JP2004192162A - Print system, printer and print method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a print system, a printer and a print method capable of executing print pre-view processing corresponding to the display function of a device which requests the print preview processing. <P>SOLUTION: A plurality of devices including a printer 50 and a storage server 30 or the like are connected through the Internet 2 so that one network can be configured, and a remote access from external equipment 40 is accepted in this print system 1. When a print preview request from the external equipment 40 is issued in response to the remote access, print preview processing including the preparation of a print preview image is executed according to the display function of the external equipment 40. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a printing system configured by connecting a plurality of apparatuses including a printing apparatus to a network, a printing apparatus applicable to this system, and a printing method.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, when a printing request is sent from a data processing device such as a personal computer to a printing device, the printing result of the printing device cannot be grasped from the display screen of the data processing device. As a means for performing this, there has been one that creates a print preview image on an application of the information processing apparatus and displays the created print preview image.
[0003]
However, in recent years, with a new technology developed as a new comprehensive interface of OA equipment, a plurality of apparatuses including a printing apparatus are connected to a network, and for example, image data is stored in a storage server from a host computer, and the storage server is connected to the storage server. In some cases, a printing system that prints out stored image data by a printing device such as a printer is constructed. However, in such a printing system, the above-described print preview processing may not be properly executed.
[0004]
That is, when a device that displays a print preview image is not close to the user, such as when performing printing processing by remote access from an external device to the printing system, it is not possible to visually recognize in advance what the print result will be. However, it has been pointed out that a print result that is different from the user's expectation is output, and that the executed print processing is wasted, or that a time loss such as reprinting at the print destination occurs.
[0005]
Therefore, some techniques related to the conventional print preview processing include a technique in which when a host computer and a printing apparatus are connected one-to-one, print preview data created by the printing apparatus is sent back to the host apparatus. There is a technique that allows a host device to check a print result (for example, see Patent Document 1). Further, as another conventional technique, there is a printing system in which when an image is transmitted from an image input device via a network, a print preview image can be confirmed not only by a host computer but also by a personal computer near the device (for example, And Patent Document 2.).
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-8-30410
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2000-59553
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the technique of Patent Document 1, since a print preview image is not created in consideration of device information or the like on the side that checks print preview data, there is a possibility that an appropriate print preview image may not be displayed. Also, in the technique according to Patent Literature 2, similarly to the technique of Patent Literature 1, the display size, application, and function restrictions on the side receiving print preview data are different, so that the user can satisfy the print preview on all devices. Images could not always be obtained.
[0007]
That is, in the related art, when printing data stored in the storage server, the printing apparatus does not have a function of creating a print preview image in consideration of device information on the side receiving the print preview data. It can be said that a great problem remains when the print preview image of the image data registered in the storage server from the external device is checked.
[0008]
In other words, even when an external device such as a personal computer, an information terminal (mobile phone, PDA), or facsimile requests creation of a print preview image via a network, the printing device uses the display size, application, function restrictions, etc. of each device. It is necessary to construct a printing system that can provide print preview data in consideration of the above.
[0009]
An object of the present invention is to provide a printing system, a printing apparatus, and a printing method that enable a print preview process according to a display function of a device that requests a print preview process.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention has the following configuration.
[0011]
(1) A plurality of apparatuses including a printing apparatus are connected to each other via a network, are configured to receive access from an external device, and generate a print preview image when a print preview request is issued from the external device. In a printing system that executes a print preview process including
A print preview process according to a display function of the external device for displaying a print preview image is performed based on information identifying the external device input together with the print preview request.
[0012]
In this configuration, for example, a printing device in a printing system configured by connecting an information processing device such as a workstation or a personal computer, a storage device such as a storage server, and a printing device such as a network printer to a network is a system. In a case where the printing process is executed by remote access from an external device such as an external personal computer, a PDA, and a facsimile, when a print preview process is requested from the external device to the printing system, the printing system performs a print preview. The file format and supply method of the data of the print preview image are selected so as to conform to the display function of the external device for displaying the image, and the print preview process is executed.
[0013]
Accordingly, inconveniences such as the inability of the external device to properly display the print preview image, such as transfer of data in a file format that is not compatible with the external device displaying the print preview image to the external device, are prevented. , An appropriate print preview image is browsed.
[0014]
(2) The print preview process includes a process of determining a browsing mode of the print preview image on the external device, and a process of supplying the print preview image to the external device according to the determined browsing mode. Features.
[0015]
In this configuration, a browsing mode suitable for an external device that displays a print preview image is determined on the printing system side, and data of the print preview image is supplied based on the determined browsing mode. Therefore, browsing of the print preview image is suitably performed on the external device side displaying the print preview image.
[0016]
(3) The print preview process includes a process of, after supplying the print preview image to the external device, receiving an instruction regarding execution or cancellation of the print process according to the print preview request sent from the external device. And
[0017]
In this configuration, the external device that has displayed the print preview image instructs the printing system to execute or cancel the printing process according to the print preview request. Therefore, after the print preview image is confirmed in the external device, the print processing is executed in response to an instruction from the same external device, and so on. Operability is improved.
[0018]
(4) A communication unit for transmitting and receiving data to and from an external device is provided. The communication unit performs printing based on command data including input image data, and when a print preview request is issued via the communication unit. In a printing apparatus that executes print preview processing including creation of a print preview image,
A storage for storing information on a plurality of types of print preview processes different from each other, and storing a correspondence relationship between each of a plurality of types of external devices that communicate via the communication unit and each of the plurality of types of print preview processes. Means,
Control means for executing a print preview process based on the contents stored in the storage means when the print preview request is received.
[0019]
In this configuration, the storage unit stores information indicating the applicable print preview process among the variations of the print preview process for each of the plurality of external devices communicating with the printing apparatus main body. The operation of the printing apparatus main body is controlled based on the contents stored in the storage means.
[0020]
Therefore, a proper print preview process suitable for an external device that displays a print preview image is performed so that a problem does not occur when the print preview image is displayed on the external device side in the printing apparatus main body. An appropriate print preview image is confirmed.
[0021]
(5) The storage unit stores information on a browsing mode of a print preview image suitable for each external device.
[0022]
In this configuration, the storage unit stores information on the browsing mode of the print preview image that is appropriate for each external device that communicates with the printing apparatus main body. Therefore, when the control unit executes the print preview processing, the browsing of the print preview image is appropriately performed in each external device.
[0023]
(6) A printing method applied to a printing system in which a plurality of devices including a printing device are connected to each other via a network, and which receives access from an external device,
A creation step of creating a print preview image according to the display function of the external device based on information identifying the external device input together with the print preview request when a print preview request is issued from the external device; When,
A supply step of supplying the print preview image by a supply method according to a display function of the external device.
[0024]
In this configuration, the printing apparatus inside the printing system executes the printing process by remote access from an external device such as a personal computer, a PDA, and a facsimile outside the system. When a request for a preview is made, the printing system selects a file format and a supply method of the print preview data so as to conform to a display function of an external device that displays a print preview image, and executes a print preview process.
[0025]
Accordingly, inconveniences such as the inability of the external device to properly display the print preview image, such as transfer of data in a file format that is not compatible with the external device displaying the print preview image to the external device, are prevented. , An appropriate print preview image is browsed.
[0026]
(7) After supplying the print preview image to the external device, if there is no instruction regarding the execution of the print process from the external device even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the data related to the print print preview request is deleted. And an erasing step.
[0027]
In this configuration, after a print preview image is supplied from the printing system to an external device, when a predetermined time has elapsed without a print execution instruction from the external device, image data or print data related to the print preview request is output. The print preview data created by the system is deleted.
[0028]
Therefore, accumulation of data whose contents to be processed are not determined is properly prevented, waste of storage capacity and the like is prevented, and data management on the printing system side is facilitated.
[0029]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of a printing system, a printing apparatus, and a printing method of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, one printing system 1 is constructed by connecting the information processing apparatus 10, the search server 20, the storage server 30, the printing apparatus group 50 such as a plurality of printers, and the external device 40 via the Internet 2. Have been.
[0030]
FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a printing system 1 according to the present embodiment. As described above, the printing system 1 includes the information processing device 10, the search server 20, the storage server 30, the external device 40, and the printing device 50.
[0031]
The information processing device 10 is a general computer such as a personal computer and a workstation. Further, the information processing device 10 plays a role as an input device in the printing system 1 and is used when finally creating image data to be printed by the printing device 50, and transfers the created image data to the storage server. 30.
[0032]
The search server 20 selects, from among a plurality of printing apparatuses connected to a network configuring the printing system 1, a printing apparatus corresponding to a user's printing conditions including parameters such as a paper size, color / monochrome, and presence / absence of a duplex function. 50, or the storage server 30 that stores image data and electronic files.
[0033]
The storage server 30 stores electronic files and image data transmitted from the information processing device 10. At this time, the file format of the stored image data is, for example, PDL (Printer Description Language), TIFF, PDF, or the like.
[0034]
The storage server 30 in the present embodiment stores image data, outputs image data in response to a request from the printing device 50, outputs image data to the printing device 50 in response to a request from the external device 40, Alternatively, it requests the printing device 50 to create a print preview image of the data.
[0035]
The external device 40 includes a facsimile, a personal computer, and an information terminal such as a PDA and a mobile phone. In this embodiment, the external device 40 is used for remotely accessing the printing system 1. Using the external device 40, the user can instruct the printing system 1 to print desired image data, request a print print preview transmission, and check the print preview image. The external device 40 can be used to instruct the printing device 50 in the printing system 1 to execute or stop the output process.
[0036]
In this embodiment, the transmission of the print instruction and the print preview image is performed using the Web browser. However, the print instruction and the print preview image are directly connected to the network of the print system 1 to exchange an electronic file, and to transmit the print instruction and the like. A print instruction or a print preview transmission request may be made using a dedicated application that can be used.
[0037]
The printing apparatus 50 receives print data and prints the data. In the present invention, the printing apparatus 50 is adapted to transmit a print preview image to an apparatus to which a print preview image is transmitted in accordance with a display function of the apparatus. A print preview image can be created and provided in a form, and output processing of the received print data is performed as needed.
[0038]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the storage server 30. Each user is assigned a user ID when using the storage server 30. As shown in the figure, the storage server 30 includes a communication unit 31, a system control unit 32, a print data storage unit 33, a print data management unit 34, and a print data processing unit 35.
[0039]
The communication unit 31 is an interface unit for transmitting and receiving data to and from each device in the printing system 1. The system control unit 32 totally controls the operation of the components of the storage server 30. The print data processing unit 35 manages a user ID and a password related to the print data received from the information processing apparatus 10, and performs access control and the like according to each user ID.
[0040]
The print data storage unit 34 stores information such as a user ID, a password, and an access right assigned to each user ID. Further, when the stored print data is exchanged with the outside, the print data management unit 34 plays a role of managing print data management such as a user ID, a password, and a data storage location (directory).
[0041]
FIG. 3 shows an example of information supplied from the external device 40 to the storage server 30 when the external device 40 accesses the storage server 30 to make a print output request and a print preview process request for registered data. Is shown. As shown in FIG. 3A, when the user accesses the storage server 30 in the printing system 1 using the external device 40, the external device 40 uses the serial number, IP address, URL, or the like of the storage server 30. , The user's registration ID, and the password.
[0042]
The storage server 30 requested to connect from the external device 40 checks whether the user ID and password input by the user match the information on the user ID and password managed by the print data management unit 34, If the entered user ID and password are correct, the user is permitted to access the print data directory created by the user according to the user ID. At this time, as shown in FIG. 3B, by specifying a specific file name from print data stored in a specific directory, print data relating to a file desired to be output is selected. You can also.
[0043]
Next, designation of the printing apparatus 50 for printing the selected print data, that is, designation of a printing destination is designated. Here, it is possible to select from the printing devices 10 set in advance, or to connect to the search server 20 to search for the target printing device 50 and specifically select it.
[0044]
If a print preview is required before executing the print processing, a request for a print preview can be made. First, the user inputs device information of an apparatus to which a print preview image is to be transmitted and an e-mail address of the transmission destination. The device information of the device to which the print preview image is to be transmitted is a device for creating and supplying the print preview image, that is, for informing the printing device 50 in the present embodiment of the characteristics of the external device 40 that displays the print preview image. It is.
[0045]
The destination e-mail address is an e-mail address set for the external device 40 that browses the print preview image, and the printing device 50 that created the print preview image stores the data of the print preview image in the e-mail address. To send the print preview image data, and to notify the link destination (storage destination) of the data of the print preview image.
[0046]
The contact e-mail address is used to notify a device different from the external device 40 that displays the print preview image that the print preview processing has been executed. In the example illustrated in FIG. 3C, after the print preview process is executed, the fact is notified to the external device 40 that has requested the print preview process. For example, by performing the setting so as to be the first, for example, a request for print preview processing is performed from a mobile phone, a request is made to transmit the data of the print preview image to the FAX, and the data of the print preview image is transmitted to the FAX. This can be notified to the mobile phone.
[0047]
The print data processing unit 35 of the storage server 30 can transmit the device information and the e-mail address together with the selected print data to the designated printing device 50, and can instruct creation of a print preview image and print output. . Although not shown here, printing conditions (paper size, double-sided / single-sided printing, etc.) can also be set.
[0048]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the printing apparatus 50. As shown in the figure, the printing apparatus 50 includes a communication unit 51, a control unit 52, a memory 53, a data analysis unit 54, a print preview creation unit 55, a web server 56, and a printer engine 57.
[0049]
The communication unit 51 is an interface unit that controls transmission and reception of data between each device in the printing system 1 or the external device 40 that remotely accesses the printing system 1. The memory 53, which constitutes a storage unit of the present invention, stores print data and device information sent from a device of the printing system 1 such as the storage server 30. In this embodiment, It stores print data, device information of the external device 40 for communication, an e-mail address of the external device 40 for communication, created print preview data, and processing data used for print processing.
[0050]
The memory 53 stores the contents of the print preview process that can be executed by the printing apparatus 50, specifically, the file format that can be handled and the data transfer method that can be executed. Further, the memory 53 stores device information of devices that may communicate with the printing device 50, and stores information on each device and the print preview process that can be actually executed by the device in the print preview process. The correspondence is stored.
[0051]
The control unit 52 constitutes a control unit of the present invention, and controls the operation of the printing apparatus 50 as a whole. In particular, the control unit 52 determines a print preview process to be executed in the communication partner device based on the content stored in the memory 53.
[0052]
The data analysis unit 54 analyzes the print data and creates processing data for printing on recording paper. The print preview creation unit 55 creates a print preview image according to the characteristics of the apparatus including the monitor size and the use of the apparatus that displays the print preview image based on the processing data. The web server 56 has a unique IP address and can make the print preview image available through the Internet 2 by posting the print preview image on the web. The printer engine 57 is a part that prints processing data on recording paper, and specifically corresponds to an electrophotographic image forming unit, an inkjet image forming unit, or the like.
[0053]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the printing system until a print preview image is created and output in accordance with an instruction from the external device 40 for information stored in the storage server 30. First, as shown in FIG. 3, when the external device 40 instructs to execute the print print preview process, the storage server 30 sends the print data and the print preview image data to the printing device 50. The device information of the device displaying the print preview image is transmitted, and the printing device 50 receives the information (s1).
[0054]
When the print data is stored in the memory 53 in the printing apparatus 50, the data analysis unit 54 analyzes the print data, and then creates processing data based on the set print conditions and erases the print data. (S2). The deletion of the print data does not hinder the operation even if it is performed in step s13 described later.
[0055]
A print preview image corresponding to the display function of each device is created based on the device information of the external device 40 that displays the print preview image, and has a format as shown in FIG. 6 (a), (b), or (c). The print preview image is supplied by the e-mail. Therefore, in the printing system 1, the type of the external device 40 that displays the print preview image is determined (s3).
[0056]
When the external device 40 that displays the print preview image in the determination step of s3, that is, the transmission destination of the print preview image is specified as facsimile, the processing data is converted to facsimile file format data, for example, MR, MMR, JBIG, It is converted to JPEG or the like (s4), and the print preview data is attached to the e-mail and transmitted to the specified e-mail address (s5).
[0057]
At this time, the facsimile side can receive the e-mail attached with the print preview data as shown in FIG. Then, the user can connect to the URL in accordance with the content of the e-mail and issue an instruction on execution or cancellation of the print processing.
[0058]
If the destination of the print preview image is a personal computer in the determination step of s3, for example, data of a print print preview image in a file format generally used in personal computers such as PNG and JPEG is created (s9). Then, the print preview image data is attached to an electronic mail and transmitted (s10). At this time, the personal computer receives the e-mail attached with the data of the print preview image as shown in FIG. 6B, and causes the display to confirm the print preview image.
[0059]
In the determination step of s3, when the transmission destination of the data of the print preview image is the information terminal, the print preview image for the information terminal can be freely enlarged and reduced in consideration of the small display for displaying the print preview image. Is created (s6). As the print preview image for the information terminal, an image that can display the entire output result on the display screen and an image that is obtained by dividing the entire screen of the print preview are prepared so that they can be selectively enlarged or reduced.
[0060]
The data of the print preview image for the information terminal is registered in the web server 56 in the printing device 50 (s7), and an e-mail in which the URL of the web server 56 is described as URL information of the link destination is transmitted (s8). At this time, as shown in FIG. 6C, the information terminal receives the e-mail in which the URL information of the link destination is described, checks the print preview image according to the content thereof, and based on the confirmed print preview image. Print instruction.
Here, in the printing system 1 of the present invention, the external device 40 should execute the printing process on the printing device 50 for a certain period of time after the printing device 50 creates the print preview image and supplies it to the external device 40. Is determined (s11).
[0061]
In the determination step of s11, after the user confirms the print preview and requests the output of the print data via the external device 40, the user instructs the printing apparatus 50 to output the image data related to the print preview process (s11). The printing process for the actual image data is executed (s12). When the output is completed, the processing data and the data of the print preview image are deleted (s13).
[0062]
On the other hand, in the determination step of s11, when there is an instruction to stop print output of the image data via the external device 40, or when the user performs printing for a predetermined time via the external device 40. Is not issued, the printing device 50 does not print the image data, and the printing device 50 automatically deletes the processing data and the print preview image data (s13).
[0063]
In the above method, the web server 56 for registering the print preview image is incorporated in the printing device 50. However, the server outside the printing device 50 may manage the print preview image. As a method for transmitting print preview image data for a personal computer to a user, in this embodiment, a personal computer has various applications and has an operation system, so that a print preview is easily viewed. In view of the fact that the print preview image data is simply attached to an e-mail and supplied, in addition, the print preview data is registered in the web server 56 and the URL of the link destination is transmitted to the electronic mail. It may be sent in an e-mail.
[0064]
On the other hand, as a method for transmitting print preview data for an information terminal to a user, in this case, a mobile terminal may not be able to receive an attached file of an e-mail. In consideration of the possibility that the data cannot be browsed, the print preview data is registered in the web server, and the URL of the link destination is described in the e-mail so that the data can be browsed by the Web function of the portable terminal. Alternatively, the data of the print preview image may be attached to an electronic mail and transmitted.
[0065]
That is, a print preview image suitable for each print preview device may be prepared in accordance with the function and performance of the print preview device as appropriate, and the print preview image may be provided in a browsing method suitable for each print preview device. . Thus, the user can check the print preview data in an optimal form regardless of the type of the external device 40 that displays the print preview image.
[0066]
In the above-described embodiment, the external device 40 for displaying the print preview image is roughly classified into a personal computer, an information terminal, or a facsimile. The function or performance of the device may be investigated, or the function or performance of the external device 40 may be acquired by directly communicating with the external device 40.
[0067]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, print data and print preview information are transmitted from the storage server 30 to the printing apparatus 50 according to an instruction of the external device 40, and the data stored in the storage server 30 is transmitted to the printing apparatus 50. The data may be once taken into the external device 40 and transmitted from the external device 40 to the printing device, or the print data stored in the external device 40 may be transmitted to the printing device 50.
[0068]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the print data is analyzed to create processing data, and the print preview image data is created from the processing data. However, the data of the print preview image may be created directly from the print data, and the creation of the print preview data is not limited to the printing apparatus 50, but may be performed by the information processing apparatus 10 connected to the printing apparatus 50. For example, the data of the print preview image or the link destination of the web server 56 in which the print preview image is registered may be transmitted to the external device 40 by using a device such as the above.
[0069]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.
[0070]
(1) An information processing apparatus such as a workstation or a personal computer, a storage apparatus such as a storage server, and a printing apparatus such as a network printer are connected to a network. In a case where print processing is executed by remote access from an external device such as a PDA and a facsimile, and when a request for print preview processing is issued from the external device to the print system, the print system displays a print preview image. By executing the print preview process by selecting the file format and supply method of the print preview image data so as to be compatible with the display function of the external device, etc., the data in the file format that is not compatible with the external device displaying the print preview image Transfer to an external device. Since the device can be prevented cause problems such as not performing the display of the proper print preview image, it is possible to browse a proper print preview image through the external device.
[0071]
(2) An external device that displays a print preview image by determining a browsing mode according to an external device that displays a print preview image on the printing system side and supplying data of the print preview image based on the determined browsing mode. It is possible to suitably browse the print preview image on the device side.
[0072]
(3) Since the external device that has displayed the print preview image can instruct the printing system to execute or cancel the print process related to the print print preview request, the external device can confirm the print preview image. After that, since the print processing can be executed by an instruction from the same external device, the print preview request to the actual printing can be executed in a series of flows, so that the operability as a printing system Can be improved.
[0073]
(4) The storage unit stores information indicating the applicable print preview process among the variations of the above-described print preview process for each of the plurality of external devices communicating with the printing apparatus main body, and the control unit stores the information. The operation of the printing apparatus main body can be controlled based on the stored contents of the means, so that the printing apparatus main body is suitable for an external device that displays a print preview image so that no trouble occurs when displaying the print print preview image on the external device side. Since appropriate print preview processing can be performed, it is possible to reliably confirm an appropriate print preview image in an external device.
[0074]
(5) Since the storage unit stores information on the appropriate browsing mode of the print preview image for each external device that communicates with the printing apparatus main body, when the control unit executes the print preview process, each external device performs The device can properly browse the print preview image.
[0075]
(6) A printing apparatus in a printing system executes a printing process by remote access from an external device such as a personal computer, a PDA, and a facsimile outside the system. When a request is made, the print system executes a print preview process by selecting a file format and a supply method of data of the print preview image so as to conform to a display function of an external device that displays the print preview image, and the like. In order to prevent inconveniences such as data in a file format that is not compatible with the external device displaying the print preview image being transferred to the external device, the external device cannot properly display the print preview image, etc. It is possible to browse a proper print preview image.
[0076]
(7) After a printing system supplies print preview image data to an external device, when a predetermined period of time has elapsed without a print execution instruction from the external device, the image data or the print data related to the print print preview request is output. By erasing the print preview data created on the printing system side, it is possible to properly prevent accumulation of data whose content to be processed is not determined, prevent waste of storage capacity, etc., and easily save data on the printing system side. Management can be performed.
[0077]
Therefore, it is possible to provide a printing system, a printing apparatus, and a printing method that enable a print preview process according to a display function of a device that requests the print preview process.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a storage server.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of information supplied at the time of a print output request and a print preview request to a storage server.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing apparatus.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of a print preview by the printing system of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a browsing mode of a print preview image according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1-Printing system
10-Information processing device
20-Search server
30-Storage server
40-external equipment
50-Printing device

Claims (7)

A plurality of devices including a printing device are connected to each other via a network, are configured to receive access from an external device, and perform printing including creation of a print preview image when a print preview request is issued from the external device. In a printing system that executes a preview process,
A printing system, comprising: executing a print preview process according to a display function of the external device for displaying a print preview image, based on information identifying the external device input together with the print preview request. The print preview process includes a process of determining a viewing mode of the print preview image in the external device, and a process of supplying the print preview image to the external device according to the determined viewing mode. The printing system according to claim 1. The print preview process includes a process of, after supplying the print preview image to the external device, receiving an instruction regarding execution or cancellation of the print process according to the print preview request sent from the external device. Item 3. The printing system according to item 1 or 2. A communication unit for transmitting / receiving data to / from an external device; performing printing based on command data including input image data; and performing a print preview when a print preview request is received via the communication unit. In a printing apparatus that executes print preview processing including creation of an image,
A storage for storing information on a plurality of types of print preview processes different from each other, and storing a correspondence relationship between each of a plurality of types of external devices that communicate via the communication unit and each of the plurality of types of print preview processes. Means,
And a control unit configured to execute a print preview process based on the content stored in the storage unit when the print preview request is received. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the storage unit stores information on a browsing mode of a print preview image suitable for each external device. A printing method applied to a printing system including a plurality of apparatuses including a printing apparatus connected to each other via a network and receiving access from an external device,
A creation step of creating a print preview image according to the display function of the external device based on information identifying the external device input together with the print preview request when a print preview request is issued from the external device; When,
A supply step of supplying the print preview image by a supply method according to a display function of the external device. After supplying the print preview image to the external device, if there is no instruction regarding the execution of the print process from the external device even after a predetermined time has passed, an erasing step of erasing the data related to the print preview request is performed. The printing method according to claim 6, further comprising:

Images