JP4895800B2 - PRINT SYSTEM, PRINT MANAGEMENT SERVER, PRINTING DEVICE, PRINT SYSTEM CONTROL METHOD, PRINT MANAGEMENT SERVER CONTROL METHOD, PRINT DEVICE CONTROL METHOD, AND PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to printing of data created by an application. In particular, when print data is temporarily stored using a print server or the like and printing is performed, a print request for the temporarily stored print data is made from a desired printing apparatus. The control of the printing system that enables printing from the printing apparatus.

  Conventionally, a so-called “pull print (accumulated printing)” printing system that enables a user to output print data from the printing apparatus by making a print request to the print data temporarily accumulated on the server from the printing apparatus. Has been proposed. Accordingly, the user can output print data from a desired printing apparatus instead of outputting to a specific printing apparatus when printing from an application.

For example, in Patent Document 1, bibliographic information of print data is managed by a print management server, a print server storing the corresponding print data is specified based on a print request from a multifunction peripheral, and a print command is sent to the print server. A pull print system capable of distributing the load by transmitting a message is disclosed.
JP 2006-99714 A

  However, in the system described in Patent Document 1, since print servers that execute print jobs are distributed, when a print error occurs, which print job stored in which print server is not printed, The user has to appropriately select the print server, inquire, and grasp whether the printing has been successful, which has caused complicated work.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to store print data stored in a print server for stored printing in a pull printing system when the print data is output from a desired printing apparatus by a printing method in which the print data transmission result cannot be directly notified to the printing apparatus . Which print data failed to be printed by deleting from the list the output result indicating successful output by the print method of the print server and the print data determined to have been printed according to the completion of printing in the printing device . It is an object of the present invention to provide a mechanism capable of easily grasping which print data has been successfully printed.

The present invention is a print system in which one or a plurality of information processing apparatuses, a storage printing print server, a print management server, and one or a plurality of printing apparatuses can communicate via a communication medium, and the storage printing The print server includes a storage unit that stores the print data generated by the information processing apparatus, and a bibliographic information data including information specifying the print data stored in the storage unit. Print data transmission result based on information command transmission means and a print command signal transmitted from the print management server and including information specifying a printing apparatus for which an output instruction has been issued and information specifying the stored print data in order to print a printing device for which the said output instruction by a printing method that can not be notified to the direct printing apparatus, to respond to information identifying the print data A print data output means for outputting the print data, indicating the output success by the printing system obtained by outputting the print data in the print data output means, said print management output results including information for identifying the print data Notification means for notifying a server, wherein the print management server stores and manages bibliographic information data including information for specifying the print data received from the storage print server, A print request signal that transmits a list including information for specifying the print data to the printing apparatus, and receives a print request signal including information for specifying print data output by the user from the transmitted list. The receiving means and the information specifying the print data included in the print request signal received by the print request signal receiving means. Print command signal output means for outputting a print command signal including information specifying the print device and the print data to a print server for storage printing storing the print data in order to output print data to be printed The print request signal transmits a print result including information for specifying print data indicating successful printing in the stored print server in accordance with the output result indicating the successful output notified from the stored print server. A printing result notifying means for notifying the printed printing apparatus, the printing apparatus receiving a list including information for specifying the print data from the print management server, and a receiving means for receiving the printing result; a user; A print request signal including information for specifying print data to be printed by the printing apparatus, which is instructed to be output in accordance with the designation, is transmitted to the print management server A print requesting means for printing, a printing means for receiving and printing print data transmitted by the printing method from the storage print server in response to the print request signal, and a list received by the receiving means. Display means, acquisition means for acquiring print data for which printing has been completed in the printing apparatus , information for specifying print data included in a print result received by the reception means, and acquisition by the acquisition means And deleting means for deleting the print data matching the information for specifying the print data from the list displayed by the display means.

According to the present invention, when print data accumulated in a print server for accumulated printing in a pull print system is output from a desired printing apparatus by a printing method in which the print data transmission result cannot be directly notified to the printing apparatus , Which print data failed to be printed by deleting from the list the output result indicating successful output by the print method of the print server and the print data determined to have been printed according to the completion of printing in the printing device . Thus, it is possible to easily grasp which print data has been successfully printed.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a printing system to which an information processing apparatus, a print server, a print management server, and a printing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied.

  As shown in “Office A” in FIG. 1, the print system according to the present embodiment is installed in one or more client PCs 100 (for example, for each user) and one or more print servers 200 (for example, for each floor of a company building). ) One or a plurality of MFPs 300 (for example, installed for each floor of a company building), a print management server 400, one or a plurality of login service PCs 500 (for example, installed for each floor of a company building), and a directory service server 600 for a local area It is configured to be connected via a network (LAN) 700.

  A printer driver is installed in the client PC 100. The printer driver generates print data based on data received from the application program, transmits the print data to the print server 200, and the like. Can be stored in the storage location (spool area).

  The print server 200 can generate bibliographic information data corresponding to the print data received from the client PC 100, transmit it to the print management server 400, and store it in a predetermined storage location of the print management server 400.

  The print server 200 controls the transfer of the print data stored in the predetermined storage location to the multi-function device 300 based on a command for executing LPR received from the outside.

  The print management server 400 includes a bibliographic information DB (shown in FIG. 6 described later), and bibliographic information (prints stored in the print server 200) transmitted from the print server 200 when “pull print” is executed in the present embodiment. Bibliographic information) corresponding to the data is received and stored and managed by the bibliographic information DB.

  In addition, the print management server 400 stores an IC card authentication table (not shown) (having items such as a card manufacturing number, a user name, and an email address), and in response to an authentication request by the IC card from the MFP 300, Authentication processing is performed using the IC card authentication table.

  Further, the print management server 400 describes a print instruction for the print data in the bibliographic information in response to a print request from the multifunction device 300 (print data print request corresponding to the bibliographic information managed in the bibliographic information DB). To the device (print server 200) corresponding to the IP address.

  The login service PC 500 uses the login user name and password of the client PC 100 stored and managed by the directory service server 600 as the login service of the MFP 300 (for example, the login user name and password of Microsoft Windows (registered trademark)). Authentication processing based on SSO (Single Sign-ON), for example, a personal computer equipped with a security agent (Security Agent) service of Canon Inc.

  The directory service server 600 includes hardware resources such as servers, clients, and printers existing on the network, and attributes of users who use them (login user name and password of the client PC 100 (for example, Microsoft Windows (registered trademark)). Information such as a login user name and password), and an access right, etc., for example, a server equipped with an active directory function.

  In the print system according to the present embodiment, the “office A” having the above-described configuration is connected to one or more client PCs 100, one or more print servers 200, one or more multifunction devices 300 via a LAN 700. A configuration in which one or a plurality of “offices B” having the above configuration is connected via the WAN 800 may be used.

  In this embodiment, the IC card authentication table is provided in the print management server 400, and the print management server 400 is configured to perform IC card authentication. However, the print management server 400 cooperates with the login service PC 500. Authentication may be executed by the login service PC 500. At this time, the print management server 400 does not refer to the IC card authentication table if authentication is performed by the login service PC 500 and it can be determined that the user is an authorized user.

  Hereinafter, the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus applicable to the client PC 100, the print server 200, the print management server 400, the login service PC 500, and the directory service server 600 illustrated in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus applicable to the client PC 100, the print server 200, the print management server 400, the login service PC 500, and the directory service server 600 illustrated in FIG.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a CPU that comprehensively controls each device and controller connected to the system bus 204. Further, the ROM 202 or the external memory 211 is necessary to realize a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) or an operating system program (hereinafter referred to as an OS), which is a control program of the CPU 201, or a function executed by each server or each PC. Various programs to be described later are stored.

  A RAM 203 functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 201. The CPU 201 implements various operations by loading a program or the like necessary for execution of processing from the ROM 202 or the external memory 211 into the RAM 203 and executing the loaded program.

  An input controller 205 controls input from a keyboard (KB) 209 or a pointing device such as a mouse (not shown). A video controller 206 controls display on a display device such as a CRT display (CRT) 210. In FIG. 2, although described as CRT 210, the display device is not limited to the CRT, but may be another display device such as a liquid crystal display. These are used by the administrator as needed.

  A memory controller 207 is connected to the hard disk (HD), flexible disk (FD), or PCMCIA card slot for storing a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, various data, etc. via an adapter. The access to the external memory 211 such as a compact flash (registered trademark) memory is controlled.

  A communication I / F controller 208 is connected to and communicates with an external device via a network (for example, the LAN 700 shown in FIG. 1), and executes communication control processing on the network. For example, communication using TCP / IP is possible.

  Note that the CPU 201 enables display on the CRT 210 by executing outline font rasterization processing on a display information area in the RAM 203, for example. In addition, the CPU 201 enables a user instruction with a mouse cursor (not shown) on the CRT 210.

  Various programs to be described later for realizing the present invention are recorded in the external memory 211 and executed by the CPU 201 by being loaded into the RAM 203 as necessary. Furthermore, definition files and various information tables used when executing the program are also stored in the external memory 211, and a detailed description thereof will be described later.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the controller unit that controls the multifunction peripheral 300 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the controller unit of the multifunction peripheral 300 illustrated in FIG.

  In FIG. 3, reference numeral 316 denotes a controller unit which is connected to a scanner 314 functioning as an image input device and a printer 312 functioning as an image output device, while being connected to a LAN (for example, the LAN 700 shown in FIG. 1) or a public line (WAN). By connecting to (for example, PSTN or ISDN), input / output of image data and device information is performed.

  In the controller unit 316, reference numeral 301 denotes a CPU, which is a processor that controls the entire system. A RAM 302 is a system work memory for the CPU 301 to operate, and is also a program memory for recording a program and an image memory for temporarily recording image data.

  A ROM 303 stores a system boot program and various control programs. A hard disk drive (HDD) 304 stores various programs for controlling the system, image data, and the like.

  An operation unit interface (operation unit I / F) 307 is an interface unit with the operation unit (UI) 308 and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 308 to the operation unit 308. The operation unit I / F 307 serves to transmit information (for example, user information) input by the system user from the operation unit 308 to the CPU 301. Note that the operation unit 308 includes a display unit having a touch panel, and various instructions can be given by a user pressing (touching with a finger or the like) a button displayed on the display unit.

  A network interface (Network I / F) 305 is connected to a network (LAN) and inputs / outputs data. A modem (MODEM) 306 is connected to a public line and inputs / outputs data such as FAX transmission / reception.

  Reference numeral 318 denotes an external interface (external I / F), which is an I / F unit that accepts external inputs such as USB, IEEE 1394, printer port, and RS-232C. In this embodiment, for reading an IC card required for authentication The card reader 319 is connected to the external I / F unit 318. The CPU 301 can control reading of information from the IC card by the card reader 319 via the external I / F 318, and can acquire information read from the IC card. The above devices are arranged on the system bus 309.

  Reference numeral 320 denotes an image bus interface (IMAGE BUS I / F), which is a bus bridge that connects the system bus 309 and an image bus 315 that transfers image data at high speed and converts the data structure.

  The image bus 315 is configured by a PCI bus or IEEE1394. The following devices are arranged on the image bus 315.

  A raster image processor (RIP) 310 develops vector data such as a PDL code into a bitmap image. A printer interface (printer I / F) 311 connects the printer 312 and the controller unit 316, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. A scanner interface (scanner I / F) 313 connects the scanner 314 and the controller unit 316 and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.

  An image processing unit 317 performs correction, processing, and editing on input image data, and performs printer correction, resolution conversion, and the like on print output image data. In addition to this, the image processing unit 317 performs image data rotation and compression / decompression processing such as JPEG for multi-valued image data and JBIG, MMR, MH for binary image data.

  The scanner unit 314 illuminates an image on paper as a document and scans it with a CCD line sensor, thereby converting it into an electrical signal as raster image data. The original paper is set on the tray of the original feeder, and when the apparatus user gives a reading start instruction from the operation unit 308, the CPU 301 gives an instruction to the scanner 314, and the feeder feeds the original paper one by one to read the original image. I do.

  The printer unit 312 is a part that converts raster image data into an image on paper. The method is an electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum or a photosensitive belt, and ink is ejected from a micro nozzle array directly on the paper. There is an inkjet method for printing an image, but any method may be used. The activation of the printing operation is started by an instruction from the CPU 301. The printer unit 312 has a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and has a paper cassette corresponding thereto.

  The operation unit 308 has an LCD display unit, and a touch panel sheet is pasted on the LCD. The operation unit 308 displays an operation screen of the system. When a displayed key is pressed, the position information is displayed on the operation unit I / F 307. To the CPU 301 via The operation unit 308 includes, for example, a start key, a stop key, an ID key, a reset key, and the like as various operation keys.

  Here, the start key of the operation unit 308 is used when starting a document image reading operation. At the center of the start key, there are two color LEDs, green and red, which indicate whether or not the start key can be used. Further, the stop key of the operation unit 308 functions to stop the operation in operation. The ID key of the operation unit 308 is used when inputting the user ID of the user. The reset key is used when initializing settings from the operation unit.

  The card reader 319 reads information stored in an IC card (for example, Sony FeliCa (registered trademark)) under the control of the CPU 301, and reads the read information via the external I / F 318. The CPU 301 is notified.

  With the configuration as described above, the multifunction peripheral 300 can transmit the image data read from the scanner 314 to the LAN 700 and print out the print data received from the LAN 700 by the printer 312.

  Also, the image data read from the scanner 314 can be faxed to the public line by the modem 306, and the image data received by fax from the public line can be output by the printer 312.

  The overall flow of pull printing in the printing system of this embodiment will be described below using FIG.

  First, the premise for executing pull printing of this embodiment will be described.

  First, a normal printer driver is installed in each client PC 100, and a logical printer is added. The logical printer has its print destination (print port) set in the print server 200.

  When the user gives a print instruction to the logical printer added to each client PC 100 and whose print destination is set in the print server 200, the pull print of this embodiment is executed.

  The overall flow of pull printing according to this embodiment will be described below.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the entire flow of pull printing in the printing system of the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 4, first, the user logs in to the client PC 100 ((1) -1), and from the application program executed on the client PC 100 to the logical printer corresponding to the printer driver set as the print destination. A print instruction is given ((1) -2).

  In response to this print instruction, the application program of the client PC 10 transmits data to the printer driver via the graphic engine. The printer driver of the client PC 100 generates print data based on data received from the application program via the graphic engine. The client PC 100 transmits the generated print data to the print server 200 ((2) -1), and the print server 200 stores the print data in a predetermined storage location ((2) -2). Note that transmission from the client PC 100 to the print server 200 is performed using, for example, an LPR printing mechanism. The print server 200 does not transmit to the printing apparatus even if the print data is stored in the predetermined storage location.

  Next, the print server 200 extracts (generates) bibliographic information data from the print data received from the client PC 100 and stored in the predetermined storage location ((2) -3). The bibliographic information data is transmitted to the print management server 400 and stored in a predetermined storage location (a preset directory) of the print management server 400 using a file sharing mechanism on the network ((3) -1 ).

  The print management server 400 monitors the predetermined directory, and when the bibliographic information file is stored in the predetermined directory from the print server 200, the bibliographic information file is analyzed and the bibliographic information is converted into the bibliographic information DB (print management server 400). Registered on the external storage device (shown in FIG. 6 described later)) ((3) -2).

  When the multifunction device 300 detects an IC card that can be read by the card reader 319, the multifunction device 300 reads the personal authentication information in the IC card, and transmits the read personal authentication information to the print management server 400 as an authentication request (( 4) -1). The personal authentication information is information used for authentication and may be a manufacturing number of the IC card.

  When the print management server 400 receives the personal authentication information from the multi-function peripheral 300, the print management server 400 performs authentication processing of the personal authentication information based on the IC card authentication table stored on the external storage device of the print management server 400, and the authentication result. Is returned to the MFP 300 ((4) -2). If the authentication process is successful, the login user ID of the client PC 100 is transmitted as the authentication result.

  Next, upon receiving an authentication result (login user ID of the client PC 100) indicating that the authentication has succeeded from the print management server 400, the multifunction device 300 transmits a print data list request to the print management server 400 ((5)). -1). The print data list request includes the login user ID of the client PC 100 (shown in FIG. 8 described later).

  When the print management server 400 receives a print data list request from the multifunction device 300, the print management server 400 searches the bibliographic information DB with the login user ID included in the print data list request, and print data list corresponding to the login user ID (described later). (Shown in FIG. 9) is generated and returned to the multi-function device 300 ((5) -2).

  Upon receiving the print data list from the print management server 400, the multifunction device 300 displays the print data list on the UI of the operation unit 308 (shown in FIG. 10 described later). When the user selects print data and gives a print instruction, the multi-function device 300 transmits a print request (output instruction) for the selected print data to the print management server 400 (6). This print request includes the login user name of the client PC 100 and the time stamp of the print data (shown in FIG. 11 described later).

  When the print management server 400 receives a print data print request (output instruction) from the MFP 300, the bibliographic information of the print data for which the output instruction has been issued, the login user name of the client PC 100, and the print data time stamp as keys. The print server 200 is searched from the bibliographic information DB, the print server 200 storing the corresponding print data is specified from the searched bibliographic information, and a print instruction for the corresponding print data is transmitted to the print server 200 (7). The print instruction is a print command including the corresponding print data file name (shown in FIG. 12 described later). The time stamp described above is given when print data is received by the print server 200.

  When the print server 200 receives a print instruction from the print management server 400, the print server 200 transmits print data to the multi-function peripheral 300 based on the print instruction and causes the multi-function peripheral 300 to print (LPR printing) ((8) -1).

  Further, after the LPR printing ((8) -1), the print server 200 transmits the printing status (result) (shown in FIG. 13 described later) to the print management server 400 ((8) -2). The print management server 400 that has received the print status (result) stores and holds the print status (result) in the external memory (211 in FIG. 2) or the RAM (203 in FIG. 2).

  The MFP 300 issues an output instruction (6) to the print management server 400, and then makes a print status confirmation request to the print management server 400 (9). This print confirmation request is made from the multifunction device 300 to the print management server 400 at regular intervals.

  Based on the print status confirmation request (9) of the MFP 300, the print management server 400 stores the print status (result) stored in the external memory (211 in FIG. 2) or RAM (203 in FIG. 2). Transmit to the MFP 300 (10).

  The MFP 300 stores the received print status (result) in the HDD (304 in FIG. 3) or RAM (302 in FIG. 3) and displays it on the operation unit (308 in FIG. 3) (described later). (Shown at 1901 in FIG. 15).

  Hereinafter, the pull print process shown in FIG. 4 will be described in more detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first control processing procedure according to the present invention, and corresponds to the pull print processing of the printing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In the figure, S501 corresponds to the step of the client PC 100, and is realized by the CPU of the client PC 100 executing a program stored in the external memory on the RAM.

  S502, S503, and S516 to S519 correspond to each step of the print server 200, and are realized by the CPU of the print server 200 executing a program stored in the external memory on the RAM.

  Further, S504, S507, S508, S515, S520, S521, and S523 correspond to the steps of the print management server 400, and the CPU of the print management server 400 executes the program stored in the external memory on the RAM. Realized.

  S505, S506, S509 to S514, S522, and S524 to S527 correspond to each step of the multifunction machine 300, and the CPU 301 of the multifunction machine 300 executes the program stored in the ROM 303 or HDD 304 on the RAM 302 or the like. Realized.

  First, in step S501, when a print execution (instruction) is performed by the user on the client PC 100 ((1) -2 in FIG. 4), the CPU of the client PC 100 generates print data based on the print instruction. It is transmitted to the print server 200 ((2) -1 in FIG. 4). Since step S501 has been described in detail with reference to (1) -2 and (2) -1 in FIG. 4, the details are omitted here.

  In step S502, the CPU of the print server 200 receives the print data transmitted from the client PC 100 in step S501 and stores it in a predetermined storage location in the external memory ((2) -2 in FIG. 4).

  In step S503, the CPU of the print server 200 extracts bibliographic information data from the print data stored in step S502 ((2) -3 in FIG. 4), and transmits the bibliographic information data to the print management server 400. ((3) -1 in FIG. 4).

  The bibliographic information data includes a login user ID, an IP address of a print data storage server, a full path indicating a print data storage destination, a document name, the number of copies, the number of pages, a time stamp, and the like.

  As described above, the bibliographic information data transmitted from the print server 200 to the print management server 400 is not composed of only data extracted from only the print data, but the virtual information existing in the print server 200 corresponding to the logical printer. This is information in which a time stamp when the printer is received, an IP address of a server where the virtual printer exists (a server storing print data), and a path indicating a print data storage destination are added. Details of the bibliographic information data will be described when the bibliographic information DB of FIG.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S504, the CPU of the print management server 400 receives the bibliographic information data transmitted from the print server 200 in step S503 and stores it in the bibliographic information DB (FIG. 6) constructed in the external memory of the print management server 400. Let

  Specifically, each item data in the bibliographic information data is stored in each item of the bibliographic information DB shown in FIG. 6 (DB may be configured so that the bibliographic information is stored in a file separated by commas). Remember me.

  The information on the presence / absence of error 1207 is given at the time of registration in the bibliographic information DB. In addition, the presence / absence of error 1207 at this timing is “none”. The case where the error presence / absence 1207 is stored as “present” is a case where printing has not been performed normally when a print request is made in step S514, which will be described later.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the bibliographic information DB stored and managed by the print management server 400 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the bibliographic information DB includes items such as a login user ID 1201, a print data storage server IP address 1202, a print data path 1203, a document name 1204, a number of copies 1205, a page 1206, error occurrence 1207, and a time stamp 1208. Consists of

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG.

  Next, when the CPU 301 of the multifunction device 300 detects an IC card that can be read by the card reader 319, a card authentication process is performed in step S505. More specifically, the CPU 301 of the multifunction device 300 reads the personal authentication information in the IC card by the card reader 319 and transmits the read personal authentication information to the print management server 400 as an authentication request ((4) -1).

  Then, the CPU of the print management server 400 performs authentication processing of the personal authentication information received from the multifunction device 300 based on the IC card authentication table stored on the external storage device of the print management server 400, and combines the authentication result. It returns to the machine 300 ((4) -2). When the authentication process is successful (when it is determined that the user is an authorized user), the login user ID of the client PC 100 is transmitted as the authentication result. If the login user ID of the client PC 100 is received and it is determined that the card authentication process is successful, the multi-function peripheral 300 displays the screen shown in FIG. 7 on the display unit of the operation unit 308, and the process is performed in step S506. To proceed.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 308 of the MFP 300 illustrated in FIG. 2 when the card authentication process illustrated in step S505 of FIG. 5 is successful.

  Next, in step S506, the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral 300 prints the print data list acquisition request information (FIG. 8) based on a user instruction (when the user presses (touches) the list acquisition button 1401). It transmits to the server 400 ((5) -1 in FIG. 4).

  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of print data list request information transmitted from the MFP 300 illustrated in FIG. 1 to the print management server 400.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the print data list request information includes data of a login user ID 801 of the client PC 100, an output device model name 802, an acquired print data type (unprinted / printed) 803, and the like.

  In step S506 described above, the login user ID 801 stores the user ID received from the print management server 400 when the card authentication process is successful in step S505. The output device model name 802 stores the model name of the MFP 300 itself. Further, “unprinted” is designated in the acquired print data type (unprinted / printed) 803.

  In this embodiment, the print data list acquisition request is made based on the user's instruction. However, when the card authentication is performed, the print data list acquisition request is made without any user operation. It may be configured.

  In the present embodiment, the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 receives the card authentication result from the server having the IC card authentication table and then executes S506, but the server having the IC card authentication table is used. If the authentication is OK (determined as an authorized user), a list of print data may be acquired and sent to the multifunction device 300 without returning the authentication result to the multifunction device 300.

  Next, in step S507, the CPU of the print management server 400 receives a print data list acquisition request from the multi-function peripheral 300, and based on the login user ID 801 in the request, the corresponding bibliography from the bibliographic information DB shown in FIG. Get all the information data. Further, the CPU of the print management server 400 generates a print data list (shown in FIG. 9) by collecting all the obtained bibliographic information data (print data list acquisition).

  FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a print data list generated by the print management server 400.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the print data list includes an acquired print data type (unprinted / printed) 901, a login user ID 902 of the client PC 100, a print data count 903, a time stamp 904, a print data storage server IP address 905, and a document. It includes items such as a name 906, the number of copies 907, the number of pages 908, a printing time 909 corresponding to a time stamp, a print job identification ID 910, and an error presence / absence 911.

  Note that 904 to 911 in FIG. 9 have the number of acquired data (the number of print data 903).

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG.

  Next, in step S508, the CPU of the print management server 400 transmits the print data list acquired in step S507 to the MFP 300 ((5) -2 in FIG. 4).

  Next, in step S509, the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 receives the print data list transmitted from the print management server 400 in step S508, and stores it in the HDD 304 or the RAM 302.

  Next, in step S510, the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral 300 displays the print data list stored in step S509 on the display unit of the operation unit 308 as shown in FIG.

  Next, in step S511, the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral 300 determines whether there is error print data in which a print error has occurred in the print data list stored in step S509. This determination is made by the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 based on the error presence / absence 911 in the print data list shown in FIG. In addition, you may comprise so that the presence or absence of an error may be managed with a flag.

  If the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 determines in step S511 that there is error print data in the print data list (YES in S511), the print data list displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 308 in step S512. In addition, identification information (mark shown by 1701 in FIG. 10) is displayed so that an error can be identified. Then, the process proceeds to step S513.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 5, the error identification display (identification information display) in the print data list display is described to be executed after the print data list is displayed, but the identification information display method is not limited to this. is not. For example, when displaying information of a plurality of print data, the identification information 1701 is displayed along with the information (document name, number of pages, number of copies, date, time) of one print data. Then, by repeating this, it is configured to display a list of all the print data acquired.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a print data list displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 308 of the MFP 300 illustrated in FIG.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 determines in step S511 that there is no error print data in the print data list (NO in S511), the process proceeds directly to step S513.

  Next, in step S513, the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral 300 detects and determines whether or not a print instruction has been issued by the user. Specifically, in a state where any one or a plurality of 1703 shown in FIG. 10 is touched and selected, or in a state where all selection buttons 1702 shown in FIG. 10 are touched and all are selected. It is determined whether the ten print buttons 1704 have been pressed (touched).

  If the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 determines in step S513 that the user has not issued a print instruction, the determination in step S513 is repeated.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 determines in step S513 that a print instruction has been issued by the user, the process proceeds to step S514.

  In step S514, the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 acquires the time stamp of the print data selected in step S513 from the print data list stored in step S509, and print request information (FIG. 11) along with the login user ID of the client PC 100. Generate. Then, the CPU 301 of the multifunction device 300 transmits the generated print request information to the print management server 400 in order to print the selected print data ((6) in FIG. 4).

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of print request information transmitted from the multifunction device 300 to the print management server 400 in step S514 of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the print request information includes a login user ID 1001 of the client PC 100, a time stamp 1002 of print data, and the like. When there are a plurality of print data for which a print request is made, a plurality of time stamps 1002 exist.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S515, the CPU of the print management server 400 receives the print request information transmitted from the multifunction peripheral 300, and further makes a print request to the print server 200 based on the received print request information.

  Specifically, the CPU of the print management server 400 performs the following processing for each time stamp 1002 in the print request information received from the multifunction device 300. The print management server 400 acquires the print data path 1203 and the print data storage server IP address 1202 from the bibliographic information DB based on the time stamp 1002. The print management server 400 acquires the IP address of the multifunction device 300 when receiving the print request information from the multifunction device 300, and performs LPR printing from the print server 200 based on the IP address and the above-described print data path. An LPR command to be executed (FIG. 12) is generated, and the generated LPR command is transmitted to the print server 200 corresponding to the above-described print data storage server IP address to make a print request ((7) in FIG. 4). ).

  Note that the CPU of the print management server 400 acquires the total number of print instructions (that is, the number of time stamps 1002) received from the MFP 300 in step S515, and stores and manages it in the external memory or RAM. At this time, the print management server 400 includes, in the print status (result) information (FIG. 13) stored and managed in the external memory or RAM, for each login user ID and IP address of the MFP 300 that has requested printing. The total number of print instructions described above is stored.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the LPR command transmitted from the print management server 400 to the print server 200 in step S515 of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the LPR command includes a printer IP address 1301 indicating the IP address of the multifunction device 3001, a predetermined printer name (for example, lp) 1302, a print data path 1303, and the like.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of print status (result) information stored and managed by the print management server 400.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the print status (result) information includes a communication header 1101, a print end count 1102, a print instruction total count 1103, a transmission data count (print status count) 1104, a print result 1105, a print data time stamp 1106, It consists of a print result message 1107 and the like.

  It is assumed that 1105 to 1107 in FIG. 13 are the number of acquired data (the number of transmitted data is 1104).

  Note that, as described above, the print status (result) information is stored and managed for each login user ID and IP address of the MFP 300 that has made the print request, and when it does not exist at the time of step S515. Generated by the print management server 400.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG.

  Upon receiving the LPR command (FIG. 12) from the print management server 400, the CPU of the print server 200 performs LPR printing based on the received LPR command in step S516 ((8) -1 in FIG. 4).

  Specifically, LPR printing of the print data indicated by the print data path 1303 is executed for the printer IP address 1301. Hereinafter, the processing unit that executes LPR printing in the print server 200 is referred to as a print execution service.

  Next, in step S517, the CPU of the print server 200 determines whether or not the LPR printing in step S516 has been executed, and stores the result in the HDD 211 or the RAM 203. Note that whether or not printing has been executed is determined by whether or not error information has been acquired. The error information includes system errors notified from the OS (for example, socket error, connect error, send error, receive error) and error information (for example, no print data) that can be uniquely recognized by the print service.

  In step S517, the CPU of the print server 200 determines that printing has not been possible if error information has been acquired, and determines that printing has been successful if error information has not been acquired. The CPU of the print server 200 acquires a path of print data that has been subjected to LPR printing. Then, the process proceeds to step S518.

  In step S518, the CPU of the print server 200 transmits a print result message of each print data for which LPR printing has been executed to the print management server 400. If printing cannot be executed, an error message including the print data path acquired in step S517 is transmitted to the print management server 400 as a print result message ((8) -2 in FIG. 4).

  Next, in step S519, the CPU of the print server 200 determines whether LPR printing has been completed for all print data requested to be printed from the print management server 400 in step S515. It is assumed that LPR printing of print data that has failed to be printed (print error) has also been completed.

  If the CPU of the print server 200 determines in step S519 that the LPR printing of the print data corresponding to all the print requests has not been completed, the process returns to step S516, and has not been completed. LPR printing is executed for the print request.

  On the other hand, if the CPU of the print server 200 determines in step S519 that LPR printing of print data corresponding to all print requests has been completed, the session with the print management server 400 is terminated.

  It is assumed that the CPU of the print server 200 deletes the print data regarded as having succeeded in LPR printing (S516) in a night batch or the like.

  In step S520, the CPU of the print management server 400 receives the message transmitted from the print server 200 in step S518, and stores the print status (result) in the external memory or RAM based on the message. That is, the CPU of the print management server 400 determines the presence / absence of an error based on the received message (in the case of an error, the bibliographic information DB is searched based on the path of the print data included in the message to print the time stamp of the print error data). 1208 is acquired and the error presence / absence 1207 is updated to “present”), and based on the determination result, the above-described print status (result) information in the external memory or RAM (FIG. 13) is updated. For example, if it is determined that there is a print error, the print result 1105 is set to “error”, and the print end count 1102 is counted up. On the other hand, if it is determined that printing has succeeded (not an error), the print end count 1102 is counted up. Further, the print result 1105, the print data time stamp 1106, and the print result message 1107 exist as many values as the number of transmission data 1104.

  Next, in step S <b> 521, the CPU of the print management server 400 waits until it receives a print status (result) inquiry (inquiry from S <b> 522 described later) from the multifunction device 300.

  In step S522, the multifunction machine 300 inquires of the print status (result) from the multifunction machine 300 to the print management server 400 ((9) in FIG. 4). Inquiries to the print management server 400 are made at regular intervals. In this inquiry, the login user ID in the client PC 100 of the user who is logged in to the multifunction device 300 at this time is transmitted. The login user ID in the client PC 100 has already been acquired from the print management server 400 at the time of login.

  If the CPU of the print management server 400 determines in step S521 that it has received a printing status (result) inquiry (inquiry in S522) from the multifunction device 300 (YES in S521), the process proceeds to step S523.

  In step S523, the CPU of the print management server 400 transmits the print status (result) to be transmitted from the print status (result) information managed for each login user ID stored in step S520 based on the login user ID received in step S521. ) Information (FIG. 13) is acquired and transmitted to the MFP 300 ((10) of FIG. 4). When there is no print data of the print status (result), only the print end number 1102 and the print instruction total number 1103 may be returned. The CPU of the print management server 400 deletes the transmitted print result 1105, print data time stamp 1106, and result message 1107 after transmission.

  Next, in step S524, the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 receives the print status (result) information (FIG. 13) transmitted from the print management server 400 in step S523.

  Next, in step S525, the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 determines whether LPR printing is successful based on the print result 1105 in the print status (result) information received in step S524.

  If it is determined in step S525 that the print result 1105 in the print status (result) information received in step S524 is “successful” (LPR printing successful), the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral 300 The process proceeds to S526.

  Next, in step S526, the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 stores the print data time stamp 1106 in which the print result 1105 in the print status (result) information received in step S524 is “success”, and the print data time stamp 1106 stored in step S509. Comparison with the time stamp 904 in the print data list is performed. Then, based on the comparison result, the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 determines the time stamp 904 of the print data list stored in step S509 that matches the print data time stamp 1106 in which the print result 1105 is successful. The display of the document name corresponding to the time stamp is deleted from the display unit of the operation unit 308 (also deleted from the RAM). Then, the process proceeds to step S527.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S525 that the print result 1105 in the print status (result) information received in step S524 is not “successful” (“error”, that is, LPR print failure). In a step (not shown), the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 compares the print data time stamp 1106 in which the print result 1105 is “error” with the time stamp 904 of the print data list stored in step S509. Then, based on the comparison result, the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral 300 determines the time stamp 904 of the print data list stored in step S509 that matches the print data time stamp 1106 in which the print result 1105 is “error”. The document name corresponding to the time stamp is displayed as print error information on the display unit of the operation unit 308 (for example, displayed as indicated by 1901 in FIG. 14). Then, the process proceeds to step S527.

  FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a print data list displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 308 of the MFP 300 illustrated in FIG. 2, and corresponds to a case where print error information is displayed.

  In this embodiment, as shown in 1901 in FIG. 14, the error print data is displayed at the bottom of the display unit of the operation unit 308 for each error print data. However, the error print data is collectively displayed. You may comprise.

  Next, in step S527, the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 determines whether or not to end the inquiry about the printing status (result). In this determination, it is determined whether the print end number 1102 and the print instruction total number 1103 in the print status (result) information (FIG. 13) are the same, and the print end number 1102 and the print instruction total number 1103 are the same. In such a case, it is determined that the inquiry is terminated. On the other hand, if the print end number 1102 and the print instruction total number 1103 are not the same, it is determined that the inquiry is not ended.

  If it is determined in step S527 that the printing status (result) inquiry is not terminated, the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 returns the process to step S522, and the printing status (result) inquiry processing (query at regular time intervals). I do.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S527 that the inquiry about the printing status (result) is to be ended, the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral 300 ends the process.

  As described above, in the pull print system, it is possible to realize load distribution and flexible pull print that can easily output print data stored in any print server from a desired printing apparatus. An environment can be constructed, and furthermore, it is possible to easily grasp that the print data has been successfully printed and which print server has accumulated an error in the print data.

  Since the print server 200 uses LPR printing to send print data to the multifunction device 300 for printing, the result (success, error) of the LPR printing on the print server 200 is conventionally stored in the multifunction device 300. Not notified. In this embodiment, since the LPR print result on the print server 200 is notified to the multi-function device 300 via the print management server 400, the multi-function device 300 uses the LPR print result on the print server 200. Can be recognized.

  The print data in which a print error has occurred is displayed in a recognizable manner (for each error print data or displayed in a list at the bottom of the operation unit), so that the user can easily recognize it. Therefore, it is possible to solve the conventional problem that conventionally, the user cannot grasp that the print data has an error, and the print data having the error remains stored in the print server indefinitely.

  Note that the inquiry reception process of S521 in the print management server 400 may be configured to time out in a predetermined time.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the print management server 400 stores and manages the print result, and the multifunction peripheral 300 acquires the print result of the print data when inquiring the print status (result) to the print management server 400, and stores the print result in the print result. Based on this, the print data successfully printed from the operation unit 308 is deleted from the list display, and the print error information of the print data having an error is displayed from the operation unit 308.

  In this embodiment, the MFP 300 monitors the output result of the print data, holds the result, and compares the information with the print result acquired from the print management server 400, thereby causing an error. The print data is determined and displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 308 so as to be identifiable.

  Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Note that the same processes as those in the first embodiment are given step numbers, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second control processing procedure according to the present invention, and corresponds to the pull print processing of the printing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In each step in the figure, the same step number is assigned to the same step as in FIG. S501 to S519 are the same as those in FIG.

  Further, S520, S521, S523, S605, and S606 correspond to each step of the print management server 400, and are realized by the CPU of the print management server 400 executing a program stored in the external memory on the RAM.

  S522, S524, S525, S607, and S601 to S604 correspond to each step of the multifunction machine 300, and are realized by the CPU 301 of the multifunction machine 300 executing a program stored in the ROM 303 or the HDD 304 on the RAM 302 or the like. The

  In step S520, the CPU of the print management server 400 receives print status (result) information from the print server 200 and stores it in the external memory or RAM (S509). Detailed description is omitted because it has already been described in the first embodiment as described above.

  In step S522, the CPU 301 of the multifunction device 300 inquires the print status (result) from the multifunction device 300 to the print management server ((9) in FIG. 4). Inquiries to the print management server 400 are made at regular intervals. In this inquiry, the login user ID (acquired from the print management server 400 at the time of login) of the client PC 100 of the user who has logged in to the multifunction peripheral 300 at this time is transmitted.

  If the CPU of the print management server 400 receives a printing status (result) inquiry (inquiry of S522) from the multi-function device 300 in step S521, it is not shown in this flowchart, but the printing status (result) inquiry is made. Print status (result) information is acquired based on the included login user ID, and is transmitted to the multifunction device 300.

  Next, the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 receives the printing status (result) information transmitted from the print management server 400 in step S524.

  Next, the CPU 301 of the multifunction device 300 stores the print status (result) received in step S524 in the HDD 304 or the RAM 302 of the multifunction device 300 for each login ID as print result information. As information to be stored, the print result 1105 and the print data time stamp 1106 in the print status (result) shown in FIG. 13 are stored. Note that the information to be stored is not limited to this time stamp, and may be any information as long as it is identification information that can identify print data. The print result information is stored and managed for each login user ID of the client PC 100 and is not deleted until the corresponding print data is successfully printed or the corresponding print data is deleted from the print server 200 according to an instruction from the user. Configure as follows.

  Next, in step S525, the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 determines whether LPR printing is successful based on the print result 1105 in the print status (result) information received in step S524.

  In step S525, if the print result 1105 in the print status (result) information received in step S524 is “successful” (LPR printing is successful), the time stamp of the print data is determined for the MFP 300. The CPU 301 advances the process to step S601.

  On the other hand, in step S525, for the time stamp 1106 of the print data in which the print result 1105 in the print status (result) information received in step S524 is “error” (LPR print failure), the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 Then, the process proceeds to step S604.

  In step S <b> 601, the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral 300 acquires that the print job has been printed in the multifunction peripheral 300 (including completion due to an error or print cancellation), and stores the print job identification ID of the print job in the RAM 302. .

  Next, in step S602, the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 determines whether or not the print job completed in step S601 has been successfully printed, determines that the print is successful, and identifies the print job that has been determined to be successful. If the ID matches the time stamp of the print data in which the print result 1105 stored in step S524 is “successful”, it is determined that the printing is successful. This match is determined by referring to the print data list in FIG. If it is determined that the printing has succeeded due to this match, the process proceeds to step S603. On the other hand, if it is determined that the printing has failed, the process proceeds to step S604.

  In step S603, the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 displays the print job identification ID of the print job determined to be successful in step S602 and the print data list shown in FIG. 9 received in step S509 not shown in FIG. Among these, the print job identification ID 910 instructed for printing in step S513 is compared. Then, the print data having the matched print job identification ID is deleted from the print data list on the display unit of the operation unit 308 (also deleted from the RAM). Then, the process proceeds to step S607.

  In step S604, the CPU 301 of the multi-function apparatus 300 stores the print result 1105 in the print job identification ID information (error information) determined in step S602 or the print status (result) information received in step S524. The time stamp of the print data indicating “error” is transmitted to the print management server 400. Then, the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 prints the time stamp of the print data in which the print result 1105 in the print job identification ID or the print status (result) information resulting in the print error is “error” and the print data list. Compare job identification IDs. Based on the comparison result, the document name corresponding to the matched print job identification ID or time stamp is displayed as error information on the display unit of the operation unit 308 (for example, displayed as indicated by 1901 in FIG. 14). Then, the process proceeds to step S607.

  Next, in step S607, the CPU 301 of the multi-function apparatus 300 performs the step from the print data list shown in FIG. 9 received in step S509 for the print status received in step S524 or received in step S509 not shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not to end this process (flow) depending on whether or not the process of step S603 or S604 has been performed on the print job identification ID for which printing has been instructed in S513. If it is determined that this process is not to be terminated, the multifunction peripheral 300 returns the process to step S522, and performs a printing status (result) inquiry process (inquiry at regular time intervals).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S607 that the present process is to be terminated, the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral 300 ends the process. It should be noted that the inquiry about the printing status (result) for a certain period of time is configured such that the inquiry is made at regular time intervals. Note that the processing in step S607 may be configured in the same manner as in S527. In this case, until the processing of S525, S601 to S603, and S604 is performed on the print data requested for printing even if the inquiry ends. Or processing shall be performed until it exceeds a fixed time.

  In step S605, the CPU of the print management server 400 receives the print error information transmitted from the MFP 300 in step S604, and stores the time stamp of the print error job in the RAM.

  In step S606, the CPU of the print management server 400 sets the error presence 1207 (FIG. 6) of the record in the bibliographic information DB corresponding to the time stamp stored in S604 to “error”, and the print data becomes a print error. Is recorded in the HD of the print management server 400 as a log.

  In the embodiment described above, the place where the print data time stamp is used can be replaced with the identification ID. Further, as long as the print data can be uniquely identified, the time stamp of the print data may be replaced with any information.

  In the present embodiment as well, as in the first embodiment, if the print server 200 succeeds in LPR printing, that is, if the CPU of the print server 200 considers that the LPR printing is successful in step S516, the success is assumed. The CPU of the print server 200 is configured to delete the regarded print data in a night batch or the like.

  In the present embodiment, the user can be notified of the final print result based on both the LPR print result in the print server 200 and the print result in the multifunction machine 300. In addition, the final print result can be managed by the print management server 400.

[Third Embodiment]
In the first and second embodiments, the print data is deleted when the print server 200 succeeds in LPR printing. Therefore, the print data is deleted even if the multifunction device 300 fails in actual printing. It was.

  In the present embodiment, even if LPR printing is successful, the print data is not deleted if the printing error actually occurs in the multifunction device 300, and the print data is deleted if the printing is successful in the multifunction device 200. Constitute. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described in detail.

  Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Note that the same processes as those in the first embodiment are given step numbers, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a third control processing procedure according to the present invention, and corresponds to the pull print processing of the printing system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  In each step in the figure, the same step number is assigned to the same step as in FIG. S501 to S519 are the same as those in FIG. It is assumed that the CPU of the print server 200 is configured so that print data that has succeeded in LPR printing is not deleted only by assuming that LPR printing (S516) has succeeded.

  Further, S520, S521, S523, S605, S606, S702, and S703 correspond to each step of the print management server 400, and are realized by the CPU of the print management server 400 executing a program stored in the external memory on the RAM. Is done.

  S522, S524, S525, S607, S601 to S604, and S701 correspond to each step of the MFP 300, and the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 executes the program stored in the ROM 303 or HDD 304 on the RAM 302 or the like. Realized.

  In step S520, the CPU of the print management server 400 receives print status (result) information from the print server 200 and stores it in the external memory or RAM (S509). Detailed description is omitted because it has already been described in the first embodiment as described above.

  In step S522, the CPU 301 of the multifunction device 300 inquires the print status (result) from the multifunction device 300 to the print management server ((9) in FIG. 4). Inquiries to the print management server 400 are made at regular intervals. In this inquiry, the login user ID (acquired from the print management server 400 at the time of login) of the client PC 100 of the user who has logged in to the multifunction peripheral 300 at this time is transmitted.

  If the CPU of the print management server 400 receives a printing status (result) inquiry (inquiry of S522) from the multi-function device 300 in step S521, it is not shown in this flowchart, but the printing status (result) inquiry is made. Print status (result) information is acquired based on the included login user ID, and is transmitted to the multifunction device 300.

  Next, the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 receives the printing status (result) information transmitted from the print management server 400 in step S524.

  Next, in step S525, the CPU 301 of the multifunction device 300 stores the print status (result) received in step S524 in the HDD 304 or the RAM 302 of the multifunction device 300 for each login ID as print result information. The detailed description has been described in the second embodiment, and will be omitted.

  Next, in step S525, the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 determines whether LPR printing is successful based on the print result 1105 in the print status (result) information received in step S524.

  In step S525, the print result 1105 in the print status (result) information received in step S524 is “successful” (LPR printing success), the time stamp 1106 of the print data, and the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 The process proceeds to S601.

  On the other hand, in step S525, for the time stamp 1106 of the print data in which the print result 1105 in the print status (result) information received in step S524 is “error” (LPR print failure), the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 Then, the process proceeds to step S604.

  In step S <b> 601, the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral 300 acquires that the print job has been printed in the multifunction peripheral 300 (including completion due to an error or print cancellation), and stores the print job identification ID of the print job in the RAM 302. .

  Next, in step S602, the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 determines whether or not the print job completed in step S601 has been successfully printed, determines that the print is successful, and identifies the print job that has been determined to be successful. If the ID matches the time stamp of the print data in which the print result 1105 stored in step S524 is “successful”, it is determined that the printing is successful. This match is determined by referring to the print data list in FIG. If it is determined that the printing has succeeded due to this match, the process proceeds to step S603. On the other hand, if it is determined that the printing has failed, the process proceeds to step S604. Note that description of S604 to S607 is omitted.

  In step S <b> 603, the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral 300 deletes the print data having the print job identification ID that matches the print job determined to be successful in step S <b> 602 from the print data list on the display unit of the operation unit 308. At this time, the print data list information is also deleted from the RAM 302, but only the information of the time stamp 904 is held in the RAM 302. Then, the process proceeds to step S701.

  In step S <b> 701, the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral 300 transmits the time stamp 904 of the print job that has been successfully printed (deleted from the list in step S <b> 603) to the print management server 400. The print job identification ID 910 may be transmitted to the print management server 400 instead of the time stamp of the print job. Then, the process proceeds to step S607. Note that the description of step S607 is omitted.

  In step S702, the CPU of the print management server 400 searches the time stamp 1208 of the bibliographic information DB shown in FIG. 6 that matches the time stamp 904 of the print data received from the multifunction device 300, and the corresponding record is stored. A print data storage server IP address 1202 and a print data path 1203 are acquired, and a print data deletion instruction is issued to the print server 200 based on these information.

  More specifically, the CPU of the print management server 400 receives the print success information obtained based on the print status from the print server 200 and the print success information obtained by the multi-function peripheral 300 by the print management server. Request print data deletion processing to the print server 200. Note that if the error record 1207 of the DB record corresponding to the time stamp is “error”, it is possible not to make a print data deletion processing request.

  In step S <b> 703, the CPU of the print server 200 deletes the corresponding print data file in accordance with the delete instruction from the print management server 400.

  It should be noted that it is possible to provide the HD of the print management server 400 with storage areas for the presence or absence of printing errors from the print server 200 and the presence or absence of printing errors in the multifunction device 300 so that each error information is stored.

  At that time, when there is an inquiry about a print job from the multifunction device 300, the CPU of the print management server 400 prints whether an error has occurred in the print server 200 or in the multifunction device 300. The CPU of the management server 400 determines and returns detailed information of the error to the multifunction device 300.

  In addition to the error presence / absence flag, the error type is also stored in the HD of the print management server 400, and the CPU of the print management server 400 sends the error detail information including the error type to the MFP 300. It can also be configured to display.

  As a result, the user can easily know where the error has occurred, and errors in a complicated system configuration in which printing is executed by cooperation of the print server 200, the print management server 400, and the multifunction peripheral 300 can be easily performed. Can be grasped.

  With the above configuration, in the pull print system, it is possible to realize load distribution and a flexible pull print environment in which print data stored in any print server can be easily output from a desired printing apparatus. In addition, regarding print errors, it is possible to easily grasp which print server has accumulated print data with respect to a print error.

  In addition, the print data that has been successfully printed is deleted from the list display, and the print data that has caused a printing error is displayed in a recognizable list so that the user can easily recognize it. Therefore, it is possible to solve the conventional problem that conventionally, the user cannot grasp that the print data has an error, and the print data having the error remains stored in the print server indefinitely.

  It should be noted that the configuration and contents of the various data described above are not limited to this, and it goes without saying that the various data and configurations are configured according to the application and purpose.

  Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention can take an embodiment as, for example, a system, apparatus, method, program, or recording medium, and specifically includes a plurality of devices. The present invention may be applied to a system including a single device.

  The configuration of a data processing program that can be read by each information processing apparatus constituting the pull print system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the memory map shown in FIG.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining a memory map of a recording medium (storage medium) that stores various data processing programs that can be read by each information processing apparatus constituting the pull print system according to the present invention.

  Although not specifically shown, information for managing a program group stored in the recording medium, for example, version information, creator, etc. is also stored, and information depending on the OS on the program reading side, for example, a program is identified and displayed. Icons may also be stored.

  Further, data depending on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, when a program or data to be installed is compressed, a program to be decompressed may be stored.

  The functions shown in FIGS. 5, 15, and 16 in this embodiment may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when an information group including a program is supplied to the output device from a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external recording medium via a network. Is.

  As described above, a recording medium in which a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded is supplied to the system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus is stored in the recording medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the recording medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the recording medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  As a recording medium for supplying the program code, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD-ROM, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, A silicon disk or the like can be used.

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) or the like running 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.

  Furthermore, after the program code read from the recording medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted in 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 case where 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.

  Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. In this case, by reading a recording medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention into the system or apparatus, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

  Furthermore, by downloading and reading out a program represented by software for achieving the present invention from a server, database, etc. on a network using a communication program, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. It becomes.

  In addition, all the structures which combined one or all of each embodiment mentioned above and its modification are also included in this invention.

1 is a system configuration diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a printing system to which an information processing apparatus, a print server, a print management server, and a printing apparatus of the present invention can be applied. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus applicable to the client PC 100, the print server 200, the print management server 400, the login service PC 500, and the directory service server 600 illustrated in FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a controller unit of the multifunction machine 300 illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall flow of pull printing in the printing system of the present embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 1st control processing procedure in this invention. It is a flowchart. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a bibliographic information DB stored and managed by the print management server 400 illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 308 of the multifunction peripheral 300 illustrated in FIG. 2 when the card authentication process illustrated in step S505 of FIG. 5 is successful. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of print data list request information transmitted from the multifunction peripheral 300 illustrated in FIG. 1 to the print management server 400. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a list of print data generated by the print management server 400. FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a print data list displayed on a display unit of an operation unit 308 of the multifunction machine 300 illustrated in FIG. 2. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of print request information transmitted from the MFP 300 to the print management server 400 in step S514 of FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an LPR command transmitted from the print management server 400 to the print server 200 in step S515 in FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of printing status (result) information stored and managed by the printing management server 400. FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a print data list (when print error information is displayed) displayed on a display unit of an operation unit 308 of the MFP 300 illustrated in FIG. 2. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 2nd control processing procedure in this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 3rd control processing procedure in this invention. It is a figure explaining the memory map of the recording medium (storage medium) which stores the various data processing program which can be read by each information processing apparatus which comprises the pull print system which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

100 client PC
200 Print Server 300 Multifunction Machine 400 Print Management Server 500 Login Service PC
600 Directory service server 700 LAN
800 WAN

Claims (14)

A printing system in which one or a plurality of information processing apparatuses, a storage printing print server, a print management server, and one or a plurality of printing apparatuses can communicate via a communication medium,
The storage printing print server includes:
Storage means for storing print data generated by the information processing apparatus;
Bibliographic information data transmission means for transmitting bibliographic information data including information for specifying the print data stored in the storage means to the print management server;
The print data transmission result is directly notified to the printing apparatus based on the print command signal transmitted from the print management server and including the information specifying the printing apparatus for which the output instruction has been issued and the information specifying the stored print data. Print data output means for outputting print data corresponding to information for specifying the print data in order to print on the printing apparatus that has been instructed to output by a printing method that cannot be performed ;
Notification means for notifying the print management server of an output result including information for specifying the print data, indicating successful output by the printing method obtained by outputting the print data by the print data output means;
The print management server
Bibliographic information data storage means for storing and managing bibliographic information data including information specifying the print data received from the storage print server;
A print request for transmitting a list including information for specifying the print data to the printing apparatus, and receiving a print request signal including information for specifying print data output by the user from the transmitted list. A signal receiving means;
In order to output the print data corresponding to the information specifying the print data included in the print request signal received by the print request signal receiving means, the print is sent to the print server for storage printing storing the print data. A print command signal output means for outputting a print command signal including information specifying the apparatus and the print data;
In accordance with the output result indicating the output success notified from the storage print server, the print request signal is transmitted with the print result including the information specifying the print data indicating the print success at the storage print server. Printing result notification means for notifying the printing apparatus
The printing apparatus includes:
Receiving means for receiving a list including information specifying the print data from the print management server, and the print result;
Print request means for sending a print request signal including information for specifying print data to be printed by the printing apparatus, instructed to be output in accordance with a user's specification, to the print management server;
Printing means for receiving and printing print data transmitted by the printing method from the print server for stored printing in response to the print request signal;
Display means for displaying a list received by the receiving means;
Acquisition means for acquiring information specifying print data for which printing has been completed in the printing apparatus;
Deletion means for deleting, from the list displayed by the display means, print data in which the information for specifying the print data included in the print result received by the receiving means matches the information for specifying the print data acquired by the acquisition means And a printing system. The printing apparatus includes:
The print system according to claim 1 , further comprising a deletion request unit configured to request the print management server to delete the print data of the print server for accumulated printing in accordance with the deletion from the list. When the notification means obtains information indicating output failure by the printing method by outputting print data by the print data output means, the output result includes information indicating output failure by the printing method,
The print result notifying unit is information according to an output result including information indicating an output failure notified from the storage print server, and specifying print data indicating a print failure in the storage print server A print result including the print request signal transmitted to the printing apparatus,
The display means, printing system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that identifiably indicates that the print data that is identified in accordance with the information for identifying the print data included in the print result printed unsuccessful . The print management server
It further comprises print result storage means for storing information indicating that the print data could not be printed in association with bibliographic information data corresponding to the print data that failed to be specified specified according to the output result. The printing system according to claim 3 . The printing apparatus, the print management server further includes an inquiry request transmission means for transmitting a query request for the print results,
The print management server further has a inquiry request receiving means for receiving a query request for the print results from the printing apparatus,
The print result notification means in accordance with inquiry request print results of the inquiry request receiving unit, according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the notifying the printing result on the printing device Printing system. Information indicating the output failure in the output result to notify the print server from the storage printing the print server, according to claim 3, characterized in that the information obtained from the operating system of the storage printing the print server 6. The printing system according to any one of items 1 to 5 . One or a plurality of information processing apparatuses and a printing apparatus that stores print data generated by the information processing apparatus, transmits bibliographic information data including information for specifying the stored print data, and is instructed to output Based on a print command signal including information to specify and information to specify the stored print data, the print data transmission result cannot be directly notified to the printing apparatus, and the printing apparatus instructed to output is to be printed by the printing apparatus having the output instruction. Output print data corresponding to information for specifying print data, and for storage printing for notifying an output result including information for specifying the print data indicating successful output by the print method obtained by outputting the print data Receives the print server, a list including information for specifying print data, and the print result, displays the received list, and according to the user's specification Is the force indicated, sends a print request signal including information specifying the printing data to be printed by the printing device, in response to a print request signal, the print data transmitted by the print method from the storage printing for the print server Received and printed, information for specifying print data for which printing has been completed in the printing apparatus is acquired, information for specifying print data included in the received print result , and information for specifying the acquired print data A print management server capable of communicating via a communication medium with one or a plurality of printing apparatuses that delete matched print data from a list,
Bibliographic information data storage means for storing and managing bibliographic information data including information specifying the print data received from the storage print server;
A print request for transmitting a list including information for specifying the print data to the printing apparatus, and receiving a print request signal including information for specifying print data output by the user from the transmitted list. A signal receiving means;
In order to output the print data corresponding to the information specifying the print data included in the print request signal received by the print request signal receiving means, the print is sent to the print server for storage printing storing the print data. A print command signal output means for outputting a print command signal including information specifying the apparatus and the print data;
In accordance with the output result indicating the output success notified from the storage print server, the print request signal is transmitted with the print result including the information specifying the print data indicating the print success at the storage print server. Printing result notifying means for notifying the printing apparatus,
A print management server. One or a plurality of information processing apparatuses and a printing apparatus that stores print data generated by the information processing apparatus, transmits bibliographic information data including information for specifying the stored print data, and is instructed to output Based on a print command signal including information to specify and information to specify the stored print data, the print data transmission result cannot be directly notified to the printing apparatus, and the printing apparatus instructed to output is to be printed by the printing apparatus having the output instruction. Output print data corresponding to information for specifying print data, and for storage printing for notifying an output result including information for specifying the print data indicating successful output by the print method obtained by outputting the print data Storage management of bibliographic information data including information specifying the print data received from the print server and the print server for accumulated printing , Transmitting a list including information specifying the print data, receiving a print request signal including information specifying print data instructed to be output by the user from the transmitted list, and being included in the received print request signal In order to output the print data corresponding to the information specifying the print data, a print command signal including information specifying the print device and the print data is sent to the print server for storage printing storing the print data. Output a print result including information for specifying print data indicating successful printing on the storage print server according to the output result indicating output success notified from the print server for storage print, and the print request signal A printing apparatus capable of communicating via a communication medium with a print management server that notifies the printing apparatus to which
Receiving means for receiving a list including information specifying the print data from the print management server, and the print result;
Print request means for sending a print request signal including information for specifying print data to be printed by the printing apparatus, instructed to be output in accordance with a user's specification, to the print management server;
Printing means for receiving and printing print data transmitted by the printing method from the print server for stored printing in response to the print request signal;
Display means for displaying a list received by the receiving means;
Acquisition means for acquiring information specifying print data for which printing has been completed in the printing apparatus;
Deletion means for deleting, from the list displayed by the display means, print data in which the information for specifying the print data included in the print result received by the receiving means matches the information for specifying the print data acquired by the acquisition means When,
A printing apparatus comprising: A control method of a print system in which one or a plurality of information processing apparatuses, a storage print server, a print management server, and one or a plurality of printing apparatuses can communicate via a communication medium,
The storage print server is
A storage step of storing print data generated by the information processing apparatus;
Bibliographic information data transmission step of transmitting bibliographic information data including information specifying the print data stored in the storage step to the print management server;
The print data transmission result is directly notified to the printing apparatus based on the print command signal transmitted from the print management server and including the information specifying the printing apparatus for which the output instruction has been issued and the information specifying the stored print data. A print data output step for outputting print data corresponding to information for specifying the print data to be printed by the printing apparatus that has been instructed to output by a printing method that cannot be performed ;
Performing a notification step of notifying the print management server of an output result including information for specifying the print data, indicating successful output by the printing method obtained by outputting the print data in the print data output step;
The print management server is
Bibliographic information data storage step for storing and managing bibliographic information data including information specifying the print data received from the print server for storage printing;
A print request for transmitting a list including information for specifying the print data to the printing apparatus, and receiving a print request signal including information for specifying print data output by the user from the transmitted list. A signal receiving step;
In order to output the print data corresponding to the information specifying the print data included in the print request signal received in the print request signal reception step, the printing is performed on the print server for storage printing storing the print data. A print command signal output step for outputting a print command signal including information specifying the device and the print data;
According to the output result indicating the output success notified from the print server for storage printing , the information indicating the successful print on the print server for storage print is generated according to the output result, and it is possible to determine whether or not the printing can be executed. Executing a print result notifying step of notifying a print result including information specifying print data to a printing apparatus to which the print request signal is transmitted;
The printing device is
Receiving a list including information specifying the print data from the print management server; and receiving the print result;
A print request step for transmitting to the print management server a print request signal including information specifying print data to be printed by the printing apparatus, which is instructed to be output in accordance with a user's specification;
In response to the print request signal, a print step of receiving and printing print data transmitted from the storage print server by the printing method ;
A display step of displaying on the display means the list received in the receiving step;
An acquisition step of acquiring information for specifying print data that has been printed by the printing apparatus;
Deletion step of deleting from the list displayed on the display means the print data in which the information for specifying the print data included in the print result received in the reception step matches the information for specifying the print data acquired in the acquisition step And executing a control method. One or a plurality of information processing apparatuses and a printing apparatus that stores print data generated by the information processing apparatus, transmits bibliographic information data including information for specifying the stored print data, and is instructed to output Based on a print command signal including information to specify and information to specify the stored print data, the print data transmission result cannot be directly notified to the printing apparatus, and the printing apparatus instructed to output is to be printed by the printing apparatus having the output instruction. Output print data corresponding to information for specifying print data, and for storage printing for notifying an output result including information for specifying the print data indicating successful output by the print method obtained by outputting the print data Receives the print server, a list including information for specifying print data, and the print result, displays the received list, and according to the user's specification Is the force indicated, sends a print request signal including information specifying the printing data to be printed by the printing device, in response to a print request signal, the print data transmitted by the print method from the storage printing for the print server Received and printed, information for specifying print data for which printing has been completed in the printing apparatus is acquired, information for specifying print data included in the received print result , and information for specifying the acquired print data A control method of a print management server capable of communicating via a communication medium with one or a plurality of printing apparatuses that delete matched print data from a list,
The print management server is
Bibliographic information data storage step for storing and managing bibliographic information data including information specifying the print data received from the print server for storage printing;
A print request for transmitting a list including information for specifying the print data to the printing apparatus, and receiving a print request signal including information for specifying print data output by the user from the transmitted list. A signal receiving step;
In order to output the print data corresponding to the information specifying the print data included in the print request signal received in the print request signal reception step, the printing is performed on the print server for storage printing storing the print data. A print command signal output step for outputting a print command signal including information specifying the device and the print data;
In accordance with the output result indicating the output success notified from the storage print server, the print request signal is transmitted with the print result including the information specifying the print data indicating the print success at the storage print server. And a printing result notifying step for notifying the printing apparatus. One or a plurality of information processing apparatuses and a printing apparatus that stores print data generated by the information processing apparatus, transmits bibliographic information data including information for specifying the stored print data, and is instructed to output Based on a print command signal including information to specify and information to specify the stored print data, the print data transmission result cannot be directly notified to the printing apparatus, and the printing apparatus instructed to output is to be printed by the printing apparatus having the output instruction. Output print data corresponding to information for specifying print data, and for storage printing for notifying an output result including information for specifying the print data indicating successful output by the print method obtained by outputting the print data Storage management of bibliographic information data including information specifying the print data received from the print server and the print server for accumulated printing , Transmitting a list including information specifying the print data, receiving a print request signal including information specifying print data instructed to be output by the user from the transmitted list, and being included in the received print request signal In order to output the print data corresponding to the information specifying the print data, a print command signal including information specifying the print device and the print data is sent to the print server for storage printing storing the print data. Output a print result including information for specifying print data indicating successful printing on the storage print server according to the output result indicating output success notified from the print server for storage print, and the print request signal Is a method for controlling a printing apparatus capable of communicating via a communication medium with a print management server that notifies the printing apparatus to which
The printing device
Receiving a list including information specifying the print data from the print management server; and receiving the print result;
A print request step for transmitting to the print management server a print request signal including information specifying print data to be printed by the printing apparatus, which is instructed to be output in accordance with a user's specification;
In response to the print request signal, a print step of receiving and printing print data transmitted from the storage print server by the printing method ;
A display step of displaying on the display means the list received in the receiving step;
An acquisition step of acquiring information for specifying print data that has been printed by the printing apparatus;
Deletion step of deleting from the list displayed on the display means the print data in which the information for specifying the print data included in the print result received in the reception step matches the information for specifying the print data acquired in the acquisition step And executing a control method. A program executed in a print system in which one or a plurality of information processing apparatuses, a storage printing print server, a print management server, and one or a plurality of printing apparatuses can communicate via a communication medium,
The storage print server;
Storage means for storing print data generated by the information processing apparatus;
Bibliographic information data transmission means for transmitting bibliographic information data including information for specifying the print data stored in the storage means to the print management server;
The print data transmission result is directly notified to the printing apparatus based on the print command signal transmitted from the print management server and including the information specifying the printing apparatus for which the output instruction has been issued and the information specifying the stored print data. Print data output means for outputting print data corresponding to information for specifying the print data in order to print on the printing apparatus that has been instructed to output by a printing method that cannot be performed ;
Functioning as a notification means for notifying the print management server of an output result including information for specifying the print data, indicating successful output by the printing method obtained by outputting the print data by the print data output means,
The print management server;
Bibliographic information data storage means for storing and managing bibliographic information data including information specifying the print data received from the storage print server;
A print request for transmitting a list including information for specifying the print data to the printing apparatus, and receiving a print request signal including information for specifying print data output by the user from the transmitted list. A signal receiving means;
In order to output the print data corresponding to the information specifying the print data included in the print request signal received by the print request signal receiving means, the print is sent to the print server for storage printing storing the print data. A print command signal output means for outputting a print command signal including information specifying the apparatus and the print data;
In accordance with the output result indicating the output success notified from the storage print server, the print request signal is transmitted with the print result including the information specifying the print data indicating the print success at the storage print server. Function as a printing result notification means for notifying the printing device,
The printing device;
Receiving means for receiving a list including information specifying the print data from the print management server, and the print result;
Print request means for sending a print request signal including information for specifying print data to be printed by the printing apparatus, instructed to be output in accordance with a user's specification, to the print management server;
Printing means for receiving and printing print data transmitted by the printing method from the print server for stored printing in response to the print request signal;
Display means for displaying a list received by the receiving means;
Acquisition means for acquiring information specifying print data for which printing has been completed in the printing apparatus;
Deletion means for deleting, from the list displayed by the display means, print data in which the information for specifying the print data included in the print result received by the receiving means matches the information for specifying the print data acquired by the acquisition means A program characterized by functioning as One or a plurality of information processing apparatuses and a printing apparatus that stores print data generated by the information processing apparatus, transmits bibliographic information data including information for specifying the stored print data, and is instructed to output Based on a print command signal including information to specify and information to specify the stored print data, the print data transmission result cannot be directly notified to the printing apparatus, and the printing apparatus instructed to output is to be printed by the printing apparatus having the output instruction. Output print data corresponding to information for specifying print data, and for storage printing for notifying an output result including information for specifying the print data indicating successful output by the print method obtained by outputting the print data Receives the print server, a list including information for specifying print data, and the print result, displays the received list, and according to the user's specification Is the force indicated, sends a print request signal including information specifying the printing data to be printed by the printing device, in response to a print request signal, the print data transmitted by the print method from the storage printing for the print server Received and printed, information for specifying print data for which printing has been completed in the printing apparatus is acquired, information for specifying print data included in the received print result , and information for specifying the acquired print data A program executed by a print management server capable of communicating with one or a plurality of printing apparatuses that delete matching print data from a list via a communication medium;
The print management server;
Bibliographic information data storage means for storing and managing bibliographic information data including information specifying the print data received from the storage print server;
A print request for transmitting a list including information for specifying the print data to the printing apparatus, and receiving a print request signal including information for specifying print data output by the user from the transmitted list. A signal receiving means;
In order to output the print data corresponding to the information specifying the print data included in the print request signal received by the print request signal receiving means, the print is sent to the print server for storage printing storing the print data. A print command signal output means for outputting a print command signal including information specifying the apparatus and the print data;
In accordance with the output result indicating the output success notified from the storage print server, the print request signal is transmitted with the print result including the information specifying the print data indicating the print success at the storage print server. A program for causing a printer to function as a printing result notifying unit for notifying a printing apparatus. One or a plurality of information processing apparatuses and a printing apparatus that stores print data generated by the information processing apparatus, transmits bibliographic information data including information for specifying the stored print data, and is instructed to output Based on a print command signal including information to specify and information to specify the stored print data, the print data transmission result cannot be directly notified to the printing apparatus, and the printing apparatus instructed to output is to be printed by the printing apparatus having the output instruction. Output print data corresponding to information for specifying print data, and for storage printing for notifying an output result including information for specifying the print data indicating successful output by the print method obtained by outputting the print data Storage management of bibliographic information data including information specifying the print data received from the print server and the print server for accumulated printing , Transmitting a list including information specifying the print data, receiving a print request signal including information specifying print data instructed to be output by the user from the transmitted list, and being included in the received print request signal In order to output the print data corresponding to the information specifying the print data, a print command signal including information specifying the print device and the print data is sent to the print server for storage printing storing the print data. Output a print result including information for specifying print data indicating successful printing on the storage print server according to the output result indicating output success notified from the print server for storage print, and the print request signal Is a program that is executed by a printing apparatus that can communicate with a print management server that communicates with the printing apparatus to which the message is transmitted via a communication medium. ,
The printing device;
Receiving means for receiving a list including information specifying the print data from the print management server, and the print result;
Print request means for sending a print request signal including information for specifying print data to be printed by the printing apparatus, instructed to be output in accordance with a user's specification, to the print management server;
Printing means for receiving and printing print data transmitted by the printing method from the print server for stored printing in response to the print request signal;
Display means for displaying a list received by the receiving means;
Acquisition means for acquiring information specifying print data for which printing has been completed in the printing apparatus;
Deletion means for deleting, from the list displayed by the display means, print data in which the information for specifying the print data included in the print result received by the receiving means matches the information for specifying the print data acquired by the acquisition means A program characterized by functioning as

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