JP2006133877A - File conversion method, system therefor, and device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide all-purpose file conversion processing as a common file conversion server on a network. <P>SOLUTION: A client server device 101 is provided with; an element management part 108, which manages the attribute of a connected printer 110, a composition information management part 103; a network communication part 107 which transmits, to a server device, a print file and the attribute of a printer, and receives a converted file, whose format is converted to conform to the printer, from a server device; and an output management part 104 which controls the output of the format-converted file. A server device 112 is provided with; a network communication part 113 which receives the attribute information of the printer and the file from the client device and transmits the converted file to the client device; a conversion management part 115 which analyzes the attribute information, selects a format conversion module, which is suitable for the printer, from a plurality of format conversion modules, and determines the conversion attribute of the format conversion module from the attribute information; and a conversion engine 118 which executes format conversion processing according to the conversion attribute. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a file conversion method, system and apparatus therefor, and in a network system including a client and a server connected via a network such as the Internet, the server performs file conversion processing based on a file format conversion request from the client. The present invention relates to a file conversion method, a system, and an apparatus for providing optimal converted data to a client.

  In recent years, network devices are generally used, and a large number of information processing apparatuses and printers are connected to the network. In such a printing environment, distributed printing, broadcast printing, and the like for a plurality of printers are known as conventional techniques. For example, according to the print data processing method and apparatus described in Patent Document 1, A broadcast printing system that simultaneously prints the same print to a plurality of printers, a distributed printing system that assigns a predetermined number of copies to a plurality of printers, and processes them in parallel are realized.

According to the printing environment of this patent document 1, there is a group printer management unit for managing each printer connected to the information processing apparatus on each information processing apparatus, so that a user control unit can interpret certain user data. The general-purpose format is converted, the general-purpose format is interpreted by the print control module, and the print processing is performed on a desired printer group, thereby realizing broadcast printing or the like.
JP2003-091385

  However, all the group printer management units are installed in individual user client environments. For example, when the printing system is realized by a plurality of information processing apparatuses on the network, the general-purpose format conversion process is similarly performed on all clients. Will be. That is, if the printing system is introduced into a plurality of information processing apparatuses, the user will have to install a group printer management unit in all the information processing apparatuses.

  Also, if the latest version of the group printer management unit is released, the management complexity of having to update the software on all information processing apparatuses becomes significant.

  Furthermore, since it is necessary to perform these file conversion processes on individual information processing apparatuses, there has been a problem that it is necessary for all information processing apparatuses to have specifications sufficient to realize the file conversion process.

  On the other hand, in recent years, with the rapid development of the Internet and the establishment of a Web server, the use of Web for business processing has been promoted. A Web server refers to a computer connected to a network that supports HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol), FTP (File Transfer Protocol), etc., and is specified by URL (Uniform Resource Locator), HTML (Hyper text Markup Language). ) Etc. can be sent to a client on the network in response to a request.

  In a business system constructed in such a Web environment, it is required that an information processing device with high speed processing is arranged on a server and the client information processing device itself is constructed so as to be operable even with low specifications.

  These problems described above apply not only to the printing system but also to ordinary applications such as a document editing application. For example, in the file saving function of an application, in order to realize file exchange between applications, technologies for saving in various formats other than the file format managed by itself have been established, but these are also related to saving in the same format, Each application has been provided to the user environment by realizing the same processing as a function.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides general-purpose file conversion processing as a common file conversion server on a network. This allows all clients to uniquely perform file conversion on the server simply by specifying this server. With the above configuration, the problem that the file conversion module must be installed on all the clients is solved. At the same time, the client also updates all network systems by simply updating the server when the file conversion system situation is updated, facilitating system management.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a format conversion method according to the present invention provides a plurality of types of formats from an input file of a plurality of types of format input in a system including a client device and a server device connected via a network. Format conversion method for generating an output file in a format, wherein the client device transmits an input file and information indicating the format format of the output file to the server device, and the server device receives the received input file and the format format of the output file A suitable format conversion module is selected from a plurality of installed format conversion modules, the input file is format-converted by the selected format conversion module, and the client device is output as an output file. Characterized in that it returned to.

  Here, the client device transmits a plurality of different information indicating the format format of the input file and the output file to the server device, and the server device applies the plurality of different information from a plurality of mounted format conversion modules. Select a possible format conversion module. The format format of the output file is a format format of a printer connected to the server device. The format conversion module is provided as a printer driver.

  In addition, the file conversion system of the present invention includes a file acquisition system, an attribute acquisition unit for acquiring an attribute of a peripheral device for data output connected to the client apparatus, and a file for performing a data output process. And a conversion attribute transmitting unit that transmits the attribute of the peripheral device to a server device, an acquisition unit that acquires a conversion file in which a format conversion suitable for the peripheral device is performed from the file from the server device, and the acquired format Output control means for controlling the output of the converted file, and the server device acquires attribute information of the peripheral device from the client device, and the file transmitted from the client device. File receiving means for receiving and analyzing the acquired attribute information, the peripheral device Conversion module selection means for selecting an appropriate format conversion module from a plurality of format conversion modules, conversion attribute determination means for determining a conversion attribute of the format conversion module from the attribute information, and format conversion processing according to the determined conversion attribute Conversion means for performing, and transmission means for transmitting the converted file to the client device.

  Here, when the client device outputs data to a plurality of types of peripheral devices, the conversion module selection unit of the server device can apply the format conversion module applicable to the plurality of types of peripheral devices from a plurality of format conversion modules. Select. The peripheral device for data output is a printer.

  An information processing apparatus according to the present invention is an information processing apparatus that operates in a client environment of a user, and includes an attribute acquisition unit that acquires attributes of a connected peripheral device for data output, a file that performs data output processing, Conversion attribute transmitting means for transmitting the attribute of the peripheral device to a server device, acquisition means for acquiring a conversion file suitable for the peripheral device from the file from the server device, and acquired format conversion Output control means for controlling output of a completed file.

  An information processing apparatus functioning as a server for managing data of the client device, the attribute acquisition means for acquiring the attribute information of the peripheral device for data output from the client device, and the file transmitted from the client device A file receiving means for receiving the information, a conversion module selecting means for analyzing the acquired attribute information and selecting a format conversion module suitable for the peripheral device from a plurality of format conversion modules, and a conversion of the format conversion module from the attribute information A conversion attribute determination unit that determines an attribute, a conversion unit that performs format conversion processing according to the determined conversion attribute, and a transmission unit that transmits the converted file to the client device.

  Here, when the client device outputs data to a plurality of types of peripheral devices, the conversion module selection unit of the server device can apply the format conversion module applicable to the plurality of types of peripheral devices from a plurality of format conversion modules. Select. The peripheral device for data output is a printer.

  In the file conversion system of the present invention, the client device operating in the client environment of the user sends the format information of the input format and output format of the application operating on the client device, and the input file to the server device. Transmission means for transmitting, and acquisition means for acquiring an output file that has undergone format conversion based on the input file from the server device, wherein the server device has an input format of the application from the client device; A suitable format conversion module is selected from a plurality of format conversion modules based on the format information with respect to the output format, the file receiving means for receiving the input file, and the received format information and the input file. And having a conversion module selection unit, a conversion unit for performing format conversion processing according to the selected translation attributes, and transmitting means for transmitting the converted file to the client device.

  Here, when the client device outputs data in a plurality of types of output formats, the conversion module selection means of the server device can apply the format conversion module applicable to the plurality of types of output formats from a plurality of format conversion modules. Select. The peripheral device for data output is a printer.

  An information processing apparatus according to the present invention is an information processing apparatus that operates in a user's client environment, and is a transmission unit that transmits format information of an input format and an output format of an application and an input file to a server device. And an acquisition means for acquiring an output file whose format has been converted based on the input file from the server device.

  An information processing apparatus functioning as a server for managing data of the client apparatus, the format information of the input format and output format of the application from the client apparatus, and a file receiving means for receiving the input file; Based on the received format information and input file, conversion module selection means for selecting a suitable format conversion module from a plurality of format conversion modules, conversion means for performing format conversion processing according to the selected conversion attribute, and conversion Transmission means for transmitting the completed file to the client device.

  Here, when the client device outputs data in a plurality of types of output formats, the conversion module selection means of the server device can apply the format conversion module applicable to the plurality of types of output formats from a plurality of format conversion modules. Select.

  The information processing apparatus control method according to the present invention is an information processing apparatus control method that operates in a client environment of a user, and includes an attribute acquisition step of acquiring attributes of a connected peripheral device for data output, and data A conversion attribute transmission step for transmitting to the server device the file to be output and the attribute of the peripheral device, and an acquisition step for acquiring a conversion file that has undergone format conversion suitable for the peripheral device from the file from the server device. And an output control step for controlling the output of the acquired format-converted file.

  A method for controlling an information processing apparatus that functions as a server for managing data of a client device, the method for obtaining attribute information of peripheral devices for data output from the client device, and a transmission from the client device A file receiving step for receiving the file, a conversion module selection step for analyzing the acquired attribute information and selecting a format conversion module suitable for the peripheral device from a plurality of format conversion modules, and a format from the attribute information A conversion attribute determination step for determining a conversion attribute of the conversion module, a conversion means for performing format conversion processing according to the determined conversion attribute, and a transmission step for transmitting the converted file to the client device .

  A method for controlling a client device that operates in a client environment of a user, wherein a transmission step of transmitting format information of an input format and an output format of an application and an input file to the server device; An acquisition step of acquiring an output file whose format has been converted based on the input file.

  A method of controlling an information processing apparatus that functions as a server that manages data of a client apparatus, the file receiving receiving format information of the input format and output format of the application from the client apparatus, and an input file A conversion module selecting step of selecting a suitable format conversion module from a plurality of format conversion modules based on the received format information and the input file, and a conversion step of performing format conversion processing according to the selected conversion attribute And a transmission step of transmitting the converted file to the client device.

  Here, when the client device outputs data in a plurality of types of output formats, in the conversion module selection step of the server device, a format conversion module applicable from the plurality of format conversion modules to the plurality of types of output formats Select.

  Furthermore, a computer-executable program for realizing the control method and a storage medium for storing the program in a computer-readable manner are provided.

  The information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires printer configuration information, a determination unit that determines a conversion engine based on the printer configuration information acquired by the acquisition unit, and a conversion determined by the determination unit. And executing means for executing file conversion processing using an engine. Here, the determination unit determines a print attribute according to a printer having a low printer capability, and the execution unit executes a file conversion process using the conversion engine and the print attribute determined by the determination unit.

  The information processing apparatus control method according to the present invention includes an acquisition step of acquiring printer configuration information, a determination step of determining a conversion engine based on the printer configuration information acquired by the acquisition step, and the determination step. And an execution step of executing a file conversion process using the converted engine. Here, in the determination step, a print attribute is determined in accordance with a printer having a low printer capability, and in the execution step, a file conversion process is executed using the conversion engine and the print attribute determined in the determination step.

  The computer-readable program of the present invention is determined by an acquisition step of acquiring printer configuration information, a determination step of determining a conversion engine based on the printer configuration information acquired by the acquisition step, and the determination step. And executing a file conversion process using the conversion engine. Here, in the determination step, a print attribute is determined in accordance with a printer having a low printer capability, and in the execution step, a file conversion process is executed using the conversion engine and the print attribute determined in the determination step.

  The present invention solves the problem of having to install a file conversion module on the client. Further, when the file conversion system itself of the client configuration is updated, all the client systems are updated only by updating the server environment, thereby facilitating system management. Further, since the file conversion process is performed by server management, there is an effect that the information processing apparatus of the client may have low specifications.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[Embodiment 1]
<Example of software configuration of network system of this embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a software configuration example of the network system according to the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 1, one server device and one client device are shown, but a system in which a plurality of client devices are normally connected to a single server device, and a plurality of client devices are shared by a plurality of server devices. Etc. are also conceivable.

(Function block example of client apparatus 101)
In FIG. 1, a client apparatus 101 is an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer (further described with reference to FIG. 2). The client apparatus 101 includes a client management unit 102 that manages IDs of client information stored in the database 109, authentication for secret protection, and the like (specifications / attributes) of components (printers in this example) connected to the client apparatus 101. Etc.), an output management unit 104 that manages output to a component (in this example, a printer), a data management unit 105 that manages output data, and a user who uses the client device 101 UI management unit 106 that manages an interface, network communication unit 107 that communicates with an external device via a network 111, an element management unit 108 (a printer driver in this example) that controls the operation of a component (a printer in this example), the above Record client information, printer information, and data to be printed. Manage a database 109, and a component 110 like a printer in this embodiment.

  The client management unit 102 is executed by the user on the information processing apparatus 101, controls the configuration information management unit 103, the output management unit 104, the data management unit 105, and the UI management unit 106, and executes the conversion system according to the present invention. Client main module.

  The configuration information management unit 103 is a module that acquires and manages drawing attributes held by the configuration element 110 from the element management unit 108. The output management unit 104 can interpret the data described in the predetermined data format according to the present embodiment received from the server device 112, and executes a drawing operation such as print processing on the component 110 via the element management unit 108. It is a module to do. The element management unit 108 communicates with the component 110 bidirectionally, holds and manages the attributes of the component 110. The element management unit 108 is a module that converts a drawing process of a predetermined data format received from the output management unit 104 into a format that can be interpreted by the component element 110 and transmits it to the component element 110.

  The network communication unit 107 controls the communication protocol between the client device 101 and the server device 112, and establishes communication with the server device 112 via the network 111 such as the Internet, an intranet, a telephone line, etc. The protocol layer is processed.

  The data management unit 105 is a module that holds and manages files and attribute tables used in this system in the database 109. The database 109 is an area for storing files to be converted by the client management unit according to the present embodiment and setting information, and usually exists on an external storage device such as a memory or a hard disk.

(Example of network 111)
The form of the network 111 that connects the client apparatus 101 and the server apparatus 112 may be any communication path as long as bidirectional communication is possible, such as a LAN, the Internet, or wireless.

(Example of functional block of server device 112)
The server device 112 is an information processing device having a server function connected to the network, like the client device 101. The server device 112 is preferably a server that supports an Internet protocol such as the HTTP protocol. However, as long as a communication path such as file transfer is established with the client device 101, the means for realizing it is not limited.

  The server device 112 includes a network communication unit 113, a server management unit 114, a conversion management unit 115, a data management unit 116, main data 117, a conversion engine 118, and the like.

  The network communication unit 113 processes a network protocol for the server apparatus 112 to perform bidirectional communication with the client apparatus 101 as a server on the network, and establishes communication such as file transfer and information transfer between the client apparatus 101 and the server apparatus 112. It is a module to do. The server management unit 114 is a server main module that controls a group of modules that operate on the server device 112 such as the conversion management unit 115 and the data management unit 116 that constitute the server device 112.

  The conversion management unit 115 uniquely identifies the conversion engine 118 to be used from the conflict result of the attribute information transmitted from the client when the conversion source data received from the client is converted into a general format using the conversion engine 118 in the server system. And control to perform the conversion process.

  The data management unit 116 stores and manages the data received from the client device 101 and the converted data to be transmitted to the client on the main data 117.

  The conversion engine 118 is a module group having a function of converting the conversion source data received from the client apparatus 101 into a predetermined format that can be interpreted by the output management unit 104 of the client apparatus 101, and includes at least one module. It is characterized by that.

  In this embodiment, the element management unit 108 in the client apparatus 101 shown in FIG. 1 is configured by software called a printer driver described later, and the component 110 in the client apparatus 101 is preferably configured by a printer device. The conversion engine 118 shown in the server device 112 is also preferably a printer driver type module. That is, an example of a software configuration in which the client element management unit 108 is configured in the printer driver format, the component element 110 is configured in the printer device, and the conversion engine 118 is also configured in the printer driver format. The unit 108 is a printer driver, and the component 110 is a printer.

  In general, a printer driver holds information (attributes) of drawing capability and print setting values of a printer device connected to the printer driver. Further, the software provides a printing function by converting user data into a language (PDL) interpretable by the printer device using print settings such as double-sided printing and N-side printing, and transmitting the data to the printer device. In FIG. 1, the conversion engine 118 in the server device 112 is also configured by printer driver software, and includes an intermediate file conversion engine 201 and an image conversion engine 202. The intermediate file conversion engine is a printer driver type software module having a function of converting data input from the client apparatus 101 into an intermediate file format. The intermediate file here may be an intermediate file format such as PDF (Portable Document Format) or SVG (Scalable Vector Graphic). The image conversion engine is a printer driver type software module having a function of converting input data into a general image format such as Tiff or DIB. It goes without saying that the present embodiment can be realized as long as the intermediate format and the image format are formats that can be interpreted by the output management unit 104. Hereinafter, the conversion engine is an intermediate format conversion engine and an image conversion engine.

<Hardware configuration example of network system of this embodiment>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the network system in the present embodiment.

(Client device)
The client apparatus 101 (101-1 ... 101-n) includes an arithmetic processing CPU 201 that executes instructions according to programs stored in the ROM 202 and RAM 203, the program of the present embodiment, and other programs and data necessary for control. A ROM 202 that stores data, a RAM 203 that stores temporary data, an input / output interface 204 that implements an interface with various input / output devices, an external storage unit 109 such as an HDD that stores databases or application programs, and communication with a network. A network communication unit 107.

  The RAM 203 of the present embodiment has a data storage area that is temporarily used during arithmetic processing of the CPU 201 and a program load area that loads the application program of the present embodiment executed by the CPU 201 from the external storage device 109 such as an HDD.

  The data storage areas correspond to the respective image formation data, the pre-conversion data areas 203a and 203d that store the input image data, and the conversion that has undergone format conversion corresponding to the printer that forms the image on the server device 112. It has post data areas 203b and 203e, and component data areas 203c and 203f for storing the type of printer for forming an image and necessary parameters. In addition, the program is loaded from the external storage unit 109 to the program load area and executed by the CPU 201. A program that is not in the external storage unit 109 may be downloaded from the server device 112.

  The external storage unit 109 has a database area for storing various management information such as printer specifications and image data shown in FIG. 6 and a program area for storing a program that is loaded into the RAM 203 and executed by the CPU 201. In the program area, a client management module 102, a configuration information management module 103, an output management module 104, a data management module 105, a UI management module 106, a network communication module 107, and printer drivers 108A to 108A corresponding to the software configuration of FIG. 108N is stored. A general-purpose program such as an OS is not shown.

  The input / output interface 204 includes a keyboard 204a for input / instruction by the user, a mouse 204b of a pointing device, a display unit 204c for instructing or informing the user, and an image in accordance with an instruction from the client apparatus 101 in this embodiment. Printers 110A, 110B to 110N to be formed are connected. Here, the printers 110A, 110B to 110N may be independently connected to the client apparatus 101, or may be connected to a common interface line via a LAN or the like.

(Server device)
The server device 112 stores an arithmetic processing CPU 211 that executes instructions in accordance with programs stored in the ROM 212 and the RAM 213, a ROM 212 that stores programs and data necessary for the control according to the present embodiment and other controls, and temporary data. An external storage unit 117 such as an HDD for storing a database or an application program, and a network communication unit 113 for communicating with a network. Although not shown in FIG. 2, necessary peripheral devices are also connected to the server device 112 via an input / output interface.

  The RAM 213 of this embodiment has a data storage area that is temporarily used during the arithmetic processing of the CPU 211 and a program load area that loads the application program of this embodiment executed by the CPU 211 from the external storage unit 117 such as an HDD.

  The data storage area corresponds to each image formation data, data areas before conversion 213a and 213d for storing image data transmitted from the client apparatus 101, and conversion that has undergone format conversion corresponding to the printer on which the image is formed. Post-data areas 213b and 213e, and conversion management data areas 213c and 213f for storing a conversion method determined from information such as the format information of the image data transmitted from the client apparatus 101 and the type of the image forming printer and necessary parameters. Have. In addition, a program is loaded from the external storage unit 117 to the program load area and executed by the CPU 211.

  The external storage unit 117 is loaded into the RAM 203 and executed by the CPU 201 for storing various management information such as printer specifications, information for image data format conversion, and a database area for storing image data transmitted from the client apparatus 101. And a program area for storing programs. In the program area, the network communication module 113, the server management module unit 114, the conversion management module 115, the data management module 116, the intermediate file conversion engine 201, the image conversion engine 202, and other conversions corresponding to the software configuration of FIG. The engine is memorized. A general-purpose program such as an OS is not shown.

<Example of printer driver configuration>
Details of the print flow of the printer driver in the Windows (registered trademark) printing system, which is a general operating system according to the above-described embodiment, will be described below with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

  Since the printer driver 108 operating on the client device 101 and the intermediate file conversion engine 201 and image conversion engine 202 operating on the server device 112 normally have the same configuration, the following description will be made assuming that both have the same configuration. .

  As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing apparatuses constituting the client apparatus 101 and the server apparatus 112 are normally configured as a single computer system including an input device such as a mouse and a keyboard and a display / monitor. Here, it is assumed that the information processing apparatus is operated by a basic OS such as Windows (registered trademark) 2000, Me, but the OS is not limited to these.

  In the information processing apparatus, attention is paid only to the functional part of the printer driver related to the present embodiment, and the functions on the basic OS are roughly classified into application software 301 and graphic subsystem 302.

  The application software 301 refers to application software that operates on basic software such as a word processor or spreadsheet, for example. However, the type of application software 301 is not limited as long as it is an application having a printing function.

  The graphic sub-system 302 includes a graphic device interface (hereinafter referred to as GDI) 303 which is a part of the basic OS function and a printer driver 304 which is a device driver dynamically linked from the GDI. Has been. The command that the application logically rendered to the GDI 303 is notified to the printer driver, and the rendering result converted by the printer driver 304 from the logical rendering is returned to the GDI 303 again as a converted format, and then sent to the printer device or disk system. The

  These names and functional frameworks described above may be slightly different depending on the basic OS. However, the names and frameworks of the present invention are not so large for the present invention as long as each technical means described in the present embodiment can be realized. is not a problem. In general, a host computer including each of these functional modules is controlled by software called basic software under the hardware shown in FIG. Application software and subsystem processes operate as functional modules.

  In the software block diagram of FIG. 3, on the client device 101, the output management unit (module) 104 indicates an application 301, and an intermediate file generated from the conversion engine 118 according to an instruction from the conversion management unit (module) 115 or The printing operation is performed by interpreting the image and performing GDI drawing on the printer driver 108.

  On the server device 112, the printer driver corresponds to the intermediate file conversion engine 201 and the image conversion engine 202. An application 301 indicates a conversion management unit (module) 115 in a module group on the server device 112. The conversion management unit (module) 115 interprets all the data formats given from the client, and performs a printing process on the intermediate file conversion engine 201 or the image conversion engine 202 as a logical drawing to GDI, thereby performing a desired format conversion process. To realize.

<Operation example of network system of this embodiment>
(Operation example of client device)
Next, the outline of the processing flow of the client apparatus 101 in this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, the user can use the function of the present invention by starting the client management unit 102 in the client device 101 (S401). This activation process is provided to the user by the operating system as an application execution means from a pointing device or a keyboard (not shown) as in the case of general applications such as spreadsheet software and editing software.

(Configuration information acquisition: S402)
Next, the client management unit 102 acquires configuration information of the printer device 110 via the configuration information management unit 103 (S402). Details of the processing at the time of acquiring the configuration information are shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  In FIG. 5, the configuration information management unit 103 acquires the total number of printer drivers 108 installed in the client device 101 from the operating system (S501). Normally, the total number of printer drivers can be acquired from the system using an API or the like published by the operating system. For example, if there are three printers and printer drivers in the client apparatus 101, the number of components N = 3.

  Next, the printer driver 108 is initialized for each printer driver (S503). In response to this initialization processing, the printer driver 108 performs processing such as memory reservation necessary for information communication with the configuration information management unit 103. Next, the configuration information management unit 103 issues a configuration information acquisition request of the printer device 110 to the printer driver (S504). Normally, the printer driver 108 holds the attribute information of the connected printer 110 either statically or attribute information dynamically set by the user from the user interface of the printer driver itself. The attribute requested by the information management unit 103 can be returned. Next, the configuration information management unit 103 writes the configuration information acquired from the printer driver 108 to the attribute table (S505).

(Attribute table)
FIG. 6 shows an example of the attribute table 601 at this time.

  In FIG. 6, reference numeral 602 stores an ID for identifying each printer. After 603, individual attribute information of the printer device indicated by ID 60 is described. This process is executed for all printer drivers. For example, in FIG. 6, an attribute table 601 in the case where two types of printers A and B are connected as constituent elements and there are three attributes, that is, PDL 603, maximum pass point value 604, and usable font 605 as attribute values. It is shown in the figure.

  The PDL attribute 603 describes the capability of the printer device. Here, although “Image” is described in the printer A, it indicates that this printer can perform only low-level drawing processing such as an image. Further, although PDL1 is described in the printer B, this PDL1 indicates that it has the ability to process logical drawing. The attribute 604 indicates the maximum value of the number of pass drawing points that the printer can draw at a time, and the usable font 605 describes the maximum value of the number of fonts that can be used by the printer. . These attributes are used to determine the conversion engine on the server device 112 side, and the processing on the server device 112 side will be described later. The attribute is not limited to this, and information for determining a conversion engine on the server device 112 side is described.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of an information communication sequence between the configuration information management unit 103 and the printer driver 108 when acquiring configuration information from the printer driver 108 described above.

  The configuration information management unit 103 first calls an InitPrinter command 701 to the printer driver 108 (S503). Next, a GetAttribute instruction 702 for actually acquiring a printer attribute is called (S504). Finally, the processing ends by calling EndPrinter 703 for post-processing of the sequence. Here, the printer attribute value is returned from the printer driver 108 to the configuration information management unit 103 by the GetAttribute command 702.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the client management unit 102 displays the contents of the acquired configuration information table as a user interface to the user via the UI management unit 106 (S403).

  FIG. 8 shows an example of a user interface displayed at this time.

  In FIG. 8, reference numeral 801 denotes an area for specifying a printing method from the client apparatus 101, 802 denotes an area for specifying a conversion source file, 803 denotes a button for instructing start of printing, and 804 corresponds to the number of components shown in FIG. 805 is a printer device selected by the user from the list 804. The user can control the overall operation of the present embodiment via this user interface.

  Here, in the printing method 801, “broadcast printing” (the same printing is performed on the selected printer group) is selected. The conversion source file 802 is an area for designating data to be printed by the user, and “c: \ test.doc” is selected. A selectable printer 804 is an area in which a list of printers connected to the client apparatus 101 is displayed. The selected printer 805 is an area where a plurality of printers selected by the user are displayed. An add button 806 is an add button that allows one or more printers in the selectable printer area 804 to be selected and pressed to be set in the selected printer 805. The delete button 807 is a “delete” button that can be moved from the selected printer 805 to a selectable printer (deselection) by pressing it. That is, the printer set as the selected printer 805 becomes the printer set by the user.

  Although not shown or described in the present embodiment, various print settings such as the number of print copies (not shown) can be performed through the display screen.

  The user designates printing source user data (application data) in the conversion source file 802 in order to realize printing with the printer device as a component via the user interface displayed in step S403 (S404). Next, the user presses the print start button 803 (S405).

  When the client management unit 102 receives a print instruction from the user in step S <b> 405, the client management unit 102 performs communication initialization processing so that communication with the server device 112 is possible through the network communication unit 107 in order to communicate with the server device 112. (S406). Next, the configuration information acquired from the configuration information management unit in S402 is transmitted to the server device 112 (S407). Then, the data of the conversion source designated by the user in S404 is transmitted to the server device 112 (S408). Waiting for the conversion at the server device 112, the client management unit 102 receives the converted data from the server device 112 (S409). The exchange with the server device 112 during this time is shown corresponding to the steps of the flowchart (FIG. 9) of the server device 112.

  The client management unit 102 initializes the print management unit 104 (S410), and requests data printing (S411). The print management unit 104 requests the printer driver 108 to print the acquired data. Thereafter, since the printer driver 108 is set to broadcast printing using the printing flow shown in FIG. 3, the print management unit 104 interprets the data received from the server and is selected by the selected printer 805. Execute print operation for all printers.

(Operation example of server device)
Next, the processing procedure of the server apparatus 112 corresponding to the operations of the flowcharts S406 to S409 of FIG. 4 which are the processes of the client apparatus 101 will be described using the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 9 shows the steps of FIG. 4 corresponding to the respective steps.

  First, the server apparatus 112 receives a server communication initialization command in step S406 from the client apparatus 101 (S901). The server management unit 112 performs initialization processing of the conversion management unit 113 and the data management unit 14. At this time, the server management unit 112 secures a table area as shown in FIG. 6 in the RAM 213 or the database 117 through the data management unit 116. The description of this table area is the same as the attribute table on the client side. The server device 112 receives the client-side configuration information from the client device 101 and stores it in the table area (S902). Since the received configuration information is equal to the client-side table information (FIG. 6), the table area stored by the data management unit 112 stores values as shown in FIG.

  Next, the server device 112 receives the conversion source file from the client device 101 (S903). This result is stored in the RAM 213 or the database 117 through the data management unit 116. Thereafter, the server apparatus 112 analyzes the received configuration information table and determines a conversion engine (S905). Next, the server determines the printing attribute of the conversion engine (S906).

(Conversion engine decision: S905)
The conversion engine determination method (S905) in steps S905 and S906 and the conversion attribute determination method (S906) of the conversion engine according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In FIG. 10, in step S1001, the PDL information in the attribute area 603 in FIG. 6 is referred to. At this time, if there is at least one printer called Image in the PDL information, an image conversion engine is determined (S1002). If all the constituent elements are PDL in step S1001, the minimum value of the allowable number of pass points attribute is taken and the smallest one is selected (S1003). Next, the allowable font number is taken and the smallest font is selected (S1004). Then, an intermediate file conversion engine is selected (S1005). All of these ensure that consistent output results are obtained by adjusting to the one with the lowest printer capability. These print attributes are used to start the conversion engine.

Returning to FIG. 9, in step S907, the conversion engine determined in step S905 is used for the input file specified in step S903, and the file conversion is performed using the printing attribute determined in step S906. Processing is executed. After the conversion, the converted data is transmitted to the client apparatus 101 (S908).
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a communication sequence between the client and the server at this time.

  In FIG. 11, reference numeral 1101 denotes a CreateJob command indicating the server initialization in step S406. Reference numeral 1102 denotes a PutAttribute command when the client indicates notification of configuration information in step S407. Reference numeral 1103 denotes a PutData command for notifying the input file shown in step S407. Reference numeral 1104 denotes a GetData command for receiving the converted file shown in step S408.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the general-purpose file format conversion in the client device is realized on the server side, and the problem that the file conversion module must be installed in all the client devices is solved. Further, even when the file conversion system itself is updated in the configuration on the client device side, all the client systems are updated only by updating the server environment, thereby facilitating system management. Furthermore, since the file conversion process is performed by server management, the system can be constructed even if the information processing apparatus of the client apparatus is low-spec.

[Embodiment 2]
A preferred embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The present embodiment is an embodiment of the present invention relating to a file saving process that does not include a process such as printing on the client device side.

<Example of software configuration of network system of this embodiment>
FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a software configuration example of the network system according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 12, one server device and one client device are shown, but a plurality of client devices may share one or a plurality of server devices.

(Example of functional block of client device 1101)
In FIG. 12, a client apparatus 1101 is an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer. The client device 1101 includes at least one application 1102, a database 1103, and a network communication unit 1104. Also in FIG. 12, the client management unit of FIG. 1 is necessary, but in FIG. 12, these are collectively shown as an application 1102.

  The applications 1102 </ b> A to 1102 </ b> N are general user applications such as spreadsheet software and document editing software executed by the user on the client device 1101. The database 1103 is an area for storing a conversion source file, a converted file, and the like of the application 102 according to the present embodiment, and usually exists on an external storage device such as a memory or a hard disk.

  The network communication unit 104 controls the communication protocol between the client device 1101 and the server device 112 and establishes communication with the server device 112 via the network 111 such as the Internet, an intranet, a telephone line, etc. Performs protocol layer processing such as HTTP.

(Example of network 111)
The network 111 is a network that connects the client device 101 and the server device 112. As a form of the network 111, a LAN, the Internet, wireless, or the like can be used. Absent.

(Example of functional block of server device 112)
The server device 112 basically has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. The server device 112 is preferably a server that supports an Internet protocol such as the HTTP protocol. However, if a communication path such as a file transfer is established with the client device 1101, the means for realizing it is not limited.

  The server device 112 includes a network communication unit 113, a server management unit 114, a conversion management unit 115, a data management unit 116, a database 117, a conversion engine 118, and the like.

  The network communication unit 113 processes a network protocol for the server device 112 to perform bidirectional communication with the client device 1101 as a server on the network, and establishes communication such as file transfer and information transfer between the client device 1101 and the server device 112. It is a module to do. The server management unit 114 is a server main module that controls a group of modules that operate on the server device 112 such as the conversion management unit 115 and the data management unit 116 that constitute the server device 112. The conversion management unit 115 uniquely identifies the conversion engine 118 to be used from the attribute information transmitted from the client when the conversion source data received from the client device 1101 is converted into a general-purpose format using the conversion engine 118 in the server system. It identifies and performs control such as performing conversion processing.

  The data management unit 116 stores and manages data received from the client device 1101 and converted data to be transmitted to the client on the database 117.

  The conversion engine 118 is a module group having a function of converting the conversion source data received from the client device 1101 into a predetermined format, and is configured by at least one or more modules.

  In this embodiment, it is assumed that the conversion engine 112 in the server device 112 shown in FIG. 12 is the above-described printer driver type module (see FIG. 3). However, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to the present invention as long as it has a file format conversion function, such as a module having a compression function, even if it does not have a printer driver configuration.

  This is an example of a preferred configuration in the present embodiment, that is, a software configuration in which the conversion engine 118 is configured in a printer driver format. Generally, a printer driver is software that provides a printing function by converting a printer device into a language (PDL) that can be interpreted and transmitting the language to the printer device.

  In FIG. 12, a conversion engine 118 in the server device 112 is configured by printer driver software, and is configured by an intermediate file conversion engine 201 and an image conversion engine 202 as in the first embodiment.

<Hardware configuration example of network system of this embodiment>
FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the network system in the present embodiment.

(Client device)
The client device 1101 (1101-1... 1101-n) includes an arithmetic processing CPU 1301 that executes instructions according to programs stored in the ROM 1302 and the RAM 1303, the program of this embodiment, and other programs and data necessary for control. ROM 1302 storing temporary data, RAM 1303 storing temporary data, input / output interface 1304 realizing an interface with various input / output devices, external storage unit 1103 such as an HDD storing a database or application program, and communication with a network. A network communication unit 107.

  The RAM 1303 of this embodiment has a data storage area that is temporarily used during arithmetic processing of the CPU 1301 and a program load area that loads an application program of this embodiment executed by the CPU 1301 from the external storage device 1103 such as an HDD.

  The data storage area includes transmission data areas 203a and 203c before conversion for storing input image data and information storage areas 203b and 203d of the application that created the transmission data, corresponding to each image formation data. A program is loaded from the external storage unit 1103 into the program load area and executed by the CPU 1301. Note that programs that are not in the external storage unit 1103 may be downloaded from the server device 112.

  The external storage device 1103 has a database area for storing various management information such as application information and image data shown in FIG. 16, and a program area for storing a program loaded into the RAM 1303 and executed by the CPU 1301. In the program load area, a network management module 107 and applications 1102A to 1102N corresponding to the software configuration of FIG. 12 are stored. A general-purpose program such as an OS is not shown.

  Connected to the input / output interface 1304 are a keyboard 1304a for input / instruction by the user, a mouse 1304b of a pointing device, a display unit 1304c for instructing or notifying the user, and a printer 1304d for forming an image as an option. .

(Server device)
The server device 112 is basically the same as that in FIG. 2, and the CPU 211 for arithmetic processing that executes instructions according to programs stored in the ROM 212 and RAM 213, the program of this embodiment, and other programs and data necessary for control. It has a stored ROM 212, a RAM 213 for storing temporary data, an external storage unit 117 such as an HDD for storing a database or application program, and a network communication unit 113 for communicating with a network. Although not shown in FIG. 2, necessary peripheral devices are also connected to the server device 112 via an input / output interface.

  The RAM 213 of this embodiment has a data storage area that is temporarily used during the arithmetic processing of the CPU 211 and a program load area that loads the application program of this embodiment executed by the CPU 211 from the external storage unit 117 such as an HDD. The configuration of the data storage area is the same as that shown in FIG.

  The external storage unit 117 is loaded into the RAM 203 and executed by the CPU 201 for storing various management information such as printer specifications, information for image data format conversion, and a database area for storing image data transmitted from the client apparatus 101. And a program area for storing programs. Since the structure of the program area is the same as that shown in FIG.

<Operation example of network system of this embodiment>
(Operation example of client device)
Next, an overview of the user processing flow of the client device 1101 in the present embodiment will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. The processing on the server side will be described later according to FIG. 17, but the steps of FIG. 17 corresponding to the steps of FIG. 14 are shown.

  First, the user can use the functions of the present embodiment by starting the application 1102 on the client device 1101 (S1401). This activation process is provided to the user by the operating system as an application execution means from a pointing device or a keyboard (not shown) as in the case of general applications such as spreadsheet software and editing software.

  Next, the user issues a format conversion request from the user interface or the like displayed by the application 1102 (S1402). For example, the application displays a user interface as shown in FIG. Here, reference numeral 1501 denotes an area displayed by the application, and reference numeral 1502 denotes a menu button for the user to instruct a conversion request. When the menu button 1502 is pressed, the application 1102 inquires the server apparatus 112 about the support format of the input file and output file at the time of conversion (S1403). As a result of this inquiry, the conversion engine 112 of the server device 112 returns a list of file input formats and output formats that support file conversion processing.

(Example of file format list)
FIG. 16A shows an example of a list returned from the server at this time. In FIG. 6, an area 1601 stores a conversion engine supported by the server, an area 1602 describes an input file format supported by the server, and an area 1603 describes an output file format supported by the server. In FIG. 6A, the server supports a file conversion engine and an image conversion engine as conversion engines, and the file conversion engine supports an appA format and an appB format as input formats. As the output format, the file conversion engine supports PDF1.4 and PDF1.5, and the image conversion engine supports Image.

  The application 1102 receives the list shown in FIG. 16A and displays a file saving dialog as shown in FIG. In FIG. 15B, reference numeral 1503 denotes an area where the user specifies a storage destination, and 1504 denotes an area where the file list returned from the server apparatus 112 in step S403 is displayed. That is, the application 1102 displays the output format list 1603 received from the server apparatus 112 in the list 1504 (S1404). Next, the user designates an arbitrary file format from the list 1504 in the user interface of FIG. Then, the user presses the save button 1505 to start the conversion process (S1405).

  Next, the application 1102 issues a server communication initialization process to the server device 112 (S1406). Next, the application 1102 transmits conversion attribute information for conversion to the server device 112 (S1407). FIG. 6B shows an example of attribute information at this time. FIG. 6B shows the format of a table for managing attributes. For example, when the application A writes this attribute table, the attribute value is described as shown in FIG. In FIG. 6B, application ID 11606 stores application A, input format attribute 1607 includes appA format handled by application A, and output format attribute 1608 includes PDF, which is a format after conversion. The version attribute 1609 of PDF describes version 1.4, and the conversion resolution attribute 1610 stores 600 dpi. The meaning of (b) in FIG. 6 is that the application A transmits an input file of the appA file managed by itself. The server outputs PDF version 1.4 as output. In this case, the conversion data is created at 600 dpi as the resolution, which is one of the conversion attributes. The attribute is not limited to the above.

  Returning to FIG. 14, in step S <b> 1408, the conversion source data currently handled by the application 1102 is transmitted to the server device 112. This conversion source data is assumed to be an appA format file currently handled by application A. Next, the application 1102 receives the converted data from the server device 112 (S1409), and stores the converted data in the area designated by the user in the storage location 1503 of FIG. The file format received at this time is a PDF version 1.4 format file created at a resolution of 600 dpi shown in FIG.

(Operation example of server device)
Next, processing on the server device 112 side corresponding to the above-described flowchart of FIG. 4 that is processing on the client device side will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Note that the steps in FIG. 17 show the corresponding steps in FIG. 14 of the client device 1101.

  First, in step S1701, the client apparatus 1101 waits for an inquiry in step S1403, and when there is an inquiry, a support format supported by the server apparatus 112 is returned in a list of file input formats and output formats. This content is shown in FIG.

  Next, upon receiving the server communication initialization command in step S1406 of the client device 1101, the server management unit 108 performs initialization processing of the conversion management unit 109 and the data management unit 110 in step S1703. Next, the server device 112 receives the client side configuration information from the client device 1101 (S1704). The configuration information received here is the table information on the client device side (FIG. 16B). This table is stored in the database or RAM by the data management unit 112 and can be referred to. Next, the server device 112 receives the conversion source file from the client device 1101 (S1705). This data is also stored in the database 117 through the data management unit 110.

  The server device 112 analyzes the received configuration information table (S1706). At this time, it is determined whether the input format 1607 information of FIG. 16B is a format supported by the server device 112 (S1707). If the input format is not supported, an error is returned to the client device 1101 in step S1714. In the present embodiment, appA is stored in the input format, which is a support format as indicated by the input format 602 in FIG. 16A, and the process advances to step S1708. Next, in step S1708, it is determined whether the output file format 1608 information of FIG. 16B is a format supported by the server. If the output format is not supported by itself, an error is returned to the client in step S1714. In the present embodiment, PDF and attribute information version 1.4 are stored. Since this is a supported format according to the output format 1603, the process advances to step S1709.

  Next, a conversion engine is determined in S1709. Here, since the output format 1608 in FIG. 6B indicates PDF, the intermediate file conversion engine is determined as the conversion engine. Next, the server device 112 determines an attribute of the conversion engine, for example, a printing attribute (S1710). This value is 600 dpi described in the resolution 1610 in this embodiment. Therefore, conversion processing is executed using this print attribute (S1711). Although the print attribute is specified in the above example, it is not limited as long as it is an attribute related to conversion of another file format. After the file format conversion, the converted data is stored in the database 117 through the data management unit 107 (S1712), and the converted data is transmitted to the client device 1101 (S1713).

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication sequence between a series of client devices and a server device.

  In FIG. 18, reference numeral 1801 denotes QuerySupportFomat, which is an example of returning the file conversion support format called in step S1403. With this function, the table shown in FIG. 6A is returned to the client device 1101. Reference numeral 1802 denotes a CreateJob command which is an example of performing server initialization in step S1406. Reference numeral 1803 denotes a PutAttribute command when the client apparatus indicates notification of configuration information in step S1407. With this function, the client device 1101 notifies the server of the attribute shown in FIG. Reference numeral 1804 denotes a PutData command for notifying the input file shown in step S1408. In this command, the client device 1101 transmits the conversion source file to the server device 112. Reference numeral 1805 denotes a GetData command for receiving the converted file shown in step S1409. In this command, the client device 1101 acquires the converted file from the server device 112.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, the general-purpose file format conversion on the client is realized on the server side, and the problem that the file conversion module must be installed on all clients is solved. Further, when the client-configured file conversion system itself is updated, all the client systems are updated only by updating the server environment, thereby facilitating system management. Furthermore, since file conversion processing is performed by server management, the information processing apparatus of the client can construct a system with low specifications. With the above configuration, it is possible to construct an optimum application file exchange environment.

  As a storage medium for supplying the program code of this embodiment, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD, DVD, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, or the like is used. it can.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) operating on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

  Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a software configuration of the network system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the network system according to the first embodiment. FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a printer driver of the present embodiment. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of an application of a client device according to the first exemplary embodiment. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure for acquiring configuration information in S402 of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the table data which shows the conversion attribute of Embodiment 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a call sequence for acquiring configuration information of a printer device according to the first embodiment. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface displayed by an application of the client device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of an application of the server device according to the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example in which the server apparatus in S905 and S906 in FIG. 9 determines a conversion engine / conversion attribute. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a call sequence between a client and a server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a software configuration example of a network system according to a second embodiment. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a network system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of an application of a client device according to the second embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the user interface which the application of the client apparatus of Embodiment 2 displays. It is a figure which shows the example of the table data which shows the conversion attribute of Embodiment 2. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of an application of the server device according to the second embodiment. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a call sequence between a client and a server according to Embodiment 2. FIG.

Claims (30)

In a system comprising a client device and a server device connected via a network, a format conversion method for generating a plurality of types of format format output files from a plurality of types of format format input files,
The client device sends the input file and information indicating the format format of the output file to the server device,
The server device selects a suitable format conversion module from a plurality of mounted format conversion modules based on the received input file and information indicating the format format of the output file,
A format conversion method comprising: converting an input file by a selected format conversion module and returning the input file as an output file to the client device. The client device transmits a plurality of different information indicating the format format of the input file and the output file to the server device,
The format conversion method according to claim 1, wherein the server device selects a format conversion module applicable to the plurality of different pieces of information from a plurality of mounted format conversion modules.   3. The format conversion method according to claim 1, wherein the format format of the output file is a format format of a printer connected to the server apparatus.   4. The format conversion method according to claim 3, wherein the format conversion module is provided as a printer driver. A client device that operates in the user's client environment
Attribute acquisition means for acquiring attributes of peripheral devices for data output connected to the client device;
A conversion attribute transmitting means for transmitting a file for data output processing and the attribute of the peripheral device to the server device;
Obtaining means for obtaining a converted file having undergone format conversion suitable for the peripheral device from the file from the server device;
Output control means for controlling the output of the acquired format converted file,
The server device is
Attribute acquisition means for acquiring attribute information of the peripheral device from the client device;
File receiving means for receiving a file transmitted from the client device;
Analyzing the acquired attribute information, a conversion module selecting means for selecting a format conversion module suitable for the peripheral device from a plurality of format conversion modules;
Conversion attribute determining means for determining a conversion attribute of the format conversion module from the attribute information;
Conversion means for performing format conversion processing according to the determined conversion attribute;
A file conversion system comprising: transmission means for transmitting the converted file to the client device.   When the client device outputs data to a plurality of types of peripheral devices, the conversion module selection unit of the server device selects a format conversion module applicable to the plurality of types of peripheral devices from a plurality of format conversion modules. 6. The file conversion system according to claim 5, wherein:   7. The file conversion system according to claim 5, wherein the data output peripheral device is a printer. An information processing apparatus that operates in a user's client environment,
Attribute acquisition means for acquiring the attributes of the connected peripheral device for data output;
A conversion attribute transmitting means for transmitting a file for data output processing and the attribute of the peripheral device to the server device;
Obtaining means for obtaining a converted file having undergone format conversion suitable for the peripheral device from the file from the server device;
An information processing apparatus comprising: output control means for controlling the output of the acquired format-converted file. An information processing device that functions as a server for managing data of a client device,
Attribute acquisition means for acquiring attribute information of peripheral devices for data output from the client device;
File receiving means for receiving a file transmitted from the client device;
Analyzing the acquired attribute information, a conversion module selecting means for selecting a format conversion module suitable for the peripheral device from a plurality of format conversion modules;
Conversion attribute determining means for determining a conversion attribute of the format conversion module from the attribute information;
Conversion means for performing format conversion processing according to the determined conversion attribute;
An information processing apparatus comprising: a transmission unit configured to transmit the converted file to the client apparatus.   When the client device outputs data to a plurality of types of peripheral devices, the conversion module selection unit of the server device selects a format conversion module applicable to the plurality of types of peripheral devices from a plurality of format conversion modules. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9.   11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the peripheral device for data output is a printer. A client device that operates in the user's client environment
Transmission means for transmitting the format information of the input format and output format of the application operating on the client device, and the input file to the server device;
Obtaining means for obtaining an output file whose format has been converted based on the input file from the server device;
The server device is
Format information of the input format and output format of the application from the client device, and file receiving means for receiving an input file;
Conversion module selection means for selecting a suitable format conversion module from a plurality of format conversion modules based on the received format information and the input file;
Conversion means for performing format conversion processing according to the selected conversion attribute;
A file conversion system comprising: transmission means for transmitting the converted file to the client device.   When the client device outputs data in a plurality of types of output formats, the conversion module selection unit of the server device selects a format conversion module applicable to the plurality of types of output formats from the plurality of format conversion modules. The file conversion system according to claim 12, wherein:   14. The file conversion system according to claim 12, wherein the peripheral device for data output is a printer. An information processing apparatus that operates in a user's client environment,
Transmission means for transmitting the format information of the input format and output format of the application, and the input file to the server device;
An information processing apparatus comprising: an acquisition unit configured to acquire an output file whose format has been converted based on the input file from the server apparatus. An information processing device that functions as a server for managing data of a client device,
Format information of the input format and output format of the application from the client device, and file receiving means for receiving an input file;
Conversion module selection means for selecting a suitable format conversion module from a plurality of format conversion modules based on the received format information and the input file;
Conversion means for performing format conversion processing according to the selected conversion attribute;
An information processing apparatus comprising: transmission means for transmitting the converted file to the client apparatus.   When the client device outputs data in a plurality of types of output formats, the conversion module selection unit of the server device selects a format conversion module applicable to the plurality of types of output formats from the plurality of format conversion modules. The information processing apparatus according to claim 15 or 16, A method for controlling an information processing apparatus that operates in a client environment of a user,
An attribute acquisition step of acquiring the attributes of the connected peripheral device for data output;
A conversion attribute transmission step of transmitting a file for performing data output processing and the attribute of the peripheral device to the server device;
An acquisition step of acquiring a conversion file in which format conversion suitable for the peripheral device has been performed from the file from the server device;
An output control step of controlling the output of the acquired format-converted file. A method for controlling an information processing apparatus that functions as a server for managing data of a client apparatus,
An attribute acquisition step of acquiring attribute information of peripheral devices for data output from the client device;
A file receiving step for receiving a file transmitted from the client device;
Analyzing the acquired attribute information, a conversion module selecting step for selecting a format conversion module suitable for the peripheral device from a plurality of format conversion modules;
A conversion attribute determination step for determining a conversion attribute of the format conversion module from the attribute information;
Conversion means for performing format conversion processing according to the determined conversion attribute;
And a transmitting step of transmitting the converted file to the client device. A method for controlling a client device that operates in a client environment of a user,
A transmission step of transmitting the format information of the input format and output format of the application and the input file to the server device;
An information processing apparatus control method comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring an output file whose format has been converted based on the input file from the server apparatus. A method for controlling an information processing apparatus that functions as a server for managing data of a client apparatus,
Format information of the input format and output format of the application from the client device, and a file receiving step of receiving an input file;
A conversion module selection step of selecting a suitable format conversion module from a plurality of format conversion modules based on the received format information and the input file;
A conversion step of performing format conversion processing according to the selected conversion attribute;
And a transmitting step of transmitting the converted file to the client device.   When the client device outputs data in a plurality of types of output formats, in the conversion module selection step of the server device, a format conversion module applicable to the plurality of types of output formats is selected from a plurality of format conversion modules. The control method of the information processing apparatus according to claim 19 or 21,   A computer-executable program for realizing the control method according to any one of claims 18 to 22.   A storage medium for storing the program according to claim 23 in a computer-readable manner. Acquisition means for acquiring printer configuration information;
Determining means for determining a conversion engine based on printer configuration information acquired by the acquiring means;
An information processing apparatus comprising: execution means for executing file conversion processing using the conversion engine determined by the determination means. The determining unit determines a printing attribute according to a printer having a low printer capability,
26. The information processing apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the execution unit executes a file conversion process using the conversion engine and the print attribute determined by the determination unit. An acquisition process for acquiring configuration information of the printer;
A determination step of determining a conversion engine based on the configuration information of the printer acquired by the acquisition step;
An information processing apparatus control method comprising: an execution step of executing a file conversion process using the conversion engine determined in the determination step. In the determination step, a printing attribute is determined according to a printer having a low capability,
28. The method according to claim 27, wherein in the execution step, a file conversion process is executed using the conversion engine and the print attribute determined in the determination step. An acquisition process for acquiring configuration information of the printer;
A determination step of determining a conversion engine based on the configuration information of the printer acquired by the acquisition step;
A computer-readable program comprising: an execution step of executing a file conversion process using the conversion engine determined by the determination step. In the determination step, a printing attribute is determined according to a printer having a low capability,
28. The computer-readable program according to claim 27, wherein in the execution step, a file conversion process is executed using the conversion engine and the print attribute determined in the determination step.

Images