission unit includes a transmission unit that retrieves and acquires a document ID of a subsequent continuous document from the storage unit, adds the document ID to the transmitted document information, and transmits the document information to the image forming apparatus.
The image forming apparatus includes:
Designating means for designating a document ID for document information to be acquired from the information processing apparatus;
Transfer means for transferring the document ID designated by the designation means to the information processing apparatus;
Printing means for printing document information received from the information processing apparatus;
Document ID printing means for extracting and printing a document ID for designating continuous document information added to the document information;
A data processing system comprising: A data processing system comprising an information processing apparatus for processing a content print request from an image forming apparatus,
The information processing apparatus includes:
Storage means for receiving a document registration instruction including one or more document files and document attribute information, and storing them in order as a continuous document;
Issuing a document management ID or continuous document management ID for uniquely identifying the document information or continuous document information stored in the storage means, the document information, the document attribute information, the document management ID, and the continuous document management ID A document ID management means for storing and managing the information in the storage means;
When the document ID requested to be printed from the image forming apparatus is a continuous document ID, the continuous document management ID managed by the continuous document ID is searched, and the first document information of the continuous document is searched from the storage unit. And transmitting means for transmitting to the image forming apparatus,
The transmission unit includes a transmission unit that retrieves and acquires a document ID of a subsequent continuous document from the storage unit, adds the document ID to the transmitted document information, and transmits the document information to the image forming apparatus.
The image forming apparatus includes:
Designating means for designating a document ID for document information to be acquired from the information processing apparatus;
Transfer means for transferring the document ID designated by the designation means to the information processing apparatus;
Printing means for printing document information received from the information processing apparatus;
Document ID printing means for extracting and printing a document ID for designating continuous document information added to the document information;
A data processing system comprising: An information processing method in an information processing apparatus for processing a content print request from an image forming apparatus,
A registration step of accepting a document registration instruction including one or more document files and document attribute information, ordering them as a continuous document and registering them in the storage means;
Issuing a document management ID or continuous document management ID for uniquely identifying the document information or continuous document information stored in the storage means, the document information, the document attribute information, the document management ID, and the continuous document management ID A document ID management step for storing and managing in the storage means;
When the document ID requested to be printed from the image forming apparatus is a continuous document ID, the continuous document management ID managed by the continuous document ID is searched, and the first document information of the continuous document is searched from the storage unit. And transmitting to the image forming apparatus.
In the information processing method, the transmitting step retrieves and acquires a document ID of a subsequent continuous document from the storage unit, adds the document ID to the transmitted document information, and transmits the document information to the image forming apparatus. An information processing method in an information processing apparatus for processing a content print request from an image forming apparatus,
A registration step of accepting a document registration instruction including one or more document files and document attribute information, ordering them as a continuous document and registering them in the storage means;
Issuing a document management ID or continuous document management ID for uniquely identifying the document information or continuous document information stored in the storage means, the document information, the document attribute information, the document management ID, and the continuous document management ID A document ID management step for storing and managing in the storage means;
When the document ID requested to be printed from the image forming apparatus is a continuous document ID, the continuous document management ID managed by the continuous document ID is searched to obtain the next document ID, and the image forming apparatus acquires the next document ID. A sending step for sending to an e-mail address according to the notified user information;
An information processing method characterized by comprising: An information processing method in an information processing apparatus for processing a content print request from an image forming apparatus,
A registration step of receiving a document registration instruction including one or more document files and document attribute information, ordering them as a continuous document and registering them in the storage means, and document information stored in the storage means or continuous document information Document ID management step for issuing a document management ID or continuous document management ID for uniquely identifying and storing and managing the document information, the document attribute information, the document management ID, and the continuous document management ID in the storage unit When,
When the document ID requested to be printed from the image forming apparatus is a continuous document ID, the continuous document management ID managed by the continuous document ID is searched, and the first document information of the continuous document is searched from the storage unit. Transmitting to the image forming apparatus, and
An update step of updating a document ID so as to designate document information to be transmitted next, every time a print end notification of the document information transmitted in the transmission step is acquired from the image forming apparatus;
An information processing method characterized by comprising: An information processing method in an image forming apparatus capable of receiving a document registration instruction including one or more document files and document attribute information, and communicating with an information processing apparatus having storage means capable of storing them in order as a continuous document. And
A designation step for designating a document ID for document information to be acquired from the information processing apparatus;
A transfer step of transferring the document ID specified in the specifying step to the information processing apparatus;
A printing step of printing document information received from the information processing apparatus;
A document ID printing step for extracting and printing a document ID for designating continuous document information added to the document information;
An information processing method characterized by comprising:   A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method according to claim 14.   A program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method according to any one of claims 14 to 17.

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