JPH09269879A - Information processor, print server, data processing methods for the server, and storage medium storing program readable by computer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently instruct the reprinting of desired printing information while retrieving printing contents with an image at the time of a reprinting request from an information processor connected through a network or an interface. SOLUTION: A client computer 1003-1, etc., obtains picture data prepared based on printing information registered in the hard disk device 2003 of a print server 2002 within a digital copier controller 1001 through the network 1004, visually displays it on a display part and transfers the reprinting request to the displayed picture to the print server 2002.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a print server apparatus, and a print server, which are connected to a predetermined communication medium, process print requests from a plurality of information processing apparatuses, and transfer print information to the printing apparatus. The present invention relates to a data processing method of an apparatus, a data processing method of an information processing apparatus, and a storage medium storing a computer-readable program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a print server device provided with a memory resource for storing a print job received from a client computer communicatively connected via a predetermined communication medium is related to the job. As information, only the user name, date and time, job name, number of pages, number of copies, etc., which sent the print job are stored as character information.

Therefore, when the user wants to print the processed job stored in the print server again, the user searches the print job sent by himself based on the above-mentioned character information and carries out the print processing.

[0004]

As described above, when the user wants to re-execute the print job that has been subjected to the print processing stored in the print server device, the user relies on the character information to send the job he or she sent. Since I was searching and printing again, it was difficult to distinguish jobs with similar information, and if the print job desired by the user could not be found, I had to print again from the client computer. there were.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and the first to twelfth inventions of the present invention are to provide print information transferred from an information processing apparatus to a print server apparatus. When a print resource is stored in the printing unit and the print resource is provided with a storage resource for storing the print information, the printed print information is imaged and registered in the storage resource as management data, so that the print information is connected via a network or interface. An information processing apparatus, a print server apparatus, a data processing method for the print server apparatus, and an information processing apparatus, which can efficiently instruct reprinting of desired print information while retrieving print contents with an image when a reprint request is issued from the information processing apparatus And a storage medium storing a computer-readable program.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, in an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a print server apparatus provided with a storage resource by receiving through a predetermined communication medium, the print server apparatus is An acquisition unit for acquiring search information including image information data created for the printed print information; and a visual search for print information printed on the display unit based on the search information acquired by the acquisition unit. Display control means for displaying a preview of image image data, instruction means for instructing a reprint request for the image image data displayed on the display section, and image image data being instructed by detecting an instruction from the instruction means And a issuing means for issuing a reprint request to the print server device.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the display control means displays a preview of image image data as a list on the display unit together with the acquired management data.

In a third aspect of the present invention, the predetermined communication medium is a network interface.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the predetermined communication medium comprises an interface which is connected to the print server device by a bus.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in a print server device capable of transferring print information from an information processing device to a printing section via a predetermined communication medium, a print job received from the information processing device is completed. Storage means for storing information, creating means for creating image data for searching from the print information stored in the storage means, and the image image data created by the creating means are stored in the storage means. Registration means for registering the management data of the print information as search information, and the search information corresponding to the print information stored in the storage means when the information processing device requests reprinting. And a transfer means for transferring to the device.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, after the transfer of the search information by the transfer means, the print information stored in the storage means is read based on a reprint request issued from the information processing device. A printing control unit that causes the printing unit to perform reprinting is provided.

In a seventh aspect of the present invention, the predetermined communication medium is a network interface.

In an eighth aspect of the present invention, the predetermined communication medium comprises an interface which is connected to the print server device by a bus.

A ninth invention according to the present invention is a data processing method of an information processing apparatus which is capable of communicating with a print server apparatus having a storage resource, which is received via a predetermined communication medium, and is printed by the print server apparatus. An acquisition step of acquiring search information including image information data created for the print information, and an image image for visually searching print information printed on the display unit based on the search information acquired by the acquisition means. The display step of displaying a preview of the data, the instruction step of instructing a reprint request for the image image data displayed on the display unit, the reprint request for the image image data being instructed by detecting the instruction And a issuing process for issuing to the print server device.

A tenth aspect of the present invention is a data processing method of a print server device capable of transferring print information from an information processing device to a printing section via a predetermined communication medium,
A storing step of storing in the memory the print information that has been printed and received from the information processing apparatus; a creating step of creating image data for searching from the print information saved in the memory; A registration step of registering image image data as search information in the management data of the print information stored in the memory, and corresponding to the print information stored in the memory when a reprint request is made from the information processing device. And a transfer step of transferring the search information to the information processing device.

An eleventh aspect of the present invention is an acquisition step of acquiring search information including image information data created for the print information printed by the print server device,
A display step of displaying a preview of image image data for visually searching the printed print information on the display unit based on the search information acquired by the acquisition unit;
An instructing step for instructing a reprint request for the image image data displayed on the display unit, and an issuing step for detecting the instruction and issuing a reprint request for the instructed image image data to the print server device. And a computer-readable program stored in a storage medium.

A twelfth aspect of the present invention is a storage step of storing, in a memory, print information for which printing has been completed and received from the information processing apparatus, and an image image for retrieval from the print information stored in the memory. A creating step of creating data, a registering step of registering the created image image data as search information with respect to management data of the print information stored in the memory, and a reprint request from the information processing apparatus Sometimes, a computer-readable program including a transfer step of transferring the search information corresponding to the print information stored in the memory to the information processing device is stored in a storage medium.

[0018]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of a first printer system to which a print server device according to the present invention can be applied.

In the figure, reference numeral 1001 denotes a digital copying machine controller (copying machine controller) in which a print server device is incorporated, and print information from client computers (computers) 1003-1 to 1003-3 is read by a digital copying machine (reader). Unit and printer unit) 1002.

1004 is a computer network,
A copying machine controller 1001 and client computers 1003-1 to 1003-3 are connected. Although the print server device is incorporated in the copying machine controller 1001 in the present embodiment, the present invention can be easily applied even if the print server device is solely connected to the computer network 1004. It goes without saying that you can do it.

FIG. 2 shows the computer 100 shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of 3-1 to 1003-3, and the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, reference numeral 150 denotes a main body of a print job sending computer, in which graphics, images, characters, tables (including spreadsheets, etc.) are mixed based on a document processing program stored in a program ROM of the ROM 103. A CPU 101 that executes document processing is provided, and the CPU 101 collectively controls each device connected to the system bus 104. The program ROM of the ROM 103 stores the control program of the CPU 101 and the like, and the font ROM of the ROM 103 stores font data and the like used when the above document processing is performed.
The data ROM of M103 stores various data used when performing the above document processing and the like.

Reference numeral 102 denotes an expandable RAM, which is a CPU 10
1 functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like. 105
Is a keyboard controller (KBC) that controls key inputs from the keyboard (KB) 110 and a pointing device (not shown). A disk controller (DKC) 107 controls access to an external memory 112 such as a hard disk (HD) or a floppy disk (FD) that stores a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, edit files and the like.

In this embodiment, a print queue sending program for sending a print job from the print job sending computer 50 to the print server device 2002 described later is installed on the external memory 113.

Reference numeral 108 denotes an external input section interface (I /
F), various expansion cards can be mounted, and in the present embodiment, the network card (external input unit) 113 is connected, the network 1004 is connected, and communication with the print server device 2002 in the copying machine controller 1001 is possible. Has become. Reference numeral 109 denotes a printer controller (PRTC), which is normally connected to the printer by a printer cable, but is not used because the printer connected to the network is used in this embodiment. In addition,
The CPU 101 executes, for example, outline font rasterization processing on the display information RAM set on the RAM 102, and WYSIW on the CRT 111.
YG is possible. Further, the CPU 101 is a CRT
Various windows registered on the basis of commands designated by a mouse cursor (not shown) on 111 are opened, and various data processes are executed.

The information processing apparatus configured as described above has a predetermined communication medium (a network interface as a third invention, an interface as a fourth invention (details will be described in detail in the second embodiment)). It is configured to be able to communicate with a print server apparatus 2002 having a storage resource by receiving via a predetermined communication medium (the third invention is a network interface,
As a fourth aspect of the invention, a print server device 200 having a storage resource received via an interface described later) is provided.
2 is an information processing device capable of communicating with the client computer (client computers 1003-1 to 1003-3,
Console unit 1003-4 shown in FIG. 9 described later)
In the above, in the acquisition means (the CPU 101 is in the ROM 10
3 or an external memory 112 or a storage medium (not shown), which is acquired by executing a control program loaded in a predetermined area mapped in the RAM 102), and on the display unit based on the search information acquired by the acquisition means. Display control means (CPU 101) for displaying a preview of image image data for visually searching printed print information (as a second invention, a preview display of image image data for visual search as a list on the display unit (CRT 111)). Is ROM 103 or external memory 1
12 or a control program loaded from a storage medium (not shown) to a predetermined area mapped in the RAM 102 is executed and displayed on the CRT 111 by the CRTC 106)
And an instruction unit (by the keyboard 110 or a pointing device (not shown)) for instructing a reprint request for the image data displayed on the display unit,
Issuing means (CPU 101 in ROM 1 detects the instruction from the instructing means and issues a reprint request for the image data being instructed to the print server apparatus 2002.
03 or an external memory 112 or a storage medium (not shown) executes and issues a control program loaded into a predetermined area mapped to the RAM 102).
The PU 101 transmits the print server device 20 in the digital copying machine controller 1001 via the network 1004.
02, the image data created based on the print information (print job) registered in the hard disk device 2003 shown in FIG.
The T110 is visually displayed, the keyboard 110 or the like is used for scrolling, the contents are visually searched, and a desired reprint request job is instructed. Then, according to the instruction, the reprint request is used as a command and the print server device 2
002.

In a second aspect of the invention, the CPU 101 and CRTC 106 as the display control means, together with the management data acquired from the print server apparatus 2002, are C
A preview of image data is displayed as a list (a scrollable list on a window shown in FIG. 5 described later) on the RT 111, and a search can be performed while visually identifying print information with an excellent instruction by an instruction from the keyboard 110 or the like.

Next, a laser beam printer (LBP) will be cited as a printer suitable for applying the present embodiment, and its configuration will be described with reference to FIG. The printer to which the present embodiment is applied is not limited to the laser beam printer, and a printer of another printing method having a memory sufficient for developing print data into a dot image by the printer and having a printer language. Needless to say, a printer that processes only dot image data may be used.

FIG. 3 shows a digital copying machine 10 shown in FIG.
2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer unit 02.
This corresponds to the case of the laser beam printer as described above.

In the digital copying machine 1002, 250
Is a printer control unit, which controls the entire digital copying machine (LBP main body) 1002 and the print server device 20.
The character information and the like supplied from 02 are analyzed. Reference numeral 211 denotes a printer CPU, which controls the system bus 2 based on a control program stored in the program ROM of the ROM 213.
Access to various devices connected to the printer 14 is comprehensively controlled, and an image signal as output information is output to a printing unit (printer engine) 218 connected via a printing unit interface (I / F) 216. .

The program R in the ROM 213 is also used.
The OM stores a control program of the CPU 211 and the like. The font ROM of the ROM 13 stores font data and the like used when generating the output information, and RO
In the case of a printer having no external memory 219 such as a hard disk, the data ROM of M13 stores information and the like used on the print server device 2002. C
The PU 12 receives the print server device 2 via the input unit 215.
It is possible to perform communication processing with the printer 002 and notify the print server apparatus 2002 of information in the printer and the like.

Reference numeral 212 denotes a RAM, which functions as a main memory, a work area, etc. of the CPU 211, and the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown). Note that RA
M212 is an output information development area, an environment data storage area,
Used in NVRAM and so on. The access to the external memory 219 such as a hard disk (HD) and an IC card is controlled by a disk controller (DKC) 217. The external memory 219 is connected as an option, and stores font data, an emulation program,
Stores form data and the like.

Reference numeral 201 denotes an operation unit (operation panel), on which switches for operation and LEDs or LCD displays are arranged.

Further, the above-mentioned external memory is not limited to one, but at least one external memory may be provided so that a plurality of option font cards can be connected in addition to the built-in font. Further, an NVRAM (not shown) may be provided to store the printer mode setting information from the operation panel 201.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining the internal configuration of the digital copying machine controller 1001 shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 1001 is a copying machine controller, 2002 is a print server device, 2003 is a hard disk device for spooling or storing a print job, and 2004 is an image expansion unit, which is sent from the print server device. Deploy the print job as a bitmap image in page memory.

A page memory 2005 holds the expanded image information. A network interface 2006 receives a print job via the computer network 1004. A digital copying machine interface 2007 sends image information held in the page memory 2005 to the digital copying machine.

The print server device 2002 having the above-described hardware resources equivalent to those of the client computers 1003-1 to 1003-3 shown in FIG.
Is a predetermined communication medium shown in FIG. 1 and the like (a network 1004 as a seventh invention, and an interface for connecting to the print server apparatus 2002 by a bus as shown in FIG. 9 to be described later as an eighth invention). Via the client computers 1003-1 to 1003-3 (the eighth invention is the console unit 10 shown in FIG.
03-4) and the like, and as a fifth aspect of the invention, a storage unit (hard disk device 2003 in the present embodiment, which stores print information for which printing is completed, received from the information processing device. Another storage device, for example, a magneto-optical disk device, a floppy disk device, etc.) and a creation means (CPU 101 is R for creating image data for searching) from the print information stored in the storage means.
OM103 or external memory 219 or an external storage medium (not shown) is executed by executing a control program loaded in an area mapped to the RAM 102, and the image image data created by the creating means is stored in the storage means. Registration means for registering as search information with respect to the management data of the printed print information (the CPU 101 executes and registers a control program loaded from the ROM 103 or the external memory 112 or an external storage medium (not shown) to an area mapped to the RAM 102. When a reprint request is made from the information processing device, a transfer unit (the CPU 101 is the ROM 103 or the external memory 112) that transfers the search information corresponding to the print information stored in the storage unit to the information processing device. From an external storage medium not shown It has to be transferred) and executes a control program loaded in the area to be mapped to AM102, CPU101 client computer 1003
-1 to request reprinting, the hard disk device 200
Management information of the printed print information stored in 3 (image data (preview image information 302 shown in FIG. 5 to be described later) in which the first page of the print information is imaged for retrieval during printing, job name, date, print) (Various data of the person etc.) are transferred to the client computer 1003-1, the print information stored after the transfer is read according to the instructed job name and the like, expanded by the image expansion unit 2004,
Printing processing is performed by the digital copying machine 1002.

As a result, the client computer 1
003-1, when reprinting the printed print information,
The candidates can be visualized and searched.

In a sixth aspect of the invention, after the transfer of the search information by the transfer means, the print information stored in the storage means is read out based on a reprint request issued from the information processing apparatus, and the printing unit is read. Print control means for reprinting with (CPU 101 is ROM 103 or external memory 11
2 or a control program loaded in an area mapped to the RAM 102 from an external storage medium (not shown) is provided), and the user of the client computer 1003-1 according to the management information acquired by the CPU 101 from the print server apparatus 2002. The reprint request candidate of the visual image instructed by the user is specified, and the print information stored in the hard disk device 2003 is stored in the digital copying machine 1.
With 002, reprinting can be efficiently performed.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a print job operation screen displayed on the CRT 111 shown in FIG.
This corresponds to the screen displayed when operating the print job on the client computer held in the hard disk device 2003 of the print server device 2002 shown in FIG.

In the figure, 301 is a print job operation window, 302 is preview image information of a print job held in the print server apparatus 2002,
It is acquired from the print server device 2002 and displayed in the print job operation window 301.

Reference numerals 303-1 to 303-3 denote print job information held in the print server apparatus 2002.
It is acquired from the print server device 2002 and displayed in the print job operation window 301. Reference numeral 304 denotes a scroll bar, which displays preview image information 30 when instructed by a cursor of a pointing device (not shown).
2 and the print job information 303 are scrolled. Reference numeral 305 denotes a print button which, when instructed by a cursor of a pointing device (not shown), instructs the print execution of the print job selected by the user. 3
A cancel button 06 is designated by a cursor of a pointing device (not shown) when the print job operation window 301 is terminated. Note that the preview image information 302 does not hold all the data of the page, but holds it at a low resolution.

Next, based on the above configuration example, the process until the user re-executes (re-prints) his or her print job stored in the print server device 2002 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the case where the user C prints once and then the same print job is reprinted will be described as an example.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart for explaining the first data processing procedure of the printer system according to the present invention, and client computers 1003-1 to 1003.
3 corresponds to the data processing procedure between the print server apparatus 2002 and the print server apparatus 2002, (a) is processing on the print server apparatus side, and (b) is processing on the client computer side. Note that (1) to (7) indicate steps on the print server side, and (11) to (17) indicate steps on the client computer side.

First, the user C prints one copy of the document with the document name "explanatory drawing" from one of the client computers 1003-1 to 1003-3 (1). The print server apparatus 2002 stores the print job in the hard disk apparatus 2003 (3) when the print processing of the document is completed (2).

Then, when it becomes necessary to print the document again (11), the user C first opens the print job operation window 301 on the client computer (12). At this time, the client computer 1
For example, the client computer 1003-1 in 003-1 to 1003-3 is the print server device 2002.
On the other hand, the preview image information 302 and the print job information 303 are requested to the print server apparatus 2002 via the network 1004 (13).

The print server apparatus 2002 which has received the transmission request for the print job information 303 transmits the preview image and print job information of each print job stored in the hard disk apparatus 2003 (4), (5). After that, client computer 1
003-1 displays a list of preview image information 302 and print job information 303 obtained from the print server apparatus 2002 in the print job operation window 301 (14).

Then, the user C searches for a desired print job by operating the scroll bar 304 if necessary (15).

Since the second document from the top in the screen example shown in FIG. 5 is a print job for printing again (because the user name is "C"), user C points this print job to the pointing device. Select with the cursor of and press the print button 305 (1
6).

Then, the client computer 100
3-1 requests the print server apparatus 2002 via the network to print the print job selected by the user C again (17).

The print server apparatus 2002, which has received the print job instruction from the client computer 1003-1 again, processes the print job in the image developing unit 2004.
And print again (6), (7).

FIG. 7 is a memory map of a storage medium for storing a program corresponding to the steps of the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a memory map of a storage medium for storing a program corresponding to the steps of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 (b).

Correspondence between the present embodiment and the respective steps of the ninth and eleventh inventions and their actions will be described below with reference to FIGS.

A ninth invention is a data processing method of an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a print server apparatus 2002 having a storage resource by receiving through a predetermined communication medium, and print information printed by the print server apparatus 2002. The acquisition step (step (13) in FIG. 6) of acquiring the search information including the image information data created with respect to the print information printed on the display unit based on the search information acquired by the acquisition means. A display step (step (14) in FIG. 6) for displaying a preview of image image data for visual search, and an instruction step for instructing a reprint request for the image image data displayed on the display section (FIG. 6).
The CPU 101 executes the step (16) of step 102) and the issuing step (step (17) of FIG. 6) of detecting the instruction and issuing a reprint request for the image image data being instructed to the print server device 2002. Alternatively, the RAM 1 from the external memory 112 or a storage medium (not shown)
02, the CPU 101 executes the control program (following the flowchart of FIG. 6) loaded,
The PU 101 obtains image data created based on the memory resource of the print server apparatus 2002 in the digital copying machine 1002, for example, the print information (print job) registered in the hard disk apparatus 2003 via the network 1004, and visualizes it on the CRT 111. To display
When a scroll instruction is given from the keyboard 110 or the like, the contents are visually searched, and a desired reprint request job is instructed, the reprint request is transferred as a command to the print server apparatus 2002 according to the instruction.

An eleventh aspect of the invention is an acquisition step (step (13) in FIG. 6) for acquiring search information including image information data created for the print information printed by the print server apparatus 2002, and the acquisition means. A display step (step (14) in FIG. 6) for displaying a preview image image data for visually searching the printed print information on the display section based on the acquired search information; Instructing step for instructing a reprint request for the image data that has been processed (step (16) in FIG. 6)
And an issuing step (step (17) in FIG. 6) of detecting the instruction and issuing a reprint request for the image image data being instructed to the print server apparatus 2002.
A program that can be read by a computer is stored in a storage medium. That is, a mode in which the program code corresponding to the process shown in FIG. 6 is stored in the storage medium and the CPU 101 reads the program code from the storage medium and executes the program code is also included in the embodiment of the present invention.

Correspondence between the present embodiment and each step of the tenth and twelfth inventions and their functions will be described below.

A tenth aspect of the present invention is a data processing method of a print server device capable of transferring print information from an information processing device to a printing unit via a predetermined communication medium, wherein printing completed when printing received from the information processing device is completed. A storage step of storing information in the memory (steps (1) to (3) in FIG. 6),
A creating step (steps (1) to (3) in FIG. 6) of creating image image data for retrieval from the print information stored in the memory, and storing the created image image data in the memory. A registration step of registering the management data of the print information as search information (steps (1) to (3) in FIG. 6), and the re-print request from the information processing device, the data stored in the memory. A transfer step of transferring the search information corresponding to the print information to the information processing apparatus (step (5) in FIG. 6) and the CPU 101.
When the CPU 101 executes a reprint request from the client computer 1003-1, the management information of the printed print information created during the preceding printing and stored in the hard disk device 2003 (when printing, the first page of the print information, etc.). Image data that is an image of the
Of the preview image information 302) and the job name, date, various data of the printer, etc.)
03-1 to read the print information stored in accordance with the job name or the like instructed after the transfer,
The image is expanded at 04 and is printed by the digital copying machine 1002.

As a result, the client computer 1
003-1, when reprinting the printed print information,
The candidates can be visualized and searched.

A twelfth aspect of the invention is a storage step (steps (1) to (3) in FIG. 6) for storing the print information, which has been printed and received from the information processing apparatus, in the memory, and is stored in the memory. A creation process (step (1) to FIG. 6) of creating image data for search from the print information.
(3)) and a registration step of registering the created image data as search information in the management data of the print information stored in the memory (steps (1) to (3) in FIG. 6). When a reprint request is issued from the information processing device, the memory (hard disk device 200
A computer-readable program including a transfer step (steps (1) to (3) in FIG. 6) of transferring the search information corresponding to the print information stored in 3) to the information processing apparatus. It is stored in a storage medium.
That is, a mode in which the program code corresponding to the process shown in FIG. 6 is stored in the storage medium and the CPU 101 reads the program code from the storage medium and executes the program code is also included in the embodiment of the present invention.

As described above, regarding the print job information, the user can easily and quickly select his / her print job and give an instruction to print it again by viewing not only the textual information but also the preview image. .

[Second Embodiment] FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a configuration of a second printer system to which the print server device according to the present invention can be applied. It is attached with a code.

In the figure, 1003-4 is a console unit, which is the client computer 10 shown in FIG.
The digital copying machine controller 1001 has the same configuration as that of 03-1 and is directly connected to the internal bus via the interface port of the digital copying machine controller 1001.

In the printer system configured as described above, the user re-executes (reprints) his or her print job stored in the print server device 2002.
The processing up to this will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Note that here, as an example, the user D
Will print once and then print the print job again.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart for explaining the second data processing procedure of the printer system according to the present invention, which corresponds to the data processing procedure of the console unit 1003-4 and the print server apparatus 2002. The process is on the print server device side, and (b) is the process on the console unit side. Note that (1) to (5) indicate steps on the print server device side, and (11) to (1
5) shows the steps on the console unit side.

First, the user D prints one copy of a document named "company newsletter July issue" on page 10 from the client computer 1003-1 (1). The print server device 2002 sends the print job to the hard disk device 2 when the print processing of the document is completed (2).
It is stored in 003 (3).

After that, when it becomes necessary to print the document again (11), the user D first goes to the place where the console unit 1003-4 is located and opens the print job operation window 301 on the console unit 1003-4.
Open on CRT111. At this time, the print server device 2002 lists preview image information 302 and print job information 303 of each print job stored in the hard disk device 2003 in the print job operation window 301, and lists preview image information 302 and print job information 303. Displayed in a shape (1
2).

User D uses scroll bar 3 if necessary
While operating 04, a desired print job is searched for.
In the present embodiment, the document at the bottom in the screen example shown in FIG. 5 is a print job for printing again (because the user name is “D”), so user D selects this print job. , Press the print button 305 (1
3), (14).

Then, the print server apparatus 2002 sends a print job to the image developing unit 2004 when a print request is made by the user D (4), prints again (5), and ends the processing.

FIG. 11 is a memory map of a storage medium storing a program corresponding to the steps of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 6A and 10A.

FIG. 12 is a memory map of a storage medium that stores a program corresponding to the steps of the flowchart shown in FIG.

As described above, the user D prints the print job information 3 via the console unit 1003-4 directly connected to the digital copying machine controller 1001.
Regarding 03, by viewing not only the information in text but also the preview image information 302, it is possible to easily and quickly select his / her own print job in the vicinity of the digital copying machine controller 1001 and print it again.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the page of the print job to be preview-displayed is the first page is explained, but the number of pages to be displayed and the page to be displayed are contents (graphics, characters, images, etc.). It may be configured so that the user can appropriately set according to the above.

According to each of the above embodiments, after the print job from the client computer is processed, when the job is held, a preview image is added and a function of transmitting the preview image in response to a request from the outside is provided. Therefore, when the user re-executes the print job saved in the print server device, it becomes possible to visually confirm the preview image in addition to the character information such as date and time and job name. It is possible to search for similar print jobs easily and in consideration of the characteristics of the print contents (graphic arrangement, graphic elements, image images, or a combination thereof).

As described above, the storage medium recording the program code of the software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MP of the system or apparatus is supplied.
It goes without saying that the object of the present invention is also achieved when U) reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium.

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

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, C
DR, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, RO
M, EEPROM and the like can be used.

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

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

The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Further, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to the case where it is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus. In this case, by reading a storage medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention into the system or apparatus, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. .

Further, by downloading and reading out a program represented by software for achieving the present invention from a database on a network by a communication program, the system or apparatus can be
It is possible to enjoy the effects of the present invention.

[0083]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the twelfth invention, in the case where after the print information transferred from the information processing device to the print server device is printed by the printing unit, a storage resource for storing the print information is provided,
The printed print information is made into an image and registered in a storage resource as management data, the registered management data is transferred to an information processing device and displayed in a list, and the visualized print information displayed in the list is searched. Reprint request is made, so
When a reprint request is issued from an information processing device connected via a network or an interface, it is possible to efficiently instruct the reprint of desired print information while retrieving the print content with an image.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a configuration of a first printer system to which a print server device according to the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a computer shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer unit of the digital copying machine shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the digital copying machine controller shown in FIG.

5 is a diagram showing an example of a print job operation screen displayed on the CRT shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a first data processing procedure of the printer system according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a memory map of a storage medium that stores a program corresponding to the steps of the flowchart shown in FIG.

8 is a memory map of a storage medium storing a program corresponding to the steps of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 (b).

FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a configuration of a second printer system to which the print server device according to the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a second data processing procedure of the printer system according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a memory map of a storage medium that stores a program corresponding to the steps of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 6A and 10A.

FIG. 12 is a memory map of a storage medium that stores a program corresponding to the steps of the flowchart shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1001 Digital Copy Machine Controller 1003-1 Client Computer 1003-2 Client Computer 1003-3 Client Computer 2002 Print Server Device 2003 Hard Disk Device

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. An information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a print server apparatus having storage resources, which is received via a predetermined communication medium, and includes image information data created for print information printed by the print server apparatus. Acquiring means for acquiring search information; display control means for displaying a preview of image image data for visually searching printed information on the display unit based on the search information acquired by the acquiring means; Instruction means for instructing a reprint request for the image image data displayed on the unit, and issuing means for detecting the instruction by the instructing means and issuing a reprint request for the image image data being instructed to the print server device. An information processing apparatus comprising: 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control means displays a preview of image image data as a list on the display unit together with the acquired management data. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined communication medium is a network interface. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined communication medium comprises an interface which is connected to the print server apparatus by a bus. 5. A print server device capable of transferring print information from an information processing device to a printing unit via a predetermined communication medium, a storage unit for storing print information received from the information processing device and having completed printing. Creating means for creating image image data for retrieval from the print information stored in the storage means, and the image image data created by the creating means as management data of the print information stored in the storage means. On the other hand, a registration unit that registers as search information and a transfer unit that transfers the search information corresponding to the print information stored in the storage unit to the information processing apparatus when a reprint request is made from the information processing apparatus. A print server device having. 6. Printing in which after the transfer of the search information by the transfer unit, the print information stored in the storage unit is read based on a reprint request issued from the information processing apparatus and reprinted by the printing unit. 6. The print server device according to claim 5, further comprising a control unit. 7. The print server device according to claim 5, wherein the predetermined communication medium is a network interface. 8. The print server device according to claim 5, wherein the predetermined communication medium comprises an interface which is connected to the print server device by a bus. 9. A data processing method of an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a print server apparatus having storage resources, which is received through a predetermined communication medium, and is an image created for print information printed by the print server apparatus. An acquisition step of acquiring search information including information data, and a display step of displaying a preview of image image data for visually searching the printed print information on the display unit based on the search information acquired by the acquisition means. An instructing step for instructing a reprint request for the image image data displayed on the display unit, and an issuing step for detecting the instruction and issuing a reprint request for the instructed image image data to the print server device A data processing method for an information processing apparatus, comprising: 10. A data processing method of a print server device capable of transferring print information from an information processing device to a printing unit via a predetermined communication medium, wherein print information received from the information processing device is printed in a memory. A saving step of saving, a creating step of creating image image data for searching from the print information saved in the memory, and management data of the print information saved in the memory of the created image image data A registration step of registering the search information as search information, and a transfer step of transferring the search information corresponding to the print information stored in the memory to the information processing apparatus when a reprint request is made from the information processing apparatus. A data processing method for a print server device, comprising: 11. An acquisition step of acquiring search information including image information data created for print information printed by the print server device, and printing on a display unit based on the search information acquired by the acquisition means. A display step of displaying a preview of image image data for visually searching for the completed print information, an instruction step of instructing a reprint request for the image image data displayed on the display section, and detecting the instruction. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program, including an issuing step of issuing to the print server device a reprint request for the image image data being instructed. 12. A storage step of storing, in a memory, print information that has been printed and received from the information processing apparatus, and a creating step of creating image data for searching from the print information stored in the memory. A registration step of registering the created image image data as search information in the management data of the print information stored in the memory, and a reprint request from the information processing device, which is stored in the memory. A transfer step of transferring the search information corresponding to the print information to the information processing apparatus,
A storage medium storing a computer-readable program.