JP2008181564A - Server program for input/output data processing - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To achieve wide area print data transmission with high quality and high function, which satisfies a mobile user by conventional print request procedures and a simple device operation in a remote place. <P>SOLUTION: In an on-demand printing system for mobile terminals, a client device 9 transmits generated print data to a server 1. The server 1 receives this print data by a transmission/reception means 2 and temporarily stores the print data into a storage means 3 and interprets a print data format by a print data interpreting means 4 and generates print image data by a print image generation means 5. On the other hand, the transmission/reception means 2 of the server 1 receives data formats which an input/output device 11 can interpret, and command information corresponding to mounted functions. A data conversion means 6 converts the print image data to a data format for the input/output device on the basis of the data format, and a data editing means 7 adds command information for mounted functions. This print data is transmitted to the input/output device 11 through the Internet 10. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an input / output for causing a computer to execute data processing in an input / output data processing server that processes print data when print data of a client device is printed on a desired input / output device using a network. The present invention relates to a data processing server program.

  In a conventional printing apparatus that performs printing based on print data generated by various information devices, the print data format (page description language) and print parameters for using the functions installed in the printing apparatus are displayed on the printing apparatus. Each is defined individually. For this reason, in information equipment using such a printing apparatus, print data is generated using dedicated software (printer driver). Further, in order to generate such print data, it is necessary to use a high-performance information device such as a personal computer.

Incidentally, in recent years, mobile computing has become widespread due to an improvement in data processing capability of mobile terminals such as mobile phones and portable information terminals. 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, Patent Document 1, Patent Document). 2).
JP 2001-222387 A JP 2001-216106 A

  However, such a wide-area printing system using the Internet has 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 Laid-Open No. 11-146084, data is temporarily stored (saved) in a storage area of a server via a communication line so that the data capacity can be taken care of even with a limited storage capacity of the mobile terminal. There has been disclosed a data transmission / reception system that can generate data without doing so. However, even if such a data saving technique is used, there are performance limitations in the generation of application functions and print data, and high-quality print data cannot be generated.

  Also, in a wide area printing system using a mobile terminal and the Internet, print data can be sent to a remote place, but the printer language that can be interpreted by various printing devices, or the various printing devices There is a problem that it is not possible to desire high-quality and high-performance printing due to a difference in commands for supporting the installed functions.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described conventional problems, and has high quality and high functionality that satisfies the user of a mobile terminal by a conventional print request procedure and simple device operation at a remote place. Realization of wide-area print data transmission is an issue to be solved.

An input / output data processing server program (hereinafter referred to as “server program” for short) according to the present invention, which has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, is characterized by causing a computer to execute the following processes. is there.
(I) Transmission / reception processing for transmitting / receiving data to / from the client device and the input / output device via the network.
(Ii) Print data conversion processing for converting print data received from the client device into a data format specific to the input / output device.
(Iii) Print data editing processing for editing the converted print data based on information on the input / output device.

  If this server program is executed by a computer, high-quality and high-functional wide-area print data transmission that satisfies 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 place. Can be realized.

  The server program causes a computer to execute print data interpretation processing for interpreting the data format of print data received from the 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 specific data format that can be processed by the input / output device based on the information received from the input / output device. Print data of different client devices can be printed by an input / output device.

  The server program includes an encryption / decompression process for decompressing encrypted print data received from a client device, a print data interpretation process for interpreting a data format of the decompressed print data, and print image data based on the interpretation. The print image generation process to be generated may be executed by a computer. In this case, the server program encrypts the print image data with the input / output device by converting the print image data into a unique encrypted data format that can be processed by the input / output device based on the information received from the input / output device. Print data of client devices with different methods can be printed by an input / output device.

  The server program causes a computer to execute print data interpretation processing for interpreting the data format of print data received from the 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 the 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 installed function use parameter information received from the input / output device, the print parameter is added to the print image data, and the installed function specific to the input / output device not specified by the client device is added. You may make it possible to print using.

  A recording medium according to the present invention records any one or a plurality of the server programs described above. 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 this recording medium is executed by a computer, the conventional print request procedure and simple device operation at a remote location will satisfy the 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.

An input / output data processing server system according to the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “server system” for short) is characterized by including the following means.
(I) Transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving data to / from the client device and the input / output device via the 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 relating to the input / output device.

  According to this server system, high-quality, high-functional wide area print data transmission that satisfies the user of a client device such as a mobile terminal can be realized by a conventional print request procedure and simple device operation at a remote place. Can do.

  The server system preferably includes a print data interpretation unit that interprets the data format of the print data received from the client device, and a print image generation unit that generates print image data based on the interpretation. In this case, the server system converts the print image data into a specific data format that can be processed by the input / output device based on the information received from the input / output device. Print data of different client devices can be printed by an input / output device.

  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 print image data based on the interpretation. Print image generation means for generating may be provided. In this case, the server system encrypts the print image data with the input / output device by converting the print image data into a unique encrypted data format that can be processed by the input / output device based on the information received from the input / output device. Print data of client devices with different methods can be printed by an input / output device.

  When the server system includes a print data interpretation unit that interprets the data format of the print data received from the client device, and a print image generation unit that generates the print image data based on the interpretation, Based on the address information received from the input / output device, printing may be performed by the input / output device whose address has not been specified by the client device. Alternatively, the print image data is edited based on the installed function use parameter information received from the input / output device, the print parameter is added to the print image data, and the installed function specific to the input / output device not specified by the client device is added. You may make it possible to print using.

  As described above, according to the present invention, high-quality and high-function 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 place.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described. The present invention basically receives print data generated by a client device, temporarily stores it, interprets the data format of the print data, generates print image data, and interprets the input / output device. I / O that can receive the command format corresponding to the data format and the installed function, convert the generated print image data to the data format for the input / output device, add the installed function command information, and send it A data processing dedicated server or a control method thereof (including a program for controlling the input / output data processing dedicated server and a recording medium storing 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 that can be interpreted by the input / output device from the input / output device is absorbed. .

(Embodiment 1)
The on-demand printing system for mobile terminals according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below.
As shown in FIG. 1, in the first embodiment, an input / output data processing dedicated server 1 (hereinafter referred to as “server 1” for short) includes a transmission / reception unit 2, a storage unit 3, a print data interpretation unit 4, and the like. , A print image generation unit 5, a print data conversion unit 6, a print data editing unit 7, and a device control information holding unit 8.

  Here, the transmission / reception means 2 receives print data from the client device 9 via the Internet 10 (network). Further, the transmission / reception means 2 receives print data and device control information from the input / output device 11 (MFP) via the Internet 10 and transmits the print data to the input / output device 11. The storage unit 3 temporarily stores print data received by the transmission / reception unit 2 and print data to be transmitted by the transmission / reception unit 2. The print data interpretation unit 4 interprets the data format of the print data received from the client device 9. The print image generation means 5 generates print image data based on this interpretation.

  The print data conversion unit 6 converts the print data received from the client device 9 into a data format specific to the input / output device 11. The print data editing means 7 edits the converted print data based on information about the input / output device 11. The device control information holding unit 8 holds device control information received from the input / output device 11.

  In the on-demand printing system according to the first embodiment, the system user uses any print driver of the client device 9 to generate print data by a normal procedure, and transmits this print data to the server 1. Can do. A system user who desires a printed matter (a print data generator or a person who receives a contact from the print data generator) designates the server 1 from an operation panel of an arbitrary input / output device 11 connected to the Internet 10 and corresponds. By setting the print data and the finishing function of the input / output device 11 that is desired to be used at the time of printing, as long as the input / output device 11 connected to the Internet 10 is located, a desired printed matter can be printed at any place. It can be easily obtained.

  In the server 1, the print data format (page description language or the like) received by the transmission / reception means 2 is interpreted by the print data interpretation means 4, and print image data is generated using the print image generation means 5 (built-in rasterizer). Can do. If the system user designates 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 that is desired to be used during printing is transmitted to the server 1.

  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 the print job language to the print image data, and transmits the print image data to the input / output device 11. To the system user waiting on the input / output device 11 side, the print image data is output as a printed matter with the designated finishing function enabled. The system user is not restricted by having to print with a dedicated print driver corresponding to the conventional input / output device 1. Therefore, even when the output destination printer is not preset as in the mobile environment, printing is possible.

(Embodiment 2)
Hereinafter, an on-demand printing system for mobile 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. 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, the same reference number as the case of FIG. 1 is attached | subjected to the member which is common in the member in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in the on-demand printing system according to the second embodiment, the client device 9 includes first encryption means 12 that encrypts print data. Then, 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 that decompresses 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.

  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 means 13 restores the print data encrypted by the first encryption means 12 of the client device 9. The second encryption unit 14 of the server 1 encrypts the print data after data conversion. On the input / output device 11 side, after the second encryption / decompression means 15 restores the encrypted print data, the print processing is performed. The server 1 obtains an encryption processing method that can be processed by the client device 9 and the input / output device 11 during data communication, and performs processing corresponding to the encryption processing method.

  As described above, the on-demand printing system according to the second embodiment is a system in which an 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 installed in the input / output device 11. I try to absorb it. This on-demand printing system has an advantage that it can easily cope with the level of encryption processing.

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. In these processing procedures, when encryption is not performed, the processing procedure in the first embodiment is used.
First, the data processing procedure of the client device 9 will be described according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the data processing of the client device 9, first, printing processing is started (step S1), and a printing instruction is given to the application (step S2). Subsequently, print data is generated by cooperation between the application and the print driver (step S3). Next, it is determined whether encryption is necessary (step S4). If encryption is necessary (YES), the print data is encrypted, and the encryption control information is added to the print data (step S5). ). If encryption is not necessary (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).

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 the print target data identification name and the input / output device control information. Received from the device 11 (step S12). Subsequently, the print target data is extracted from the storage means 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.

  Next, the print data interpretation unit 4 interprets the format of the print data (step S16), and then the print image generation unit 5 corresponding to the data format of the print data generates the print image data (step S17). Further, the print data conversion means 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).

  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 means 2 transmits print data to the input / output device 11 (step S21), and the printing process is completed (step S22).

The data processing procedure of the input / output device 11 will be described below according 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 the 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 or not print data has been received from the server 1 (step S34). If no print data has been received (NO), step S33 is repeatedly executed. If the print data has arrived from the server 1 (YES), the print data from the server 1 is received (step S35).

  Next, the second encryption / decompression means 15 performs encryption / decompression processing of the encrypted print data (step S36). Subsequently, the print data is interpreted (step S37), and the device control command is further interpreted (step S38). Thereafter, the printing process is executed (step S39), and the printing process is completed (step S40).

(Embodiment 3)
Hereinafter, the on-demand printing system for mobile terminals for scanned images according to the 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 a lot in common with the on-demand printing system or server according to the first embodiment. 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, the same reference number as the case of FIG. 1 is attached | subjected to the member which is common in the member in FIG.

  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 input data interpretation means 4 'as print data interpretation 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.

  In this on-demand printing system, input data (scan image) input to the input device 16 (MFP) is transmitted to the transmission / reception means 2 of the server 1 via the Internet 10. In the server 1, the input data interpretation unit 4 'and the print image generation unit 5 restore the compressed scan image that is the input data. The print data conversion means 6 and the print data editing means 7 generate print data that can be interpreted by the input / output device 11.

  In the on-demand printing system according to the third embodiment, a system user on the remote copy transmission side transmits a scan image to the server 1 by operating the input device 16 (MFP). As in the case of 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 do. Note that the server 1 converts the print image data into command data on the input / output device 11 side and transmits it to the input / output device 11 as in the case of the first embodiment.

(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 a lot in common with the on-demand printing system or server according to the first embodiment. 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, the same reference number as the case of FIG. 1 is attached | subjected to the member which is common in the member in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the on-demand printing system according to the fourth embodiment, a backbone application 17 (main frame) is provided as a client device. Further, the server 1 is provided with input data interpretation means 4 'as print data interpretation 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 limited output that is output from the dedicated application by combining the dedicated application such as the enterprise backbone system and the on-demand printing system according to the first embodiment. The present invention realizes a system that can output print data configured in an old printer language with any latest input / output device.

  In this on-demand printing system, print data output from the main system application 17 on the main frame is transmitted to the server 1 via the Internet 10. In the server 1, the old printer language output by the core application 17 is rasterized by the input data interpretation unit 4 ′ and the print image generation unit 5, and the latest data is output by the print data conversion unit 6 and the print data editing unit 7. Print data that can be interpreted by the input / output device 11 is generated.

  In general, in a dedicated application such as the backbone diameter system application 17 on the main frame, the number of man-hours for correction is large, and the corresponding print language cannot be easily changed. However, in this way, the print data can be converted by interposing the server 1 between the core application 17 and the input / output device 11, and the print data configured in the old print language can be A system that can output to the latest input / output device 11 (MFP) can be easily constructed.

(Embodiment 5)
Hereinafter, an on-demand printing system for on-demand publication 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 common points with the on-demand printing system or server according to the first embodiment. 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 reference number as the case of FIG. 1 is attached | subjected to the member which is common in the member in FIG.

  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 input data interpretation means 4 'as print data interpretation 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 that can adjust the size of a book to customer preference by incorporating size conversion logic. This on-demand printing system or convenience store printing system is suitable, for example, for teaching materials for correspondence education and for publishing a variety of small copies.

  In this on-demand printing system, 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 transmission / reception means 2 receives the publishing content data. Then, the publishing content data is interpreted by the input data interpretation unit 4 ′ and converted into an image by the print image generation unit 5. Further, the print data conversion means 6 converts the imaged print data in accordance with the bookbinding size, and the print data editing means 7 loads an input / output device control command for using the bookbinding function. Then, the print data is transmitted from the transmission / reception means 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 version) to the server 1 as device control information.

  In the first to fifth embodiments, the server 1 (input / output data processing server system) constituting the on-demand printing system has been described. The present invention executes various processes in the server 1. Or a recording medium on which the program is recorded.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the on-demand printing system thru | or server system concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the on-demand printing system thru | or server system concerning Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the on-demand printing system thru | or server system concerning Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the on-demand printing system thru | or server system concerning Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the on-demand printing system thru | or server system concerning Embodiment 5 of this invention. 4 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. 3 is a flowchart showing a data processing procedure of a server in the on-demand printing system according to the first or second embodiment. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a data processing procedure of an input / output device in the on-demand printing system according to the first or second embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Input / output data processing exclusive server (server), 2 Transmission / reception means, 3 Storage means, 4 Print data interpretation means, 4 'Input data interpretation means, 5 Print image generation means, 6 Print data conversion means, 7 Print data edit 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 Publishing content database.

Claims (2)

A print data reception process for receiving print data from a client device via a network and specifying a device to be printed and storing the print data in a storage unit;
Print data request reception processing for receiving designation of print data to be printed from the input / output device and device control information related to the input / output device together with the print data request;
Print data conversion processing for extracting designated print data from the storage means and converting the data into a data format specific to the input / output device based on the received device control information;
An input / output data processing server program for causing a computer to execute transmission processing for transmitting the converted print data to the input / output device that has requested the print data via a network. It is determined whether or not the print data received from the client device is encrypted. If the print data is encrypted, an encryption / decompression process for decompressing the print data and a print for interpreting the data format of the decompressed print data Data interpretation processing, print image generation processing for generating print data imaged based on the interpretation,
Based on device control information received from the input / output device, the imaged print data is executed by a computer to perform conversion processing into a unique encrypted data format that can be processed by the input / output device;
The input / output data processing server program according to claim 1, wherein print data of a client device having an encryption method different from that of the input / output device can be printed by the input / output device.

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