JP2019049998A - Server, printer, and computer program for server - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a user to specify a printing condition according to an executable printing condition of the printer, in a situation where the user uses a terminal device in which a printer driver is not installed, to cause the printer to perform printing. Provide technology. A server 10 acquires a printer ID for identifying a specific printer among a plurality of printers and a target file for printing (S628). The server 10 supplies the setting screen data representing the setting screen suitable for the printer having the acquired printer ID to the PC 60 (S632). The server 10 acquires the setting information indicating the contents of each setting item designated by the user via the setting screen from the PC 60 (S638). The server 10 generates print data using the contents of each designated setting item indicated by the setting information and the target file (S640), and supplies the print data to the printer (S649). [Selection diagram]

Description

  This specification discloses a server connected to a terminal device and a plurality of printers with different print conditions that can be executed.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a print server connected to a terminal device and a plurality of printers. In the technology of Patent Document 1, the user uses the specific screen displayed on the display unit of the terminal device, the IP address of the specific printer, and the specific content for causing the specific printer to execute printing. Specify The terminal device transmits the IP address of the specific printer described above and the specific content described above to the print server. The print server uses the specific content described above to generate print data having a format interpretable by the specific printer described above. The print server sends print data to the particular printer described above. The specific printer described above performs printing in accordance with the print data. According to the above technology, the terminal device can cause the specific printer to execute printing without installing a printer driver for generating print data from content to be printed in the terminal device.

JP 2002-73462 A

  With the technique of Patent Document 1 described above, the user can not specify the printing conditions such as, for example, the paper size and the printing color (color or monochrome). Therefore, printing can not be realized according to the printing conditions desired by the user.

  The present specification discloses a technique for realizing printing of data to be printed without installing a driver program for generating final print data for causing a printer to execute printing on a terminal device. . In particular, the present invention provides a technique for realizing printing in accordance with printing conditions desired by the user.

  The technology disclosed by the present specification is a server connected to a terminal device and a plurality of printers with different print conditions that can be executed. The server includes a storage control unit, an identification information acquisition unit, a target data acquisition unit, a screen data supply unit, a setting information acquisition unit, a print data generation unit, and a print data supply unit. The storage control unit stores, in the memory, the original data for providing the user of the terminal apparatus with one of the plurality of setting screens corresponding to the plurality of printers. Each of the plurality of setting screens described above is a screen that allows the user to specify the content of each setting item that conforms to the print conditions that can be executed by the corresponding printer. The identification information acquisition unit acquires, from the terminal device, specific printer identification information for identifying a specific printer among the plurality of printers. The target data acquisition unit acquires target data for printing. The screen data supply unit supplies, to the terminal device, specific setting screen data representing a specific setting screen corresponding to a specific printer identified by the acquired specific printer identification information based on the original data. The setting information acquisition unit acquires, from the terminal device, setting information indicating the contents of each designated setting item designated by the user via the specific setting screen. The print data generation unit generates print data having a format that can be interpreted by a specific printer, using the content of each designated setting item indicated by the setting information and the target data. The print data supply unit supplies print data to a specific printer.

  In this configuration, in order to generate print data in which the server can interpret target data by a specific printer, it is not necessary to install a printer driver for generating print data using the target data in the terminal device. Also, the server supplies the terminal apparatus with specific setting screen data for specifying the contents of each setting item that conforms to the printing conditions that can be executed by the specific printer. For this purpose, the terminal device can display a specific setting screen using the specific setting screen data. The user can specify the contents of each setting item that conforms to the print conditions that can be executed by a specific printer via the specific setting screen. The server generates print data using the content of each setting item designated by the user and the target data, and supplies the print data to a specific printer. As a result, a specific printer performs printing using print data. According to the above configuration, it is possible to realize printing according to the content of each setting item designated by the user (that is, the printing condition desired by the user).

  The original data may include, for each model of the printer, model printing condition information indicating a model printing condition which is a printing condition supported by the model. The screen data supply unit designates the contents of each setting item that conforms to the specific model printing condition indicated by the specific model printing condition information based on the specific model printing condition information corresponding to the specific printer model. The above-mentioned specific setting screen data representing the above-mentioned specific setting screen permitted to the user may be supplied to the terminal device.

  The storage control unit may include a current printing condition information acquisition unit that acquires current printing condition information indicating the current printing condition that is the printing condition that can be currently executed by the printer from each of the plurality of printers. . The original data may further include, for each of the plurality of printers, the current printing condition information of the printer associated with the printer identification information of the printer. The screen data supply unit is configured to, based on the specific model printing condition information described above and the specific current printing condition information associated with the acquired specific printer identification information, The above-mentioned specific setting screen data representing the above-mentioned specific setting screen which allows the user to specify the contents of each setting item conforming to the specific current printing conditions indicated by the above-mentioned specific current printing condition information , May be supplied to the terminal device. The printing conditions that can be executed by the printer may change over time. For example, normally, even in a printer capable of performing color printing and monochrome printing, color printing can not be performed if there is no remaining color material for color printing. According to this configuration, the server can supply, to the terminal device, setting screen data for specifying the content of each setting item that conforms to the printing conditions that the printer can currently execute. Therefore, the user can specify the content of each setting item that conforms to the printing conditions that a particular printer can currently execute.

  The screen data supply unit includes a setting field for allowing the user to specify the content of each setting item meeting the above-mentioned specific current printing conditions among all the setting items meeting the above-mentioned specific model printing conditions, The above specific setting screen data representing the above specific setting screen not including the setting field for designating the content of each setting item which does not conform to the above specific current printing conditions is supplied to the terminal device It is also good. If it is possible for the user to specify the contents of each setting item that a particular printer does not meet currently executable printing conditions, that is, contents which a particular printer can not currently execute (for example, color printing), The user may be uncomfortable because printing according to the content is not performed (for example, monochrome printing is performed). According to the above configuration, the specific setting screen does not include the setting field for specifying the content of each setting item which does not conform to the printing conditions that the specific printer can currently execute. Therefore, although the user designates a content which can not currently be executed by a specific printer, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of an event of giving a sense of discomfort to the user by not executing printing according to the content.

  When new current printing condition information is obtained from each of the plurality of printers, the storage control unit is obtained from the printer instead of the current printing condition information associated with the printer identification information of the printer. The new current printing condition information may be stored in the memory. According to this configuration, the server can update the current printing condition information, and can supply the setting screen data based on the latest current printing condition information.

  For each setting item that meets the model printing condition of the model, each model printing condition information includes field data indicating a setting field for the user to specify the content of the setting item, and a position where the setting field should be arranged. And position data indicating. The screen data supply unit may include a generation unit that generates the specific setting screen data described above. The generation unit may generate the above-mentioned specific setting screen data by using each field data and each position data included in the above-mentioned specific model printing condition information.

  Each model printing condition information may include option information indicating an option of the content of each setting item conforming to the model printing condition of the model. The screen data supply unit may include a generation unit that generates the specific setting screen data described above. The generation unit may generate the specific setting screen data described above using the specific option information included in the specific model printing condition information. According to this configuration, for example, it is possible to generate specific setting screen data for the user to specify the content of each setting item from among the options.

  The storage control unit may include a default printing condition information acquisition unit that acquires default printing condition information indicating default printing conditions currently set for the printer from each of the plurality of printers. The original data may include, for each of the plurality of printers, default printing condition information of the printer associated with the printer identification information of the printer. The screen data supply unit may include a generation unit that generates the specific setting screen data described above. The generation unit, based on the particular default printing condition information associated with the acquired particular printer identification information, describes the particular default printing condition described by the particular default printing condition information described above. The above specific setting screen data representing the setting screen may be generated. According to this configuration, the user can specify the content of each setting item while referring to the default printing conditions of a specific printer.

  The present disclosure further discloses a printer connected to the above server. The printer includes a current print condition information supply unit, a print data acquisition unit, and a print execution unit. When the power of the printer is turned on, the current printing condition information supply unit supplies the server with the printer identification information of the printer and the current printing condition information indicating the current printing condition that is the printing condition that the printer can currently execute. Do. Further, when the current printing condition of the printer changes, the current printing condition information supply unit supplies the server with the printer identification information of the printer and new current printing condition information indicating the current printing condition after the change. The print data acquisition unit acquires print data from the server. The print execution unit executes printing using the print data.

  A control method for realizing the above server, a computer program, and a computer readable storage medium storing the computer program are also novel and useful. In addition, a control method for realizing the printer, a computer program, and a computer readable storage medium storing the computer program are novel and useful.

The configuration of the network system is shown. An example of model information is shown. An example of printer information is shown. An example of layout data is shown. The sequence diagram of the process which each apparatus of a network system performs is shown. An example of a printing designation screen is shown. The flowchart of a setting screen data generation process which a server performs is shown. An example of a setting screen is shown.

  An embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the network system 2 includes a server 10, a PC 60, and a plurality of printers 70, 80, and 90. The server 10 is connected to the LAN 4. The PC 60 is portable. The PC 60 is temporarily connected to a LAN 8 different from the LAN 4. The PC 60 is communicably connected to the server 10 via the LANs 4 and 8 and the Internet 6. The first printer 70, the second printer 80 and the third printer 90 are connected to the LAN 8. The respective printers 70, 80, 90 are communicably connected to the server 10 via the LANs 4, 8 and the Internet 6. The printer ID of the first printer 70 is "PRI70", the printer ID of the second printer 80 is "PRI80", and the printer ID of the third printer is "PRI90".

(Server configuration)
The server 10 includes a memory 20, a control unit 30, and a network interface 50. The control unit 30 executes various processes in accordance with the server program 22 stored in the memory 20. The control unit 30 executes processing in accordance with the server program 22, whereby the storage control unit 32, the identification information acquisition unit 36, the target data acquisition unit 38, the screen data supply unit 40, the setting information acquisition unit 44, the print data generation unit 46 And, the function of the print data supply unit 48 is realized. The storage control unit 32 includes a current printing condition information acquiring unit 34 and a default printing condition information acquiring unit 35. The screen data supply unit 40 includes a generation unit 42.

  The memory 20 stores a server program 22 executed by the control unit 30. The memory 20 includes a model information storage area 24, a printer information storage area 26, and a layout data storage area 28.

  The model information storage area 24 stores a plurality of model information 110 and 130 (see FIG. 2). One model information 110 and 130 is information corresponding to one printer model. The storage control unit 32 of the control unit 30 acquires model information of each model from the server of the vendor of the printer of each model via, for example, the Internet 6 and stores the acquired model information in the model information storage area 24. Alternatively, for example, the storage control unit 32 acquires model information from a medium storing model information of each model, and stores the model information of each model in the model information storage area 24. Alternatively, for example, the storage control unit 32 acquires model information of each model from each of the printers 70 to 90, and stores the model information of each model in the model information storage area 24.

(Contents of model information)
As shown in FIG. 2, in the model information 110, information on a printer of a model whose model name 112 is "AAA" is registered. The information registered in the model information 110 is classified into model printing condition information 120, interpretable data format information 122, and layout data information 124. The model printing condition information 120 is information indicating printing conditions supported by the model “AAA”. The machine type printing condition information 120 is information in which an item 114, an option 116, and a content 118 are associated with each other.

  In the machine type printing condition information 120, for example, “YES” of the option 116 is associated with “stapler” of the item 114. This means that the printer of model “AAA” can be installed with equipment for executing a function (stitcher function) of binding the print medium after printing is performed with a stapler. That is, among printers of model "AAA", there are printers in which equipment for executing the stapler function is installed, and printers in which the equipment is not installed are also present. The content 118 indicates the content of each setting item of the printing conditions supported by the printer of model “AAA”, and means an option selectable by the user. For example, "ON, OFF" of the content 118 associated with the "stapler" is printing (ON) for executing the stapler function and printing (OFF) for not executing the stapler function are options selectable by the user. It means that there is. Although described in detail below, the “user-selectable option” shown in the content 118 varies depending on the current state of each printer 70 or the like.

  As in the stapler function described above, an item 116 that can be executed by an individual printer is associated with “YES” of the option 116. For example, the item 114 "duplex printing" is also associated with the option 116 "YES". This means that the printer of model "AAA" can be installed with equipment for performing the double-sided printing function. Further, “one-sided, long-side binding, single-sided binding” associated with “double-sided printing” means that various methods in the case of executing the double-sided printing function are options selectable by the user.

  Conversely, items 114 ("Color", "Resolution", "Document Direction", and "Paper Size") associated with option 116 "NO" have special facilities for printers of model "AAA". A printer of model "AAA" is an executable item even without installation. "Color, monochrome" associated with "color" means that color printing and monochrome printing are user selectable options. Similarly, “300 dpi, 600 dpi, 1200 dpi” associated with “resolution” means that printing with a resolution of 300 dpi, printing with a resolution of 600 dpi, and printing with a resolution of 1200 dpi are user selectable options. Means Also, “horizontal, vertical” associated with “original direction” means that printing in the horizontal direction of the print medium and printing in the vertical direction of the print medium are options selectable by the user. “LETTER, A4, B4” associated with “paper size” is for the user to select LETTER size print media printing, A4 size print media printing, and B4 size print media printing It means that it is an option. The model printing condition information 120 can also be said to be information indicating printing conditions that can be executed by the printer of model “AAA”.

  In the content 118 associated with the interpretable data format information 122, information indicating the format of data interpretable by the printer of the model "AAA" is registered. In the content 118 associated with the layout data information 124, a layout number for specifying layout data to be described later is registered.

  In the model information 130, information on a printer of a model whose model name 132 is "BBB" is registered. Information registered in the model information 130 is classified into model printing condition information 140, interpretable data format information 142, and layout data information 144, as with the model information 110. The model printing condition information 140 does not include “stapler” and “double-sided printing” unlike the model printing condition information 120 of the printer of model “AAA”. This means that the printer of model "BBB" can not be equipped with equipment for executing the double-sided printing function and the stapler function. As can be seen by comparing the model information 110 and the model information 130, the number of items is different between the printer of model "AAA" and the printer of model "BBB", and the contents of the items (that is, the options selectable by the user) are also different. . Therefore, the supported printing conditions are different between the model “AAA” and the model “BBB”. Although only model information 110 and 130 of two types of models “AAA” and “BBB” are shown in FIG. 2, various other models (for example “ Model information of CCC ") is stored.

  The printer information storage area 26 (see FIG. 1) stores printer information of each of the printers 70-90. As described later, the storage control unit 32 acquires printer information from each of the printers 70 to 90, and stores the printer information of each of the printers 70 to 90 in the printer information storage area 26 (S606, 608, and 616 in FIG. , 618).

(Contents of printer information)
As shown in FIG. 3, the printer information 210 is printer information of the first printer 70 whose printer ID is “PRI 70”. The printer information 210 includes a printer ID “PRI 70” and a model name “AAA” indicating a model of the first printer 70. The printer information 210 further includes current printing condition information 218 and default printing condition information 220.

  The current print condition information 218 indicates print conditions that the first printer 70 can currently execute. The current printing condition information 218 is information in which the item 214 and the content 216 are associated. The model of the first printer 70 is “AAA”. Therefore, the model information of the first printer 70 is the model information 110 of FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, in the model printing condition information 120 of the model “AAA”, “double-sided printing” and “stapler” of the item 114 are associated with “YES” of the option 116. Therefore, it can not be known whether the first printer 70 can execute the double-sided printing function and the stapler function only with the model information 110. As shown in FIG. 3, in the current printing condition information 218 of the first printer 70, “duplex printing” of the item 214 and “presence” of the content 216 are associated. This means that the first printer 70 is currently equipped with equipment for performing the double-sided printing function, and the first printer 70 can perform the double-sided printing function. On the other hand, in the current printing condition information 218 of the first printer 70, the "stapler" of the item 214 and the "none" of the content 216 are associated. This means that the first printer 70 is not currently equipped with equipment for executing the stapler function, and the first printer 70 can not execute the stapler function.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, in the model printing condition information 120 of the model “AAA”, “paper size” of the item 114 and “LETTER, A4, B4” of the content 118 are associated. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, in the current printing condition information 218 of the first printer 70, “paper size” of the item 214 and “A4, LETTER” of the content 216 are associated. Although the first printer 70 can print on print media of LETTER, A4, and B4 sizes, at present, only the LETTER and A4 size paper feed cassettes are set in the first printer 70. Indicates that the B4 size paper cassette is not set. That is, it indicates that the first printer 70 can currently print only on LETTER and A4 size print media. Note that “A4 with LETTER” associated with “Number of remaining paper” of item 214 indicates that a print medium of A4 size remains in the paper feed cassette and a print medium of LETTER size is paper feed cassette Indicates that it is left.

  The printing conditions currently executable by the first printer 70 may vary. For example, when equipment for executing the stapler function is installed in the first printer 70, the first printer 70 can execute the stapler function. As described later, when the currently executable printing conditions change, the first printer 70 supplies new current printing condition information to the server 10 (see S612 in FIG. 5). When the server 10 acquires the new current printing condition information, the server 10 updates the current printing condition information 218 with the new current printing condition information.

  The default printing condition information 220 indicates the default printing condition currently set for the first printer 70. The default printing condition information 220 is information in which the item 214 and the content 216 are associated. The default print conditions are print conditions designated in advance by the user for the first printer 70. That is, the first printer 70 executes printing in accordance with the default printing conditions, unless another printing condition is specified at the time of printing.

  Although not shown in detail in FIG. 3, the printer information storage area 26 also stores printer information of the second printer 80 and printer information of the third printer 90. In the present embodiment, the model of the second printer 80 is “BBB”, and the model of the third printer 90 is “CCC”.

  The layout data storage area 28 (see FIG. 1) stores a plurality of layout data 310 and 330 (see FIG. 4). One piece of layout data 310, 330 is information corresponding to one model of the printer. The storage control unit 32 of the control unit 30 may store layout data of each model acquired from the server in the layout data storage area 28 as in the case of the model information 110 and 130 described above, or acquired from media. The layout data of each model to be processed may be stored in the layout data storage area 28, or the layout data of each model acquired from each of the printers 70-90 may be stored in the layout data storage area 28.

(Contents of layout data)
As shown in FIG. 4, the layout data 310 and 330 are respectively assigned the numbers “1” and “2”. This number corresponds to the layout data number indicated in the layout data information 124, 144 (associated with "layout data") included in the model information 110, 130 of FIG. That is, the layout data for the printer of model "AAA" (for example, the first printer 70) is the layout data 310 of FIG. 4 and the layout data for the printer of model "BBB" (for example, the second printer 80) is , Layout data 330 of FIG. The layout data storage area 28 further stores layout data for another model (for example, “CCC”).

  Layout data 310 for a printer of model “AAA” includes field data 312 and position data 318. The field data 312 is data in which the character string 314 of the item and the box type 316 are associated. The character string 314 of the item is a character string indicating each item 114 of the model printing condition information 120 of the corresponding model information (that is, the model information 110 of the model “AAA”). The character string 314 of the item further includes a character string “number of copies” which is not included in each item 114 of the model printing condition information 120. The box type 316 is information indicating the type of box displayed on the setting screen 500 (see FIG. 8) described later. In the present embodiment, there are two types of boxes: a number selection type box and a text selection type box. The number selection type box is a box for allowing the user to select one or more integers within a predetermined range. The text selection type box is a box for allowing the user to select (specify) one of two or more predetermined choices. The position data 318 is data indicating the position on the setting screen 500 of the associated field data 312.

  Similar to the layout data 310, the layout data 330 includes field data 332 and position data 338. The field data 332 is data in which a string 334 of an item and a box type 336 are associated. The character string 334 of the item is a character string indicating each item of the model printing condition information 140 of the corresponding model information (model information 130 (see FIG. 2) of the model “BBB”). However, the character string 334 of the item includes a character string “number of copies” which is not included in each item of the model printing condition information 140. Also, the item string 334 does not include an item string for which two or more options do not exist. For example, “color” of the model printing condition information 140 is associated with “monochrome”. That is, the printer of model "BBB" can only execute monochrome printing. Thus, the user can not select anything other than monochrome printing (ie, there is no option). The string of such items is not included in the layout data 330.

(Printer configuration)
As shown in FIG. 1, the first printer 70 includes a control unit 72, a print execution unit 78, and a memory 77. In the memory 77, a printer program 79 executed by the control unit 72 is stored. The controller 72 executes various processes in accordance with the printer program 79 stored in the memory 77. The control unit 72 executes processing in accordance with the printer program 79, whereby the current printing condition supply unit 74 and the print data acquisition unit 76 are realized. The print execution unit 78 prints the image represented by the print data acquired by the print data acquisition unit 76. The second printer 80 and the third printer 90 have the same configuration as the first printer 70. However, as described above, the printers 70, 80, and 90 are different in model, and the executable printing conditions are different.

(Configuration of PC)
The PC 60 includes an operation unit 62, a display unit 64, and a browser program 66. The operation unit 62 includes a keyboard and a mouse to be operated by the user. The display unit 64 is a display for displaying various information. A control unit (not shown) of the PC 60 can cause the display unit 64 to display various information acquired via the Internet 6 in accordance with the browser program 66.

(Process executed by each device of network system)
Next, processing executed by the server 10, the PC 60, and the first to third printers 70 to 90 will be described with reference to FIG. When the power of the first printer 70 is turned on, the current printing condition supply unit 74 (see FIG. 1) of the first printer 70 supplies the printer information 604 to the server 10 (S602). The printer information 604 includes the printer ID "PRI 70" of the first printer 70, the current printing condition information (see reference numeral 218 in FIG. 3) of the first printer 70, and the default printing condition information (see reference numeral 220 in FIG. 3). including.

  The storage control unit 32 (see FIG. 1) of the server 10 acquires the printer information 604 supplied from the first printer 70 (S606). Specifically, the current printing condition information acquisition unit 34 (see FIG. 1) acquires the current printing condition information included in the printer information 604, and the default printing condition information acquisition unit 35 (see FIG. 1) is included in the printer information 604. Default printing condition information. Next, the storage control unit 32 stores the printer information 604 acquired in S606 in the printer information storage area 26 (S608). As a result, the printer ID, the current printing condition information, and the default printing condition information are stored in the printer information storage area 26 in association with each other. At this time, if the printer information including the printer ID acquired in S606 is already stored in the printer information storage area 26, the storage control unit 32 replaces the stored printer information (the stored printer information The printer information 604 acquired in step S606 is stored in the printer information storage area 26).

  As mentioned above, the current printing conditions of the first printer 70 may vary. Also, for example, when the facility for performing the double-sided printing function is removed, the first printer 70 can not perform the double-sided printing function (first example). Also, for example, when the first printer 70 runs out of color materials (ink, toner, etc.) for color printing, it can not execute only monochrome printing (second example). Also, for example, the first printer 70 can not print on the A4 size print medium when the A4 size print medium in the sheet feeding cassette runs out (third example). When the current printing conditions of the first printer 70 change, the current printing conditions supply unit 74 of the first printer 70 updates the printer information registered in its own memory 77 (S610). Further, when the default printing condition of the first printer 70 is changed by the user, the current printing condition supply unit 74 updates the printer information registered in itself. The current printing condition supply unit 74 supplies the updated printer information 614 of the first printer 70 to the server 10 each time the printer information of its own is updated (S612). In the first example described above, the current printing condition supply unit 74 supplies the server 10 with the printer information 614 including the current printing condition information in which the content associated with the “double-sided printing” is “none”. In the second example described above, the current printing condition supply unit 74 supplies the server 10 with the printer information 614 including the current printing condition information in which the content associated with the “color” is “monochrome”. In the third example described above, the current printing condition supply unit 74 transmits the printer information 614 including the current printing condition information whose content associated with the “number of remaining sheets” is “without A4 and with LETTER” to the server 10. Supply to

  The storage control unit 32 of the server 10 acquires the printer information 614 supplied from the first printer 70 as in the case of S606 (S616). Next, the storage control unit 32 stores the printer information 614 acquired in S616 in the printer information storage area 26 (S618). At this time, the storage control unit 32 matches the printer ID “PRI 70” included in the printer information 604 stored in S 608 with the printer ID “PRI 70” included in the printer information 614 acquired in S 616. Instead of the stored printer information 604, the printer information 614 acquired in S 616 is stored in the printer information storage area 26.

  The same processing as the processing in S602 to S618 is executed between the server 10 and the second printer 80 and between the server 10 and the third printer 90.

  The user can supply the print instruction screen request from the PC 60 to the server 10 by operating the operation unit 62 of the PC 60. Specifically, the user operates the operation unit 62 to activate the browser program 66. Next, the user specifies the URL of the server 10 by executing an operation according to the browser program 66. As a result, the PC 60 supplies the print instruction screen request 620 to the server 10.

  When the control unit 30 of the server 10 acquires the request 620 for the print instruction screen, the control unit 30 supplies the print instruction screen data 624 to the PC 60 (S 622). The print instruction screen data 624 is described in a data format that can be interpreted by the browser program 66 of the PC 60. For example, the print instruction screen data 624 is described in HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) or XML (Extensible Markup Language).

  The PC 60 causes the display unit 64 (see FIG. 1) to display the print instruction screen 400 represented by the print instruction screen data 624 acquired from the server 10 according to the browser program 66 (see FIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 6, the print instruction screen 400 includes an area 402 for allowing the user to specify a printer ID, and areas 404 and 406 for specifying a target file to be printed. By operating the operation unit 62, the user can input (designate) the printer ID of the printer to be printed in the area 402. The user can further designate the URL of the target file in the area 404 by operating the operation unit 62. For example, in the case of using a file stored in an external server as a target file, the user inputs the URL of the target file in the external server in the area 404. Also, for example, in the case where a file stored in the PC 60 is a target file, the user inputs the URL of the target file in the PC 60. When the file stored in the PC 60 is a target file, the user can select the reference button of the area 406. In this case, the hierarchical relationship between each folder in the PC 60 and each file is displayed, and the user can select a target file based on the hierarchical relationship. In this case, in the area 406, the URL of the target file in the PC 60 selected by the user is automatically input. The user can operate the “OK” button 408 after specifying the target file.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when the “OK” button 408 is operated by the user, the PC 60 supplies the server 10 with the printer ID and file information 626 designated by the user. When the URL is input to the area 404 by the user, the PC 60 supplies the server 10 with the URL input by the user as the file information described above. On the other hand, when the URL is input to the area 406, the PC 60 acquires the target file in the PC 60 based on the URL input to the area 406. Next, the PC 60 supplies the acquired target file itself to the server 10 as the file information described above.

  The control unit 30 of the server 10 acquires the printer ID and the file information 626 supplied from the PC 60 (S628). Specifically, the identification information acquisition unit 36 (see FIG. 1) of the control unit 30 acquires the printer ID supplied from the PC 60. Further, the target data acquisition unit 38 (see FIG. 1) of the control unit 30 acquires file information supplied from the PC 60. If the file information is the URL of the target file, in S628, the target data acquisition unit 38 accesses the other server specified by the URL to acquire the file identified by the URL. When the file information is the target file itself, in S628, the target data acquisition unit 38 acquires the target file by acquiring the file information 626 supplied from the PC 60. Next, the generation unit 42 (see FIG. 1) of the server 10 executes a setting screen data generation process (S630). Subsequently, the screen data supply unit 40 (see FIG. 1) of the server 10 supplies the generated setting screen data 634 to the PC 60 (S632). The setting screen data 634 is also described in a data format that can be interpreted by the browser program 66 of the PC 60.

(Setting screen data generation process executed by server)
The setting screen data generation process executed in S630 of FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIG. The generation unit 42 of the server 10 selects the printer associated with the printer ID acquired in S628 of FIG. 5 from among the plurality of pieces of printer information 210 and the like (see FIG. 3) stored in the printer information storage area 26. Identify the information. In the following, the description will be continued by taking the case where the printer ID “PRI 70” of the first printer 70 is acquired in S 628 as an example. Therefore, the printer information 210 of the first printer 70 is identified. Next, the generation unit 42 identifies the content 216 (see FIG. 3) (ie, the model name) associated with the “printer model name” included in the identified printer information 210 (S702). By this. The model "AAA" of the first printer 70 is identified.

  Next, the generation unit 42 is associated with the model name “AAA” specified in S702 among the plurality of model information 110, 130, etc. (see FIG. 2) stored in the model information storage area 24. The model information 110 is identified (S704). Subsequently, the generation unit 42 specifies the layout number “1” associated with “layout data” among the items included in the model information 110 specified in S704. Then, the generation unit 42 specifies the layout data 310 of the specified layout number “1” from among the plurality of layout data 310, 330, etc. (see FIG. 4) stored in the layout data storage area 28. (S706). Next, the generation unit 42 edits the layout data using the printer information 210 specified in S702 (S708).

  Specifically, in the process of S 708, the generation unit 42 edits the field data 312 of the layout data 310 using the current printing condition information 218 included in the printer information 210 of the first printer 70. Specifically, based on each piece of information in the current printing condition information 218, the generation unit 42 deletes, from the field data 312, items which can not be provided with options for the user. For example, in the current printing condition information 218, since the “stapler” of the item 214 and the “none” of the content 216 are associated (that is, the first printer 70 can not execute the stapler function), the generation unit 42 , The character string "stapler" of the item from the field data 312, the box type "character string selection" associated with the "stapler", the position data "line 5" associated with the "stapler", Remove In this case, the generation unit 42 changes the “sixth line” of the position data 318 associated with the “paper size” of the item 314 to the “fifth line”, and is associated with the “document direction” of the item 314 The “line 7” of the position data 318 is changed to the “line 6”. That is, the generation unit 42 corrects the position data 318 so that blanks can not be made between other items even if the item "stapler" is deleted.

  Also, for example, if the “color” of the item 214 and the “monochrome” of the contents 216 are associated with each other in the current printing condition information 218 (that is, the first printer 70 can execute only monochrome printing). The generation unit 42 deletes the character string “color” of the item and the box types “character string selection” and “second line” from the field data 312. Also in this case, the generation unit 42 corrects the position data 318 so that blanks can not be made between items.

  When S 708 ends, the generation unit 42 generates model information 110 (see FIG. 2) of the model “AAA” of the first printer 70 identified in S 704 and printer information 210 (see FIG. 2) of the first printer 70 identified in S 702. The printing condition options that can be currently executed by the printer are described in the layout data 310 for each item of the layout data 310 of the model "AAA" of the first printer 70 using (3) and (S710).

  Specifically, in the process of S710, the generation unit 42 first identifies one item (hereinafter, referred to as “target item”) among the plurality of items of the layout data 310. Next, the generation unit 42 specifies the content (for example, color, monochrome) associated with the target item (for example, “color”) from the device type printing condition information 120 of the device type information 110. Furthermore, the generation unit 42 specifies the content (for example, color, monochrome) associated with the target item (for example, “color”) from the current printing condition information 218 of the printer information 210. Thereby, the generation unit 42 displays the contents (for example, color, monochrome) of items supported by the model "AAA" of the first printer 70 and the contents (for example, color, monochrome) currently executable by the first printer 70. And can be known. In S710, the generation unit 42 selects, from among the contents of each item supported by the model “AAA”, the contents currently executable by the first printer 70 based on the information specified for each target item. Execute the process described as a character string of.

  For example, when the target item is "color", "color, monochrome" is specified from the model printing condition information 120 of the model information 110 and the current printing condition information 218 of the printer information 210. Therefore, the generation unit 42 can know that the first printer 70 can currently execute both color printing and monochrome printing supported by the model "AAA" of the first printer 70. In this case, the generation unit 42 describes “color” and “monochrome” as the character string of the option of the box type “character string selection” associated with the item “color” of the layout data 310.

  Also, for example, when the target item is “double-sided printing”, “single-sided, long-sided binding, single-sided binding” is specified from the model printing condition information 120 of the model information 110, and the current printing condition information 218 of the printer information 210. "Yes" is identified from. Therefore, the generation unit 42 can know that the first printer 70 can currently execute the double-sided printing function supported by the model "AAA" of the first printer 70. In this case, the generation unit 42 describes “single-sided, long-sided binding, single-sided binding” as a character string of a box option corresponding to the item “double-sided printing” in the layout data 310.

  For example, when the target item is "paper size", "LETTER, A4, B4" is specified from the model printing condition information 120 of the model information 110, and "A4" from the current printing condition information 218 of the printer information 210. , LETTER "is identified. The generation unit 42 further specifies “A4 present and LETTER present” associated with “the remaining number of sheets” from the current printing condition information 218 of the printer information 210. By referring to these pieces of information, the generation unit 42 can use the first printer 70 among the print medium sizes “LETTER, A4, B4” supported by the model “AAA” of the first printer 70. Print media size "LETTER, A4" can be known. In this case, the generation unit 42 describes “LETTER, A4” as a character string of an option corresponding to the box of the item “paper size” of the layout data 310, and the first printer 70 can not currently use the print medium. Do not describe size "B4".

  Also, for example, when the target item is “original direction”, “horizontal, vertical” is specified from the model printing condition information 120 of the model information 110. However, in the current printing condition information 218 of the printer information 210, there is no item corresponding to the "original direction". In this case, the generation unit 42 describes “horizontal, vertical” as a character string of the option of the box corresponding to the item “original direction” of the layout data 310.

  For example, when the target item is “the number of print copies”, as shown in FIG. 4, the box type associated with the item “the number of print copies” is “number selection”. In this case, the generation unit 42 describes one or more integers as the character string of the option of the box corresponding to the item "the number of print copies" of the layout data 310.

  In S710, the generation unit 42 further reads the default printing condition information 220 of the printer information 210. The generation unit 42 arranges the character string of the content indicated by the default printing condition information 220 at the beginning of the character string of the option described for each of the above target items. For example, in the default printing condition information 220, since "color" is "color", "color" of "color, monochrome" which is an option of "color" is placed at the top. As a result, the setting screen 500 (see FIG. 8) is displayed with "color" described in the box corresponding to "color". Similarly, the generation unit 42 determines the arrangement of character strings of options so that boxes corresponding to other items are also displayed in a state in which default print conditions are described.

  When S710 ends, the generation unit 42 generates setting screen data having a data format interpretable by the browser program 66 of the PC 60 using the layout data changed in S706 and S708 (S712). That is, the generation unit 42 determines that the character string 314 (see FIG. 4) of the item of the layout data after change and the character string of the option described in S710 are position data 318 (see FIG. 4) of the layout data after change. Setting screen data is generated so as to be arranged at the position (line) indicated by.

  FIG. 8 shows a setting screen 500 represented by the setting screen data generated in S712. The position corresponding to the “number of copies” of the setting item 508 is displayed corresponding to the box 502 for number selection. The user can specify the number of copies by operating the button in box 502. At each position corresponding to each item (for example, "color", "resolution", etc.) other than the "number of copies" of the setting item 508, each box 504 for character string selection is displayed. In the initial state of the setting screen 500 (i.e., the state where the setting screen 500 is initially displayed on the PC 60), the default printing conditions indicated by the default printing condition information 220 in each box 504, that is, the options described for each target item The character string placed at the beginning of the character strings is displayed. When the user operates the button in the box 504, a list of options described in S710 of FIG. 7 is displayed on the setting screen 500. The user can select (designate) one option via the setting screen 500.

  The PC 60 causes the display unit 64 to display the setting screen 500 (see FIG. 8) represented by the setting screen data 634 in accordance with the browser program 66. The user can select (specify) the content of each setting item by operating the operation unit 62. When the “OK” button 506 of the setting screen 500 is operated by the user, the PC 60 supplies setting information 636 to the server 10 as shown in FIG. The setting information 636 includes the content (that is, the content of each setting item selected by the user) displayed on the setting screen 500 when the “OK” button 506 is operated.

  The setting information acquisition unit 44 (see FIG. 1) of the server 10 acquires the setting information 636 supplied from the PC 60 (S638). Next, the print data generation unit 46 (see FIG. 1) generates print data using the setting information 636 acquired in S638 and the target file acquired in S628 (S640). Specifically, the print data generation unit 46 first identifies the printer information 210 (see FIG. 3) stored in the printer information storage area 26 in association with the printer ID “PRI 70” acquired in S628. Next, the print data generation unit 46 identifies the content “AAA” of “printer model name” included in the identified printer information 210. Further, the print data generation unit 46 identifies the model information 110 (see FIG. 2) stored in the model printing condition information storage area 24 in association with the identified printer model name “AAA”. Next, the print data generation unit 46 specifies interpretable data format information 122 included in the model information 110. The print data generation unit 46 converts the target file acquired in S628 into image data having a data format indicated by the interpretable data format information 122 (that is, data having a data format interpretable by the first printer 70). Next, the print data generation unit 46 generates print data including the image data generated in S640 and the setting information 636 acquired in S638. Further, the print data generation unit 46 stores the generated print data in the memory 20 in association with the printer ID “PRI 70” acquired in S628. If, for example, the target file acquired in step S628 is a data format that can be interpreted by the printer, such as a PDF format file, the print data generation unit 46 does not execute conversion of the data format of the target file itself. The print data generation unit 46 generates print data including the target file acquired in S628 and the setting information 636 acquired in S628.

  Each of the printers 70, 80, 90 periodically inquires of the server 10 whether data to be processed by the printer is stored in the server 10 (polling 644). The polling 644 includes the printer ID of the printer that sent the polling 644. When the server 10 acquires the polling 644, the server 10 determines whether the print data associated with the printer ID included in the polling 644 is stored in the memory of the server 10. If the determination is affirmative in this determination process, the server 10 supplies, as a response to the polling 644, information 646 indicating that there is a job to the printer that has sent the polling 644. Further, if the determination is negative in the above determination processing, the server 10 supplies information (not shown) indicating absence of a job to the printer of the transmission source of the polling 644 as a response to the polling 644.

  When the printer at the transmission source of polling 644 obtains the information representing that there is a job, it supplies a job request 648 including its own printer ID to the server 10. On the other hand, the printer of the transmission source of polling 644 does not supply the job request 648 to the server 10 when acquiring the information indicating no job.

  When the server 10 acquires the job request 648, the print data associated with the printer ID included in the job request 648 (the print data including the image data generated in S640 and the setting information 363 acquired in S638) The print data stored in the memory 20 in S642 is supplied to the printer that has sent the job request 648 (S649).

  Thus, the print data acquisition unit 76 (see FIG. 1) of the first printer 70 acquires the print data stored in S642 (S651). The print execution unit 78 (see FIG. 1) of the first printer 70 executes printing using the print data acquired in S651. Specifically, the print execution unit 78 prints the image represented by the image data acquired in S651 on the print medium according to the setting information acquired in S651 (S652).

  The present embodiment has been described in detail. The server 10 generates print data including image data having a format that can be interpreted by the printer from the target file acquired from the PC 60 (S640 in FIG. 5). Therefore, printing of the target file can be realized without installing a printer driver for generating print data using the target data in the PC 60.

  The server 10 generates setting screen data using the model information 110 and 130, the printer information 210, the layout data, and 310 and 330, and supplies the setting screen data to the PC 60 (S632 in FIG. 5). The PC 60 can display the setting screen 500 using the supplied setting screen data. The user can specify, via the setting screen 500, the contents of each setting item that conforms to the print conditions executable by the printer. The server 10 generates print data using the content of each setting item designated by the user and the target file (S640 in FIG. 5), and supplies the print data to the printer (S649 in FIG. 5). As a result, the printer executes printing using the print data. According to the above configuration, it is possible to realize printing according to the content of each setting item designated by the user (that is, the printing condition desired by the user).

  When the printer information of each of the printers 70, 80, and 90 is changed, the server 10 acquires the printer information (see S616 in FIG. 5). The server 10 stores the acquired printer information in the printer information storage area 26 (see S618 in FIG. 5). For this reason, the server 10 can supply the setting screen data for specifying the content of each setting item that conforms to the printing conditions that can be currently executed by each of the printers 70, 80, and 90 to the PC 60. Therefore, the user can specify the contents of each setting item that conforms to the printing conditions that the printer can currently execute.

  The server 10 displays setting screen data representing a setting screen 500 which does not include a box for the user to specify the contents of each setting item (in the present embodiment, “stapler”) which does not conform to the printing conditions that the printer can currently execute. , Supply to the PC60. If it is possible for the user to specify the contents of each setting item that does not conform to the print conditions that the printer can currently execute, that is, the contents that the printer can not currently execute (for example, color printing), The user may be uncomfortable because the printing is not performed. According to the present embodiment, although the user designates a content that can not currently be executed by the printer, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of an event of giving the user a sense of discomfort due to the printing not being performed according to the content. Can.

  The server 10 generates setting screen data including options of each item in the setting screen data generation process (see FIG. 7). As a result, the user can specify the content of each item by selecting one of two or more options via the setting screen 500. The user can easily execute the specification of the printing conditions.

  In the setting screen 500, default printing condition information is displayed in the initial state. Therefore, the user can specify the print conditions while referring to the default print condition information.

  The PC 60 is an example of the “terminal device”. The model information 110 and 130, the printer information 210, and the layout data 310 and 330 are examples of “original data”. The printer ID is an example of “printer identification information”. The item 508 in the setting screen 500 and the boxes 502 and 504 are examples of the “setting field”. The model information specified in S704 of FIG. 7 is an example of “specific model information”, and the current printing condition information included in the printer information specified in S702 of FIG. 7 is an example of “specific current printing condition information” The default printing condition information included in the printer information specified in S702 of FIG. 7 is an example of “specific default printing condition information”.

(Modification)
(1) The server 10 may not store the current printing condition information 218 and / or the default printing condition information 220 among the printer information 210. In this case, the server 10 may generate the setting screen data using the model information 110 and the like, the layout data 310 and the like. That is, in the present modification, since the setting screen data does not change according to the current printing conditions of each printer, the setting screen data corresponding to a plurality of printers of the same model are the same.

(2) In the present embodiment, of the items 114 of the model information 110 and 130, the server 10 uses layout information for the item ("stapler" in the present embodiment) which the printer can not currently execute according to the current printing condition information 218. Delete from 310. However, the server 10 may generate the setting screen data such that items which are not currently executable by the printer may be displayed in a manner different from items which are currently executable by the printer. For example, the setting screen data may be generated such that items which are not currently executable by the printer are displayed lighter than items which are currently executable by the printer. Also in this case, it is preferable that the setting screen data be generated so that the user can not select the content of the item which is not currently executable by the printer. Also in the setting screen data of this modified example, “a setting field for the user to specify the content of each setting item conforming to the current printing condition of the printer among all setting items conforming to the model printing condition indicated by the model information Is included in “setting screen data representing a setting screen which does not include a setting field for the user to specify the content of each setting item which does not conform to the current printing conditions of the printer.

(3) In the present embodiment, the server 10 uses the layout data to generate setting screen data having a data format that can be interpreted by the browser program 66 (see FIG. 7). However, the server 10 may store setting screen data having a data format that the browser program 66 can interpret. In this example, setting screen data may be stored for each printer model. In this case, the server 10 may supply the setting screen data corresponding to the model “AAA” of the first printer 70 to the first printer 70 without changing it. In this example, the setting screen data for each model is an example of “original data”. The server 10 may edit the setting screen data corresponding to the model “AAA” of the first printer 70 using the printer information 210 of the first printer 70. In this example, setting screen data for each model, printer information 210 for each printer, and the like are examples of “original data”. Alternatively, the server 10 may store, for each printer, setting screen data for specifying the content of each setting item of the printing condition that the printer can currently execute. In this case, the server 10 may edit setting screen data of each printer when acquiring each printer information from each printer.

(4) In the present embodiment, the server 10 stores layout data for each model. However, the layout data may correspond to printers of a plurality of models. For example, one piece of layout data including both layout data 310 and layout data 330 may be provided. In this case, reference numerals 124 and 144 in FIG. 2 indicating the layout data numbers may be set to the same numbers. In addition, the server 10 may store only one layout data common to all models existing in the network system 2. The layout data may include all items of printing conditions supported by printers of all models present in the network system 2. Then, in the item (for example, item 214) of the printer information (for example, the printer information 210) shown in FIG. 3, all items and option information of printing conditions currently executable by the printer corresponding to the printer ID included in the printer information For example, information obtained by combining the model print condition information 120 and the current print condition information 218 may be included. Furthermore, the printer information may include information (for example, interpretable data format information 124) regarding a data format interpretable by the printer corresponding to the printer ID included in the printer information. In this case, the server 10 may not store the model information as shown in FIG.

  The technical elements described in the present specification or the drawings exhibit technical usefulness singly or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the techniques illustrated in the present specification or the drawings simultaneously achieve a plurality of purposes, and achieving one of the purposes itself has technical utility.

2: network system 10: server 20: memory 22: server program 24: model information storage area 26: printer information storage area 28: layout data storage area 30: control section 32: storage control section 34: Current printing condition information acquisition unit 35: Default printing condition information acquisition unit 36: Identification information acquisition unit 38: Target data acquisition unit 40: Screen data supply unit 42: Generation unit 44: Setting information acquisition unit , 46: print data generation unit, 48: print data supply unit, 50: network interface, 60: PC, 110, 130: model information, 120: model print condition information, 210: printer information, 218: current print condition information, 220: default printing condition information, 310, 330: layout data

The technology disclosed by the present specification is a printer connected to a server. The printer includes first printer information including first candidate condition information indicating a first candidate condition that is a candidate for a printing condition usable by the printer, and printer identification information for identifying the printer. In the first information supply unit supplied to the server, the first candidate condition information is a first setting screen for setting a use print condition which is a print condition to be used for printing. Information constituting the first setting screen provided from the server to the terminal device, the first candidate condition includes a specific printing condition, and the use printing condition is displayed on the first setting screen And the second information supply unit, and the second information different from the first candidate condition after the first printer information is supplied to the server. Show candidate conditions for A second information supply unit for supplying to the server second printer information including second candidate condition information and the printer identification information, wherein the second candidate condition information is the usage printing condition. A second setting screen for setting the second setting screen provided to the terminal device from the server, and the second candidate condition is the specific printing condition In the second setting screen, it is impossible to set the specific printing condition as the use printing condition, and the second information supply unit and the second printer information are not included in the server. The print data acquisition unit acquires print data generated by the server from the server after being supplied to the server, and the print data is transmitted via the second setting screen displayed on the terminal device. Was set Is data conforming to the serial use printing conditions, and the print data acquisition unit, the printing using the print data, a print control unit to execute the print performing unit may be provided.
Also, another technique disclosed by the present specification is a computer program for a server connected to a printer. The computer program identifies the computer of the server with the following components: first candidate condition information indicating a first candidate condition that is a candidate for a printing condition usable by the printer; A first information acquisition unit for acquiring, from the printer, first printer information including printer identification information, wherein the first candidate condition includes a specific printing condition A first setting unit configured to set a use print condition, which is a print condition to be used for printing, using the first candidate condition information after the first printer information is acquired from the printer and the printer; A first screen supply unit that supplies a setting screen of the terminal device to the terminal device, and the specific printing condition can be set as the usage printing condition on the first setting screen. A screen supply unit, second candidate condition information indicating a second candidate condition different from the first candidate condition after the first printer information is acquired from the printer, and the printer identification information And a second information acquisition unit for acquiring, from the printer, second printer information including the second information acquisition unit, wherein the second candidate condition does not include the specific printing condition. And, after the second printer information is acquired from the printer, the terminal apparatus is supplied with a second setting screen for setting the usage printing condition using the second candidate condition information. A second screen supply unit, and in the second setting screen, it is impossible to set the specific print condition as the use print condition, and The setting screen of 2 is the terminal device After being supplied, the condition acquiring unit for acquiring from the terminal device the utilization printing condition set via the second setting screen, and the utilization printing condition being acquired from the terminal device The print data may be made to function as a generation unit that generates print data that conforms to printing conditions, and a data supply unit that supplies the print data to the printer when the print data is generated.
Another technique disclosed in the present specification is a server and the terminal device, the executable printing conditions are connected different and a plurality of printers, the. The server includes a storage control unit, an identification information acquisition unit, a target data acquisition unit, a screen data supply unit, a setting information acquisition unit, a print data generation unit, and a print data supply unit. The storage control unit stores, in the memory, the original data for providing the user of the terminal apparatus with one of the plurality of setting screens corresponding to the plurality of printers. Each of the plurality of setting screens described above is a screen that allows the user to specify the content of each setting item that conforms to the print conditions that can be executed by the corresponding printer. The identification information acquisition unit acquires, from the terminal device, specific printer identification information for identifying a specific printer among the plurality of printers. The target data acquisition unit acquires target data for printing. The screen data supply unit supplies, to the terminal device, specific setting screen data representing a specific setting screen corresponding to a specific printer identified by the acquired specific printer identification information based on the original data. The setting information acquisition unit acquires, from the terminal device, setting information indicating the contents of each designated setting item designated by the user via the specific setting screen. The print data generation unit generates print data having a format that can be interpreted by a specific printer, using the content of each designated setting item indicated by the setting information and the target data. The print data supply unit supplies print data to a specific printer.

The technical elements described in the present specification or the drawings exhibit technical usefulness singly or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the techniques illustrated in the present specification or the drawings simultaneously achieve a plurality of purposes, and achieving one of the purposes itself has technical utility.
(Item 1)
A server connected to a terminal device and a plurality of printers having different print conditions that can be executed,
Original data for providing a user of the terminal apparatus with one of a plurality of setting screens corresponding to the plurality of printers, wherein each of the plurality of setting screens is executed by the corresponding printer A storage control unit that stores the original data in a memory, which is a screen that allows the user to specify the content of each setting item that conforms to possible printing conditions;
An identification information acquisition unit that acquires from the terminal device specific printer identification information for identifying a specific printer among the plurality of printers;
A target data acquisition unit that acquires target data for printing;
Screen data supply for supplying to the terminal device specific setting screen data representing a specific setting screen corresponding to the specific printer identified by the acquired specific printer identification information based on the original data Department,
A setting information acquisition unit configured to acquire setting information indicating contents of designated setting items designated by the user via the specific setting screen from the terminal device;
A print data generation unit that generates print data having a format that can be interpreted by the specific printer using the contents of the designated setting items indicated by the setting information and the target data;
A print data supply unit that supplies the print data to the specific printer.
(Item 2)
The original data includes, for each printer model, model printing condition information indicating a model printing condition which is a printing condition supported by the model,
The screen data supply unit designates the content of each setting item that conforms to the specific model printing condition indicated by the specific model printing condition information based on the specific model printing condition information corresponding to the specific printer model. The server according to Item 1, wherein the specific setting screen data representing the specific setting screen which allows the user to do is supplied to the terminal device.
(Item 3)
The storage control unit includes a current printing condition information acquisition unit that acquires current printing condition information indicating current printing conditions, which are print conditions that can be currently executed by the printer, from each of the plurality of printers.
The original data further includes, for each of the plurality of printers, the current printing condition information of the printer associated with the printer identification information of the printer,
The screen data supply unit is configured to, based on the specific model printing condition information and the specific current printing condition information associated with the acquired specific printer identification information, The specific setting screen data representing the specific setting screen which allows the user to specify the content of each setting item conforming to the specific current printing condition indicated by the specific current printing condition information; The server according to Item 2, supplied to the terminal device.
(Item 4)
The screen data supply unit includes a setting field for the user to specify the content of each setting item conforming to the specific current printing condition among all the setting items conforming to the specific model printing condition, An item for supplying the specific setting screen data representing the specific setting screen which does not include the setting field for specifying the content of each setting item which does not conform to the specific current printing condition to the terminal device The server described in 3.
(Item 5)
When new current printing condition information is acquired from each of the plurality of printers, the storage control unit replaces the current printing condition information associated with the printer identification information of the printer when the new current printing condition information is acquired. The server according to Item 4, wherein the new current printing condition information acquired from a printer is stored in the memory.
(Item 6)
In each model type printing condition information, field data indicating a setting field for the user to specify the content of the setting item and a setting field are arranged for each setting item conforming to the model printing condition of the model. And position data indicating the position to be
The screen data supply unit includes a generation unit that generates the specific setting screen data.
The server according to any one of Items 2 to 5, wherein the generation unit generates the specific setting screen data by using each field data and each position data included in the specific model printing condition information. .
(Item 7)
Each of the model print condition information includes option information indicating an option of the content of each setting item that conforms to the model print condition of the model,
The screen data supply unit includes a generation unit that generates the specific setting screen data.
The server according to any one of Items 2 to 6, wherein the generation unit generates the specific setting screen data by using specific option information included in the specific model printing condition information.
(Item 8)
The storage control unit includes a default printing condition information acquisition unit that acquires default printing condition information indicating a default printing condition currently set for the printer from each of the plurality of printers.
The original data includes, for each of the plurality of printers, the default printing condition information of the printer associated with the printer identification information of the printer,
The screen data supply unit includes a generation unit that generates the specific setting screen data.
The generation unit may specify the particular default printing condition indicated by the particular default printing condition information based on the particular default printing condition information associated with the acquired specific printer identification information. The server according to any one of Items 1 to 7, which generates the specific setting screen data representing a setting screen of.
(Item 9)
A printer connected to the server according to any one of Items 1 to 8,
Current printing that supplies the server with the printer identification information of the printer and current printing condition information indicating current printing conditions that are currently executable by the printer when the printer is powered on A condition information supply unit, wherein, when the current printing condition of the printer changes, the server identifies the printer identification information of the printer and new current printing condition information indicating the current printing condition after changing. Said current printing condition information supply unit for supplying
A print data acquisition unit that acquires the print data from the server;
A print execution unit configured to execute printing using the print data;
(Item 10)
A computer program for a server connected to a terminal device and a plurality of printers having different executable printing conditions,
On a computer mounted on the server,
Original data for providing a user of the terminal apparatus with one of a plurality of setting screens corresponding to the plurality of printers, wherein each of the plurality of setting screens is executed by the corresponding printer A storage control process for storing the original data in a memory, which is a screen for allowing the user to specify the content of each setting item that conforms to possible printing conditions;
Identification information acquisition processing for acquiring from the terminal device specific printer identification information for identifying a specific printer among the plurality of printers;
Target data acquisition processing for acquiring target data for printing;
Screen data for supplying, to the terminal device, specific setting screen data representing the specific setting screen corresponding to the specific printer identified by the acquired specific printer identification information based on the original data Supply processing,
Setting information acquisition processing for acquiring from the terminal device setting information indicating contents of designated setting items designated by the user via the specific setting screen;
Print data generation processing for generating print data having a format that can be interpreted by the specific printer using the contents of the designated setting items indicated by the setting information and the target data.
Print data supply processing for supplying the print data to the specific printer;
A computer program that runs

Claims (10)

A server connected to a terminal device and a plurality of printers having different print conditions that can be executed,
Original data for providing a user of the terminal apparatus with one of a plurality of setting screens corresponding to the plurality of printers, wherein each of the plurality of setting screens is executed by the corresponding printer A storage control unit that stores the original data in a memory, which is a screen that allows the user to specify the content of each setting item that conforms to possible printing conditions;
An identification information acquisition unit that acquires from the terminal device specific printer identification information for identifying a specific printer among the plurality of printers;
A target data acquisition unit that acquires target data for printing;
Screen data supply for supplying to the terminal device specific setting screen data representing a specific setting screen corresponding to the specific printer identified by the acquired specific printer identification information based on the original data Department,
A setting information acquisition unit configured to acquire setting information indicating contents of designated setting items designated by the user via the specific setting screen from the terminal device;
A print data generation unit that generates print data having a format that can be interpreted by the specific printer using the contents of the designated setting items indicated by the setting information and the target data;
A print data supply unit that supplies the print data to the specific printer. The original data includes, for each printer model, model printing condition information indicating a model printing condition which is a printing condition supported by the model,
The screen data supply unit designates the content of each setting item that conforms to the specific model printing condition indicated by the specific model printing condition information based on the specific model printing condition information corresponding to the specific printer model. The server according to claim 1, wherein the specific setting screen data representing the specific setting screen which allows the user to do is supplied to the terminal device. The storage control unit includes a current printing condition information acquisition unit that acquires current printing condition information indicating current printing conditions, which are print conditions that can be currently executed by the printer, from each of the plurality of printers.
The original data further includes, for each of the plurality of printers, the current printing condition information of the printer associated with the printer identification information of the printer,
The screen data supply unit is configured to, based on the specific model printing condition information and the specific current printing condition information associated with the acquired specific printer identification information, The specific setting screen data representing the specific setting screen which allows the user to specify the content of each setting item conforming to the specific current printing condition indicated by the specific current printing condition information; The server according to claim 2, which supplies the terminal device.   The screen data supply unit includes a setting field for the user to specify the content of each setting item conforming to the specific current printing condition among all the setting items conforming to the specific model printing condition, The specific setting screen data representing the specific setting screen not including the setting field for the user to specify the content of each setting item not conforming to the specific current printing condition is supplied to the terminal device. The server according to item 3.   When new current printing condition information is acquired from each of the plurality of printers, the storage control unit replaces the current printing condition information associated with the printer identification information of the printer when the new current printing condition information is acquired. The server according to claim 4, wherein the new current printing condition information acquired from a printer is stored in the memory. In each model type printing condition information, field data indicating a setting field for the user to specify the content of the setting item and a setting field are arranged for each setting item conforming to the model printing condition of the model. And position data indicating the position to be
The screen data supply unit includes a generation unit that generates the specific setting screen data.
The generation unit according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the specific setting screen data is generated using each field data and each position data included in the specific model printing condition information. server. Each of the model print condition information includes option information indicating an option of the content of each setting item that conforms to the model print condition of the model,
The screen data supply unit includes a generation unit that generates the specific setting screen data.
The server according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the generation unit generates the specific setting screen data using specific option information included in the specific model printing condition information. The storage control unit includes a default printing condition information acquisition unit that acquires default printing condition information indicating a default printing condition currently set for the printer from each of the plurality of printers.
The original data includes, for each of the plurality of printers, the default printing condition information of the printer associated with the printer identification information of the printer,
The screen data supply unit includes a generation unit that generates the specific setting screen data.
The generation unit may specify the particular default printing condition indicated by the particular default printing condition information based on the particular default printing condition information associated with the acquired specific printer identification information. The server according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the specific setting screen data representing the setting screen of is generated. A printer connected to the server according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
Current printing that supplies the server with the printer identification information of the printer and current printing condition information indicating current printing conditions that are currently executable by the printer when the printer is powered on A condition information supply unit, wherein, when the current printing condition of the printer changes, the server identifies the printer identification information of the printer and new current printing condition information indicating the current printing condition after changing. Said current printing condition information supply unit for supplying
A print data acquisition unit that acquires the print data from the server;
A print execution unit configured to execute printing using the print data; A computer program for a server connected to a terminal device and a plurality of printers having different executable printing conditions,
On a computer mounted on the server,
Original data for providing a user of the terminal apparatus with one of a plurality of setting screens corresponding to the plurality of printers, wherein each of the plurality of setting screens is executed by the corresponding printer A storage control process for storing the original data in a memory, which is a screen for allowing the user to specify the content of each setting item that conforms to possible printing conditions;
Identification information acquisition processing for acquiring from the terminal device specific printer identification information for identifying a specific printer among the plurality of printers;
Target data acquisition processing for acquiring target data for printing;
Screen data for supplying, to the terminal device, specific setting screen data representing the specific setting screen corresponding to the specific printer identified by the acquired specific printer identification information based on the original data Supply processing,
Setting information acquisition processing for acquiring from the terminal device setting information indicating contents of designated setting items designated by the user via the specific setting screen;
Print data generation processing for generating print data having a format that can be interpreted by the specific printer using the contents of the designated setting items indicated by the setting information and the target data.
Print data supply processing for supplying the print data to the specific printer;
A computer program that runs

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