JP5949072B2 - Print setting management system, print setting management method, and print setting management program. - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention is applied as a configuration interposed between a terminal device composed of a personal computer or the like having a data transmission / reception function and a laser printer / copier, etc., and a print setting management system that mediates transfer of print request information from a user, The present invention relates to the management method and the program.

  Conventionally, there has been a problem of wasting paper, wasting time, and the like due to a printing failure due to an error in printing settings of a printer. For example, according to a known function based on application software, it is possible to retain print settings once made. However, since this print setting retention function is intended for only one printer, a plurality of printers can be retained. When using, separate settings were required for each.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 7 showing the prior art, even when the printer 200A performs correct printing as intended by the user (double-sided printing in the 2-in-1 mode), this setting is used for printing similar materials in the printer 200B. (2in1 is generally referred to as “two-in-one”). For this reason, if the user issues a print command in a state where the print settings are incorrect (double-sided printing in the 1 in 1 mode), printing is performed with the incorrect settings, and the amount of paper used doubles as a result. There was a problem such as. Further, since the range in which the print settings can be held is limited for each print target (such as an Excel sheet), the same trouble as described above has occurred. Furthermore, there is a problem that the storage function cannot be used when the user performs printing for the first time.

  In response to the above-described problem, the following technical contents (Patent Documents 1 to 4) relating to determination of whether print settings are appropriate have been known.

  The invention disclosed in Patent Document 1 associates and manages the result of determination of suitability for setting each time of printing over time with the daily schedule data registered on the calendar display screen in advance. By referring to subsequent determinations, the determination accuracy is improved and paper troubles are avoided. The invention disclosed in Patent Document 2 is intended to avoid erroneous printing by selecting a printer in which appropriate paper is set from a plurality of printers upon receiving a print request from a user. is there.

  Furthermore, the invention disclosed in Patent Document 3 stores print history information for each user, and determines the suitability of print settings based on this information. Such an invention aims to improve the conventional problems by adopting a configuration in which past print results of a person other than the user who has made print settings in real time can be taken into consideration. In addition, the invention disclosed in Patent Document 4 is intended to solve the problems of the prior art by extending the print history information of a plurality of printers so that they can be mutually used.

JP 2005-108075 A JP2009-2445099 JP2011-194634 JP-A-10-326167

  However, in the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to acquire data for a long period of one month for determining the appropriateness of the print setting, and more months are required to increase the determination accuracy. There is a problem that it requires a lot of data. The invention disclosed in Patent Document 2 is specialized for printer selection from the viewpoint of paper size, and does not disclose any technique related to acquisition of accurate print information. Furthermore, in the known example disclosed in Patent Document 3, there is no specific disclosure regarding the determination procedure, and the invention disclosed in Patent Document 4 uses the past print setting list to burden the user. This is intended to be reduced and has a different purpose from the present invention.

(Object of invention)
An object of the present invention is to improve the inconveniences of the above-described conventional example, and in particular to appropriately manage print setting information included in print request information set by a user.

In order to achieve the above object, in the print setting management system according to the present invention, a print request receiving unit that collectively receives print request information including print setting information input from the outside, and the print request receiving unit Print request analysis processing means for analyzing the print request information acquired in this manner and performing predetermined processing, print request transmission means for sending the print request information received from the print request analysis processing means to the corresponding printer, and print setting information Information storage means for storing information necessary for management of the print request, and the print request analysis processing means extracts setting status extraction for extracting print setting information and printing status data based on the printing status from the acquired print request information Print history information in which print setting information and print status data extracted by the setting status extraction unit are recorded in the information storage unit in advance in the print request analysis processing unit A print setting suitability determining means for judging the suitability of the print settings by comparing and transmitting the result to the print request analyzing processing means is also provided, and the print request analyzing processing means is determined to be appropriate from the print setting suitability judging means. When the determination result is obtained, the print request information acquired in real time is transferred to the print request transmission unit . The print setting information is extracted by the setting status extraction unit. Each of the printing status data is distributed to a setting correspondence table and a situation correspondence table stored in advance in the information storage means, and a code specifying unit for specifying a code by associating each element there, and each specified by the code specifying unit The result of associating the codes in the statistical information table stored in advance in the information storage means and recorded in the statistical information table every time printing is performed. Print setting management system in which a statistical table referred unit determines the appropriateness of the print settings by comparing history information, comprising the to.

In the print setting management method according to the present invention, print request receiving means for collectively receiving print request information including print setting information inputted externally, and print request information acquired via the print request receiving means. Request analysis processing means for analyzing the print request and performing predetermined processing, print request transmission means for sending the print request information received from the print request analysis processing means to the corresponding printer, and information necessary for managing print setting information A print setting management system comprising: an information storage unit for storing print request information received from any one of a plurality of information processing apparatuses linked to the print setting management system; Print request analysis processing means extracts print status data based on the print request information and the print status from the received print request information. Wherein in association with the elements to identify the code, statistical information stored in advance in the information storing means each code identified with the status data, and distributes in advance the information stored set correspondence table and status correspondence table stored in the unit The print request analysis processing means is used to determine whether print settings are appropriate by comparing the results associated in the table with the print history information recorded in the statistical information table every time printing is performed over time . When the print setting suitability determination unit executes and obtains a “determination result”, the print request analysis processing unit passes the print request information acquired in real time to the print request transmission unit. It is characterized by.

Further, in the print setting management program according to the present invention, print request receiving means for collectively receiving print request information including print setting information input from the outside, and print request information acquired via the print request receiving means. Request analysis processing means for analyzing the print request and performing predetermined processing, print request transmission means for sending the print request information received from the print request analysis processing means to the corresponding printer, and information necessary for managing print setting information A print request receiving function for receiving print request information from any one of a plurality of information processing apparatuses linked to the print setting management system. The print request analysis processing means extracts the print status data based on the print setting information and the print status from the print request information received by the print request receiving function. Setting status extraction function that, the print status data and the extracted print setting information by the setting situation extractor, in association with which each element with distributing the stored set correspondence table and status correspondence table in advance information storing unit code The result of associating each identified code in the statistical information table stored in advance in the information storage means is compared with the print history information recorded in the statistical information table every time printing is performed. A print setting suitability determination function executed by the print setting suitability determination means provided in the print request analysis processing means, and the print setting suitability determination function to obtain a “determination result to be appropriate”. If it is obtained, an appropriate information intermediary function in which the print request analysis processing means passes the print request information acquired in real time to the print request transmission means, Characterized in that to execute the computer.

  As described above, the present invention employs a configuration in which the relevance of data extracted from received print request information is compared with print history information accumulated and stored every time printing is performed, thereby determining the suitability of print settings. Therefore, according to this, it is possible to appropriately direct and manage the print setting information included in the print request information set by the user, resulting in prevention of erroneous printing with an inappropriate print setting. Excellent print setting management system, management method thereof, and program thereof can be provided.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a print setting management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing cooperation between a print setting management system and peripheral devices according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a print setting management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing of the one use scene of the print setting management system concerning one Embodiment of this invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating operation control of the print setting management system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating various tables referred to when determining whether print settings are appropriate as a part of operation control of the print setting management system according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which showed the trouble of the prior art.

Embodiment
An embodiment of a print setting management system according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Overall configuration)
First, the configuration of the print setting determination system according to the present embodiment will be described based on the block diagram shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 1, reference numerals 20A and 21B denote PCs (personal computers) that are arranged in an office or the like and perform arithmetic processing, storage processing, and the like. Application software (hereinafter referred to as applications) such as Excel (registered trademark) and PowerPoint (registered trademark) is installed in the PCs 20A and 20B. The PCs 20A and 20B include application execution means 21A and 21B that convert the contents of the print command from the user into print request information according to the application and output the print request information.

  Reference numerals 70A and 70B denote printers that print out printable data, and correspond to, for example, laser printers and copiers. A printer driver corresponding to the OS being used is installed in the printers 70A and 70B. The printers 70A and 70B include print request conversion means 71A and 71B that convert the received print request information into printable data according to the corresponding printer driver.

  A portion surrounded by a broken line interposed between the PCs 20A and 21B and the printers 70A and 70B is the print setting management system 10 according to the present embodiment. The print setting management system 10 receives a print request receiving unit 31 that receives print request information from the application execution unit 21A or 21B, analyzes the print request information received through the print request receiving unit 31, and performs predetermined processing. Print request analysis processing means 32 for performing printing, print request transmission means 33 for transmitting print request information received from the print request analysis processing means 32 to the corresponding printer, real-time print request information and past appropriate print requests A print setting suitability determination unit 40 that determines the suitability of print settings by comparing information histories and an information storage unit 50 that stores a control program of the print setting management system 10 and the like.

  The print request analysis processing means 32 includes a setting status extraction unit 32A that extracts print setting information based on external input and print status data based on the printing status included in the acquired print request information, and the print setting suitability determination means 40. Upon receipt of the “determination result indicating appropriate print settings”, the appropriate information mediating unit 32B that transmits the print request information received in real time to the print request transmission unit 33, and the print setting suitability determination unit 40. An information feedback unit 32C that feeds back the confirmation information including the contents to the application execution unit 20A or 20B when receiving the “determination result indicating inappropriate print settings” from the application execution unit 20A or 20B.

  Further, when the print request analysis processing unit 32 receives the held print request information indicating that the print setting information is not corrected from the application execution unit 21A or 21B that has transmitted the confirmation information by the information feedback unit 32C, the print request analysis processing unit 32 displays the held print request information. When the corrected print request information including the corrected print setting information is received from the holding information mediation unit 32D that transmits to the print request transmission unit 33 and the application execution unit 21A or 21B that transmits the confirmation information by the information feedback unit 32C, The re-decision control unit 32E that transmits the corrected print request information to the setting status extraction unit 32A and the print request information that is finally transmitted to the print request transmission unit 33 by the appropriate information transmission unit 32B or the holding information transmission function 32D are included. Each feature of the print setting information and the print status data is stored in the information storage means 50. It adopts a configuration including a proper setting storage unit 32F for recording.

  Further, the print setting suitability determining means 40 is specified by the code specifying unit 40A for specifying each code from the print setting information extracted by the setting status extracting unit 32A and the configuration content of the print status data, and the code specifying unit 40A. A statistical table reference unit 40B that determines the suitability of the print settings by comparing the result of associating each code with the print history information stored each time printing is performed.

  Further, the information storage means 50 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 50A which is a read only memory, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 50B used for temporary storage of calculation data and received data, and the like. And a non-volatile memory 50C such as a rewritable flash memory.

  The above-described print request receiving unit, print request analyzing unit, and print request transmitting unit are configured to mediate the delivery of data to the print request conversion unit 71A or 71B that functions in accordance with the printer driver. The configuration including this is referred to as a virtual printer driver.

  Next, cooperation between the print setting management system according to the embodiment of the present invention and its peripheral devices will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 2, the main components of the above-described PCs (personal computers) 20A and 20B include a main control unit, a storage unit, an input unit such as a mouse and a keyboard, a display unit such as a monitor, a network I / F ( Network interface). As a result, the operation control according to the installed application is realized. The printers 70A and 70B described above are configured to execute printout after converting print request information into printable data in accordance with an installed printer driver.

  Reference numeral 10 denotes the print setting management system according to the present embodiment described above, and is connected to the PCs 20A and 20B and the printers 70A and 70B via a network 15 such as a LAN (Local Area Network). With this configuration, the print setting management system 10 according to the present embodiment is interposed between the PCs 20A and 20B and the printers 70A and 70B and can mediate the transfer of print request information. It becomes possible to manage.

  Next, a print setting management system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the schematic block diagram shown in FIG.

  A print setting management system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a CPU (central processing unit) 11 that controls operation thereof, an input unit 12 that receives print request information transmitted from the application execution unit 21A or 21B, and ROM 50A which is a read-only memory storing a basic control program of CPU 11, RAM 50B used for temporary storage of calculation data and received data, non-volatile memory 50C which can rewrite data, and suitability of print settings And an output unit 13 that outputs information based on the determination result to the outside.

  The CPU 11, the input unit 12, the output unit 13, the ROM 50A, the RAM 50B, and the nonvolatile memory 50C are connected to the external bus 14 that is a transmission path for the circuits to exchange data with each other. With this configuration, the CPU 11 according to the present embodiment loads the print setting management program stored in the ROM 50A into the RAM 50B, and executes a series of operation controls accordingly. In addition, the CPU 11 is configured to perform processing such as the update of the print history information described above by the nonvolatile memory 50C.

(Description of operation)
First, in explaining the operation, one usage situation that is a premise of the feature will be described in order to clarify the features of the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 4 (left side), in the past, the virtual printer driver 30 receives print request information reflecting user settings from the PC 20A and extracts various data therefrom, and print setting suitability determination means based on the extracted data. A series of steps of storing information related to data output from the printer 70A via the print request conversion means 71A in the information storage means 50 after appropriately directing according to the determination result at 40. Are sequentially executed at least once.

  That is, when printing is performed by the printer 70B shown in FIG. 4 (right side), the print history information related to the printer 70A is recorded in the information storage unit 50 in advance enough to determine appropriateness. . On the other hand, the print history information related to the data output from the printer 70B is in a state that is insufficient to determine appropriateness (compared with the print history information related to the printer 70A). The print history information is information recorded in the information storage unit 50 based on the result of associating the characteristics of the print setting information with the characteristics of the print status data.

  Since this print history information is only related to the printer 70A, conventionally, highly reliable information that has undergone the above-described series of steps and the like cannot be used at the time of output by another printer. However, the print setting management system 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention employs a configuration that mediates the transfer of print request information by interposing between a plurality of PCs and a plurality of printers corresponding to the PCs. The optimum print history information associated with each can be selected and used as appropriate.

  The print history information that can be taken into consideration by the print setting suitability determination means 40 when determining the appropriateness of the print setting here is “For a certain document (document file), double-sided printing in the 2-in-1 mode has the correct print setting as intended. The print setting information is appropriate. In addition, the user here has forgotten the setting operation even though he / she wants to print out in “2-sided printing in 2 in 1 mode” when printing a document similar to the above document. In this situation, a print command (“double-sided printing in 1 in 1 mode”) has been issued.

  For this reason, incorrect print request information is output from the PC 20B via the application execution unit 21B. In the conventional case, the print request information is output as is from the corresponding printer 70B. Since the print history information related to the printer 70A can be taken into consideration even when printing at 70B, appropriate print setting information can be fed back to the user as shown in FIG. 4 (right side).

  Next, the operation of the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 1 will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. In that case, the conceptual diagram of the various tables shown in FIG. 6 is referred as needed. In the description of the operation here, as in the case shown in FIG. 4, the determination of the appropriateness of the print setting at the time of output by the printer 70B is performed in consideration of the print history information related to the printer 70A. belongs to.

  In FIG. 5, first, on the print setting screen based on the application displayed on the monitor or the like of the PC 20B, when the user issues a print command after performing various settings by operating the mouse or the like, the execution of the application that receives it is executed. The means 21B transmits print request information to that effect to the print determination management system 10 according to the present embodiment (FIG. 5: S501). The print request receiving means 31 receives the print request information transmitted here (FIG. 5: S502).

  The print request analysis processing means 32 that has acquired the print request information from the print request receiving means 31 analyzes the print request information by the setting status extraction unit 32A, and based on the print setting information based on the contents set by the user and the print status. Print status data is extracted (FIG. 5: S503). In addition, the setting status extraction unit 32A transmits the extracted print setting information and print status data to the print setting suitability determination unit 40 (FIG. 5: S504).

  In this embodiment, the information extracted as the print setting information is “single-sided printing / double-sided printing selection” and “page layout selection”, and the data extracted as the printing status data is “application program type” and “ “Print density (ratio of the portion with ink to the whole paper)”. In other words, “single-sided printing / double-sided printing selection” and “page layout selection” as print setting information extracted by the setting state extraction unit 32A and “application program type” and “print density” as printing status data are printed. It is transmitted to the setting suitability determination means 40 (FIG. 5: S503, S504). The “print density” as the print status data is effective data for accurately recognizing similar documents.

  When the print setting information and the print status data are received, the print setting suitability determination unit 40 compares the print setting information with the print history information stored in advance in the information storage unit 50 to determine whether the print setting is appropriate. (FIG. 5: S505).

  Here, specific determination steps executed by the print setting suitability determination unit 40 and subsequent operation control will be described in detail with reference to conceptual diagrams of various tables shown in FIG. 6A is a status correspondence table for associating each element of the print status data, and FIG. 6B is a setting correspondence table for associating each element of the print setting information. FIG. 6C shows a statistical information table for associating the codes specified in the respective tables with each other and storing the information as print history information.

  Further, in this embodiment, since the statistical information table associated with each of the printers 70A and 70B is provided in the information storage means 50, in the following, the statistical information table A and the printer 70B are related to the printer 70A. The statistical information table B is related to the above.

  Note that, as described above, one of the features of the present embodiment is that each statistical information table associated with a plurality of printers can be taken into account when determining appropriateness. For this reason, in the determination process in the description of the operation according to the present embodiment, the statistical information table A is not the statistical information table B but the statistical information table A due to a lack of data or the like in the situation where output from the printer 70B via the print request conversion unit 71B. Consider. That is, FIG. 6C shows the statistical information table A and the print history information recorded therein.

  First, the code specifying unit 40A extracts “application program type” and “print density” as print status data included in the received data, and associates these contents with combinations on the status correspondence table and applies them. A code (pattern name) is specified. This situation correspondence table is stored in advance in the information storage means 50, and is a pattern of combinations of “application program type” and “print density” as shown in FIG. The corresponding row (horizontal column) in the statistical information table A described later is determined by the code specified here.

  Next, the code specifying unit 40A extracts “single-sided / double-sided printing selection” and “page layout selection” as print setting information included in the received data, and combines these contents on the setting correspondence table. The corresponding code (pattern name) is specified by associating with. This setting correspondence table is also stored in the information storage means 50 in advance, and is a pattern of combinations of “single-sided printing / double-sided printing selection” and “page layout selection”. A corresponding column (vertical column) in a statistical information table A described later is determined by the code specified here.

  Subsequently, the statistical table reference unit 40B associates the codes of the printing status data and the print setting information specified here in the statistical information table A stored in the information storage unit 50. This association means a row (→) in the statistical information table A determined by the code specified on the situation correspondence table and a column in the statistical information table A where the code specified on the setting correspondence table exists. (↓) is a narrowing point (hereinafter referred to as a crossing point), and the narrowed crossing point is referred to as “association result”. The statistical table reference unit 40B reads the count number of the intersection point and compares it with all the count numbers existing in the row to determine whether the print setting is appropriate.

  That is, the print setting suitability determination means 40 determines that “the print setting is appropriate” when the number of intersection points derived by this association is larger than any count number in the row (→). Information is transmitted to the appropriate information mediation unit 32B. Receiving this, the appropriate information mediating unit 32B transmits the print request information received in real time to the printer 70B as appropriate information (information relating to correct print settings as intended by the user) (FIG. 5: S506).

  On the other hand, if there is at least one count number in the row (→) that is greater than the count number of the intersection point derived by this association, the print setting suitability determination means 40 is “inappropriate print setting”. And the appropriate print setting information acquired at the time of determination is transmitted to the information feedback unit 32C.

  Here, the appropriate print setting information mentioned above refers to all count numbers existing in the row (→) in the statistical information table A determined by the code specified by the print setting propriety determination unit 40 on the situation correspondence table. This is print setting information derived by detecting and reading a specific code of a column (↓) having the largest numerical value among the count numbers and comparing the read specific code with a setting correspondence table.

  The information feedback unit 32C that has received the “determination result indicating improper print setting” or the like from the print setting suitability determining unit 40 receives the print request information (“inappropriate print setting” as received in real time). Confirmation information including appropriate print setting information (including the determined print setting information) is fed back to the user via the application execution unit 21B through the monitor of the PC 20B (FIG. 5: S509).

  In this way, the user can reconfirm the contents of the print command made by himself referring to the feedback confirmation information. As a result, the user can determine whether the print settings are correct and correct the contents as necessary, thereby avoiding paper troubles due to incorrect printing. Note that a warning sound may be notified at the same time as feedback to the user.

  By the way, as a user's action which received this confirmation information, the following two patterns are generally mentioned.

  First, as the first action pattern, it is conceivable to deal with a case where the user receives this feedback and determines that “print setting error (forgot to set)”. In this case, the user corrects the display content by operating the mouse or the like, and transmits a print command related to the corrected print request (FIG. 5: S510, S501). The content of the command transmitted at this time is used as corrected print request information. The corrected print request information including the corrected print setting information is transmitted to the print request receiving unit 31 via the application execution unit 21B (FIG. 5: S502).

  The re-determination control unit 32D that has acquired the corrected print request information via the print request receiving unit 31 transmits this to the setting status extraction unit 32A. That is, the correction print request information is also subjected to the analysis, extraction, and transmission processes (FIG. 5: S503, S504) as described above, and the appropriateness of the print settings is determined again (FIG. 5: S505). Thereafter, transmission to the printer driver (FIG. 5: S506) or feedback to the user (FIG. 5: S509) is executed by the same control program as described above.

  The corrected print request information may be transmitted as appropriate information directly from the print request transmitting unit 33 to the printer 70B without sequentially executing the series of steps as described above.

  Next, as the second pattern, it is conceivable to deal with a case where the user receives this feedback and determines that “the print setting is correct (this setting is acceptable this time)”. The user in this case transmits a print command without correcting the display content. The retained print request information relating to this command is acquired by the retained information mediating unit 32E via the print request receiving unit 31, and is transmitted from there to the print request transmitting unit 33 as appropriate information. The retained print request information transmitted from the print request transmission unit 33 is output from the printer 70B via the print request conversion unit 71B.

  Following the above-described steps, in principle, substantially appropriate print request information (information relating to correct print settings as intended by the user) is eventually transmitted to the printer 70B as appropriate information. (FIG. 5: S506). This appropriate information is converted into printable data by the print request conversion means 71B, and the printer 70B executes printout based on this data (FIG. 5: S507).

  The feature of the print setting information (the code specified on the setting correspondence table) included in the print request information transmitted to the printer 70B via the print request transmission unit 33 and the feature of the print status data (specified on the situation correspondence table) The appropriate setting storage processing unit 32F associates the statistical information) in the statistical information table B stored in the information storage unit 50 and adds 1 count to the intersection. One count obtained by adding the appropriate setting storage processing unit 32F to the intersecting points narrowed down by this association is referred to as “association recording”. The print history information is updated by this addition (FIG. 5: S508). The statistical information table B has the same format as the statistical information table A (FIG. 6).

  In this way, every time printing is performed, a record of the association between the characteristics of the print setting information and the characteristics of the print status data is cumulatively stored, and used as a determination material for determining whether print settings are appropriate in the next and subsequent printings. A highly reliable determination result can be fed back to the user as necessary.

  Here, a configuration has been described in which, when print request information is received from the application execution unit 21A or 21B, the suitability of print settings can be determined by referring to any one of the statistical information tables (A or B). This is merely an example, and in the determination, two or more statistical information tables associated with two or more connected printers can be flexibly referred to.

  For this reason, even when sufficient print history information due to accumulation of associated records is not accumulated in the statistical information table related to the printer to be used, a statistical information table related to another printer is selected as appropriate, and By taking into account the print history information, it is possible to maintain the determination accuracy of the suitability of the print setting above a certain level, and it is possible to realize a highly reliable determination result feedback to the user. Thereby, it is possible to prevent unnecessary printing and the like.

  Note that one statistical information table associated with all linked printers is stored in the information storage means 50, and records of associations corresponding to all the printers are cumulatively recorded every time printing is performed. Thus, the print history information may be updated, and this may be taken into consideration when determining appropriateness. The statistical information table may be used together with the statistical information table related to each printer, or may be stored in the information storage means 50 instead of the statistical information table related to each printer.

  By the way, in the statistical information table illustrated in FIG. 6, the number of times of intersection is counted in advance. As described above, this is a part of the above-described series of steps executed each time a print command is issued by the user. In FIG. 5, the “association result” is cumulatively counted (FIG. 5: S508). Therefore, finally, an example of determination of suitability for print settings based on specific numerical values in the various tables illustrated in FIG. 6 will be shown.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the situation correspondence table, the setting correspondence table, and the statistical information tables (A and B) are stored in the information storage unit 50. Similarly, the print history information stored in the information storage means 50 is the count number updated in the statistical information table (A or B) each time printing is performed over time.

  First, when the print setting suitability determination unit 40 receives the print status data and the print setting information, the code specifying unit 40A indicates that the type of application as the print status data is a “PPT (Power Point: registered trademark) file”. Since the printing density is “25% or more and less than 50%”, the combination pattern on the situation correspondence table is specified as B2.

  Similarly, the code setting unit 40A selects “double-sided” as single-sided printing / double-sided printing as print setting information, and similarly selects “1 in 1” as the page layout, so that the combination pattern on the setting correspondence table Is identified by the symbol Y3.

  Subsequently, the statistical table reference unit 40B performs the determination by comparing the code B2 and the code Y3 specified by the code specifying unit 40A with the print history information held in the statistical information table A, and combines them. Obtain appropriate information.

  That is, the statistical table participation unit 40B first identifies a row (→) to be referenced in the statistical information table A based on the code B2. Next, it is detected that the count number of intersection points between the row (→) specified by the code B2 and the column (↓) in which the code Y3 exists is 0. Further, the count number of all the other intersection points in the row (→) specified by the code B2 is detected and compared with the count number 0 (the count number of the intersection points by the association of the code B2 and the code Y3). .

  Then, since a count number (2 or 6) larger than 0 exists in the row (→) specified by the symbol B2 in the statistical information table A, the print setting suitability determination unit 40 sets the print setting. Determined to be inappropriate. At the same time, it is detected that the largest number of counts at each intersection point in this row is 6, and the code of the column (↓) that can be read from the intersection point is Y4.

  By comparing the code Y4 with the setting correspondence table, the statistical table considering unit 40B acquires the estimation information that “2in1 is an appropriate print setting instead of 1in1” as the page layout selection. This objective estimation information is appropriate print setting information.

  The appropriate print setting information acquired here is transmitted to the application execution unit 21B by the information feedback unit 32C together with the print request information corresponding to the print setting information determined by the print setting suitability determination unit 40 to be inappropriate. The content is fed back to the user. By checking the food back data, the user can determine whether the determination is correct and correct the print settings as necessary. As a result, the paper is not wasted, and the labor required for reprinting can be saved. The subsequent steps are as described above.

  Thus, from the feature of this embodiment that depends on the number of counts, the determination accuracy increases as the accumulated data increases. That is, according to the present embodiment in which a statistical information table set for other printers can be referred to even when using a low-use printer, a new printer, or the like, the user can be referred to under any circumstances. Since an accurate determination result can be provided, the user can issue a print command with confidence.

  The contents of execution of each step in the above steps S501 to S510 (FIG. 5) may be programmed and the series of control programs may be realized by a computer. Even in this case, a highly accurate determination result can be obtained by uniform data extraction and determination based on the operation control by the computer. In addition, if necessary, flexible information corresponding to the determination result is provided to the user, and the print settings are appropriately managed by analyzing subsequent instructions from the user and grasping the user's request included therein. It becomes possible. That is, the object of the present invention can be achieved quickly and efficiently as in the case of the above-described embodiment.

(Summary)
As shown in FIG. 7, when the user issues a print command to execute printing on the printer 800B, according to the prior art, the print request information is directly sent from the PC 200B to the printer 800B via the print request conversion unit 700A. Had been sent. For this reason, even if sufficient data is stored in the print history information corresponding to the printer 800A, it is only information that can be used only when the print request conversion unit 700A receives print request information from the PC 200A. It was. Therefore, when the user issues a print command with incorrect settings, there is a problem that the user cannot notice the erroneous printing without looking at the actually printed out paper.

  However, as illustrated in FIG. 4, in the print setting management system 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, a virtual printer is provided between a plurality of PCs (for example, 20A and 20B) and a plurality of printers (for example, 70A and 70B). A configuration in which a driver 30 or the like is interposed is employed. As a result, if the characteristics of the print setting information and the characteristics of the print status data when printing can be performed correctly as intended by the user with one printer (for example, 70A) are stored in the information storage means 50, another characteristic can be obtained. This can be taken into account when printing with a printer (for example, 70B). For this reason, when printing a similar document, erroneous printing can be avoided more flexibly, and as a result, the problem of wasting paper and time is solved.

  Further, in detail with reference to FIG. 4, even if the print setting on the PC 20B is wrong (both sides & 1 in 1), the print setting suitability determination means 40 is a printer stored in the information storage means 50. In order to detect incorrect settings (2in1 is 1in1) in consideration of the print history information corresponding to 70A, this content is fed back to the user to prevent erroneous printing due to print setting errors. can do. In addition to adopting such a configuration, this embodiment employs a series of steps such as extraction of print setting information / print status data, association on a plurality of tables, and consideration of print history information. Accordingly, it is possible to determine whether or not the print setting is highly reliable.

  In the description of the operation, the description has been made under the situation that the printers 70A and 70B correspond to the PCs 20A and 20B, respectively. However, the print setting management system 10 according to the present embodiment includes the printers 70A and 70B in the PC 20A. The same operation control is possible even when the computer is compatible (including the case where only one PC is connected). That is, even when printing with the printer 20A, the print setting suitability determination unit 40 can appropriately refer to the print history information related to the printer 70A or 70B. In addition, the number of PCs and printers connected to the print setting management system 10 according to the present embodiment via a network or the like is not particularly limited, and even when two or more PCs and printers are connected, It is possible to take into account the optimum print history information related to any printer in all combinations generated by the corresponding relationship.

(About print setting information and print status data)
In this embodiment, “single-sided printing / double-sided printing selection” and “page layout selection” are adopted as print setting information, and “application software type” and “print density” are adopted as printing status data. There are all possible variations in the selection of components.

For print setting information, print size, density-related information (settings such as variable magnification and Nin1), image quality designation (resolution, etc.), color / monochrome designation, number of print pages, print page designation information, number of copies, paper size ( Any variation combining elements such as manual magnification specification may be employed. In addition, elements such as print medium information, printer model information, character (font) type, character size, and the like may be similarly adopted for the print status data. As described above, by freely expanding the print setting information / print status data, flexible determination corresponding to all situations is possible.

  Further, for each of them, finer pattern division may be performed by increasing the number of elements to be combined to 3 or more. In this way, the characteristics born from the extracted components can be further subdivided, so that the determination can be made flexible.

  By the way, considering that print setting items may differ depending on the printer model, it may be possible for the user to use a printer that does not have items related to the print setting information stored in the information storage unit 50. Therefore, assuming such a case, a configuration including “a function for ignoring the setting”, “a function for distributing items according to a mapping in which similar settings are defined in advance”, and the like may be employed.

  In the present embodiment, only the print history information is taken into account, but a new condition may be added to the print history information to make more detailed settings. As new conditions, the last printing time, the definition of a pattern that cannot be printed, and the like can be considered. In this way, if the determination logic in the print setting suitability determination means 40 is freely expanded by increasing the conditions to be taken into consideration, the optimal determination according to the situation can be obtained.

(About print history information)
In the present embodiment, “the cumulative count number of association records (number of times)” is adopted as the information stored in the information storage unit 50. However, in order to provide a range by determining appropriateness, in addition to this, “recommended value” Or a “prohibited value” or the like may be provided. In this way, even if printing has not actually been executed in the past, an appropriate determination result can be obtained by setting the “recommended value”. In addition, by preventing undesired data (exceptional print setting information and the like) from being accumulated, a certain level of determination reliability can be maintained.

(About management scope)
The range for recording and managing the print status data and the print setting information may be set more finely by increasing conditions such as a printer unit, a specific user unit, a department unit, and a site unit. Further, even in a situation where management is set in advance for each user, a configuration may be adopted in which the range is automatically expanded to a range such as a department unit or a base unit as necessary. In this way, it is possible to respond flexibly even in the case of information shortage. In addition, even if it is the first setting for a certain user, it is possible to determine the appropriateness of printing based on the information of other users.

  The count number as the print history information in the above-described statistical information table may be configured so that the user can adjust from the outside. This makes it possible to detect inappropriate print settings even when there is no print history in the past. For example, even if there is no past print record, it is possible to obtain a reasonable determination result until a certain amount of data is accumulated by storing data based on empirically appropriate print settings. it can. In addition, even when exceptional printouts are repeatedly performed, the reliability of subsequent determinations can be maintained by deleting the information. Of course, when the print history information is insufficient, another alternative means may be used until the information is accumulated.

  The above-described embodiment is a preferred specific example in the print setting management system, the management method, and the program thereof, and may have various technically preferable limitations. The scope is not limited to these embodiments unless specifically described to limit the present invention. In addition, the constituent elements in the above-described embodiments can be appropriately replaced with existing constituent elements and the like, and various variations including combinations with other existing constituent elements are possible.

  The following summarizes the main points of the new technical contents of the above-described embodiment, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to this.

(Appendix 1)
Print request receiving means for collectively receiving print request information including print setting information input from the outside, and print request analysis for analyzing the print request information acquired via the print request receiving means and performing predetermined processing A processing unit; a print request transmission unit that transmits the print request information received from the print request analysis processing unit to a corresponding printer; and an information storage unit that stores information necessary for managing the print setting information.
The print request analysis processing unit includes a setting status extraction unit that extracts printing status data based on the print setting information and a printing status from the acquired printing request information,
The print request analysis processing unit determines whether print settings are appropriate by comparing the print setting information and the print status data extracted by the setting status extraction unit with print history information recorded in the information storage unit in advance. And a print setting suitability determination means for transmitting the result to the print request analysis processing means,
The print request analysis processing means
When a determination result indicating that the print setting is appropriate is obtained from the print setting suitability determination unit, the print request information acquired in real time is transferred to the print request transmission unit. Print settings management system.

(Appendix 2)
In the print setting management system according to Appendix 1,
The print request analysis processing means
When the determination result indicating that the print setting is appropriate and the appropriate print setting information are obtained from the print setting propriety determination unit, the information processing apparatus corresponding to the confirmation information with the appropriate print setting information added to the print request information acquired in real time Including an information feedback unit that feeds back to
The print setting management system, wherein the appropriate print setting information is information acquired from the information storage unit by the print setting suitability determination unit at the time of the determination.

(Appendix 3)
In the print setting management system according to Appendix 2,
The print request analysis processing means includes
When the corrected feedback request information including the corrected print setting information is acquired from the corresponding information processing apparatus that has transmitted the confirmation information by the information feedback unit, the corrected print request information is transmitted to the setting status extraction unit. A judgment control unit;
When the retained feedback request information indicating that the print setting information is not corrected is acquired from the corresponding information processing apparatus that has transmitted the confirmation information by the information feedback unit, the retained print request information is transferred to the print request transmitting unit. Information brokerage department,
A print setting management system comprising:

(Appendix 4)
In the print setting management system according to Appendix 3,
In place of the re-determination control unit, the print request analysis processing unit obtains corrected print request information including corrected print setting information from the corresponding information processing apparatus that has transmitted the confirmation information by the information feedback unit. Then, a print setting management system comprising a correction information mediation unit that immediately transfers the corrected print request information to the print request transmission means.

(Appendix 5)
In the print setting management system according to appendices 1 to 4,
The print request analysis processing means cumulatively records in the information storage means the characteristics of the print setting information and the characteristics of the print status data included in the information delivered to the print request transmission means, thereby the print history information. A print setting management system provided with an appropriate setting storage processing unit for updating the data as needed.

(Appendix 6)
In the print setting management system according to appendices 1 to 5,
The information storage means separately stores the print history information associated with each of the plurality of corresponding printers in advance;
The print setting management system is characterized in that the print setting propriety determining means refers to any one of the print history information associated with each of the plurality of corresponding printers.

(Appendix 7)
In the print setting management system according to appendices 2 to 6,
The print setting management system, wherein the information storage means stores one piece of the print history information associated with all of the plurality of corresponding printers.

(Appendix 8)
In the print setting management system according to appendices 1 to 7,
The print setting suitability determining means includes
Each of the print setting information and the print status data extracted by the setting status extraction unit is distributed to a setting correspondence table and a situation correspondence table stored in the information storage unit in advance, and each element is associated with a code there. A code identification unit to identify;
The printing history in which the result of associating each code specified by the code specifying unit in the statistical information table stored in advance in the information storage unit is recorded in the statistical information table every time printing is performed And a statistical table reference unit that determines whether print settings are appropriate by comparing with information.

(Appendix 9)
In the print setting management system according to appendix 8,
The information storage means separately stores the statistical information table associated with each of the plurality of corresponding printers in advance,
The print setting management system is characterized in that the print setting propriety determining means refers to any one of the statistical information tables associated with each of the plurality of corresponding printers.

(Appendix 10)
In the print setting management system according to appendix 8 or 9,
The print setting management system, wherein the information storage means stores one statistical information table associated with all of the plurality of corresponding printers.

(Appendix 11)
In the print setting management system according to appendices 1 to 9,
The print setting information includes “single-sided printing / double-sided printing selection” and “page layout selection”.
The print setting automatic management system, wherein the print status data is “type of application software” and “print density”.

(Appendix 12)
Print request receiving means for collectively receiving print request information including print setting information input from the outside, and print request analysis for analyzing the print request information acquired via the print request receiving means and performing predetermined processing A processing unit; a print request transmission unit that transmits the print request information received from the print request analysis processing unit to a corresponding printer; and an information storage unit that stores information necessary for managing the print setting information. In the print settings management system,
A print request receiving unit receives print request information from any one of a plurality of information processing apparatuses linked to the print setting management system;
Print request analysis processing means extracts print status data based on the print request information and the print status from the received print request information,
The print setting analysis unit determines whether the print setting is appropriate by comparing the extracted print setting information and the print setting data with the print history information recorded in the information storage unit in advance. Appropriateness determination means execute,
Therefore, when the “determination result is appropriate” is obtained, the print request analysis processing means transfers the print request information acquired in real time to the print request transmission means. .

(Appendix 13)
In the print setting management method according to appendix 12,
When the print setting propriety determination means that has performed the determination of the suitability of the print setting obtains “determination result that is not appropriate”, it adds appropriate print setting information to the print request information acquired in real time. A print setting management method, wherein confirmation information is fed back to a corresponding information processing apparatus.

(Appendix 14)
In the print setting management method according to appendix 13,
After the confirmation information is fed back to the corresponding information processing apparatus by the print request analysis processing means, the print request analysis process for acquiring “holding print request information not correcting the print setting information” from the corresponding information processing apparatus The means passes the held print request information to the print request transmission means,
On the other hand, the print request analysis processing means that has acquired “corrected print request information including corrected print setting information” from the corresponding information processing apparatus, the print setting information and the print A print setting management method characterized by extracting status data and transmitting them to the print setting suitability determining means.

(Appendix 15)
Print request receiving means for collectively receiving print request information including print setting information input from the outside, and print request analysis for analyzing the print request information acquired via the print request receiving means and performing predetermined processing A processing unit; a print request transmission unit that transmits the print request information received from the print request analysis processing unit to a corresponding printer; and an information storage unit that stores information necessary for managing the print setting information. In the print settings management system,
A print request receiving function for receiving print request information from any one of the plurality of information processing apparatuses linked to the print setting management system;
A setting status extraction function for the print request analysis processing means to extract print status data based on the print setting information and the print status from the print request information received by the print request reception function;
The print request analysis processing means determines whether or not the print settings are appropriate by comparing the print setting information and the print setting data extracted by the setting status extraction function with print history information recorded in the information storage means in advance. A print setting suitability determination function executed by an attached print setting suitability judging means;
When the print result suitability determination function obtains “appropriate determination result”, the print request analysis processing means transfers the print request information acquired in real time to the print request transmission means. A print setting management program characterized by having a computer realize the function.

(Appendix 16)
In the print setting management program according to appendix 15,
When the print setting suitability determination function obtains a “determination result that is not appropriate”, the print request analysis processing means provides confirmation information with appropriate print setting information added to the print request information acquired in real time. A print setting management program that causes a computer to realize an information feedback function that feeds back to an information processing apparatus that is compatible with.

(Appendix 17)
In the print setting management program according to appendix 16,
After the confirmation information is fed back to the corresponding information processing apparatus by an information feedback function, if “holding print request information not correcting print setting information” is acquired from the corresponding information processing apparatus, a print request An analysis processing means for holding information intermediary function for transferring the held print request information to the print request transmitting means;
On the other hand, when the “corrected print request information including the corrected print setting information” is acquired from the corresponding information processing apparatus, the print request analysis processing unit selects the setting status from the corrected print request information. A print setting management program for causing a computer to realize a redetermination control function for extracting the print setting information and the print status data by an extraction function and transmitting them to the print setting suitability determination means.

  The present invention can be applied in an environment in which a single or a plurality of PCs and the like and a single or a plurality of printers are connected via a network, and an office environment for performing various types of printing is provided. It can be used in the field of management.

10 Print Setting Management System 11 CPU
12 Input unit 13 Output unit 14 External bus 15 Network 20A PC
20B PC
30 Virtual Printer Driver 31 Print Request Receiving Unit 32 Print Request Analysis Processing Unit 32A Setting Status Extracting Unit 32B Appropriate Information Transmitting Unit 32C Information Feedback Unit 32D Retention Information Intermediary Unit 32E Re-determination Control Unit 32F Appropriate Setting Storage Processing Unit 33 Print Request Transmitting Unit 40A Code identification unit 40B Statistical table reference unit 50 Information storage means 70A Printer 70B Printer

Claims (9)

Print request receiving means for collectively receiving print request information including print setting information input from the outside, and print request analysis for analyzing the print request information acquired via the print request receiving means and performing predetermined processing A processing unit; a print request transmission unit that transmits the print request information received from the print request analysis processing unit to a corresponding printer; and an information storage unit that stores information necessary for managing the print setting information.
The print request analysis processing unit includes a setting status extraction unit that extracts printing status data based on the print setting information and a printing status from the acquired printing request information,
The print request analysis processing unit determines whether print settings are appropriate by comparing the print setting information and the print status data extracted by the setting status extraction unit with print history information recorded in the information storage unit in advance. And a print setting suitability determination means for transmitting the result to the print request analysis processing means,
The print request analysis processing means
When obtaining a determination result indicating that it is appropriate from the print setting suitability determination unit, a configuration including an appropriate information mediation unit that delivers the print request information acquired in real time to the print request transmission unit ,
The print setting suitability determining means includes
Each of the print setting information and the print status data extracted by the setting status extraction unit is distributed to a setting correspondence table and a situation correspondence table stored in the information storage unit in advance, and each element is associated with a code there. A code identification unit to identify;
The printing history in which the result of associating each code specified by the code specifying unit in the statistical information table stored in advance in the information storage unit is recorded in the statistical information table every time printing is performed And a statistical table reference unit that determines whether print settings are appropriate by comparing the information with information . The print setting management system according to claim 1,
The print request analysis processing means
When the determination result indicating that the print setting is appropriate and the appropriate print setting information are obtained from the print setting propriety determination unit, the information processing apparatus corresponding to the confirmation information with the appropriate print setting information added to the print request information acquired in real time Including an information feedback unit that feeds back to
The print setting management system, wherein the appropriate print setting information is information acquired from the information storage unit by the print setting suitability determination unit at the time of the determination. The print setting management system according to claim 2,
The print request analysis processing means includes
When the corrected feedback request information including the corrected print setting information is acquired from the corresponding information processing apparatus that has transmitted the confirmation information by the information feedback unit, the corrected print request information is transmitted to the setting status extraction unit. A judgment control unit;
When the retained feedback request information indicating that the print setting information is not corrected is acquired from the corresponding information processing apparatus that has transmitted the confirmation information by the information feedback unit, the retained print request information is transferred to the print request transmitting unit. Information brokerage department,
A print setting management system comprising: In the print setting management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The print request analysis processing means cumulatively records in the information storage means the characteristics of the print setting information and the characteristics of the print status data included in the information delivered to the print request transmission means, thereby the print history information. A print setting management system provided with an appropriate setting storage processing unit for updating the data as needed. In the print setting management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The information storage means separately stores the print history information associated with each of the plurality of corresponding printers in advance;
The print setting management system is characterized in that the print setting propriety determining means refers to any one of the print history information associated with each of the plurality of corresponding printers. Print request receiving means for collectively receiving print request information including print setting information input from the outside, and print request analysis for analyzing the print request information acquired via the print request receiving means and performing predetermined processing A processing unit; a print request transmission unit that transmits the print request information received from the print request analysis processing unit to a corresponding printer; and an information storage unit that stores information necessary for managing the print setting information. In the print settings management system,
A print request receiving unit receives print request information from any one of a plurality of information processing apparatuses linked to the print setting management system;
The print status data based on the status of the print and the print request information is the print request analysis means extracts from the received print request information,
The extracted print setting information and the print status data are distributed to the setting correspondence table and the status correspondence table stored in advance in the information storage unit, and the codes are specified by associating the elements with each other. Whether the print setting is appropriate or not by comparing the result of the association in the statistical information table stored in the information storage means in advance with the print history information recorded in the statistical information table every time printing is performed . determination, the print request analysis processing print setting appropriateness determination means provided together in unit executes,
So when obtaining the "appropriate and determination result indicating", the print setting management print request information which has been acquired in real-time the print request analysis processing means, characterized in that passed to the print request transmission means Method. The print setting management method according to claim 6 ,
The print setting propriety determination unit that performed the determination of the appropriateness of the print settings, upon obtaining a "determination result that not appropriate" is accompanied by a suitable printing setting information to the print request information which has been acquired in real-time The print setting management method is characterized in that the confirmation information is fed back to a corresponding information processing apparatus. Print request receiving means for collectively receiving print request information including print setting information input from the outside, and print request analysis for analyzing the print request information acquired via the print request receiving means and performing predetermined processing A processing unit; a print request transmission unit that transmits the print request information received from the print request analysis processing unit to a corresponding printer; and an information storage unit that stores information necessary for managing the print setting information. In the print settings management system,
A print request receiving function for receiving print request information from any one of a plurality of information processing apparatuses linked to the print setting management system;
The print request receiving function the print request analysis setting state extraction function processing means for extracting print status data based on the status of the print and the print setting information from the print request information received by,
The print setting information and the print status data extracted by the setting status extraction function are distributed in advance to a setting correspondence table and a situation correspondence table stored in the information storage unit, and each element is associated therewith to specify a code. By comparing the result of associating each identified code in the statistical information table previously stored in the information storage unit with the print history information recorded in the statistical information table every time printing is performed the determination of the appropriateness of the print settings, the print request analysis processing print setting appropriateness determination means provided together in unit executes the print setting propriety determination function,
When obtaining a "determination result that is appropriate" is appropriate information print request information which has been acquired in real-time the print request analysis processing means and passes to the print request transmitting means by the print setting propriety judging function A print setting management program characterized by having a computer realize an intermediary function. In the print setting management program according to claim 8 ,
When said print setting propriety determination function "determination result that not right" afforded the can, the confirmation information accompanied by appropriate print setting information to the print request information which has been acquired in real time, the print request analysis process A print setting management program that causes a computer to realize an information feedback function that feeds back information to an information processing apparatus.

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