JP5353833B2 - Server, print setting file storage control method, and storage control program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent complexity such that print setting has to be carried out every time when printing is performed using a server from a client device to which a storage device such as a hard disk device is not provided, in a print system of a thin client and the like. <P>SOLUTION: A server 10 includes: print setting means 113 for carrying out print setting in response to a request from client devices 1 to 3; user information acquisition means 111 for acquiring user information; transmission means 115 for transmitting a print job to a printer 200; client environment determination means 115 for determining whether storage means capable of storing a print setting file in which the acquired user information is associated with a print setting value is provided to a client device; and control means 115 for storing the print setting file in the storage means provided to the own device or another device, when the storage means capable of storing the print setting file is not provided to the client device. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2012,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a server that is used in connection with a client device or a printing device that is a user terminal device, a print setting file storage control method that is executed by the server, and a print that causes the server to execute the method. The present invention relates to a setting file storage control program.

  A wide variety of systems have been constructed as printing systems in which a plurality of client devices and printing devices are connected to a single print server. In recent years, the client device side has only the minimum necessary resources, and the server The so-called thin client system, which can reduce the operation and management costs on the client device side by making the best use of the resources on the client side, is becoming mainstream.

  In this system, a printer driver is installed on the server side, and by using this printer driver from the client device side, various print settings are performed, and a print job including the set print setting value is designated by the client device. The server transmits to the printing apparatus based on the above and printing is performed.

  In Patent Document 1, in a system in which a plurality of terminals, information processing devices, peripheral devices, and a management device are connected via a network, peripheral devices suitable for the place of use are automatically assigned to the terminals. A technology for automatically installing peripheral device drivers and setting driver setting information is disclosed.

JP 2008-123388 A

  However, in the thin client printing system as described above, the client device often does not have a storage device such as a hard disk device (HDD) and does not have various data. In this case, the printer driver of the server is used. Even if the print setting is performed and the printing is executed, the print setting is cleared when the session between the server and the client device is disconnected. For this reason, when printing is performed from the client device using the server, the print setting must be performed again every time, which is troublesome.

  Note that the technology described in Patent Document 1 described above handles the driver setting information after the change when the user changes the driver setting information, although the peripheral device driver is installed and the driver setting information is set automatically. Is not described, and the above problems could not be solved.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and in a thin client printing system or the like, printing is performed using a server from a client device that is not equipped with a storage device such as a hard disk device (HDD). Provided is a server capable of preventing the complexity of having to redo print settings each time, and a print control file storage control method executed by the server, and further provides the print control file storage control method to the server. It is an object of the present invention to provide a print control file storage control program for execution.

The above problem is solved by the following means.
(1) Print setting means for performing print settings in response to a request from the client device, user information acquisition means for acquiring information on the user on the client device side that has made the print setting request, and setting by the print setting means In response to a request from the client apparatus, a transmission unit that transmits the print job including the set print setting value to the printing apparatus, the print setting value, and the user information acquired by the user information acquisition unit are associated with each other Client environment determining means for determining whether or not the client device has a print setting file creating means for creating a print setting file and a storage means capable of storing the print setting file created by the print setting file creating means. And a print setting file can be stored in the client device by the client environment judging means. Server when the Do storage means is determined not provided, is characterized in that and a control means for storing the print setting file storage means provided outside the self apparatus or self apparatus.
(2) When the print setting unit performs print settings in response to a request from the client device, information on the user who made the print setting request and the print setting value in the storage unit provided outside the own device or the own device When the print setting file presence / absence determining unit that determines whether or not the print setting file associated with the file is already stored and the print setting file presence / absence determining unit determines that the print setting file is already stored A print setting file acquisition unit for acquiring the print setting file, and a print setting screen in which the print setting value included in the print setting file acquired by the print setting file acquisition unit is reflected as an initial print setting value. Display data creation means for creating the display data, and the transmission means print settings created by the display data creation means If the print setting value reflected in the display data on the print setting screen is changed by the client device, the new print setting with the changed setting value is transmitted to the client device that requested the print setting. The server according to item 1 above, which creates a file.
(3) The control unit updates the print setting file by overwriting the new print setting file created by the print setting file creating unit over the already saved print setting file. server.
(4) The server according to item 3 above, wherein when the print setting file is updated, the control unit stores information on update date and time in the print setting file.
(5) For a client device provided with a storage unit capable of storing a print setting file, the control unit causes the storage unit of the client device to store the print setting file. The listed server.
(6) Even in the case of a client device provided with a storage unit capable of storing a print setting file, a mode in which the print setting file is stored in a storage unit other than the storage unit of the client device can be operated by the user. 6. The server according to item 5 above, comprising mode setting means for setting based on.
(7) A print setting step for performing print settings in response to a request from the client device, a user information acquisition step for acquiring information on a user on the client device side that has made the print setting request, and a setting in the print setting step In response to a request from the client apparatus, a transmission step of transmitting a print job including the set print setting value to the printing apparatus, and a print in which the print setting value is associated with the user information acquired in the user information acquisition step A print setting file creating step for creating a setting file; and a client environment determining step for determining whether or not the client device includes a storage unit capable of storing the print setting file created in the print setting file creating step. In the client environment determination step, A control step of storing the print setting file in the storage device provided in the self apparatus or outside the self apparatus when it is determined that the storage apparatus capable of storing the print setting file is not provided in the client device. A print control file storage control method in a server characterized by the above.
(8) A print setting step for performing print settings in response to a request from the client device, a user information acquisition step for acquiring information on a user on the client device side that has made the print setting request, and a setting in the print setting step In response to a request from the client apparatus, a transmission step of transmitting a print job including the set print setting value to the printing apparatus, and a print in which the print setting value is associated with the user information acquired in the user information acquisition step A print setting file creating step for creating a setting file; and a client environment determining step for determining whether or not the client device includes a storage unit capable of storing the print setting file created in the print setting file creating step. In the client environment determination step, A control step for storing the print setting file in the storage device provided in the own device or outside the own device when it is determined that the storage device capable of storing the print setting file is not provided in the client device; Print setting file storage control program to be executed.
(9) When print setting is performed in the print setting step in response to a request from the client device, information on the user who made the print setting request and the print setting value in the storage unit provided outside the own device or the own device In the print setting file presence / absence determining step for determining whether or not the print setting file associated with is already stored, and in the print setting file presence / absence determining step, it is determined that the print setting file is already stored. A print setting file acquisition step for acquiring the print setting file, and a print setting screen in which the print setting value included in the print setting file acquired in the print setting file acquisition step is reflected as an initial print setting value. A display data creation step for creating display data; In the step, the display data of the print setting screen created in the display data creation step is transmitted to the client device that requested the print setting, and in the print setting file creation step, the print reflected in the display data of the print setting screen 9. The program according to item 8 above, wherein when the setting value is changed by the client device, the computer executes processing for creating a new print setting file in which the setting value is changed.
(10) In the control step, the new print setting file created in the print setting file creation step is overwritten on the already saved print setting file, thereby causing the computer to execute processing for updating the print setting file. The program according to item 9 above.
(11) The program according to item 10 above, wherein in the control step, when the print setting file is updated, the computer is caused to execute a process of holding the update date and time information in the print setting file.
(12) For a client device provided with a storage unit capable of storing a print setting file, in the control step, the process for storing the print setting file in the storage unit of the client device is executed by a computer. The program in any one of -11.
(13) Even in the case of a client device provided with a storage unit capable of storing a print setting file, a mode in which the print setting file is stored in a storage unit other than the storage unit of the client device is set to a user operation. 13. The program according to item 12, which causes a computer to execute a mode setting step that is set based on the program.

  According to the invention described in (1), the server performs print settings in response to a request from the client device, and prints a print job including the set print setting value in response to a request from the client device. Send to. The server acquires the information of the user on the client apparatus side that has made the print setting request, creates a print setting file in which the acquired user information and the print setting value are associated, and creates the generated print It is determined whether or not the client device has a storage unit capable of storing the setting file. Then, when it is determined that the client device does not include a storage unit capable of storing the print setting file, the storage unit provided in the own device or outside the own device stores the print setting file. Therefore, in a thin client print system or the like, when printing is performed using a server from a client device that is not equipped with a storage device such as a hard disk device (HDD), the print setting value once set is the print setting. Since the file is saved as a file, the saved print setting file can be used from the next time, and the troublesome reworking of the print setting can be prevented each time.

  According to the invention described in (2) above, when print setting is performed in response to a request from the client device, the print setting file in which the information of the user who made the print setting request and the print setting value are associated is provided. It is determined whether or not it has already been saved, and if it is determined that it has already been saved, the print setting screen that acquires the print setting file and reflects the print setting value included therein as the initial setting value Display data is generated and transmitted to the client apparatus that requested the print setting. When the print setting value is changed, a new print setting file in which the print setting value is changed is created.

  According to the invention described in (3) above, the print setting file can be updated by overwriting the newly created print setting file with the already saved print setting file, and the latest print setting file is always updated. Can be left.

  According to the invention described in item (4) above, when the print setting file is updated, the update date and time information is held in the print setting file, so that the user can know the update date and time.

  According to the invention described in (5) above, for a client device provided with a storage unit capable of storing a print setting file, the storage unit of the client device can store the print setting file.

  According to the invention described in (6) above, even if the client device is provided with a storage unit capable of storing the print setting file, the print setting file is stored in a storage unit other than the storage unit of the client device. The mode can be set based on a user operation.

  According to the invention described in (7) above, when printing is performed using a server from a client device that is not equipped with a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) in a thin client print system or the like. Since the print setting value once set is saved as a print setting file, the saved print setting file can be used from the next time, and the troublesomeness of having to redo the print setting every time can be prevented.

  According to the invention described in (8) above, whether or not the client device is provided with a storage unit that acquires the information of the user on the client device side that requested the print setting and can store the print setting file. And when the client device is determined not to include a storage unit capable of storing the print setting file, a process of storing the print setting file in the storage device provided outside the device itself or It can be executed by a computer.

  According to the invention described in item (9) above, when print setting is performed in response to a request from the client device, the user who made the print setting request to the storage unit provided outside the device or the device itself. It is determined whether or not a print setting file in which the information and the print setting value are associated is already stored. When it is determined that the print setting file is already stored, the print setting file is acquired and acquired. Print setting screen display data that reflects the print setting values included in the print setting file as the initial print setting values are created and sent to the client device. If the print setting values are changed, the print setting values are changed. It is possible to cause the computer to further execute processing for creating a new print setting file that has been changed.

  According to the invention described in item (10) above, the computer can execute processing for updating the print setting file by overwriting a new print setting file with the already saved print setting file.

  According to the invention described in item (11) above, when the print setting file is updated, the computer can be caused to execute a process for holding the update date and time information in the print setting file.

  According to the invention described in item (12) above, the computer executes processing for storing the print setting file in the storage unit of the client device for the client device provided with the storage unit capable of storing the print setting file. Can be made.

  According to the invention described in item (13), even if the client device includes a storage unit capable of storing a print setting file, the print setting file is stored in a storage unit other than the storage unit of the client device. It is possible to cause the computer to execute a mode setting step for setting the mode to be performed based on a user operation.

1 is a configuration diagram of a print system in which a server according to an embodiment of the present invention is used. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a server. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a printer driver stored in a storage unit or the like of a server. FIG. It is a table | surface which shows each specification of a server and a client apparatus. It is a figure which shows the selection screen of the printing setting preservation | save mode displayed on the display apparatus of the server. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the server with which the connection from a client apparatus was made. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the mode setting process (step S4) of FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of print setting screen display processing (step S5) of FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of print setting storage processing (step S6) of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the printing setting for every user preserve | saved at the preservation | save destination. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating another embodiment of the present invention, showing a server process from when a session (connection) is received from a client apparatus to when display data for a print setting screen is transmitted to the client apparatus. Similarly, it is a flowchart illustrating a print setting file storage process after a print job is transmitted to the printing apparatus.

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

  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a print system using a server according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  This printing system includes a server 10 connected to each other via a network 4, a plurality of (three in this embodiment) client devices 1 to 3 as terminal devices, and a printing device 200.

  The server 10 is composed of a personal computer, and is loaded with software (also referred to as SS) for cooperating with client apparatuses 1 and 2 as thin clients, a printer driver, etc. together with an OS such as Windows (registered trademark). In response to the request from the client, the printer driver is activated to perform print settings, and based on the request from the client apparatus, a print job is transmitted to the printing apparatus to execute printing. In the following description, the client device is also simply referred to as a client.

  Among the clients 1 to 3, the client 1 is a computer that does not have an OS such as Windows (registered trademark), and software (also referred to as SC) for causing the client 1 to function as a thin client is installed. Further, the client 1 does not include a storage unit such as a hard disk device (also referred to as an HDD), and is configured so that a print setting file including print setting values set by the server cannot be stored in the own device. .

  The client 2 includes a computer having an OS such as Windows (registered trademark), and the SC for causing the client 2 to function as a thin client is also installed. Furthermore, the client 2 includes a storage unit 21 such as an HDD, and is configured to be able to save data such as print settings set by the server in its own apparatus.

  The client 3 includes a computer having an OS such as Windows (registered trademark) and a storage unit 31 such as an HDD, but an SC for causing the client 3 to function as a thin client is an ordinary computer that is not installed. .

  The printing apparatus 200 prints a print job transmitted from the server according to print settings included in the print job. In this embodiment, the printing apparatus 200 has a plurality of functions such as a copy function, a printer function, and a facsimile function. An MFP (Multi Function Peripherals) which is a functional digital image forming apparatus is used. Hereinafter, this printing apparatus is also referred to as an MFP. Further, the MFP 200 includes a storage unit 201 such as an HDD capable of storing the print setting file created by the server 10.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the server 10.

  The server 10 includes a CPU 101, a ROM 102, a RAM 103, a storage unit 104, a display device 105, an input device 106, a network interface unit (network I / F unit) 107, and the like, which are connected to each other via a system bus 108.

  The CPU 101 performs overall control of the entire server 10 by executing a program stored in the ROM 102 or the storage unit 104. In particular, in this embodiment, the printer driver as a program stored in the storage unit 104 or the like performs print setting processing based on an instruction from the user who uses the clients 1 to 3, a print setting file including a print setting value, and a print job. Creation processing, print job transmission processing to the printing apparatus 200, and the like.

  The ROM 102 is a storage medium that stores programs to be executed by the CPU 101 and other data.

  The RAM 103 is a storage medium that provides a work area when the CPU 101 operates according to the operation program.

  The storage unit 104 includes a storage medium such as a hard disk, and stores various application programs and data.

  The display device 105 includes a CRT, a liquid crystal display device, and the like, and displays various messages, an input reception screen for a user, a selection screen, and the like.

  The input device 106 is used for an input operation by a user, and includes a keyboard, a mouse, and the like.

  The network interface unit 107 functions as a communication unit that transmits / receives data to / from the clients 1 to 3, the MFP 200, and other external devices via the network 4.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the printer driver stored in the storage unit 104 or the like of the server 10. This printer driver implements a client environment determination unit 111, an operation mode switching processing unit 112, a print setting processing unit 113, a UI (User Interface) control unit 114, and a print control unit 115 in the server 10.

  When there is a session (connection) with the clients 1 to 3, the client environment determination unit 111 determines the client information and the client from the communication protocol such as API, SDK, DDK, network command, packet, and session information. Acquires information about the user in use, whether the client is a thin client, whether the client is equipped with an OS, the type of OS, whether the client is equipped with an HDD, the name of the user using the client, etc. Judging.

  The operation mode switching processing unit 112 performs operation mode switching processing based on the determination result of the client environment determination unit 111. Specifically, when the client environment determination unit 111 determines that the clients 1 to 3 that have requested print setting creation are thin clients and are equipped with an HDD, the print setting processing unit A print setting file is created by associating the print setting value set in step 113 with the information of the user who issued the print setting instruction, and the created print setting file is stored in the HDD of the client itself. If it is determined that the clients 1 to 3 that have issued the print setting creation request are thin clients and no HDD is installed, the print setting file created by the print setting processing unit 113 is stored. The data is stored in the storage unit 104 of the server 10 itself or in a storage unit other than the server 10, for example, the storage unit 201 of the MFP 200.

  The print setting processing unit 113 performs print settings for printing in response to requests from the clients 1 to 3. Specifically, the default print setting value is reflected as an initial value and presented to the client, and if the setting value is changed from the client, it is reflected. Also, a print job is created by adding the set print setting value to the data to be printed, or a print setting file is created by associating the user information determined by the client environment determination unit 111 with the print setting value. To do.

  The UI control unit 114 creates display data for the print setting screen, and notifies the print setting processing unit 113 of any change in the print setting value from the client on the print setting screen. Perform the process.

  The print control unit 115 transmits the print job created by the print setting processing unit 113 to the printing apparatus 200 to execute printing, or the print setting file created by the print setting processing unit 113 Plays a role such as saving to a destination.

  Next, the operation of the server 10 in the print system shown in FIG. 1 will be described. In the following description, it is assumed that the storage units 21, 31 and 201 of the clients 2 and 3 and the MFP 200 are HDDs.

  FIG. 4 is a table showing specifications of the server 10 and the clients 1 to 3, respectively, for connecting the MAC address, the user name as the owner, the OS, the version, and the thin clients 1 and 2 to the server 10. A startup application (denoted as a startup application) is shown. As described above, the startup application is software (SS) for cooperation with the thin clients 1 and 2 in the server 10, and software for causing the clients 1 and 2 to function as thin clients in the clients 1 and 2 ( SC1 and SC2). The client 3 is not equipped with software for a thin client. The client 1 is not equipped with an OS or HDD.

  In this embodiment, when the client is a thin client, a user such as an administrator presets a print setting storage mode, which is a mode related to a storage location of a print setting file created by the server 10, by the server 10. be able to.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 5, in the print setting storage mode selection screen displayed on the display device 105 of the server 10, the item “Network print optimization setting” is checked, and “Thin client (no HDD)” is selected. A first mode that is a mode, a second mode that is a “thin client (with HDD)” mode, a third mode that is always “save print settings to MFP / server” mode, and “automatically according to client environment” One of the fourth modes, which is the “switch to” mode, can be selected. This selection may be made, for example, when installing a printer driver.

  The first mode is selected when it is known in advance that the client connected to the server 10 is a client not equipped with an HDD. When this mode is selected, the print setting file is stored in the server 10, the MFP 200, or another storage destination.

  The second mode is selected when it is known in advance that the client connected to the server 10 is a client equipped with an HDD. When this mode is selected, the print setting file is stored in the HDD 21 or 31 of the client that requested it.

  When the third mode is selected, even if the client connected to the server 10 includes a client equipped with an HDD, the print setting file is always stored in the storage unit of the server 10 other than the client. 104, stored in the HDD 201 of the MFP 200, and other predetermined storage destinations.

  When the fourth mode is selected, the storage environment of the print setting file is automatically switched depending on the client environment, that is, whether or not the HDD is installed in the client. That is, if the HDD is not installed in the client, the print setting file is stored in the server 10 or the MFP 200. If the HDD is installed in the client, the print setting file is stored in the client. Hereinafter, a mode in which the print setting file is saved in the server 10 or the MFP 200 is referred to as A mode, and a mode in which the print setting file is saved in the client that has requested the print setting is referred to as B mode.

  Press the OK button to confirm the selected mode. The fourth mode is set as a default setting.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the server 10 to which a connection is made from a client. This operation is executed by the CPU 101 of the server 10 operating according to a printer driver recorded on a recording medium such as the storage unit 104.

  Note that when the printer driver is installed in the server 10 or after that, the server environment such as information on the OS installed in the server 10, information on applications such as SS, and whether or not the HDD is installed. Get information about.

  In step S1, it is determined whether or not there is a session (connection) from the clients 1 to 3. If not (NO in step S1), the process ends. If there is a session (YES in step S1), it is determined in step S2 whether the connected client is a thin client. If the client is not a thin client (NO in step S2), since the connection is from the client 3 in this embodiment, in step S3, a printing process using a Windows (registered trademark) OS standard point-and-print function is executed. finish.

  If it is a thin client (YES in step S2), in this embodiment, the user of client 1 or 2 has started and connected SC1 or SC2, and mode setting processing is executed in step S4, and in step S5. Print setting screen display processing is executed, and print setting storage processing is executed in step S6.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the mode setting process (step S4).

  In step S41, the type of print setting storage mode selected on the screen of FIG. 5 is determined. If the first and third modes are selected as the print setting storage mode, the process proceeds to step S47. If the second mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S46. If the fourth mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S42.

  In step S42, the information of the clients 1 and 2 and the information of the user using the client are acquired from the communication protocol such as API, SDK, DDK, network command, packet, and session information.

  Next, in step S43, it is determined whether or not the acquisition of the information of the clients 1 and 2 and the user information is successful. If not successful (NO in step S43), the process proceeds to step S47. If successful (YES in step S43), the process advances to step S44 to determine whether the clients 1 and 2 are equipped with HDDs and there is a storage area in which the print setting file created by the server 10 can be stored. .

  If there is no storage area in which the print setting file can be stored (in the case of the client 1 in this embodiment) (NO in step S44), the process proceeds to step S47. If it exists (in the case of the client 2 in this embodiment) (YES in step S44), it is determined in step S45 whether the print setting file can be written in the storage area. For example, if the read / write is prohibited by the access authority of the OS such as Windows (registered trademark) operating on the client 2 and the print setting file cannot be written (NO in step S45), the process proceeds to step S47. If writing is possible (YES in step S45), the process proceeds to step S46.

  In step S46, the B mode described above as the print setting file storage mode, that is, the mode for storing the print setting file in the client 2 is set, and the process returns. On the other hand, in step S47, the above-described A mode is set as the print setting file storage mode, that is, the mode for storing print settings in the HDD 201 of the MFP 200, and the process returns. As described above, the storage unit 104 of the server 10 may be used instead of the MFP 200, or the external device other than the MFP 200 or the server 10 may be used.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the print setting screen display process in step S5 in the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S51, it is determined whether the set print setting storage mode is A mode or B mode, and if it is A mode, the process proceeds to step S52. If it is in the B mode, the process proceeds to step S54.

  In step S <b> 52, it is investigated by inquiring the MFP 200 whether or not the past print setting file of the corresponding user has already been stored in the MFP 200. If the print setting file has already been saved (YES in step S52), in step S53, the print setting value included in the print setting file read from the MFP 200 is reflected on the initial setting value of the print setting screen. The display data of the print setting screen is created, the created display data is transmitted to the client 1, displayed on the display unit of the client 1, and then the process returns.

  If the print setting file does not exist (NO in step S52), the print setting screen display data is created by reflecting the default print setting value of the printer driver in the initial setting value of the print setting screen in step S56. Then, the display data thus created is transmitted to the client 1, displayed on the display unit of the client 1, and then the process returns.

  On the other hand, in step S54, it is investigated by inquiring using a SOAP message or the like whether or not the past print setting file of the corresponding user is already stored in the client 2 which is the user's device. If the print setting file has already been saved (YES in step S54), the print setting file read from the client 2 is reflected in the initial setting value of the print setting screen in step S55, and the display data of the print setting screen is changed. After the created display data is transmitted to the client 2 and displayed on the display unit of the client 2, the process returns.

  If the print setting file does not exist (NO in step S54), the print setting screen display data is created by reflecting the default print setting value of the printer driver to the initial setting value of the print setting screen in step S56. Then, the display data thus created is transmitted to the client 2, displayed on the display unit of the client 2, and then the process returns.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the print setting storing process in step S6 in the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S61, it is determined whether or not a print instruction has been issued from the clients 1 and 2. If not (NO in step S61), the process directly returns. If a print instruction is given (YES in step S61), a print setting value is confirmed in step S62, and a print setting file is created by associating the confirmed print setting value with user information. In step S63, it is determined whether the determined print setting value is the default print setting value of the printer driver.

  If it is the default print setting value (YES in step S63), the process proceeds to step S68. If it is not the default print setting value (NO in step S63), the process proceeds to step S64. In step S64, the storage destination of the created print setting file is switched according to whether the print setting storage mode is the A mode or the B mode. That is, the HDD 201 of the MFP 200 is the storage destination in the A mode, and the HDD 21 of the client 2 is the storage destination in the B mode.

  Next, in step S65, it is checked whether the user's print setting file is already stored in the storage destination. If the user's print setting file is already stored (YES in step S65), the print setting file is stored in the storage destination in step S66. After overwriting and updating the print setting file, the process proceeds to step S68. If not saved (NO in step S65), in step S67, a new print setting file is saved in the save destination, and the process proceeds to step S68.

  In step S <b> 68, print setting information is added to the print data created by the user using the server 10 or the print data created by the client 2, and the print job is transmitted to the MFP 200.

  Upon receiving this print job, the MFP 200 prints the print data on a sheet according to the print setting value.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of print settings for each user stored in the storage destination. For example, in the print setting of the user 1, setting values of “2 in 1” and “double-sided printing” for collecting and printing two originals on one sheet are set, and default values are set for the other setting values. You can see that it is set. The print setting file also holds the date and time when the print setting file was saved, so that the user can know the previous update date and time.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the server 10 determines whether the storage unit that can store the print setting file is provided in the client that has requested the print setting. When the print setting file is stored in the storage unit of the client and it is determined that the print setting file is not provided, the print setting file is stored in the storage unit such as the server 10 or the MFP 200. In other words, even if the storage unit that can save the print setting file is not provided in the client that requested the print setting, the print setting value once set is saved as the print setting file. The print setting file can be used, and the complexity of having to redo the print setting every time can be prevented.

  If the print setting file has already been saved, the print setting file display data is created by reflecting the print setting value included in the print setting file as an initial setting value. Sent to the client that requested If the print setting value is changed, a new print setting file with the changed print setting value is created and the print setting file is updated by overwriting the existing print setting file. You can leave the print settings file.

  FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 show another embodiment of the present invention, and are flowcharts showing the operation of the server 10 connected by the thin client function from the client 1 or 2. The flowchart of FIG. 11 shows the processing from when the client (client 1 and 2) has a session (connection) until the display data of the print setting screen is transmitted to the client. The flowchart of FIG. 6 shows a print setting file storage process after transmission to the MFP 200.

  In step S71 of FIG. 11, user identification processing is performed, and after specifying the IP address or user of client 1 or 2 from the session information or the like, whether or not the print setting file reference destination has been designated by the client in step S72. Judging.

  If the reference destination is not specified (NO in step S72), in step S73, whether or not the print setting file of the user is already stored in the MFP 200 is checked by inquiring the MFP 200, and based on the result. In step S 74, it is determined whether the corresponding print setting file is already stored in MFP 200.

  If stored (YES in step S74), the print setting file is temporarily stored in the storage unit 104 of the server 10 in step S75, and then the process proceeds to step S77. If it is not stored in the MFP 200 (NO in step S74), it is checked in step S76 whether or not the user's print setting file has already been stored in the client 2 by inquiring the client 2 using a SOAP message or the like. Based on the result, in step S77, it is determined whether or not the corresponding print setting file is stored in the client 2.

  If stored (YES in step S77), the print setting file is temporarily stored in the storage unit 104 of the server 10 in step S78, and then the process proceeds to step S80. If not stored in the client 2 (NO in step S77), it is checked in step S79 whether there is a print setting file temporarily stored in the storage unit 104 of the server 10.

  If there is a temporarily saved print setting file (YES in step S79), a print setting value is selected from the temporarily saved print setting file in step S80. Specifically, when there are a plurality of temporarily saved print setting files, the setting value of the file with the latest file update date / time is selected, and if there is only one, the setting value is selected. After selecting the print setting value, the process proceeds to step S81.

  In step S79, if there is no temporarily saved print setting file (NO in step S79), the default setting value of the printer driver is selected in step S84, and the process proceeds to step S81.

  On the other hand, if the reference destination of the print setting file is specified in step S72 (YES in step S72), the process advances to step S82 to refer to the specified print setting file, and in step S83, the print setting value is stored in the file. Check if it is included.

  If it is included (YES in step S83), the set value is selected in step S85, and then the process proceeds to step S81. If it is not included (NO in step S83), the printer driver default setting value is selected in step S84, and the process proceeds to step S81.

  In step S81, display data of the print setting screen reflecting the selected print setting value in the initial setting value of the printer driver is generated, and the generated display data is transmitted to the clients 1 and 2 and displayed on the display unit of the client. Let

  The print setting file is saved as follows.

  That is, in step S91 in FIG. 12, it is determined whether or not the print setting value has been changed. If not, the saving process is terminated. If there has been a change (YES in step S91), it is determined in step S92 whether or not the user has specified a storage location for the print setting file (YES in step S92), and if so, the print setting file is determined in step S96. And save the print settings file in the specified location.

  If there is no designation (NO in step S92), a print file is created in step S93, the print setting file is distributed to the corresponding clients 1 and 2, and then in step S94 whether or not there is a storage completion response from the client. to decide. For example, when the client 1 makes a print setting request, since the client 1 does not have the HDD 11, there is no response of the completion of storage from the client 1. Therefore, the server 10 can determine the presence or absence of the print setting file storage area in the client based on the presence or absence of a response.

  If there is no completion response in step S94, in other words, if the client does not have an HDD (NO in step S94), the print setting file is stored in the HDD 201 of the MFP 200 in step S95, and the process is performed. finish. If there is a completion response (YES in step S94), the print setting file has already been saved in the HDD of the client, and the process is terminated as it is.

  Also according to this embodiment, the server 10 stores the print setting file in the storage unit such as the server 10 or the MFP 200 when the storage unit that can store the print setting file is not provided in the client that has requested the print setting. Therefore, the saved print setting file can be used from the next time, and the troublesome reworking of the print setting every time can be prevented.

1-3 Client 21, 31 Hard disk drive (HDD)
10 server 101 CPU
102 ROM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 104 Memory | storage part 105 Display apparatus 111 Client environment judgment part 112 Operation mode switching process part 113 Print setting process part 114 UI control part 115 Print control part 200 Printing apparatus (MFP)
201 HDD

Claims (13)

Print setting means for performing print settings in response to a request from the client device;
User information acquisition means for acquiring information of a user on the client device side that has made the print setting request;
A transmission unit configured to transmit a print job including a print setting value set by the print setting unit to the printing apparatus in response to a request from the client apparatus;
A print setting file creating unit that creates a print setting file in which the print setting value and the user information acquired by the user information acquiring unit are associated;
Client environment determining means for determining whether or not the client device has a storage means capable of storing the print setting file created by the print setting file creating means;
When the client environment determination unit determines that the client device does not include a storage unit capable of storing the print setting file, the storage unit provided in the own device or outside the own device stores the print setting file. Control means;
A server characterized by comprising: When the print setting unit performs print settings in response to a request from the client device, the information of the user who requested the print setting and the print setting value are associated with the storage unit provided on the own device or outside the own device. Print setting file presence / absence judging means for judging whether or not a given print setting file has already been saved,
A print setting file acquisition unit that acquires the print setting file when the print setting file presence determination unit determines that the print setting file is already stored;
Display data creating means for creating display data of a print setting screen in which the print setting value included in the print setting file acquired by the print setting file acquiring means is reflected as an initial print setting value;
With
The transmission unit transmits the display data of the print setting screen created by the display data creation unit to the client device that requested the print setting, and the print setting value reflected in the display data of the print setting screen is the client device. The server according to claim 1, wherein a new print setting file in which the setting value is changed is created when the setting value is changed by the step.   The server according to claim 2, wherein the control unit updates the print setting file by overwriting a new print setting file created by the print setting file creating unit with a print setting file already stored.   The server according to claim 3, wherein when the print setting file is updated, the control unit stores information on update date and time in the print setting file.   5. The client device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the storage unit of the client device to store the print setting file for a client device provided with a storage unit capable of storing the print setting file. server.   Even in the case of a client device having a storage unit capable of storing a print setting file, a mode for storing the print setting file in a storage unit other than the storage unit of the client device is set based on a user operation. The server according to claim 5, further comprising mode setting means. A print setting step for performing print settings in response to a request from the client device;
A user information acquisition step of acquiring information of a user on the client device side that has made the print setting request;
A transmission step of transmitting a print job including the print setting value set in the print setting step to the printing apparatus in response to a request from the client apparatus;
A print setting file creating step for creating a print setting file in which the print setting value is associated with the user information acquired in the user information acquiring step;
A client environment determination step of determining whether or not the client device includes a storage unit capable of storing the print setting file created in the print setting file creation step;
If it is determined in the client environment determination step that the client device is not provided with a storage unit capable of storing the print setting file, the storage unit provided in the own device or outside the own device stores the print setting file. Control steps;
A print setting file storage control method in a server, comprising: A print setting step for performing print settings in response to a request from the client device;
A user information acquisition step of acquiring information of a user on the client device side that has made the print setting request;
A transmission step of transmitting a print job including the print setting value set in the print setting step to the printing apparatus in response to a request from the client apparatus;
A print setting file creating step for creating a print setting file in which the print setting value is associated with the user information acquired in the user information acquiring step;
A client environment determination step of determining whether or not the client device includes a storage unit capable of storing the print setting file created in the print setting file creation step;
Control for saving the print setting file in the own device or in the saving means provided outside the own device when it is determined in the client environment determining step that the client device does not have a storing means capable of saving the print setting file. Steps,
A print control file storage control program for causing a computer to execute. When print setting is performed in the print setting step in response to a request from the client device, the information of the user who made the print setting request and the print setting value are associated with the storage unit provided on the own device or outside the own device. A print setting file presence / absence determining step for determining whether or not the specified print setting file has already been saved;
A print setting file acquisition step for acquiring the print setting file when it is determined that the print setting file is already stored in the print setting file presence determination step;
A display data creation step of creating display data of a print setting screen in which the print setting value included in the print setting file acquired in the print setting file acquisition step is reflected as an initial print setting value;
Is further executed on the computer,
In the transmission step, the display data of the print setting screen created in the display data creation step is transmitted to the client device that requested the print setting, and in the print setting file creation step, the display data is reflected in the display data of the print setting screen. The program according to claim 8, wherein when the print setting value is changed by the client device, the computer executes a process of creating a new print setting file in which the setting value is changed.   10. The control step causes the computer to execute a process of updating the print setting file by overwriting the new print setting file created in the print setting file creating step over the already saved print setting file. The program described in.   11. The program according to claim 10, wherein in the control step, when the print setting file is updated, the computer is caused to execute a process of holding the update date / time information in the print setting file.   12. A client apparatus having a storage unit capable of storing a print setting file, wherein in the control step, a process for storing the print setting file in the storage unit of the client apparatus is executed by a computer. A program according to any of the above.   Even in the case of a client device having a storage unit capable of storing a print setting file, a mode for storing the print setting file in a storage unit other than the storage unit of the client device is set based on a user operation. The program according to claim 12, which causes a computer to execute a mode setting step.

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