JP2009295080A - Print processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable stable operation by avoiding a situation in which printing becomes impossible without complicating a system or increasing the costs of the system. <P>SOLUTION: A print processing system is provided in which print data generated by a client PC 2 are temporarily stored into an storage server 4, a composite machine 1 acquires print data from the storage server in accordance with a user's operation in the composite machine, and printing is performed. In the print processing system, a plurality of storage servers are provided in accordance with a placement state of the client PC and a receiving server 6 for receiving print data from all the client PCs under control are provided. When receiving print data from the client PC, the receiving server selects the storage server which can normally store print data on the basis of respective states of the storage servers, transmits the print data to the storage server, and causes the storage server to store the print data therein. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  In the present invention, print data generated by an information processing apparatus for each user is temporarily stored in a storage server, and then the printing apparatus acquires the print data from the storage server and performs printing in response to a user operation on the printing apparatus. The present invention also relates to a print processing system in which the storage status of print data in a storage server is managed by a management server.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, network printing systems in which an information processing device (PC) for a user and a printing device (such as a multifunction device) are connected to a network in an office and the printing device is shared by a plurality of users have become widespread. In particular, the print data generated by the user information processing device is temporarily stored in the storage server (print server) for the purpose of saving expenses and ensuring the security of the printed document. A storage processing type print processing system is known in which a printing apparatus acquires print data of a document designated by a user from a storage server and performs printing only when it succeeds (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In this type of print processing system, it is necessary to have a function for managing the use of the printing apparatus for each user, and when the number of users is large and processing by one storage server is difficult, print data is stored in a plurality of storage servers. Therefore, a management server is provided separately from the storage server in order to manage the print data storage state in the storage server.
JP 2006-99714 A

  However, in the conventional technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, print data is sent from the user information processing apparatus to the storage server, while data including bibliographic information necessary for print data management is used for the user. Since the information processing apparatus for the user sends data to the print management server, the information processing apparatus for the user needs means for sending data to the two servers, that is, the storage server and the management server. There is a problem that the configuration becomes complicated. In addition, since print data and data including bibliographic information are sent separately, data consistency between the two servers is avoided so that there is no discrepancy between the contents stored on the storage server and the contents managed on the management server. Therefore, there is a problem that processing is complicated and processing is complicated.

  Furthermore, if the bibliographic information corresponding to the print data is not sent to the storage server, the storage server cannot restrict the use of the user who is the transmission source of the print data, and the storage server stores the print data indefinitely. In other words, when a large amount of print data is sent due to malicious or erroneous operation, there is a possibility that an overflow may easily occur in the storage server and printing may become impossible.

  Further, in a print processing system of the storage printing method, one storage server is assigned in advance to each user information processing apparatus, and when printing is instructed by the user information processing apparatus, print data is stored in the storage server. It is sent and accumulated. For this reason, if the storage server goes down, the user information processing apparatus to which the storage server is assigned cannot print until the storage server is restored, and the convenience is greatly impaired.

  On the other hand, in order to avoid such problems, it is conceivable to provide a backup system for each storage server. However, if there are a large number of storage servers installed in a large-scale system, a backup storage server must be installed. The number increases, and there arises a problem that the system becomes complicated and the cost increases.

  The present invention has been devised to solve such problems of the prior art, and its main purpose is to simplify the configuration of an information processing apparatus for a user in a print processing system using a storage printing method. In addition, it is possible to simplify the processing of the two servers that respectively store and manage print data, and reliably avoid a situation in which printing cannot be performed without incurring complexity and cost of the system. It is an object of the present invention to provide a print processing system configured to enable stable operation.

  The print processing system of the present invention temporarily stores print data generated by an information processing device for each user in a storage server, and then the print device receives print data from the storage server in response to a user operation on the printing device. In the print processing system in which the print server stores the print data stored in the storage server and manages the print data in the storage server according to the arrangement state of the information processing apparatus. A plurality of servers are provided and a reception server that receives print data from all the information processing devices under management is provided. When the reception server receives the print data from the information processing device, A storage server that can normally store the print data is selected, and the print data is transmitted to the storage server. Receives the print data from the reception server, accumulates the print data in its own device, and forwards the bibliographic information in the print data to the management server. The management server acquires the print data from the accumulation server. The print data storage state is managed in the storage server based on the bibliographic information.

  According to the present invention, since print data need only be sent to the reception server in the user information processing apparatus, the configuration of the user information processing apparatus can be simplified. Further, since the bibliographic information is sent to the management server via the storage server, it is not necessary to perform data matching between the storage server and the management server, and the processing at the storage server and the management server can be simplified.

  In addition, since a storage server that can normally store print data is selected and the print data is transmitted to and stored in the storage server, printing can be performed depending on the circumstances of the storage server without providing a storage server backup system. It is possible to surely avoid the situation of disappearance, and it is possible to construct a stable system without complicating the system and increasing the cost.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first invention in which print data generated by an information processing apparatus for each user is temporarily stored in a storage server, and then the printing apparatus is operated according to a user operation on the printing apparatus. In a print processing system in which print data is acquired from the storage server and printing is performed, and a storage state of print data in the storage server is managed by a management server, the storage server includes the information processing A plurality of servers are provided in accordance with the arrangement state of the apparatus, and a reception server that receives print data from all the information processing apparatuses under management is provided. When the reception server receives the print data from the information processing apparatus, A storage server capable of normal storage of print data is selected based on the state of each storage server, and the print data is sent to the storage server. When the storage server receives the print data from the reception server, the storage server stores the print data in its own device and transfers the bibliographic information in the print data to the management server. Based on the bibliographic information acquired from the storage server, the storage status of print data in the storage server is managed.

  According to this, since it is only necessary to send print data to the reception server in the user information processing apparatus, the configuration of the user information processing apparatus can be simplified. Further, since the bibliographic information is sent to the management server via the storage server, it is not necessary to perform data matching between the storage server and the management server, and the processing at the storage server and the management server can be simplified.

  In addition, since a storage server that can normally store print data is selected and the print data is transmitted to and stored in the storage server, printing can be performed depending on the circumstances of the storage server without providing a storage server backup system. It is possible to surely avoid the situation of disappearance, and it is possible to construct a stable system without complicating the system and increasing the cost.

  In this case, the print data includes print actual data and bibliographic information, and bibliographic information is added to the print actual data to obtain print data. For example, the print data and the bibliographic information are collected in a print data file. However, it is convenient for simplifying the transmission process, but it is also possible to send the actual print data and the bibliographic information separately. In the case of print data in which bibliographic information is added to actual print data, a process for extracting bibliographic information from the print data at the storage server is required.

  Here, the actual print data is a description of a specific content of a document in a page description language that can be interpreted by the printing device, and based on this, the document is printed by the printing device. The bibliographic information is attribute information such as user identification information, document name, date and time, and information processing apparatus identification information for the user, and print data can be managed based on the information. This bibliographic information is described in a print command language (for example, PJL (Printer Job Language)) and can be incorporated into print data, and the storage server extracts the bibliographic information by decoding the print command language.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention for solving the above-described problems, in the first aspect, the reception server acquires status information regarding a state from each of the storage servers, and print data is printed based on the status information. The storage server management table in which the status information and the information on the availability is registered for each storage server is created according to whether normal storage is possible or not, and the storage server is selected. It is set as the structure used for.

  According to this, since the status information of the storage server and the information regarding availability are registered in the storage server management table, the storage server selection process can be performed efficiently.

  In this case, it is preferable to determine the priority order when the storage server is available based on the status information of the storage server, and to register information regarding this priority order in the storage server management table. According to this, since a storage server that is more suitable for storing print data is preferentially selected, inconveniences such as errors that occur in the process of storing print data in the storage server can be avoided.

  The state where the print server cannot normally store the print data is a state such as down, insufficient capacity, or maintenance, and in such a state, it is determined that the print data cannot be used. Here, since the status information from the storage server is fixed, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the print data can be normally stored if the correspondence is determined in advance.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention for solving the above-described problems, in the first and second aspects, the reception server is provided for each group to which the information processing apparatus that is a transmission source of print data or a user who operates the information processing apparatus belongs. The storage server is selected according to the priority order set in (1).

  According to this, since the same storage server is selected between information processing apparatuses and users belonging to the same group, convenience in data management is improved.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention for solving the above-described problem, in the third aspect of the present invention, the priority order of the storage servers is in order from the information processing device in the group that is closest to the subnet in the network address. The configuration is attached.

  According to this, since the storage server close to the information processing apparatus in the group is preferentially selected, convenience in data management is improved.

  Usually, the network address (IP address) of an information processing device is often determined for each group unit such as a department, and groups such as departments are arranged adjacent to each other depending on business relevance. In many cases, subnets are set with sequential numbers in the order of their arrangement, so that the proximity of subnets and the proximity of positions generally correspond, and it is possible to select storage servers that are close in position depending on the proximity of subnets. .

  The information processing apparatus can be accurately and easily identified by the network address. In this case, the priority order of the storage servers may be set for each subnet with the group of information processing apparatuses as a subnet unit. In addition, for the convenience of management such as billing and usage restrictions, it is often determined which department a user belongs to. In this case, the priority order of the storage server is set for each department with the user group as the department. It is good to do.

  In addition, when a plurality of storage servers are installed in the same subnet, it is preferable to select a storage server having a high priority in the storage server management table.

  According to a fifth invention for solving the above-described problems, in the first and second inventions, the reception server is set for each of the information processing apparatus that is a transmission source of print data or a user who operates the information processing apparatus. The storage server is selected according to the priorities.

  According to this, since the storage server is specified for each information processing apparatus and user, convenience in data management is improved.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention for solving the above-described problem, in the fifth aspect, the priority of the storage server is the same subnet as the information processing apparatus or the printing apparatus frequently used by a user who operates the storage server. It is set as the structure ranked according to use frequency in an order from the thing which belongs to.

  According to this, since the storage server close to the printing apparatus normally used by the user is preferentially selected, convenience in data management is improved.

  In this case, a usage frequency calculation unit that calculates the usage frequency for each printing apparatus for each information processing apparatus or user is required. However, in the management server, information processing apparatuses, users, and Since the printing history management means for accumulating and managing information related to the printing apparatus is provided, it is preferable to provide a usage frequency calculation means in this management server and send the calculation result to the reception server. It is also possible to employ a configuration in which a usage frequency calculation means is provided in the reception server, and information required for processing there is obtained from the management server.

  In addition, when a plurality of storage servers are installed in the same subnet, it is preferable to select a storage server having a high priority in the storage server management table.

  If the storage server allocation and ranking are set in advance by the administrator, the administrator can freely set the storage server priority according to the convenience of data management. Improved convenience. For example, in the case of an information processing apparatus, a user, and a department that handle highly confidential documents, it is preferable to preferentially select an accumulation server that ensures high security against information leakage.

  A seventh invention made to solve the above-mentioned problems is that, in the first to sixth inventions, at least two reception servers are provided for normal use and for backup.

  According to this, when the reception server for normal times goes down, the reception processing can be continuously executed by the backup reception server, so that a robust system can be constructed. Since there is no need to provide a backup system for the storage server that is required in large numbers, the system is not complicated, and the cost can be reduced.

  According to an eighth aspect of the invention made to solve the above-described problem, print data generated by an information processing apparatus for each user is temporarily stored in a storage server, and then the printing apparatus is operated according to a user operation on the printing apparatus. In a print processing system in which print data is acquired from the storage server and printing is performed, and a storage state of print data in the storage server is managed by a management server, the storage server includes the information processing A plurality of devices are provided according to the arrangement state of the devices, and the management server is provided with a receiving unit that receives print data from all the information processing devices under management. The management server receives the print data from the information processing devices. Is received, the bibliographic information in the print data is stored in its own device, and the receiving means determines the status of each storage server. The storage server that can normally store the print data is selected, and the print data is transmitted to the storage server. When the storage server receives the print data from the management server, the print server stores the print data in its own device. The management server is configured to manage the storage status of print data in the storage server based on the bibliographic information stored in the self-device.

  According to this, in the information processing apparatus for the user, it is only necessary to send the bibliographic information to the management server at the time of transmitting the print data, so that the configuration of the information processing apparatus for the user can be simplified. Further, since the print data is sent from the management server to the storage server, it is not necessary to perform data matching between the storage server and the management server, and the processing at the storage server and the management server can be simplified.

  In addition, since a storage server that can normally store print data is selected and the print data is transmitted to and stored in the storage server, printing can be performed depending on the circumstances of the storage server without providing a storage server backup system. It is possible to surely avoid the situation of disappearance, and it is possible to construct a stable system without complicating the system and increasing the cost.

  Furthermore, since the reception means is provided in the management server, the system configuration can be simplified.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a print processing system according to the present invention. 2 and 3 are block diagrams showing a schematic configuration of each apparatus shown in FIG.

  In this print processing system, as shown in FIG. 1, in each department, a multifunction device 1, a user client PC (information processing device) 2, and a storage server 3 are connected via a sub-network, and a server room In FIG. 2, a management server 5, a reception server 6, and a client PC 7 for an administrator are connected via a subnetwork, and each unit's MFP 1, client PC 2, storage server 3, and server room management server 5 and the reception server are connected via the routers 11 and 12 and the backbone network.

  Here, the print data generated by the user client PC 2 is temporarily stored in the storage server 3, and then the multifunction device 1 acquires the print data from the storage server 3 and prints in response to a user operation on the multifunction device 1. In particular, after receiving print data from all managed client PCs 2 by the receiving server 6, the print data is distributed to an appropriate storage server 3 according to the state of each storage server 3.

  Further, the management server 5 manages the storage state of print data in the storage server 3. Furthermore, in this print processing system, an authentication server 8 and an AD (Active Directory) server 9 are connected, and printing is permitted only to authorized users permitted to use by user authentication in the authentication server 8. At the same time, the management server 5 manages the use of the multifunction device 1 for each user.

  A plurality of storage servers 3 are provided in the system according to the arrangement state of client PCs 2 for users. In this example, one storage server 3 is installed for each department (subnetwork). If there are few departments, one department may be installed together, or if there are many client PCs 2 in the department, a plurality of departments may be installed in one department.

  At least two reception servers 6 are provided for normal use and for backup, so that when the normal use reception server 6 goes down, the backup reception server 6 can continuously execute reception processing. It has become.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the multi function device 1 includes a printing unit 101, a control panel 102, a request / response unit (SOAP service) 103, a print data receiving unit (PORT9100 service) 104, and a card reader 105. is doing.

  The printing unit 101 forms an image of a document on recording paper based on print data by an electrophotographic process or the like. The control panel 102 is provided with a touch panel display on which keys for performing an input operation by the user are arranged and a required screen is displayed to allow the user to perform a selection operation. The request / response unit 103 processes requests and responses with the management server 5 and the authentication server 8 as counterparts. The print data receiving unit 104 receives print data from the storage server 3.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the client PC 2 includes a printer driver 201, a print data transmission unit (PORT Monitor) 202, a notification reception unit (TRAP service) 203, a display control unit (notification display application) 204, and a monitor 205. And have.

  The printer driver 201 generates print data described in a page description language (for example, PostScript) that can be interpreted by the multifunction device 1. The print data transmission unit 202 transmits print data to the storage server 3. The notification receiving unit 203 receives a storage completion notification and an error notification from the storage server 3. The display control unit 204 performs processing to display the received storage completion notification or error notification screen on the monitor 205.

  The storage server 3 includes a request / response unit (SOAP service) 301, a print data transmission / reception unit (PORT9100 service) 302, a notification transmission unit (TRAP service) 303, a document information database 304, and a document file storage unit (print data). Storage means) 305 and a storage server setting database 306.

  The request / response unit 301 processes requests and responses with the management server 5 and the authentication server 8 as counterparts. The print data transmission / reception unit 302 receives print data from the reception server 6 and transmits print data to the multi-function device 1. The notification transmission unit 303 transmits a storage completion notification and an error notification to the client PC 2. The document information database 304 registers document information for each document (print job). A document file storage unit 305 stores print data as a file. The accumulation server setting database 306 accumulates setting information and operation log information of the accumulation server 3.

  The management server 5 includes a request / response unit (SOAP service) 501, a management application 502, a bibliographic information database (bibliographic information storage unit) 503, a management server setting database 504, and a print history management unit 505. Yes.

  The request / response unit 501 processes requests and responses for the storage server 3 and the multifunction device 1 as counterparts. The management application 502 allows the administrator to perform management / setting related to processing performed in the management server 5. The bibliographic information database 503 registers bibliographic information for each document (print job). The management server setting database 504 stores setting information and operation log information of the management server 5. The print history management unit 505 accumulates and manages user identification information, client PC 2 identification information, MFP 1 identification information, and the like related to printing executed in the past (predetermined period).

  The reception server 6 includes a request / response unit (SOAP service) 601, a print data transmission / reception unit (PORT 9100 service) 602, a storage server management unit 603, and a storage server management database 604.

  The request / response unit 601 performs request and response processing with the storage server 3 and the management server 5 as counterparts. The print data transmission / reception unit 602 receives print data from the client PC 2 and transmits print data to the storage server 3. The storage server management unit 603 collects and manages status information from the storage server 3 and performs a process of selecting the storage server 3 as a print data distribution destination. The storage server management database 604 stores status information of the storage server 3 and information related to the priority order of the storage servers when distributing print data to the storage servers.

  As illustrated in FIG. 3, the authentication server 8 includes a request / response unit (SOAP service) 801, a setting GUI (graphical user interface) 802, a user information database 803, and an authentication server setting database 804. .

  The request / response unit 801 processes requests and responses for the storage server 3 and the multifunction device 1 as counterparts. The setting GUI 802 allows the administrator to set the authentication server 8. The user information database 803 stores information required for user authentication. The authentication server setting database 804 stores setting information of the authentication server 8.

  FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing a processing procedure in the print processing system shown in FIG.

  First, when the user instructs printing in the user client PC 2, print data is sent from the client PC 2 to the receiving server 6, and the receiving server 6 selects the storage server 3 to which the print data is distributed, and the storage server 3. The user authentication is performed by the authentication server 8 to verify whether the user who is the transmission source of the print data is a legitimate user permitted to print, and the user authentication here is performed. If successful, the print data is stored in the storage server 3, and the bibliographic information in the print data is transferred from the storage server 3 to the management server 5.

  The print data stored in the storage server 3 can be printed out by any multifunction device 1. The user moves to the required multifunction device 1 and inserts an IC card into the card reader 105 of the multifunction device 1. When held over, user authentication for verifying whether or not the user is a legitimate user permitted to use the multifunction device 1 is performed in the authentication server 8, and if the user authentication here is successful, the user is related. When the management server 5 is searched for a document and the user selects a required document from the found documents and instructs printing, the MFP 1 sends a print request to the management server 5. A print data transfer request is made to the storage server 3. In response to this, the print data is transferred from the storage server 3 to the multifunction device 1, and the multifunction device 1 prints a document.

  FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing a processing procedure from print data generation to bibliographic information registration in the print processing system shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing an overview of bibliographic information processing in the client PC, storage server, and management server shown in FIG.

  When the client PC 2 instructs printing of a document with a required application, as shown in FIG. 5, print data is created in the printer driver 201 and is sent from the print data transmission unit 202 to the print data transmission / reception unit 602 of the reception server 6. A print (storage) instruction is transmitted together with the print data.

  At this time, the print data generated by the printer driver 201 of the client PC 2 includes, as the bibliographic information, the user ID, the account ID, the document name, the print date, the number of copies, in addition to the actual print data indicating the specific contents of the document. Information about the number of pages, the print data version, and the IP address of the client PC 2 is described in a print command language (for example, PJL (Printer Job Language)) (see FIG. 6).

  When the reception server 6 receives print data from the client PC 2, a status inquiry for examining the state of the storage server 3 is received from the request / response unit 601 from the request / response unit 601 under the instruction of the storage server management unit 603. It is transmitted to the request / response unit 301.

  When the storage server 3 receives the status inquiry from the reception server 6, it reads the status information collected and held by the self-diagnosis function in its own device, and the status response with this status information is sent from the request / response unit 301. It is transmitted to the request / response unit 601 of the reception server 6.

  When the reception server 6 receives the status response from the storage server 3, the process of selecting the storage server 3 capable of normal storage of print data based on the status information of the storage server 3 acquired here is storage server management. The print data is transmitted from the print data transmission / reception unit 602 to the print data transmission / reception unit 302 of the storage server 3.

  When the storage server 3 receives the print data from the reception server 6, it performs a process of decoding the command language for printing in the print data and extracting the bibliographic information. Then, a user authentication request with user information (user ID, account ID, etc.) in the bibliographic information is transmitted from the request / response unit 301 to the request / response unit 601 of the authentication server 8.

  Upon receiving the user authentication request from the storage server 3, the authentication server 8 performs user authentication based on the user information acquired here, and a user authentication response with authentication result information indicating success or failure of the user authentication is requested. The data is transmitted from the / response unit 601 to the request / response unit 301 of the storage server 3.

  The storage server 3 receives the user authentication response from the authentication server 8, and when the user authentication is successful, a process of storing the print data acquired from the client PC 2 in the document file storage unit 305 is performed. When the storage of the print data is finished, a bibliographic information registration request with bibliographic information is transmitted from the request / response unit 301 to the request / response unit 501 of the management server 5. (See FIG. 6).

  When receiving the bibliographic information registration request from the storage server 3, the management server 5 performs processing for registering the bibliographic information acquired thereby in the bibliographic information database 503. Also, print job identification information (document ID) and registration date / time corresponding to the bibliographic information are issued, and the bibliographic information obtained from the storage server 3 is obtained from this document ID, registration date / time and identification information (for example, IP address) of the storage server 3. (See FIG. 6). Then, a bibliographic information registration response with the document ID and registration date / time is transmitted from the request / response unit 501 of the management server 5 to the request / response unit 301 of the storage server 3.

  Upon receiving the bibliographic information registration response from the management server 5, the storage server 3 associates the acquired document ID, registration date and time with the print data (see FIG. 6), and registers it in the document information database 304. Then, a storage completion notification indicating that the storage of the print data has been completed normally is transmitted from the notification transmission unit 303 of the storage server 3 to the notification reception unit 203 of the client PC 2.

  When the client PC 2 receives the storage completion notification from the storage server 3, based on the storage completion notification, the display control unit 204 displays a message screen indicating that the print data storage has been completed normally on the monitor 205. The user can confirm the completion of print data accumulation.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a storage server management table used in the reception server shown in FIG. 8, FIG. 9, and FIG. 10 are diagrams showing storage server selection tables used in the reception server shown in FIG. The storage server management table and the storage server selection table are stored in the storage server management database 604 and managed by the storage server management unit 603.

  In the storage server management table shown in FIG. 7, status information for each storage server 3, and usage determination information related to the priority in the case of availability / non-usability and availability are registered. The status information for each storage server 3 is acquired from the storage server 3 and registered, and based on the status information, use / non-use of the storage server 3 and priority in the case of use are determined.

  In this example, when waiting (READY) and during printing (Busy), it is determined that it can be used, and when there is no remaining storage (HDD Full), during maintenance, and when there is no response, it cannot be used. Judging. As for the priority order of the storage servers 3, the storage server 3 in standby (READY) is given priority over the storage server 3 in printing (Busy).

  The storage server selection tables shown in FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 are used when the storage server management unit 603 selects the storage server 3 as a print data distribution destination. When the storage server 3 is selected and the storage server 3 with the higher priority is not available in the storage server management table shown in FIG. 7, the storage server 3 with the lower priority is selected.

  In the example shown in FIG. 8, with respect to subnets (192.168.1. *, 192.168.2. *), The storage server 3 is assigned to each subnet (group) to which the client PC 2 belongs, and according to the priority order set in advance for each subnet. The storage server 3 is selected. In particular, the storage server 3 is ranked in descending order from the client PC 2 instructed to print, and the storage server 3 close to the position of the client PC 2 instructed to print is preferentially selected. . The allocation and ranking of the storage servers 3 are fixed and set in advance by an administrator.

  In the subnet (192.168.3. *), The setting is made to dynamically select the storage server 3 (Auto). In this case, the storage servers in order from the one closest to the subnet to which the client PC 2 to which printing is instructed belong. 3 is selected. When a plurality of storage servers 3 are installed in the same subnet, the storage server 3 having a higher priority in the storage server management table shown in FIG. 7 is selected.

  In the example shown in FIG. 9, with respect to each department (group) of sales and general affairs, the accumulation server 3 is assigned to each department to which the user belongs, and the accumulation server 3 is selected according to a preset priority for each department. In this case, the ranking is made in descending order from the client PC 2 in the department that is closest to the subnet, and the storage server 3 that is close to the client PC 2 in the department is preferentially selected. The allocation and ranking of the storage servers 3 are fixed and set in advance by an administrator.

  Note that the management server 5 determines which department the user belongs to by the user identification information (user ID) for the convenience of management such as billing and usage restrictions. Based on the information on the association with the department and the identification information of the user in the bibliographic information, the reception server 6 can determine the department to which the user belongs.

  In addition, each group of accounting and subnet (192.168.3. *) Has a setting (Auto) for dynamically selecting the storage server 3, and is similar to the subnet to which the client PC 2 instructed to print belongs as described above. The storage server 3 is selected in order from the first.

  In the example shown in FIG. 10, the storage server 3 is assigned to each user, and the storage server 3 is selected according to the priority set for each user. In particular, here, the storage server 3 is assigned to the same subnet as the MFP 1 that is frequently used by the user. In order from the one to which it belongs, it is ranked according to the frequency of use, and for each user, it is located in the storage server 3 installed in the same subnet as the multifunction device 1 that is frequently used, that is, in the multifunction device 1 that is normally used by the user. The storage server 3 that is closest to each other is preferentially selected.

  The usage status of the multifunction device 1 for each user is tabulated and managed by the print history management unit 505 of the management server 5. Each time the printing is finished or after an appropriate period, the multifunction device 1 of the multifunction device 1 is used. The usage frequency is updated and sent to the reception server 6.

  Here, since there is no third most frequently used subnet for the user ID 0003, the setting is made to dynamically select the storage server 3 (Auto). The storage servers 3 are selected in order from the one closest to the subnet to which it belongs.

  Here, the storage server 3 is assigned and ranked based on the usage frequency of the multifunction device 1 aggregated for each user, but based on the usage frequency of the multifunction device 1 aggregated for each client PC 2. It is also possible to do this.

  Further, in this example, the priority order of the storage servers 3 is changed according to the change in the usage frequency of the multifunction device 1, but the allocation and ranking of the storage servers 3 are changed as in the examples of FIGS. It may be fixed and set in advance by the administrator.

  FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating a processing procedure from a print instruction to a print end in the multifunction peripheral in the print processing system illustrated in FIG.

  In the multifunction device 1, when the user selects the printer function on the main screen displayed on the control panel 102, an authentication waiting screen is displayed. When the user holds the IC card over the card reader 105, the information is stored in the IC card. Authentication information (such as a user ID) is read, and a user authentication request with this authentication information is transmitted from the request / response unit 103 to the request / response unit 601 of the authentication server 8.

  When the authentication server 8 receives the user authentication request from the multifunction device 1, user authentication is performed based on the acquired authentication information, and a user authentication response with authentication result information indicating success or failure of the user authentication is requested. The data is transmitted from the response unit 601 to the request / response unit 103 of the multifunction device 1.

  The MFP 1 receives the user authentication response from the authentication server 8, and when the user authentication is successful, the document list information request with the user information (user ID, etc.) acquired from the IC card is a request / response. The message is transmitted from the unit 103 to the request / response unit 501 of the management server 5.

  When the management server 5 receives the document list information request from the multifunction device 1, the bibliographic information of the document related to the corresponding user in the bibliographic information database 503 is obtained based on the user information (such as user ID) acquired here. A document list information response that is searched for and includes bibliographic information regarding all the documents found here is transmitted from the request / response unit 501 to the request / response unit 103 of the multifunction device 1.

  When the multifunction device 1 receives a document list information response from the management server 5, a document list screen is displayed on the control panel 102 based on the bibliographic information acquired here. When the user selects a required document on this document list screen and operates the print button, a deletion confirmation screen is displayed. This deletion confirmation screen inquires whether or not to delete the print data of the corresponding document after printing is completed. When the user selects deletion on this deletion confirmation screen, the document identification information (document ID, etc.) And a document print request with deletion instruction information transmitted from the request / response unit 103 to the request / response unit 501 of the management server 5.

  When the management server 5 receives a document print request from the multi-function device 1, based on the document identification information (document ID, etc.) acquired here, the management server 5 accumulates print data relating to the specified document in the bibliographic information database 503. When the server 3 is searched and the corresponding storage server 3 is found, a document print response is transmitted from the request / response unit 501 to the request / response unit 103 of the multifunction device 1, and the multifunction device 1 accepts printing. Is displayed. Also, a print data transfer request with document identification information (such as a document ID) and output destination MFP 1 identification information (such as an IP address) is sent from the request / response unit 501 of the management server 5 to the storage server 3. It is transmitted to the request / response unit 301.

  When the storage server 3 receives the print data transfer request from the management server 5, the storage server 3 searches for the print data stored in the document file storage unit 305 based on the document identification information (document ID, etc.) acquired here. When the corresponding print data is found, the print data transmission / reception unit 302 sends the print data transmission / reception unit 302 to the print data reception unit 104 of the multifunction device 1 based on the identification information (IP address or the like) of the output destination multifunction device 1 acquired from the management server 5. On the other hand, print data is transmitted, and the multifunction device 1 prints the document.

  FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing a processing procedure performed after the document printing shown in FIG.

  When the multifunction device 1 prints the document as shown in FIG. 11, a print completion notification is transmitted from the request / response unit 103 to the request / response unit 501 of the management server 5.

  When the management server 5 receives the print completion notification from the multifunction device 1, it determines whether or not the document is set to be deleted after printing. If the setting is to delete, the document identification information ( A print data deletion request with a document ID is transmitted from the request / response unit 501 to the request / response unit 301 of the storage server 3.

  The management server 5 reads user identification information (user ID) and multifunction machine identification information (IP address) regarding the print job that has received the print completion notification from the bibliographic information database 503, and the print history management unit 505 reads the user identification information. A process of updating the usage frequency for each other multifunction device 1 is performed, and information regarding the usage frequency is transmitted from the request / response unit 501 to the request / response unit 601 of the reception server 6.

  When receiving the information on the usage frequency from the management server 5, the reception server 6 determines the priority order of the storage server 3 for each user based on the usage frequency, and updates the storage server selection table shown in FIG. Processing is performed.

  It is also possible to cause the reception server 6 to calculate the use frequency. In this case, user identification information (user ID) and multifunction machine identification information (IP address) relating to the print job that has received the print completion notification are included. The management server 5 notifies the reception server 6.

  When the storage server 3 receives the print data deletion request from the management server 5, the storage server 3 applies the corresponding print data stored in the document file storage unit 305 based on the document identification information (document ID, etc.) acquired here. A process of searching print data of a document to be performed is performed, and the print data found in this process is deleted, and a process of deleting bibliographic information related to the corresponding document registered in the document information database 304 is performed. Then, a print data deletion response is transmitted from the request / response unit 301 to the request / response unit 501 of the management server 5.

  When the management server 5 receives the print data deletion response from the storage server 3, the management server 5 performs processing for deleting the bibliographic information related to the corresponding document registered in the bibliographic information database 503.

  FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing a processing procedure for creating / updating the storage server management table shown in FIG.

  As shown in (A), when the reception server 6 is activated, a storage server information request for information on the storage server 3 registered in the management server 5 is transmitted to the management server 5. When the management server 5 receives the storage server information request from the reception server 6, it reads out the identification information (IP address) of all the storage servers 3 registered in its own device from the database, and obtains the identification information of the storage server 3. The attached storage server information response is transmitted to the reception server 6. When receiving the storage server information response from the management server 5, the reception server 6 performs a process of creating a storage server management table based on the acquired identification information of the storage server 3.

  Next, in the reception server 6, a status inquiry for investigating the state of the storage server 3 is transmitted to each storage server 3. When each storage server 3 receives a status inquiry from the reception server 6, it reads the status information collected and held in its own device, and a status response with this status information is transmitted to the reception server 6. The When the reception server 6 receives the status response from each storage server 3, based on the status information for each storage server 3 acquired here, the status of each storage server 3, availability / non-use, and availability In this case, an update process for registering information on the priority level in the case in the storage server management table is performed.

  When the management server 5 detects that the storage server 3 has changed, such as an increase or decrease, the management server 5 sends a change notification with information on the change contents of the storage server 3 to the reception server 6 as shown in FIG. Sent to. Upon receiving the change notification from the management server 5, the reception server 6 performs a process of updating the storage server management table based on the change contents of the storage server 3 acquired here, and then the update of the storage server management table is normal. A change end notification indicating that the process has ended is transmitted to the management server 5.

  When the storage server 3 is added, the reception server 6 makes a status inquiry to the storage server 3 as shown in (C) in response to an update instruction from the administrator. The status response of the storage server 3 is acquired from the status response sent from the server 3, and the process of updating the storage server management table based on this status information is performed.

  In addition, when the status information of the storage server 3 is acquired by the status response received when the status inquiry is performed as appropriate, the status information of the storage server 3 is compared with the registered contents of the storage server management table. If there is a difference, a process of updating the storage server management table based on the status information acquired from the storage server 3 is performed.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 5, when the status information is acquired from the storage server 3 when the print data is received from the client PC 2, the normality of the print data is determined based on the latest state of the storage server 3. Therefore, it is possible to reliably avoid the occurrence of an error in the process of accumulating print data in the accumulation server 3.

  FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a processing procedure according to another example of the print processing system according to the present invention. Here, the receiving server 6 in the above example is combined with the management server 5, and the management server 5 includes a receiving unit (receiving unit) 511 that receives print data from all the client PCs 2 under management. I have. Note that the details of the processing performed by the reception unit 511 of the management server 5 are the same as those of the reception server 6 in the above example.

  First, when the user instructs printing on the user client PC 2, print data is sent from the client PC 2 to the management server 5, and the bibliographic information in the print data is extracted and stored in the own apparatus. Based on the information, the storage state of the print data in the storage server 3 is managed.

  Further, in the receiving unit 511 of the management server 5, the storage server 3 that can normally store print data is selected according to the state of each storage server 3, and the print data is sent to the storage server 3. Then, user authentication for verifying whether or not the user who is the transmission source of the print data is an authorized user permitted to print is performed by the authentication server 8, and if the user authentication here is successful, the management server 5 The print data acquired from is stored in the storage server 3.

  The subsequent processing, that is, the print output of the print data stored in the storage server 3 is the same as the example of FIG.

  The print processing system according to the present invention can simplify the configuration of the information processing apparatus for the user, simplify the processing in the two servers that respectively store and manage print data, and further complicate the system. The printing data generated by the information processing device for each user is temporarily stored in the storage server, which has the effect of ensuring stable operation by reliably avoiding the situation where printing cannot be performed without increasing the cost and cost. In addition, the printing apparatus acquires print data from the storage server in accordance with a user operation on the printing apparatus and performs printing, and the management server manages the storage state of the print data in the storage server. This is useful as a print processing system.

1 is a system configuration diagram showing a print processing system according to the present invention. The block diagram which shows schematic structure of each apparatus shown in FIG. The block diagram which shows schematic structure of each apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a processing procedure in the print processing system shown in FIG. FIG. 1 is a sequence diagram showing a processing procedure from print data generation to bibliographic information registration in the print processing system shown in FIG. Conceptual diagram showing an overview of bibliographic information processing in the client PC, storage server, and management server shown in FIG. The figure which shows the storage server management table used with the reception server shown in FIG. The figure which shows an example of the accumulation | storage server selection table used with the reception server shown in FIG. The figure which shows another example of the storage server selection table used with the reception server shown in FIG. The figure which shows another example of the storage server selection table used with the reception server shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing a processing procedure from a print instruction to a print end in a multifunction peripheral in the print processing system shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing a processing procedure performed after the document printing shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing processing procedures for creating / updating the storage server management table shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a processing procedure according to another example of the print processing system according to the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 MFP 3 Storage Server 5 Management Server 6 Reception Server 103 Request / Response Unit 104 Print Data Receiving Unit 201 Printer Driver 202 Print Data Transmission Unit 301 Request / Response Unit 302 Print Data Transmission / Reception Unit 303 Notification Transmission Unit 304 Document Information Database 305 Document File storage unit 501 Request / response unit 503 Bibliographic information database 504 Management server setting database 505 Print history management unit 601 Request / response unit 602 Print data transmission / reception unit 603 Storage server management unit 604 Storage server management database

Claims (8)

The print data generated by the information processing apparatus for each user is temporarily stored in the storage server, and the printing apparatus acquires the print data from the storage server and performs printing in response to a user operation on the printing apparatus. And a print processing system in which the management server manages the print data storage status in the storage server,
A plurality of storage servers are provided according to the arrangement state of the information processing apparatus, and a reception server that receives print data from all the information processing apparatuses under management is provided.
When the reception server receives the print data from the information processing apparatus, the reception server selects a storage server capable of normal storage of print data based on each state of the storage server, and prints the print data to the storage server. Send data,
When the storage server receives the print data from the reception server, the storage server stores the print data in its own device and transfers bibliographic information in the print data to the management server.
The management server manages a storage state of print data in the storage server based on bibliographic information acquired from the storage server.   The reception server acquires status information regarding a state from each of the storage servers, determines whether or not the print data can be normally stored based on the status information, and determines whether or not the status information can be used. The print processing system according to claim 1, wherein a storage server management table in which information relating to availability and availability is registered for each storage server is created and used to select the storage server.   The said reception server selects the said accumulation | storage server according to the priority set for every group to which the said information processing apparatus of the transmission origin of print data or the user who operates it belongs. 3. The print processing system according to 2.   4. The print processing system according to claim 3, wherein the priority order of the storage servers is ranked in descending order of the information processing apparatus in the group and the subnet in the network address.   The said reception server selects the said storage server according to the priority set for every said information processing apparatus of the transmission source of print data, or the user who operates it, The claim 1 or 2 characterized by the above-mentioned. Print processing system.   The priority order of the storage servers is ranked according to the usage frequency in order from the information processing apparatus or the user belonging to the same subnet as the printing apparatus having a high usage frequency by a user operating the storage server. 5. The print processing system according to 5.   The print processing system according to claim 1, wherein at least two reception servers are provided for normal use and for backup. The print data generated by the information processing apparatus for each user is temporarily stored in the storage server, and the printing apparatus acquires the print data from the storage server and performs printing in response to a user operation on the printing apparatus. And a print processing system in which the management server manages the print data storage status in the storage server,
A plurality of the storage servers are provided according to the arrangement state of the information processing apparatus, and the management server is provided with a receiving unit that receives print data from all the information processing apparatuses under management.
When the management server receives the print data from the information processing apparatus, the management server accumulates the bibliographic information in the print data in its own apparatus, and the reception unit stores the print data based on the state of the accumulation server. Select a storage server capable of normal storage, send the print data to the storage server,
When the storage server receives the print data from the management server, the storage server stores the print data in its own device,
The management server manages a print data storage state in the storage server based on bibliographic information stored in its own device.

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