JP2004192064A - Print control unit - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the tinting colors of print outputs from being made different for each page in assigning color several pages or color several copies to the plurality of printing devices of a print service provider as a print job for each page as a single print order. <P>SOLUTION: This print control unit is provided with a generating means for generating a print condition setting picture plane from contents print information and print service information and a display control means for controlling the display of a print condition setting picture plane generated by the generating means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a print control device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the development of communication infrastructure and the development of information communication technology, an information providing service using the Internet has become possible. In particular, a technology for providing an image information providing service using the Internet very simply has been established, and image information can be transferred to users, and frequent transmission and reception between users has begun.
[0003]
A print control system called a print service provider provides a content provider that holds the right to image information with a means of providing content other than data download without having to own a print solution, and provides users with home solutions. The service is provided in various print modes other than the printer.
[0004]
A print service provider can use a plurality of printing devices to support large-scale printing. A print service provider can print a single multi-page or multi-copy print order on multiple printing devices.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
When a plurality of color pages are assigned as a print job for each page to a plurality of printing devices of a print service provider as a single print order, the print output is different in color per page.
[0006]
When a plurality of color copies are assigned as a single print order as a print job for each print unit to a plurality of printing devices of a print service provider, a print output having a different color appearance is obtained for each print unit.
[0007]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to assign a plurality of color pages or a plurality of color copies as a single print order to a plurality of printing devices of a print service provider as a print job for each page, resulting in a print output having a different color appearance for each page. It is to prevent that.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to one aspect of the present invention, a generating unit that generates a printing condition setting screen from content print information and print service information, and a display control unit that controls display of the printing condition setting screen generated by the generating unit are included. There is provided a print control device characterized by having:
[0009]
ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the user can specify the color matching of the printed matter at the time of print order of a plurality of color pages or a plurality of color copies. As a result, the print service provider prints the color order of the print order specified as described above, and can realize an optimal print solution in normal printing in which the specification is not performed.
[0010]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail.
<System configuration>
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an entire system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 1, reference numerals 110 and 111 denote an information processing device (a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an HDD, etc., which will be described later in FIG. 2) for a customer who is a user of the system according to the present embodiment to operate directly from home, for example. Computer system), hereinafter referred to as a user computer.
[0011]
The user computers 110 and 111 have a function of browsing a document including a content such as an image or a catalog of the content stored in the content provider computers 120 and 121 described later through the network 100, and a print order button included in the document. , A function of ordering a print order to the print service provider 130 is provided. In this embodiment, the number of connections of the user computer is two, but in this embodiment, the number of connections of the user computer is one or more and the upper limit is not specified. Note that an image print order may be hereinafter referred to as a print order or simply an order.
[0012]
Reference numerals 120 and 121 denote information processing apparatuses for the purpose of providing various services by a content provider that provides content such as images and documents, and are hereinafter referred to as content provider computers or simply content providers.
[0013]
The content provider computers 120 and 121 have a function of providing a user computer with contents such as images and documents or a document including a catalog of contents (hereinafter, may be referred to as a content browsing screen) via a network 100, and a print service to be described later. It has a function of supplying the provider 130 with contents (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as sales items or contents entities) and supplementary information. In the present embodiment, the number of connections of the content provider computer is two, but in the present embodiment, the number of connections of the content provider computer is one or more and the upper limit is not specified. Further, in the present embodiment, for the sake of explanation, the content provider operating entity 1 is treated as operating one content provider computer. However, in the present embodiment, the purpose is to distribute the access load and handle different contents. It does not limit that the content provider operating entity operates two or more content provider computers.
[0014]
Reference numeral 130 denotes an information processing apparatus that performs print processing mainly based on a request from the user computer 110 or 111, and is referred to as a print service provider computer or simply a print service provider.
[0015]
The print service provider 130 supplies a document for realizing a print order screen based on a request from the user computer 110 or 111, receives print settings on the screen, forms a print order, and executes a content provider computer according to the print order. It has a function of acquiring content from the data center computer 120 or 121 or a data center computer 140 described later and performing a printing process.
[0016]
In the present embodiment, the print service provider operator 1 is treated as operating one print service provider computer for convenience of explanation, but in the present embodiment, two or more print service provider computers are used for the purpose of load distribution and the like. It does not limit the operation of the print service provider operator.
[0017]
Reference numeral 140 denotes an information processing apparatus for storing the entity of the content described in a document including a catalog page of the content to be disclosed in the content provider computer 120 or 121, and is referred to as a data center computer or a data center.
[0018]
In the data center computer 140, the user browses the content browsing screen, which is a catalog of content, on the content provider computer 120 or 121, and issues a print order to the print service provider computer 130 for the substance of the content in the browsing screen. In this case, the print service provider computer 130 transmits to the print service provider computer 130 the data of the content requested by the print service provider computer 130 and data necessary for printing and print order such as content print information to be described later.
[0019]
In the present embodiment, the number of connections of the data center is set to 1, but in the present embodiment, the number of connections of the data center is not specified.
[0020]
In this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the data center operator 1 is treated as operating one data center computer, but in this embodiment, two or more data center computers are operated in the data center for the purpose of load distribution and the like. It does not limit the operation of the subject.
[0021]
Reference numeral 100 denotes a connection device that connects the user computers 110 and 111, the content provider computers 120 and 121, the print service provider computer 130, and the data center computer 140, for example, a network system such as the Internet or a local area network (LAN). This is simply referred to as a network hereinafter. Note that, in the present embodiment, the network 100 uses the general Internet, but the present embodiment can be realized using other network systems.
[0022]
In the present embodiment, description will be made on the assumption that the content provider computer 120 has the substance of the content to be printed. The content provider computer 121 has a content catalog screen, and information necessary for print and print order, such as the substance of the content and content print information, which is supplementary information of the content described later, is stored in the data center 140. I do. Further, a print order can be made from the content browsing screen of the content provider 121.
[0023]
<Block diagram of user computer, content provider computer, data center>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of each of the information processing apparatuses described in the present embodiment. In this embodiment, since there is no difference in the internal configurations of the user computers 110 and 111, the content provider computers 120 and 121, and the data center 140, they will be described collectively with reference to FIG.
[0024]
In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a central processing unit (hereinafter, referred to as a CPU) that controls the information processing device.
Reference numeral 202 denotes a random access memory (hereinafter, referred to as a RAM), which functions as a main memory of the CPU 201 and as an area of an execution program, an execution area of the program, and a data area.
[0025]
Reference numeral 203 denotes a read-only memory (hereinafter, referred to as a ROM) that stores an operation processing procedure of the CPU 201. The ROM 203 includes a program ROM in which basic software (OS) which is a system program for controlling devices of the information processing apparatus is recorded, and a data ROM in which information necessary for operating the system is recorded. An HDD 209 described later may be used instead of the ROM 203.
[0026]
Reference numeral 204 denotes a network interface (NETIF) for performing control for performing data transfer between information processing apparatuses via a network and diagnosing a connection state.
[0027]
Reference numeral 205 denotes a video RAM (VRAM) which develops an image displayed on a screen of a CRT 206 described later, which indicates an operation state of the information processing apparatus, and controls the display.
[0028]
A display device 206 is, for example, a display. Hereinafter, it is referred to as CRT.
[0029]
A controller 207 controls an input signal from an external input device 208 described later.
[0030]
Reference numeral 208 denotes an external input device for receiving an operation performed on the information processing apparatus by a user of the information processing apparatus, and is, for example, a pointing device such as a keyboard and a mouse.
[0031]
A hard disk drive (HDD) 209 is used for storing data such as application programs and image information. The application program in the present embodiment is a software program or the like that executes various processing units constituting the present embodiment.
[0032]
Reference numeral 210 denotes an external input / output device which inputs / outputs a removable disk such as a flexible disk drive and a CDROM drive, and is used for reading the above-mentioned application program from a medium. Hereinafter, it is simply referred to as FDD.
[0033]
Note that application programs and data stored in the HDD 209 can be stored in the FDD 210 and used.
[0034]
Reference numeral 200 denotes an input / output bus (address bus, data bus, and control bus) for connecting the above-described units.
[0035]
<Block diagram of print service provider computer>
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the print service provider computer 130 according to the present embodiment. The print service provider computer 130 has some additions to the hardware configuration similar to the user computers 110 and 111, the content provider computers 120 and 121, and the data center computer 140 described in FIG. Therefore, in FIG. 3, the same components as those in FIG. 2 will be described using the same numbers.
[0036]
In FIG. 3, reference numeral 201 denotes a CPU that controls the information processing apparatus that is the service provider computer 130.
[0037]
Reference numeral 202 denotes a RAM, which functions as a main memory of the CPU 201 and as an area of an execution program, an execution area of the program, and a data area.
[0038]
Reference numeral 203 denotes a ROM that stores an operation processing procedure of the CPU 201. The ROM 203 includes a program ROM in which basic software (OS), which is a system program for controlling the equipment of the print server, is recorded, and a data ROM in which information necessary for operating the system is recorded. An HDD 209 described later may be used instead of the ROM 203.
[0039]
Reference numeral 204 denotes a network interface (NETIF), which performs control for performing data transfer with another information processing apparatus connected to the network such as the user computer 110 via the network and diagnoses a connection state.
[0040]
Reference numeral 205 denotes a VRAM, which develops an image displayed on a screen of a CRT 206, which will be described later, indicating the operating state of the information processing apparatus, and controls the display.
[0041]
A display device 206 is, for example, a display. Hereinafter, it is referred to as CRT.
[0042]
A controller 207 controls an input signal from an external input device 208 described later.
[0043]
Reference numeral 208 denotes an external input device for receiving an operation performed on the information processing apparatus by a user of the information processing apparatus, and is, for example, a pointing device such as a keyboard and a mouse.
[0044]
Reference numeral 209 denotes a hard disk drive (HDD), which is used for storing an application program for controlling printing and data such as image information.
[0045]
Reference numeral 210 denotes an external input / output device which inputs / outputs a removable disk such as a flexible disk drive and a CDROM drive, and is used for reading the above-mentioned application program from a medium. Hereinafter, it is simply referred to as FDD.
[0046]
Note that application programs and data stored in the HDD 209 can be stored in the FDD 210 and used.
[0047]
Reference numeral 301 denotes a printer control device, which controls an external output device 302 to be described later and controls an image to be output. Hereinafter, it is referred to as PRTC. There may be a plurality of PRTCs as long as they are connected by a network. The PRTC may be, for example, a plurality of print shops that provide print services.
[0048]
An external output device 302 is, for example, a printing device, and is hereinafter referred to as PRT. It is assumed that there are a plurality of printing devices 302 connected to 301.
[0049]
Since the PRTC supports, for example, large-scale printing, the printing device 302 may also connect a plurality of printing devices of the same product. For example, PRTA 302-1 and PRTA2 302-2 correspond to printer types PRTA, respectively. Actually, two or more printers that can be controlled by PRTC can be connected.
[0050]
For example, since the PRTC supports various types of printing, the printing device 302 may connect various types of printing devices. In the figure, the printer types PRTA, PRTB1, and PRTC correspond to 302-1, 302-3, and 302-4, respectively, but actually, a number that can be controlled by the PRTC can be connected.
[0051]
Reference numeral 200 denotes an input / output bus (address bus, data bus, and control bus) for connecting the above-described units.
[0052]
Note that, as described above, the print service provider computer 130 in the present embodiment will be described in a form in which a printer is connected.
[0053]
In the present embodiment, if a printer or another computer to which the printer is connected is connected to the network 100 and the printer can be used for printing a print order received at the print service provider computer 130, the print service provider computer 130 The configuration can be realized with the same configuration as the above-described user computers 110 and 111 or the content provider computers 120 and 121 without owning a printer.
[0054]
<Configuration of user computer>
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a software configuration of a user computer 110 which is an information processing device actually used by the user. The user computer 111 has the same configuration.
[0055]
The user computer 110 has a document browsing unit 401 as an application program which is read from the ROM 203, the HDD 209, or the FDD 210 and is developed and used in the RAM 202. The document browsing unit 401 is an application program (a general application program such as a so-called Internet browser) that enables to receive services from the outside such as the Internet through a network. The service normally received by the document browsing unit 401 is a document described in the hypertext markup language (HTML). It is also possible to send a print request, send a print request, and send various settings at the time of the print request, such as the paper size, set by the user computer.
[0056]
<Configuration of content provider computer and data center computer>
FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing each processing means and management data in the content provider computer 120. Since the content provider computer 121 and the data center 140 have almost the same configuration, description will be made with reference to FIG.
[0057]
In FIG. 5, reference numeral 501 denotes an application program which is read from the ROM 203, the HDD 209, or the FDD 210, expanded on the RAM 202, and used. 502, 503 and 504 are data stored in the HDD 209.
[0058]
The document providing unit 501 searches for HTML documents, texts, images, and the like requested by external computers such as the user computers 110 and 111 and the print service provider computer 130 through a network such as the Internet from data stored in the HDD 209 described later. An application program that enables transmission. The document providing means 501 is generally called an Internet server program or a WWW server program. In addition to transmitting a document, an application program stored in the HDD 209 or the like in response to a request from an external computer Is an application program that allows the user to expand the data in the RAM 202 and, if necessary, authenticate the user ID of the user in response to an external request, and restrict data to be transmitted.
[0059]
Reference numeral 502 denotes a content storage unit that stores the entity of the content such as an image and a document to be printed by the print service provider 130 and browsing data for performing a preview display of the content on a user computer. The browsing data is, for example, an image whose resolution is reduced to a level that can be displayed on a screen in the case of an image, and a text that is an abstract text and an image that is capable of displaying the first page on the screen is used in a document. In the present embodiment, the data for browsing is not particularly defined.
[0060]
The data in this unit is stored in the HDD 209, and the document providing unit 501 searches and transmits the unit in response to a request from an external computer such as the user computers 110 and 111 and the print service provider computer 130.
[0061]
Reference numeral 503 denotes various restrictions on the content such as the print size and the number of copies when the content entity stored in the content storage unit 502 is printed, various restrictions on the printing conditions such as the paper size for printing and print quality, and the like. Content print information storage means for storing content print information in which information necessary for print processing and print processing is described. Details of the content print information will be described later with reference to FIG.
[0062]
The data in this means is stored in the HDD 209, and in response to a request from an external computer such as the print service provider computer 130, the document providing means 501 searches the means and transmits it.
[0063]
Reference numeral 504 stores an HTML document that displays a screen (content browsing screen) for browsing browsing data of the content stored in the content storage unit 502 on the user computers 110 and 111 and making a print request. Content browsing screen storage means.
[0064]
The data in this means is stored in the HDD 209, and in response to a request from an external computer such as the user computer 110 or 111, the document providing means 501 searches the means and transmits the data.
[0065]
The configuration of the content provider computer 120 has been described above. In the present embodiment, since the content print information and the content entity are handled as existing on the data center computer 140 for the content provider computer 121, the content print information storage means 503 and the content storage means 502 are indispensable components. Absent. In this case, the content browsing data may be the content browsing screen storage unit 504. Further, with respect to the data center computer 140, the document providing means 501 does not necessarily need to be a so-called WWW server, but uses a File Transfer Protocol (FTP) server or the like that can transmit files to the print service provider computer 130. Good. Furthermore, in implementing the present embodiment, the content browsing screen storage unit 504 in the data center computer 140 is not an essential component.
[0066]
<Configuration of print service provider computer>
FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing each processing means and management data in the print service provider computer 130. 6, each processing unit 601, 602, 603, and 604 is an application program, which is read from the ROM 203, the HDD 209, or the FDD 210 and is developed and used in the RAM 202. 605, 606, 607, and 608 are data stored in the HDD 209.
[0067]
The document providing unit 601 is equivalent to the document providing unit 501. HTML documents, texts, images, and the like requested by external computers such as the user computers 110 and 111 and the content providers 120 and 121 through a network such as the Internet will be described later. This is an application program that enables to search and transmit data stored in the HDD 209. The document providing means 601 is generally called an Internet server program or a WWW server program. In addition to transmitting a document, an application program stored in the HDD 209 or the like in response to a request from an external computer Is an application program that allows the user to expand the data in the RAM 202 and, if necessary, authenticate the user ID of the user in response to an external request, and restrict data to be transmitted.
[0068]
The order receiving means 602 is a group of application programs for receiving a print order for a content.
[0069]
The functions of the order receiving means 602 can be roughly divided into three stages. First, as a first step, a content provider and a content which are activated by a print order request issued by the user computers 110 and 111 and have the content requested to be printed are specified, and content print information of the content required for order reception is provided by the content provider computer. 120 or the data center computer 140, and by obtaining necessary information from a print service management table 606 to be described later, order information is generated in an order management table 607 to be described later and various settings at the time of printing are performed. This is a function of generating an HTML document to display a print condition designation screen and transmitting the generated HTML document to the user computer 110 or 111 that has issued the print order request.
[0070]
The second stage is started by a print condition setting request issued together with various print condition settings in accordance with a print condition screen displayed on the user computer 110 or 111 to which the HTML document is transmitted, to generate a print order. This is a function of transmitting an HTML document to display a print confirmation screen on a user computer.
[0071]
The third stage is activated by receiving a print order completion notification issued from the user computers 110 and 111 by performing a confirmation operation on the print confirmation screen, and performs a print data preparation means 603 described below for performing a print preparation operation. This is the function that starts up.
[0072]
As described above, the order receiving means 602 is an application program which is used by being developed in the RAM 202 from the HDD 209 or the like by the document providing means 601 based on a request from an external computer, and is generally called a CGI program. Is what it is.
[0073]
Reference numeral 603 denotes an application program that is used by the order receiving unit 602 by expanding it from the HDD 209 or the like to the RAM 202.
[0074]
After being activated by the order receiving means 602, a record for which print data is to be created is extracted from the order management table 607, and the substance of the content to be printed in accordance with the record is obtained from the content provider computer 120 or the data center computer 140, and is otherwise printed. Necessary data is created and stored in a print spool 608 described later.
[0075]
A print control unit 604 controls print processing of print data in the print spool 608 according to the order management table 607. The print control unit 604 is an application program developed and used in the RAM 202 from inside the HDD 209 or the like.
[0076]
604 transfers the print data to the printer control device 301, and performs printing by the printer device 302.
[0077]
The print control unit 604 is started by the print data creation unit 603 or by an operator of the print service provider computer 130 at an arbitrary timing or automatically by a timer at regular intervals.
[0078]
The content provider management table 605 has the data structure of FIG. 8 described below, and stores the address of the content provider computer or data center, the location of the content print information, and the like.
[0079]
<Print service information>
Next, print service information stored in the print service management table 606 in the print service provider computer 130 will be described.
[0080]
The print service information is information in which data necessary for printing by the print service provider computer 130 is described.
[0081]
The print service management table 606 is a table that stores all settings of the print service provided by the print service provider computer 130, and includes a printer model, a printer device ID, and printing conditions (paper size, number of copies, paper quality, quality, position, Layout information such as enlargement / reduction, double-sided printing, binding direction, processing information such as bookbinding, lamination, and framed printing, etc.), and printing price information.
[0082]
It is essential that the printer registered in the print service management table 606 be a printer capable of performing print processing according to a print order received by the print service provider computer 130. Regarding the connection of the printer, it goes without saying that the printer connected to the PTRC 301 of the print service provider computer 130 is a printer directly connected to the network 100 or a printer connected to a computer other than the print service provider computer 130 connected to the network 100. It does not matter.
[0083]
The order management table 607 stores the print order, information accompanying the print order, and the progress of the order, which will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.
[0084]
The print spool 608 stores the substance of the content that implements the printing of the print order and other data necessary for printing.
[0085]
<Content print information>
Next, the content print information stored in the content print information storage means 503 in the content provider computer 120 and the data center computer 140 will be described.
[0086]
As described above, the content print information is data in which information necessary for print order and print processing is described when printing the content possessed by the content provider. Regarding the data format, the present embodiment does not specify a specific data format or description format, but the printable content stored in the content storage unit 502 according to the present embodiment always includes the content print information corresponding to the content. Must have. In the present embodiment, the method of transferring the content print information to the print service provider is not particularly specified. In the present embodiment, for the purpose of clearer description, a text file 1 that describes content print information corresponding to the printable content 1 is stored in the content print information storage unit 503. The description is made as follows.
[0087]
As information described in the content print information, as information regarding the content,
(1) Content code capable of uniquely specifying content at least within the scope of a content provider;
(2) Content types such as documents and images
(3) Location of the content entity
▲ 4 ▼ Location of browsing data
▲ 5 ▼ Price information
(6) Overlay information, such as copyright notices and serial numbers, that should be overlaid when printing content
(7) Overlay position information indicating the overlay position of the overlay information
Are described as necessary.
[0088]
As information such as restrictions on printing content,
(1) Size restriction information for restricting the minimum and maximum sizes of content at the time of printing;
(2) paper size restriction information for restricting the size of printing paper,
(3) Paper quality restriction information for restricting the paper quality of printing paper,
(4) print copy limit information for limiting the maximum number of print copies,
(5) Printer restriction information for restricting the printer model for printing,
Are described as necessary.
[0089]
Other content print information includes
(1) Default setting of print setting
▲ 2 ▼ Content payment information
▲ 3 ▼ Payment information of printed matter
▲ 4 ▼ User identification information
(5) Print order identification information managed by the content provider
Are described as necessary.
[0090]
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of content print information according to the present embodiment.
In FIG. 7, reference numeral 700 denotes content print information, which is supplied as a text data file in the present embodiment. The content print information 700 starts with a heading item enclosed by “[]” as shown in the figure, and is described by “setting name = setting value” below the heading item.
[0091]
Reference numeral 701 denotes a content information column in which information on the content is described. In the present embodiment, there are two heading items indicating the content information column 701. The first heading item "[CONTENTS]" describes a content code and the like, and the second heading item "[OVERLAY]" shows an overlay character string printed with the content by applying an overlay when the content is printed, etc. Is described. In FIG. 7, five settings exist in the first heading item.
[0092]
“CONTENTSCODE = ABC0001” indicates that the target of the content print information 700 is the content specified by the content code “ABC0001”.
[0093]
“TYPE = IMAGE” indicates a type of content such as a content image or a document, and “ABC0001” indicates that it is an image.
[0094]
“ADDRESS = http: //www.sellpc/PRINTDATA/abc0001.jpg” indicates that the location of the file “abc00001.jpg” that is the content entity is “http: //www.sellpc/PRINTDATA/abc0001.jpg”. Show.
[0095]
“PREVIEW = / THMB / abc0001_pre.jpg” indicates that the location of the browsing data “abc0001_pre.jpg” used for preview or the like is “/THMB/abc0001_pre.jpg”.
Unlike the content entity, the fact that the information indicating the computer name is not described at the location of the browsing data means that the content print information 700 exists on the computer in which the content print information 700 is stored.
[0096]
The last setting “PRICE = 3000” belonging to the heading item “[CONTENTS]” indicates that the content fee is 3000 yen. In this embodiment, the currency unit is omitted, but the currency unit may be described in consideration of a case where there are a plurality of currency units.
[0097]
“[OVERLAY]”, which is another heading item of the content information column 701, describes additional data to be printed together with the content when the content is printed, and a position where the additional data is provided.
[0098]
“STRING =“ COPY RIGHT ”” indicates additional data. A character string surrounded by the set value “” is a character string printed together with the content.
[0099]
“HORIZONTAL = CENTER” and “VERTICAL = UNDERBOTTOM” define the position where the additional data is provided. In FIG. 7, the horizontal direction is the center and the vertical direction is the lowest.
[0100]
Reference numeral 702 denotes a print information column that describes restriction information when the content is printed.
[0101]
The print information column 702 in the present embodiment is represented by a heading item “[PRINT LIMIT]”.
[0102]
In FIG. 7, the setting items in the heading item "[PRINT LIMIT]" are the following three points. In the content print information, items other than the three items shown in FIG. 7 can be set. However, in the present embodiment, the information for which the setting is omitted is not limited or is prepared in advance in the print service provider computer 130. Default values shall be used.
[0103]
“MAXSIZE = 400 * 290” indicates that the actual print size of the content is limited to a width of 400 (mm) and a height of 290 (mm).
[0104]
“MAXPAPER = A3” indicates that the maximum number of sheets that can be used during printing is limited to A3.
[0105]
“MAXVOLUME = 100” indicates that the number of prints in one print order is limited to 100 copies.
[0106]
Reference numeral 703 denotes various information fields for describing other information that does not belong to any of the information regarding the content and the restriction information regarding the printing of the content in the content print information according to the present exemplary embodiment. The various information fields 703 in the present embodiment are represented by a heading item “[ETC]”.
[0107]
“PAYMENT = FINESHED” in FIG. 7 indicates that the settlement of the usage fee for the content has already been completed.
[0108]
The content print information in the present embodiment has been described above with reference to FIG. Of course, not only in the print information column 702 but also in the content information column 701 and the various information columns 703, it is possible to omit the omission of information that can be omitted as long as the print order and print are not hindered.
[0109]
<Content provider management table>
Next, the content provider management table 605 of the print service provider computer 130 will be described.
[0110]
The content provider management table 605 stores and manages the location of the content provider computer 120 and the data center computer 140 and the storage location of the content print information in the computer. This table is stored in the HDD 209. Further, by using a database system or the like, a more preferable configuration can be obtained.
[0111]
The content provider management table 605 is searched when the order receiving means 602 performs the order receiving process, and by referring to the search result, the order receiving process of the print order of the content existing in the external computer is enabled.
[0112]
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the content provider management table in the present embodiment.
[0113]
The content provider management table 605 is managed as one record with three items 801, 802, and 803 (hereinafter, referred to as a content provider management record).
[0114]
A content provider code 801 is issued and stored in advance for each content provider for the purpose of specifying the content provider.
[0115]
Reference numeral 802 denotes a basic address indicating the location of the content provider computers 120 and 121 on the network. In the present embodiment, the basic address 802 is described with a Uniform Resource Locations (URL) generally used in an Internet environment, for the sake of explanation using an example of a network connection using the Internet.
[0116]
A content print information path 803 stores the position of the content print information storage unit 503. The content print information path 803 is described by a relative path from the basic address 802.
[0117]
In this way, the content provider code is specified from the parameters given when the order receiving means is activated, and a file name is given to the content print information so that unity is guaranteed by the content code. By combining the basic address 802 and the content print information path 803 in the searched record, and further combining the content print information file name, it is possible to specify the location of the content print information for performing the print order. Then, content print information is obtained from the location of the specified content print information in the content provider computer 120 and the data center computer 140.
[0118]
Next, an example of data of the content provider management table according to the present embodiment will be described.
[0119]
Reference numeral 811 denotes a content provider management record corresponding to the content provider computer 120 of the present embodiment. The content provider management record 811 indicates that the previously issued content provider code 801 is “0001”, the basic address 802 is “http: //www.sellpc”, and the content print information path 803 is “/ info / printinfo”. Show.
[0120]
Reference numeral 812 denotes a content provider management record corresponding to the content provider computer 121 of the present embodiment. In the content provider management record 812, the content provider code 801 issued in advance is “0002”, the basic address 802 is “http: //www.hanbai_Stock” representing the data center 140, and the content print information path 803 is “/ printinfo”. Indicates that there is.
[0121]
Hereinafter, a specific example of a procedure of generating the content print information position by the order receiving means 602 in the print service provider computer 130 having the content provider management tables 811 and 812 will be described.
[0122]
When the order receiving means 602 is activated, the parameters passed when the means are activated are analyzed. For example, if the analysis result of the parameter passed at the time of activation is the content provider code “0001” and the content code is “ABC0001”, the content provider record 801 in the content provider management table 605 that matches the content provider record “0001” The content provider management record 811 is specified by searching. Subsequently, the content provider management record 811 is acquired, and the path of the content print information corresponding to the content to be printed is synthesized from the basic address 802, the content print information path 803, and the content code. For example, the content print information file name is “content code has file extension”. Inf ”is added, the location of the content print information of the content specified by the content code“ ABC0001 ”is“ http: // www. sellpc / info / printinfo / ABC0001. inf ".
[0123]
<Order management table>
Next, the order management table 607 in the print service provider computer 130 will be described.
[0124]
The order management table 607 manages the location of the content to be printed with respect to the print order, information necessary for printing, the progress of the print order, and the like. This table is stored in the HDD 209. Further, by using a database system or the like, it is possible to achieve a more preferable configuration for realizing the present embodiment.
[0125]
FIG. 9 is a part of a schematic diagram of the order management table 607.
The order management table 607 forms one record with one order.
[0126]
An order code 901 is a code capable of uniquely specifying a print order for the print service provider computer 130. The order code 901 is issued when the order receiving unit 602 is activated, and is used when the order is specified in the processing of the order receiving unit 602, the print data creating unit 603, and the print control unit 604.
[0127]
Reference numeral 902 denotes a content provider code that stores a content provider code that owns the content printed by the print order. The content provider code 902 is obtained by analyzing a parameter passed when the order receiving means 602 is activated, and is stored together with the order code when the order code is issued.
[0128]
A content address 903 stores the location of the content entity in an external computer such as the content provider computer 120 or the data center 140 from which the content entity printed in the print order is collected. The content address 903 is extracted from the content print information and stored when the order receiving means acquires the content print information from the content provider computer 120 or the data center 140.
[0129]
Reference numeral 904 denotes a status for managing the progress of the print order. In the present embodiment, the following statuses are stored in the status 904 as the progress status.
[0130]
(1) "Order in progress", which is the order stage for print orders
(2) “Image is being collected” during print data creation by print data creation unit 603
(3) “Waiting for printing” in a state in which contents and other information necessary for printing are stored in the print spool 608 and printing preparation is completed.
(4) “Printed” printed by the print control unit 604
[0131]
The structure of the records required for the order management table 607 in the description of the present embodiment has been described above. In addition, in one record of the order management table 607, for example, in addition to the output printer 901, 902, 903, and 904, information on print and print order, such as orderer and settlement information, in addition to the output printer, paper size, paper quality, and number of copies, etc. Is stored. In the present embodiment, information relating to print data such as the content address 903 and information that is not directly related to the print such as the orderer of the print order are separated into a separate table. The present invention does not limit the separation of the elements constituting one record of the order management table 607 according to the present embodiment into a plurality of tables, such as separation of the situation. In the case where management is performed separately, for example, a plurality of tables using an order code as a key or a file may be created as print order information.
[0132]
Referring back to FIG. 9, reference numerals 911, 912, 913, and 914 denote record examples of the order management table. Hereinafter, it is used in the embodiment as in “Order management record example 911”.
[0133]
For example, FIG. 14 is illustrated as a schematic diagram of the print order information associated with 914.
[0134]
In FIG. 14, reference numeral 1400 denotes print order information, which is supplied in a text data file in the present embodiment and is associated with a 914 database record. Like the content print information, the print order information 1400 starts with a heading item enclosed by "[]" as shown in the figure, and is described by "setting name = setting value" below the heading item.
[0135]
Reference numeral 1401 denotes a content information column in which information on content is described. In the present embodiment, there are two heading items indicating the content information field 1401. The first heading item "[CONTENTS]" describes a content code and the like, and the second heading item "[OVERLAY]" shows an overlay character string printed with the content by applying an overlay when the content is printed, etc. Is described. In FIG. 14, four settings exist in the first heading item. In the content information column, the same items as those in the content information column 701 in the content print information can be set, and the order creation unit 505 in the content provider computer 120 generates this column from the content print information.
[0136]
“CONTENTSCODE = ABC0001” indicates that the target of the content print information 1400 is the content specified by the content code “ABC0001”.
[0137]
“TYPE = IMAGE” indicates a type of content such as a content image or a document, and “ABC0001” indicates that it is an image.
[0138]
“ADDRESS = http: //www.sellpc/PRINTDATA/abc0001.jpg” indicates that the location of the file “abc00001.jpg” that is the content entity is “http: //www.sellpc/PRINTDATA/abc0001.jpg”. Show.
[0139]
The last setting “PRICE = 3000” belonging to the heading item “[CONTENTS]” indicates that the content fee is 3000 yen. In this embodiment, the currency unit is omitted, but the currency unit may be described in consideration of a case where there are a plurality of currency units.
[0140]
“[OVERLAY]”, which is another heading item of the content information column 1401, describes additional data to be printed together with the content when the content is printed, and a position where the additional data is provided.
[0141]
“STRING =“ COPY RIGHT ”” indicates additional data. A character string surrounded by the set value “” is a character string printed together with the content.
[0142]
“HORIZONTAL = CENTER” and “VERTICAL = UNDERBOTTOM” define the position where the additional data is provided. In FIG. 14, the horizontal direction is the center and the vertical direction is the lowest.
[0143]
Reference numeral 1402 denotes a print setting information column that describes print conditions set based on print service information transmitted from the print service provider computer 130 to the content provider computer 120.
[0144]
The print setting information column 1402 in the present embodiment is represented by a heading item “[PRINT PARAMETER]”.
[0145]
In FIG. 14, the setting items in the heading item "[PRINT PARAMETER]" are the following four points. In the print information setting field 1402, items other than the four points shown in FIG. 14, such as double-sided printing designation and print quality, can be set. In the present embodiment, information for which setting is omitted is either unrestricted or It is assumed that a default value prepared in advance in the print service provider computer 130 is used.
[0146]
“PRINTER = A” indicates that the type of printer that performs printing is “A”.
“PAPERSIZE = A4” indicates that the paper size for printing is A4 size.
“PRINTVOLUME = 1” indicates that the number of prints is one.
“PRINTONEDEVICE = 0” indicates that the number of print devices is not limited to one.
[0147]
Reference numeral 1403 denotes various information columns which describe information other than the information regarding the content and the restriction information regarding the printing of the content in the content print information according to the present embodiment. The various information fields 1403 in the present embodiment are represented by a heading item “[ETC]”.
[0148]
“PAYMENT = FINESHED” in FIG. 14 indicates that the settlement of the usage fee for the content has already been completed.
[0149]
The content print information in the present embodiment has been described above with reference to FIG. Of course, not only in the print setting information column 1402 but also in the content information column 1401 and the various information columns 1403, it is possible to omit the omission of information that can be omitted as long as it is within a range that does not hinder printing.
[0150]
<Processing flow in this system>
Next, the flow of processing in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 10 and other drawings.
[0151]
FIG. 10 is a processing flow chart illustrating the present embodiment between the user computer 110, the content provider computer 120, and the print service provider 130. In the following description, it is assumed that the user browses the content browsing screen in the content provider 120 using the user computer 110 and performs a print order with the print service provider 130.
[0152]
First, the user makes a content browsing screen display request to the content provider computer 120 using the document browsing means 401 in the user computer 110. The content browsing screen display request specifies the URL of the content browsing screen desired by the user based on the HTTP protocol. The URL is specified by the user directly inputting the document to the document browsing unit 401 using the KB 208, or by selecting a link of a screen for displaying the document browsing unit 401 based on the HTML document. (The above is 1001)
[0153]
The content browsing screen display request issued by the user computer 110 is received by the document providing unit 501 in the content provider computer 120 via the NETIF 204 via the network 100. The document providing means 501 which has received the content browsing screen display request is stored in the HTML document stored in the content browsing screen storing means 504 corresponding to the designated URL and in the content storing means 502 linked to the document. Is transmitted to the user computer 110 that has made the request. (The above is 1002)
[0154]
The document browsing unit 401 in the user computer 110 that has received the HTML document and the browsing data displays a content browsing screen based on the HTML document.
[0155]
Here, the content browsing screen will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 11 is an example of an HTML document transmitted from the content provider computer 120 described to display the content browsing screen and the browsing screen.
[0156]
In FIG. 11, reference numeral 1100 denotes a content browsing screen displayed on the user computer 110 in the present embodiment.
[0157]
Reference numeral 1101 denotes a browsing image using content browsing data displayed on the screen. The content browsing data is transmitted from the content storage unit 502 in the content provider computer 120 and displayed on the document browsing apparatus 401 on the main screen. I do.
[0158]
Reference numeral 1102 denotes a print request button for requesting the print service provider computer 130 to print the content displayed on this screen.
[0159]
Reference numeral 1110 denotes an HTML document describing a display mode of the content browsing screen 1100, a link, and the like.
[0160]
Reference numeral 1111 denotes a browsing display instruction sentence described so as to display the browsing image, and describes the location of the browsing data and the image file name in the present embodiment.
[0161]
Reference numeral 1112 denotes a print button display / operation instruction statement in which an operation instruction is given to the document browsing unit 401 when an operation instruction is given such as clicking the print button. Http in print button display / instructions: // www. print. com / pps / pps. The description of “exe” is a start instruction portion of the CGI program which is the order receiving means 602 to the service provider computer 130, and “NO = 0001ABC001” is the first parameter at the time of starting the order receiving means 502. A plurality of parameters can be specified by “&”. Hereinafter, the second parameter is “FINISH = http: //www.sellpc/FINESH/ABC0001.html”. Similarly, the third parameter is “CANCEL = http: //www.sellpc/CANCEL/ABC0001.html”. In the present embodiment, the first parameter includes a content provider code stored in the content provider code 801 in the content provider management table 605 and a content code stored in the content print information 700. The second and third parameters are the destinations to return to the screen provided by the content provider after the completion of the order receiving process, the second parameter is when the order receiving has been completed normally, and the third parameter is the one by the user. This is a return destination when an order is not received due to reasons such as cancellation or communication failure. In this embodiment, an HTML document is called by the HTTP protocol.
[0162]
Since the second parameter and the third parameter are used in the processing described below, they are stored in a work area of the HDD 209 as a text file so that they can be referred to later.
[0163]
Returning to FIG. 10, if the user desires to print the content entity of the browse image 1101 displayed on the content browsing screen 1100 while the content browsing screen 1100 is displayed, a KB 208 Give instructions. In response to the instruction to the print request button 1102, the document browsing unit 401 transmits a start request of the order receiving unit to the print service provider computer 130 as described in the print button display / operation instruction sentence 1112. Although there may be a plurality of print service provider computers that provide print services on a network, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that a certain print service provider has already been reserved for simplification of the description. (The above is 1003)
[0164]
The document providing means 601 in the print service provider 130 activates the order receiving means 602 upon receiving the order receiving means activation instruction and the parameters, and transfers the parameters to the order receiving means 602.
[0165]
The order receiving means 605 analyzes the parameters, specifies the content provider code and the content code from the first parameter, searches the content provider management table 605 with the content provider code specified by the parameter, and records the search result. A content print information path is generated using the content code specified by the parameter. The second parameter and the third parameter are stored in the work area of the HDD 209 as a text file. Next, a request to acquire the content print information 700 is issued to the content provider computer 120 using the generated content print information path. (The above is 1004)
[0166]
The document providing apparatus 501 in the content provider computer 120 that has received the content print information acquisition request searches the content print information storage unit 503 and transmits the content print information as a search result to the print service provider computer 130. (The above is 1005)
[0167]
The order receiving means 602 in the print service provider computer 130 issues an order code. In the order management table 607, the order code 901, the content provider code 902, the content address 903 obtained from the received content print information, and A new record is created as in the order management record example 914 with the status 904 set to “in order”.
[0168]
Next, the print information 702 in the content print information 700 is obtained, the setting item matching the range of the restriction described in the information is obtained from the print service management table 606, and the print condition designation as the output of the order information is performed. It is described in an HTML document for displaying a screen.
[0169]
Next, the browsing data is acquired by the browsing data address described in the content information column 701, and if there is information related to the overlay, synthesis is performed in accordance with the information, and display is performed on a print condition designation screen described later. The image is stored in the work area of the HDD 209 as a preview image, and the stored position is added to a predetermined position in the HTML document for displaying the print condition designation screen. Also, the overlay information is saved with a file name that can be searched from the order code or the order management table 607 added to the print spool 608.
[0170]
Then, an HTML document described to display the print condition designation screen on the user computer 110 is transmitted to the user computer 110 via the document providing unit 601. (The above is 1006)
[0171]
The document browsing means 401 in the user computer 110 displays a print condition designation screen based on the received HTML document.
[0172]
FIG. 12 shows a print condition designation screen displayed by the document browsing unit 401 of the user computer 110.
[0173]
In FIG. 12, reference numeral 1200 denotes a print condition designation screen displayed in the present embodiment.
[0174]
Reference numeral 1201 denotes a preview image of a content to be displayed on the main screen.
The preview image 1201 is an image in which overlay information and the like are reflected by the order receiving unit 602. That is, the print result is displayed as a preview.
[0175]
Reference numeral 1202 denotes a printer selection field for selecting a printer model for printing content. In the printer selection column 1202, the order receiving means 602 selects a printable printer model from the content print information 700 and the print service management table 606, and incorporates the printable printers as a list into the HTML document so that the user can print. It is configured such that only a suitable printer can be selected.
[0176]
A paper selection field 1203 is used to select a print paper on which to print the content. In the sheet selection field 1203, the order receiving unit 602 selects a printable sheet from the content print information 700 and the print service management table 606, and incorporates the printable sheet as a list into the HTML document, so that the user can print. It is configured such that only paper can be selected.
[0177]
Reference numeral 1204 denotes a number-of-prints designation field.
A detailed setting link button 1205 is used to call a detailed setting screen that allows the user to specify, for example, enlargement or reduction other than print conditions that can be set on the print condition specification screen 1200 and to perform detailed settings such as paper quality of print paper during printing. It is. The detailed setting link button 1205 is shown in FIG. 16 as an example in the present embodiment.
[0178]
As shown in 1601, a condition for restricting to the same printing device can be designated. That is, it is possible to specify that a color image is output to a single printer device in order to make the color appearance uniform.
If not specified, the default value is used, which means that no restrictions are placed on the same printing device.
Reference numeral 1206 denotes a print order button for making a print order.
[0179]
Returning to FIG. 10, the description of the state transition will be continued.
The user sets the output destination printer, paper size, and number of copies using the print condition designation screen 1200 displayed by the document browsing unit 401 in the user computer 110. Further, if necessary, the detailed setting screen is called by the detailed setting link button 1205, the detailed setting is performed, and then the print condition is set by returning to this screen.
[0180]
When the user confirms the settings, he or she clicks a print order button 1206, and the document browsing unit 401 transmits a start instruction of the order receiving unit 602 in the print service provider computer 130, which is a link destination described in the HTML document. I do. At the time of transmission of the start instruction, the print command is transmitted together with the print conditions specified on the print condition specification screen 1200 and the detailed setting screen, and the order code incorporated in the print condition specification screen 1200 in advance. (The above is 1007)
[0181]
The document providing means 601 in the print service provider computer 130 activates the order receiving means 602 again.
[0182]
The order receiving means 602 searches the order management table 607 for a record having the order code in the parameter, and sets print conditions in the record of the search result.
[0183]
Then, an HTML document for a confirmation screen is transmitted to the user computer 110 via the document providing means 601 in order to display a confirmation screen for confirming that printing is to be performed under the print conditions set by the user. (The above is 1008)
[0184]
When the document browsing means 401 in the user computer 110 receives the confirmation screen HTML document, the confirmation screen is displayed.
[0185]
FIG. 13 is an example of a confirmation screen display.
In FIG. 13, reference numeral 1300 denotes a confirmation screen.
[0186]
Reference numeral 1301 denotes a preview image similar to the preview image 1201 displayed on the print condition setting screen 1200. The preview image 1301 becomes a more preferable preview display by performing a preview display when the order receiving unit 602 receives the print conditions and actually printing the data under the conditions written in the order management table 607.
[0187]
A print condition confirmation column 1302 displays the print conditions set by the order receiving means 602 in the order management table 607, an order code by which the order can be uniquely determined, and the like.
Reference numeral 1303 denotes a confirmation button.
[0188]
It returns to FIG. After confirming the preview image 1301 and the print condition 1302, the user clicks this button to confirm the print order and instruct the print order receiving means 602 to confirm the print order so as to execute printing. (More than 1009)
[0189]
The document providing means 601 in the print service provider 130 searches the order management table 607 for a record having the order code received as a parameter based on the order confirmation instruction, and sets "image collection in progress" in the status 904 of the searched record. I do.
[0190]
Then, the order receiving means 602 calls the second parameter stored in the HDD 209 in the step 1004, and requests the content provider computer 120 to display the HTML document of the URL described in the second parameter on the user computer 110. Do. If it is difficult to make a direct request to the content provider computer 120 due to restrictions on the HTTP protocol or the HTML document format, for example, an HTML document in which a link destination to the second parameter is embedded is temporarily sent to the user computer 110. Send. A screen stored in the content provider computer 120 can be displayed by, for example, automatically writing a request for transmitting the page of the second parameter in the document.
[0191]
Next, the order receiving means 602 activates the print data creating means 603 and ends the processing. (More than 1010)
[0192]
The document providing means 501 of the content provider computer 120 searches the content browsing screen storage means 504 for the HTML document requested to be transmitted from the print service provider computer 130 to the user computer 110 in the step 1010, and uses the HTML document resulting from the search. Is transmitted to the user computer 110. (1011)
[0193]
The document browsing unit 401 of the user computer 110 displays an order receipt completion screen based on the HTML document received from the content provider computer 120. The order order completion screen displays a description that a print order has been received, a link for continuing content browsing on the content provider computer 120, and the like. (1012)
[0194]
On the other hand, in the print service provider computer 130, the print data creation unit 603 activated in the process 1010 receives the order code as a parameter at the time of activation. The content address 903 is obtained from the record. Next, a content acquisition request is made to the content provider computer 120 using the content address. (More than 1013)
[0195]
Upon receiving a content entity acquisition request from the print service provider computer 130, the document providing device 501 in the content provider computer 120 acquires the requested content from the content storage unit 502, and stores the content in the print service provider computer 130. Send to (More than 1014)
[0196]
The print data creating means 603 of the print service provider computer 130 that has received the content prints the content data from the record in the order management table 607 and various data necessary for printing, such as various settings for printing and additional information as print order information. Is stored in the print spool 608 in a state that can be identified by the order code. Then, the status 904 of the record in the order management table 607 is set to “waiting for printing”, the print control unit 604 is activated, and the process ends. (1015)
[0197]
The print control unit 604 first searches the order management table 607 for a record whose status 904 is “printing wait”, and obtains an order code string as the search result. Next, one order code is taken out from the order code string according to a certain rule, data necessary for printing corresponding to the code is obtained from the print spool 608, and the print data is transmitted to the printer as an output destination. Printing is performed. (More than 1016)
[0198]
When printing is completed, the order management table 607 is searched using the order code for which printing has been performed, and the status 904 of the record of the search result is set to “printed”.
[0199]
<Print designation limited to print device in the present embodiment>
An example of print designation in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 15 shows a flowchart.
[0200]
Following 1016 in FIG. 10, printing of the print order 914 having, for example, print order information shown in FIG. 14 will be described.
[0201]
In step 1501, order information associated with a print order is obtained. In step 1502, the print service provider computer determines whether there are a plurality of printers 1402 connected to the printer control device 301 with the type of printer. In other words, in a print shop that enables large-scale printing, it is assumed that a plurality of printers of the same type are connected and printing is performed in parallel. If the number of designated printer devices is one, the printer controller 301 designates one printer device as a print device in step 1503, and in step 1504, sets the print order as a single print job to one printer. To print.
[0202]
If it is determined in step 1502 that there are a plurality of printer types shown in 1402, the printer control device 301 sets the availability priority of a plurality of connected printer devices. Prioritization may be created in consideration of various requirements such as the degree of use from other control devices or print jobs, the availability of printer jobs, the size of the printer buffer memory, or may be made mechanically. A method of equally assigning priorities and performing scheduling such as general round robin may be used. It is assumed that print jobs are distributed by a print shop service provider according to an optimal or fixed rule.
[0203]
Subsequently, in step 1506, PRINTONEDEVICE of the print order information shown in FIG. 14 is searched, and if the field exists and is set to 1, the print order information specifies output by a single printer device. Judge that you are.
[0204]
If output by a single printer device is not specified in step 1506, the print order proceeds to step 1507, and printing in each page or number of copies is performed as a plurality of print jobs, and priority is assigned in step 1505. The print output is completed by appropriately assigning the prints to the plurality of printer devices.
[0205]
If output to a single printer device is specified in step 1506, it is determined in step 1508 whether or not color printing is to be performed.
[0206]
If it is determined in step 1508 that the printing is monochrome printing, if the printers are of the same type, there is usually no difference in tint, the flow advances to step 1507 to automatically perform printing with a plurality of printer devices of the same type automatically. It can be carried out.
[0207]
If it is determined in step 1508 that the printing is color printing, in step 1505, one suitable printer is designated as the printing device from the printing devices to which the priorities have been assigned. Is printed by the print device.
[0208]
As described above, the printing of the content entity in the content provider computer 120 is realized by the print instruction from the content browsing screen stored in the content provider computer 120.
[0209]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible for a content provider to have a content providing service other than data download without owning a print solution, and to provide a user with a service other than a home printer. It enables the provision of services in a variety of print formats, and enables print service providers to use print services without the need for funding and licensing costs to hold content and without being affected by the quality of content. For example, in a print business model in which a print service provider connects a large number of printing devices to connect to a large-scale printing demand and connects a plurality of printing devices of the same type, the printing Is When a print order for multiple pages or multiple copies of color is specified, it is possible to specify the color matching of the printed matter, and the print service provider prints the print order specified above with the same color matching. Realizes the optimal print solution for printing.
[0210]
This embodiment can be realized by a computer executing a program. Further, means for supplying the program to the computer, for example, a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM in which the program is recorded, or a transmission medium such as the Internet for transmitting the program is also applied as an embodiment of the present invention. Can be. Further, a computer program product such as a computer-readable recording medium on which the above-described program is recorded can also be applied as an embodiment of the present invention. The above programs, recording media, transmission media, and computer program products are included in the scope of the present invention. As the recording medium, for example, a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, and the like can be used.
[0211]
It should be noted that each of the above-described embodiments is merely an example of a concrete example in carrying out the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be interpreted in a limited manner. That is, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the technical idea or the main features.
[0212]
Examples of embodiments of the present invention are listed below.
[0213]
[Embodiment 1] Generation means for generating a print condition setting screen from content print information and print service information,
Display control means for controlling display of the print condition setting screen generated by the generation means;
A print control device comprising:
[0214]
[Second Embodiment] The print control apparatus according to the first embodiment, wherein the content print information includes at least information for specifying the content.
[0215]
[Embodiment 3] The print control apparatus according to embodiment 2, wherein the information for specifying the content is a path or a URL.
[0216]
[Embodiment 4] The print control apparatus according to Embodiment 1, wherein the print service information includes print service information as a printing destination, a printer type printable by the print service, or a paper size.
[0219]
[Embodiment 5] A print control system in which a content providing device for providing content and a print control device for controlling printing of the content are connected via a network,
A browsing screen providing means for providing a content browsing screen;
Generating means for generating a print setting screen from content print information obtained from the content providing apparatus and print service information obtained from the print control apparatus when a print order is issued from the content browsing screen provided by the browsing screen providing means; ,
Print setting screen providing means for providing a user with a print setting screen generated by the generating means;
A print control system comprising:
[0218]
[Embodiment 6] A print control system, wherein the print setting screen providing means has an attribute for limiting a print printing device to one printing device by a user.
[0219]
[Seventh Embodiment] The print control system according to the fifth embodiment, wherein the content providing device includes the browsing screen providing unit and the generating unit.
[0220]
[Eighth Embodiment] A print control system according to the fifth embodiment, wherein the print control device includes the generation unit.
[0221]
[Embodiment 9] Embodiment 5 is provided with print control means for acquiring content from the content providing device and generating print data after the print control device receives a print order. 3. The print control system according to 1.
[0222]
[Embodiment 10] Receiving means for receiving print order information by designating a print order button for calling a print service provider on the content provider side,
Print control means for controlling to print the content in accordance with the order information received by the receiving means;
A print control device comprising:
[0223]
[Embodiment 11] The print control apparatus according to embodiment 10, wherein a path or URL of a print service provider and content specific information are stored in association with the print order button.
[0224]
[Twelfth embodiment] The print control apparatus according to the tenth embodiment, wherein the receiving unit receives at least content specific information in accordance with an instruction of the print order button.
[0225]
[Embodiment 13] A print control system in which a content providing device for providing content and a print control device for controlling printing of the content are connected via a network,
The content providing device includes:
Browsing screen generating means for generating a content browsing screen;
Setting screen generating means for generating a print condition setting screen from content print information and print service information received from the print control means;
Confirmation screen generating means for generating a confirmation screen of the print condition setting,
Transmitting means for transmitting the content selected by the browsing screen to a print control device,
The print control device includes:
Transmitting means for transmitting print service information to the content providing apparatus;
Print data generating means for generating print data from the content provided by the content providing apparatus; and
A print control system comprising:
[0226]
[Embodiment 14] A print control system in which a content providing apparatus for providing content and a print control apparatus for controlling printing of the content are connected via a network,
The content providing device includes:
Browsing screen generating means for generating a content browsing screen;
Transmitting means for transmitting the content selected by the browsing screen to a print control device,
The print control device includes:
Setting screen generating means for generating a print condition setting screen from print service information and content print information received from the content providing apparatus;
Confirmation screen generating means for generating a confirmation screen of the print condition setting,
Print data generating means for generating print data from the content provided by the content providing apparatus; and
A print control system comprising:
[0227]
[Embodiment 15] A generating step of generating a print condition setting screen from content print information and print service information;
A display control step of controlling the generated print condition setting screen to be displayed.
[0228]
[Embodiment 16] A generation step of generating a print condition setting screen from content print information and print service information,
And a display control step of controlling to display the generated print condition setting screen.
[0229]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible for a user to specify the color matching of a printed matter when printing a plurality of pages of a color or a plurality of copies. As a result, the print service provider prints the color order of the print order specified as described above, and can realize an optimal print solution in normal printing in which the specification is not performed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an entire system.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a user computer, a content provider computer, and a data center.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a print service provider computer.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a software configuration of a user computer.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a software configuration of a content provider computer and a data center.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a software configuration of a print service provider computer.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of content print information stored in the content provider computer 120.
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a content provider management table.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a part of a schematic diagram of an order management table.
FIG. 10 is a processing flowchart between a user computer, a content provider computer, and a print service provider.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a content browsing screen and an example of an HTML document transmitted from a content provider computer described to display the browsing screen.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a print condition designation screen displayed by a document browsing unit 401 of a user computer 110.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a print confirmation screen.
FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of print order information.
FIG. 15 is a printing flowchart limited to a printing device.
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a print condition designation detailed setting screen.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 networks
110, 111 User computer
120, 121 Content provider computer
130 Print Service Provider Computer
140 Data Center
200 I / O bus
201 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
202 Random access memory (RAM)
203 read only memory (ROM)
204 Network Interface (NETIF)
205 Video RAM (VRAM)
206 Display (CRT)
207 Controller (KBC)
208 External input device (KB)
209 Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
210 External input / output device (FDD)
301 Printer control device (PRTC)
302-1, 2, 3, 4 external output device (PRT)
401 Document browsing means
501 Document providing device
502 Content storage means
503 Content print information storage means
504 Content browsing screen storage means
601 Document providing means
602 Order receiving means
603 Print data creation means
604 print control means
605 Content provider management table
606 print service management table
607 Order management table
608 print spool
700 Content print information
701 Content information column
702 Print information column
703 Various information columns
801 content provider code
802 base address
803 Content print information path
811, 812 Content provider management record
901 Order code
902 Content provider code
903 Content address
904 status
911, 912, 913, 914 Order management table record
1001, 1002, 1003, 1004,
1005, 1006, 1007, 1008,
1009, 1010, 1011, 1012,
1013, 1014, 1015, 1016 processing
1100 Content browsing screen
1101 Browse image
1102 Print request button
1110 HTML document
1111 Browsing display directive
1112 Print button display / operation instruction
1200 print condition specification screen
1201 preview image
1202 Printer selection field
1203 paper size selection field
1204 print copy number specification field
1205 Detailed setting link button
1206 print order button
1300 confirmation screen
1301 preview image
1302 Print condition confirmation column
1303 Confirm button
1400 Print order information
1401 Content information column
1402 Print setting information column
1403 Various information columns
1501, 1502, 1503,
1504, 1505, 1506,
1507, 1508, 1509 processing
1601 Print designation to single print device

Claims (1)

Generating means for generating a print condition setting screen from content print information and print service information;
A print control device for controlling display of the print condition setting screen generated by the generation device.

Images