JP2011248729A - Print control apparatus, image processing apparatus, print control system, print control method, print control program, and storage medium storing program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a print control apparatus, an image processing apparatus, a print control system, a print control method, a print control program, and a storage medium storing the program capable of applying an operation policy of a system to stored print jobs and confirming a print job to which the policy is applied prior to executing the print job.SOLUTION: When accepting a request for a print job list from an image processing apparatus 200 prior to executing a print job, a filter management unit 16 in a print control apparatus 100 obtains a filter F (condition definition information) that is previously registered. Then, a job control unit 13 in the print control apparatus 100 identifies a print job that meets a condition from print jobs associated with a user according to condition definition of the obtained filter F, and generates list information to be displayed on the basis of the identified print job. After that, a request and response unit 15 in the print control apparatus 100 transmits the generated list information to the image processing apparatus 200 that is a request source as a response.

Description

  The present invention relates to a pull print technique in which an image processing apparatus acquires and prints print data stored in a print control server.

  There is already known a pull printing system in which a user can store a print job on a server without assuming a printer to print, and can execute the stored print job from a printer installed at the destination. Yes.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a pull print system having a server (by a server configuration).

  In such a pull print system, a user can issue a print job without specifying a printer as a printing destination, and can execute a print job at any timing from any device within the system. There are benefits. That is, a location-free printing service can be provided to the user.

  However, in the conventional method, there is no means for the system administrator to apply the system operation policy to the accumulated print job.

  In the pull print system in the user environment, it is assumed that printers having different processing capabilities (different models) are connected. In addition, it is assumed that print jobs in which different printing conditions are set are input and accumulated by the user in the server. That is, the user environment in which the system is introduced is a target of processing for print jobs having different processing capabilities and having different printing conditions.

  In such an environment, for example, the administrator may want to perform a system operation for the purpose of TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) reduction (realization of low-cost printing and useless printing prevention).

  Therefore, in the print system, the administrator can apply the system operation policy to the accumulated print job, and can make the user confirm the print job that meets the operation policy before executing the print job. Is desired.

  The present invention has been proposed in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, and can apply a system operation policy to an accumulated print job, and can confirm a print job that meets the operation policy before executing the print job. An object of the present invention is to provide a print control apparatus, an image processing apparatus, a print control system, a print control method, a print control program, and a recording medium on which the program is recorded.

  To achieve the above object, a print control apparatus according to the present invention transmits an accumulated print job to one or a plurality of image processing apparatuses connected via a predetermined data transmission path, and requests execution of printing. A print control apparatus, comprising: a print job holding unit that holds the print job in a predetermined storage area; a print job management unit that manages the held print job; and the plurality of held print jobs. A condition definition information holding unit for holding condition definition information in which a condition for specifying a print job is defined in a predetermined storage area; and a condition definition information management unit for managing the held condition definition information. When the definition information management unit receives a print job list request from the image processing apparatus before executing the print job, the definition information management unit stores one or more condition definition information held by the condition definition information holding unit. The print job management unit specifies a print job that satisfies a defined condition from among print jobs belonging to a user held by the print job holding unit based on the acquired condition definition information, Based on the specified print job, the requested list information is generated and responded to the requesting image processing apparatus.

  With such a configuration, the print control apparatus according to the present invention receives a print job list request from the image processing apparatus before executing a print job, and stores one or more pre-registered system operation policies (administrator policy). In accordance with the condition definition shown, a print job that meets the operation policy (a print job that satisfies the conditions) is specified from the stored print jobs belonging to the user, and the list information based on the specified print job is sent to the requesting image processing apparatus. Responds.

  As a result, in the print control apparatus according to the present invention, the administrator can apply the system operation policy to the accumulated print jobs, and before executing the print job, It can be confirmed.

  In order to achieve the above object, a print control method according to the present invention includes a print job holding unit that holds a print job in a predetermined storage area, and a condition for specifying the print job from a plurality of held print jobs. And a condition definition information holding means for holding the condition definition information defined in a predetermined storage area, and the print job stored for one or a plurality of image processing apparatuses connected by a predetermined data transmission path Is a print control method in a print control apparatus that requests execution of printing, and when a print job list request from the image processing apparatus is received before execution of the print job, the condition definition information holding unit holds the print job list request. An acquisition procedure for acquiring one or more condition definition information, and a mark belonging to a user held by the print job holding means based on the condition definition information acquired by the acquisition procedure. A specific procedure for identifying a print job that satisfies a defined condition from among the jobs, a generation procedure for generating requested list information based on the print job specified by the specific procedure, and a list generated by the generation procedure And a transmission procedure for transmitting the information to the requesting image processing apparatus.

  Through such a procedure, the print control method according to the present invention accepts a print job list request from the image processing apparatus before executing a print job, and follows a condition definition indicating one or more pre-registered system operation policies. An operation of specifying a print job that meets the operation policy from the stored print jobs belonging to the user and responding to the requesting image processing apparatus with list information based on the specified print job is realized.

  As a result, the print control method according to the present invention can apply the system operation policy to the accumulated print jobs, and can provide an environment in which the print job according to the operation policy can be confirmed before executing the print job.

  According to the present invention, before execution of a print job, the print job corresponding to the specified condition is specified from the stored print jobs, and the print job list is displayed based on the print job. A print control device, an image processing device, a print control system, a print control method, and a print control program that can apply a system operation policy to a print job and confirm the print job that meets the operation policy before executing the print job , And a recording medium on which the program is recorded.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the printing control system which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of a print control apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the hardware structural example of the image processing apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a print control system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of management data for a print job according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the management data example of the filter which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the filter example (the 1) which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the filter example (the 2) based on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a filter setting screen which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure of print control including a print job list display according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating a processing procedure example (No. 1) of a print job list display according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating a processing procedure example (part 2) of a print job list display according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the function structural example of the printing control system which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a filter change screen which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a sequence diagram which shows the example of a process sequence of the applied filter change which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a processing procedure example of print control after a print job is specified according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example (the 1) of the printing control system which concerns on the modification of this invention. It is a figure which shows the function structural example (the 1) of the printing control system which concerns on the modification of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example (the 2) of the printing control system which concerns on the modification of this invention. It is a figure which shows the function structural example (the 2) of the printing control system which concerns on the modification of this invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “embodiments”) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
<System configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a print control system 1 according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 1 shows a print control apparatus (print control server) 100, one or more user terminals 300 _{1 to} 300 _n (hereinafter collectively referred to as “user terminal 300”), and one or more image processing apparatuses 200. ₁ to 200 _n (hereinafter collectively referred to as “image processing apparatus 200”) is an example of a system configuration in which a data transmission path N such as a network (for example, “LAN: Local Area Network”) is connected. .

  The print control apparatus 100 is a device having a print control function, and is an information processing apparatus such as a PC (Personal Computer), for example. The image processing device 200 is a device having an image processing function, and is a printing device such as an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) or LP (Laser Printer). The user terminal 300 is a device having an information processing function, and is, for example, an information processing device such as a PC.

  In the print control system 1 according to the present embodiment, the following pull print service is provided to the user. For example, when a print job is transmitted from the user terminal 300 to the print control apparatus 100, the print control apparatus 100 stores and accumulates the received print job in a predetermined storage area. On the other hand, upon receiving a print job execution request from the user, the image processing apparatus 200 acquires the corresponding print job accumulated from the print control apparatus 100 and executes the acquired print job. Thereby, the user obtains a print result.

<Hardware configuration>
A hardware configuration of the print control apparatus 100 and the image processing apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment will be described.

<Print control device>
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the print control apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 2, the print control apparatus 100 includes an input device 101, a display device 102, a drive device 103, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 104, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 105, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 106, an interface. A device 107, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 108, and the like are provided and are connected to each other via a bus B.

  The input device 101 includes a keyboard and a mouse and is used to input each operation signal to the print control device 100. The display device 102 includes a display and the like, and displays a processing result by the print control device 100.

  The interface device 107 is an interface that connects the print control apparatus 100 to the data transmission path N. Accordingly, the print control apparatus 100 can perform data communication with the image processing apparatus 200 and the user terminal 300 via the interface apparatus 107.

  The HDD 108 is a non-volatile storage device that stores programs and data. The stored program and data include an information processing system that controls the entire apparatus (for example, an OS (Operating System) that is basic software such as “Windows (trademark or registered trademark)” or “UNIX (trademark or registered trademark))” And applications that provide various functions (for example, “printing control function”) on the system. The HDD 108 manages stored programs and data by a predetermined file system and / or DB (Data Base).

  The drive device 103 is an interface with a removable recording medium 103a. Accordingly, the print control apparatus 100 can read and / or write the recording medium 103a via the drive apparatus 103. Examples of the recording medium 103a include a floppy (trademark or registered trademark) disk, a CD (Compact Disk), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), an SD memory card (SD Memory Card), and a USB memory (Universal Serial Bus Memory). and so on.

  The ROM 105 is a nonvolatile semiconductor memory (storage device) that can retain internal data even when the power is turned off. The ROM 105 stores programs and data such as a basic input / output system (BIOS), information processing system settings, and network settings that are executed when the print control apparatus 100 is activated. The RAM 104 is a volatile semiconductor memory (storage device) that temporarily stores programs and data. The CPU 106 is a processing device that realizes control and mounting functions of the entire device by reading a program and data from the storage device (for example, “HDD” or “ROM”) onto the RAM and executing the processing.

  As described above, the print control apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment can provide various information processing services (information processing functions) with the above hardware configuration.

<Image processing device>
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the image processing apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 3, the image processing apparatus 200 includes a controller 210, an operation panel 220, a plotter 230, a scanner 240, and the like, which are connected to each other via a bus B.

  The operation panel 220 includes a display unit and an input unit, and provides various types of information such as device information to the user and receives various types of user operations such as operation settings and operation instructions. The plotter 230 includes an image forming unit and forms an output image on a sheet. Examples of a method for forming an output image include an electrophotographic process and an ink jet method. The scanner 240 optically reads a document and generates a read image.

  The controller 210 includes a CPU 211, a storage device 212, a network I / F 213, an external storage I / F 214, and the like, which are connected to each other via a bus B.

  The CPU 211 controls the entire apparatus by executing a program. The storage device 212 stores and holds the program and various data (for example, “image data”). Examples of the storage device 212 include a RAM that is a volatile memory, a ROM that is a nonvolatile memory, and an HDD having a large-capacity storage area. The RAM functions as a work area for the CPU 211 (a storage area from which programs and data are temporarily read). ROM and HDD are used as storage locations for programs and various data. As a result, in the image processing apparatus 200, the CPU 211 reads the program stored in the ROM onto the RAM and executes the program.

  The network I / F 213 is an interface for connecting the image processing apparatus 200 to a predetermined data transmission path N such as a network. As a result, the image processing apparatus 200 can perform data communication with the print control apparatus 100 via the network I / F 213.

  The external storage I / F 214 is an interface for connecting a recording medium 214a corresponding to an external storage device. Examples of the recording medium 214a include an SD memory card and a USB memory. Accordingly, the image processing apparatus 200 can read and / or write the recording medium 214a via the external storage I / F 214.

  As described above, the image processing apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment can provide various image processing services (image processing functions) with the above hardware configuration.

<Print control function>
A print control function according to the present embodiment will be described.
The print control apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment receives a print job list request from the image processing apparatus 200 before executing a print job, and defines one or more pre-registered filters (conditions for specifying a print job). Information). Subsequently, the print control apparatus 100 specifies a print job that satisfies the condition in accordance with the acquired filter condition definition from the stored print jobs that belong to the user. As a result, the print control apparatus 100 generates list information to be displayed (provided to the user) based on the specified print job, and responds to the requesting image processing apparatus 200. As a result, the image processing apparatus 200 displays a list of print jobs that meet the specified conditions before executing the print job. The print control apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment has such a print control function.

  In an environment (user environment) in which the print control system 1 is introduced, image processing apparatuses 200 having different processing capabilities are mixed and print jobs having different printing conditions are processed. Under such an environment, the administrator can apply the system operation policy to the accumulated print job, and can make the user confirm the print job that meets the operation policy before executing the print job. A mechanism is desired.

  Therefore, the print control apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment specifies a print job that satisfies the specified condition from the accumulated print jobs before executing the print job, and the image processing apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment. In the system, a print job list based on the print job is displayed.

  As a result, in the print control system 1 according to the present embodiment, the administrator can apply the system operation policy to the accumulated print job, and the user can print to the user according to the operation policy before executing the print job. The job can be confirmed.

The configuration and operation of the print control function according to this embodiment will be described below.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the print control system 1 according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 4, in the print control system according to the present embodiment, the print control apparatus 100 includes a job reception unit 11, a job analysis unit 12, a job management unit 13, a request / response unit 15, a filter management unit 16, and the like. The image processing apparatus 200 includes an authentication unit 21, a request / response unit 22, a print control unit 23, a device information acquisition unit 24, and the like.

《Function part of printing control device》
The job receiving unit 11 is a functional unit that receives a print job transmitted from the user terminal 300. The job analysis unit 12 is a functional unit that analyzes the received print job. The job analysis unit 12 acquires bibliographic information and print condition information, which are attribute values of the print job, as a print job analysis result. The acquired bibliographic information includes, for example, “creator (user identification information)”, “creation software (software identification information)”, and “creation date (date information)”. The acquired printing condition information includes various designation information such as “number of copies designation”, “color / monochrome designation”, “double-side / single-side designation”, and the like.

  The job management unit 13 is a functional unit that manages print jobs accumulated in the print control apparatus. The job management unit 13 accesses the print job holding unit 14, performs the instructed data operation, and manages the held print job. Examples of data operations performed by the job management unit 13 include data storage (setting / update), deletion (deletion), acquisition, search, and generation. For example, the print job holding unit 14 corresponds to a predetermined storage area of a storage device (for example, “HDD”) included in the apparatus, and manages the print job based on data as illustrated in FIG. 5, for example.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of print job management data according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 5, the management data 14D has various information items such as a print job ID, a user name, a print job name, a storage date and time, a data amount, the number of pages, a storage destination, and a print condition setting. Is associated with each print job.

  [Print Job ID] is an item of information (print job identification information) for identifying a print job. The [user name] item is an item of information for identifying a user (user identification information). The “print job name” item is an item of information (print job name information) indicating the name of the print job. The [Storage Date / Time] item is an item of information (storage date / time information) indicating the date and time when the print job was stored. The [data amount] item is an item of information (data amount information) indicating the data amount of the print job. [Page Number] is an item of information (page number information) indicating the number of pages of the print job. The [storage destination] item is an item of information (storage destination information) indicating the storage destination of the print job. The “print condition setting” item is an item of information (print condition setting information) indicating the print condition set in the print job.

  These item values are set by the job management unit 13 when a print job is stored. For example, the item value of the [print job ID] item is set to a unique value assigned to the print job. The item values of the [user name] item, [print job name] item, [data amount] item, and [number of pages] item are set based on the bibliographic information of the analysis result. The item value of the [Storage Date / Time] item is set to the value of the internal clock when the print job is stored. The item value of the [print condition setting] item is set based on the print condition information of the analysis result. As the item value of the [storage destination] item, a path (file path) to a storage area storing the print job is set.

  As described above, the job management unit 13 stores the analyzed print job in the print job holding unit 14, and sets the management data 14D in which the stored print job and the analysis result are linked with the storage destination information.

  Further, the job management unit 13 refers to the information item in which the bibliographic information and / or the printing condition information in the management data 14D is set, and searches the item value with a predetermined condition value (search key) to store the item value. A print job corresponding to the condition is specified from the print jobs. Accordingly, the job management unit 13 generates list information based on the corresponding print job.

  Further, the job management unit 13 refers to the [print job ID] item of the management data 14D, and acquires a print job corresponding to the specified identification information from the accumulated print jobs.

  Returning to the description of FIG. The request / response unit 15 is a functional unit that receives a processing request from the image processing apparatus 200 (an external apparatus other than the print control apparatus) and responds to various information after the processing is executed. The processing request / response includes, for example, a device information acquisition request, a print job, and list information.

  The filter management unit 16 is a functional unit that manages the filters registered in the print control apparatus. The “filter” is condition definition information in which a condition for specifying a print job is defined from accumulated print jobs.

  The filter management unit 16 accesses the filter holding unit 17, performs the instructed data operation, and manages the held filter. Data operations performed by the filter management unit 16 include, for example, data storage (setting / update), deletion (deletion), acquisition, and search. For example, the filter holding unit 17 corresponds to a predetermined storage area of a storage device (for example, “HDD”) included in the device, and manages the filter based on, for example, data as illustrated in FIG. 6.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of filter management data according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 6, the management data 17D has various information items such as filter ID, filter name, application, and storage destination, and each item value is associated with each filter.

  [Filter ID] item is an item of information for identifying a filter (filter identification information: condition definition identification information). [Filter name] item is an item of information (filter name information) indicating the name of the filter. [Applied] item is an item of information (applied filter information) indicating whether or not the filter is applied when specifying a print job. The [Storage Location] item is an item of information (storage location information) indicating the storage location of the filter.

  Each of these item values is set by the filter management unit 17 when storing (registering) or updating the filter. For example, as the item value of the [Filter ID] item, a unique value assigned to the filter is set. The item value of the [Filter name] item is set to a unique character string value attached to the filter. As the item value of the [Apply] item, a flag value indicating a filter to be applied is set. In the item value of the filter [storage destination] item, a path (file path) to a storage area storing the filter is set.

  Thus, the filter management unit 16 stores the filter in the filter holding unit 17, and sets the management data 17D in which the stored filter is associated with the storage location information.

  The filter management unit 16 can obtain a filter corresponding to the specified identification information from the registered filters by referring to the [Filter ID] item of the management data 17D.

  Further, FIG. 6 shows an example of management data in which two types of filters F1 and F2 (hereinafter collectively referred to as “filter F”) are registered. Note that the types of the filter F are not limited to two types.

Hereinafter, the filter F used in the present embodiment will be described.
7 and 8 are diagrams showing filter examples (Nos. 1 and 2) according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 7 shows an example of a filter (hereinafter referred to as “print job attribute filter”) F1 in which the attributes of the print job are defined.

  As shown in (A), the print job attribute filter F1 defines a conditional expression for specifying a print job based on bibliographic information and print condition information of the print job. The conditional expression includes, for example, an expression for determining whether the condition value for specifying the print job matches the target value in the bibliographic information (and / or print condition information) of the print job, or between the condition value and the target value. There are formulas that compare magnitude relationships.

  For example, the color filter F11 shown in (B) defines a conditional expression that uses a color designation value, which is one of the printing condition information, as a condition value. When the color filter F11 is applied to a print job, a color-designated print job is specified from the accumulated print jobs. That is, only print jobs for which color designation is set as print conditions can be extracted (the print jobs satisfying the conditions can be narrowed down). In the page number filter F12 shown in (C), a conditional expression having a condition value as a threshold value for the number of pages, which is one of the bibliographic information, is defined. When this page number filter F12 is applied to a print job, a print job having a number of pages equal to or greater than a threshold is specified from the accumulated print jobs.

  For example, the double-sided filter F13 shown in (D) defines a conditional expression that uses a color designation value, which is one of the printing condition information, as a condition value. When this double-sided filter F13 is applied to a print job, a double-side designated print job is specified from the accumulated print jobs. Further, in the driver filter F14 shown in (E), a conditional expression is defined in which a driver designated value (created software name) which is one of bibliographic information is used as a condition value. When this driver filter F14 is applied to a print job, the print job generated by the designated driver is specified from the accumulated print jobs.

  As described above, the print job attribute filter F1 can specify the attribute of the print job as a condition value, and can define a conditional expression for specifying the print job according to the specified condition.

  On the other hand, FIG. 8 shows an example of a filter F <b> 2 (hereinafter referred to as “apparatus capability filter”) in which the processing capability of the image processing apparatus 200 (print job execution device) is defined.

  As shown in (A), the device capability filter F2 defines a conditional expression for specifying a print job based on device information (equipped device / function) of the image processing apparatus 200 (print job execution device). . The conditional expression includes an expression for determining whether the condition value in the device information specifying the print job matches the target value in the print condition information of the print job.

  For example, in the device configuration filter [color] F21 shown in (B), a conditional expression having a color machine identification value as one of device information (mounted device information) as a condition value is defined. When this device configuration filter [color] F21 is applied to a print job, if the image processing apparatus 200 (print job execution device) is a color machine, a color-designated print job is identified from the accumulated print jobs. The On the other hand, in the case of a monochrome machine, a monochrome designated print job is specified. Further, in the device configuration filter [both sides] F22 shown in (C), a conditional expression having a double-sided machine identification value as one of device information as a condition value is defined. When this device configuration filter [double-sided] F22 is applied to a print job, if the image processing apparatus 200 (print job execution device) is a device capable of double-sided printing, a double-sided designated print job is selected from the accumulated print jobs. Is identified. On the other hand, in the case of a device that cannot perform double-sided printing, a single-side designated print job is specified.

  For example, in the device configuration filter [paper] F23 shown in (D), a conditional expression is defined that uses the paper size, paper type setting value, and paper remaining value of the tray information, which is one piece of device information, as condition values. ing. When this device configuration filter [paper] F23 is applied to a print job, the accumulated printing is performed according to the mounted tray state (paper size, paper type, and remaining amount) of the image processing apparatus 200 (print job execution device). A print job that can be printed is specified from the jobs. Also, in the device function filter [emulation] F24 shown in (E), a conditional expression is defined that uses an emulation identification value, which is one of device information (mounted function information), as a condition value. When this device function filter [emulation] F24 is applied to a print job, a printable print job is selected from the accumulated print jobs according to the emulation installed in the image processing apparatus 200 (print job execution device). Identified.

  As described above, the device capability filter F2 can specify the device information of the image processing apparatus 200 as a condition value, and can define a conditional expression for specifying a print job according to the specified condition.

  Each item value of the filter F and the management data 17D is set and registered by the filter management unit 16. Therefore, the filter management unit 16 displays setting screens W1 and W2 as shown in FIG. 9, for example, and provides a setting environment to the administrator.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a filter setting screen according to the present embodiment.
In (A), a list of registered filters F is displayed, and an example of a setting screen on which filters F can be added or deleted is shown. (B) shows an example of a setting screen that is displayed when the add button on the list display is pressed and the filter F to be added can be edited.

  As shown in (A), the administrator sets the valid / invalid of the registered filter F (the item value of the [Apply] item) via the setting screen W1 to thereby apply the filter F to be applied to the print job. Can be selected. In the case of (A), the setting is such that the page number filter and the device configuration filter are applied to the print job. As shown in (B), the administrator can set and register a filter F in which a plurality of conditions for specifying a print job are defined via the setting screen W2. In the case of (B), in the case of a device capable of color / double-sided printing, the condition definition setting for specifying a color / double-sided print job is set.

  The administrator prepares and registers in advance one or more filters F that define the conditions for specifying the accumulated print jobs in accordance with the system operation policy. That is, the administrator sets in advance a filter F (condition definition for specifying a print job) that can extract (narrow down) a print job that meets the operation policy from among the accumulated print jobs.

  The filter management unit 16 receives a request for setting / adding (registering) / deleting the filter F from the administrator via the setting screens W1 and W2, performs data operation according to the request, and is held in the filter holding unit 17 Manage the filter F.

  In the print control apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the following processing is performed in cooperation with the job management unit 13 and the filter management unit 16.

  The filter management unit 16 acquires one or a plurality of filters F preset by the administrator in response to a request. The acquired filter F is transferred to the job management unit 13. Subsequently, the job management unit 13 refers to the information item in which the bibliographic information and / or the printing condition information of the management data 14D is set, and uses the condition value (search key) of the filter F received from the filter management unit 16 as the item. Search for a value. As a result, the job management unit 13 identifies a print job that satisfies the condition from the accumulated print jobs.

<< Functional part of image processing apparatus >>
Returning to the description of FIG. The authentication unit 21 is a functional unit that performs use authentication of the image processing apparatus 200 for a user. For example, the authentication unit 21 collates input information on the login screen with user authentication information registered in advance, and performs user use authentication. The input information includes information received by manual input by the user and information received by reading an external storage medium (for example, “IC card: Integrated Circuit Card”).

  The request / response unit 22 is a functional unit that receives a processing request from the print control apparatus 100 (an external apparatus other than the image processing apparatus) and responds to various types of information after the processing is executed. The processing request / response includes, for example, a print job and list information acquisition request and provision of device information.

  The print control unit 23 is a functional unit that controls print job execution processing (print processing). For example, the print control unit 23 passes an execution target print job acquired from the print control apparatus 100 to an emulator (PDL parser: image conversion software such as Page Description Language Parser) and instructs the execution of the print job. . As a result, the emulator performs predetermined image processing (for example, “data analysis” or “image processing according to printing conditions”) on the print job, and data that can be processed by the plotter 230 (bitmap data: raster). Image data) is generated. The emulator passes the paper handling value and generated data read as printing conditions to the plotter 230 and instructs the printing operation.

  The device information acquisition unit 24 is a functional unit that acquires device information including a mounted device, a mounted function, and an operation state in response to a request.

  As described above, the print control function according to the present embodiment is realized by the above-described functional units operating in cooperation.

  A detailed operation of the print control function according to the present embodiment (cooperation operation of the functional unit group) will be described with reference to a sequence diagram showing a processing procedure.

  The print control function according to the present embodiment is a program in which a program (software that implements the print control function) installed (installed) in each device constituting the print control system 1 is stored in a storage device by a processing device (eg, “CPU”). This is realized by reading out from a memory (RAM) (for example, “HDD” or “ROM”) and executing the following processing in each device.

<Main processing of print control>
FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a processing procedure example of print control including a print job list display according to the present embodiment.
As illustrated in FIG. 10, the image processing apparatus 200 (print job execution device) uses the authentication unit 21 to make a login request (use authentication request) to the user (step S <b> 101). The authentication unit 21 performs usage authentication based on the collation result between the input information and the registered user authentication information (step S102). As a result, the image processing apparatus 200 displays an operation screen for accepting a print job execution request, a print job list request, and the like for the authenticated user. On the other hand, an authentication error message is displayed for the user who has failed the usage authentication.

  The image processing apparatus 200 accepts a print job list request from the authenticated user via the operation screen (step S201). That is, the image processing apparatus 200 accepts a screen display request (selection screen display request) for selecting a print job to be executed.

  In response to a request from the user, the image processing apparatus 200 requests the print control apparatus 100 to provide list information of print jobs belonging to the user by the request / response unit 22 (step S202). At this time, the request / response unit 22 transmits authentication user identification information according to network setting information (for example, “IP address: Internet Protocol Address”) of the print control apparatus 100 set in advance, and requests information provision. .

  Upon receiving the information provision request from the image processing apparatus 200, the print control apparatus 100 instructs the filter management section 16 to acquire a filter through the request / response section 15 (step S203).

  The filter management unit 16 accesses the filter holding unit 17 and acquires the filter F in which the [apply] item of the management data 17D is set valid (flag value: 1) based on the file path of the [storage destination] item. (Step S204: Acquisition procedure). The acquired filter F is passed to the request / response unit 15 that has instructed the acquisition process.

  Subsequently, the print control apparatus 100 instructs the job management unit 13 to acquire print job list information through the request / response unit 15 (step S205). At this time, the request / response unit 15 passes the user identification information and the filter F to the job management unit 13 and instructs acquisition processing.

  The job management unit 13 accesses the print job holding unit 14, refers to the management data 14D based on the user identification information and the filter F condition definition, identifies the management data 14D related to the corresponding print job, and The list information is generated based on (Step S206: identification / generation procedure). First, the job management unit 13 refers to the item value of the [user name] item of the management data 14D using the user identification information as a search key, and specifies a print job belonging to the user. Subsequently, the job management unit 13 applies the filter F condition definition to the specified print job. Specifically, referring to the management data 14D relating to the specified print job, according to the conditional expression defined in the filter F, the information item value (target value) to be judged / compared for the condition and the defined condition value Judgment / comparison is performed, and a print job that satisfies the condition is identified from the judgment / comparison result (print job is filtered).

  For example, when a plurality of condition definitions exist in the acquired applied filter F, a print job that satisfies all the defined conditions is specified. When a plurality of applied filters F are acquired, a print job that satisfies the conditions defined for all the filters F is specified. That is, the job management unit 13 can also filter the accumulated print jobs in accordance with a combination condition based on a plurality of filters F and a plurality of definitions in the filters.

  In this way, the job management unit 13 specifies management data 14D related to a print job that satisfies a condition among print jobs belonging to the user. As a result, the job management unit 13 generates print job list information that meets the specified conditions based on the specified management data 14D. The generated list information is passed to the request / response unit 15 that has instructed the generation process.

  As a result, in the print control apparatus 100, the request / response unit 15 responds the print job list information to the information processing request source image processing apparatus 200 (transmission procedure).

  As a result, in the image processing apparatus 200, when the list information from the print control apparatus 100 is received by the request / response unit 22, the received list information is displayed.

  The image processing apparatus 200 receives a print job execution request of the authenticated user via the operation screen (step S301).

  In response to a request from the user, the image processing apparatus 200 requests the print control apparatus 100 to acquire a designated print job using the request / response unit 22 (step S302). At this time, the request / response unit 22 transmits print job identification information of the designated print job according to the network setting information of the print control apparatus 100, and requests job acquisition.

  When the print control apparatus 100 receives a job acquisition request from the image processing apparatus 200, the request / response section 15 instructs the job management section 13 to acquire the corresponding print job (step S303).

  The job management unit 13 accesses the print job holding unit 14, refers to the management data 14D based on the print job identification information, specifies the management data 14D related to the corresponding print job, and acquires the corresponding print job (step S304). ). First, the job management unit 13 refers to the item value of the [print job ID] item in the management data 14D using the print job identification information as a search key, and identifies the corresponding print job. Subsequently, the job management unit 13 acquires the accumulated print job based on the file path of the [storage destination] item corresponding to the specified print job. The acquired print job is delivered to the request / response unit 15 that has instructed the acquisition process.

  Accordingly, in the print control apparatus 100, the request / response unit 15 returns a corresponding print job to the image processing apparatus 200 that is the data acquisition request source.

  The image processing apparatus 200 instructs the print control unit 23 to execute a print job through the request / response unit 22 (step S305). At this time, the request / response unit 22 passes the print job to the print control unit 23 and instructs execution processing.

  The print control unit 23 passes the print job to the emulator and executes print processing (step S306). The execution result of the printing process is passed to the request / response unit 22 that instructed the execution process.

  As a result, the image processing apparatus 200 displays the execution result of the printing process.

  As described above, the print control system 1 according to the present embodiment filters the print jobs belonging to the accumulated user according to the predetermined condition definition when the print control apparatus 100 displays the print job list. Also, the print control system 1 displays a filtered print job list for the user in the image processing apparatus 200 before executing the print job. As a result, in the print control system 1, the administrator can apply the system operation policy to the accumulated print jobs, and allows the user to confirm the print job that meets the operation policy before executing the print job. Can do.

<Other processing for displaying the print job list>
FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating a processing procedure example (part 1) of the print job list display according to the present embodiment. The difference from the processing procedure (steps S201 to S206) shown in FIG. 10 is that the device information is used when generating the print job list information. Therefore, only different points will be described below.

  As illustrated in FIG. 11, the image processing apparatus 200 receives a print job list request from an authenticated user via the operation screen (step S <b> 401).

  The image processing apparatus 200 instructs the device information acquisition unit 24 to acquire the device information of the device by the request / response unit 22 (step S402).

  The device information acquisition unit 24 acquires device information such as a mounted device, a mounted function, and a device state (step S403), and the acquired device information is transferred to the request / response unit 22 that has instructed the acquisition process. In addition to the timing shown in step S403, the device information acquisition timing may be the startup time (for example, “power-on”). However, the merit of acquiring the device information at the timing of step S403 is that, in the subsequent filtering process (print job specifying process), when the device capability filter F2 is effective as the applied filter F, the condition is satisfied based on the latest device information. The print job can be specified.

  Subsequently, the image processing apparatus 200 requests the print control apparatus 100 to provide list information of print jobs belonging to the user in accordance with a request from the user through the request / response unit 22 (step S404). At this time, the request / response unit 22 transmits user identification information and device information of the authenticated user based on network setting information of the print control apparatus 100 set in advance, and requests information provision.

  When the print control apparatus 100 receives the information provision request from the image processing apparatus 200, the request / response section 15 instructs the filter management section 16 to acquire a filter (step S405).

  The filter management unit 16 accesses the filter holding unit 17 and acquires the filter F in which the [apply] item of the management data 17D is set valid (flag value: 1) based on the file path of the [storage destination] item. (Step S406). The acquired filter F is passed to the request / response unit 15 that has instructed the acquisition process.

  Subsequently, the print control apparatus 100 instructs the job management unit 13 to acquire print job list information through the request / response unit 15 (step S407). At this time, the request / response unit 15 passes the user identification information, the filter F, and the device information to the job management unit 13 and instructs acquisition processing.

  The job management unit 13 accesses the print job holding unit 14, refers to the management data 14D based on the user identification information and the filter F condition definition, identifies the management data 14D related to the corresponding print job, and Based on the above, list information is generated (step S408). Among these, the job management unit 13 performs the determination / comparison between the information item value (target value) to be determined / compared with the condition and the condition value according to the conditional expression defined in the filter F, and the determination / comparison result. From this, a print job that satisfies the conditions is identified. At this time, when the device capability filter F2 is valid as the applied filter F, the job management unit 13 determines the information item value (target value) to be a condition determination / comparison target according to the conditional expression defined in the device capability filter F2. Judgment / comparison with the condition value in the device information is performed, and the print job that satisfies the condition is identified from the judgment / comparison result. In this way, the job management unit 13 specifies management data 14D related to a print job that satisfies a condition among print jobs belonging to the user. As a result, the job management unit 13 generates print job list information that meets the specified conditions based on the specified management data 14D.

  FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram illustrating a print job list display processing procedure example (part 2) according to the present embodiment. The difference from the processing procedure shown in FIG. 11 (steps S401 to S408) is that when generating the print job list information, it is determined whether or not the device capability filter F2 is valid as the applied filter F. The device information is acquired from 200. Therefore, only different points will be described below.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the image processing apparatus 200 receives a print job list request from the authenticated user via the operation screen (step S501).

  Subsequently, the image processing apparatus 200 requests the print control apparatus 100 to provide list information of print jobs belonging to the user in accordance with a request from the user through the request / response unit 22 (step S502). At this time, the request / response unit 22 transmits the user identification information of the authenticated user based on the preset network setting information of the print control apparatus 100, and requests information provision.

  When the print control apparatus 100 receives the information provision request from the image processing apparatus 200, the request / response section 15 instructs the filter management section 16 to acquire a filter (step S503).

  The filter management unit 16 accesses the filter holding unit 17 and acquires the filter F in which the [apply] item of the management data 17D is set valid (flag value: 1) based on the file path of the [storage destination] item. (Step S504). The acquired filter F is passed to the request / response unit 15 that has instructed the acquisition process.

  Subsequently, the filter management unit 16 determines whether the acquired filter (applied filter) F includes the device capability filter F2 (the presence or absence of the device capability filter) (step S505).

  As a result, when it is determined that the device capability filter F2 is included, the filter management unit 16 instructs the request / response unit 15 to acquire device information (step S506). The information processing request source image processing apparatus 200 is requested to acquire device information (step S507).

  When the image processing apparatus 200 receives the information acquisition request from the print control apparatus 100, the request / response unit 22 instructs the apparatus information acquisition unit 24 to acquire the apparatus information of the apparatus (step S508).

  The device information acquisition unit 24 acquires device information such as a mounted device, a mounted function, and a device state (step S509), and the acquired device information is passed to the request / response unit 22 that instructs the acquisition process. The advantage of acquiring the device information in this way is that the communication load between the print control apparatus 100 and the image processing apparatus 200 when acquiring the device information can be reduced. In the processing procedure illustrated in FIG. 10, device information is transmitted from the image processing apparatus 200 to the print control apparatus 100 regardless of whether or not subsequent filtering processing is necessary. However, in the processing procedure shown in FIG. 11, since the print control apparatus 100 acquires the image information from the image processing apparatus 200 only when the apparatus information is necessary for the subsequent filtering process, the communication that occurs between both apparatuses can be limited. Communication load at the time of acquisition can be reduced.

  As a result, in the image processing apparatus 200, the request / response unit 22 returns device information to the print control apparatus 100 that is the information acquisition request source.

  Subsequently, the print control apparatus 100 instructs the job management unit 13 to acquire print job list information through the request / response unit 15 (step S510). At this time, the request / response unit 15 passes the user identification information, the filter F, and the device information to the job management unit 13 and instructs acquisition processing.

  The job management unit 13 accesses the print job holding unit 14, refers to the management data 14D based on the user identification information and the filter F condition definition, identifies the management data 14D related to the corresponding print job, and The list information is generated on the basis of (Step S511). As a result, the job management unit 13 generates print job list information that meets the specified conditions based on the specified management data 14D.

<Summary>
As described above, according to the print control apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the print job list request from the image processing apparatus 200 is received before the print job is executed, and the filter management unit 16 registers 1 or 1 registered in advance. A plurality of filters F (information defining conditions for specifying a print job) are acquired. Subsequently, the print control apparatus 100 uses the job management unit 13 to identify a print job that satisfies the condition from the stored print jobs belonging to the user according to the acquired filter F condition definition. As a result, the print control apparatus 100 generates list information to be displayed (provided to the user) based on the specified print job, and responds to the requesting image processing apparatus 200. As a result, the image processing apparatus 200 displays a list of print jobs that meet the specified conditions before executing the print job.

  Thereby, the print control apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment can apply the system operation policy to the accumulated print jobs. Also, the image processing apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment can confirm a print job that meets the operation policy before executing the print job.

[Second Embodiment]
In the print control system according to the first embodiment, before execution of a print job, among the accumulated print jobs belonging to the user, a list of print jobs that meet the system operation policy determined by the administrator is displayed. Therefore, the user selects a print job to be executed from the print jobs displayed in a list, and requests execution of the print job.

  Under such an environment, the print jobs that the user wants to execute are not necessarily included in the displayed print jobs.

  Therefore, in the print control system, it is necessary to select a print job to be executed for the purpose of ensuring the convenience of the user, and on the other hand, it is necessary to apply the operation policy set by the administrator to the print job to be executed.

  In this embodiment, in view of the above points, a print control system that provides a pull print environment that can flexibly respond to requests from both the management side and the use side of the system will be described.

  Hereinafter, only differences from the first embodiment will be described (the same matters are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted).

<Print control function>
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the print control system 1 according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 13, the difference from the functional configuration according to the first embodiment is a printing condition changing unit 18 included in the printing control apparatus 100 and an applied filter changing unit 25 included in the image processing apparatus 200.

  The printing condition changing unit 18 included in the printing control apparatus 100 is a functional unit that changes the printing conditions of a print job to be executed. The print condition changing unit 18 applies the filter F set by the administrator to the print job, and determines whether a print condition that does not satisfy the condition defined in the applied filter F is set for the print job. As a result, when the printing condition changing unit 18 determines that the printing condition does not satisfy the condition defined in the application filter F set by the administrator, the value of the corresponding printing condition is rewritten to a value satisfying the defined condition. To change.

  For example, a conditional expression for specifying a monochrome designated print job is defined in the print job attribute filter F1 (applied filter) set by the administrator, and the print job to be executed includes a color designated print condition. If so, the color designation value of the print job is rewritten and changed to the monochrome designation value.

  Note that the printing condition changing unit 18 does not change the printing condition for the print job unless the setting of the printing condition that does not satisfy the condition defined in the application filter F of the administrator setting is confirmed.

  As a result, even if the print job to be executed is freely selected and specified by the user, the print job is executed under the printing conditions in accordance with the system operation policy determined by the administrator (the management is performed when the print job is executed). The printing conditions set by the user are reflected). That is, the printing condition changing unit 18 is a function for responding to a request from the system management side.

  The applied filter changing unit 25 included in the image processing apparatus 200 is a functional unit that changes the filter F to be applied to a print job. The applied filter changing unit 25 functions when the print job that the user wants to execute is not included in the print jobs displayed in a list after applying the filter F set by the administrator. Specifically, the filter F to be applied to the print job is temporarily changed in order to specify the print job that the user wants to execute from among the accumulated print jobs belonging to the user. Therefore, the applied filter changing unit 25 displays a change screen W4 as shown in FIG. 14, for example, and provides a setting environment to the user.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a filter change screen according to the present embodiment.
In (A), a list of print jobs filtered by the applied filter F (print jobs satisfying the conditions) is displayed, and an example of a setting screen on which the currently applied filter F can be changed is shown. (B) shows an example of a setting screen that is displayed when the applied filter change button on the list display is pressed and the applied filter F can be changed.

  As shown in (A), the user can check the currently effective filter F (applied filter) via the list screen W3. In the case of (A), it is confirmed that the page number filter F12 is applied to the print job. As shown in (B), when there is no print job to be executed on the list, the user selects and designates the filter F used when specifying the print job to be executed via the change screen W4. Can do. In the case of (B), the change from the page number filter F12 to the color filter F11 for specifying a color-designated print job is set.

  As a result, the user can temporarily use the registered filter F condition definition as a search key, and can efficiently specify a desired print job from among the accumulated print jobs. it can. In other words, the applied filter changing unit 25 is a function for responding to the demand on the user side of the system.

  As described above, the print control function according to the present embodiment is realized by the above-described functional units operating in cooperation.

  A detailed operation of the print control function according to the present embodiment (cooperation operation of the functional unit group) will be described with reference to a sequence diagram showing a processing procedure.

<Processing when the applied filter is changed>
FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure for changing an applied filter according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Note that the processing different from the first embodiment is processing after the print job list is displayed. Therefore, only steps S601 to S608 shown in FIG. 15 will be described below.

  As shown in FIG. 15, when the user confirms from the print job list screen W3 that the print job that the user wants to execute is not included in the list information, the image processing apparatus 200 displays the applied filter via the operation screen. A change request (an applied filter change button pressing event) is accepted (step S601).

  The image processing apparatus 200 instructs the application filter changing unit 25 to change the application filter F (temporary change of administrator settings) using the request / response unit 22 (step S602). Thereby, the application filter changing unit 25 displays the change screen W4.

  The applied filter changing unit 25 receives the setting instruction (filter selection and OK button pressing event) of the changed applied filter F via the change screen W4 (step S603), and acquires the acquired setting information (hereinafter “change filter setting”). Information ”) is passed to the request / response section 22 that instructed the change processing. The change filter setting information is filter identification information for identifying one or more filters F to be newly applied to a print job.

  Subsequently, the image processing apparatus 200 requests the print control apparatus 100 again to provide the list information of the print jobs belonging to the user according to the request from the user by the request / response unit 22 (step S604). That is, a search for a print job candidate that the user wants to execute is requested. At this time, the request / response unit 22 transmits the user identification information of the authenticated user and the change filter setting information based on the preset network setting information of the print control apparatus 100, and requests information provision.

  Upon receiving the information provision request from the image processing apparatus 200, the print control apparatus 100 instructs the filter management section 16 to acquire a filter through the request / response section 15 (step S605).

  The filter management unit 16 accesses the filter holding unit 17, refers to the [Filter ID] item of the management data 17D based on the changed filter setting information, and selects the corresponding filter F based on the file path of the [Storage Location] item. Obtain (step S606). Thereby, the filter management unit 16 acquires a new filter F designated by the user. The acquired filter F is passed to the request / response unit 15 that has instructed the acquisition process.

  Subsequently, the print control apparatus 100 instructs the job management unit 13 to acquire print job list information through the request / response unit 15 (step S607). At this time, the request / response unit 15 passes the user identification information and the filter F (new application filter) to the job management unit 13 and instructs acquisition processing.

  The job management unit 13 accesses the print job holding unit 14, refers to the management data 14D based on the user identification information and the filter F condition definition, identifies the management data 14D related to the corresponding print job, and Based on this, list information is generated (step S608). Among them, the job management unit 13 performs determination / comparison between the information item value (target value) to be determined / compared for the condition and the condition value according to the conditional expression defined in the filter F after the change. / From the comparison result, specify a print job that satisfies the conditions. In this way, the job management unit 13 specifies management data 14D related to a print job that satisfies the conditions defined in the new filter F designated by the user. As a result, the job management unit 13 generates print job list information that meets the specified conditions based on the specified management data 14D.

  As a result, the image processing apparatus 200 displays search results (a list of print job candidates to be executed) based on the search key specified by the user. When the print job to be executed is not included in the search result, the user requests to change the applied filter F again and designates the desired print job.

FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram illustrating a processing procedure example of print control after a print job is specified according to the present embodiment.
The image processing apparatus 200 receives a print job execution request from the authenticated user via the operation screen (step S701).

  In response to a request from the user, the image processing apparatus 200 requests the print control apparatus 100 to acquire a designated print job using the request / response unit 22 (step S702). At this time, the request / response unit 22 transmits print job identification information of the designated print job based on the network setting information of the print control apparatus 100, and requests job acquisition.

  When the print control apparatus 100 receives a job acquisition request from the image processing apparatus 200, the request / response section 15 instructs the job management section 13 to acquire the corresponding print job (step S703).

  The job management unit 13 accesses the print job holding unit 14, refers to the management data 14D based on the print job identification information, specifies the management data 14D related to the corresponding print job, and acquires the corresponding print job (step S704). ). First, the job management unit 13 refers to the item value of the [print job ID] item in the management data 14D using the print job identification information as a search key, and identifies the corresponding print job. Subsequently, the job management unit 13 acquires the accumulated print job based on the file path of the [storage destination] item corresponding to the specified print job.

  Subsequently, the job management unit 13 checks with the printing condition changing unit 18 whether or not it is necessary to change the printing conditions of the printing job so as to satisfy the conditions defined in the application filter F set by the administrator. Instruct (change confirmation necessity) (step S705). At this time, the job management unit 13 passes the acquired print job to the print condition change unit 18 and instructs confirmation processing.

  The print condition changing unit 18 refers to the application filter F set by the administrator via the filter management unit 16 and applies it to the received print job, so that the condition defined in the application filter F is satisfied for the print job. It is determined whether no printing conditions are set, and whether or not a change is necessary is confirmed from the determination result (step S706). As a result, if the print condition changing unit 18 determines that the print condition does not satisfy the condition defined in the application filter F set by the administrator, the print condition changing unit 18 determines that the print condition of the print job needs to be changed, and is applicable. The value of the printing condition is rewritten and changed to a value that satisfies the defined condition (step S707). The changed print job is delivered to the job management unit 13 that instructed the confirmation process. If the printing condition changing unit 18 determines that the printing condition satisfies the conditions defined in the application filter F set by the administrator, the received print job is transferred to the job management unit 13.

  The print job acquired in this way is transferred from the job management unit 13 to the request / response unit 15 that has instructed the acquisition process.

  Accordingly, in the print control apparatus 100, the request / response unit 15 returns a corresponding print job to the image processing apparatus 200 that is the data acquisition request source.

  The image processing apparatus 200 instructs the print control unit 23 to execute a print job through the request / response unit 22 (step S708). At this time, the request / response unit 22 passes the print job to the print control unit 23 and instructs execution processing.

  The print control unit 23 passes the print job to the emulator and executes print processing (step S709).

  Thus, in the image processing apparatus 200, even a print job that is freely selected and designated by the user is executed under printing conditions in accordance with the system operation policy determined by the administrator.

<Summary>
As described above, according to the print control apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, after the print job list is displayed, an application filter change request from the image processing apparatus 200 is received, and the filter selected by the user by the filter management unit 16 F is acquired. Subsequently, the print control apparatus 100 uses the job management unit 13 to identify a print job that satisfies the condition from the stored print jobs belonging to the user according to the acquired filter F condition definition. As a result, the print control apparatus 100 generates list information to be displayed based on the specified print job, and responds to the requesting image processing apparatus 200. As a result, the image processing apparatus 200 displays a list of print jobs that meet the conditions specified by the user before executing the print job.

  In addition, the print control apparatus 100 receives a print job execution request from the image processing apparatus 200, and acquires a print job selected and designated by the user by the job management unit 13. At this time, the printing control apparatus 100 defines the printing condition when the printing condition of the designated print job does not satisfy the condition defined in the application filter F set by the administrator by the printing condition changing unit 18. Change to a value that satisfies the specified conditions. As a result, the print control apparatus 100 responds the changed print job to the requesting image processing apparatus 200. As a result, the image processing apparatus 200 executes the print job in accordance with the system operation policy determined by the administrator.

  As a result, the print control apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment can provide the pull print environment that can flexibly meet the demands of both the management side and the use side of the system as well as the effects according to the first embodiment.

<Modification>
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example (part 1) of the print control system 1 according to the present modification.
As illustrated in FIG. 17, the print control system 1 may include an authentication management apparatus (authentication management server) 400 that performs user usage authentication. In the case of such a system configuration, for example, the functional configuration shown in FIG. 18 is obtained.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example (part 1) of the print control system 1 according to the present modification.
As illustrated in FIG. 18, the authentication unit 21 included in the image processing apparatus 200 requests user authentication from the authentication management apparatus 400 and receives a returned authentication result. At this time, the authentication unit 21 requests use authentication by transmitting user identification information to the authentication management apparatus 400.

  As described above, in the print control system 1, when the user logs in, the image processing apparatus 200 and the authentication management apparatus 400 cooperate to perform user authentication based on input information from the user.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example (No. 2) of the print control system 1 according to the present modification.
As illustrated in FIG. 19, the print control system 1 may include a device management apparatus (device management server) 500 that collects device information of the image processing apparatus 200 and performs device management based on the collected device information. Good. In the case of such a system configuration, for example, the functional configuration shown in FIG. 20 is obtained.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example (No. 2) of the print control system 1 according to the present modification.
As shown in FIG. 20, the print control apparatus 100 has a device information acquisition unit 24, requests the device management apparatus 500 to acquire device information, and receives the returned device information. At this time, the device information acquisition unit 24 requests the device management apparatus 500 to acquire device information by transmitting device identification information.

  As described above, in the print control system 1, when the device capability filter F2 is applied to a print job, the print control device 100 and the device management device 500 perform a filtering process according to the device capability by operating in cooperation. be able to.

  The above embodiment has been described so far. The “printing control function” according to the above embodiment is a programming language suitable for the operating environment (platform). The encoded program is realized by being executed by a control device (for example, “CPU”) of each device (such as a print control device and an image processing device) constituting the print control system 1.

  For example, in the case of the print control apparatus 100, the program can be stored in a computer-readable recording medium 103a. Thereby, for example, the program can be installed in the print control apparatus 100 via the drive apparatus 103. In addition, since the print control apparatus 100 includes the interface apparatus 107, the program can be downloaded and installed using an electric communication line.

  Finally, the present invention is not limited to the requirements shown here, such as combinations of other elements with the shapes and configurations described in the above embodiments. With respect to these points, the present invention can be changed within a range that does not detract from the gist of the present invention, and can be appropriately determined according to the application form.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Print control system 11 Job receiving part 12 Job analysis part 13 Job management part 14 Print job holding part 15 Request / response part 16 Filter management part 17 Filter holding part 18 Print condition change part 21 Authentication part 22 Request / response part 23 Print control Unit 24 Device information acquisition unit 25 Applied filter change unit 100 Print control apparatus (print control server)
101 Input Device 102 Display Device 103 Drive Device (a: Recording Medium)
104 RAM (volatile semiconductor memory)
105 ROM (nonvolatile semiconductor memory)
106 CPU (Processor)
107 Interface device (NIC: Network I / F Card)
108 HDD (nonvolatile storage device)
200 Image processing device 210 Controller (control board)
211 CPU (processing device)
212 storage devices (volatile and non-volatile semiconductor memory, mass storage devices, etc.)
213 Network I / F (NIC: Network I / F Card)
214 External storage I / F (a: recording medium)
220 Operation panel (display device)
230 Plotter 240 Scanner 300 User terminal (information processing apparatus)
400 Authentication management device (authentication management server)
500 Device management device (device management server)
B Bus N Data transmission path (network)

JP 2008-107921 A

Claims (11)

A print control apparatus that transmits an accumulated print job to one or a plurality of image processing apparatuses connected via a predetermined data transmission path and requests execution of printing.
Print job holding means for holding the print job in a predetermined storage area;
Print job management means for managing held print jobs;
Condition definition information holding means for holding, in a predetermined storage area, condition definition information in which a condition for specifying the print job is defined among a plurality of held print jobs;
A condition definition information management means for managing the stored condition definition information,
The condition definition information management means includes
When a print job list request from the image processing apparatus is received before execution of the print job, one or a plurality of condition definition information held by the condition definition information holding unit is acquired,
The print job management means includes
Based on the acquired condition definition information, a print job that satisfies the defined condition is identified from among the print jobs belonging to the user held by the print job holding means,
A print control apparatus that generates requested list information based on an identified print job and responds to the requesting image processing apparatus. A print job analyzing unit that analyzes the print job and obtains bibliographic information and / or print condition information;
The print job holding means
The acquired bibliographic information and / or printing condition information is stored in association with the analyzed print job,
The print job management means includes
Identifying a print job that satisfies a defined condition from among print jobs belonging to a user based on the condition definition information and bibliographic information and / or print condition information held by the print job holding unit. The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print control apparatus is a print control apparatus. The print job management means includes
When the condition definition information is information in which a condition for specifying the print job based on device information of the image processing apparatus is defined,
Acquire the device information from the image processing apparatus requesting the print job list,
Based on the condition definition information, the acquired device information, and the bibliographic information and / or the print condition information, a print job that satisfies a defined condition is specified from among print jobs belonging to a user. The printing control apparatus according to claim 2. The condition definition information management means includes
According to the setting instruction, the condition definition information held by the condition definition information holding means is set to enable or disable the condition definition,
When receiving a print job list request from the image processing apparatus, condition definition information set as an effective condition definition is acquired from the condition definition information held by the condition definition information holding unit. Item 4. The printing control apparatus according to any one of Items 1 to 3. The condition definition information management means includes
When a condition definition change request is received from the image processing apparatus, it is designated by the user via the image processing apparatus at the time of the condition definition change request among the condition definition information held by the condition definition information holding means. The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the condition definition information is acquired. Printing condition changing means for changing printing condition information of the print job;
The print job management means includes
When a print job execution request is received from the image processing apparatus, it is designated by the user via the image processing apparatus at the time of the print job execution request among the print jobs belonging to the user held by the print job holding unit. Get a print job,
The printing condition changing means includes
Based on the condition definition information that is set and held as a valid condition definition by the condition definition information holding unit, and the print condition information of the acquired print job, the print condition of the print job satisfies the defined condition. Whether or not
If it is determined that the print condition of the print job does not satisfy the defined condition, the value of the print condition is changed to a value that satisfies the defined condition,
The print job management means includes
6. The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print job in which the print condition is changed is returned to the requesting image processing apparatus. An image processing apparatus that receives the print job from a print control apparatus that holds one or a plurality of print jobs, and executes printing.
After the print job list is displayed, when a change request for a condition definition for specifying the print job is received from the print jobs held by the print control device, the condition definition specified by the user is displayed when the condition definition change request is received. An image processing apparatus comprising: requesting means for transmitting condition definition identification information for identification to the print control apparatus and requesting a change of the condition definition. A print control system in which one or a plurality of image processing apparatuses and a print control apparatus that transmits an accumulated print job to the image processing apparatus and requests execution of printing are connected via a predetermined data transmission path. There,
The printing control device is
Print job holding means for holding the print job in a predetermined storage area;
Print job management means for managing held print jobs;
Condition definition information holding means for holding, in a predetermined storage area, condition definition information in which a condition for specifying the print job is defined among a plurality of held print jobs;
A condition definition information management means for managing the stored condition definition information,
When the condition definition information management unit accepts a print job list request from the image processing apparatus before the execution of the print job, the condition control information managing unit receives one or more condition definitions held by the condition definition information holding unit. Get information,
Based on the condition definition information acquired by the print job management unit, the print job that satisfies the defined condition is identified from among the print jobs belonging to the user held by the print job holding unit, and the specified print A print control system that generates requested list information based on a job and responds to a requesting image processing apparatus. Print job holding means for holding a print job in a predetermined storage area, and conditions for holding condition definition information in which a condition for specifying the print job is defined in the predetermined storage area from among the plurality of held print jobs Print control in a print control apparatus that transmits a stored print job to one or a plurality of image processing apparatuses connected via a predetermined data transmission path and requests execution of printing. A method,
An acquisition procedure for acquiring one or a plurality of condition definition information held by the condition definition information holding means when a print job list request from the image processing apparatus is received before execution of the print job;
A specific procedure for identifying a print job that satisfies a defined condition from among print jobs belonging to a user held by the print job holding unit based on the condition definition information acquired by the acquisition procedure;
A generating procedure for generating the requested list information based on the print job specified by the specifying procedure;
A print control method comprising: a transmission procedure for transmitting the list information generated by the generation procedure to an image processing apparatus as a request source. Print job holding means for holding a print job in a predetermined storage area, and conditions for holding condition definition information in which a condition for specifying the print job is defined in the predetermined storage area from among the plurality of held print jobs Print control in a print control apparatus that transmits a stored print job to one or a plurality of image processing apparatuses connected via a predetermined data transmission path and requests execution of printing. A program,
Computer
Print job management means for managing held print jobs;
Function as a condition definition information management means for managing the stored condition definition information,
When the condition definition information management unit receives a print job list request from the image processing apparatus before executing a print job, the condition definition information management unit acquires one or more condition definition information held by the condition definition information holding unit,
Based on the condition definition information acquired by the print job management unit, the print job that satisfies the defined condition is identified from among the print jobs belonging to the user held by the print job holding unit, and the specified print A print control program that generates requested list information based on a job and executes it to respond to a requesting image processing apparatus.   A computer-readable recording medium storing the program according to claim 10.

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