JP2004054509A - Server program for processing input and output data - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To achieve high-quality, advanced transmission of print data over a wide area that satisfies mobile users by using conventional procedures for requesting prints and simple remote control of equipment. <P>SOLUTION: An on-demand printing system oriented to mobile terminals transmits the print data created by a client device 9 to a server 1. The server 1 receives the print data on a sending and receiving means 2, temporarily saves it in a storage means 3, interprets the format of the print data using a print data interpreting means 4, and creates print image data using a print image creating means 5. Meanwhile, the sending and receiving means 2 of the server 1 receives a data format which I/O equipment 11 can interpret and command information corresponding to the functions installed. Based on the data format, a data conversion means 6 converts the format of the print image data into the data format of the I/O equipment and a data editing means 7 adds information on the commands of the functions installed. The print data is transmitted to the I/O equipment 11 via the Internet 10. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an input / output data processing server that processes print data when printing print data of a client device using a desired input / output device using a network. It relates to a data processing server program.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional printing apparatus that performs printing based on print data generated by various types of information devices, the format of the print data (page description language) and print parameters for using a function mounted on the printing apparatus are determined by the printing apparatus. Each is defined individually. For this reason, information devices using such a printing device generate print data using dedicated software (printer driver). To generate such print data, it is necessary to use a sophisticated information device such as a personal computer.
[0003]
By the way, in recent years, mobile computing has become widespread due to the improvement of data processing capability of mobile terminals such as mobile phones and personal digital assistants. For example, a wide area printing system has been proposed in which print data generated using a mobile terminal is sent to a remote printing apparatus using a network such as the Internet and printed (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-22287). JP, JP-A-2001-216106).
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in such a wide area printing system using the Internet, there is a problem that high-quality print data cannot be generated because the storage capacity or information processing capability of the mobile terminal is small. For example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-146084, by temporarily storing (evacuating) data in a storage area of a server via a communication line, even if the storage capacity of the mobile terminal is limited, the data capacity is not affected. There is disclosed a data transmission / reception system that can generate data without performing the operation. However, even if such a data saving technique is used, there is a performance limit to the function of the application and the generation of print data, and high-quality print data cannot be generated.
[0005]
Further, in a wide area printing system using a mobile terminal and the Internet, although print data can be sent to a remote location, a difference in the printer language that can be interpreted by each printing device, or a difference in each printing device. There is a problem that high-quality, high-performance printing cannot be desired due to differences in commands for supporting the functions mounted on the printer.
[0006]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and provides a high-quality, high-functionality that satisfies a mobile terminal user by a conventional print request procedure and simple device operation at a remote place. It is an issue to be solved to realize wide-area print data transmission.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
An input / output data processing server program (hereinafter, simply referred to as a “server program”) according to the present invention, which has been made to solve the above problems, is characterized by causing a computer to execute the following processing. is there.
(I) Transmission / reception processing for transmitting / receiving data to / from a client device and an input / output device via a network.
(Ii) Print data conversion processing for converting the print data received from the client device into a data format unique to the input / output device.
(Iii) A print data editing process for editing the converted print data based on information about the input / output device.
[0008]
If this server program is executed by a computer, high-quality and high-performance wide-area print data transmission satisfying the user of a client device such as a mobile terminal can be performed by a conventional print request procedure and simple device operation at a remote location. Can be realized.
[0009]
The server program causes a computer to execute print data interpretation processing for interpreting the data format of print data received from a client device, and print image generation processing for generating print image data based on the interpretation. Is preferred. In this case, the server program converts the print image data into a unique data format that can be processed by the input / output device based on the information received from the input / output device. It is possible to print print data of different client devices with an input / output device.
[0010]
The server program includes an encryption decompression process for decompressing the encrypted print data received from the client device, a print data interpretation process for interpreting the data format of the decompressed print data, and converting the print image data based on the interpretation. The computer may execute the print image generation processing to be generated. In this case, the server program converts the print image data into a unique encryption data format that can be processed by the input / output device based on the information received from the input / output device, thereby encrypting the input / output device. It is possible to print print data of a client device of a different method by an input / output device.
[0011]
The server program causes a computer to execute print data interpretation processing for interpreting the data format of print data received from a client device, and print image generation processing for generating print image data based on the interpretation. In this case, the print image data may be printed by an input / output device whose address is not specified by the client device based on the address information received from the input / output device. Alternatively, the print image data is edited based on the on-board function use parameter information received from the input / output device, the print parameter is added to the print image data, and the on-board function specific to the input / output device not specified by the client device is added. You may make it possible to use and print.
[0012]
Further, a recording medium according to the present invention is characterized by recording any one or a plurality of the above server programs. Examples of the recording medium include a magnetic recording medium such as a magnetic tape and a magnetic disk, and an optical recording medium such as an optical disk. If the server program recorded on the recording medium is executed by a computer, the conventional print request procedure and simple device operation at a remote location can satisfy a user of a client device such as a mobile terminal with high quality and high quality. Functional wide area print data transmission can be realized.
[0013]
An input / output data processing server system according to the present invention (hereinafter, simply referred to as a “server system”) is provided with the following units.
(I) Transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving data to / from a client device and an input / output device via a network.
(Ii) Print data conversion means for converting print data received from the client device into a data format specific to the input / output device.
(Iii) Print data editing means for editing the converted print data based on information about the input / output device.
[0014]
According to this server system, high-quality and high-performance wide-area print data transmission that satisfies a user of a client device such as a mobile terminal is realized by a conventional print request procedure and simple device operation at a remote location. Can be.
[0015]
The server system preferably includes print data interpreting means for interpreting the data format of the print data received from the client device, and print image generating means for generating print image data based on the interpretation. In this case, the server system converts the print image data into a unique data format that can be processed by the input / output device based on the information received from the input / output device. It is possible to print print data of different client devices with an input / output device.
[0016]
The server system includes an encryption decompression unit that decompresses the encrypted print data received from the client device, a print data interpretation unit that interprets the data format of the decompressed print data, and converts the print image data based on the interpretation. Print image generating means for generating the print image. In this case, the server system converts the print image data into a unique encryption data format that can be processed by the input / output device based on the information received from the input / output device, thereby encrypting the input / output device. It is possible to print print data of a client device of a different method by an input / output device.
[0017]
When the server system includes print data interpreting means for interpreting the data format of the print data received from the client device, and print image generating means for generating print image data based on the interpretation, the print image data is Alternatively, printing may be performed by an input / output device whose address has not been specified by the client device based on the address information received from the input / output device. Alternatively, the print image data is edited based on the on-board function use parameter information received from the input / output device, the print parameter is added to the print image data, and the on-board function specific to the input / output device not specified by the client device is added. You may make it possible to use and print.
[0018]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described. The present invention basically receives print data generated by a client device, temporarily stores the print data, interprets the data format of the print data, generates print image data, and interprets the input / output device. Input / output that can receive the data format that can be used and the command information corresponding to the mounted functions, convert the generated print image data into the data format for the input / output device, and add the mounted function command information and send it It is characterized by being a server dedicated to data processing or a control method thereof (including a program for controlling the server dedicated to input / output data processing and a recording medium recording the program). According to this basic configuration, the difference between the data format of the print data received from the client device and the data format of the print data received from the input / output device that can be interpreted by the input / output device is absorbed. .
[0019]
(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, an on-demand printing system for a mobile terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, in the first embodiment, the server 1 dedicated to input / output data processing (hereinafter, simply referred to as “server 1”) includes a transmitting / receiving unit 2, a storage unit 3, a print data interpretation unit 4, , A print image generating unit 5, a print data converting unit 6, a print data editing unit 7, and a device control information holding unit 8.
[0020]
Here, the transmission / reception unit 2 receives the print data from the client device 9 via the Internet 10 (network). Further, the transmission / reception unit 2 receives print data and device control information from the input / output device 11 (MFP) via the Internet 10, and transmits print data to the input / output device 11. The storage unit 3 temporarily stores the print data received by the transmission / reception unit 2 and the print data to be transmitted by the transmission / reception unit 2. The print data interpreter 4 interprets the data format of the print data received from the client device 9. The print image generation unit 5 generates print image data based on the interpretation.
[0021]
The print data converter 6 converts the print data received from the client device 9 into a data format unique to the input / output device 11. The print data editing unit 7 edits the converted print data based on the information on the input / output device 11. The device control information holding unit 8 holds the device control information received from the input / output device 11.
[0022]
In the on-demand printing system according to the first embodiment, the system user generates print data in a normal procedure using an arbitrary print driver of the client device 9 and transmits the print data to the server 1. Can be. A system user (a print data creator or a person contacted by the print data creator) who desires a printed matter designates the server 1 from an operation panel of an arbitrary input / output device 11 connected to the Internet 10 and receives a corresponding message. By setting the print data and the finishing function of the input / output device 11 to be used at the time of printing, as long as the input / output device 11 connected to the Internet 10 is present, a desired appearance of the printed material can be obtained at any location. It can be easily obtained.
[0023]
In the server 1, the print data format (eg, page description language) received by the transmission / reception unit 2 is interpreted by the print data interpretation unit 4, and the print image generation unit 5 (built-in rasterizer) is used to generate print image data. Can be. If the system user specifies the server 1 on the operation panel of an arbitrary input / output device 11 connected to the Internet 10, a page description language that can be interpreted by the input / output device 11 via the Internet 10, A command (such as a print job language) corresponding to the function of the input / output device 11 to be used at the time of printing is transmitted to the server 1.
[0024]
The server 1 converts the generated print image data into a page description language that can be interpreted by the input / output device 11, adds a print job language to the print image data, and transmits the print image data to the input / output device 11. For the system user waiting on the input / output device 11, the print image data is output as a printed matter with the designated finishing function enabled. The system user is not restricted from having to print with a dedicated print driver corresponding to the input / output device 1 as in the related art. Therefore, printing can be performed even when a printer as an output destination is not set in advance as in a mobile environment.
[0025]
(Embodiment 2)
Hereinafter, a mobile on-demand printing system with an encryption function according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. However, the on-demand printing system or server according to the second embodiment has a lot in common with the on-demand printing system or server according to the first embodiment. The differences from the on-demand printing system or server according to the first embodiment will be described. In addition, in each member in FIG. 2, members common to the members in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1.
[0026]
As shown in FIG. 2, in the on-demand printing system according to the second embodiment, the client device 9 includes a first encryption unit 12 that encrypts print data. The server 1 includes a first encryption decompression unit 13 for decompressing the encrypted print data received from the client device 9, and a second encryption unit 14 for encrypting the print data to be transmitted to the input / output device 11. It has. Further, the input / output device 11 includes a second encryption decompression unit 15 for decompressing the encrypted print data received from the server 1. Other configurations are the same as those of the on-demand printing system according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. In short, the on-demand printing system according to the second embodiment is obtained by adding an encryption function to the on-demand printing system according to the first embodiment.
[0027]
In this on-demand printing system, the first encryption unit 12 of the client device 9 encrypts the generated print data. On the other hand, the server 1 first encryption decompression unit 13 restores the print data encrypted by the first encryption unit 12 of the client device 9. Further, the second encryption unit 14 of the server 1 encrypts the print data after the data conversion. The input / output device 11 performs a printing process after the second encryption / decompression unit 15 restores the encrypted print data. Note that the server 1 obtains an encryption processing method that can be processed by the client device 9 and the input / output device 11 at the time of data communication, and performs processing corresponding thereto.
[0028]
As described above, the on-demand printing system according to the second embodiment is a system in which the encryption function is added to the on-demand printing system for mobile according to the first embodiment using the Internet to enable the system. However, the encryption function often differs for each input / output device 11. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the server 1 performs a conversion process on the difference between the encryption process when data is transmitted from the client device 9 to the server 1 and the encryption process mounted on the input / output device 11. I try to absorb it. This on-demand printing system has an advantage that it can easily cope with an increase in the level of encryption processing.
[0029]
Hereinafter, a data processing procedure of the client device 9, a data processing procedure of the server 1, and a data processing procedure of the input / output device 11 in the on-demand printing system according to the second embodiment will be described. Note that in these processing procedures, when encryption is not performed, the processing procedure is the same as that in the first embodiment.
First, the data processing procedure of the client device 9 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0030]
As shown in FIG. 6, in the data processing of the client device 9, first, a print process is started (step S1), and a print instruction is issued to an application (step S2). Subsequently, print data is generated by cooperation between the application and the print driver (step S3). Next, it is determined whether or not encryption is required (step S4). If encryption is required (YES), the print data is encrypted, and encryption control information is added to the print data (step S5). ). If encryption is not required (NO), step S5 is skipped. Thereafter, the print data is transmitted to the server 1 (step S6), and the printing process is completed (step S7).
[0031]
Hereinafter, the data processing procedure of the server 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, in the data processing of the server 1, the transmission / reception means 2 receives a print request from the input / output device 11 (step S11), and inputs / outputs a print target data identification name and input / output device control information. It is received from the device 11 (step S12). Subsequently, the print target data is extracted from the storage unit 3 (step S13), and it is determined whether or not this is encrypted print data (step S14). If the print data is encrypted (YES), the print data is restored using the first encryption decompression means 13 corresponding to the encryption control information to obtain the print data (step S15). If the print data is not encrypted (NO), step S15 is skipped.
[0032]
Next, the print data interpreting means 4 interprets the format of the print data (step S16), and the print image generating means 5 corresponding to the data format of the print data generates print image data (step S17). Further, the print data converter 6 converts the print image data into print data that can be interpreted by the input / output device 11 based on the input / output device control information obtained from the input / output device 11 (step S18).
[0033]
Further, the print data editing means 7 adds a command for controlling the input / output device 11 to the converted print data based on the device control information obtained from the input / output device 11 (step S19). Subsequently, the second encryption unit 14 performs an encryption process interpretable by the input / output device 11 based on the device control information obtained from the input / output device 11 (step S20). Thereafter, the transmission / reception unit 2 transmits the print data to the input / output device 11 (Step S21), and the printing process is completed (Step S22).
[0034]
Hereinafter, the data processing procedure of the input / output device 11 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 8, in the data processing of the input / output device 11, a print request is started (step S31), and a print target data identification name and device control information are transmitted to the server 1 (step S32). Then, it waits for an incoming print data from the server 1 (step S33). That is, it is determined whether print data has arrived from the server 1 (step S34). If print data has not arrived (NO), step S33 is repeatedly executed. If print data has arrived from server 1 (YES), print data from server 1 is received (step S35).
[0035]
Next, the second encryption decompression means 15 performs an encryption decompression process on the encrypted print data (step S36). Subsequently, the print data is interpreted (step S37), and the device control command is interpreted (step S38). Thereafter, the printing process is executed (Step S39), and the printing process is completed (Step S40).
[0036]
(Embodiment 3)
Hereinafter, an on-demand printing system for a mobile terminal for a scanned image according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. However, the on-demand printing system or server according to the third embodiment has many points in common with the on-demand printing system or server according to the first embodiment. The differences from the on-demand printing system or server according to the first embodiment will be described. In addition, in each member in FIG. 3, members common to the members in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1.
[0037]
As shown in FIG. 3, in the on-demand printing system according to the third embodiment, an input device 16 (MFP) is provided as a client device. Further, the server 1 is provided with an input data interpreting means 4 'as a print data interpreting means. Other configurations are the same as those of the on-demand printing system according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. In short, the on-demand printing system according to the third embodiment realizes remote copy by combining the scan data transmission function of the input device 16 and the on-demand printing system for mobile according to the first embodiment.
[0038]
In this on-demand printing system, input data (scan image) input to the input device 16 (MFP) is transmitted to the transmission / reception unit 2 of the server 1 via the Internet 10. In the server 1, the input data interpreting means 4 'and the print image generating means 5 restore the compressed scan image as the input data. Then, the print data conversion unit 6 and the print data editing unit 7 generate print data that can be interpreted by the input / output device 11.
[0039]
In the on-demand printing system according to the third embodiment, a system user on the remote copy transmitting side transmits a scanned image to the server 1 by operating the input device 16 (MFP). As in the first embodiment, the user on the remote copy receiving side designates the server 1 with an arbitrary input / output device 11 (MFP), sets a desired finishing function, and obtains a scanned image. Can be. Note that the server 1 converts print image data into command data on the input / output device 11 side and transmits the command data to the input / output device 11 as in the first embodiment.
[0040]
(Embodiment 4)
Hereinafter, an on-demand printing system from a dedicated application according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. However, the on-demand printing system or server according to the fourth embodiment has many points in common with the on-demand printing system or server according to the first embodiment. The differences from the on-demand printing system or server according to the first embodiment will be described. In addition, in each member in FIG. 4, members common to the members in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1.
[0041]
As shown in FIG. 4, in the on-demand printing system according to the fourth embodiment, a backbone application 17 (mainframe) is provided as a client device. Further, the server 1 is provided with an input data interpreting means 4 'as a print data interpreting means. Other configurations are the same as those of the on-demand printing system according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. In short, the on-demand printing system according to the fourth embodiment is a combination of a dedicated application such as a core application of a company and the on-demand printing system according to the first embodiment. The present invention has realized a system capable of outputting print data composed of an old-fashioned printer language with an arbitrary latest input / output device.
[0042]
In this on-demand printing system, print data output from the core application 17 on the mainframe is transmitted to the server 1 via the Internet 10. In the server 1, the old printer language output by the backbone application 17 is rasterized by the input data interpreting means 4 ′ and the print image generating means 5, and the latest print language is output by the print data converting means 6 and the print data editing means 7. It generates print data that can be interpreted by the input / output device 11.
[0043]
In general, a dedicated application such as the core diameter application 17 on the mainframe requires a large number of correction steps, so that the corresponding print language cannot be easily changed. However, as described above, by interposing the server 1 between the core application 17 and the input / output device 11, the print data can be converted, and the print data configured in the old print language can be converted. A system capable of outputting to the latest input / output device 11 (MFP) can be easily constructed.
[0044]
(Embodiment 5)
Hereinafter, an on-demand printing system for on-demand publishing according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. However, the on-demand printing system or server according to the fifth embodiment has many points in common with the on-demand printing system or server according to the first embodiment. The differences from the on-demand printing system or server according to the first embodiment will be described. In addition, in each member in FIG. 5, the same members as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG.
[0045]
As shown in FIG. 5, in the on-demand printing system according to the fifth embodiment, a publishing content database 18 is provided as a client device. Further, the server 1 is provided with an input data interpreting means 4 'as a print data interpreting means. Other configurations are the same as those of the on-demand printing system according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. In short, the on-demand printing system according to the fifth embodiment can realize simple on-demand publishing in which the size of a book can be adjusted to the customer's preference by incorporating size conversion logic. This on-demand printing system or convenience store printing system is suitable for, for example, teaching materials for distance learning and publishing of a large variety of small copies.
[0046]
In the on-demand printing system, the publishing content data output from the publishing content database 18 is transmitted to the server 1 via the Internet 10. In the server 1, the transmitting / receiving means 2 receives the publishing content data. Then, the publishing content data is interpreted by the input data interpreting means 4 ', and is converted into an image by the print image generating means 5. Further, the print data conversion unit 6 converts the imaged print data according to the bookbinding size, and the print data editing unit 7 loads an input / output device control command for using the bookbinding function. Then, the print data is transmitted from the transmission / reception unit 2 to the input / output device 11 via the Internet 10. The input / output device 11 transmits a bookbinding function command and size information (for example, A4 size) to the server 1 as device control information.
[0047]
In the first to fifth embodiments, the server 1 (input / output data processing server system) constituting the on-demand printing system is described, but the present invention executes various processes in the server 1. Program, or a recording medium on which the program is recorded.
[0048]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, high-quality and high-performance wide-area print data transmission that satisfies the user of the mobile terminal can be realized by the conventional print request procedure and simple device operation at a remote location.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an on-demand printing system or a server system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an on-demand printing system or a server system according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an on-demand printing system or a server system according to a third embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an on-demand printing system or a server system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an on-demand printing system or a server system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a data processing procedure of a client device in the on-demand printing system according to the first or second embodiment;
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a data processing procedure of a server in the on-demand printing system according to the first or second embodiment;
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a data processing procedure of the input / output device in the on-demand printing system according to the first or second embodiment;
[Explanation of symbols]
1 input / output data processing dedicated server (server), 2 transmitting / receiving means, 3 storage means, 4 print data interpreting means, 4 'input data interpreting means, 5 print image generating means, 6 print data converting means, 7 print data editing means, 8 device control information holding unit, 9 client device, 10 Internet, 11 input / output device (MFP), 12 first encryption means, 13 first encryption decompression means, 14 second encryption means, 15 second encryption decompression means, 16 input device (MFP), 17 core application, 18 content database for publication.

Claims (5)

A transmission / reception process for transmitting / receiving data to / from a client device and an input / output device via a network;
Print data conversion processing for converting print data received from the client device into a data format specific to the input / output device;
A server program for input / output data processing for causing a computer to execute a print data editing process for editing the converted print data based on information about the input / output device. Causing the computer to execute a print data interpretation process of interpreting the data format of the print data received from the client device, and a print image generation process of generating print image data based on the interpretation;
By converting print image data into a unique data format that can be processed by the input / output device based on information received from the input / output device, print data of a client device having a data format different from that of the input / output device can be converted. 2. The input / output data processing server program according to claim 1, wherein the input / output device enables printing. Cryptographic decompression processing for decompressing encrypted print data received from a client device, print data interpretation processing for interpreting the data format of the decompressed print data, and print image generation for generating print image data based on the interpretation And let the computer execute
By converting print image data into a unique encryption data format that can be processed by the input / output device based on information received from the input / output device, printing by a client device having a different encryption method from the input / output device can be performed. 2. The input / output data processing server program according to claim 1, wherein the data can be printed by an input / output device. Causing the computer to execute a print data interpretation process of interpreting the data format of the print data received from the client device, and a print image generation process of generating print image data based on the interpretation;
2. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the print image data can be printed by an input / output device whose address has not been specified by the client device based on the address information received from the input / output device. Output data processing server program. Causing the computer to execute a print data interpretation process of interpreting the data format of the print data received from the client device, and a print image generation process of generating print image data based on the interpretation;
The print image data is edited based on the mounted function use parameter information received from the input / output device, the print parameters are added to the print image data, and the mounted function specific to the input / output device not specified by the client device is used. 2. The server program for input / output data processing according to claim 1, wherein printing is possible.

Images