JP2011237854A - Print control unit, print control system, print control method, print control program and recording medium where the program is recorded - Google Patents

Abstract

A print control apparatus, a print control system, a print control method, a print control program, and a recording medium on which the program is recorded, which can switch between accumulated printing and direct printing according to a print job.
A print control apparatus analyzes a print job received from a user terminal and acquires bibliographic information and / or user print conditions (user setting information) of print target data included in the print job as an analysis result. . Subsequently, the print control apparatus 100 collates the user print condition acquired as the analysis result with a preset print control condition, and stores the print job based on the collation result, or performs image processing on the print job. Whether to transmit to the device 200 is controlled. For example, the print control apparatus 100 collates the print conditions set for the print job by the user with the print control conditions for which the conditions for performing direct printing are set, and if the collation result corresponding to the conditions is obtained, the print job Is transmitted to the image processing apparatus 200.
[Selection] Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a print control apparatus and print control system for controlling print processing of received data, and more particularly to a technique for controlling whether to perform accumulated printing (pull print) or direct printing (printer transmission).

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

  For example, in Patent Document 1, in an information processing apparatus, based on identification information common to a plurality of print jobs, the print information is managed, and the printing apparatus makes a request with identification information to the information processing apparatus. And a pull print system in which a plurality of print jobs managed in correspondence with identification information is transmitted from the information processing apparatus.

  The advantage of using such a system is that the user can issue a print job without specifying a printer as the print destination, and if necessary, the user can issue a print job from any device in the system. It is a point that can be executed. That is, the pull print system can provide a location-free print service to the user.

  However, printing control in the conventional pull printing system has a problem that it takes time until the user obtains a printing result.

  As described above, in the conventional pull print system, all print jobs are stored in the print control apparatus. Therefore, the user faces the printer, obtains a print job from the server, executes the print job, and obtains a print result for the first time.

  As described above, in the conventional pull print system, the user goes to the printer and the processing is started after the print request. Therefore, the print job with a small number of pages such as 1 or 2 pages or the number of copies such as 100 or 200 copies. In the case of a print job with a large number of jobs, the user waits in front of the printer until a print result is obtained. From the user's point of view, there are cases where it is desired to start the printing process for such a print job as early as possible and obtain a print result when going to the printer.

  The present invention has been proposed in view of the above-described problems of the prior art. The object of the present invention is to provide a print control apparatus, a print control system, and a print control that can switch between accumulated printing and direct printing according to a print job. A method, a print control program, and a recording medium on which the program is recorded.

  To achieve the above object, a print control apparatus according to the present invention is a print control apparatus that performs print control of one or a plurality of image processing apparatuses connected via a predetermined data transmission path, and receives a received print job. Analysis means for acquiring bibliographic information and / or user print conditions of print target data included in the print job, user print conditions acquired by the analysis means, and the print job stored in the apparatus. The print control condition set to determine whether the print job is a print job to be stored or a print job to be sent to the image processing apparatus and printed directly. Based on the check result, the stored print and the direct print A control unit for controlling the print job, a transmission unit for transmitting print data of the print job to the image processing apparatus in accordance with a request from the control unit, and a request from the control unit. According, the print data of the print job has a storing means for storing in a predetermined storage area of the storage device to which the device comprises storing, the.

  With such a configuration, the print control apparatus according to the present invention collates the user print conditions set in the received print job with the print control conditions set in advance in the apparatus. The print control apparatus controls whether to store the print job or to transmit the print job to the image processing apparatus based on the collation result.

  Thus, the print control apparatus according to the present invention can switch between accumulated printing and direct printing according to the print job. As a result, the user can quickly obtain print results such as a print job with a small number of pages or a print job with a large number of copies, and wasteful time such as a waiting state is reduced.

  In order to achieve the above object, a print control method according to the present invention is a print control method in a print control apparatus that performs print control of one or a plurality of image processing apparatuses connected via a predetermined data transmission path, Analyzing the received print job, obtaining the bibliographic information and / or user print conditions of the print target data included in the print job, the user print conditions obtained by the analysis procedure, and the print job The print control condition set to determine whether the print job is stored in the apparatus and stored and printed, or the print job is transmitted to the image processing apparatus and printed directly. Based on the comparison result, the stored print A control procedure for controlling the direct printing, and a transmission procedure for transmitting print data of the print job to the image processing device in accordance with a request by the control procedure; As requested by the serial control procedure, the print data of the print job, and a, a storage procedure for storing in a predetermined storage area storing the memory device to which the apparatus.

  Through such a procedure, the print control method according to the present invention collates the user print conditions set in the received print job with the print control conditions preset in the apparatus, and prints based on the collation result. An operation of controlling whether to store the job or to transmit the print job to the image processing apparatus is realized.

  As a result, the print control method according to the present invention can provide an environment in which accumulated printing and direct printing can be switched according to a print job.

  According to the present invention, according to the print job, by controlling whether to perform accumulated printing or direct printing from the collation result between the user print condition set in the received print job and the print control condition, It is possible to provide a print control apparatus, a print control system, a print control method, a print control program, and a recording medium on which the program is recorded, which can be switched between accumulated printing and direct printing.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the printing control system which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of a print control apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the printing control function which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of an execution screen of the printing control which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the control data which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print control condition registration screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a result screen of the printing control which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the accumulation | storage data which concern on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of an execution screen of the accumulation printing which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of print control according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of accumulated printing according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example (the 1) of the printing control system which concerns on the modification of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example (the 1) of the printing control function which concerns on the modification of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the printing control system which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the printing control function which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of print control according to a second embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the printing control function which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the apparatus data which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example (the 1) of the control data which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a process sequence of the control data generation which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example (the 2) of the control data which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example (the 2) of the printing control system which concerns on the modification of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example (the 2) of the printing control function which concerns on the modification of this invention. It is a figure which shows the execution screen example of the direct printing which concerns on the modification of this invention.

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

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

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

  In the print control system 1 according to the present embodiment, the following print control processing is executed by these components. For example, when a print job is transmitted from the user terminal 300 to the print control apparatus 100, the print control apparatus 100 controls whether to perform accumulated printing or direct printing according to the received print job. Here, “accumulate printing” means that the print job is accumulated and the print job is transmitted in response to a request from the image processing apparatus 200, while “direct printing” means that the print job is This means that the print job is transmitted (transferred) to the designated image processing apparatus 200 without accumulating.

  As a result, when printing is performed directly, the user goes to the image processing apparatus 200 as a printing destination according to the print control result notified to the user terminal 300 and obtains the print result. Further, when the accumulated printing is performed, the user goes to the image processing apparatus 200 in the system and makes an execution request for the accumulated print job to obtain a printing result.

  As described above, the print control system 1 according to the present embodiment can provide a pull print service in which accumulated printing and direct printing are switched according to a print job by the above system configuration.

  In the present invention, the image processing apparatus 200 and the user terminal 300 are not necessarily configured to be connected via the print control apparatus 100. That is, in the print control system 1, these devices may be configured to be capable of data communication with each other. The reason for taking the above system configuration as an example is that it is a general system configuration corresponding to information security. In the case of such a system configuration, printing cannot be performed directly from the user terminal 300 to the image processing apparatus 200 (because printing is possible only through the print control apparatus). is there.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  As described above, the print control apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment can provide various information processing services using data communication with the above hardware configuration.

<Print control function>
A print control function according to the present embodiment will be described.
The print control apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment analyzes a print job received from the user terminal 300 and acquires bibliographic information and / or user print conditions (user setting information) of print target data included in the print job as an analysis result. To do. Subsequently, the print control apparatus 100 collates the user print condition acquired as the analysis result with a preset print control condition, and stores the print job based on the collation result, or performs image processing on the print job. Whether to transmit to the device 200 is controlled. For example, the print control apparatus 100 collates the print conditions set for the print job by the user with the print control conditions for which the conditions for performing direct printing are set, and if the collation result corresponding to the conditions is obtained, the print job Is transmitted to the image processing apparatus 200. The print control apparatus 100 has such a print control function.

  The print control in the conventional pull print system has a problem that it takes time until the user obtains a print result. In the conventional pull print system, the user goes to the image processing apparatus 200 and the print job processing is started after the print request. Therefore, in the case of a print job with a small number of pages such as 1 or 2 pages or a print job with a large number of copies such as 100 or 200 copies, the user waits in front of the image processing apparatus 200 until a print result is obtained. Become. From the user's point of view, there is a case where such a print job is desired to start printing processing early and to obtain a printing result when going to the image processing apparatus 200.

  Therefore, the print control apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment performs accumulated printing or direct printing from the collation result between the user print conditions set for the received print job and the print control conditions set in advance in the apparatus. It was set as the mechanism which controls.

  As a result, the print control system 1 according to the present embodiment can switch between accumulated printing and direct printing according to the print job. As a result, the user can quickly obtain print results such as a print job with a small number of pages or a print job with a large number of copies, and wasteful time such as a waiting state is reduced.

The configuration and operation of the print control function according to this embodiment will be described below.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the print control function according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 3, the print control apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment mainly includes a received data analysis unit 11, a print control unit 12, a control data management unit 13, a stored data management unit 15, a transmission unit 17, and the like. is doing. On the other hand, the user terminal 300 includes a transmission unit 31, a processing result notification unit 32, and the like. The image processing apparatus 200 includes a printing unit 21 and a print data request unit 22.

  The reception data analysis unit 11 is a functional unit that analyzes reception data from the user terminal 300. That is, the reception data analysis unit 11 analyzes the print job transmitted from the transmission unit 31 included in the user terminal 300.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print control execution screen according to the present embodiment.
For example, in the user terminal 300, the user can set various printing conditions (for example, printing conditions such as “color”, “double-sided”, “number of copies”) via the execution screen W11 shown in FIG. . When the user terminal 300 accepts pressing of the [OK] button, the user terminal 300 transmits the set user print conditions and print target data (for example, “document data”, “image data”, etc.) to the print control apparatus 100 as a print job. To do.

  Returning to the description of FIG. The received data analysis unit 11 analyzes the received print job, and acquires bibliographic information, user print conditions, and the like of the print target data as analysis results.

  The bibliographic information acquired as an analysis result includes creator identification information (user ID) for identifying a data creator, application identification information (application ID) for identifying an application at the time of data creation, and data identification for identifying created data. Information (file name), and page information (number of pages) of created data.

  The print control apparatus 100 has PDL (Page Description Language) conversion software (printer driver), and converts print target data (for example, “application data”) received from the user terminal 300 into PDL data (print data). The software environment is assumed. Such a software configuration is advantageous in that it is not necessary to install a printer driver for each user terminal 300, and work related to software management can be reduced. Therefore, the received data analysis unit 11 is a function that can be realized by the printer driver included in the print control apparatus 100.

  Even if the user terminal 300 has a printer driver and has a software configuration in which print data is transmitted to the print control apparatus 100, the received data analysis unit 11 is realized by software that can analyze the PDL of the print data. You can also

  The print control unit 12 is a functional unit that controls whether a print job is stored and printed according to a received print job. The print control unit 12 collates user print conditions acquired as an analysis result with print control conditions set in advance in the print control apparatus 100. Accordingly, the print control unit 12 controls whether to store the print job or to transmit the print job to the image processing apparatus 200 based on the collation result. Therefore, the print control unit 12 has a control condition checking unit 121.

Here, the print control information will be described.
The print control information is held in a control data holding unit 14 corresponding to a predetermined storage area of a storage device (for example, “HDD”) included in the print control apparatus 100 with a data configuration as shown in FIG. 13 is managed.

  The control data management unit 13 is a functional unit that accesses the control data holding unit 14, performs predetermined data operations in response to requests received from other functional units, and manages the control data (printing control information) 14D. . The “data operation” referred to here includes data retrieval, reference, acquisition, setting (storage), deletion (erasing), and the like.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the control data 14D according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 5 shows an example of data in which print control conditions for performing direct printing are set. Further, (A) shows an example of the control data 14D ₁ in which only one print control condition is set. Further, the (B), the print control condition is an example of a plurality set control data 14D ₂ is shown. Hereinafter, when both data are collectively referred to as “control data 14D”.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the control data 14 </ b> D has information items such as a “destination setting” item and a “control condition setting” item. In the control data 14D, other information items are associated with the [destination setting] item.

  The [Destination Setting] item is an item in which destination identification information for direct printing is set. For example, the item value includes an IP address (Internet Protocol address) and the like, and a network identifier (network identification information) assigned to the image processing apparatus 200 is set. [Control condition setting] is an item in which various print control conditions for determining direct printing are set. For example, item values include condition values such as color / monochrome, number of copies, double-sided / single-sided, etc., and these print control condition values (print control condition information) are set.

  As described above, in the control data 14D, the item value (IP address) of [Destination Setting] can be acquired based on the item value of the [Control Condition Setting] item by the above data configuration. As a result, the functional unit that has made an information acquisition request to the control data management unit 13 can specify a transmission destination (image processing apparatus) for direct printing.

  Each item value (control data) can be set by an administrator via a setting screen W21 provided by the control data management unit 13 as shown in FIG. 6, for example.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print control condition setting screen according to the present embodiment.
In FIG. 6, the administrator sets the IP address of “192.168.11.XXX” as the “Destination setting” item, and “Color”, “Duplex”, and “100 copies” as the “Control condition setting” item. An example of a screen on which the above print control condition value is to be set is shown. Furthermore, on the setting screen W21 shown in FIG. 6, a list of set conditions is displayed. Therefore, the administrator can set new conditions after confirming the set print control conditions.

  Returning to the description of FIG. The control condition collation unit 121 included in the print control unit 12 collates the analysis result of the print job with the print control condition as follows.

  The control condition matching unit 121 passes the user print condition (print control condition value), which is the analysis result, to the control data management unit 13, and the corresponding condition (corresponding print control condition) in the control data based on the information. ) Request data retrieval. As a result, the search result is returned from the control data management unit 13 to the control condition matching unit 121. At this time, if the corresponding condition exists, the control data management unit 13 responds with the item value (network identification information) of the [Destination Setting] item associated with the print control condition as a search result. On the other hand, if the corresponding condition does not exist, a response to that effect (no corresponding condition) is returned. The control condition matching unit 121 receives the returned search result as a matching result.

  As a result, the print control unit 12 controls whether the print job is to be accumulated or directly printed based on the collation result of the control condition collation unit 121 as follows. A specific control example will be described with reference to FIG.

For example, the control data holding unit 14, when holding the control data 14D ₁ to perform direct printing as shown in (A) is carried out print control as shown by reference numeral C1 in (A).

  In the case of print job 1, the control condition matching unit 121 passes the user print conditions of “color”, “50 copies or more”, and “single side” set for the print job 1 to the control data management unit 13, and the data Request verification. As a result, a search result without a corresponding condition is returned from the control data management unit 13.

  Accordingly, the print control unit 12 determines that the print job 1 is not data to be directly printed from the collation result of the control condition collation unit 121, and accumulates the print data.

On the other hand, if the print job 3, the control data management unit 13, the user print condition passed from the control condition collating section 121, since it meets the conditions set in the control data 14D _1, corresponding to the relevant conditions The IP address “192.168.11.XXX” in the “destination setting” item is returned as a search result.

  As a result, the print control unit 12 determines from the collation result of the control condition collation unit 121 that the print job 3 is data to be directly printed, and the IP address of the responded [Destination Setting] item is assigned. The print data is transmitted to the image processing apparatus 200. That is, the print control unit 12 requests the image processing apparatus 200 to execute the print job 3.

  As described above, the print control unit 12 dynamically determines a print job having a large number of copies based on the print control condition, and switches the print for the print job from accumulated printing to direct printing.

Further, for example, when the control data holding unit 14 holds control data 14D ₂ (control data in which a plurality of print control conditions are set) as shown in (B), the reference symbol C2 in (B) Printing control as shown in FIG.

  The cases of print job 1 to print job 4 are the same as the print control described with reference to (A). However, in the case of the print job 5, different print control is performed.

  When the search result (match result) without the corresponding condition is returned from the control condition matching unit 121, the print control unit 12 determines whether the print job that does not meet the condition is a print job with a small number of pages. . Specifically, the number of pages is small based on the comparison result between the number of pages (page information) included in the bibliographic information that is the analysis result and a threshold value (number of print reference pages) preset in the print control apparatus 100. It is determined whether the job is a print job. When the number of pages is less than the threshold, the print control unit 12 determines that the print job that does not meet the condition is a print job with a small number of pages.

  In the above determination method, the method of comparing and determining the number of pages of the print job and the threshold value has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the number of copies is included in the user print conditions of the print job that is the analysis result, a method of comparing and determining a value obtained by multiplying the number of pages set in the bibliographic information by the set number of copies may be used. .

  Assume that the print job 5 is a print job that does not meet the conditions. In this case, for example, if the threshold is 3 pages and the print job 5 is a 1-page 2-page document, the print job 5 is set to the number of pages because the number of pages is less than the threshold. It is determined that there are few print jobs.

Accordingly, the print control unit 12 determines that the print job 5 is data to be directly printed from the determination result of the number of pages, and transmits the print data to the image processing apparatus 200. At this time, the print control unit 12, as the destination of the small print job with the number of pages, the IP address "192.168.11.111" which is set in advance in the destination setting item of the control data 14D ₂ Based on this, print data is transmitted.

  On the other hand, if the determination result is that the number of pages is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the print control unit 12 determines that the print job is not data to be directly printed, and accumulates print data.

  In other words, the print control unit 12 determines the number of pages for a print job (print job with a small number of copies) that does not meet the conditions in the collation of the print control conditions, and determines whether to perform accumulated printing based on the determination result. Control whether to print directly.

  As described above, the print control unit 12 determines a print job with a large number of copies and a print job with a small number of pages in a stepwise manner, and switches printing for the print job from accumulated printing to direct printing. Specifically, for a print job determined to have a small number of copies, it is determined whether the print job is a print job with a small number of pages based on the print reference page number, and whether the print job is stored and printed directly or not. Controls whether to print.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print control result screen according to the present embodiment.
As illustrated in FIG. 7, the processing result related to the print control is notified to the user by the processing result notifying unit 32 included in the user terminal 300. (A) shows an example of a print control result screen W31 when directly printed, and (B) shows an example of a print control result screen W32 when stored and printed. At this time, the print control unit 12 passes the accumulated print or direct print control result (print control execution result) to the processing result notification unit 32 of the user terminal 300.

  Returning to the description of FIG. The stored data management unit 15 is a functional unit that accesses the stored data holding unit 16, performs predetermined data operations in response to requests received from other functional units, and manages the stored data 16D. Therefore, the accumulation data management unit 15 performs accumulation printing (accumulation of print data) controlled by the print control unit 12 in response to a request (data storage request) from the print control unit 12.

  The accumulated data 16D is held in the accumulated data holding unit 16 corresponding to a predetermined storage area of a storage device (for example, “HDD”) included in the print control apparatus 100, for example, with a data configuration as shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of accumulated data 16D according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 8, the accumulated data 16D has information items such as a [print job identification] item and an [analysis content (bibliographic content)] item. In the accumulated data 16D, the [print job identification] item and other information items, and print data PD ₁ and PD ₂ corresponding to the print jobs (1) and (2) (hereinafter collectively referred to as “print data PD”). Are associated with each other. That is, in the accumulated data holding unit 16, analysis data (acquired information by analysis) and print data PD are stored in association with each other during accumulated printing (when printing data is accumulated).

  The [print job identification] item stores information (print job identification information) for identifying a print job for accumulated printing. For example, the item value includes a print job name and a print job ID. [Analysis content (bibliographic content)] is an item in which bibliographic information of a print job acquired as an analysis result is stored. For example, the item value includes creator identification information (user ID), application identification information (application ID), data identification information (file name), page information (number of pages), and the like.

  As described above, in the accumulated data 16D, the print data PD held in association with each other can be acquired based on the item values such as the [print job identification] item and the [analysis content (bibliographic content)] item. As a result, the functional unit that has made an information acquisition request to the accumulated data management unit 15 can specify the print data PD of the print job that performs accumulated printing.

  Returning to the description of FIG. The transmission unit 17 is a functional unit that transmits data to the image processing apparatus 200. Therefore, direct printing (print data transmission) controlled by the print control unit 12 is performed by the transmission unit 17 in response to a request (data transmission request) from the print control unit 12. The print data PD transmitted by the transmission unit 17 is transferred to the printing unit 21 included in the image processing apparatus 200, and printing is executed.

  In the print control apparatus 100, the print control unit 12 includes a list information providing unit 122 in order for the user to select a print job to be stored and printed via the image processing apparatus 200.

  The list information providing unit 122 is a functional unit that provides as list information of the accumulated data 16D in response to a request from another functional unit. The list information providing unit 122 requests the accumulated data management unit 15 to acquire information on the accumulated data 16D. At this time, the list information providing unit 122 passes the user identification information to the accumulated data management unit 16. As a result, the stored data management unit 16 specifies the stored data 16D belonging to the designated user from the creator identification information included in the [analysis content (bibliographic content)] item of the stored data 16D. As a result, the stored information management unit 16 responds to the list information providing unit 122 with acquired information (item values of the [print job identification] item and [analysis content (bibliographic content)] item) belonging to the designated user. The list information providing unit 122 provides the acquired list information of the accumulated data 16D to the requesting function unit.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a storage printing execution screen according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 9 shows an example of a storage printing execution screen W41 including list information displayed on an operation panel (not shown) provided in the image processing apparatus 200. When the image processing apparatus 200 receives a storage print execution request from the user, the image processing apparatus 200 displays a screen W41 on the operation panel. At this time, the image processing apparatus 200 requests the print control apparatus 100 to provide the list information of the accumulated data 16D. As a result, from the print control apparatus 100, the list information providing unit 122 provides the list information of the accumulated data 16D. As a result, after confirming the accumulated print job via the execution screen W41, the user selects a print job for executing the accumulated print, and presses the [Print] button to instruct execution of the accumulated print. be able to.

  Returning to the description of FIG. In the print control apparatus 100, the print control unit 12 includes a print data providing unit 123 in order to perform accumulated printing of a print job selected by the user via the image processing apparatus 200.

  The print data providing unit 123 is a functional unit that provides the print data PD in the accumulated data in response to a request from another functional unit. The print data providing unit 123 requests the accumulated data management unit 15 to acquire the print data PD of the print job selected by the user. At this time, the print data providing unit 123 passes the identification information (for example, “print job ID”) of the selected print job (designated print job) to the accumulated data management unit 16. As a result, the accumulated data management unit 16 specifies the print data PD of the designated print job from the print job identification information in the [print job identification] item of the accumulated data 16D. As a result, the print data PD of the designated print job is returned from the accumulated data management unit 16 to the print data providing unit 123. The print data providing unit 123 provides the acquired print data PD to the requesting function unit.

  When the image processing apparatus 200 receives an instruction to execute accumulated printing (pressing the [Print] button) from the user, the print data request unit 22 requests the print control apparatus 100 to provide the print data PD of the designated print job. To do. As a result, the print data PD of the designated print job is provided from the print control apparatus 100 by the print data providing unit 123. As a result, in the image processing apparatus 200, the print data request unit 22 passes the print data PD to the printing unit 21 and executes printing.

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

  A detailed operation of the print control function according to the present embodiment (an association operation of functional unit groups) will be described with reference to a flowchart showing a processing procedure.

  As for the print control function, a program (software that implements the print control function) installed (installed) in each device constituting the print control system 1 is stored in a storage device (eg, “HDD”) by a processing device (eg, “CPU”). Or “ROM”) on a memory (RAM), and the following processing is executed in each device.

  In the following, the two processing procedures of the main process of print control and the accumulated print process in print control will be described in order.

<Main processing of print control>
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure example of print control according to the present embodiment.
As illustrated in FIG. 10, in the user terminal 300, the print job generated by the user is transmitted to the print control apparatus 100 by the transmission unit 31. Thereby, the user inputs a print job to the print control apparatus 100 (step S11).

  In the print control apparatus 100, when a print job is input (when a print job is received: step S21: YES), the following print control processing is performed.

  The print control apparatus 100 analyzes the received print job using the received data analysis unit 11 (step S22). As a result, the print control apparatus 100 acquires bibliographic information of the print job, user print conditions, and the like as analysis results.

  Subsequently, the print control apparatus 100 uses the print control unit 12 (control condition matching unit) to analyze the user print conditions that are the analysis results and the print control conditions that are held in the control data holding unit 14 (print control conditions for performing direct printing). Are collated (step S23). At this time, the print control unit 12 passes the user print conditions (condition settings such as “color / monochrome setting”, “number of copies setting”, “double-sided / single-sided setting”) to the control data management unit 13 to search for data. Request. The control data management unit 13 accesses the control data holding unit 14 and searches the control data based on each setting value of the user print conditions. As a result, a search result of the corresponding print control condition is returned from the control data management unit 13 to the print control unit 12 and received as a collation result. As described above, in the present embodiment, the condition for directly printing a print job with a large number of copies is set in the print control condition. Therefore, when the user print condition corresponds to the print control condition, the print control unit 12 It can be determined that the requested print job is a print job with a large number of copies.

  As a result, the print control apparatus 100 determines whether or not the corresponding print control condition exists based on the collation result by the print control unit 12 (step S24).

  When the print control apparatus 100 determines that the corresponding print control condition does not exist (step S24: NO), the print control unit 12 determines that the number of pages of the print job that does not satisfy the condition is a threshold (print reference page number). It is determined whether it is less than (step S25). At this time, the print control unit 12 acquires the number of pages of the print job from the page information included in the bibliographic information that is the analysis result. Note that when a plurality of copies are set in the user print conditions of a print job, the product of the number of pages and the set number of copies may be compared with a threshold value. Accordingly, the print control unit 12 determines whether or not the number of pages of the print job is less than a preset threshold based on the acquired page information.

  If the print control apparatus 100 determines that the number of pages of the print job is equal to or greater than the threshold (step S25: NO), the print control unit 12 prints the print data PD generated from the received print job and the analysis data ( Data such as “bibliographic information” and “user print conditions” are associated with each other and stored in the storage data holding unit 16 (step S26). At this time, the print control unit 12 passes the print data PD and the analysis data to the accumulated data management unit 13 and requests data accumulation. The accumulated data management unit 13 accesses the accumulated data holding unit 16 after assigning the print job identification information, and stores the print job identification information and each received data in the storage area of the corresponding item, thereby accumulating data. I do.

  The print control apparatus 100 causes the print control unit 12 to transmit a print control execution result [data accumulation result] to the user terminal 300. As a result, the user terminal 300 is notified by the processing result notifying unit 32 that the requested print job has been stored as data to be stored (step S12).

  If it is determined that the corresponding print control condition exists (step S24: YES), the print control apparatus 100 causes the print control unit 12 to transmit the print data PD of the print job corresponding to the condition via the transmission unit 17. Transmit (step S28). At this time, the print control unit 12 passes the print data PD and the network identification information of the [Destination Setting] item included in the corresponding print control condition to the transmission unit 17 and requests data transmission. The transmission unit 17 transmits the print data PD to the image processing apparatus 200 corresponding to the transmission destination based on the network identification information. In this way, the print control unit 12 determines that the print job that is the print target data is a print job with a large number of copies (a print job for which direct printing is better), and directly inputs the print job to the image processing apparatus 200. Print.

  If the print control apparatus 100 determines that the number of pages of the print job is less than the threshold value (step S25: YES), the print control unit 12 sends the print data PD of the print job via the transmission unit 17. Transmit (step S28). At this time, the print control unit 12 passes the print data PD and preset transmission destination identification information to the transmission unit 17 and requests data transmission. The transmission unit 17 transmits the print data PD to the image processing apparatus 200 corresponding to the transmission destination based on the transmission destination identification information. In this way, the print control unit 12 determines that the print job determined to have a small number of copies is a print job with a smaller number of pages (a print job that is better to perform direct printing), and the image processing apparatus 200 direct printing.

  In the image processing apparatus 200, when the print data PD is received (step S31: YES), the print data PD is printed by the printing unit 21 (step S32). After executing printing, the image processing apparatus 200 transmits the result to the print control apparatus 100.

  The print control apparatus 100 causes the print control unit 12 to transmit the print control execution result [print result] received from the transmission unit 17 to the user terminal 300. As a result, the user terminal 300 is notified by the processing result notification unit 32 that the requested print job has been directly printed (step S12).

  As described above, the print control apparatus 100 dynamically determines a print job with a large number of copies based on the print control condition, and switches printing for the print job from accumulated printing to direct printing. Further, the print control apparatus 100 determines whether the print job is a print job with a small number of pages based on the print reference page number for a print job with a small number of copies, and prints the print job directly from the accumulated print. Switch to.

<Processing of accumulated printing in print control>
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of accumulated printing according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 11, in the image processing apparatus 200, when an instruction to execute accumulated printing is given from the user (step S <b> 41: YES), the following printing process is performed.

  The image processing apparatus 200 displays the list information of the accumulated data 16D belonging to the requesting user (Step S42). At this time, the image processing apparatus 200 transmits the user identification information acquired at the time of login or the like to the print control apparatus 100, and requests the list information of the accumulated data 16D.

  When the print control apparatus 100 accepts a list information acquisition request from the image processing apparatus 200 (step S51: YES), the print control unit 12 (list information providing unit) requests the requesting user via the accumulated data management unit 15. Is acquired, and the acquired list information is provided to the image processing apparatus 200 (step S52). At this time, the print control unit 12 passes the user identification information to the accumulated data management unit 15 and requests acquisition of information related to the corresponding accumulated data 16D. The accumulated data management unit 15 accesses the accumulated data holding unit 16, acquires the item values of the [print job identification] item and the [analysis content (bibliographic content)] item of the accumulated data 16D based on the user identification information, Responds to the print controller 12. As a result, the print control unit 12 provides the information related to the accumulated data 16D that has been responded to the image processing apparatus 200 as list information of the accumulated data 16D that belongs to the requesting user.

  Subsequently, when the image processing apparatus 200 receives a print job designation for accumulated printing from the user (step S43: YES), the print data request unit 22 acquires the print data PD of the designated print job from the print control apparatus 100. (Step S44). At this time, the print data request unit 22 transmits the print job identification information of the designated print job to the print control apparatus 100, and requests acquisition of the accumulated print data PD.

  When the print control apparatus 100 receives the print data PD acquisition request from the image processing apparatus 200 (step S53: YES), the print control unit 12 (print data providing unit) requests the print data PD via the accumulated data management unit 15. Print data PD of the print job is acquired and provided to the image processing apparatus 200 (step S54). At this time, the print control unit 12 passes the print job identification information to the accumulated data management unit 15, and requests acquisition of the print data PD held in association with the corresponding accumulated data 16D. The accumulated data management unit 15 accesses the accumulated data holding unit 16, acquires the print data PD associated with the corresponding accumulated data 16 </ b> D based on the print job identification information, and responds to the print control unit 12. As a result, the print control unit 12 provides the response print data PD to the image processing apparatus 200 as the print data PD of the requested print job.

  In the image processing apparatus 200, the print data PD provided from the print control apparatus 100 is printed by the printing unit 21 (step S45). As a result, the image processing apparatus 200 displays the result and notifies the user who has instructed execution of the storage printing.

<Summary>
As described above, according to the print control apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the received data analysis unit 11 analyzes the print job received from the user terminal 300, and the bibliographic information and / or the print target data included in the print job. Alternatively, the user print condition is acquired as an analysis result. Subsequently, the print control apparatus 100 collates the user print conditions acquired as an analysis result by the print control unit 12 with preset print control conditions, and stores a print job based on the collation results. Alternatively, it controls whether a print job is transmitted to the image processing apparatus 200. For example, when the print control unit 12 collates the print condition set for the print job by the user with the print control condition for which the direct printing condition is set, and the collation result corresponding to the condition is obtained, the print job Is transmitted to the image processing apparatus 200.

  As a result, the print control apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment can switch between accumulated printing and direct printing according to the print job. As a result, the user can quickly obtain print results such as a print job with a small number of pages or a print job with a large number of copies, and wasteful time such as a waiting state is reduced.

<Modification>
In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the print control apparatus 100 manages the accumulated data 16D has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the configuration shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 may be used.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example (part 1) of the print control system 1 according to the present modification.
As shown in FIG. 12, the print control system 1 according to this modification may have a system configuration including a data storage device (database: DB) 400 that holds and manages the stored data 16D. In this case, the functional configuration shown in FIG. 13 is obtained.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example (part 1) of the print control function according to the present modification.
As shown in FIG. 13, in the print control function according to this modification, the data storage device 400, which is a device (external device) different from the print control device 100, has a stored data management unit 15 and a stored data holding unit 16. ing. In this case, for data communication (processing request / execution result response) performed between the print control unit 12 and the accumulated data management unit 13, a data transmission path N connecting the print control device 100 and the data accumulation device 400 is used. Will be done through.

[Second Embodiment]
Advantages of using the pull print system include the following advantages in addition to providing a location-free printing service to the user. In the pull print system, since print jobs are collectively managed by the server, information leakage can be prevented by performing user authentication (user confirmation) at the time of a print request in cooperation with a user authentication function. That is, the pull print system can provide a highly confidential print service to the user.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, a description will be given of a configuration in which user authentication is performed at the time of a print request in cooperation with the user authentication function in the print control function, not only during accumulated printing but also when printing directly. In the following, only differences from the first embodiment will be described.

<System configuration>
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the print control system 1 according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 14 shows a configuration example of the print control system 1 in which an authentication management apparatus (authentication server) 500 that performs user use authentication is connected to the print control apparatus 100 and the image processing apparatus 200 via the data transmission path N. It is shown.

  As described above, the print control system 1 according to the present embodiment performs data communication between the authentication management apparatus 500, the print control apparatus 100, and the image processing apparatus 200 with the system configuration described above, and cooperates with the user authentication function. A pull print service can be provided.

<Print control function>
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a print control function according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 15, in the print control function according to the present embodiment, the print control apparatus 100 and the image processing apparatus 200 have authentication request units 18 and 23 for requesting user authentication.

  The authentication request unit 18 included in the print control apparatus 100 is a functional unit that requests user authentication before performing direct printing. The authentication request unit 18 requests user authentication by transmitting the user identification information of the requesting user received from the print control unit 12 to the authentication management apparatus 500 during direct printing. At this time, the print control unit 12 acquires the creator identification information from the bibliographic information (analysis result) of the print job that performs direct printing, and uses the acquired creator identification information as the user identification information to the authentication request unit 18. hand over.

  The authentication management apparatus 500 includes an authentication unit 51 that performs user authentication. The authentication unit 51 performs user authentication based on user authentication information received from the print control apparatus 100 (user identification information transmitted from the authentication request unit). As a result, the authentication management apparatus 500 returns an authentication result to the print control apparatus 100 (authentication request unit).

  The authentication request unit 18 included in the print control apparatus 100 passes the returned authentication result to the print control unit 12. The print control unit 12 determines whether to perform direct printing based on the authentication result. The print control unit 12 determines to perform printing directly when the requesting user is authenticated, and transmits the print data PD to the image processing apparatus 200 via the transmission unit 17.

  On the other hand, the authentication request unit 23 included in the image processing apparatus 200 is a functional unit that requests user authentication before performing accumulated printing. The authentication request unit 23 transmits, for example, user authentication information (for example, “user ID” and “password”) input via the login screen to the authentication management apparatus 500 when the user performs accumulated printing. And request user authentication. As a result, the authentication result is returned from the authentication unit 51 of the authentication management apparatus 500 to the image processing apparatus 200.

  The authentication request unit 23 included in the image processing apparatus 200 passes the returned authentication result to the print data request unit 22. The print data request unit 22 determines whether to perform accumulated printing based on the authentication result. The print data request unit 22 determines to perform accumulated printing when the requesting user is authenticated, and requests the print control apparatus 100 to acquire the print data PD of the requested print job.

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

  A detailed operation of the print control function according to the present embodiment (an association operation of functional unit groups) will be described with reference to a flowchart showing a processing procedure.

  As for the print control function, a program (software that implements the print control function) installed (installed) in each device constituting the print control system 1 is stored in a storage device (eg, “HDD”) by a processing device (eg, “CPU”). Or “ROM”) on a memory (RAM), and the following processing is executed in each device.

Hereinafter, main processing of print control by cooperation with the user authentication function will be described.
<Main processing of print control>
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of print control according to the present embodiment. Steps S204 to S210 are different from the processing procedure of the print control apparatus 100 (FIG. 10) described in the first embodiment. Therefore, steps S101, S102, S201 to S203, and S401, S402 in FIG. 16 correspond to the corresponding steps (S11, S12, S21 to S23, and S31, S32) in FIG.

  As illustrated in FIG. 16, the print control apparatus 100 determines whether or not the corresponding print control condition exists based on the collation result by the print control unit 12 (step S204).

  When the print control apparatus 100 determines that the corresponding print control condition does not exist (step S204: NO), the print control unit 12 determines that the number of pages of the print job that does not meet the condition is a threshold (print reference page number). It is determined whether it is less than (step S205).

  If the print control apparatus 100 determines that the number of pages of the print job is equal to or greater than the threshold (step S205: NO), the print control unit 12 prints the print data PD generated from the received print job and the analysis data ( Data such as “bibliographic information” and “user printing conditions” are associated with each other and stored in the storage data holding unit 16 (step S206).

  The print control apparatus 100 causes the print control unit 12 to transmit a print control execution result [data accumulation result] to the user terminal 300.

  The print control apparatus 100 determines that the corresponding print control condition exists (step S204: YES) or determines that the number of pages of the print job is less than the threshold (step S204: NO, S205). : YES), the authentication requesting unit 18 requests the authentication management apparatus 500 to authenticate the user who requested the print job (request user) (step S208). At this time, the print control unit 12 passes the creator identification information included in the bibliographic information of the print job to the authentication request unit 18 as user identification information, and requests user authentication. The authentication request unit 18 requests user authentication by transmitting user identification information to the authentication management apparatus 500. As a result, in the authentication management apparatus 500, the authentication unit 51 performs an authentication process based on the user identification information (step S301), and the result (authentication result) is returned to the print control apparatus 10.

  Subsequently, the print control apparatus 100 determines whether or not the requesting user has “successfully” authenticated based on the returned authentication result (step S209).

  When the authentication result is “success” (step S209: YES), the print control unit 100 performs the following direct printing by the print control unit 12.

<When it is determined that the corresponding print control condition exists>
The print control unit 12 determines that the print job corresponding to the condition is a print job with a large number of copies (a print job that should be directly printed), and sends the print data PD via the transmission unit 17 at the transmission destination. The data is transmitted to a certain image processing apparatus 200 (step S210).

<When it is determined that the number of pages in the print job is less than the threshold value>
The print control unit 12 determines that the print job is a print job with a smaller number of copies and a smaller number of pages (a print job for which direct printing is better), and transmits the print data PD via the transmission unit 17. The image is transmitted to the previous image processing apparatus 200 (step S210).

  The print control apparatus 100 causes the print control unit 12 to transmit the print control execution result [print result] received from the image processing apparatus 200 to the user terminal 300.

  In addition, when the authentication result is “failure” (step S209: NO), the print control apparatus 100 determines that direct printing is not permitted for the requesting user (the user is a usage restriction target user) and the data in step S206. Shift to accumulation processing.

  At this time, the print control apparatus 100 causes the print control unit 12 to transmit the print control execution result [data accumulation result] and the authentication result [failure] to the user terminal 300.

  In this way, the print control apparatus 100 performs user authentication (user confirmation) in the control process of accumulated printing and direct printing not only during accumulated printing but also when printing directly, and only for authenticated users. Allow direct printing.

<Summary>
As described above, according to the print control apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the user print conditions set in the received print job are collated with the print control conditions set in advance in the apparatus. The print control apparatus 100 controls whether to store the print job or to transmit the print job to the image processing apparatus based on the collation result. Furthermore, the print control apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment authenticates the requesting user before executing the accumulated printing or the direct printing in cooperation with the user authentication function, and permits the execution only to the authenticated user.

  As a result, the print control apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment can provide the same print service as the first embodiment and provide a highly confidential print service to the user.

[Third Embodiment]
In the present exemplary embodiment, a print control service that performs print control based on control data that is dynamically managed according to an image processing apparatus participating in the pull print system is provided in cooperation with the device management function. In the following, only differences from the first embodiment will be described.

<Print control function>
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a print control function according to the present embodiment.
As illustrated in FIG. 17, the print control function according to the present embodiment includes a control data generation / update unit 124 as a function of the print control unit 12 in the print control apparatus 100. A device data management unit 19 is included. In addition, the image processing apparatus 200 includes a device data providing unit 24.

  The device information acquisition unit 10 is a functional unit that acquires device information (device data) from the image processing apparatus 200. The device information acquisition unit 10 performs data communication with the image processing apparatus 200 via a predetermined communication protocol (for example, “SNMP: Simple Network Management Protocol” or “SOAP: Simple Object Access Protocol”). Get information. For example, the device information acquisition unit 10 acquires device information by transmitting a communication protocol information acquisition command to the image processing apparatus 200 by polling processing. As a result, in the image processing device 200, the device information providing unit 24 transmits a response command including device data to the print control device 100, and the device information is responded.

  The device information acquisition method is not limited to the polling process. For example, it may be a trap process for receiving device information actively notified from the image processing apparatus 200 in accordance with a state change or the like.

  The device data management unit 19 is a functional unit that accesses the device data holding unit 20, performs predetermined data operations in response to requests received from other functional units, and manages the device data 20D. Therefore, the device data management unit 19 performs the device information acquired by the device information acquisition unit 124 in response to a request (data storage request) from the device information acquisition unit 10.

  The device data 20D is held in the management data holding unit 20 corresponding to a predetermined storage area of a storage device (for example, “HDD”) included in the print control apparatus 100, for example, with a data configuration as shown in FIG.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of the device data 20D according to the present embodiment.
As illustrated in FIG. 18, the device data 20D includes information items such as a [device identification] item and an [acquired content] item. Further, in the device data 20D, other information items are associated with the [device identification] item.

  The [device identification] item is an item in which information (device identification information) for identifying the image processing apparatus 200 is stored. For example, the item value includes an IP address and the like, and is network identification information uniquely assigned to the image processing apparatus 200. The [acquired content] item is an item in which device information acquired from the image processing apparatus 200 is stored. For example, the item values include installed function information (function name), function specification information (corresponding information and function performance information), installed hardware information (installed option information), and status information (status value).

  As described above, in the device data 20D, the item value of the [device identification] item can be acquired based on the item value of the [acquisition content] item by the above data configuration. As a result, the functional unit that has made an information acquisition request to the device data management unit 19 can specify the image processing apparatus 200 that is the transmission destination during direct printing.

  Returning to the description of FIG. The control data generation / update unit 124 is a functional unit that dynamically generates / updates the control data 14D based on the device information of the image processing apparatus 200.

Figure 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of control data 14D ₂ according to the embodiment (Part 1).
19, via the setting screen W21, an example of control data 14D ₂ is shown when only is set [Control condition setting item by the administrator. As described above, in the present embodiment, since the [transmission destination setting] item is dynamically generated / updated by the control data generation / update unit 124, the administrator need only manage the print control conditions. That is, the administrator does not need to grasp the image processing apparatus 200 that participates in the print control system 1 as a transmission destination candidate, and the complexity of the management work is reduced.

The control data 14D ₂ shown in FIG. 19, the control data generation and update unit 125, a print control condition set, based on the acquired device information, the optimal Destination Setting the print control condition item field values to determine the (reference numeral R1 in the drawing), generates and updates the control data 14D _2. As a result, the print control apparatus 100 optimizes the association between the print control condition and the image processing apparatus 200 that is the transmission destination, so that direct printing is executed by the image processing apparatus 200 suitable for the user print condition. The

The control data generation and update unit 124, based on the item value of the control condition setting item of the control data 14D _2, the item value of the device identification item acquired from the device data 20D, [destination of the control data 14D ₂ Set in the [Settings] item.

The control data generation and update unit 124, an information acquisition request to the control data management unit 13 acquires the control data 14D _2. The control data generation and update unit 124, the item value of the control condition setting item of the acquired control data 14D _2, passes into device data management unit 19 requests the data search. As a result, the device data management unit 19 refers to each item value (installed function information, function specification information, installed hardware information, and status information) of the [acquired content] item of the device data 20D, and receives the received control data 14D. Based on the item value of the item ₂ [control condition setting], the [acquired content] item corresponding to the print control condition is specified. The device data management unit 19 responds with the item value of the [device identification] item corresponding to the identified [acquired content] item as a search result. Thereby, the control data generation / update unit 124 acquires device identification information for identifying the image processing apparatus 200 optimal for the print control condition from the device data 20D.

The control data generation and update unit 124, the acquired device identification information, pass to the control data management unit 13, corresponding to the print control condition is set to destination setting item of the control data 14D _2.

As described above, the control data generation / update unit 124 specifies the device data 20D of the image processing apparatus 200 that satisfies the print control condition based on at least one item value of the [acquired content] item, and the [device identification] ] the item value of the item, by setting in the destination setting item of the control data 14D _2, generates and updates the control data 14D _2.

The print control unit 12 performs the data generation / update process in synchronization with the update process of the device data 20D by the device data management unit 19. Thus, [destination setting item of the control data 14D _2, depending on the addition or change and delete said system environment of the image processing apparatus 200, is dynamically managed.

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

  A detailed operation of the print control function according to the present embodiment (an association operation of functional unit groups) will be described with reference to a flowchart showing a processing procedure.

  As for the print control function, a program (software that implements the print control function) installed (installed) in each device constituting the print control system 1 is stored in a storage device (eg, “HDD”) by a processing device (eg, “CPU”). Or “ROM”) on a memory (RAM), and the following processing is executed in each device.

  In the following, control data generation processing in cooperation with the device management function will be described.

<< Control data generation process >>
FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure for generating control data according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 20 shows an example of a processing procedure when device information is acquired from the image processing apparatus 200 by polling processing.

  As shown in FIG. 20, when the print control unit 100 receives a notification that the device data 20D has been updated from the device data management unit 19 by the print control unit 12 (step S501), the print control device 100 acquires the control data 14D (step S501). Step S502). At this time, the print control unit 12 requests the control data management unit 13 to acquire information. As a result, the control data 14D acquired from the control data holding unit 14 is returned to the print control unit 12.

  Subsequently, the print control apparatus 100 uses the print control unit 12 (control data generation / update unit) to obtain the [acquired content] item of the device data 20D based on the item value of the [control condition setting] item of the control data 14D. Is searched (step S503). At this time, the print control unit 12 passes the item value of the [control condition setting] item of the control data 14D to the device data management unit 19 and requests a data search.

  When there is an [acquired content] item (data corresponding to the condition) corresponding to the set print control condition in the device data (step S504: YES), the print control apparatus 100 causes the device data management unit 19 to In the device data, the [device identification] item corresponding to the [acquired content] item is specified (step S505). The device data management unit 19 passes the item value (device identification information) of the identified [device identification] item to the print control unit 12 as a search result.

  The print control apparatus 100 uses the print control unit 12 to set the received device identification information in the [Destination setting] item of the control data 14D (step S506). At this time, the print control unit 12 passes the device identification information together with the print control condition that is a search key to the control data management unit 13 and requests data storage. The control data management unit 13 stores the device identification information in the item value of the [Destination Setting] item corresponding to the corresponding [Control Condition Setting] item. Thereby, the control data 14D in which the [transmission destination setting] item and the [control condition setting] item are associated with each other is generated. That is, the identification information of the image processing apparatus 200 that is optimal for the print control conditions is set in the control data 14D.

  Subsequently, the print control apparatus 100 determines whether or not all the [control condition setting] items of the acquired control data 14D are referred to by the print control unit 12 (step S507).

  If it is determined that all the [control condition setting] items have been referenced (step S507: YES), the print control apparatus 100 ends the generation process of the control data 14D.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that all the [control condition setting] items are not referenced (step 507: NO), the print control apparatus 100 proceeds to the data search process of step S503, and the print control unit 12 Based on the unreferenced [control condition setting] item, the [acquired content] item of the device data 20D is searched. In other words, in the print control apparatus 100, the search processing for the condition applicable data for the device data 20D is performed under all the set print control conditions.

  Further, when there is no [acquired content] item (data corresponding to the condition) corresponding to the set print control condition in the device data (step S504: NO), the print control apparatus 100 performs step S503. Move to data search process.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example (part 2) of the control data 20D according to the present embodiment.
Figure 21 performs the process based on the device data 20D shown in FIG. 18, the control data 14D ₂ shown in FIG. 19 destination setting item (see reference numeral R2 in the figure) when it is set An example is shown.

A specific generation process including data search is as follows.
For example, the control data generation / update unit 124 acquires the print control conditions of “color”, “100 copies or more”, and “double-sided” from the control data 14D, and passes the acquired print control conditions to the device data management unit 19 Suppose that a data search is requested.

  First, the device data management unit 19 refers to the device data 20D and identifies data of the image processing apparatus 200 in which the status information of the [acquired content] item is “normal”. In addition, the device data management unit 19 specifies data of the image processing apparatus 200 that further includes either “printer” or “copy” in the mounted function information of the [acquired content] item from the previously specified data. . The device data management unit 19 narrows down the device data 20D to the data of the image processing apparatus 200 that can perform a normal printing operation.

  Subsequently, when the double-sided / single-sided condition value of the “control condition setting” item of the control data 14D is “double-sided”, the device data management unit 19 determines the device data 20D previously identified based on the double-sided / single-sided condition value. The hardware specification information in the [acquired content] item is searched, and the data of the image processing apparatus 200 including the “duplex unit” in the hardware specification information is specified. The device data management unit 19 narrows down the data to the image processing apparatus 200 capable of duplex printing.

  Subsequently, when the color / monochrome condition value of the [control condition setting] item of the control data 14D is “color”, the device data management unit 19 determines the device data 20D previously identified based on the color / monochrome condition value. The function specification information of the [acquired content] item is searched, and the data of the image processing apparatus 200 including “full color” in the function specification information is specified. The device data management unit 19 narrows down the data to the image processing apparatus 200 capable of full-color / double-sided printing.

  Subsequently, when the number condition value of the [control condition setting] item of the control data 14D is “100 or more”, the device data management unit 19 selects [ The function specification information of the “acquired content” item is searched, and the image processing apparatus 200 that has the print performance value (most approximate value: 75 ppm) closest to the copy condition value among the print performance values (ppm value) included in the function specification information. Identify the data. As a result, data of the image processing apparatus 200 corresponding to the print control conditions of “color”, “100 copies or more”, and “double-sided” from the device data 20D shown in FIG. 18 (reference numeral S in FIG. 18). Is identified.

  As described above, the device data management unit 19 obtains the data of the image processing apparatus 200 (image processing apparatus optimal for the printing control condition) that can perform full color / double-sided printing and realize appropriate printing performance from the device data 20D. Identify. Among them, the device data management unit 19 assigns the optimum image processing apparatus 200 to the print control condition according to the device state, hardware configuration, functional configuration, functional performance, and the like.

  The device data management unit 19 responds to the control data generation / update unit 124 with the IP address “192.168.1X1”, which is the item value of the [device identification] item in the specified data, as a search result.

  The control data generation / update unit 124 uses the IP address “192.168.1X1” acquired in this way together with the print control conditions of “color”, “100 copies or more”, and “double-sided”, and the control data management unit 13 to request data storage.

Control data management unit 13, based on the print control condition, with reference to the Control condition setting item of the control data 14D _2, and stores the IP address "192.168.1X1" to appropriate 'destination setting item, Set as item value. As a result, the control data 14D ₂ as shown in FIG. 21 is generated.

<Modification>
In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the print control apparatus 100 manages the device data 20D has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the configuration shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 may be used.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example (part 2) of the print control system 1 according to the present modification.
As illustrated in FIG. 22, the print control system 1 according to the present modification includes a system configuration including a device management apparatus (device management server) 600 that acquires device information from the image processing apparatus 200 and holds and manages the device data 20D. It may be. In this case, the functional configuration shown in FIG. 23 is obtained.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example (part 2) of the print control function according to the present modification.
As shown in FIG. 23, the print control function according to the present modification includes a device management apparatus 600, which is an apparatus (external device) different from the print control apparatus 100, the device information acquisition unit 10, the device data management unit 19, and the device. A data holding unit 20 is included. In this case, the data communication (processing request / execution result response) performed between the print control unit 12 and the device data management unit 13 described in the above embodiment connects the print control device 100 and the device management device 600. Is performed via the data transmission path N. In addition, data communication (information acquisition) performed between the device information acquisition unit 10 and the device information providing unit 24 is performed via a data transmission path N that connects the image processing apparatus 200 and the device management apparatus 600. It will be.

<Summary>
As described above, according to the print control apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the user print conditions set in the received print job are collated with the print control conditions set in advance in the apparatus. The print control apparatus 100 controls whether to store the print job or to transmit the print job to the image processing apparatus based on the collation result. Furthermore, the print control apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment dynamically generates / updates the control data 14D according to the image processing apparatus 200 participating in the print control system 1 in cooperation with the device management function. Print control is performed based on the data 14D. In other words, the print control apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment optimizes the association between the print control condition and the image processing apparatus 200 that is the transmission destination in accordance with a change in the system environment in cooperation with the device management function. .

  As a result, the print control apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment provides the same effects as the first embodiment, and provides the user with a print service using the image processing apparatus 200 suitable for the user print conditions. be able to.

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

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

<Modification>
FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of an execution screen for direct printing according to the present modification.
As shown in FIG. 24, the print control apparatus 100 may provide an execution screen W51 for performing direct printing to the user so that the IP address of the image processing apparatus 200 as a print destination can be designated. In this case, the print control apparatus 100 transmits print data PD of the print job to the image processing apparatus 200 based on the received IP address. In other words, the print control apparatus 100 prioritizes the user-specified transmission destination over the direct printing transmission destination determined according to the print job by the print control function.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example of the control data 14D in which print control conditions for performing direct printing are set is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. It may be control data 14D in which print control conditions for performing accumulated printing are set.

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

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Print control system 10 Equipment information acquisition part 11 Reception data analysis part 12 Print control part 121 Control condition collation part 122 List information provision part 123 Print data provision part 124 Control data production | generation / update part 13 Control data management part 14 Control data holding part (D: control data (printing control information))
15 Accumulated data management unit 16 Accumulated data holding unit (D: Accumulated data)
17 Transmitter (printing control device side)
18 Authentication request section (printing control device side)
19 device data management unit 20 device data holding unit (D: device data (device management information))
21 Print unit 22 Print data request unit 23 Authentication request unit (image processing apparatus side)
24 device information providing unit 31 transmitting unit (user terminal side)
32 Processing Result Notification Unit 100 Print Control Device (Print Server)
101 Input Device 102 Display Device 103 Drive Device (a: Recording Medium)
104 RAM (volatile semiconductor memory)
105 ROM (nonvolatile semiconductor memory)
106 CPU (Central Processing Unit)
107 Interface device (NIC: Network I / F Card)
108 HDD (nonvolatile storage device)
200 Image processing apparatus 300 User terminal (information processing apparatus)
400 Data storage device (database)
500 Authentication management device (authentication server)
600 Device management device (device management server)
B Bus N Data transmission path (network)
W Display screen (operation screen)

JP 2007-200284 A

Claims (13)

A print control device that performs print control of one or more image processing devices connected via a predetermined data transmission path,
Analysis means for analyzing the received print job and obtaining bibliographic information and / or user print conditions of print target data included in the print job;
The user print conditions acquired by the analysis means and the print job are set to determine whether the print job is a print job that is stored and stored in the apparatus, or a print job that is transmitted to the image processing apparatus and printed directly. Control means for collating print control conditions and controlling the accumulated printing and the direct printing based on the collation result;
In accordance with a request from the control unit, a transmission unit that transmits print data of the print job to the image processing apparatus;
And a storage unit that stores and stores print data of the print job in a predetermined storage area of a storage device included in the apparatus in accordance with a request from the control unit. The control means includes
When the condition for performing the direct printing is set in the print control condition,
As a matching result between the user printing condition and the printing control condition, a matching result with a corresponding condition is obtained.
2. The print control according to claim 1, wherein the transmission unit is requested to transmit print data of the print job to an image processing apparatus that is a transmission destination set in a corresponding print control condition. apparatus. The control means includes
When a predetermined number or more of copies is set as the condition for performing the direct printing in the print control condition,
As a collation result between the number of copies set in the user print condition and the number of copies set in the print control condition, a collation result with a corresponding condition is obtained.
The print job is determined to be a print job for printing a predetermined number of copies or more,
The print control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the print unit requests the transmission unit to transmit print data of the print job. The control means includes
As a collation result between the user print condition and the print control condition, a collation result without a corresponding condition is obtained.
Determining whether the number of pages included in the bibliographic information of the print job is less than a threshold set as a print reference;
The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage printing and the direct printing are controlled based on a determination result. The control means includes
When it is determined that the number of pages included in the bibliographic information of the print job is less than a threshold,
Requests the transmission means to transmit the print data of the print job to the preset image processing apparatus,
On the other hand, when it is determined that the number of pages included in the bibliographic information of the print job is equal to or greater than a threshold value,
The print control apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the print control apparatus requests the storage unit to store the print data of the print job in association with the analysis result of the print job. An authentication requesting means for requesting user authentication to the authentication management device;
The control means includes
As a matching result between the user printing condition and the printing control condition, a matching result with a corresponding condition is obtained.
Request authentication of the user who sent the print job to the authentication request means,
Based on the authentication result returned from the authentication request means,
The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print control apparatus determines whether to request the transmission unit to transmit print data of the print job. Device information acquisition means for acquiring device information from the image processing apparatus;
The control means includes
Setting network identification information included in the device information acquired by the device information acquisition means in the transmission destination setting item of the print control condition;
7. The print control condition in which the network identification information is set and the user print condition are collated, and the accumulated printing and the direct printing are controlled based on the collation result. A printing control apparatus according to claim 1. The control means includes
Mounted function information indicating functions included in the image processing apparatus, function specification information indicating specifications of mounted functions, mounted hardware information indicating hardware included in the image processing apparatus, and the image processing included in the device information Based on at least one piece of state information indicating the state of the device, the device information of the image processing device that satisfies the print control condition is specified,
The print control apparatus according to claim 7, wherein network identification information included in the specified device information is set in a transmission destination setting item of the print control condition. An authentication management apparatus that performs user authentication, one or a plurality of image processing apparatuses, and a print control apparatus that performs print control of the image processing apparatus are connected via a predetermined data transmission path. ,
The authentication management device is
User authentication requested from the print control device or the image processing device is performed, and an authentication unit that responds to the request source with an authentication result,
The printing control device is
Analysis means for analyzing the received print job and obtaining bibliographic information and / or user print conditions of print target data included in the print job;
The user print conditions acquired by the analysis means and the print job are set to determine whether the print job is a print job that is stored and stored in the apparatus, or a print job that is transmitted to the image processing apparatus and printed directly. Control means for collating print control conditions and controlling the accumulated printing and the direct printing based on the collation result;
In accordance with a request from the control unit, a transmission unit that transmits print data of the print job to the image processing apparatus;
Accumulating means for storing and accumulating print data of the print job in a predetermined storage area of a storage device included in the apparatus in accordance with a request from the control means;
The control means includes
After user authentication, if the authentication result by the authentication means is authentication success,
Requesting the transmission means to transmit the print data of the print job to the image processing apparatus;
The image processing apparatus is
Print data acquisition means for acquiring accumulated print data from the print control device;
Printing means for printing the print data acquired by the acquisition means,
The print data acquisition means includes
After user authentication, if the authentication result by the authentication means is authentication success,
A print control system that acquires accumulated print data from the print control apparatus. A print control system in which one or a plurality of image processing apparatuses, a device management apparatus that manages the image processing apparatus, and a print control apparatus that performs print control of the image processing apparatus are connected via a predetermined data transmission path Because
The device management apparatus is
Device information acquisition means for acquiring device information from the image processing apparatus;
The printing control device is
Analysis means for analyzing the received print job and obtaining bibliographic information and / or user print conditions of print target data included in the print job;
The user print conditions acquired by the analysis means and the print job are set to determine whether the print job is a print job that is stored and stored in the apparatus, or a print job that is transmitted to the image processing apparatus and printed directly. Control means for collating print control conditions and controlling the accumulated printing and the direct printing based on the collation result;
In accordance with a request from the control unit, a transmission unit that transmits print data of the print job to the image processing apparatus;
Accumulating means for storing and accumulating print data of the print job in a predetermined storage area of a storage device included in the apparatus in accordance with a request from the control means;
The control means includes
After the information acquisition request to the device information acquisition means, set the network identification information included in the device information received from the device management apparatus in the transmission destination setting item of the print control condition,
A print control system that collates a print control condition in which the network identification information is set with the user print condition, and controls the accumulated printing and the direct printing based on a collation result. A print control method in a print control apparatus for performing print control of one or a plurality of image processing apparatuses connected via a predetermined data transmission path,
An analysis procedure for analyzing the received print job and obtaining bibliographic information and / or user print conditions of print target data included in the print job;
The user print conditions acquired by the analysis procedure and the print job are set to determine whether the print job is a print job that is stored and stored and printed in the apparatus, or a print job that is transmitted to the image processing apparatus and printed directly. A control procedure for collating print control conditions and controlling the accumulated printing and the direct printing based on a collation result;
A transmission procedure for transmitting print data of the print job to the image processing apparatus in accordance with a request by the control procedure;
A print control method comprising: an accumulation procedure for storing and accumulating print data of the print job in a predetermined storage area of a storage device included in the apparatus in accordance with a request by the control procedure. A print control program in a print control apparatus that performs print control of one or a plurality of image processing apparatuses connected via a predetermined data transmission path,
Computer
Analysis means for analyzing the received print job and obtaining bibliographic information and / or user print conditions of print target data included in the print job;
The user print conditions acquired by the analysis means and the print job are set to determine whether the print job is a print job that is stored and stored in the apparatus, or a print job that is transmitted to the image processing apparatus and printed directly. Control means for collating print control conditions and controlling the accumulated printing and the direct printing based on the collation result;
In accordance with a request from the control unit, a transmission unit that transmits print data of the print job to the image processing apparatus;
According to a request from the control unit, a print control program that causes print data of the print job to function as an accumulation unit that stores and accumulates data in a predetermined storage area of a storage device included in the apparatus.   A computer-readable recording medium storing the program according to claim 12.

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