JP7127520B2 - Print control device and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a print control device and program.

In recent years, with the increase in printer functions, the number of combinations of print setting items has increased. Along with this, there is a tendency to create and operate a plurality of hot folders in order to output documents with different print settings for different purposes.

One type of print setting (print setting information) is stored in the hot folder, and when a file is input (copied) to the hot folder, the print setting information is reflected and printed according to the print setting information. When printing by changing even one print function of the print setting information, it is necessary to create a hot folder with different conditions each time and input files to the hot folder, which is troublesome for the user.

Also, when printing a large number of files, if only one type of print setting is used, files can be put into one hot folder. Each file must be selected and submitted, and the number of submissions increases, making it even more complicated. Useless printing may occur.

Therefore, when multiple hot folders are moved into one folder, the hot folder function is added to the parent folder, and a file is input to the parent hot folder, a message indicating which child hot folder's print settings should be reflected is displayed. An information processing apparatus is known that displays settings, prompts a user to make a selection, and creates a print job based on the settings (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-200013).

In addition, the folders have a hierarchical structure, and the print settings are saved at the bottom layer. When a file is input to the parent folder, the key information is extracted and the folder that stores the print settings that meet the conditions and create a print job by reflecting the print settings stored in the folder in a file (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-200026).

In addition, the setting values of each print function are displayed in folders, and when you select the setting values of the print function one by one and put the file in the final folder, it is possible to print with the print settings that have been set up to that point. is known (see Patent Document 3).

JP 2017-107370 A Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2006-11526 JP 2003-256165 A

However, in the information processing apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-200010, a file must be input for each desired print setting, which takes a lot of time and effort on the user and places a heavy burden on the user. Further, in the print control system disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-200020, there is a possibility that the desired print settings (print functions) cannot be obtained simply by searching for the folder in which the print settings are stored using the key information. Further, in the printing apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-200010, the setting values of the printing functions must be selected one by one, which takes a lot of time and effort on the part of the user and places a heavy burden on the user.

An object of the present invention is to print a file easily and reliably with a desired print function.

In order to solve the above problems, the print control device of the invention described in claim 1 is:
A print control device for creating a print job of a file input to a hot folder associated with print setting information of a print function,
storage means for storing, in at least one second hot folder connected to a lower layer of a first hot folder, link information indicating the second hot folder linked with the first hot folder corresponding to a file;
an acquisition means for acquiring the file input to the first hot folder;
merging print setting information of the first hot folder and print setting information of a second hot folder linked to the first hot folder based on the stored link information and the acquired file; and print job creating means for creating a print job reflecting the merged print setting information.

The invention according to claim 2 is the print control device according to claim 1,
the linkage information indicates the second hot folder linked with the first hot folder in correspondence with the key information of the file;
The acquisition means acquires key information of a file inserted into the first hot folder,
The print job creating unit creates print setting information for the first hot folder and a second hot folder linked to the first hot folder based on the stored link information and the acquired key information. Merge with print setting information.

The invention according to claim 3 is the print control device according to claim 2,
The key information is at least one of file name, file attribute, page number and header/footer information of the file.

The invention according to claim 4 is the print control device according to claim 2 or 3,
A first update means is provided for detecting key information common to the plurality of files when a plurality of files are input to the second hot folder, and updating cooperation information based on the detected key information.

The invention according to claim 5 is the print control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The print job creation unit gives priority to the print setting information changed from the default value, and creates the print setting information of the first hot folder and the print setting information of the second hot folder linked to the first hot folder. merge.

The invention according to claim 6 is the print control device according to claim 5,
The print job creating unit selects an upper layer or a lower layer when the print setting information of the first hot folder and the second hot folder linked to the first hot folder have been changed from default values. The print setting information of the first hot folder and the print setting information of the second hot folder linked to the first hot folder are merged according to the merge condition of priority.

The invention according to claim 7 is the print control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
A display control unit hierarchically displays the first hot folder and the second hot folder on a display unit.

The invention according to claim 8 is the print control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The print job creating unit creates a print job reflecting the print setting information of the first hot folder when there is no print setting information of the second hot folder linked to the first hot folder.

The invention according to claim 9 is the print control device according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
A second updating means is provided for updating the linkage information based on the hot folder after the hot folder has been moved or copied, when the hot folder has been moved or copied.

The invention according to claim 10 is the print control device according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
When there are a predetermined number of types of link information corresponding to the acquired file, the print job creation unit creates the first print job based on each of the predetermined number of link information and the acquired file. The print setting information of the hot folder is merged with the print setting information of the predetermined number of second hot folders linked to the first hot folder, and the predetermined number of print jobs that reflect the merged print setting information. to create

The invention according to claim 11 is the print control device according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
The print job creating means, when there is a contradiction in the merged print condition information, responds to a selection input as to whether to give priority to the upper layer or the lower layer, and the print setting information of the first hot folder and the relevant print setting information. Merge the print setting information of the second hot folder linked to the first hot folder.

The invention according to claim 12 is the print control device according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
The print job creating means outputs the created print job to the printing means.

The program of the invention according to claim 13,
The computer of the print control device that creates the print job of the file input to the hot folder associated with the print setting information of the print function,
storage means for storing, in at least one second hot folder connected to a lower layer of a first hot folder, linkage information indicating the second hot folder linked with the first hot folder;
Acquisition means for acquiring the file inserted in the first hot folder;
merging print setting information of the first hot folder and print setting information of a second hot folder linked to the first hot folder based on the stored link information and the acquired file; print job creating means for creating a print job reflecting the merged print setting information;
function as

According to the present invention, a file can be easily and reliably printed with a desired print function.

1 is a diagram showing the system configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of PC. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first file input condition table; FIG. FIG. 10 illustrates a hierarchical structure of a first hot folder; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a merge condition setting screen; 4 is a flowchart showing print job creation processing; It is a figure which shows a priority selection screen. FIG. 10 illustrates a hierarchical structure of a second hot folder; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second file input condition table; FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing hot folder copy processing. FIG. 11 illustrates a hierarchical structure of a third hot folder; (a) is a diagram showing a third file input condition table. (b) is a diagram showing a fourth file input condition table. (c) is a diagram showing a fifth file input condition table. 9 is a flowchart showing common condition addition processing; FIG. 12 illustrates a hierarchical structure of a fourth hot folder; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a sixth file input condition table; FIG.

Embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

An embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 16. FIG. First, referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the device configuration of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the system configuration of a printing system 1 according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the PC (Personal Computer) 10. As shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 20. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, a printing system 1 according to the present embodiment is a system for printing (image forming) on paper, and is installed in an office of a company, for example. The printing system 1 includes a PC 10 as a print control device and a plurality of image forming devices 20 as printing means. The PC 10 and the image forming apparatus 20 are connected via a communication network N for communication.

The PC 10 is, for example, an information processing device used by a user of a company, and has a workflow application program (workflow application P1) installed therein. It has a function of creating a print job reflecting various print settings (print setting information) associated with the hot folder, transmitting the print job to the designated image forming apparatus 20, and outputting the printed matter.

A hot folder has a hierarchical structure in which not only normal files but also hot folders can be nested in the hot folder, similar to a normal folder realized by an OS (Operating System) or the like. Each hot folder according to the present embodiment is set with one type of print setting information, and print settings of the print setting information can be added to input (copied) files.

A hot folder is a folder managed by the workflow application P1 (FIG. 2). When a file is input to the hot folder, the workflow application P1 takes in the file and creates a print job reflecting print setting information associated with the hot folder. The print setting information associated with the hot folder includes, as function information, print functions possessed by the image forming apparatus 20 and their setting values. This print function is all print functions that can be set in the image forming apparatus 20 . Further, information on the submitter, information on the image forming apparatus 20 to be printed, and the like may also be associated with the hot folder.

In the print setting information associated with the hot folder, default settings (default values) are stored as the setting values of the print functions of the image forming apparatus 20 in the initial state. is stored as off by default, so if a file is input (copied) to the hot folder without changing the setting, a print job with stapling turned off is created. Other print functions also become a print job in which the default values stored in the initial state are reflected. When the print setting information associated with a hot folder is changed from stapling off to on, when a file is input (copied) to the hot folder, a print job with stapling on is created. For other print functions, the print job reflects the default values stored in the initial state.

In the present embodiment, when there is a hot folder in the lower layer of the hot folder into which the file is input, the print setting information of the hot folder from which the file is input and the print setting information of the hot folder in the lower layer are merged. and printed based on the merged print setting information. Hereinafter, the hot folder at the highest level will be referred to as the parent hot folder, and the hot folders below the parent hot folder will be referred to as child hot folders.

The image forming apparatus 20 is an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) having image forming and image reading functions. However, the image forming apparatus 20 is not limited to the MFP, and may be an image forming apparatus such as a printer that forms (prints) an image on paper according to a print job sent from at least the PC 10 .

The communication network N is assumed to be a LAN (Local Area Network), but is not limited to this, and may include the Internet, WAN (Wide Area Network), and the like.

Next, the internal functional configuration of the PC 10 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the PC 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 serving as acquisition means, print job creation means, first update means, second update means, and display control means, an operation unit 12, and a RAM (Random access memory) 13, a display unit 14 as display means, a storage unit 15, and a communication unit 16. Each part of the PC 10 is connected via a bus.

The CPU 11 reads a designated program from among the system program and application program stored in the storage unit 15, develops it in the work area of the RAM 13, and controls each unit of the PC 10 according to the developed program.

The operation unit 12 includes a keyboard having cursor keys, character and number input keys and various function keys, and a pointing device such as a mouse. Output to the CPU 11 .

RAM 13 is a volatile memory. The RAM 13 also has a work area for storing various programs to be executed and data related to these various programs.

The display unit 14 is configured by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an EL (ElectroLuminescence) display, or the like, and performs screen display according to a display control signal from the CPU 11 .

The storage unit 15 is configured by an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like. The storage unit 15 stores system programs and application programs executed by the CPU 11, various data, and the like. These programs are stored in the storage unit 15 in the form of computer-readable program code.

The storage unit 15 stores the workflow application P1, the file input condition table 50, the hot folder management information 60, the hot folder 70, and the like. The workflow application P1 includes a print job creation program P11, a hot folder copy program P12, and a common condition addition program P13, which will be described later.

In this embodiment, the workflow application P1 merges the print setting information of each of the multiple hot folders according to the conditions determined by the link information of the multiple hierarchized hot folders, and outputs the merged print setting information. A reflected print job is created, and the print job is transmitted to the designated image forming apparatus 20 to output printed matter. The linkage information of the plurality of hot folders is stored as a file input condition table 50 indicating which hot folder is linked according to the key information of the file. The file entry condition table 50 will be described later in detail.

The hot folder management information 60 includes a hierarchical structure of each hot folder and print setting information set for each hot folder. The print setting information for each hot folder in the hot folder management information 60 can be changed according to the user's operation via the operation unit 12, and the hot folder management information 60 can be changed even when the print setting information is changed. , contains the default (setting) value of the print setting information.

The print setting information for each hot folder consists of setting information for at least one print function (hereinafter referred to as function information). The printing functions include, for example, surface printing, repeat printing, and stapling. The setting information for side printing is single-sided printing (default value) or double-sided printing. Setting information for repeat printing includes off (default value), 2 repeats, 4 repeats, and the like. The stapling setting information includes off (default value), on, and the like. If all function information is the default value, it is assumed that there is no contradiction.

The hot folder 70 includes hierarchically structured hot folders and information such as files stored therein.

The communication unit 16 is configured by a network card or the like. The CPU 11 communicates with the image forming apparatus 20 and the like on the communication network N via the communication unit 16 to transmit and receive data.

Next, the internal functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 20 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 20 includes an image forming apparatus main body 20A and a post-processing device 20B. The image forming apparatus main body 20A includes a main body control portion 21, an operation portion 22, a display portion 23, a document reading portion 24, an image processing portion 25, an image forming portion 26, a paper feed portion 27, and a main body communication portion. 28 , a storage unit 29 , an external communication unit 30 , and a transport unit 31 . Each part of the image forming apparatus main body 20A is connected for communication via a bus.

The body control unit 21 has a CPU, RAM, and ROM (Read Only Memory). The CPU reads various processing programs stored in the ROM, and controls each section of the image forming apparatus main body 20A according to the programs. Further, when post-processing is to be performed on output paper, the CPU instructs the post-processing device 20B to perform predetermined post-processing. The ROM is composed of a nonvolatile semiconductor memory or the like, and stores various programs, data necessary for executing the programs, and the like. The RAM is composed of a DRAM (Dynamic RAM) or the like, and temporarily stores various data such as programs and image data related to various image processing.

The operation unit 22 includes a touch panel formed to cover the display screen of the display unit 23 and various operation buttons such as numeric buttons and a start button, and outputs operation signals based on user operations to the main body control unit 21. .

The display unit 23 is configured by an LCD or the like, and displays various display information according to display signals input from the main body control unit 21 .

The document reading unit 24 includes an ADF (Auto Document Feeder), a scanner, and the like, and outputs image data obtained by reading an image of a document to the main body control unit 21 .

The image processing unit 25 controls image data stored in the storage unit 29 , image data obtained by reading an image from a document by the document reading unit 24 , and image data input from the PC 10 under the control of the main body control unit 21 . image processing is performed, and the image data after the image processing is transmitted to the image forming unit 26 . Image processing includes gradation processing, halftone processing, color conversion processing, and the like. Gradation processing converts the gradation value of each pixel of the image data into a gradation value corrected so that the density characteristics of the image formed on the paper match the target density characteristics. Halftone processing includes error diffusion processing, screen processing using systematic dithering, and the like. The color conversion process is a process of converting each RGB tone value into each CMYK tone value.

The image forming unit 26 forms a monochrome or color image on the paper supplied from the paper feeding unit 27 based on the image data processed by the image processing unit 25 under the control of the main body control unit 21 . . The image forming section 26 includes image forming units corresponding to yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), an intermediate transfer belt, a secondary transfer roller, a fixing section, and the like. The image forming unit for each color has a photosensitive drum, and a charging section, an exposure section, a developing section, and a cleaning section provided around the photosensitive drum. After the surface of the yellow photosensitive drum is uniformly charged by the charging section, the exposure section scans and exposes the photosensitive drum based on yellow image data to form an electrostatic latent image. Then, the developing unit attaches yellow toner to the electrostatic latent image on the yellow photoreceptor drum to perform development. After the yellow toner image on the photosensitive drum is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt, the remaining yellow toner is collected by the cleaning section. The magenta, cyan, and black image forming units are similar to the yellow image forming unit.

Each color toner image formed on each color photosensitive drum is successively transferred (primary transfer) onto a rotating intermediate transfer belt, and a color toner image is formed by superimposing four color toner images on the intermediate transfer belt. is formed. The color toner images on the intermediate transfer belt are collectively transferred (secondary transfer) onto the paper by the secondary transfer roller. The fixing section includes a heating roller that heats the sheet onto which the color toner image has been transferred and a pressure roller that presses the sheet, and fixes the color toner image to the sheet by heating and pressing.

The paper feed unit 27 includes a plurality of paper feed trays, paper feed rollers, and the like, and takes out paper from the paper feed trays and supplies them under the control of the main body control unit 21 . Each paper feed tray accommodates paper of a paper type and size predetermined for each paper feed tray.

The body communication unit 28 communicates with the post-processing device 20B (post-processing communication unit 42). The storage unit 29 is a non-volatile storage device such as an HDD or a semiconductor memory that stores various data such as image data. The external communication unit 30 is a controller IF (Interface) configured by a network card or the like and communicating with an external device such as the PC 10 on the communication network N.

The conveying unit 31 includes a conveying roller for conveying paper, etc., and conveys the paper supplied from the paper feeding unit 27 to the image forming unit 26 under the control of the main body control unit 21, and an image is formed by the image forming unit 26. The paper is conveyed to post-processing device 20B. Further, the conveying section 31 has a reversing path section for reversing the sheet on which an image has been formed on one side by the image forming section 26 and conveying it to the image forming section 26 again for double-sided printing.

The post-processing device 20B is a device that performs post-processing as necessary on the sheet conveyed from the image forming apparatus main body 20A. Examples of post-processing include sorting, stapling, punching, folding, and bookbinding. Post-processing device 20</b>B has post-processing control section 41 , post-processing communication section 42 , conveying section 43 , and post-processing section 44 . Each part of post-processing device 20B is connected via a bus.

The post-processing control portion 41 controls each portion of the post-processing device 20B in the same manner as the main body control portion 21 . The post-processing communication section 42 communicates with the image forming apparatus main body 20A (main body communication section 28). Under the control of the post-processing control unit 41, the transport unit 43 transports the paper transported from the image forming apparatus main body 20A to the post-processing unit 44 or the paper discharge tray, and transports the paper that has been post-processed by the post-processing unit 44. Transport to the output tray. The post-processing unit 44 includes a sorting processing unit, a stapling processing unit, a punching processing unit, a folding processing unit, a bookbinding processing unit, and the like. Post-processing such as stapling, punching, folding, and binding is performed.

Next, the file input condition table 50 stored in the storage unit 15 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the file input condition table 50A. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a hierarchical structure H1 of hot folders.

As an example of the file loading condition table 50 shown in FIG. 4, a file loading condition table 50A corresponding to the hot folder hierarchical structure H1 shown in FIG. 5 will be described. The hierarchical structure H1 of hot folders has a parent hot folder 100 and lower child hot folders 110, 120, and 130 connected to the parent hot folder 100. FIG.

In FIG. 5, it is assumed that the main function information (especially after changing the default value) of the print setting information is described below or beside each hot folder, and the function information that is not described is the default value. This matter also applies to FIGS. 9, 12, and 15. FIG. The print setting information of the parent hot folder 100 includes double-sided printing. The print setting information of the child hot folder 110 includes monochrome. The print setting information for the child hot folder 120 includes color and imposition: 2 repeat. The print setting information of the child hot folder 130 includes stapling (stapling ON) and single-sided printing.

When the user A of the PC 10 inputs the file F1 of the predetermined document into the parent hot folder 100, it is merged into the parent hot folder 100 of the input destination based on the key information of the file F1 and the file loading condition table 50A. A lower hot folder is determined.

As described above, the file input condition table 50A is a table that associates key information included in a file input to a hot folder with a lower-level hot folder to be merged into the input destination hot folder. The file input condition table 50A has an input destination hot folder 51, key information 52, and child hot folder condition information 53. FIG.

The destination hot folder 51 is the name of the destination hot folder. The key information 52 is a character string that becomes a keyword that can be included in the input file. The key information 52 is, for example, a character string in the file name of the input file, but is not limited to this. At least one character string such as file attribute, page number, header footer information, etc. good.

The child hot folder condition information 53 corresponds to the key information 52 and is flag information indicating whether or not each child hot folder below the input destination hot folder 51 is to be merged. The child hot folder condition information 53 is indicated by a black circle when it is on, and is indicated by a blank when it is off.

Next, operations of the printing system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 16. FIG. First, print job creation processing executed by the PC 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 10. FIG. FIG. 6 shows the merge condition setting screen D1. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing print job creation processing. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the priority selection screen D2. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a hierarchical structure H2 of hot folders. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the file input condition table 50B.

Assume that a workflow application P1 is running on the PC 10 . When merging the print setting information of the hot folder in advance before executing the print job creation process in the workflow application P1, the function information of the print setting information of the hot folder in the upper hierarchy and the print setting information of the hot folder in the lower hierarchy In the function information of , merge conditions are set as to which one has priority.

Merging of print setting information is performed by the following basic operations.
1. Check each function information of print setting information of parent hot folder and child hot folder.
2. If both are default values, the feature information is reflected.
3. If only one has been changed from the default value, that function information is reflected.
4. Follow the merge conditions if both have been changed from their default values.

Here, "changed from the default value" includes the case where the setting of the function information is changed even once. Specifically, if single-sided printing is the default value and the setting is never changed, the default value remains unchanged. Since the setting is changed intentionally, in this case, it is treated as being changed from the default value.

Specifically, in the PC 10, the CPU 11 of the PC 10 displays a merge condition setting screen D1 shown in FIG. The received and input merge conditions are stored in the storage unit 15 . In the merge condition setting screen D1, the merge conditions are selected from among the following: "prioritize print settings of lower layers", "prioritize print settings of upper layers", and "select priority layers". It has a dropdown list that accepts. If "select a priority hierarchy" is selected, the user selects and inputs an upper hierarchy or a lower hierarchy when a file is put into the hot folder, as will be described later.

Then, in the PC 10 , for example, the CPU 11 reads out the print job from the storage unit 15 and develops it in the RAM 13 , triggered by the user inputting an instruction to insert a file into the hot folder via the operation unit 12 . A print job creation process is executed in cooperation with the creation program P11.

As shown in FIG. 7, first, the CPU 11 refers to the file input condition table 50 corresponding to the hot folder of the input destination stored in the storage unit 15, and detects the key information from the file name of the input file. , as a matching condition, it is determined whether or not the child hot folder condition information 53 corresponding to the key information 52 of the input file is ON (step S11). For example, when a file is submitted to the parent hot folder 100, the file submission condition table 50A corresponding to the submission destination hot folder 51 is referred to, and the child hot folder corresponding to the key information 52 of the submitted file is referenced. It is determined whether or not there is a child hot folder whose condition information 53 is turned on.

If there is no matching condition (step S11; NO), the CPU 11 creates a print job based on the print setting information of the input hot folder and the input file (step S12), and ends the print job creation process. do.

If there is a matching condition (step S11; YES), the CPU 11 selects a hot folder to be merged with the input destination hot folder as a child hot folder whose condition information 53 corresponding to the key information 52 of the input file is turned on. The hot folder is determined (step S13). Then, the CPU 11 refers to the hot folder management information 60 stored in the storage unit 15, and sets the print setting information of the input destination hot folder and the default function information of the print setting information of the hot folder determined in step S13. Whether or not there is a change from the value is confirmed (step S14).

Then, the CPU 11 creates a set of unselected function information having a common print function between the print setting information of the input hot folder confirmed in step S14 and the print setting information of the child hot folder determined in step S13. Select (step S15).

Then, based on the confirmation result in step S14, the CPU 11 determines whether both the function information being selected for the hot folder to be loaded and the print setting information for the child hot folder determined in step S13 are default values. It is determined whether or not (step S16).

If both hot folders are not default values (step S16; NO), the CPU 11, based on the confirmation result of step S14, sets the selected function information of the destination hot folder and the child hot folder determined in step S13. It is determined whether or not one of the selected function information and the default value has been changed (step S17).

If the selected function information of both hot folders is change setting (step S17; NO), the CPU 11 checks the merge conditions stored in the storage unit 15 (step S18). Then, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the merge condition in step S18 is "select a layer with priority" (step S19). If the merge condition is not "Select a layer with priority" (step S19; NO), the CPU 11 determines whether the merge condition is "Priority is given to the print settings of the upper layer" (Step S20). .

If the merge condition is "Priority is given to the print settings of the upper layer" (step S20; YES), the CPU 11 gives priority to the function information being selected in the upper layer (the hot folder to be submitted) of both hot folders. (step S21). If the merge condition is "Priority is given to the print settings of the lower hierarchy" (step S20; NO), the CPU 11 gives priority to the function information of the hot folder of the lower hierarchy (the child hot folder determined in step S13). Determine (step S22).

Then, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the determination of the selected function information causes any prohibition with the already determined function information (step S23). If the merging condition is "select a layer with priority" (step S19; YES), or if there is a contradiction (step S23; YES), the CPU 11 displays the priority selection screen information on the display unit 14. , receives a selection input from the user via the operation unit 12 as to which of the upper hierarchy and the lower hierarchy should be prioritized (step S24). At step S24, for example, a priority selection screen D2 shown in FIG. 8 is displayed. The priority selection screen D2 has radio buttons for selecting either one of "prioritize lower layer print settings" and "prioritize upper layer print settings".

Then, the CPU 11 determines whether or not "prioritize the print setting of the upper layer" is selected and input in step S24 (step S25). If "Priority is given to upper layer print settings" is selected and input (step S25; YES), the process proceeds to step S21. If "prioritize lower layer print settings" is selected and input (step S25; NO), the process proceeds to step S22.

If no prohibition relationship occurs (step S23; NO), the CPU 11 determines whether or not all the function information has been selected in step S15 (step S26). If all function information has not been selected (step S26; NO), the process proceeds to step S15. If all function information has been selected (step S26; YES), the CPU 11 selects all the determined function information for both hot folder print setting information based on all the determined function information and the input file. is created (step S27), and the print job creating process ends.

If the function information being selected for both hot folders is the default value (step S16; YES), the CPU 11 determines the function information having the same default value for both hot folders being selected (step S28). Move to S26. If the selected function information of one hot folder has been changed (step S17; YES), the CPU 11 determines the changed function information of the one hot folder (step S29), and step S23. transition to

After the print job creation process ends, the CPU 11 temporarily reserves the print job created in the print job creation process in the RAM 13 or the like by the workflow application P1, and receives the created print job from the user via the operation unit 12. A selection input of the image forming apparatus 20 to be printed is received, and the created print job is transmitted to the selected image forming apparatus 20 via the communication unit 16 to be printed.

In addition, the CPU 11 displays the hierarchical structure H1 of the hot folder in FIG.

A specific example of the print job creation process will now be described. As a first example, in the hierarchical structure H1 of the hot folder in FIG. A case of loading into the hot folder 100 will be described. In this case, the child hot folder 110 is turned on by the child hot folder condition information 53 in correspondence with the key information 52 of the file loading condition table 50A, "inserting sheet". The double-sided printing of the changed print setting information of the parent hot folder 100 and the monochrome print setting information of the default function information of the child hot folder 110 are merged, and the print setting information is changed to double-sided printing and monochrome ( A print job is created with default values for other function information).

As a second embodiment, in the hierarchical structure H1 of the hot folder, the file input condition table 50A is set, and the user A who is the submitter uploads the file F1 with the file name "xxxxxxxx main body.pdf" to the parent hot folder 100. Explain the case to be introduced. In this case, the child hot folder 120 is turned on by the child hot folder condition information 53 corresponding to the "body" of the key information 52 of the file input condition table 50A. The double-sided printing of the changed function information of the parent hot folder 100 and the 2-repeat function information of the default value of the print setting information of the child hot folder 120 and the changed function information are merged. , and the print setting information is double-sided printing, color, and 2-repeat (other function information is default).

As a third embodiment, the file input condition table 50A is set in the hierarchical structure H1 of the hot folder, and the user A who is the manuscript submitter uploads the file F1 with the file name "xxxxxxxx staple.pdf" to the parent hot folder 100. Explain the case to be introduced. In this case, the child hot folder 130 is turned on by the child hot folder condition information 53 corresponding to "staple" of the key information 52 of the file loading condition table 50A. Between double-sided printing of the function information set by changing the print setting information of the parent hot folder 100 and single-sided printing of the function information of the default value of the print setting information of the child hot folder 130, the changed double-sided printing is given priority. A print job whose print setting information is double-sided printing and stapling (other function information is default values) is created.

As a fourth embodiment, in the hierarchical structure H1 of the hot folder, the file input condition table 50A is set, and the user A, who is the submitter, puts the file F1 with the file name "xxxxxxxx body.pdf" into the parent hot folder 100. Explain the case to be introduced. However, it is assumed that the print setting information of the parent hot folder 100 includes double-sided printing and 4-repeat. In this case, the child hot folder 120 is turned on by the child hot folder condition information 53 corresponding to the "body" of the key information 52 of the file input condition table 50A. Since the default values have been changed for both the 4-repeat of the function information whose print setting information has been changed in the parent hot folder 100 and the 2-repeat of the function information whose print setting information has been changed in the child hot folder 120, , the merged print setting information changes according to the merge conditions.

When the merge condition is "Priority is given to lower layer print settings", priority is given to 2-repeat of the child hot folder 130, and the print setting information is double-sided printing, color, and 2-repeat (other function information is default value). A print job is created. When the merge condition is "Priority is given to the print settings of the upper layer", the 4-repeat of the parent hot folder 100 is given priority, and the print setting information is double-sided printing, color, and 4-repeat (the other function information is the default value). A print job is created.

As a fifth embodiment, a file input condition table 50A is set in the hierarchical structure H1 of the hot folder, and user A, who is a manuscript submitter, has file F1 with a file name without key information of "xxxxxxxx.pdf" as a parent file. A case of loading into the hot folder 100 will be described. In this case, there is no file name key information corresponding to the key information 52 of the file input condition table 50A. function information is the default value) is created.

As a sixth embodiment, a case will be described in which the file input condition table 50A is set in the hierarchical structure H1 of the hot folders, and the user A, who is the submitter, inputs the file F1 into the child hot folder 120. FIG. In this case, since there is no file input condition table 50 corresponding to the child hot folder 120, in step S12, the print setting information of the child hot folder 120 is reflected, and the print setting information is set to color and 2-repeat (other function information is default value) is created.

As a seventh embodiment, a case will be described in which one file is input and print jobs for test printing and final printing are created. However, in this embodiment, in the print job creation process, if one file input in step S11 has a plurality of pieces of key information, steps S13 to S29 are repeated for each piece of key information. of print jobs shall be created.

In the hot folder hierarchical structure H2 in FIG. 9, a file input condition table 50B corresponding to the parent hot folder 200 shown in FIG. 10 is set as an example of the file input condition table 50. A certain user A puts a file F1 with a file name of “xxxxxxxx body_final version.pdf” into the parent hot folder 200 . In other words, the file F1 has two pieces of key information: "main body" and "final version". The hot folder hierarchical structure H2 includes a parent hot folder 200 and child hot folders 210 , 220 , and 230 connected to the lower layers of the parent hot folder 200 . The print setting information of the parent hot folder 200 includes double-sided printing. The print setting information of the child hot folder 210 includes monochrome. The print setting information for child hot folder 220 includes color and 2-repeat. The print setting information of the child hot folder 230 includes color, 2-repeat, and paper type: fine paper.

First, the child hot folder 220 is turned on by the child hot folder condition information 53 corresponding to the "body" of the key information 52 of the file input condition table 50B. Based on the double-sided printing of the changed function information of the parent hot folder 200 and the color and 2-repeat of the changed function information of the child hot folder 220, the print setting information is set to double-sided printing, A print job is created for color and 2-repeat (other function information is default) test print.

The child hot folder 230 is turned on by the child hot folder condition information 53 corresponding to the "final version" of the key information 52 of the file input condition table 50B. The print setting information is changed based on the two-sided printing of the changed function information of the parent hot folder 200 and the color, 2-repeat, and high-quality paper of the changed function information of the child hot folder 230. A print job is created for final printing of duplex, color, 2-repeat and fine paper (other feature information defaults).

The print job for trial printing and the print job for final printing are temporarily put on hold. First, in response to a user's operation input for trial printing via the operation unit 12, the CPU 11 transmits a print job for trial printing to the designated image forming apparatus 20, performs trial printing, and outputs a printed matter. The user visually confirms the test printed matter. Next, in response to the user's operation input for final printing via the operation unit 12, the CPU 11 transmits the print job for final printing to the designated image forming apparatus 20 to print the final version and output the printed material.

Next, hot folder copy processing executed by the PC 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13. FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing hot folder copy processing. FIG. 12 shows a hierarchical structure H3 of hot folders. FIG. 13(a) is a diagram showing the file input condition table 50C. FIG. 13B is a diagram showing the file input condition table 50D. FIG. 13(c) is a diagram showing the file input condition table 50E.

Assume that a workflow application P1 is running on the PC 10 . Then, in the PC 10, for example, via the operation unit 12, the user inputs a hot folder copy instruction to insert the copy source hot folder (copy source hot folder) into the copy destination hot folder (copy destination hot folder). Using this as a trigger, the CPU 11 cooperates with the hot folder copy program P12 read out from the storage unit 15 and developed in the RAM 13 to execute the hot folder copy process.

As shown in FIG. 11 , first, the CPU 11 connects and copies the copy source hot folder to the layer below the copy destination hot folder in the hot folder hierarchical structure, and reflects the content of the copy in the hot folder management information 60 . (Step S31). Then, the CPU 11 extracts the child hot folder condition information 53 of the copy source hot folder from the file entry condition table 50 corresponding to the copy source hot folder stored in the storage unit 15 (step S32).

Then, the CPU 11 adds the condition information of the copy source hot folder extracted in step S31 to the file input condition table 50 corresponding to the copy destination hot folder stored in the storage unit 15 (step S33). Processing ends.

Here, as a specific eighth embodiment of the hot folder copy process, a case of copying the child hot folder 330 to the parent hot folder 400 in the hot folder hierarchical structure H3 in FIG. 12 will be described. The hot folder hierarchical structure H3 before copying is a parent hot folder 300 at the highest level, child hot folders 310, 320, and 330 connected to the lower layer of the parent hot folder 300, and connected to the lower layer of the child hot folder 320. It has a child hot folder (grandchild hot folder) 321 , a top-level parent hot folder 400 , and child hot folders 410 and 420 connected to the lower layers of the parent hot folder 400 .

The print setting information of the parent hot folder 300 includes double-sided printing. The print setting information of the child hot folder 310 includes monochrome. The print setting information for child hot folder 320 includes color and 2-repeat. The print setting information of the child hot folder 330 includes stapling. The print setting information of the child hot folder 321 includes fine paper. The print setting information of the parent hot folder 400 includes double-sided printing. The print setting information for child hot folder 410 includes color. The print setting information of the child hot folder 420 includes punching (punching processing).

Also, as an example of the file loading condition table 50, a file loading condition table 50C corresponding to the parent hot folder 300 shown in FIG. 13A and a file loading condition table corresponding to the child hot folder 320 shown in FIG. 13B 50D and a file input condition table 50E (excluding the italicized portion) corresponding to the parent hot folder 400 shown in FIG. 13C.

Here, in the hierarchical structure H3 of the hot folder before copying, the user B, who is the submitter, puts the file F1 with the file name "xxxxxxxx staple.pdf" into the parent hot folder 400, and the print job creation process is executed. Consider the case where In this case, there is no child hot folder condition information 53 corresponding to "staple" in the key information 52 of the file input condition table 50E. A print job for double-sided printing (other function information is default) is created.

Then, it is assumed that user A has input an operation to copy the child hot folder 330 to the parent hot folder 400 via the operation unit 12, and hot folder copy processing has been executed. Then, in step S31, the child hot folder 430 similar to the copy source child hot folder 330 is connected to the layer below the parent hot folder 400 and copied in the hot folder hierarchical structure H3 after copying. Then, in step S32, the file input condition table 50C corresponding to the copy source child hot folder 330 is referred to, and the key information 52 corresponding to the child hot folder 330 is the record of the child hot folder condition information 53 (the italic portion). is extracted. Then, in step S33, the file input condition table 50E corresponding to the copy destination parent hot folder 400 is added to the column and record ( Italic part) is added.

Then, in the hierarchical structure H3 of the hot folder after copying, the user B, who is the manuscript submitter, puts the file F1 with the file name "xxxxxxxx staple.pdf" into the parent hot folder 400 again, and the print job creation process is executed. be. Here, the child hot folder 430 is turned on by the child hot folder condition information 53 corresponding to "staple" of the key information 52 of the file loading condition table 50E. Based on the double-sided printing of the changed function information of the parent hot folder 400 and the stapling of the changed function information of the child hot folder 430, the print setting information is set to double-sided printing and stapling. (Other function information is the default value) print job is created.

Also, in the hot folder copy process, the file input condition table 50 is updated according to the hot folder copy, but the present invention is not limited to this. As for the movement of the hot folder, the file input condition table 50 may be updated according to the movement. For example, of the file loading condition table 50 (file loading condition table 50b) corresponding to the destination hot folder, the file loading condition table 50 (file loading condition table 50a) corresponding to the source hot folder The column (and key information 52) of the hot folder to be moved in the child hot folder condition information 53 is added to the file loading condition table 50b, and the column (and key information 52) is deleted from the file loading condition table 50a.

Also, as a ninth embodiment, a case will be described in which print jobs for test printing and final printing are created by changing the file name of the input file. However, in this embodiment, in the print job creation process, if one file input in step S11 has a plurality of key information, steps S13 to S26, steps S28 and S29 are repeated for each piece of key information. , one print job is created.

File input condition tables 50C, 50D, and 50E are set in the hierarchical structure H3 of the hot folder in FIG. As a stage of trial printing, user A, who is the manuscript submitter, puts the file F1 with the file name of "xxxxxxxx body.pdf" into the parent hot folder 300. FIG.

At this trial printing stage, the child hot folder 320 is turned on by the child hot folder condition information 53 corresponding to the "body" of the key information 52 of the file input condition table 50C. Based on the double-sided printing of the function information changed in the print setting information of the parent hot folder 300 and the color and 2-repeat function information changed in the print setting information of the child hot folder 320, the print setting information is changed to double-sided. A print job is created for print, color and 2 repeats (other feature information defaults). In response to the user's operation input for trial printing via the operation unit 12, the CPU 11 transmits a print job for trial printing to the designated image forming apparatus 20 to perform trial printing and output printed matter. The user visually confirms the test printed matter.

Then, in the step of printing the final version following the trial printing, user A, who is the submitter, renames the file F1 "xxxxxxxx body.pdf" to "xxxxxxxx body_final version.pdf" in the hierarchical structure H3 of the hot folder. pdf” and put it in the parent hot folder 300 . At the stage of printing the final version, double-sided printing of the function information that has been changed and set in the print setting information of the parent hot folder 200 and the child hot folder 220 corresponding to the "main body" of the key information 52 of the file input condition table 50C. The color and 2-repeat of the function information set by changing the print setting information are merged. Further, the child hot folder 321 is turned on in the child hot folder condition information 53 corresponding to the "final version" of the key information 52 of the file input condition table 50D. Based on the merged print setting information of duplex, color, and 2-repeat, and the function information of the child hot folder 321 that has been changed and set to high-quality paper, the print setting information is set to duplex, color, and 2-repeat. and high-quality paper (other function information is default value) print job is created. In response to the user's final-version printing operation input via the operation unit 12, the CPU 11 transmits a final-version print job to the image forming apparatus 20 to print the final version and output a printed matter.

Next, the common condition adding process executed by the PC 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 16. FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing common condition addition processing. FIG. 15 shows a hierarchical structure H4 of hot folders. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the file input condition table 50F.

Assume that a workflow application P1 is running on the PC 10 . Then, in the PC 10 , for example, the CPU 11 reads out from the storage unit 15 and expands to the RAM 13 , triggered by the user inputting an instruction to insert a plurality of files into one hot folder via the operation unit 12 . Common condition addition processing is executed in cooperation with the common condition addition program P13.

As shown in FIG. 14, first, the CPU 11 refers to the file names of a plurality of files that have been input at once, and determines whether or not there is common key information (character strings) (detected) ( step S41). If there is no common key information (step S41; NO), the common condition adding process ends. If there is common key information (step S41; YES), the CPU 11 stores the file input condition table 50 corresponding to the input destination hot folder to which the plurality of files are input, the file input destination corresponding to the common key information 52 in step S41. The condition addition input screen information for adding (on) the child hot folder condition information 53 of the hot folder is displayed on the display unit 14 (step S42).

Then, the CPU 11, via the operation unit 12, adds the child hot folder condition information 53 of the file submission destination hot folder corresponding to the common key information 52 in step S41 to the file submission condition table 50 corresponding to the submission destination hot folder from the user. It is determined whether or not an additional input of (on) has been made (step S43). If no additional input has been made (step S43; NO), the common condition addition process ends.

If an additional input has been made (step S43; YES), the CPU 11 adds the destination hot folder corresponding to the common key information 52 in step S41 to the file submission condition table 50 corresponding to the destination hot folder to which a plurality of files have been submitted. Child hot folder condition information 53 (on) of the folder is added (step S44), and the common condition addition process ends.

Here, as a specific tenth embodiment of the common condition addition process, in the hierarchical structure H4 of hot folders in FIG. A case in which the loading condition table 50F (excluding the italicized portion) is set and the files F2 and F3 are loaded into the child hot folder 520 will be described. The hot folder hierarchical structure H4 includes a parent hot folder 500 and child hot folders 510, 520, and 530 connected to the lower layers of the parent hot folder 500. FIG.

The print setting information of the parent hot folder 500 includes double-sided printing. The print setting information of child hot folder 510 includes monochrome. The print setting information for child hot folder 520 includes color and 2-repeat. The print setting information for the child hot folder 530 includes stapling and simplex printing.

When the file name of file F2 is "xxxxx1 advertisement.pdf" and the file name of file F3 is "xxxxx2 advertisement.pdf", the common key information "advertisement" is extracted in step S41 of the common condition adding process. be. If an instruction to add the condition information of the common key information "advertisement" is input in step S43, the common key extracted in step S41 is added to the file input condition table 50F corresponding to the parent hot folder 500 in step S44. A record (italicized portion) of the child hot folder condition information 53 for turning on the child hot folder 520 of the insertion destination corresponding to the information "advertisement" is added.

Then, when user A, who is the submitter, puts the file F1 including "advertisement" in the file name into the parent hot folder 500, the file entry condition table 50F (including the italic part) is used to execute print job creation processing. , the double-sided printing of the changed function information of the parent hot folder 500 and the color and 2-repeat print setting information of the changed function information of the child hot folder 520 are merged, and the print setting information is A duplex, color and 2-repeat print job is created (other feature information defaults).

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the PC 10 creates a second hot folder that cooperates with a first hot folder corresponding to a file in at least one second hot folder connected to the lower layer of the first hot folder. A storage unit 15 that stores a file input condition table 50 shown in FIG. and the print setting information of the second hot folder linked to the first hot folder, and creates a print job reflecting the merged print setting information.

Therefore, the file can be easily and reliably printed with the desired print function. Also, when changing the print setting information for the first hot folder, create a second hot folder that has print setting information that has the function information you want to change, connect it to the lower layer, and save the print settings of the created hot folder as a file. Only merging according to the input condition table 50 is sufficient, and complex print settings such as those performed with only one hot folder as in the prior art are not required, and the user's setting burden can be reduced.

Also, the file input condition table 50 indicates the second hot folder that cooperates with the first hot folder in correspondence with the key information of the file. The CPU 11 acquires the key information of the file inserted into the first hot folder, and based on the file entry condition table 50 and the acquired key information, prints the print setting information of the first hot folder and the first hot folder. merge with the print setting information of the second hot folder linked to the hot folder. Therefore, according to the key information of the file, the file can be printed more easily and reliably with a desired print function.

Also, the key information is at least one of file name, file attribute, page number, and header/footer information of the file. Therefore, according to the key information of the file, the file can be printed more easily and reliably with a desired print function.

Also, when multiple files are loaded into the second hot folder, the CPU 11 detects key information common to the multiple files, and updates the file loading condition table 50 based on the detected key information. Therefore, after the next printing, the file can be printed more easily and reliably with the desired printing function in accordance with the new key information common to the file.

Also, the CPU 11 gives priority to the print setting information changed from the default value, and merges the print setting information of the first hot folder with the print setting information of the second hot folder linked to the first hot folder. Therefore, by giving priority to the changed print setting information, printing can be performed using a print function that is likely to be executed by the user.

Further, when the print setting information of the first hot folder and the second hot folder linked to the first hot folder are both changed from the default values, the CPU 11 determines whether to give priority to the upper hierarchy or the lower hierarchy. The print setting information of the first hot folder and the print setting information of the second hot folder linked to the first hot folder are merged according to the merge conditions. Therefore, by giving priority to changed print setting information, printing can be performed with a desired print function having a user's change history.

Further, the CPU 11 hierarchically displays the first hot folder and the second hot folder on the display unit 14 . Therefore, the user can easily visually confirm the hierarchical structure of the first hot folder and the second hot folder. For this reason, printing can be performed using a print function that is more likely to be executed by the user.

Also, if there is no print setting information for the second hot folder linked to the first hot folder, the CPU 11 creates a print job that reflects the print setting information for the first hot folder. Therefore, the file can be easily and reliably printed with a desired print function, and printing with a print function unintended by the user can be prevented.

Also, when the hot folder is moved or copied, the CPU 11 updates the file input condition table 50 based on the hot folder after the move or copy. Therefore, the file input condition table 50 can be updated appropriately according to the movement or copying of the hot folder.

Further, when there are a predetermined number of types of child hot folder condition information 53 in the file input condition table 50 corresponding to the acquired file, the CPU 11 stores the predetermined number of each of the child hot folder condition information 53 and the acquired child hot folder condition information 53. The print setting information of the first hot folder and the print setting information of a predetermined number of second hot folders linked to the first hot folder are merged based on the files and the merged print setting information is reflected. Create a predetermined number of print jobs. Therefore, a predetermined number of print jobs can be automatically created according to (the predetermined number of key information of) one file, and the user's burden of creating print jobs can be reduced.

Further, when there is a prohibition in the merged print condition information, the CPU 11 stores the print setting information of the first hot folder and the merge with the print setting information of the second hot folder linked to the hot folder. Therefore, the user can recognize the prohibition relation by inputting the selection, and it is possible to prevent printing by the print function having the prohibition relation.

In the above description, an example of using an HDD, a semiconductor memory, or the like as a computer-readable medium for the program according to the present invention has been disclosed, but the present invention is not limited to this example. As another computer-readable medium, a portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM can be applied. A carrier wave is also applied to the present invention as a medium for providing program data according to the present invention via a communication line.

It should be noted that the descriptions of the above embodiments and modifications are examples of a preferred print control apparatus and program according to the present invention, and are not limited to these.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the PC 10 manages the hot folder, and the created print job is printed by the image forming apparatus 20 selected by the user. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The image forming apparatus 20 may function as a print control apparatus and manage hot folders. Also, in the hot folder managed by the image forming apparatus 20, a file is input and printed as soon as the print settings are reflected. Therefore, although it is not possible to perform trial printing and final printing in order, if a temporary stop setting is added to the printing conditions, the print job will be temporarily stopped on the image forming apparatus 20, so this setting should be added. , the same operation is possible.

In addition, the detailed configuration and detailed operation of each unit that constitutes the printing system 1 in the above embodiment can be changed as appropriate without departing from the gist of the present invention.

1 printing system 10 PC
11 CPUs
12 operation unit 13 RAM
14 display unit 15 storage unit 16 communication unit 20 image forming apparatus 20A image forming apparatus main unit 21 main unit control unit 22 operation unit 23 display unit 24 document reading unit 25 image processing unit 26 image forming unit 27 paper feed unit 28 main unit communication unit 29 storage Unit 30 External communication unit 31 Transport unit 20B Post-processing device 41 Post-processing control unit 42 Post-processing communication unit 43 Transport unit 44 Post-processing unit N Communication network

Claims (13)

A print control device for creating a print job of a file input to a hot folder associated with print setting information of a print function,
storage means for storing, in at least one second hot folder connected to a lower layer of a first hot folder, link information indicating the second hot folder linked with the first hot folder corresponding to a file;
an acquisition means for acquiring the file input to the first hot folder;
merging print setting information of the first hot folder and print setting information of a second hot folder linked to the first hot folder based on the stored link information and the acquired file; and a print job creating unit that creates a print job that reflects the merged print setting information. the linkage information indicates the second hot folder linked with the first hot folder in correspondence with the key information of the file;
The acquisition means acquires key information of a file inserted into the first hot folder,
The print job creating unit creates print setting information for the first hot folder and a second hot folder linked to the first hot folder based on the stored link information and the acquired key information. 2. The print control device according to claim 1, wherein the print setting information is merged with the print setting information. 3. The print control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said key information is at least one of file name of file, file attribute, page number and header/footer information. 3. A first update unit for detecting key information common to the plurality of files when a plurality of files are input to the second hot folder, and updating cooperation information based on the detected key information. 3. The print control device according to 3. The print job creation unit gives priority to the print setting information changed from the default value, and creates the print setting information of the first hot folder and the print setting information of the second hot folder linked to the first hot folder. 5. The print control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the merging is performed. The print job creating unit selects an upper layer or a lower layer when the print setting information of the first hot folder and the second hot folder linked to the first hot folder have been changed from default values. 6. The print control according to claim 5, wherein the print setting information of the first hot folder and the print setting information of the second hot folder linked to the first hot folder are merged according to a merge condition of priority. Device. The print control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising display control means for hierarchically displaying the first hot folder and the second hot folder on a display means. 8. When there is no print setting information for a second hot folder linked to the first hot folder, the print job creating unit creates a print job reflecting the print setting information for the first hot folder. The print control device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3. 9. The print control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a second update unit that, when the hot folder has been moved or copied, updates the linkage information based on the hot folder after the move or copy. . When there are a predetermined number of types of link information corresponding to the acquired file, the print job creation unit creates the first print job based on each of the predetermined number of link information and the acquired file. The print setting information of the hot folder is merged with the print setting information of the predetermined number of second hot folders linked to the first hot folder, and the predetermined number of print jobs that reflect the merged print setting information. 10. The print control device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, which creates a The print job creating means, when there is a contradiction in the merged print condition information, responds to a selection input as to whether to give priority to the upper layer or the lower layer, and the print setting information of the first hot folder and the relevant print setting information. 11. The print control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the print setting information of a second hot folder linked to the first hot folder is merged. The print control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the print job creating means outputs the created print job to the printing means. The computer of the print control device that creates the print job of the file input to the hot folder associated with the print setting information of the print function,
storage means for storing, in at least one second hot folder connected to a lower layer of a first hot folder, linkage information indicating the second hot folder linked with the first hot folder;
Acquisition means for acquiring the file inserted in the first hot folder;
merging print setting information of the first hot folder and print setting information of a second hot folder linked to the first hot folder based on the stored link information and the acquired file; print job creating means for creating a print job reflecting the merged print setting information;
A program to function as

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