JP7119409B2 - Information processing device, delivery system, program, delivery method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing device, distribution system, program, and distribution method.

2. Description of the Related Art A system is known that performs one or more processes on image data input by a scanner function or a facsimile reception function of a multifunction machine. In such a system, a series of processes are performed on image data according to a fixed procedure, so the process performed by the system is often called a workflow. For example, a multi-function machine performs OCR (Optical Character Reader) on image data obtained by scanning a document, converts it into PDF, and transmits it by e-mail or distributes it to a folder. In addition, since electronic data (documents) are ultimately delivered in a workflow, a system that executes the workflow is sometimes called a delivery system.

A delivery system may specify a printer as a document delivery destination. Such document delivery is called print delivery. Print distribution is a distribution method for distributing and printing image data acquired by a scanner function or a facsimile reception function to a printer described in a workflow definition that defines workflow processing. This enables advanced use of printers, for example, a multifunction device that receives a fax starts a workflow and prints (outputs) from a printer installed for each department.

Also, in the workflow, it is also possible to print by designating the time (for example, see Patent Document 1). Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-200001 discloses a technique for allowing a user to specify a delivery time and printing a document during the specified delivery time zone when image data scanned by a multifunction machine is delivered to a printer.

However, the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-200001 has a problem that it does not take into consideration how to set the print settings for each printer when there are a plurality of printers to be distributed. For this reason, conventionally, the administrator or the like cannot set, for example, the number of copies to be printed in the workflow definition, and multiple printers have to print the same number of copies when the workflow is executed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an information processing apparatus capable of setting print settings for each printer to be distributed.

According to the present invention, an information processing apparatus that receives data to be distributed and executes distribution processing refers to distribution destination information including print settings set for each printer to which the data to be distributed is distributed, and performs the distribution. Distribution means for distributing the data to be distributed transmitted by the input device of the target data to the printer of the distribution destination set in the distribution destination information together with the print settings associated with the printer of the distribution destination. and setting acquisition means for receiving the setting of the delivery destination information and further transmitting a print setting screen for receiving the input of the print setting to the terminal device, wherein the print setting screen is provided to the information processing apparatus. There is a selection column for receiving selection of the delivery destination printer from a plurality of printers in which printer drivers are installed, and the print setting screen can be set in the printer selected in the selection column by the user of the terminal device. a value is displayed, and the print setting screen has a check box for accepting whether or not the printer selected in the selection field is to be a distribution destination together with a value that can be set in the printer, and two or more of the distributions The print settings that are different for each of the destination printers are received and set in the delivery destination information, and the delivery means is different for the two or more delivery destination printers whose check boxes are checked in one workflow. Distribute the print settings.

It is possible to provide an information processing apparatus in which print settings can be made for each distribution target printer.

It is an example of the figure explaining the schematic operation|movement of the delivery system of this embodiment. 4 is an example of a schematic hardware configuration diagram of a distribution server; FIG. 1 is an example of a block diagram showing a schematic hardware configuration of an input device; FIG. It is a figure which shows the function and structural example of a distribution system. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen when creating a new workflow definition; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a workflow definition; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a print setting screen; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a print setting screen when a delivery destination printer that does not support color printing is selected; FIG. 10 is an example of a flowchart showing a procedure for a setting unit to receive print settings; 8 is a diagram showing an example of a print setting screen in workflow A; FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a print setting screen in workflow B; FIG. FIG. 10 is an example of a diagram illustrating a folder in which a setting file in which print settings are registered is saved; FIG. 10 is an example of a flowchart showing a procedure for print distribution by a distribution system; FIG. 10 is an example of a flowchart showing a procedure for print distribution by a distribution system; It is a figure which shows the function and structural example of a distribution system.

Hereinafter, as an example of a mode for carrying out the present invention, a distribution server and a distribution method performed by the distribution server will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Outline of distribution system>
FIG. 1 is an example of a diagram explaining a schematic operation of a distribution system 100 of this embodiment. The delivery system 100 has an input device 10, a delivery server 30, one or more delivery destination printers 50, and an administrator PC 70 (Personal Computer). The administrator PC 70 does not need to be connected to the distribution system 100 all the time, but only needs to be connected when the workflow definition is registered. A workflow definition is definition information that defines the details of workflow processing.
(1) In advance, the administrator 8 operates the administrator PC 70 to register the workflow definition in the delivery server 30 . This workflow definition describes print settings such as the number of copies for each delivery destination printer 50 . In FIG. 1, three printers 1 to 3 are shown as destination printers 50 .
(2) The user 9 of the input device 10 selects a workflow definition from the list of workflow definitions obtained from the distribution server 30 and starts the workflow.
(3) The input device 10 transmits image data generated by the scanner function, for example, to the distribution server 30 .
(4) The distribution server 30 performs processing determined by the workflow definition on the image data, and transmits the image data to each of the plurality of printers 1 to 3 set in the workflow definition.

In this embodiment, different print settings are attached to the image data distributed to each of the plurality of destination printers 50 in (4). This is because the administrator 8 can select printers 1 to 3 as delivery destination printers 50 on a setting screen (print setting screen 501, which will be described later) for defining the workflow. This is because print settings can be made for each of the printers 1 to 3, and different print settings can be made for each of the printers 1 to 3. FIG.

As described above, in this embodiment, the administrator PC 70 displays the print setting screen 501 for each destination printer 50 of the image data, so that individual print settings can be applied to the destination printer 50 .

<Terms>
Data to be distributed refers to data distributed by the distribution system 100 . The data should just be the object of distribution. In this embodiment, data to be distributed to printers is mainly distributed. For example, although image data is distributed, it may be converted into image data by a printer after distribution.

The print settings are various settings related to printing. Any setting that affects the printout can be included. In this embodiment, the number of copies, paper size, color/black and white, and single-sided/double-sided will be described as examples. etc. are also included.

The distribution destination information is information including the distribution destination of data to be distributed. In addition to the distribution destination, information regarding processing performed before distribution may be included. In this embodiment, the term "workflow definition" will be used.

Distributing means distributing information. The terms send, deliver, and deliver may be substituted in this embodiment.

If the destination printer is a device that forms an image, it need not be called a printer. For example, devices such as printing devices, image forming devices, and multi-function peripherals including printer functions are included.

<Hardware configuration>
<<Distribution server>>
FIG. 2 is an example of a schematic hardware configuration diagram of the distribution server 30. As shown in FIG. Distribution server 30 includes CPU 201 and memory 202 that enables high-speed access to data used by CPU 201 . CPU 201 and memory 202 are connected to distribution server 30 via system bus 203 to, for example, graphics driver 204 and network driver (NIC) 205 .

A graphics driver 204 is connected to an LCD (display device) 206 via a bus to monitor the results of processing by the CPU 201 . Also, the network driver 205 connects the distribution server 30 to the network N at the transport layer level and the physical layer level, and establishes sessions with the input device 10, the distribution destination printer 50, and the administrator PC 70. there is

Also connected to system bus 203 is I/O bus bridge 207 . On the downstream side of the I/O bus bridge 207, via an I/O bus 208 such as PCI, a storage device such as a HDD (hard disk drive) 209 is connected by IDE, ATA, ATAPI, serial ATA, SCSI, USB, etc. is connected. The HDD 209 stores a program 209p that controls the distribution server 30 as a whole. The HDD 209 may be an SSD (Solid State Drive).

An input unit 210 such as a keyboard and a mouse (called a pointing device) is connected to the I/O bus 208 via a bus such as USB, and receives inputs and commands from an operator such as a system administrator. there is

Note that the hardware configuration of the distribution server 30 shown in the figure does not need to be housed in one housing or provided as a set of devices. indicates Also, in order to support cloud computing, the physical configuration of the distribution server 30 of this embodiment does not have to be fixed, and hardware resources can be dynamically connected/disconnected according to the load. may be configured.

Also, the hardware configuration of the administrator PC 70 is the same as that of the distribution server 30 of FIG. 2, or even if there is a difference, it does not hinder the explanation of the present embodiment.

<<input device>>
FIG. 3 is an example of a block diagram showing a schematic hardware configuration of the input device 10. As shown in FIG. The input device 10 has a configuration in which peripheral devices are connected to a controller 410 via a PCI (Peripheral Component Interface) bus 416 .

The controller 410 is a controller that controls the overall control of the input device 10 , drawing, communication, and input from the operation panel 411 . The controller 410 includes a CPU 401, a north bridge (NB) 403, a system memory (MEM-P) 402, a south bridge (SB) 404, a local memory (MEM-C) 407, and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). 406 and a hard disk drive (HDD) 408 , and the north bridge (NB) 403 and ASIC 406 are connected by an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 405 .

The MEM-402 also has a ROM (Read Only Memory) 402a and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 402b.

The CPU 401 performs overall control of the input device 10, has a chipset consisting of the NB403, MEM-P402 and SB404, and is connected to other devices via this chipset.

The NB 403 is a bridge for connecting the CPU 401 with the MEM-P 402, SB 404, and AGP bus 405, and has a memory controller that controls reading and writing with respect to the MEM-P 402, a PCI master, and an AGP target.

The MEM-P 402 is a system memory used as a memory for storing programs and data, a memory for developing programs and data, a drawing memory for a printer, and the like, and consists of a ROM 402a and a RAM 402b.

The ROM 402a is a read-only memory used as a memory for storing programs and data, and the RAM 402b is a writable and readable memory used as a memory for developing programs and data, a drawing memory for a printer, and the like.

The SB 404 is a bridge for connecting the NB 403 with PCI devices and peripheral devices. The SB 404 is connected to the NB 403 via the PCI bus, to which the network I/F 409 and the like are also connected. The ASIC 406 is an image processing IC (Integrated Circuit) having hardware elements for image processing, and serves as a bridge that connects the AGP bus 405, PCI bus 416, HDD 408, and MEM-C 407, respectively.

This ASIC 406 includes a PCI target and AGP master, an arbiter (ARB) that forms the core of the ASIC 406, a memory controller that controls the MEM-C 407, and multiple DMACs (Direct Memory) that rotate image data by hardware logic. and a PCI unit that transfers data to and from the engine unit 415 via the PCI bus.

A network I/F 409 is a communication device for communicating with the distribution server 30 and the like via the network N, and is, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card).

The ASIC 406 includes an operation panel 411, FCU (Facsimile Control Unit) 412, USB (Universal Serial Bus) 413, IEEE 1394 (the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 1394) and an interface 4414 via a PCI bus. Connected.

The engine unit 415 is a printer engine or the like connectable to the PCI bus 416, such as a black-and-white plotter, a 1-drum color plotter, a 4-drum color plotter, a scanner, or a facsimile unit. The engine section 415 includes an image processing section such as error diffusion and gamma conversion in addition to a so-called engine section such as a plotter.

An operation panel 411 is directly connected to the ASIC 406 . MEM-C407 is a local memory used as a copy image buffer and code buffer. The HDD 408 is a storage for storing image data, programs, font data, and forms.

Also, the HDD 408 stores a program 408p executed by the input device 10 . The AGP bus 405 is a bus interface for graphics accelerator cards proposed for speeding up graphics processing, and speeds up the graphics accelerator card by directly accessing the MEM-P 402 with high throughput. is.

The illustrated hardware configuration diagram of the input device 10 is merely an example. For example, there is an input device 10 whose operation panel is realized by an information processing device such as a tablet terminal, and the hardware configuration may differ depending on the input device 10. .

Also, the hardware configuration of FIG. 3 corresponds to either the multifunction machine 10A or the facsimile machine 10B described in FIG. The input device 10 may have only the configuration unique to the multifunction machine 10A, or may have only the configuration unique to the facsimile machine 10B.

Also, the hardware configuration of the delivery destination printer 50 is the same as that of FIG. 3, or even if it is different, it will not interfere with the description of the present embodiment.

<Configuration example>
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing functions and a configuration example of the distribution system 100 of this embodiment. The distribution system 100 has an input device 10 , a distribution server 30 , a destination printer 50 and an administrator PC 70 .

First, the input device 10 is a device that receives input of image data. FIG. 4 shows a multi-function machine 10A and a facsimile machine 10B as an example. The multi-function device 10A optically reads a document using a scanner function to generate image data (hereinafter referred to as scan data). The facsimile machine 10B receives image data (hereinafter referred to as facsimile data) from a sender.

The term “multifunction” of the multifunction device 10A means having multiple functions such as printing, fax transmission/reception, document scanning, and copying. It is not necessary, and it is sufficient if it has the function of a scanner. Therefore, the MFP 10A may be a scanner device. Also, a printer, a printing device, a copier, a facsimile machine, a copier, etc. having a scanner function may be used. Also, the multifunction machine 10A may be called an MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral) or AIO (All In One).

The facsimile machine 10B has at least a facsimile reception function, and preferably also a facsimile transmission function. Fax machine 10B receives a fax from fax transmitter 7 . However, it has other functions in addition to the facsimile reception function, and for this reason it may be called a multifunction machine, a scanner device, a printer, a printing device, a copying machine, a copying machine, or the like. Therefore, there is no clear distinction between the multifunction machine 10A and the facsimile machine 10B in FIG. 4, and only one of the multifunction machine 10A and the facsimile machine 10B may exist and be in charge of inputting scan data and facsimile data.

Furthermore, the input device 10 may be a device having a function of generating image data, such as a camera, an electronic blackboard (capturing handwritten strokes or a PC screen to generate image data), a teleconference terminal, or an image A storage medium or the like storing data may be used. The electronic blackboard has at least a touch panel, takes in the handwritten contents drawn by the user as point coordinates, and displays them on a large display. In addition, a function to display the screen displayed by the PC connected to the PC on the electronic blackboard, a function to save the PC screen displayed by the electronic blackboard and the handwritten contents, and a function to share the handwritten contents with other electronic blackboards in remote locations It has functions, etc.

The multifunction machine 10A and the facsimile machine 10B have a communication section 11. FIG. The communication unit 11 transmits image data (scan data or facsimile data) to the distribution server 30 .

The distribution server 30 is an information processing device that receives workflow definition settings and executes workflows. The server that receives the setting of the workflow definition and the server that executes the workflow may be separate. Execution of the workflow means that the distribution server 30 performs one or more processes according to the workflow definition, and finally distributes the processed image data.

The distribution server 30 has a folder distribution section 31 , a print distribution section 32 , a mail distribution section 35 and a communication section 36 . These functions of the distribution server 30 are functions or means implemented by the CPU 201 executing the program 209p developed in the memory 202 from the HDD 209 shown in FIG. The program 209p may be distributed from a program distribution server, or may be distributed while being stored in a portable storage medium such as a USB memory or an optical storage medium.

The administrator 8 operates the administrator PC 70 to make the administrator PC 70 access the delivery server 30, and creates a workflow definition on the browser running on the administrator PC 70 (sets document delivery). The distribution server 30 has a function of a Web server, and transmits screen information of a setting screen created with HTML, JavaScript (registered trademark), and CSS (Cascade Style Sheet) to the administrator PC 70 . The administrator 8 sets the workflow definition from this setting screen. An example of the setting screen will be described with reference to FIG. 5 and the like.

The communication unit 36 transmits and receives various types of information to and from the administrator PC 70 , the input device 10 and the destination printer 50 . As described above, the screen information is sent to the administrator PC 70, and the workflow definition and print settings included therein are obtained from the administrator PC 70. FIG.

The folder distribution unit 31 distributes scan data or facsimile data to folders according to the workflow definition set by the administrator 8 . For example, the delivery destination is a user or computer folder set in the workflow definition. The mail distribution unit 35 distributes scan data or facsimile data to the destination user by e-mail according to the workflow definition set by the administrator 8 .

The print distribution unit 32 distributes scan data or facsimile data to the distribution destination printer 50 according to the workflow definition set by the administrator 8 . The print distribution unit 32 also includes a setting unit 33 that acquires print settings from the administrator PC 70 and creates a setting file, and a setting unit 33 that sends scan data or fax data to the distribution destination printer 50 based on the set print settings (setting file). It has a distribution unit 34 for distribution.

The printer driver has a UI unit that accepts print settings and a drawing unit that converts document data into print data described in PDL (Page Description Language). Print setting items that can be set in the printer, initial values, and possible ranges of each item are set in advance in the UI unit.

More specifically, the setting unit 33 acquires print setting items that can be accepted by the delivery destination printer 50 from the printer driver of the delivery destination printer 50 installed in the delivery server 30, and sets the settings having the print setting items. The screen is transmitted to the administrator PC 70. That is, it receives print settings as a web server. Contents set or changed on the setting screen are described in the setting file as part of the workflow definition.

The distribution server 30 also has a function (plug-in) for processing image data, and can perform, for example, OCR processing and PDF creation. These processes are implemented by programs called plug-ins, each of which corresponds to one process.

When the print distribution unit 32 is called because print distribution is set in the workflow definition, the distribution unit 34 sends scan data or fax along with print settings to the distribution destination printer 50 according to the setting file set by the setting unit 33. Deliver data.

Distribution server 30 has workflow definition storage unit 38 implemented by memory 202 or HDD 209 shown in FIG. The workflow definition set by the administrator 8 is stored in the workflow definition storage unit 38 together with the setting file.

The administrator PC 70 is a terminal device (information processing device) operated by the administrator 8 . The administrator PC 70 has a communication section 71 , a display control section 72 and an operation reception section 73 . These functions of the administrator PC 70 are functions or means implemented by the CPU 201 executing the program 209p developed in the memory 202 from the HDD 209 shown in FIG. The program 209p may be distributed from a program distribution server, or may be distributed while being stored in a portable storage medium such as a USB memory or an optical storage medium. The program 209p is assumed to be, for example, a browser, but may be an application capable of setting workflow definitions.

The communication unit 71 transmits and receives various information to and from the distribution server 30 . For example, a workflow definition setting screen is received from the distribution server 30, and a workflow definition including a setting file related to print settings set by the administrator 8 is transmitted to the distribution server.

The display control unit 72 displays a setting screen on the LCD 206 of the administrator PC 70 . The operation reception unit 73 receives various operations on the administrator PC 70 by the administrator 8 .

A delivery destination printer 50 is a printer to which scan data or facsimile data is delivered in print delivery. In other words, the distribution destination printer 50 is a device that prints (outputs) scan data or facsimile data in print distribution. Although FIG. 4 shows a multi-function device 50A and a printer 50B as an example, the delivery destination printer 50 may be any device having a printing function. Therefore, it may be an apparatus called an image forming apparatus, a printing apparatus, a copier, a facsimile machine, a copier, a multifunction machine, or the like.

Although FIG. 4 shows only the delivery destination printer 50, the delivery destination of the folder delivery section 31 is a PC or a server, and the delivery destination of the mail delivery section 35 is a mail server.

Also, although two networks N are shown in FIG. 4 for explanation, networks are generally interconnected and need not be divided into two networks N as shown. The input device 10, the delivery server 30, and the delivery destination printer 50 may be connected to one network N. The network N is constructed by a LAN, a provider network of a provider that connects the LAN to the Internet, and a line provided by a line operator. If the network N has multiple LANs, the network is called a WAN or the Internet. The network N may be constructed as either wired or wireless, or may be a combination of wired and wireless. Also, if the input device 10 or the delivery destination printer 50 has a function of connecting to a mobile phone network such as 3G, LTE (Long Term Evolution), or 4G, the LAN may not be necessary, and the network N may be a mobile phone network and a provider network. be.

<Example of setting screen>
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the setting screen 310 when creating a new workflow definition. Administrator PC 70 communicates with distribution server 30 and displays setting screen 310 on LCD 206 . The setting screen 310 has a plug-in list column 301 displaying a list of plug-ins (programs) that can be added, and a workflow definition column 302 . In the plug-in list field 301, icons 94 (94-1 to 94-6) indicating all plug-ins executable by the distribution server 30 are displayed. A plug-in is the minimum unit of processing seen from the administrator 8 or the user 9 and is actually a program.

As shown in FIG. 5, a flow chart 90 including only a start mark 91 is displayed in the workflow definition column 302 when creating a new workflow. In response to adding an icon 94 to a flowchart 90 containing only a start mark 91, the administrator PC 70 and administrator 8 add execution of a new plug-in to the workflow to create a workflow definition. Thus, the administrator 8 can create a new workflow definition by moving icons on the LCD 206 of the administrator PC 70 .

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a workflow definition. The distribution server 30 causes the scan data or fax data input by the input device 10 to execute a plug-in according to the workflow definition as shown in FIG. 6, for example.

According to the workflow definition of FIG. 6, when the distribution server 30 receives scan data or fax data, for example, as a first process, it executes a plug-in for OCR processing. OCR processing recognizes symbols (characters, numbers, alphabets, special symbols, etc.) from image data to create text data.

Subsequently, as a second process, the distribution server 30 converts the OCR-processed scan data or facsimile data into a PDF file. For example, a PDF file is created in which symbols obtained by OCR are converted into transparent text data.

Subsequently, as third and fourth processes, the distribution server 30 executes print distribution, which is a function of the distribution unit 34 . For example, the third process is the process of delivering to the MFP 50A, and the fourth process is the process of delivering to the printer 50B. However, when the print distribution plug-in is dragged to the workflow definition field 302 on the setting screen 310, the MFP 50A or the printer 50B is not selected as the actual distribution destination, and the default distribution destination printer 50 (MFP) is not selected as the actual distribution destination. machine 50A or printer 50B) is set. Also, when the print distribution plug-in is dragged to the workflow definition field 302, the default print settings are valid.

Therefore, when the administrator 8 double-clicks the print setting plug-in, the administrator PC 70 displays a print setting screen 501 for setting the details of the plug-in. Note that the administrator 8 can set detailed conditions for other plug-ins as well.

FIG. 7 shows an example of the print setting screen 501. As shown in FIG. The setting unit 33 reads print setting items, initial settings, and settable values from the printer driver of the destination multifunction device 50A or printer 50B, and transmits screen information to the administrator PC 70 .

The print setting screen 501 has a printer name column 502 , a number of copies column 503 , a paper size column 504 , a color/black and white column 505 , a single-sided/double-sided column 506 , and check boxes 507 . Since the print setting screen 501 may differ for each delivery destination printer 50, the administrator 8 sets the number of copies, color/monochrome specification, paper size specification, and single-sided/double-sided settings for each delivery destination printer 50. This can be done on the print setting screen 501 .

A printer name column 502 is a selection column for the delivery destination printer 50, and displays the names of the delivery destination printers 50 (printers 1 to 3 in FIG. 7) whose printer drivers are installed in the delivery server 30. FIG. That is, a list of delivery destination printers 50 to which the delivery server 30 can deliver scan data or facsimile data is displayed. Therefore, the print setting items, initial values, or settable values displayed on the print setting screen 501 are printer-specific according to the capability of each delivery destination printer 50 .

That is, for example, when the administrator 8 selects the delivery destination printer 50 that cannot print in color but only in black and white, only "black and white" is displayed in the color/black and white column 505 on the print setting screen 501 . Similarly, in the print setting screen 501 when the administrator 8 selects the delivery destination printer 50 that does not support printing of paper sizes of A3 or larger, A3 or larger sizes are candidates in the drop-down list of the paper size column 504. not displayed as

For example, FIG. 8 shows an example of the print setting screen 501 when the delivery destination printer 50 that does not support color printing is selected. When a delivery destination printer 50 that does not support color printing is selected, the options in the color/black and white field 505 are displayed in a state where "color" is half brightness (cannot be selected) and "black and white" is selected. be. The administrator 8 cannot select the item “color” in the color/black and white field 505 because “color” is half brightness (cannot be selected). It should be noted that the brightness of "color" should be lower than that of "black and white".

If the administrator 8 wants to make the selected delivery destination printer 50 the delivery destination, he/she puts a check in the check box 507 of the item "print delivery". By doing so, the distribution server 30 executes distribution to the destination printer 50 for which the check box 507 is checked at the time of print distribution.

In conventional print distribution, print settings could not be made for each target printer of print distribution, but in the distribution system 100 of the present embodiment, print settings can be made for each destination printer 50 .

<Operation procedure>
FIG. 9 is an example of a flowchart showing a procedure for the setting unit 33 to receive print settings. The processing in FIG. 9 starts when administrator PC 70 requests print setting screen 501 from distribution server 30 .

First, the setting unit 33 of the delivery server 30 confirms whether or not the delivery destination printer 50 exists (S101). The IP address and the like of the candidate delivery destination printers 50 are registered in advance in the delivery server 30, and the setting unit 33 confirms the presence of the candidate delivery destination printers 50 by checking whether communication is possible. Alternatively, the presence or absence of a list of candidate delivery destination printers 50 may be checked.

If there is no distribution destination printer 50 as a candidate (No in S101), the process of FIG. 9 ends. If there are one or more delivery destination printers 50 as candidates (Yes in S101), the setting unit 33 can set print setting items, initial settings, and settings as information on printer driver settings from the delivery destination printers 50 as many as the number of delivery destination printers 50. (S102). The distribution server 30 may hold information regarding printer driver settings in advance.

The setting unit 33 determines whether or not the printer driver print setting items, initial settings, and settable items have been acquired from all the destination printers 50 (S103). Steps S102 and S103 are repeated.

Next, the setting unit 33 creates screen information for displaying print setting items, initial settings, and settable values of the printer driver for each delivery destination printer 50 , and transmits the screen information to the administrator PC 70 . The administrator PC 70 displays a print setting screen 501 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 on the LCD 206 (S104).

The administrator 8 selects one or more arbitrary delivery destination printers 50 and sets the number of copies to be printed, paper size, etc. for each. The operation accepting unit 73 of the administrator PC 70 accepts the print setting (S105).

After completing the setting, the administrator 8 presses the save button on the screen. The operation accepting unit 73 of the administrator PC 70 accepts pressing of the save button (S106). Since the communication unit 71 of the administrator PC 70 transmits the print settings to the distribution server 30, the communication unit 36 of the distribution server 30 receives the print settings, and the setting unit 33 saves the print settings in the setting file (S107).

When the user 9 implements this workflow definition, the setting file is sent to the delivery destination printer 50, and the delivery destination printer 50 refers to the setting file. Therefore, printing is executed according to the contents specified in the setting file.

The setting file describes what kind of setting each print distribution set in the workflow definition has. For example, in the case of print distribution, it is described which printer 50 to which the print distribution is to be performed and with what print settings. This setting file exists for each print distribution. A specific example of the configuration file will be described below.

<Example of configuration file>
Specific examples are given below.
• Administrator 8 creates two workflows with print delivery. Assume that the workflow names are workflow A (an example of first delivery destination information) and workflow B (an example of second delivery destination information).
- The workflows A and B have different print settings, such as the number of copies to be printed and color/black-and-white designation.

10 shows an example of the print setting screen 501 in workflow A, and FIG. 11 shows an example of the print setting screen 501 in workflow B. FIG.
I. In print distribution of workflow A, print distribution is executed to printer 1 with the following settings.
"Printer 1 print settings"
・Color printing and double-sided printing ・A4 printing ・Number of copies: 3 copies
II. In print distribution of workflow B, print distribution is executed to printer 1 and printer 2 for which the following contents are set. The printer 1 is an example of a first delivery destination, and the printer 2 is an example of a second delivery destination.
"Print settings for printer 1" (see Fig. 11(a))
・Black and white printing and single-sided printing ・B5 printing ・Number of copies to be printed: 10 copies “Print settings for printer 2” (see FIG. 11(b))
- Color printing and single-sided printing - A3 printing - Number of printed copies: 5 copies Supplementary information about Figs. In workflows A and B, print settings are made for the same delivery destination printer 50, "printer 1," but the print settings are overwritten or the print settings of one of them is not reflected. do not have. When the administrator 8 requests the distribution server 30 to save the workflow definition, the distribution server 30 creates a folder for each workflow. The information contained in this folder as a whole is the workflow definition, and the setting file is part of it. Since setting files are stored in folders, even if different print settings are made for the same delivery destination printer 50 in different workflows, the respective setting files are stored in different locations (folders). , the print settings will not be overwritten.

FIG. 12 is an example of a diagram illustrating a folder in which a setting file in which print settings are registered is saved. 12A shows the folder 601 in which the workflow definition of workflow A is stored, and FIG. 12B shows the folder 601 in which the workflow definition of workflow B is stored. A folder 601 is formed in the workflow definition storage unit 38 .

The workflow A print settings 603A are described in the settings file 602 stored in the workflow A folder 601 . The print settings for print distribution shown in FIG. 10 are included therein. The print settings 603B and 603C of the workflow B are described in the setting file 602 saved in the folder 601 of the workflow B. FIG. The print settings for print distribution shown in FIG. 11 are described therein.

<Operation of print delivery>
FIG. 13 is an example of a flowchart showing a procedure for print distribution by the distribution system 100 . The process of FIG. 13 starts when the user 9 downloads the workflow definition list from the distribution server 30 to the multifunction device 10A, selects one workflow definition, and presses start execution.

First, the user 9 operates the multifunction device 10A to scan a document. The MFP 10A executes scanning to generate scan data (image data) (S201). The communication unit 11 of the MFP 10A transmits the identification information of the workflow definition or the workflow definition itself and the scan data to the distribution server 30 via the network N. FIG.

The distribution server 30 receives the scan data and sequentially executes the processes included in the workflow definition selected by the user 9 (S202).

Next, the distribution unit 34 of the distribution server 30 determines whether or not the workflow definition selected by the user 9 includes print distribution (S203).

If there is no print distribution (No in S203), for example, the folder distribution unit 31 or the mail distribution unit 35 performs distribution (S208).

If there is print distribution (Yes in S203), the distribution unit 34 refers to the setting file of print settings included in the workflow definition selected by the user 9, and specifies the destination printer 50 (S204). That is, the MFP 50A or the printer 50B is specified.

Next, the distribution unit 34 reads the print settings from the print setting setting file included in the workflow definition selected by the user 9 (S205). Step S205 is performed for each delivery destination printer 50. FIG.

The distribution unit 34 performs distribution processing by distributing the scan data and print settings to the destination printer 50 specified by the setting file (S206).

The distribution unit 34 determines whether distribution to all destination printers 50 has been completed (S207), and if not completed, executes steps S205 and S206 for each destination printer 50 (S207). When the distribution to all of the distribution destination printers 50 is completed, the print distribution processing ends.

FIG. 14 is an example of a flow chart showing a procedure for print distribution by the distribution system 100 . FIG. 14 illustrates document distribution for facsimile data received by the facsimile machine 10B. When the fax number of the transmission source is a predetermined fax number, the fax machine 10B executes the workflow associated with the fax number.

First, the facsimile machine of the transmission source transmits a facsimile (S301). Next, the destination facsimile machine 10B receives the facsimile (S302). The communication unit 11 of the facsimile machine 10B transmits the facsimile data and the workflow definition identification information or the workflow definition itself to the distribution server 30 .

The distribution server 30 receives the fax data and sequentially executes the processes included in the workflow definition selected by the user 9 (S303). Further, when folder delivery and mail delivery are set in the workflow definition, the folder delivery section 31 and the mail delivery section 35 carry out delivery (S208). Subsequent steps S203 to S207 may be the same as in FIG.

In this way, even if the input device 10 is the facsimile machine 10B, it is possible to print by referring to the print settings for each delivery destination printer 50. FIG.

<Modification>
<<Print settings for each printer>>
If the administrator 8 sets the print settings for each delivery destination printer 50 each time the workflow definition is set, the operability may be poor. Therefore, it is effective for the administrator 8 to register typical print settings in the distribution server 30 for each distribution destination printer 50 in advance.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing functions and a configuration example of the distribution system 100 of this embodiment. In describing FIG. 15, since components denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 4 perform similar functions, only main components of this embodiment may be described.

The distribution server 30 of FIG. 15 has a print setting storage unit 37 . The print settings of the delivery destination printer 50 are stored in advance in the print settings storage unit 37 .

表１は、印刷設定記憶部３７に記憶された印刷設定を模式的に示す。印刷設定記憶部３７には、プリンタ１に印刷設定Ａ、プリンタ２に印刷設定Ｂ、Ｃ、プリンタ３に印刷設定Ｄが対応付けられている。設定部３３は、管理者８がワークフロー定義を設定する設定画面を管理者ＰＣ７０に送信する際、印刷設定Ａ～Ｄも送信する。プリンタ名欄５０２にはプリンタ名と、印刷設定Ａ～Ｄが対応付けて表示されるので、管理者８は配信先プリンタ５０を選択することで印刷設定も選択でき、印刷設定の項目ごとに設定する必要がない。

Table 1 schematically shows print settings stored in the print setting storage unit 37 . In the print setting storage unit 37, the printer 1 is associated with the print setting A, the printer 2 is associated with the print settings B and C, and the printer 3 is associated with the print setting D. When the administrator 8 transmits the setting screen for setting the workflow definition to the administrator PC 70, the setting unit 33 also transmits the print settings A to D. FIG. Since printer names and print settings A to D are displayed in association with each other in the printer name column 502, the administrator 8 can also select print settings by selecting the delivery destination printer 50, and can set each print setting item. you don't have to.

<Other application examples>
Although the best mode for carrying out the present invention has been described above using examples, the present invention is by no means limited to such examples, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. and substitutions can be added.

For example, a plurality of distribution servers 30 may exist. Alternatively, a plurality of distribution servers 30 may communicate and share the processing set in the workflow definition.

Note that the configuration example of FIG. 4 and the like is divided according to main functions in order to facilitate understanding of the processing by the input device 10, distribution server 30, destination printer 50, and administrator PC 70. FIG. The present invention is not limited by the division method or name of the unit of processing. The processing of the input device 10, the distribution server 30, the destination printer 50, and the administrator PC 70 can be divided into more processing units according to the content of the processing. Also, one processing unit can be divided to include more processing.

Note that scan data, fax data, or image data are examples of data to be distributed, workflow definitions are examples of distribution destination information, distribution unit 34 is an example of distribution means, and workflow definition storage unit 38 is storage means. The setting unit 33 is an example of setting acquisition means, and the communication unit 11 is an example of transmission means.

8 administrator 9 user 10 input device 10A compound machine 10B facsimile machine 30 delivery server 50 delivery destination printer 50A compound machine 50B printer 100 delivery system

JP-A-2007-065777

Claims (10)

In an information processing device that receives data to be distributed and executes distribution processing,
referring to delivery destination information including print settings set for each printer to which the data to be delivered is delivered;
The delivery target data transmitted by the delivery target data input device is delivered to the delivery destination printer set in the delivery destination information together with the print settings associated with the delivery destination printer. means of delivery;
setting acquisition means for receiving the setting of the delivery destination information and transmitting a print setting screen for receiving the input of the print setting to the terminal device;
The print setting screen includes a selection field for receiving a selection of a destination printer from a plurality of printers having a printer driver installed in the information processing device,
the print setting screen displays values that can be set in the printer selected in the selection field by the user of the terminal device;
The print setting screen has a check box for accepting whether or not the printer selected in the selection column is to be a delivery destination together with a value that can be set in the printer,
receiving different print settings for each of the two or more delivery destination printers and setting them in the delivery destination information;
The information processing apparatus, wherein the distributing unit distributes the different print settings to two or more destination printers with the check boxes checked , in one workflow. A storage means stores a plurality of the delivery destination information,
Even if the delivery destination printer included in the first delivery destination information and the delivery destination printer included in the second delivery destination information different from the first delivery destination information are the same,
The print settings associated with the destination printer included in the first destination information, and the print settings associated with the destination printer included in the second destination information. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is different. different delivery destination printers are set in one delivery destination information,
The print settings associated with the printer of the first delivery destination are different from the print settings associated with the printer of the second delivery destination, which is different from the printer of the first delivery destination. 3. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. The print setting screen has a selection column for the destination printer,
4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print setting screen displays values that can be set in the printer selected in the selection field by the user of the terminal device. . 5. The information according to claim 4, wherein said setting acquisition means acquires a value that can be set in said destination printer from a printer driver of said destination printer registered in advance in said information processing apparatus. processing equipment. 6. The information processing according to claim 4, wherein the print setting screen displays the print setting items that cannot be selected by the user of the terminal device with lower brightness than the selectable print setting items. Device. the print setting screen displays at least one print setting item of number of copies, paper size, color/black and white, or single-sided/double-sided;
7. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein said setting acquisition unit receives settings for each item of said print settings for each of said delivery destination printers. A distribution system comprising: an input device for accepting input of data to be distributed; and an information processing device for receiving the data to be distributed and executing distribution processing,
The input device has transmission means for transmitting the data to be distributed to the information processing device,
The information processing device is
referring to delivery destination information including print settings set for each printer to which the data to be delivered is delivered;
distribution means for distributing the data to be distributed transmitted by the input device to the distribution destination printer set in the distribution destination information together with the print settings associated with the distribution destination printer;
setting acquisition means for receiving the setting of the delivery destination information and transmitting a print setting screen for receiving the input of the print setting to the terminal device;
The print setting screen includes a selection field for receiving a selection of a destination printer from a plurality of printers having a printer driver installed in the information processing device,
the print setting screen displays values that can be set in the printer selected in the selection field by the user of the terminal device;
The print setting screen has a check box for accepting whether or not the printer selected in the selection column is to be a delivery destination together with a value that can be set in the printer,
receiving different print settings for each of the two or more delivery destination printers and setting them in the delivery destination information;
The distribution system, wherein the distribution unit distributes the different print settings to two or more distribution destination printers with the check boxes checked in one workflow. An information processing device that receives data to be distributed and executes distribution processing,
referring to delivery destination information including print settings set for each printer to which the data to be delivered is delivered;
The delivery target data transmitted by the delivery target data input device is delivered to the delivery destination printer set in the delivery destination information together with the print settings associated with the delivery destination printer. means of delivery;
functioning as setting acquisition means for receiving the setting of the delivery destination information and further transmitting a print setting screen for receiving the input of the print setting to the terminal device;
The print setting screen includes a selection field for receiving a selection of a destination printer from a plurality of printers having a printer driver installed in the information processing device,
the print setting screen displays values that can be set in the printer selected in the selection field by the user of the terminal device;
The print setting screen has a check box for accepting whether or not the printer selected in the selection column is to be a delivery destination together with a value that can be set in the printer,
receiving different print settings for each of the two or more delivery destination printers and setting them in the delivery destination information;
The program, wherein the distributing means distributes the different print settings to two or more destination printers with the check boxes checked in one workflow. A distribution method performed by an information processing device that receives data to be distributed and executes distribution processing,
The delivery means refers to delivery destination information including print settings set for each printer to which the data to be delivered is delivered,
The delivery target data transmitted by the delivery target data input device is delivered to the delivery destination printer set in the delivery destination information together with the print settings associated with the delivery destination printer. a step;
receiving the setting of the delivery destination information, and transmitting a print setting screen for receiving the input of the print setting to the terminal device;
The print setting screen includes a selection field for receiving a selection of a destination printer from a plurality of printers having a printer driver installed in the information processing device,
the print setting screen displays values that can be set in the printer selected in the selection field by the user of the terminal device;
The print setting screen has a check box for accepting whether or not the printer selected in the selection column is to be a delivery destination together with a value that can be set in the printer,
receiving different print settings for each of the two or more delivery destination printers and setting them in the delivery destination information;
The distribution method, wherein the distribution unit distributes the different print settings to two or more distribution destination printers with the check boxes checked in one workflow.

Images