JP2000105677A - Device and method for image position management, and storage medium storing computer-readable program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make freely and easily changeable the storage location of image data without spoiling user's convenience by assigning a unique identifier to the image data and specifying the management of the storage location of the image data by using the identifier. SOLUTION: The unique identifier is assigned to the image data and this identifier is used to manage and specify the storage location of the image data. On this device, a print order 801 is composed of >=1 suborders 802. The suborders 802 are units printed by a print server and identified with suborder IDs which are unique serial numbers (001, 002...) in the main order. An image ID is for identifying an image and constitutes a suborder 802 as one order item. This image ID 805 is uniquely issued.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image position management device and an image position management method for managing a storage location of image data in an image storage using a network, a program on a processing device such as a computer, and the program. About the system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the dramatic improvement in computer performance, it has become possible to easily refer to and edit images on a computer. In addition, with the advancement of network technologies such as the Internet and the spread of this technology to the general public, the distribution of image data via the network has become widespread, and a service that prints image data on the network to a remote printer. Has also begun to take place.

In such an environment, a large amount of digital data such as image data is stored on a plurality of computers, and how to efficiently store a large amount of data and change the storage location. It is becoming important in providing data using a network how to flexibly perform the operation.

In the prior art, Uniform Resource Loc widely used on the Internet
Identifies digital data stored on a network such as an image file using an attor (hereinafter, URL)
A method of transmitting a data acquisition request to a computer that stores the data described as a part of the URL has been adopted. According to the conventional technology, the computer name and the storage location name in the URL are aliases assigned to the physical storage location, and the user can change the storage location of the data as long as the URL is stored. Has also made it possible to acquire data by issuing a data acquisition request to a computer storing the data.

[0005]

In the above prior art,
Since the computer name and the storage location name described in the URL cannot be changed, there is a restriction that when the storage location is physically changed, it must be performed within a range where the URL is not changed. That is, when processing data exceeding the processing capacity of the computer or the data storage capacity limit described in the URL is required, it is not easy to change the data storage location, and the user does not store the data storage location. For example, the URL may be changed or the processing efficiency at the time of use may be degraded, which may lead to a decrease in convenience.

An object of the present invention is to assign a unique identifier to a design called image data, and to use the identifier to manage and specify the storage location of the image data, thereby making it possible to change the storage location of the image data. According to the data processing capability of the computer, by allocating a plurality of physical data files to a single identifier, without compromising the convenience of the user, and by allocating a plurality of physical data files to the single identifier. It is to enable flexible selection of a data acquisition destination.

Another object of the present invention is to perform the above-mentioned management means more smoothly.

[0008]

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image position management apparatus capable of communicating with a plurality of image storage apparatuses via a network.
Management means for managing specific information indicating the image storage device in which image data is stored, and, when a request for image data is received from an external device, based on the specific information stored in the management means. Specifying means for specifying an image storage device in which image data is stored.

Further, the management means manages specific information of an image with respect to identification information for uniquely identifying each image data corresponding to a plurality of resolutions of the image.

[0010] Further, the management means includes:
The apparatus manages device identification information of an external image storage device storing the image data and identification position information indicating a storage location in the image position management device.

[0011] The present invention is further characterized by further comprising updating means for updating the specific information based on position update information of image data transmitted from an external image storage device.

Further, the location update information includes registration information indicating that new image data has been registered, or change information indicating that the storage location of already stored image data has been changed. And

In moving or copying image data from an external image storage device to another storage device, the image data is received from the source or copy source image storage device.
The image processing apparatus further includes a transfer control unit for transferring the image to the image storage device at the destination or the copy destination.

[0014] Further, the apparatus further comprises a request unit for transmitting a request for transmitting image data to an external device. When it is necessary to obtain image data from an external image storage device, the image data is transmitted to the image storage device specified by the specifying unit. On the other hand, a transmission request is transmitted by the request means.

[0015] Further, there is further provided an acquiring means for acquiring image data from an external device in response to the image data transmission request transmitted by the requesting means, and the acquiring means is managed by a storage means of the external device. The image data storage position of the image data specified by the specific information is obtained by the external device.

[0016] Further, there is further provided a registration means for receiving the print image from the client computer and registering the print image in the storage means, wherein the management means manages specific information relating to the registered print image. It is characterized by the following.

The image processing apparatus may further include an image generating means for generating an editing image from the registered printing image and storing the editing image in the storage means, and converting the generated editing image into image data. The transmission is performed to the external device that has made the transmission request.

Further, the image position management apparatus is applied to a system for acquiring image data necessary for a print request from a plurality of image storage apparatuses based on a print request transmitted from a document processing apparatus. And

Another invention according to the present application is realized by a method for realizing the above-described invention and a program stored in a program storage medium.

[0020]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS <System Configuration> FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an entire system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes an information processing device (CPU, R, which will be described later with reference to FIG.
OM, RAM, HDD, etc.), and is hereinafter referred to as a client computer.

The client computer 101 has a function of browsing information such as an image stored in a center server 102 described later through a network, a function of acquiring the information in the client computer 101, and a function of It has a function of ordering a print instruction as an image print order in the print server 121 described later.

A print instruction as an image print order is hereinafter referred to as a print order or simply an order.

Reference numeral 102 denotes an image collection apparatus of the present invention that performs processing mainly based on a request from the client computer 101, and is hereinafter referred to as a center server.

The center server 102 has a function of holding an image to be transmitted to the client computer 101 based on a request from the client computer 101, receives a print order from the client computer 101, and generates a print order based on the image storage location information. Images are collected, and print servers 121, 122, 123,
12N has a function of making a print request. Details of the print request will be described later.

The images 111, 112 and 11N store images,
An image holding device having a function of transmitting an image stored in response to a request from the center server 102 to the center server 102, and is hereinafter referred to as an image server.

Reference numerals 121, 122, and 12N denote a function of printing an image based on a print request from the center server 102, a function of storing and using the image for printing, and a function of storing the image in response to a request for image transmission from the center server 102. This is an output device having a function of transmitting an existing image to the center server 102, and is hereinafter referred to as a print server. In this embodiment, this print server indicates a print shop such as a DPE shop, and is a center server via the Internet. The print servers 121, 122,
The 12N need not have a function of storing images.

Reference numeral 103 denotes the client computer 10
1, center server 102, image server 111, 1
12, 11N, print servers 121, 122, 12N
, Which represents a network system such as a local area network (LAN) or the Internet, and is hereinafter simply referred to as a network. In this embodiment, the network 10
3 uses the general Internet, but can also be realized using other network systems.

The client computer 101,
Center server 102, image servers 111 and 11
Some of the print servers 2 and 11N and the print servers 121, 122 and 12N can be shared by the same physical computer.

<Block Diagram of Client Computer, Center Server, and Image Server> FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of an information processing apparatus as an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, since there is no difference in the internal configuration of the center server 102 which is an image collection device, the image servers 111, 112, 11N which are image holding devices, and the client computer 101, the hardware is collectively shown in FIG. The hardware configuration will be described.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 1001 denotes a central processing unit (hereinafter, referred to as CPU) for controlling the information processing apparatus.

Reference numeral 1002 denotes a random access memory (hereinafter, referred to as a RAM), which functions as a main memory of the CPU 1001 and as an area of an execution program, an execution area of the program, and a data area.

Reference numeral 1003 denotes a read-only memory (hereinafter, referred to as a ROM) that stores the operation processing procedure of the CPU 1001. The ROM 1003 stores a program ROM in which basic software (OS), which is a system program for controlling devices of the information processing apparatus (image collecting apparatus, image holding apparatus), information necessary for operating the system, and the like. There is a data ROM. An HDD 1009 described later may be used instead of the ROM 1003.

Reference numeral 1004 denotes a network interface (NETIF), which performs control for performing data transfer between the information processing device, the image collection device, and the image holding device via the network and diagnoses a connection state.

Reference numeral 1005 denotes a video RAM (VRAM).
An image displayed on a screen of a CRT 1006, which will be described later, indicating the operating state of the information processing device (image collection device, image holding device) is developed, and the display is controlled.

Reference numeral 1006 denotes a display device, for example, CR
T display and the like. Hereinafter, it is referred to as CRT.

Reference numeral 1007 denotes an external input device 1008 to be described later.
Is a controller for controlling an input signal from the controller.

Reference numeral 1008 denotes an external input device for receiving an operation performed by the user of the information processing apparatus on the information processing apparatus, and is, for example, a pointing device such as a keyboard and a mouse.

Reference numeral 1009 denotes a hard disk drive (HD)
D), which is used for storing data such as application programs and image information. The application program in the present embodiment is a software program or the like that executes various processing units constituting the present embodiment. Details of the flowchart showing the processing of each program (FIGS. 15, 17 to 22, 24 to 29, and 34 to 36) will be described later.

Reference numeral 1010 denotes an external input / output device for inputting / outputting a removable disk such as a floppy disk drive or a CD-ROM drive, and is used for reading the above-mentioned application program from a medium. Hereinafter, it is simply referred to as FDD.

The application programs and data stored in the HDD 1009 can be stored in the FDD 1010 and used.

Reference numeral 1000 denotes an input / output bus (address bus, data bus, and control bus) for connecting the above-described units.

<Block Diagram of Print Server> FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of the print server according to the present invention.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 2001 denotes a CPU for controlling an output device which is a print server.

Reference numeral 2002 denotes a RAM;
Function as a main memory, and as an area of an execution program and an execution area and a data area of the program.

Reference numeral 2003 denotes a ROM that stores the operation processing procedure of the CPU 2001. The ROM 2003 includes a program ROM in which basic software (OS), which is a system program for controlling a device of the print server, is recorded, and a data ROM in which information necessary for operating the system is recorded. Instead of ROM 2003, HD
D2009 may be used.

Reference numeral 2004 denotes a network interface (NETIF), which performs control for performing data transfer with another information processing apparatus such as the center server 101 via the network and diagnoses a connection state.

Reference numeral 2005 denotes a VRAM, which is a CRT 20 which will be described later and indicates the operating state of the information processing apparatus which is a print server.
The image displayed on the screen 06 is expanded, and the display is controlled.

Reference numeral 2006 denotes a display device, for example, a CR
T display and the like. Hereinafter, it is referred to as CRT.

Reference numeral 2007 denotes an external input device 2008 described later.
Is a controller for controlling an input signal from the controller.

Reference numeral 2008 denotes an external input device for accepting an operation performed by the user of the print shop on the print server, and is, for example, a pointing device such as a keyboard or a mouse.

2009 is a hard disk drive (HD)
D), which is used for application programs for controlling printing and for storing data such as image information.

Reference numeral 2010 denotes an external input / output device for inputting / outputting a removable disk such as a floppy disk drive or a CDROM drive, and is used for reading the above-mentioned application program from a medium. Hereinafter, it is simply referred to as FDD.

The application programs and data stored in the HDD 2009 can be stored in the FDD 2010 and used.

Reference numeral 2011 denotes a printer control device, which controls an external output device 2012 described later and controls an image to be output. Hereinafter, it is described as PRTC.

Reference numeral 2012 denotes an external output device capable of performing high-precision print output, such as a printer.
It is written.

An extended external input / output device control device 2013 controls an extended external input / output device 2014 described later. Hereinafter, it is described as CTLR.

Reference numeral 2014 denotes an extended external input / output device having a function of externally inputting image data, such as reading a printed material like a scanner. Hereinafter, it is simply referred to as a scanner.

Reference numeral 2000 denotes an input / output bus (address bus, data bus, and control bus) for connecting the above-described units.

<Center Server> FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing each processing means and management data in the center server 102. In FIG. 4, 401, 402, 403, 404, 405,
Each of the processing units 406 and 407 is an application program, which is read from the ROM 1003, the HDD 1009, or the FDD 1010, expanded on the RAM 1002, and used. 411, 412, 413, 41
4, 415, 416, 417, 418, and 419 are data stored in the HDD 1009.

The document providing means 401 is a client computer 1 via a network such as the Internet.
01, a document (text, image, or a combination of text and image) requested by the HDD 1009
This is an application program that allows the user to search and send from. The document providing means 401 is generally called an Internet server program or a WWW server program, and is stored in the HDD 1009 or the like in response to a request from the client computer 101 in addition to transmitting a document. This is an application program that allows the application program to be expanded and used in the RAM 1002, and authenticates the user ID of the user in response to an external request as necessary, and restricts data to be transmitted.

The editing image providing means 402 retrieves a display / edit image requested by the client computer 101 from a display / edit image storage device 411, which will be described later, based on a request from the client computer 101, and stores the image data. This is an application program that allows the client computer 101 to perform conversion processing into an image format to be used and transmit the converted image to the client computer 101 via the document providing unit 401.

The order receiving means 403 receives the print order transmitted by the client computer 101,
The print order is analyzed and stored in an order management table 416 to be described later, an order result is transmitted to the client 101 via the document providing unit 401, and an image to be described later is collected to collect images used for the print order. The collecting means 405 is stored in the RAM 10 from the HDD 1009 or the like.
02 is an application program to be developed and used.

The editing image providing means 402 and the order receiving means 403 are sent to the HDD 10 by the document providing means 401 based on the request from the client computer 101.
An application program that is loaded into the RAM 1002 from within the server 09 or the like, and is a function extension of what is generally called a CGI program.

The image registration unit 404 is an application program developed in the RAM 1002 from inside the HDD 1009 or the like by the center transmission / reception control unit 407 described below, and the position change data of the print image transmitted from the image server 111 or the print server 121 ( (New registration, deletion, duplication, movement) and an editing image, update and manage a position management table 412 described later, and store the editing image in a display / editing image storage device 411 described later. Is an application program having Further, if the position change data is data representing the movement of the print image, the image server 11 of the movement source
1 or the print image transmitted from the print server 121 via the center transmission / reception control means 407 described later.
21 is provided.

The image collecting means 405 is the order receiving means 4
03 or a center transmission / reception control unit 407, which will be described later, issues an activation instruction.
This is an application program developed in M1002. The image collection unit 405 has a function of determining a storage position of a printing original image necessary for printing in an order management table 416 described later, and a function of determining whether the storage destination specified by the function is the image server 111 or the print server 121. A function of transmitting a print image acquisition request via the center transmission / reception control unit 407, and a function of storing and managing a print image returned from the image server 111 or the print server 121 in a temporary storage image storage device 414 described later. And a function of managing the collection status and developing and using the order progress management means 406 described later in the RAM 1002 from the HDD 1009 when all the printing images necessary for the print order are prepared.

The order progress management means 406 is an application program developed and used in the RAM 1002 from the HDD 1009 or the like by the image collection means 405 or the center transmission / reception control means 407. The print order data in the order management table 416 and the temporary The print request data for the print server 121 is created from the print image data in the storage image storage device 414, and the print request data is transmitted to the center transmission / reception control unit 40 described later.
Application program having a function of transmitting to the print server 121 via the print server 121 and a function of updating the contents of the order management table based on the print completion report data received from the print server 121 via the center transmission / reception control means 407 It is.

The center transmission / reception control unit 407 manages data created and collected by an application program such as the image collection unit 405 in the center server and stored in a center transmission box 418 described later.
Based on a data transmission / reception start request received from the image server 111 or the print server 121 via the IF 1004, the image server 111 or the print server 12
A function of extracting the transmission data for the first device from the center transmission box 418 and transmitting the data, storing the reception data received from the image server 111 or the print server 121 in a center reception box 419 described later, analyzing the reception data, An application program for processing data is stored in the RAM 100 from the HDD 1009 or the like.
It has a function to be developed and used in 2.

Since data transmission / reception with the image server 111 or the print server 121 is performed based on a transmission / reception start request from the image server 111 or the print server 121, a network connection mode (a permanent connection by a dedicated line, a temporary connection by dial-up). Optimal transmission / reception cycle can be ensured according to various connections.

The display / edit image storage device 411 stores low-resolution images of all images available to the user, and receives them through a network browsing unit 502 and a document providing unit 401, which will be described later. In response to a user's image acquisition request, a display image of the lowest resolution (for example, a thumbnail of 64 × 64 pixels) displayed on the network browsing unit 502 or an editing image (for example, a thumbnail of 64 × 64 pixels) used by the data processing unit 501 , 1 / 4base or 1 / 16b
, etc.) is stored. The image file corresponds to the user ID of the document
A table for storing a corresponding image file by an image ID described later with reference to FIG.

The original image position management table 412 is shown in FIG.
7 is a management table of storage positions of print images as described later.

The server management table 413 is a table for managing information of each image server 111 and print server 121 as described later with reference to FIG.

The temporary storage image storage device 414 is a spool that stores printing images (for example, original images and 16-base image images) required for printing until printing is completed.

The order status table 415 is shown in FIG.
0 stores an order status table for managing the progress of the print order described later.

The order management table 416 stores print order data described later with reference to FIG.

The editing image position management table 417 has the same layout as the original image position management table described later with reference to FIG. 12, and has the path name and image ID of the image file stored in the display / editing image storage device 411. Manage correspondence.

The center transmission box 418 and the center reception box 419 are devices for storing transmission data and reception data to the image server 111 or the print server 121 in the HDD 1009, respectively.

<Client Computer> FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a client computer 101 which is an information processing device actually used by a user.
A data processing unit 501, a network browsing unit 502, and an extension unit 503 exist as application programs that are read from the HDD 003, the HDD 1009, or the FDD 1010, expanded in the RAM 1002, and used.

The data processing means 501 includes a character string, a figure,
In addition to the functions of creating and editing a document including data such as images, converting document data into a page description language, and acquiring an image for editing from the center server 102 through an extension unit 503 operating in the network browsing unit 502, Has a function of creating a print order including the page description language of the above and ordering the print order from the center server through the extension means 503.

The network browsing means 502 is an application program (a general application program such as a so-called Internet browser) that enables external services such as the Internet to be received through a network.

The function of the network browsing means 502 can be extended by incorporating an extension means (plug-in module), and the extension means (plug-in) 503 is added to the network browsing means 503 in this manner. Application program. Since the network browsing unit focuses on the function of browsing documents such as images on the network and transmitting it to the client computer, the data processing unit 50
In order to cooperate with an external application program such as (1), the extension unit 503 is used.

The extension means 503 is an application program stored in the HDD 1009, which is developed and used in the RAM 1002 at the same time as the network browsing means 502, and operates together with the network browsing means 502 to transfer data handled by the data processing means 501 to the network. A function to obtain the data from above, a function to display the data through the CRT 1006, and a function to
1 and a function of transmitting the print order data created by the data processing means to the network.

The print order ordering function of the data processing means 501 is performed by the order receiving means of the center server 102, and the data display function and print order data transmission function of the extension means are performed by using the network browsing means 502. By doing so, the present invention can be implemented without the data processing unit 501 and the extension unit 503.

<Image Server> FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the processing means and management data in the image servers 111, 112 and 11N. In FIG. 6, 601, 602, 603,
And 604 are a ROM 1003, an HDD 10
09 or FDD 1010 and read from RAM 1
002 is an application program that is developed and used.

A print image registration unit 601 is an application for newly registering, moving, duplicating, and deleting a print image.
A function to read out the original print image recorded in the external storage device such as the OM or the ZIP by the FDD 1010 and store it in the original print image storage device 611 described later, and a function to delete the image in the original print image storage device 611. Is an application program having Further, a function of updating an original image position management table 612 described later, a function of generating a display / edit image, and a function of transmitting original image position information and the display / edit image via a local transmission / reception control unit 603 described later. It also has a function of transmitting to the center server 102.

The print image transmitting unit 602 analyzes a print image transmission request received from the center server 102 by the local transmission / reception control unit 603 described later, and determines a necessary print image based on an original image management table 612 described later. This is an application program having a function of retrieving from a printing original image storage device 611 described later and transmitting the request to the request transmission source (center server 102) via the local transmission / reception control unit 603.

The local transmission / reception control unit 603 manages data created by an application program such as the print image registration unit 601 in the image server and stored in a local transmission box 613 described later.
4, a function of transmitting a transmission / reception start request to the center server 102 to extract transmission data from the local transmission box 613 and transmitting the data, and a local reception box 614 described later for receiving the data received from the center server 102.
And a function of expanding an application program for analyzing received data and processing the data in the RAM 1002 from the HDD 1009 or the like and using the application program.

The print original image storage device 611 is a high-resolution original image file for printing, and is stored in the HDD 1009 or in the F
It is stored on a removable disk readable and writable by the DD 1010.

The original image position management table 612 is a table for managing the path name of the print image described later with reference to FIG.
It is stored as a database in the DD 1009 or a searchable file.

The local transmission box 613 and the local reception box 614 are devices for storing transmission data and reception data to the center server 102 in the HDD 1009, respectively.

<Print Server> FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the processing devices and management data in the print servers 121, 122 and 12N. 7, 701, 702, 703,
Each processing means of 704 and 705 is ROM 2003, H
Read from DD2009 or FDD2010,
This is an application program developed and used in the RAM 2002.

The order output management means 701 is an application program having a function of managing the progress of the print order transmitted from the center server 102.
A print order is received from the center server 102 via a local transmission / reception control unit 703 described below, the print order is analyzed, and an order management table 711 described below is received.
A print spool 712 described later based on a print operation performed by the operator using the KB 1008, and a function to send a print start instruction to a print control unit 702 described below. Receives the print completion notification and creates print completion notification data,
It has a function of transmitting the print completion notification data to the center server 102 via the local transmission / reception control unit 703.

A print control unit 702 is an application program having a function of printing by creating a final print image and sending it to the PRTC 2011.
A function of editing a final print image by using a print original image in the print spool based on edit information in a print spool 712 described later, and an order output management unit for notifying completion when print processing is completed 701.

The local transmission / reception control unit 703 is equivalent to the local transmission / reception control unit 603 of the image server 111, and manages data created by an application program such as the order output management unit 701 in the print server and stored in a local transmission box 713 described later. And NET
A transmission / reception start request is transmitted to the center server 102 via the IF 2004 and the transmission data is transmitted to the local transmission box 7.
13 and the function of extracting and transmitting from the center server 10
2 is stored in a local reception box 714, which will be described later, and an application program for analyzing the received data and processing the data is stored in the HDD.
And a function to be developed and used in the RAM 2002 from inside 2009 or the like.

The print image registration unit 704 is equivalent to the print image registration unit 601 in the image server 111, and is an application for newly registering, moving, duplicating, and deleting a print image. According to the operation, the function of reading out the original print image recorded in the external storage device such as the CDROM by the FDD 2010 and storing it in the original print image storage device 716 described later, and deleting the image in the original print image storage device 716. It is an application program having functions. Also, a function of updating an original image position management table 715, which will be described later,
It also has a function of generating an editing image and a function of transmitting original image position information and the display / editing image to the center server 102 via the local transmission / reception control unit 703.

The print image transmission unit 705 is equivalent to the print image transmission unit 602 in the image server 111, analyzes a print image transmission request received by the local transmission / reception control unit 703, and outputs a necessary print image. Is an application program having a function of retrieving from an original image storage device for printing 716 to be described later based on an original image management table 715 to be described later, and transmitting it to the request source via the local transmission / reception control unit 703. The print image transmitting unit 705 of the print server transmits the print image or the display image and the edit image.

The order management table 711 is stored in the HDD 200
9 stores a print order data described later with reference to FIG. 8 and an order status table related to the progress of the print order described later with reference to FIG.

The print spool 712 is provided by the print control unit 702.
Is a spool for temporarily storing editing information necessary for performing a printing process and all printing original images.

The local transmission box 713 and the local reception box 714 are equivalent to the local transmission box 613 and the local reception box 614 of the image server 111, and are devices for storing transmission data and reception data to the center server 102 in the HDD 2009, respectively. is there.

The original image position management table 715 is equivalent to the original image position management table 612 in the image server 111, and is a table for managing a path name of a print image, which will be described later with reference to FIG. Store as a simple file.

The printing original image storage device 716 is equivalent to the printing original image storage device 611 in the image server 111, and is a high resolution original image file for printing.
It is stored in a removable disk readable and writable in D2009 or FDD 2010.

In this embodiment, the function of the image server 121 is included in the print server 121 for the purpose of further reducing the transmission load by having the print original image and its management function in the print server. It has a configuration. This embodiment can be implemented even if the print server 121 does not include the functions 704, 705, 715, and 716 of the image server. The NETIF 2004 of the print server 121 or the image server 11
NETIF 1004 and network 130,
Mobile communications and mobile communications equipment, for example Persona
By substituting digital communication and digital communication devices such as l Handyphone System (PHS), the present invention can be realized in a mobile communication environment.

<Print Order Data> FIG. 8 shows the data structure of print order data handled in this embodiment.
The print order data is a data structure for storing information of an order performed by the user for the present embodiment. The pudding and order data described here are orders transmitted from the center server to the print server.

The print order data is stored in the center order management table 416 by the order receiving means 403 in the center server 102, and is operated by the order output management means 406.
Are stored and operated in the order management table 711 by the order output management means 701. The data structure of the print order and various terms used in this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 8, reference numeral 801 denotes a print order, which is a unit for which a user requests printing, and is identified by a unique order ID in this embodiment. Print order 801
Is composed of one or more sub-orders 802, and has, as information for each print order, an identifier of a print server that the user desires to output. The order ID is a combination of the user ID of the user who ordered the print order, the identifier of the client computer that ordered the print order (the IP address at the time of network connection), and the time when the order was placed.

Reference numeral 802 denotes a sub-order, which is a unit to be printed by the print server, and is identified by a sub-order ID which is a unique serial number (001, 002,...) In the upper order. The sub-order is composed of one or more order items 803, and has information such as a paper size and the number of output copies for each sub-order.

Reference numeral 803 denotes an order item. The editing information 804 and the image ID 805 constitute a sub order 802 as one order item.

Reference numeral 804 denotes editing information, which is a script describing the printing position of each image using a page description language.

Reference numeral 805 denotes an image ID for identifying an image to be printed. The image ID forms a sub-order as one of the order items. Image I
D is numbered so as to be unique in the present embodiment, as will be described later with reference to FIG. However, the image ID identifies the image, and even for a plurality of remote image files,
If they store the same image, the same image ID is assigned.

In the actual embodiment, the order 801, sub-order 802, and order item 803 have user information, billing information, and the like.

<ID System> FIG. 9 illustrates an image ID and an order ID in this embodiment.

In FIG. 9, reference numeral 901 denotes an image ID, which is divided into three parts by delimiters ('/'). The image ID is an identifier assigned to each printing original image at the time of registration processing of the original image for identifying the printing original image in the present embodiment.

[0113] Reference numeral 911 denotes the name of the center server for identifying the center server 102.

Reference numeral 912 denotes an ID indicating a server that has performed a process of registering a print original image corresponding to the image ID. In this embodiment, the ID is represented by one of the image server 111 and the print server 121. The server ID uses an identifier uniquely assigned to the image server 111 and the print server 121 connected to the center server 102, and the center server 102 also has a server ID.

The server ID is used to maintain the uniqueness of the image ID, and does not necessarily have to match the server ID of the server storing the original image.

Reference numeral 913 denotes a number assigned in the server that performs the registration processing so that the original image registered by the registration processing can be uniquely specified. Issue.

As described above, the uniqueness of the printing original image is maintained in this embodiment by using 911, 912, and 913.

In FIG. 9, reference numeral 902 denotes an order ID, which is divided into three parts by delimiters ('/'). In order to identify the print order ordered by the user in the present embodiment, the order ID is used by the center server 10 when each print order is ordered.
This is an identifier assigned by 2.

A user ID 914 is an identifier for identifying a user who has ordered the print order.

[0120] Reference numeral 915 denotes a server ID of the center server 102 that has received the print order.

Reference numeral 916 denotes the center server 1 that performs order receiving processing
02 is a number assigned so as to uniquely identify the received print order, and is issued using, for example, the time when the order processing is executed.

As described above, the uniqueness of the printing original image is maintained in this embodiment by using 914, 915, and 916.

<Order Status Table> FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the order status table 415 used in this embodiment. The status table 415 is stored in the HDD 1009 of the center server 102 as a database or a searchable file. In the processing described in each processing flow described below, the image collection unit 405 mainly displays the collection status of the print image of each print order. Used to manage and control each process. It is also possible to use it while holding it on the RAM 1002 on the center server.

In FIG. 10, reference numeral 201 stores an order ID for identifying a print order that is currently processed or has been processed by the center server upon receiving an order.

Reference numeral 202 denotes a component of the order identified by the order ID 201. In this embodiment, a sub-order ID for identifying a sub-order is stored.

Reference numeral 203 stores the image ID of the print original image used for the item of the component of the sub-order identified by the sub-order ID 202.

Reference numeral 204 denotes a status indicating the collection status of the printing original image and the corresponding printing order or sub-order printing original image. Values indicating the status such as "image being collected" or "image collected" are stored. You.

Reference numerals 211, 212, 213, and 214 are examples of data stored in the order status table 415.

In FIG. 10, a column represented by a hyphen (-) indicates that a value is not entered in the corresponding column. This means that, in addition to the preparation status of each print image, the status in units of orders and sub-orders. Also manage. For example, in FIG.
The data 214 on the line is the order ID “USR1 / PC1 /
Image I of sub-order ID "0001" of "0002"
D "CANON / PS5 / 1998890202002
"7" indicates that the status is "image collected" and that the print image data is already on the center server and is ready for transmission to the print server. The data 213 on the third line is the image ID “CANON / PS” of the sub-order “0001”.
“5/1998901010758” indicates that the image for printing is not yet ready. In addition, the data 212 in the second row is not yet prepared as a sub-order “0001”, and the data 211 in the first row is an order “U
SR1 / PC1 / 0002 "indicates that it is not ready.

It is possible to hold one print order as one data structure, but in this embodiment, one print order is divided into an order management table and an order status table and held. In addition, the processing flow is prevented from being changed as much as possible with respect to changes such as addition of additional information of the print order.

<Server Management Table> FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a server management table used in this embodiment. The server management table is stored in the HDD 100 of the center server 102.
9 stores a database or a searchable file, and manages information of all image servers and print servers connected to the center server 102. In the present embodiment, it is used in the original image position determination processing described later in the processing flow of FIG. Also, the RAM 1002 on the center server
It is also possible to hold on.

In FIG. 11, reference numeral 1101 denotes a server ID, which is an identifier for uniquely identifying all image servers and print servers connected to the center server.

Reference numeral 1102 denotes an image acquisition priority, which is a numerical value used as a criterion when original images corresponding to the same image ID are stored in a plurality of image servers or print servers. As the image priority, a relative value corresponding to a transmission cost required for transmitting image data to the center server in collecting an original image described later is set in advance. It should be noted that the transmission cost mentioned here means not only the cost related to transmission but also a comprehensive meaning including the time required to transmit an image in response to a request from the center server. Image acquisition priority 1102 is 1 or more and 9
It is a value of 99 or less, and the smaller the value, the smaller the transmission cost related to image acquisition.

For example, the same LA as viewed from the center server
100 if it is within N, 200 if it is not the same local area network (LAN) but is always connected to the network, and it is not always the same LAN and it is always connected by dial-up connection to the network. If there is no server, set 300, and if the server has high access frequency and low processing efficiency even in the same LAN, add 20 to these values.

<Original Image Position Management Table> FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of an original image position management table used in this embodiment. The original image position management table is stored in the HDD 1009 of the center server 102 and the HDD 10 of the image server 111.
9 and stored in the HDD 2009 of the print server 121 as a database or a searchable file, and is used to specify a storage location of an original image required for printing in each processing flow described later.

The original image position management table [A] on the center server stores data of available print images stored in all image servers and print servers connected to the center server. The original image position management table [B] on the image server and the print server includes the HDD 1009 or HDD of the server.
2009, or FDD 1010 or FDD 2010
The data of the print image stored in is stored. The original image position management table can be stored in the RAM 1002 or RAM 2002 of each server.

In FIG. 12, reference numeral 1201 denotes an image ID.
The image ID of a print image that can be used.

Reference numeral 1202 denotes a user ID of the owner of each print image, which is uniquely determined for the image ID. This item is blank for images that are publicly available for a fee or free of charge.

Reference numeral 1203 denotes a storage location, which stores the storage location of the print image data of the corresponding image ID. Original image position management table [A] on center server 102
The storage location 1203 is the server ID of the image server 111 holding the image of the corresponding image ID, the server ID of the print server 121, or the path name of the print image stored on the HDD 1009 on the center server. Thus, a plurality of values can be stored for one image ID value. Original image position management table [B] on the image server or print server
The storage location 1203 is a path name of a print image stored on the HDD, and can specify the original image in combination with the original image position management table [A] on the center server 102. That is, as described later, the client only needs to specify the image ID, and the center server can recognize which server has the image data specified by the image ID. , The image data can be obtained from the path name in the original image position management table [B] managed on the server.

Reference numeral 1204 denotes additional information, which stores control additional information for deleting an original image file, determining whether the current image file can be transmitted to a client computer, or the like.

In the case of a storage table on the image server 111 or the print server 121, the HD of the server is used.
D1009 or the path name of the print image stored in the HDD 2009.

It is also possible to hold a registration date, an image size, and the like as items other than those described above, but they are not directly related to the present invention, and thus description thereof is omitted.

Original image position management data 1211, 121
2, 1213, 1214, 1215, 1216, 121
7 is an example of original image position management data stored in the original image position management table. [A] in FIG. 12 is the center server 1
12 is an example of an original image position management table on the original 02. FIG. 12B shows an example of an original image position management table on the image server or print server.

For example, original image position management data 1211
Is the image ID "CANON / PS01 / 1998A
The print image data of the image identified by “BC001” is owned by the user identified by the user ID “USR123”, and the HDD 2009 or the FDD 201 on the print server identified by the server ID “PS01”.
0 indicates that it is stored.

The original image position management data 1212 is
Image ID "CANON / IS03 / 1998AB
The print image data of the image identified by “C002” is stored in the HDD 1009 or the FDD 10 on the center server 102.
10, the path name "E: \ spool \ image"
1. jpg ”is stored as an image file identified by“ jpg ”. As described later, when a path name is stored as a storage location in the original image position management table on the center server as in the original image position management data 1212, the print image file is temporarily stored for transmission to the print server. Is kept in a safe place.

Original image position management data 1213, 1214
Is the image ID "CANON / IS03 / 1998
The print image data of the image identified by “ABC003” is stored in the image server “IS02” and the print server “PS”.
07 "is stored.

The original image position management table [B] is
This shows a table of the image server with the server ID “IS01”, and the original image position management data 1 in [B] is shown.
Reference numeral 215 denotes the original image position management data 121 in [A].
Corresponds to 1. That is, in [A], the storage location 12
03, the server ID is “IS01”,
In [B], the path name “C: \ bank \ ima” in the server
ge12. jpg ”indicates the position of the image file identified by“ jpg ”. The same applies to 1216 and 1217.

In the case of the original image position management table held by the image server 111 and the print server 121,
The storage location 120 like the original image location management data 1212
3 as a path name in the server or FDD 1010
Or a CDR that can be loaded into and read from the FDD 2010
Only the original image position management data storing the volume name of the removable disk such as the OM and the path name in the volume are stored.

<Transmission Data Format> FIG. 13 is a view for explaining the transmission data format used in this embodiment.
The transmission data transmitted and received between the print server 121 and the print server 121 is transmitted as a file having a format as shown in FIG.

The transmission data format used in the present embodiment is “Standard Generalized Marking Language” of ISO 8879.
(SGML).

In FIG. 13, reference numeral 1301 denotes the center server 102.
Is a transmission file transmitted from the print server 121 to the print server 121, and 1302 is an example of a transmission file transmitted from the print server 121 to the center server 102.

As shown in the transmission file 1301, the transmission file contains tags representing the contents of various types of transmission data within a <CAML> start tag and a </ CAML> end tag. 1311, 1312, 131 in FIG.
3, 1314, 1315, 1316, 1317, 131
8 is transmission data. When the transmission data has a hierarchical structure like the lower transmission data, the lower transmission data tag is included in the transmission data from the start tag to the end tag like the <SUBODR> tag of the transmission data 1312. Store. The character string at the head of each tag is a tag name, which is an identifier indicating the content of the tag.

Further, one transmission file can store a plurality of transmission data of any kind.

In FIG. 13, reference numeral 1311 denotes transmission / reception header transmission data indicating the transmission source server and the reception destination server of the transmission data file, and is stored as the first transmission data in each transmission data file. Transmission / reception header transmission data 131
1 stores only one transmission data file.

Reference numeral 1312 denotes order transmission data for transmitting the print order ordered by the user to the print server 121. The order transmission data is for transmitting the print order 801 described with reference to FIG. 8, and includes <SUBODR> and <ODRITEM> as lower-order tags so that the data structure of the print order 801 can be stored.
have.

Reference numeral 1313 denotes original image transmission request transmission data for requesting the center server 102 to transmit the original image file for printing to the image server 111 or the print server 121.

Reference numeral 1314 denotes image registration information transmission data for the center server 102 to request the image server 111 or the print server 121 to newly register or delete a print original image.

Reference numeral 1315 denotes transmission / reception header transmission data, which has the same value as the transmission / reception header transmission data 1311.

Reference numeral 1316 denotes a case where the print server 121 newly registers a print original image with the center server 102,
Original image registration processing transmission data requesting transmission to another print server or image server 111 or deletion processing.

[0160] Reference numeral 1317 denotes the original image transmission request transmission data 1313 transmitted from the center server 102.
Original image transmission data for transmitting an original image for printing from the print server 121 to the center server 102.

Reference numeral 1318 denotes print result notification data for notifying the center server 102 of the result of the print processing of the print order performed by the print server 121 with respect to the order transmission data 1312 transmitted from the center server 102. is there.

Reference numeral 1321 denotes an example in which various data are stored in the transmission data file.

If the data to be stored contains characters such as '<', there is a possibility that the transmission data tag may be mistaken for the start of the transmission data tag when the transmission data is analyzed by the center transmission / reception control means 407 or the like. When storing data other than the tag tag, the data is internally coded and stored as in the example of 1312.

Reference numeral 1322 denotes an example in which image data and the like are transmitted as a file different from a transmission data file. In 1322, the file name of the separate file is stored in the parameter in the tag.

<Script> FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a script described in a page description language used in this embodiment.

In FIG. 14, reference numeral 1401 denotes a document created by the data processing means 501 of the client computer 101 and finally printed by the print server 102. 14
03 and 1404 represent image data included in the document 1401. Here, the document is a DT as shown in the figure.
A document created in P (Desktop Publishing), which is a file containing characters, graphics, and image data.

Reference numeral 1402 denotes a script obtained by converting the document 1401 into a page description language by the data processing unit 501, created by the data processing unit 501 of the client computer 101, transmitted to the print server 102 via the center server 102, and transmitted to the print control unit. 702.

Editing of a document by the data processing means 501 is performed by obtaining a low-resolution editing image from the center server 102, thereby reducing transfer data on the network and the amount of memory required for editing.

In the data processing means 501, the script 1
Image description in 402 (image () part)
Stores the image IDs of the image data 1403 and 1404. However, since the data processing unit 501 uses a low-resolution editing image and the print control unit 702 uses an original image for printing, the path name of the image file used by the data processing unit 501 or the print control unit 702 is Imagetab () at the beginning of script 1402
Described in the corresponding table.

<Description of Operation> First, the overall operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the image server 111 or the print server 121 registers an original image for printing. The image server 111 of this embodiment is called a content server, and registers an image that can be used by all users, such as an image provided mainly by a corporation that operates the server. The print server 121 according to the present embodiment is a print shop that develops photographs and the like. In many cases, personal images of the user are registered as images that can be used only by the user. Image server 1 to reduce
It is also possible to register the same print image as the image registered in 11.

The image server 111 or the print server 121 issues a management identifier (image ID) to the print image registered in the server, and both of them have a low resolution for the client computer 101 to view and edit the image. Create an image for display and editing. The display image is a thumbnail, and the editing image also creates an image having a resolution of about 1/4 base, depending on the display resolution. In this creation, a high-resolution image for printing is thinned out and a smoothing process is performed. It is also conceivable to use an image of a lower layer in the FlashPix (registered trademark) format as a display / edit image.

The image server 111 or the print server 121 transmits the display / edit image and the image registration information to the center server 102. The center server 102 stores the transmitted display / edit image and the image registration information.

The user is the client computer 101
, The available editing images held in the center server 102 and the print servers 111, 112, 1
After acquiring 1N information and performing desired editing designation, one or more images and a desired print server 121 are selected and a print order is ordered from the center server 102.

After storing the information of the received print order, the center server 102 uses the image registration information held in the center server 102 for each image ID included in the print order, and stores the image ID.
The storage location of the print image identified by is specified, and an image acquisition request is transmitted to the image servers 111, 112, 11N or the print servers 121, 122, 12N as necessary.

The image server or print server that has received the image acquisition request specifies an image file by using the image registration information in the server, and transmits the image file to the center server 102.

The center server 102 receives an image for printing from the image server or the print server,
It is stored in the center server 102.

The center server 102 stores all the printing images necessary for the print order described above.
2 or the print server 121 at the time of printing, the print order and the original image for printing are stored in the print server 1.
21.

The print server 121 receives the print order and the original print image from the center server 102, performs print processing according to the print order, and sends a print completion notification to the center server 102.

The center server 102 is the print server 1
The print completion notification is received from the printer 21 and the print image collected for the print order is deleted and the image registration information is updated as necessary.

<Image Registration in Print Server> The flow of processing for registering an original image for printing from the print server 121 will be described. The place where the print server 121 is installed is
Usually, this is a shop such as a DPE shop, and the shop mainly performs processing for registering image data brought in by the user in the present embodiment.

The print server 121 registers the user's image data using the print image registration unit 704, and transmits the transmission data representing the registration information to the local transmission / reception control unit 70.
3 to the center server 102. Registration of transmission data with the transmission / reception control means is performed by storing a transmission data file in the local transmission box 713.

The print image registration means 704 registers an original image, deletes an already registered original image, and inputs an instruction to move or copy the original image to another print server 122 or the image server 112. Is also performed.

It is assumed that the user in this embodiment has previously obtained a user ID for permitting use of this embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of an image registration process in the print image registration means 704.
Hereinafter, processing of image registration, movement, copying, and deletion in the printing image registration unit 704 will be described with reference to FIG.

In step S1500, the user has already obtained the user ID in the present embodiment, confirms it with a membership card, etc., inputs the user ID using KB 2008, and stores it in RAM 2002.

In step S1501, a code for identifying the content of the processing to be performed (hereinafter referred to as “processing code”) is input from the KB 2008 and stored in the RAM 2002. The contents of the processing include “new registration”, “move”, “copy”, “delete”, etc. of the image data.

In step S1502, step S15
The process code stored in 01 is determined, and if “new registration”, the process proceeds to step S1503, and if not “new registration”, the process proceeds to step S1507.

In step S1503, the original image on the removable disk storing the image is stored in the FDD 20.
10 is read into the RAM 2002. Alternatively, the printed image is read by the scanner 2014
002. At this time, a unique value is generated in the print server 121 based on the time or the like, so that the image ID of FIG.
2 is stored.

In step S1504, step S15
An image for display / edit is created by performing image conversion for reducing the resolution and reducing the image size and the file size from the original image on the RAM 2002 read in at step S 03, and stores the image in the local transmission box 713.
The display / edit image format created in step S1504 is a format that can be processed by the data processing unit 501 and the expansion unit 503 on the client computer 101. The image format at this time is, for example, JP
JFIF (JPEG Interchan), one of image data formats using the EG compression algorithm
The image ID of the image created in step S1503 and stored in the RAM 2002 is written as the additional information using an image format in which additional information such as a comment or the like can be written. As the format of the image data,
JFIF, GIF, TIF, EXIF, FPX, ZIP
The registration process is performed in a format desired by the user.

In step S1505, step S15
03, the original image read into the RAM 2002 is stored in the HDD 2
009 or stored on a removable disk on FDD 2008. The storage location is designated by the administrator of the print server 121 using the KB 2008 and stored in the RAM 2002.

In step S1506, step S15
The user ID, the image ID, and the storage location stored in the RAM in steps S1503 and S1505 are stored in the original image position management table 715 illustrated in FIG. The storage location 1202 stores the path name of the original image file stored in step S1505, or the volume name and path name of the removable disk. If data of the same image ID already exists on the original image position management table 715, an error message is displayed on the CRT 2006, and step S151 is performed.
Do not do 2.

Steps S1507 to S151
The processing steps up to 1 are performed in the RAM in step S1501.
This is performed when the processing code stored in 2002 is not “new registration”, that is, any of “move”, “copy”, and “delete”.

In step S1507, the image ID of the registered original image to be processed is input from the KB 2008 and stored in the RAM 2002. At this time, the original image position management table 715 is searched, and the owner 1202 displays only the image ID that matches the user ID stored in step S1500 on the CRT 2006, and inputs the image ID from the KB 2008 in a form to select from the image ID. If the input image ID is not in the original image position management table 715, or if the owner 1202 of the corresponding data in the original image position management table 715 is different from the user ID stored in step S1500, an error message is generated.
It is displayed on T2006, and step S1507 is performed again.

In step S1508, step S15
The process code stored in 01 is determined, and if “move” or “copy”, the process proceeds to step S1509, and if not “move” or “copy”, the process proceeds to step S1510.

In step S1509, step S15
07, the original image position management table 715 is searched by using the image ID stored in the HDD 2009 or FDD2, and the path name of the original image file corresponding to the image ID is obtained.
The original image file is read from 010 and copied as a new image file in the local transmission box 713. Further, the copied path name is stored in the RAM 2002.

In step S1511, step S15
The process code stored in 01 is determined, and if "move" or "delete", the process proceeds to step S1511. If not, the process proceeds to step S1512.

In step S1511, step S15
The original image position management table 715 is searched using the image ID stored in step 07, and a flag indicating “to be deleted” is stored in the additional information 1204. The reason why the data of the original image position management table and the original image file are not deleted at this point is that there is a possibility that a print order for the image has been ordered.
2 is updated when the transmission data of the deletion request arrives from the center server 102.

In step S1512, the user ID and image I
D, based on the path name of the image file created in the local transmission box 713 and the server ID of the print server 121 recorded in the HDD 2009 in advance, creates image registration information transmission data as shown in FIG.
02 is stored.

In step S1513, the number of original images to be processed for the user is determined, and if there is an unprocessed image, the flow returns to step S1501.

At step S1514, step S15
A transmission data file is created by combining all the image registration information transmission data created in step S12 and stored in the RAM 2002, and stored in the local transmission box 713. Transmission control information (“TRANS” tag) as shown in the example of FIG. 13 is added to the head of the transmission data file.

In step S1504, a message for confirming whether or not to perform the processing is displayed on CRT 2006 before the processing in step S1504 starts, and step S1504 is performed in accordance with the processing instruction input by the operator using KB 1008. Absent. This is because when the original image for printing is moved or copied from another image server 111 or the print server 121, the original image for printing is transmitted via the center server 102 using the above-described registration processing and each processing described later. Not CD-RO
This processing is performed when the image data is stored in a storage medium such as M and transported. In this case, since the display / edit image has already been registered in the center server 102, there is no need to perform step 1504.

In the case of moving or copying an image storage location in the print server 121, the data in the original image position management table 715 is only updated, and the image registration information transmission data is not created or transmitted.

FIG. 16 shows an example of image registration information transmission data created in step S1507. A tag "<REG>" indicates that this tag is image registration information transmission data.
“OPE” is the processing code of the transmission data (new registration,
Delete, move, copy). "ID", "CUS"
The parameters “T” and “SHOP” indicate an image ID, a user ID, and a server ID of the print server 121, respectively.

[./Im012345.jpg]
Is the local outbox 713 in step S1504
Is the path name of the image file stored in. However, when the processing code is “delete”, there is no need to transmit the image file, so this item is not created.

<Image Registration in Image Server> Next, the flow of processing for registering an original print image from the image server 111 will be described. The original images registered on the image server 111 are commercial paid images and free provided images that can be used by all users, and are mainly sold or distributed on a removable disk such as a CDROM.

In the image server 111, the above-mentioned image data is registered using the print image registration means 601 and transmission data representing the registration information is transmitted to the local transmission / reception control means 603.
And transmits it to the center server 102. Registration of transmission data with the transmission / reception control means is performed by storing a transmission data file in the local transmission box 613.

Since the processing in the print image registration means 601 is almost equivalent to the print image registration means 704 of the print server 121 described with reference to FIG. 15, the flow chart in FIG. 15 and the transmission data example in FIG. Only differences will be described with reference to FIG.

First, in the print image registration means 601, there is no distinction between processes by “user”, and all users can use the display / edit image from the client computer 101. Step S1500 is not performed.

The image I in step S1507
Also in the input of D, the matching check of the user 1202 and the user ID in the original image position management table 612 and the narrowing down at the time of display are not performed.

[0211] In the image registration information transmission data created in step S1512, "CUST" in FIG.
No parameters are created.

Processing other than the above is equivalent to the print image registration means 704 of the print server 121.

<Image Registration in Center Server> Next, an image registration process in the center server 102 will be described with reference to FIG. The image registration processing in the center server 102 is performed by the center server based on the image registration information transmission data and the display / edit image transmitted in the image registration processing in the print server 121 and the image registration processing in the image server 111 described above. This is processing for registering image information. In the following description, "tag" or "parameter" in parentheses means
This is a value in the transmission data shown in the example of FIG. 13 or FIG.

First, the center transmission / reception control means 407
The image registration information transmission data file transmitted from the image server 111 or the print server 121 (for example,
16) and the image file for display / editing are received and stored in the center reception box 419.

Next, the center transmission / reception control means 407
The transmission data files stored in the center reception box 419 are sequentially analyzed. If the transmission data files include image registration information transmission data (<REG>tag>), the transmission data is extracted from the transmission data file, and the HDD 1009 Then, it is stored in the above temporary file.
The second image registration means 404 is read from the HDD 1009 or the like and expanded in the RAM 1002 to be usable. The file name of the temporary file of the transmission data stored in the HDD 1009 and the <T
The server ID of the transmission source described in the RANS> tag is passed to the image registration unit 404.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining the image registration processing in the image registration means 404 in the center server 102. The image registration unit 404 reads the image registration information transmission data from the image server 111 or the print server 121 and reads the original image position management table 41.
2 to reflect the information.

The image registration means 404 opens the transmission file with the temporary file name passed from the center transmission / reception control means 407 at the time of startup, analyzes the contents, and
After storing the data in 002, the processing in the flowchart of FIG. 17 is performed.
Hereinafter, the processing of the image registration unit 404 will be described with reference to FIG.

In the step S1701, the RAM 1002
The processing code of the image registration information transmission data (<OPE>
Parameter), and if "new registration (" NEW ")", the flow proceeds to step S1702; otherwise, the flow proceeds to step S1705. As described above in the processing in FIG. 15, the processing codes include “move”, “copy”, “delete”, and the like in addition to “new registration”.

[0219] In step S1702, the image ID (<ID> parameter described in the image registration information transmission data and the server ID of the transmission source passed from the center transmission / reception control means 407 at the time of startup are stored in the original image position management table. At this time, if the user ID (“CUST” parameter) is included in the image registration transmission data, the value is stored in the owner 1202 of the data to be added to the original image position management table 412. Keep it.

In step S1703, the image file tag (<CAMLLIN) in the image registration information transmission data is set.
K>) is analyzed, and the display / edit image file indicated by the tag is extracted from the center reception box 419 and moved to the display / edit image storage device 411. At this time, the user ID (“CUST” parameter) is included in the image registration transmission data.
Is stored in a directory where access can be restricted on a per-user basis by the document providing means 401. If the user ID is not described in the image registration transmission data, it is stored in a directory that can be referred to by all users.

Further, in step S1703, the path name of the display / edit image file stored in the above processing and the image ID of the image are added to the edit image position management table 417 as new data.

In step S1703, if the information of the display image and the information of the editing image are specified as separate image files in the image registration information transmission data, the process is performed on each image file. The distinction between the display image and the editing image is stored in different directories.

In the step S1704, the RAM 1002
The processing code of the image registration information transmission data (<OPE>
The parameter is determined, and if it is a move (“MOVE”) or a copy (“COPY”), the process proceeds to step S1705; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1708.

Step S1705, Step S170
6, Step S1707 is executed when the processing code of the image registration information transmission data on the RAM 1002 is “move” or “copy”. In this case, the original image position management table 412 is updated, and the original image for printing is transferred to the moving / copying destination.

In step S1705, the image ID and the server ID of the transfer destination or copy destination are analyzed and extracted from the image registration information transmission data, and are added to the original image position management table 412 as new data. The extracted image ID and the destination or copy destination server ID are stored in RAM.
1002.

In step S1706, the image file tag (<CAMLLIN) in the image registration information transmission data is read.
K>), the original print image file indicated by the tag is extracted from the center reception box 419 and transferred to the center transmission box 418, and the file name is stored in the RAM 100.
2 is stored.

At step S1707, at step S17
Based on the image ID stored in step S05 and the file name of the image file stored in step S1706, an image registration information transmission data file indicating registration of a print image is created and stored in the center transmission box 418. The transmission destination of this transmission data file is the transfer destination or copy destination server ID stored in step S1705.

In the step S1704, the RAM 1002
The processing code of the image registration information transmission data (<OPE>
The parameter is determined, and if it is moved (“MOVE”) or deleted (“DEL”), the process proceeds to step S1709; otherwise, the process ends.

Steps S1709 and S171
0, step S1711, step S1712, and step S1713 are performed when the processing code of the image registration information transmission data on the RAM 1002 is moved or deleted. In these cases, transmission data notifying that the registration processing on the center server 102 has been completed is transmitted to the transmission source server of the image registration information transmission data. The transmission source server can delete the original image on the transmission source server after receiving the transmission data for completion notification.

In step S1709, based on the image ID in the image registration information transmission data and the transmission source server ID passed from the center transmission / reception control means 407 at the time of startup,
An order status table 415, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 10, is searched to determine whether there is an order using the print image, and the result is stored in the RAM 1002.
The image ID in the image registration information transmission data is RA
It is stored on M1002.

In the step S1710, the RAM 1002
Based on the image ID stored above and the source server ID passed from the center transmission / reception control unit 407 at the time of startup,
The original image position management table 412 is searched. Step S
If the corresponding data already exists in the order status table 415 in 1709 (that is, the image file to be deleted is used for an unprocessed order), the additional information 120 of the corresponding data in the original image position management table 412 is used.
4 stores a flag of “to be deleted”. If the corresponding data does not exist in the order status table 415 in step S1709 (that is, the order-received order does not use the image file to be deleted),
The corresponding data in the original image position management table 412 is deleted.

In the step S1711, the process proceeds to the step S17.
If the data is deleted from the original image position management table 412 in step S10, the image ID stored in step S1709
Based on the transmission source server ID passed from the center transmission / reception control unit 407 at the time of activation, an image registration information transmission data file for notifying the transmission source server of the image registration information transmission data of the possibility of deletion is created, Box 4
Store at 18. The image registration information transmission data created here is data as shown in 1314 in FIG. 13 or FIG. 16, and the image I information stored in step S1709.
D is created based on D, and "delete" is set in the processing code (OPE parameter). In addition, the transmission destination server in the transmission / reception header data 1311 of the image registration information transmission data file is set with the transmission source server ID passed from the center transmission / reception control unit 407 at the time of startup. Step S171
If the flag is set to 0 in the additional information 1204 of the original image position management table, nothing is performed.

In the step S1712, the RAM 1002
The processing code of the image registration information transmission data (<OPE>
Parameter) to determine whether it is a deletion ("DEL"). If the processing code is not "delete", the process is terminated. If the processing code is “delete”, the original image position management table 412 is searched, and the image ID 1201 of the original image position management table 412 is changed to step S
The value equal to the image ID stored in 1709 and stored in the storage location 1203 is the server ID, and the server ID is used when the center transmission / reception control unit 40 is activated.
It is checked whether there is data different from the server ID of the transmission source passed from No. 7. If there is data that satisfies the above condition, this process ends.
Proceed to 713.

In step S1713, based on the image ID in the image registration information transmission data and the transmission source server ID passed from the center transmission / reception control means 407 at the time of startup,
The editing image position management table 417 is searched, and the corresponding data is deleted. In addition, the storage location 12 of the corresponding data
The display / edit image file corresponding to the image ID is deleted from the display / edit image storage device 411 based on the path name of the display / edit image file stored in the display / edit image file 03.

<Order Processing> FIG. 18 is a processing flow chart for explaining print order order processing from the client computer 101 and order order processing in the center server 102. Here, the network browsing unit 502 of the client computer 101 and the document providing unit 401 of the center server 102 use HTTP (Hype), which is a transmission protocol generally used on the Internet.
r Text Transfer Protocol) and FTP (File Transfer)
r Protocol) and the data processing means 50
1 and the extension means 503 exchange data using the inter-process communication function.

In step S1801, the user reads the network browsing means 502 from the HDD 1009 or the like using the function of the data
02 to be usable, and connected to the center server 102. Further, the network browsing unit 502 reads the extension unit 503 from the HDD 1009 or the like, and
Expanded to M1002 to be usable.

In step S1802, the function of the document providing means 401 of the center server 102 authenticates the user by making the user input a user ID and a password. If authentication is not successful, an error is determined and the following processing steps are not performed.

In the step S1803, the document providing unit 4
01 indicates that the editing image providing unit 402 is read from the HDD 1009 or the like and expanded in the RAM 1002 to be usable.
The editing image providing unit 402 searches the editing image position management table 417 for an image that can be used by the user,
The image ID and URL of the image (a name that can be referred to from the network browsing unit 502 and the extension unit 503) are returned to the extension unit 503. At this time, available images to be processed are images owned by the user registered from the print server 121 and images available to all users registered from the image server 111. Since there are a plurality of images to be processed, the user inputs display conditions using the KB 2008, and the extension unit 503 sends the display conditions to the edit image providing unit 402, whereby the editing image providing unit 40
It is also possible to reduce the number of image IDs and URLs sent from 2 to the extension means 503.

In step S1804, the extension means 503
Requests the document providing unit 401 to provide an image using the URL acquired from the editing image providing unit 402 in step S1803. The document providing unit 401 extracts the designated display / edit image file from the display / edit image storage device 411 and sends it to the extension unit 503. The extension unit 503 stores the image file in the network browsing unit 502.
Is displayed on the CRT 1006 through.

In step S1805, the user selects a desired image from the images displayed as thumbnails on the CRT 1006 in step S1804, and selects the KB100
By inputting the image ID of the image from Step 8, an instruction is issued to the extension unit 503, and the extension unit 503 sends the designated image ID and the display / edit image file corresponding to the image to the data processing unit 501. The image may be specified by clicking the thumbnail with a pointing device such as a mouse not shown. The data processing unit 501 stores the display / edit image file in a temporary area in the HDD 1009, creates a correspondence table between the image ID and the stored image file name, and stores the table in the RAM 2002. However, the display / edit image file has a format in which additional information can be written, and the image server 111 or the print server 121
When the image ID is written in the image file, the correspondence table is not necessary.

Steps S1803 to S180
The processing steps 5 are repeated as desired by the user.

In step S1806, the user performs an operation such as inputting from the KB 1008 to the data processing means 501, and creates document data as a print image using the editing image or the like fetched in step S1805. The document data is a document 1401 shown in the example of FIG. 14, and the editing image captured in step S1805 is a CRT 1006 as image data 1403 and 1404.
Displayed above. The data processing unit 501 creates script data describing the edited content, such as 1402 in the example of FIG. 14, for the edited document data. The data processing unit 501 searches the correspondence table between the image file for editing and the image ID stored in step S1805, or reads out the image ID written in the image file for editing and reads the corresponding document in the script 1402. The image ID corresponding to the image data used in 1401 is stored. The script 1401 is stored in the temporary area of the HDD 1009 or the RAM 1002 when the editing is completed.
Keep in.

The user can select a desired number of steps S180.
Step 6 is repeated to create document data.

Steps S1807 and S1808
Then, the order of the temporary order and the order processing are performed. The tentative order is a process in which the sub-order 802 and the order item 803 constituting the print order are transmitted from the client computer 101 to the center server 102 and stored in the center server 102.

At step S1807, the user sets the KB1
008 to select one or more pieces of document data to be printed, add additional information such as the number of copies, and
01 is instructed to order. Next, the data processing means 501
Sets the script corresponding to the specified document data to HD
D1009 or read from the RAM 1002 and send it to the extension means 503. Next, the extension unit 503 sends a start instruction of the order receiving unit 403 to the document providing unit 401 of the center server 102. Next, the document providing unit 401 that has received the start instruction changes the order receiving unit 403 to the HDD
For example, the script is read from the file 1009 or the like and expanded in the RAM 1002 to be usable. The script received from the extension unit 503 is passed to the order receiving unit 403.

[0246] In step S1808, the order receiving means 403 analyzes the script received from the document providing means 401 in step S1807, and edits the editing information or image I
Information such as D that constitutes the sub-order 802 described in FIG. 8 is extracted and stored in the order management table 416. At this time, the order I based on the user's user ID
D902 is issued and stored in the RAM 1002. The order receiving unit 403 stores the image IDs extracted in the above processing on the original image position management table 412,
It is checked whether or not a flag of “scheduled to be deleted” is set in the additional information 1204. If the flag does not exist or the flag of “scheduled to be deleted” is set, an error is transmitted to the extension unit 503. CR of error content
The error message is displayed on T1006 to inform the user of the error.

Steps S1809 and S1810
In this process, necessary information is added to the tentative order received in step S1807 and step S1808, and the order is established.

In step S1809, the order receiving means 403 searches the server management table 413 to read out the server ID of the print server, and together with the order ID stored and issued in step S1808, the extension means 50.
Send to 3. The extension unit 503 displays a server ID list on the CRT 1006, and the user selects a desired print server as a print output destination, and inputs the server ID of the print server to the extension unit 503 using the KB 1008. Next, the extension means 503 determines the input server ID.
Is transmitted to the order receiving means 403.

In step S1810, the order receiving means 403 performs accounting processing such as charge calculation necessary for output, and stores the received server ID and output copy number in the order management table 41.
6 and completed as a print order.

With the above processing, a print order is ordered and an order is received.

Data processing means 501 and expansion device 503
Is not used, the document providing unit 401 of the center server 102 directly displays the display image and the image ID of the image on the network browsing device 502, and the user can input the image ID and the server ID of the output destination print server 121. Is directly input to the network browsing device 502 using the KB 1008, and the network browsing device 502 transmits the input data to the order receiving unit 403 of the center server 102.

<Image Collection Destination Determination Process> After receiving a print order in the print order ordering process, the center server 102 stores the print original image identified by the image ID included in the order. Of the print server, the center server 10
In transmitting the print data to the print server 121 via the print server 121, the server with the lowest transmission cost is selected.

The above processing is performed by the image collecting means 405. When the order processing is completed, the image collecting means 405 controls the HDD 1009 by the order receiving means 403.
For example, the data is read from a RAM or the like, and is developed and used in the RAM 1002. At this time, the order ID of the print order received by the order receiving unit 403 in the order processing is passed to the image collecting unit 405.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining the above-mentioned image collection destination determining process in the image collection means 405.

At step S1901, the image collecting means 4
05 is the order ID passed from the order receiving means 403
, The order management table 406 is searched to read the data of the print order, and the contents are stored in the RAM 100.
2 and the order status table 415
Add to Of the data to be added to the order status table 415, the status 204 of each data having a value in the image ID is set to “before image collection”. In addition, “image collection in progress” is set as the status 204 of each data having no value in the image ID in the additional data.

Step S1902 is equivalent to step S190.
Step 1 is to sequentially read the data stored in the order status table, search the storage location of the original image for printing, and determine which image server 111 or print server 121 transmits the original image. Will be described later with reference to the processing flowcharts of FIGS. 20-1 and 20-2.

Step S1903 is equivalent to step S190.
The data processed in step 1 is checked again, and if there is no need to collect images, the order progress management means 406 is started to transmit the order to the print server 121. The details of the processing are shown in FIG. This will be described later with reference to a processing flowchart.

With respect to the print order received in the above processing, the image server 111 or the print server 12 as the storage destination of the image ID in the print order.
1 and the process of setting the order status data is completed.

FIG. 20A and FIG. 20B are processing flow charts for explaining the collection destination determination processing performed in step S1902 of the image collection destination determination processing.

In the step S301, the image collecting means 40
5 reads one print order data stored in step S1901 of FIG. 19 from the order status table 415 and stores it in the RAM 1002.

In the step S302, the image collecting means 40
5 determines whether all the print order data stored in step S1901 of FIG. 19 has been read, and if there is no corresponding data after reading,
This processing ends.

In the step S303, the image collecting means 40
5 determines the value of the image ID 203 of the order status table data stored in step S301, and if the value is stored, proceeds to step S304. If the value has not been stored, the process returns to step S301.

At step S304, the order status table 415 is searched, and the order status table 4
In the order status table 415, there is data in which the value of the image ID 203 of the data other than the data in FIG. 15 is the same as the value of the image ID stored in step S301 and the status 204 is “image is being collected”. Find out if.

In step S305, the result of step S304 is judged. If data matching the search condition in step S305 exists in the order status table 415, the process proceeds to step S306, and if not, the process proceeds to step S307.

In step S306, since the image ID is already being collected for another order, the status 204 of the order status data stored in step S301 is set to "image being collected", and step S30 is performed.
Return to 1.

In the step S307, the image collecting means 40
5 is an original image position management table 41 based on the image ID of the order status data stored in step S301.
2 is retrieved, and one or more data having the image ID are extracted and stored in the RAM 1002.

In the step S308, the image collecting means 40
5 determines the search result of step S307, and proceeds to step S310 if there is one or more data corresponding to the original image position management table 412, and proceeds to step S309 if there is no such data.

In step S309, since there is no original image corresponding to the image ID, "error" is set in the status 204 of the order status data stored in step S301, and the data is stored in the order status table 415. Writing is performed, and the process returns to step S301.

In step S310, step S307
For each of the one or more pieces of the original image position management table data stored in step (1), preparations are made for performing the subsequent processing. i is the index value of the original image position management table data stored in step S307, and is set to 1 in this processing step. In the following description, the value of the item of the i-th original image position management table data is represented as “storage location (i)”. The PRI is the server management table 4
13 is a value that stores the value of the minimum image acquisition priority (i) in this processing step.
A value “1000” larger than the maximum value of “102” is set. i and PRI are stored in the RAM 1002.

In step S311, the image collecting means 40
5 is the storage location of the original image position management table data (i)
Is compared with the value of the output destination print server ID of the print order stored in the RAM 1002. If the values match, the original image is printed on the output destination print server without transmitting the original image. Step S312 is performed by using it for printing on the server.

In step S312, since it is not necessary to collect the original images, "image collection completed" is set in the status 204 of the stored order status data, and the processing of the order status data is completed.
Return to

In step S313, it is determined whether the value of the storage location (i) of the original image position management table data is in the form of a path name. If it is a path name, the process proceeds to step S314.

Step S314 is performed when the value of the storage location (i) is a path name in the above judgment. In this case, it means that the corresponding original image has been stored in the temporary storage image storage device 414 of the center server 102. Therefore, since it is not necessary to transmit the original image for collecting the original image, the value of i is stored in the value j on the RAM 1002 and the PRI is stored.
Is set to the minimum value 0. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S318.

In the step S315, the image collecting means 40
5 is the server ID 110 from the server management table 413.
1 is searched for data equal to the storage location (i), and the image acquisition priority 1102 of the data is stored in the RAM 1002.

Next, in step S316, step S
The image acquisition priority stored in step 312 is compared with the value of the PRI. If the value of the image acquisition priority is smaller, the server indicated by the data is set as an image acquisition destination candidate in step S3.
Step 17 is performed.

In step S317, the image collecting means 40
5 stores the value of the index i in the value j on the RAM 1002 and stores the value of the image acquisition priority of the data in the PRI in order to set the server indicated by the data retrieved in step S315 as an image acquisition destination candidate. .

In step S318, the value of the index i is added to prepare for the next data of the original image position management data stored in the RAM 1002, and the flow returns to step S311. If all the original image position management data has been processed, the process proceeds to step S320.

In steps S320 to S322, the original image position management in which the server ID of the server having the lowest image acquisition priority in the processing from step S311 to step S319 stored in the RAM 1002 is stored as the storage location 1203. Based on the index value j of the data, the original image position management data (j) indicated by the index j is processed as an image acquisition destination.

In step S320, it is determined whether or not the storage location (j) is in the form of a path name. If the path name is a path name, the flow proceeds to step S321; if not, the flow proceeds to step S322.

In step S321, the print original image indicated by the original image position management data (j) already exists in the temporary storage image storage device 414 of the center server 102.
“Image collected” is set as the status 204 of the order status data stored in M1002, and the process returns to step S301.

In step S322, based on the image ID and storage location (j) stored in the RAM 1002,
The original image transmission request transmission data as indicated by the <FTPREQ> tag in the example of FIG. 13 and the <TRANS> in the example of FIG.
A transmission data file composed of common data at the head as indicated by a tag is created and stored in the center transmission box 418. Then, the process returns to step S301.

<Order Status Table Update Processing> FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the image collection destination determination processing in step S1903.
FIG. 7 is a process flowchart for explaining an order status table update process performed in step (a).

Steps S2101 and S2102
Is a process performed for each sub-order unit of the order status data stored in the RAM 1002. In the following description, the sub-order ID of the sub-order being processed is represented by “sub-order ID (k)”.

[0284] In step S2101, the image collection means 405 determines the status of the same data as the sub-order ID (k) in the order status data.
Proceed to step 102 and if there is data that is not “image collected”,
Proceed to step S2103.

[0285] In step S2120, the image collecting means 405 sets the sub-order I in the order status data.
D is the sub-order ID (k), and “image collection completed” is set in the status 204 of the data for which no value is set in the image ID.

[0286] In step S2103, the image collection means 405 adds the index k for processing the next sub-order ID. If all sub-order IDs have been processed, the process proceeds to step S2104, and if there is a next sub-order ID (k + 1), the process returns to step S2101.

[0287] In step S2104, the image collection means 405 checks all the order status data for data having a value in the sub-order ID 202 and no value in the image ID 203, and checks the status 20 of all data.
It is determined whether or not No. 4 is “image collected”. If all images have been collected, the process proceeds to step S2105,
If there is data that is not “image collected”, step S210
Proceed to 6.

In step S2105, the image collecting means 405 sets “image collected” in the status 204 of the data having no value in the sub-order ID 202 and the image ID 203 in the order status data.

In the step S2106, the RAM 1002
The order status data stored therein is written out to the order status table 415.

In step S2107, the image collection means 405 checks the order status data for data having no value in the sub-order ID 202 and the image ID 203, and if "image collection completed" is set in the status 204 of the data, step S2107 is executed. The process advances to step S2108, and when there is data in the status 204 in which a value other than "image collection completed" is set, the process ends.

In step S2124, the image collection means 405 reads the order progress management means 406 from the HDD 1009 or the like into the RAM 1002 and makes it usable.
The order ID of the order status data is passed to the order progress management means 406.

<Original Image Transmission Processing> In the image collection destination determination processing, the image server 111 or the print server 121 to which the original image collection destination has been selected and the original image transmission request transmission data has been transmitted is transmitted to the original image transmission request transmission processing. The print original image identified by the image ID specified in the data is transmitted to the center server 102. This processing is performed by the print image transmitting unit 602 on the image server 111 or the print image transmitting unit 705 on the print server 121. Since the functions of the print image transmission unit 602 and the print image transmission unit 705 have the same value, the processing of the print image transmission unit 602 on the image server 111 will be described below.

FIG. 22 is a processing flowchart for explaining the processing in the print image transmitting means 602. When the local transmission / reception control unit 603 receives the image transmission request transmission data file, the printing image transmission unit 602 is read from the HDD 1009 or the like by the local transmission / reception control unit 603 and developed into the RAM 1002 for use. At this time, the print image transmission unit 602 converts the file name of the image transmission request transmission data file received by the local transmission / reception control unit 603 into the local transmission / reception control unit 603.
Via the RAM 1002.

In step S2201, the image transmission request transmission data file is read out based on the file name of the image transmission request transmission data file passed via the RAM 1002 when the print image transmission unit 602 is activated, and the image is read from the file. Image ID in transmission request transmission data
Is extracted and stored in the RAM 1002.

[0295] In step S2202, the original image position management table 612 is searched, and data in which the values of the image ID and the image ID 1201 stored in step S2201 match are read, and the data is stored in the RAM 1002.

In step S2203, step S22
In step S2201, the printing original image file indicated by the path name shown in the storage location 1203 of the original image position management table data stored in step S021 is copied to the local transmission box 613.
An original image transmission data file as shown in the example of FIG. 23 is created on the basis of the image ID stored in step (1) and stored in the local transmission box 613.

FIG. 23 shows an example of the contents of an original image transmission data file created by the print image transmission means 602 by the above-mentioned original image transmission processing. <FTP> in FIG.
The original image transmission data is identified by the tag.

<Image Receiving Process> In the above-described original image transmitting process, the original image transmitting data created by the printing image transmitting unit 602 of the image server 111 or the printing image transmitting unit 705 of the print server 121 is:
It is transmitted to the center server 102 via the local transmission / reception control unit 603 or the local transmission / reception control unit 703, and the center transmission / reception control unit 4 of the center server 102
07. This communication may be a dial-up format or an online format using a dedicated line as described above.

Upon receiving the original image transmission data, the center transmission / reception control unit 407 stores the data as an original image transmission data file in the center reception box 419, and then reads out the image collection unit 405 from the HDD 1009 or the like and stores it in the RAM 1002. The image data is developed and used, and the file name of the original image transmission data file in the center reception box 419 is passed to the image collection unit 405. The image collection unit 405 analyzes the original image transmission data file, stores the received image file, and updates the order status table.

FIG. 24 is a processing flow chart for explaining the contents of the above processing performed by the image collecting means 405.
4 will be described below.

In step S2401, the image collecting means 4
05, based on the original image transmission data file passed from the center transmission / reception control unit 407 at the time of startup, reads the contents of the file into the RAM 1002, analyzes the contents,
The image ID in the file and the file name of the original image file are stored in the RAM 1002.

[0302] In step S2402, the image collection means 405 copies the original image file to the temporary storage image storage device 414 based on the file name of the original image file stored in step S2401, and stores the path name of the copied file in the RAM 1002. Remember on top.

[0303] In step S2403, the image collection means 405 determines whether the image I
Original image position management table data is created based on D and the path name of the file stored in step S2402, and added to the original image position management table 412.

[0304] In step S2404, the image collection means 405 searches the order status table 415 and extracts all data whose image ID 203 matches the image ID stored in step S2401. All the extracted order statuses are stored in the RAM 1002. Next, the status 204
Is set to “image collected” and written in the order status table 415.

Steps S2405 to S240
Steps up to 8 are processing performed on each piece of data in the order status data stored in the RAM 1002 in step S2404. In the following description, data to be processed is represented as order status data (i) using the index i.

In step S2405, the index i is initialized to 1 because the order status data is sequentially processed.

[0307] In step S2406, the image collecting means 4
A step 05 checks whether or not the status 204 of all the data in the order status data (i) is "image collected". If all the statuses are "image collected", the order is transmitted to the print server 121. For this purpose, the order progress management means 406 is started. The details of the processing in step S2407 are the same as the order status table update processing in the original image collection destination determination processing of the image collection unit 405 described in FIG.

[0308] In step S2407, the index i is added in preparation for the processing of the next order status data.

[0309] In step S2408, the image collecting means 4
05 indicates that the order status data (i) is stored in the RAM 100
It is checked whether or not the file exists on the server 2. If the file does exist, the process returns to step S 2406; otherwise, the process ends.

<Print Order Transmission Processing> In the image collection processing or the image reception processing performed by the image collection means 405 of the center server 102, the preparation of the printing original image necessary for printing the print order being processed in each processing is completed. Then, the image collection unit 405 sets the order progress management unit 40
6 from the HDD 1009 or the like and read the RAM 1003
The print order is made available for use, and the order ID of the print order is passed to the order progress management unit 406 via the RAM 1003.

[0311] When the order ID is passed at the time of activation, the order progress management means 406 creates the order transmission data based on the order ID, and sends it to the center transmission box 418.
, The order transmission data is transmitted to the print server 121.

FIG. 25 is a flow chart for explaining the print order transmission processing performed by the order progress management means 406.

[0313] In step S2501, the order progress management means 406 searches the order management table 416 based on the order ID received at the time of activation, and print order data 801 and lower order data 802, 803, identified by the order ID. 804 is read and stored in the RAM 1002.

In step S2502, the order progress management means 406 searches the order status table 415 based on the order ID received at the time of activation, and
D201 reads all the order status data that matches the order ID, and stores it on the RAM 1002.

Steps S2503 to S250
Up to 5, the process is repeated for each order status data having a value in the image ID 203 among the order status data stored in step S2502.
In the following description of steps S2503 to S2505, the data value of the order status data being processed is represented as “image ID (i)”.

In step S2503, the order progress management means 406 searches the original image position management table 412 based on the image ID (i), and
01 reads one piece of original image position management data corresponding to the image ID (i) and stores it in the RAM 1002.

[0317] In step S2504, the order progress management means 406 determines in step S2503 that the RAM 100
Storage location 1203 of the original image position management data stored in
Is checked to see if the storage location is a path name in the temporary storage location storage device 414 or if the storage location is
It is determined whether the print order data matches the server ID of the print destination print server in the print order data stored in 501. If the above condition is satisfied, step S2505
Proceed to. If the above condition is not satisfied, the flow returns to step S2503 to return to the original image position management table 41.
From 2, the next original image position management data whose image ID 1201 matches the image ID (i) is read.

In step S2505, step S25
Storage location 120 of the original image position management data stored in step 03
3 based on the path name of the printing original image file stored in the center transmission box 4
18 and copy the file name to the image ID
It is stored in the RAM 1002 together with (i).

In step S2506, the order progress management means 406 creates the order transmission data 1312 in FIG. 13 based on the print order data stored in step S2501 and the plurality of image IDs and file names stored in step S2505. Then, an order transmission data file is created by further adding a transmission / reception transmission header 1311 and stored in the center transmission box 418. At this time, the tags and parameters in the order transmission data 1312 are edited based on the print order data stored in step S2501.

If the image ID 805 is included in the print order data and the image ID is included in a plurality of image IDs and file names stored in step S2505, the center transmission box 418 is set in step S2505. In order to specify the relationship with the copied original image file for printing, the center transmission box 418 corresponding to the image ID is selected in step S2505.
Is edited as a <CAMLLLINK> tag as shown at 1322 in FIG.

If the print order data contains a script 1402 as edit data 804, the edit data is converted into an internal code 1321 and edited.

Note that the actual order transmission data file is based on the user ID, which is the additional information of the print order 801, in order to allow the receiving print server 121 to identify the user who ordered the print order. The user information stored in the HDD 1009 of the center server 102 is searched, and information such as the name and address of the user is also added. However, since it is not particularly necessary for describing the present invention, the description is omitted.

<Print Order Reception Processing> In the print order transmission processing, the order transmission data created by the order progress management means 406 of the center server 102 is transmitted to the print server 121 via the center transmission / reception control means 407 and printed. The data is received by the local transmission / reception control unit 703 of the server 121.

Upon receiving the order transmission data, the local transmission / reception control means 703 of the print server 121 stores the order transmission data in the local reception box 714 as an order transmission data file. Is also stored in the local reception box 714. Next, the order output management means 701 is read out from the HDD 2009 or the like, expanded in the RAM 2002 and made usable, and the file name of the order transmission data file in the local reception box 714 is passed to the order output management means 701. The order output management unit 701 analyzes the order transmission data file and stores the received print order data in the order management table 711.

FIG. 26 is a flow chart for explaining the print order receiving process in the order output management means 701.

In step S2601, the order output management unit 701 stores the order transmission data file in the local reception box 7 based on the file name of the order transmission data file passed from the local transmission / reception control unit 703.
14, the contents of the order transmission data file are analyzed, and stored in the RAM 2002 in the form of the print order data data structure of FIG. Further, the tag 1322 of the printing original image described in the order transmission data file is extracted, and the printing original image file name in the tag is replaced with the corresponding image I of the print order data.
The information is stored in the RAM 2002 as additional information of D805. Also, the script 1402 described in the order transmission data file decodes the internal code format and returns to the state before the center server 102 converts it into the internal code format in the print order transmission processing.
Remember in

[0327] Steps S2602 to S260
No. 6 repeats the process for each image ID in the print order data stored in step S2601. Hereinafter, the image ID being processed is referred to as “image ID (i)”,
The print original image file name corresponding to the image ID (i) is represented as “print original image file name (i)”.

In step S2602, the order output management means 701 determines whether a value is included in the original print file name (i), that is, whether the original print file has been transmitted from the center server 102. If the value is included, the process proceeds to step S2603; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2604.

Next, in step S 2603, the order output management means 701 extracts the printing original image file identified by the printing original image file name (i) from the local reception box 714 and copies it into the print spool 712. . The file name after copying is stored in the RAM 2002.

[0330] In step S2604, the order output management means 701 searches the original image position management table 715, reads data whose image ID 1201 matches the image ID (i), and stores it in the RAM 2002.

In step S2605, the order output management means 701 determines whether the original print image file identified by the file name of the original print file stored in the storage location 1203 of the original image position management data stored in step S2604. Is extracted from the print original image storage device 716 and copied into the print spool 712. The file name after copying is stored in the RAM 2002.

[0332] In step S2606, the order output management means 701 converts data describing the file name of the image ID (i) (data represented by "imagetab ()" in Fig. 14) from the script stored in step S2601. The extracted file name portion of the data was stored in step S2603 or step S2604.
The file name is replaced with the file name of the print original image file in the print spool 712.

At step S2607, the order output management means 701 stores the print order data stored at step S2601 in the order management table 711.
The print order data also includes the script data edited in step S2606 as the edit data 804.

<Print Processing> FIG.
21 is a flowchart of a print order printing process in an order output management unit 701 in FIG. In the printing process, the order output management means 701 is operated by the operator by the KS20.
08, the data is read from the HDD 2009 or the like and expanded in the RAM 2004, so that the operator can use it.

At step S2701, the order output management means 701 reads the order management table 711 and displays the order IDs of all the print orders 801 stored in the order management table 711 on the CRT 2006.

At step S2702, the order output management means 701 sets the RA of the print order for printing selected by the operation of the KB 2008 by the operator to RA.
It is stored on M2002.

[0337] In step S2703, the order output management means 701 checks the order I stored in step S2702.
D, the order management table 711 is read, and the edit data 804 of the print order corresponding to the order ID is read.
Is read and stored in the print spool 712 as a file. Next, the print control unit 702 is set to H
The script file is read from the DD 2009 or the like, expanded on the RAM 2002 and made usable, and the script file name is passed. The print control unit 702 reads and analyzes the script file from the print spool 712, extracts the print original image file from the print spool 712 based on the print original image file name described in the script, By creating print data and passing it to the PRTC 2011, the PRT
2012 is printed out. Upon completion of printing, the print control unit 702 returns result data indicating success or failure to the order output management unit 701.

[0338] In step S2704, the order output management means 701 stores the order ID stored in step S2702.
13 based on the result data received from the print control unit in step S2703.
8 is edited, and a print result notification data file is created by adding a transmission / reception header 1311 and stored in the local transmission box 713. Further, the print order data corresponding to the order ID is deleted from the order management table 711.

[0339] Steps S2702 to S270
Step 4 is repeated as many times as desired by the operator.

Note that in the print server 121,
If the printing original image is stored in the printing original image storage device 716 by the image registration unit of the printing image registration unit 704 and the information of the image is stored in the original image position management table 715, the printing The print order data can be created using the image registration unit 704 or the order output management unit 701, and the print order data can be stored in the order management table 711. Further, it is also possible to execute printing of the print order by the printing process performed by the order output management unit 701 and the print control unit 702 based on the print order data stored in the order management table 711 by the method. In this case, it is not premised that data transmission / reception with the center server 102 and the order processing from the client computer 101 are performed.

<Print Completion Processing> The center transmission / reception control means 407 of the center server 102
When the print completion notification data file is received from the center reception box 4,
19, the order progress management means 406 is stored in the HDD.
The print completion notification data file is read out from the RAM 1002 and used in the RAM 1002, and the file name in the center reception box 419 of the print completion notification data file is stored in the RAM 1002.
2 to the order progress management means 406.

FIG. 28 is a processing flowchart for explaining the printing completion processing in the order progress management means 406 of the center server 102.

In step S2801, the order progress management means 406 sets the center transmission / reception
Based on the file name of the print completion notification data file passed from step 07, the file is read out, the order ID recorded in the file is extracted, and stored in the RAM 1002. Next, the order progress management means 406 searches the order status table 415 based on the order ID,
Order ID 201 in order status table 415
Is the status 20 of all order status data that matches the order ID stored in the RAM 1002 in the above process.
4 is set to "print completed" and the order status table is written. The image ID 203 of the order status data is stored in the RAM 1002.

Steps S2802 to S280
Up to 8, each image I stored in step S2801
The process is repeated for D. Hereinafter, of the image IDs stored in the RAM 1002, the image ID being processed is represented as “image ID (i)”.

Next, in step S2802, the order progress management means 406 searches the order status table 415 based on the image (i), and the image ID 203 in the order status table 415 is changed to the image ID.
(I) and the status 204 is “print completed”
To see if non-existent data exists. If the order status data does exist, the process proceeds to step S2083. If the order status data does not exist, the process returns to step S2082 to complete the processing of the image ID (i) and process the next image ID (i + 1).

In step S2803, the order progress management means 406 searches the original image position management table 412 based on the image ID (i), and
12, all the original image position management data whose image ID 1201 matches the image ID (i)
1002.

[0347] From step S2804 to step S280
Up to 8, the process is repeated for each original image position management data stored in step S2803. Hereinafter, the RAM 10
In the original image position management data stored on the storage device 02, the item of the original image position management data being processed is represented as “storage location (j)”.

In the step S2804, the storage location (j)
Is checked, and the storage location (j) is stored in the temporary storage image storage device 41.
It is determined whether or not the path name is a path name representing the image file of No. 4. If the storage location (j) is a path name indicating an image file of the temporary storage image storage device 414, the process proceeds to step S2805; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2806.

At step S2805, the order progress management means 406 deletes the image file indicated by the path name of the storage location (j) from the temporary storage image storage device 414.

In step S2806, the order progress management means 406 checks the original image position management data, finds that the storage location (j) is the server ID representing the center server 111 or the print server 121, and the additional information (j)
To see if there is a flag for "to be deleted". If the storage location (j) and the additional information (j) satisfy the above conditions, the process advances to step S2807; otherwise, the process returns to step S2804 to process the next original image position management data.

In step S2807, the order progress management means 406 deletes the print original image indicated by the original image position management data from the image server 111 or the print server 121 storing the print original image. Then, an image registration information transmission data file for a deletion instruction is created. The image registration information transmission data corresponds to 1314 in FIG.
Alternatively, if the data is as shown in FIG.
It is created based on D (i) and “delete” is set in the processing code (OPE parameter). The server ID stored in the storage location (j) of the original image position management data is set as the transmission destination in the transmission / reception header data 1311 of the image registration information transmission data file. Next, the created image registration information transmission data file is stored in the center transmission box 4.
18 is stored.

At step S2808, the order progress management means 406 deletes the original image position management data being processed from the original image position management table 412.

<Move / Copy / Delete Original Image> In the image server 111 or the print server 121, when the image registration information transmission data file is received from the center server 102, the print image registration unit 601 or the print image registration unit 704 receives the image registration information transmission data file. The original image file for printing indicated by the image ID to be deleted specified in the image registration information transmission data is deleted from the original printing image storage device 611 or the original printing image storage device 716, and the image ID is further deleted.
Is deleted from the original image position management table 612 or the original image position management table 715.

In the processing, the image registration information transmission data transmitted from the center server 102 includes moving (“MOVE”), copying (“COPY”), and deletion (“DEL”) as processing codes (“OPE”). There are three types.

The above-described original image movement / copy / deletion processing in the print image registration unit 601 of the image server 111 and the print image registration unit 704 of the print server 121 have the same value. The processing contents of the image registration unit 704 will be described.

When receiving the image registration information transmission data file from the center server 102, the local transmission / reception control means 703 of the print server 121 stores the image registration information transmission data file in the local reception box 714, and then registers the image for printing. The means 704 is read from the HDD 1009 or the like, expanded in the RAM 1002 and used, and the file name of the image registration information transmission data file stored in the local reception box 714 is passed to the print image registration means 704 via the RAM 1002. further,
In the image registration information transmission data file, 13 in FIG.
If there is an original image file described in 22 format,
The original image file is also stored in the local reception box 714.

FIG. 29 is a processing flowchart for explaining the original image moving / copying / deleting processing in the print image registration means 704 of the print server 121.

[0358] In step S2901, the print image registration means 704 sets the local transmission / reception control means 703 at startup.
The image registration information transmission data file is read from the local reception box 714 based on the file name and the original of the image registration information transmission data file passed from and analyzed, and the image ID included in the image registration information transmission data is analyzed.
(“ID” parameter), processing code (“OPE” parameter), and original image file name
002.

In step S2902, print image registration means 704 determines the processing code stored in RAM 1002, and if the processing code is a copy ("COPY") or a move ("MOVE"), proceeds to step S2903. Otherwise, that is, if the processing code is deleted ("DEL"), the process proceeds to step S2905.

In step S2903, the print image registration unit 704 reads the original image file from the local reception box 714 based on the file name of the original image file stored in the RAM 1002, and copies it to the print original image storage device 716. And copy the file name after copying
02 is stored.

In step S2904, the print image registration unit 704 manages the original image position based on the image ID stored in the RAM 1002 and the file name of the print original image file copied in the print original image storage device 716. Data is created and added to the original image position management table 715.

[0362] In step S2905, the print image registration unit 704 stores the image ID stored in the RAM 1002.
The original image position management table 715 is searched based on the original image position management data 715, and the original image position management data whose image ID 1201 matches the image ID stored in the RAM 1002 is read out.
Store it in M1002.

In step S2906, the print image registration unit 704 stores the print original image file indicated by the file name stored in the storage location 1203 of the original image position management data stored in step S2905. Delete from device. In step S2907, the print image registration unit 704 stores the original image position management data stored in step S2905 in the original image position management table 71.
Delete from 5.

<Transmission Box> FIG. 30 is a block diagram for explaining the internal data storage structure of the center transmission box 418 of the center server 102, the local transmission box 613 of the image server 111, and the local transmission box 713 of the print server 121. is there. 418, 61
Since the functions of the transmission boxes 3 and 713 have the same value, the following description will be made using the transmission box 3001 in FIG.

[0365] The transmission box is HDD1009 or HD.
D2009 is a group of data stored in D2009, and can be stored using, for example, a commercially available relational database. In this embodiment, a hierarchical file system (file storage method) widely used is used. Use. The file system can store files in a storage unit called a hierarchical directory.

In FIG. 30, reference numeral 3001 denotes a transmission box, which is the center transmission box 41 of the center server 102.
8. Local transmission box 61 of image server 111
3. Local transmission box 71 of print server 121
It is the same value as 3. The transmission box 3001 is a directory.

[0367] Reference numeral 3002 denotes a transmission box for each transmission destination, which is a lower directory (subdirectory) of the transmission box 3001 and classifies transmission data for each transmission destination by adding a server ID of the transmission destination as a directory name. It is intended to be able to store.

[0368] Reference numeral 3003 denotes a transmission control information table, which is a file held one by one in each transmission box for each transmission destination. The transmission control information table 3003 stores information such as the file name of the transmission data file 3004 to be transmitted.

Reference numeral 3004 denotes a transmission data file.
It is a transmission data file in the format described in FIG. A plurality of transmission data files 3004 are stored in one transmission box 3002 for each transmission destination.

[0370] Reference numeral 3005 denotes a file other than the format described in FIG.
4 is a file referred to by a <CAMLLLINK> tag. The file is, for example, an image file, and is hereinafter simply referred to as an image file. A plurality of image files 3005 are stored in one transmission box 3002 for each transmission destination.

<Receiving Box> FIG. 31 is a block diagram for explaining the internal data storage structure of the center receiving box 419 of the center server 102, the local receiving box 614 of the image server 111, and the local receiving box 714 of the print server 121. is there. 419, 61
Since the functions of the receiving boxes 4 and 714 have the same value, the following description will be made using the receiving box 3101 in FIG.

[0372] The receiving box is HDD1009 or HD.
D2009 is a group of data stored in D2009, and can be stored using, for example, a commercially available relational database. In this embodiment, a hierarchical file system (file storage method) widely used is used. Use. The file system can store files in a storage unit called a hierarchical directory.

In FIG. 31, reference numeral 3101 denotes a reception box, which is the center reception box 41 of the center server 102.
9. Local inbox 61 of image server 111
4. Local reception box 71 of print server 121
This is the same value as 4. The receiving box 3101 is a directory.

[0374] Reference numeral 3102 denotes a sender-specific reception box, which is a lower directory (sub-directory) of the reception box 3101. The reception data is classified for each transmission source by adding the transmission source server ID as a directory name. It is intended to be able to store.

Reference numeral 3103 denotes a processing means information table. When the center transmission / reception control means 407, local transmission / reception control means 603, or local transmission / reception control means 703 receives the transmission data file 3105, the transmission data in the transmission data file 3105 is displayed. It holds the name of the processing means to be activated according to the tag and the activation method.

[0376] Reference numeral 3104 denotes a reception control information table, which is a file held in each reception box for each transmission source. The reception control information table 3103 stores information such as the file name of the received reception data file 3104.

[0377] Reference numeral 3105 denotes a transmission data file.
This is a transmission data file in the format described in FIG. A plurality of transmission data files 3105 are stored in one transmission source receiving box 3102.

Reference numeral 3106 denotes a file other than the format described in FIG.
5 is a file referred to by a <CAMLLLINK> tag. The file is, for example, an image file, and is hereinafter simply referred to as an image file. A plurality of image files 3106 are stored in one transmission source receiving box 3102.

<Transmission / Reception Control Information Table> FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram for explaining data items stored in the transmission control information table 3003 and the reception control information table 3104. Since the data items stored in the transmission control information table 3003 and the reception control information table 3104 have the same value, in the following description, the transmission control information table 3003 and the reception control information table 3104 are collectively referred to as a transmission / reception control information table.

The transmission / reception control information table stores a plurality of data records with the data group described in FIG. 32 as one data record. Each data record is uniquely identified by the value of the transmission file name 3201.

In FIG. 32, reference numeral 3201 denotes a transmission file name, which is a file name of a file stored as the transmission data file 3004, the transmission data file 3105, the image file 3005, or the image file 3106.

Reference numeral 3202 denotes a transmission data file name. When the transmission file name 3201 points to the image file 3005 or the image file 3106, the transmission data file 3004 or the transmission data file 3105 includes a <CAMLLLINK> tag indicating the image file. Stores the file name of The transmission file name 3201 is the transmission data file 3004 or the transmission data file 310
5, the transmission data file name 32
No value is entered in 02.

Reference numeral 3203 denotes a file size, which stores the size of the file indicated by the transmission file name 3201 in bytes.

[0384] Reference numeral 3204 denotes the box storage date and time, and the file indicated by the transmission file name 3201 is the transmission box 3
001 or the date and time when it was stored in the reception box 3101.

Reference numeral 3205 denotes a transmission completion date and time, which stores the date and time when transmission or reception of the file indicated by the transmission file name 3201 is completed.

As described above, the transmission / reception control information table stores the attribute of each transmission data file 3004, transmission data file 3105, image file 3005, or image file 3106.

<Processing Means Information Table> FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram for explaining data items stored in the processing means information table 3103 in the receiving box 3101.

The processing means information table 3103 stores a plurality of data records using the data group described in FIG. 33 as one data record. Each data record is uniquely identified by the value of the transmission data tag name 3301. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the processing means information table 3103 stores data records having correct values in advance.

In FIG. 33, reference numeral 3301 denotes a transmission data tag name, which stores a tag name for identifying various types of transmission data described in the transmission data format of FIG.

[0390] Reference numeral 3302 denotes a processing means activation method, which stores the activation method of the processing means to process the transmission data identified by the transmission data tag name 3301. The activation method is to store the program file name of the application program if the application program is used after being developed in the RAM 1002, for example.
The center transmission / reception control means 407, the local transmission / reception control means 603, or the local transmission / reception control means 703 reads out the processing means from the HDD 1009 or the HDD 2009, expands the processing means in the RAM 1002, and makes it usable.

[0391] Reference numeral 3303 denotes delivery data information.
After the center transmission / reception control unit 407, the local transmission / reception control unit 603, or the local transmission / reception control unit 703 activates the processing unit according to the processing unit activation method 3302, the RAM 1002 or the RAM2
002 stores the name of the data item passed through 002. The name of the data item to be stored is, for example, transmission data file 3
105 is the file name.

<Transmission File Registration Processing> FIG. 34 is a processing flow chart for explaining transmission file registration processing in the center server 102, the image server 111, or the print server 121. In the transmission file registration process, a transmission data file or the like to be transmitted is stored in the transmission box 300.
1 is a process performed by each processing unit on the center server 102, the image server 111, or the print server 121, such as the image collection unit 405. Each processing means for performing the processing is required to confirm that transmission data for transmission has been created and that the transmission data can be stored as the transmission data file 3004 in the format shown in FIG.
2 or stored in the RAM 2002. The file names of the transmission data file 3004 and the image file 3005 to be stored are not the same as the already stored files, for example, by including the processing time and the random number in the file name.

In step S3401, the transmission data to be transmitted is stored as the transmission data file 3004 in the destination-specific transmission box 3002 having the same name as the destination server ID stored in the RAM 1002 or the RAM 2002.

In step S3402, step S34
The transmission / reception control information data described in FIG. 32 is created based on the file name of the transmission data file 3004 stored at 01, the file size of the file, and the current processing time, and is written in the transmission control information table 3003.

In step S3403, it is checked whether a <CAMLLLINK> tag exists in the transmission data. If the tag exists, the flow advances to step S3404; otherwise, the process ends.

Steps S3404 and S3405
Is a <CAMLLLINK> tag 13 in the transmission data.
The processing is repeated for each file, such as the number of files such as images indicated by 22.

In step S3404, the file specified in the <CAMLLLINK> tag 1322 in the transmission data is stored in the RAM 1002 or RAM 2002.
Is stored as the image file 3005 of the transmission box 3002 for each transmission destination having the same name as the transmission destination server ID stored in the transmission box 3002.

In step S3405, step S34
04, the file name of the image file 3005 stored in step S3401, and the transmission data file 300 stored in step S3401.
The transmission / reception control information data described in FIG. 32 is created based on the file name of No. 4, the file size of the image file, and the processing time, and is written in the transmission control information 3003.

<Data transmission / reception processing at print server>
The center server 102 and the print server 121 can be connected via the network 130, and a dial-up connection or a constant connection from the print server 102 is possible. Further, the network 103 can use any network form, and in the present embodiment, the widely used Internet is used. Network 1
Any protocol can be used for the transmission procedure (protocol) in the H.30. In this embodiment, HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) widely used on the Internet is used.
otocol) and FTP (File Transfer Protocol). The local transmission / reception control unit 703 and the center transmission / reception control unit 407 of the print server 121 are connected via the network 130 using the above-described method, and perform data transmission / reception processing. The print server 121
It is assumed that the connection method from to the center server 102 is set in the print server 121 in advance.

FIG. 35 is a processing flow of data transmission / reception processing performed by the local transmission / reception control unit 603 of the image server 111 or the local transmission / reception control unit 703 of the print server 121. Since the processes of the local transmission / reception control unit 603 and the local transmission / reception control unit 703 have the same value, the following description will be made using the local transmission / reception control unit 703 of the print server 121. The center transmission / reception control means 40 of the center server 102 corresponding to this processing.
7 will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0401] The "message" in FIG. 35 and the following description is text data including the server ID of the print server 121, a processing request, and the like, and is transmitted and received by HTTP or the like. File transmission and reception use FTP.

The local transmission / reception control means 703 of the print server 121 reads out data from the HDD 2009 or the like by operating the KB 2008 or in accordance with a preset time interval.
02 and become available.

In step S 3501, the local transmission / reception control unit 703 issues a connection request such as dialing up to the center server 102 according to the connection method to the center server 102 set in advance in the print server 121, and Establish a connection. Next, in the center server 102, a message requesting the directory name of the sender-specific receiving box 3102 and the destination-specific sending box 3002 for the print server 121 is transmitted to the center server 102, and the message including the directory name is transmitted. It is received from the center server 102 and stored in the RAM 2002.

[0404] Steps S3502 to S350
7, among the transmission control information data stored in the transmission control information table 3003 in the transmission box 3002 for each transmission destination for the center server 102, values are stored in the transmission data file name 3202 and the transmission completion date and time 3205. No, that is, the process is repeated for each data of the untransmitted transmission data file. The transmission control information data to be processed is processed in ascending order of the value of the box storage date and time 3204, that is, in the order in which they are stored in the transmission box.

[0405] In step S3502, the local transmission / reception control means 703 transmits the transmission control information table 30 in the transmission destination-specific transmission box 3002 for the center server 102.
From step 03, one piece of transmission control information data that satisfies the condition of step S3502 is read, and the transmission control information data is stored in the RAM 2002.

[0406] In step S3503, the local transmission / reception control means 703 reads the transmission data file 3004 represented by the transmission file name 3201 of the transmission control information data stored in step S3502, and executes step S35.
01 is stored in the directory of the sender-specific inbox 3102 of the center server 102 stored at 01.
Transmit the transmission file.

In step S3504, the local transmission / reception control means 703 sets the current date and time in the transmission completion date / time 3205 of the transmission control information data stored in step S3502, and the transmission file name 3201 in the transmission control information table 3003 is By overwriting data having the same value as the transmission data file name of the transmission control information data with the transmission control information data, the transmission control information table 300
Update 3

[0408] Steps S3505 to S350
7, among the transmission control information data in the transmission control information table 3003, the transmission control information data whose transmission data file name 3202 has the same value as the transmission data file name of the transmission control information data stored in step S 3502. Is repeated.

[0409] In step S3505, the local transmission / reception control means 703 reads transmission control information data satisfying the above conditions from the one-item transmission control information table 3003,
It is stored in the RAM 2002. Next, the image file 3 represented by the transmission file name 3201 of the transmission control information data
005 is read, and the transmission file is transmitted in the form of being stored in the directory of the sender-specific reception box 3102 of the center server 102 stored in step S3501.

[0410] In step S3506, local transmission / reception control means 703 transmits a message notifying that the file transmission has been completed, including the transmission control information data stored in step S3505.

[0411] In step S3507, the local transmission / reception control means 703 sets the current date and time in the transmission completion date / time 3205 of the transmission control information data stored in step S3505, and sets the transmission file name 3201 in the transmission control information table 3003 to The transmission control information table 3003 is updated by overwriting data having the same value as the transmission file name of the transmission control information data with the transmission control information data.

[0412] In step S3508, the local transmission / reception control means 703 transmits a message notifying that the file transmission has been completed, including the transmission control information data currently being processed stored in step S3502.

[0413] In step S3509, the local transmission / reception control unit 703 sends the transmission control information table 30 in the transmission source receiving box 3102 for the print server 121 of the center server 102 to the center server 102.
03 is received as a file. The data is temporarily stored in a temporary area on the HDD 2009.

Steps S3510 to S351
In the transmission control information data stored in the transmission control information table received from the center server 102 and stored in the HDD 2009 in step S3509, the transmission data file name 3202 and the transmission completion date and time 3205
Are not stored, ie, the processing is repeated for each data of the transmission data file that has not been received. The transmission control information data to be processed is processed in ascending order of the value of the box storage date and time 3204, that is, in the order in which they are stored in the transmission box.

[0415] In step S3510, the local transmission / reception control means 703 reads one piece of transmission control information data satisfying the condition of step S3510 from the transmission control information table received from the center server 102, and
The transmission control information data is stored in M2002.

[0416] In step S3511, the local transmission / reception control unit 703 receives the transmission data file represented by the transmission file name 3201 of the transmission control information data stored in step S3510 from the center server 102,
The transmission data file is stored in the transmission data file 310 in the sender-specific reception box 3102 for the center server.
5 is stored.

[0417] In step S3512, the local transmission / reception control means 703 sets the current date and time in the transmission completion date and time 3205 of the transmission control information data stored in step S3510, and sets the current date and time in the transmission source-specific reception box 3102 for the center server. The transmission control information data is added to the reception control information table 3104.

[0418] Steps S3513 to S351
Up to 5, among the transmission control information data received from the center server 102, for each transmission control information data in which the value of the transmission data file name 3202 is the same as the transmission file name of the transmission control information data stored in step S3510. And repeat the process.

[0419] In step S3513, the local transmission / reception control unit 703 reads one transmission control information data satisfying the above conditions from the temporary area on the HDD 2009 saved in step S3509, and stores it in the RAM 2002. Next, the transmission file name 32 of the transmission control information data
01 is received from the center server 102, and the image file is stored in the image file 3106 in the sender-specific inbox 3102 for the center server.
Stored as

[0420] In step S3514, local transmission / reception control means 703 transmits a message notifying that file reception has been completed, including the transmission control information data stored in step S3513.

[0421] In step S3515, the local transmission / reception control unit 703 sets the current date and time in the transmission completion date and time 3205 of the transmission control information data stored in step S3513, and sets the current date and time in the in-source-specific reception box 3102 for the center server. The transmission control information data is added to the reception control information table 3104.

In step S3516, local transmission / reception control means 703 transmits a message notifying that the file reception has been completed, including the transmission control information data currently being processed stored in step S3510.

[0423] In step S3517, the local transmission / reception control unit 703 reads the transmission data file 3105 received and stored in step S3511 into the RAM 2002, analyzes the contents thereof, and transmits the transmission data file represented by the <ORDER> tag or the like in Fig. 13. Extract all data tags. Next, the processing means information table 3103 is searched using the individual values of the transmission data tag, and the processing means information table 31
03, the processing means information data whose transmission data tag name 3301 is the same as the value of the transmission data tag extracted in the above processing is extracted, and the processing means activation method 3302 of the processing means information data is extracted.
And activates the corresponding processing means in accordance with the contents of the delivery data information 3303.

[0424] In step S3518, the local transmission / reception control unit 703 determines that the connection with the center server 102 is a dial-up connection and that the center server 102
Disconnect from the connection.

[0425] In step S3519, the local transmission / reception control unit 703 transmits the transmission control information table 300 in the transmission box 3002 for each destination to the center server 102.
3 is deleted from the transmission control information table 3003, and the transmission file name 3201 of the transmission control information data is deleted. The transmission data file 3004 or the image file 3005 pointed to is deleted. The transmission control information data and each transmission file are not deleted immediately after the transmission is completed for retransmission when a transmission failure occurs.

[0426] When the processing of the corresponding transmission data file 3105 is completed, the processing means such as the order output management means 701 started in step S3517, the transmission data file and the image data located below the transmission data file. The file 3106 is deleted from the reception box 3101, and data whose transmission file name 3201 in the reception control information table 3104 has the same value as the file name of the deleted file is deleted.

In this embodiment, if processing is interrupted due to a network failure during data transmission / reception, this processing is restarted from the beginning. In this case, since the image file is transmitted and received based on the transmission completion date and time 3205 of the transmission control information table 3003 or the reception control table 3104, the already transmitted or received image file is not transmitted or received again.

<Data transmission / reception processing in center server>
FIG. 36 is a processing flow illustrating data transmission / reception processing in the center transmission / reception control unit 407 of the center server 102.

The center transmission / reception control means 407 is provided for the local transmission / reception control means 603 of the image server 111 or the local transmission / reception control means 703 of the print server 121.
And performs processing upon receiving the message transmitted from the. In this embodiment, by using HTTP as a transmission protocol, the transmitted message is received by the document providing unit 401, and the document providing unit 401 expands the center transmission / reception control unit 407 in the RAM 1002 and starts up.
A method for performing the above processing is used. The activation method has the same value as the activation method of the editing image providing means 402. Actual data transmission / reception is performed by the document providing means 401, and transmitted / received data is exchanged between the document providing means 407 and the local transmission / reception control means 703 via the RAM 1002. I do. The transmission / reception control means ends after processing one message.

In step S 3601 in FIG. 36, the center transmission / reception control means 407
The received message received from the document providing unit 401 via the file providing unit 02 is analyzed, and the content of the message is checked.

[0431] In step S3602, the center transmission / reception control means 407 determines whether or not the content of the message checked in step S3601 is the message transmitted in step S3501 of Fig. 35 and requesting a transmission / reception box directory name. If the directory name is requested, the process proceeds to step S3603; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S3604.

[0432] In step S3603, the center transmission / reception control unit 407 determines the directory name based on the server ID of the image server 111 or print server 121 that is the source of the message and is included in the message analyzed in step S3601. The directory name of the transmission box 3002 for each transmission destination and the directory name of the reception box 3102 for each transmission source are checked, and the directory name is returned to the document providing means 401 via the RAM 1002 for a reply.

[0433] In step S3604, center transmission / reception control means 407 determines whether or not the content of the message checked in step S3601 is a message for notifying completion of file transmission transmitted in steps S3505 and S3508 in FIG. If the file transmission completion is notified, the process proceeds to step S3605.
Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S3609.

[0434] In step S3605, center transmission / reception control means 407 adds transmission control information data included in the message analyzed by the CPU in step S3601 to reception control information table 3104.

In step S3606, the center transmission / reception control unit 407 checks the transmission data file name 3202 of the transmission control information data included in the message analyzed by the CPU in step S3601, and if the transmission data file name does not include a value. If the value is included in the transmission data file name, the process ends.

In step S3607, the center transmission / reception control means 407 reads the transmission data file 3105 indicated by the transmission file name 3201 of the transmission control information data included in the message analyzed by the CPU in step S3601, into the RAM 1002, and analyzes the contents. FIG.
All of the transmission data tags represented by the <REG> tags or the like are extracted. Next, the processing unit information table 3103 is searched using the individual values of the transmission data tag, and the transmission data tag name 3301 of the processing unit information table 3103 is the same as the processing unit information extracted by the above processing. The data is extracted and the corresponding processing means is started according to the processing means starting method 3302 of the processing means information data and the contents of the delivery data information 3303.

[0437] In step S3609, in step S36
01 is the content of the message checked in step S in FIG.
It is determined whether the received message is a message notifying completion of file reception, which is transmitted in step 3512 and step S3515. If the message notifies completion of file reception, the process advances to step S3610; otherwise, the process ends.

[0438] In step S3610, step S36
The transmission control information table 3104 is searched based on the transmission file name 3201 of the transmission control information data included in the message analyzed in step 01, and the current date and time are written in the transmission completion date and time of the corresponding transmission control information data.

[0439] In step S3611, step S36
01 transmission destination-specific transmission box 300 for the server ID of the message transmission source included in the message analyzed in step 01.
The transmission control information table 3003 of FIG. 2 is searched, and the transmission control information data before and after the transmission completion date / time 3205 is set in advance from the current time is stored in the transmission control information table 3003.
003 and the transmission data file 300 indicated by the transmission file name 3201 of the transmission control information data.
4 or the image file 3005 is deleted. The transmission control information data and each transmission file are not deleted immediately after the transmission is completed for retransmission when a transmission failure occurs.

The center transmission / reception control means 407 is a RAM
1002, the document providing means 4
It is also possible to directly transmit / receive data to / from the local transmission / reception control unit 603 or the local transmission / reception control unit 703 without going through 01, and in that case, always waits for data to be transmitted. And wait for data transmission again.

[Second Embodiment] FIG. 37 is a block diagram illustrating the system configuration of a second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, there are a plurality of system configurations of the first embodiment, which are mutually connected by a network.
Even when the print order received by one center server contains the image ID of an image of a print server or an image server under the control of another center server, an original print image indicated by the image ID is collected. Then, it becomes possible to print the document of the print order.

In FIG. 37, reference numerals 3701 and 3702 denote center servers, respectively, which are equivalent to the center server 102 in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the center server A and the center server B are described.

Reference numeral 3703 denotes a client computer, which is the client computer 1 in the first embodiment.
It is equivalent to 01.

3711, 3712, 371N, and 37
31, 3732 and 373N are image servers,
This is equivalent to the image server 111 in the first embodiment.

3721, 3722, 372N, and 37
Reference numerals 41, 3742, and 374N denote print servers, respectively, which are equivalent to the print server 121 in the first embodiment.

Image servers 3711, 3712, 37
1N, and print servers 3721, 3722, 372
The server ID of N is stored in the server management table 413 of the center server A3701.

Image servers 3731, 3732, 37
3N and print servers 3741, 3742, 374
The server ID of N is stored in the server management table 413 of the center server B3703.

Reference numerals 3751, 3752, and 3753 denote networks, and the network 130 in the first embodiment.
Is equivalent to In FIG. 37, the networks 3751, 3752, and 3753 are described as physically separate networks for the sake of explanation. However, in an actual embodiment, the networks can be implemented even if they are physically the same network.

This embodiment can be implemented even when three or more center servers are connected on the network.

In this embodiment, each center server is assumed to have registered the names and connection methods of other center servers with each other, and the client computer 3703
Acquires an image for editing from the center server A3701,
A print order of a document created using the image is ordered from the center server B3702, and the center server B370 is ordered.
2 makes it possible to print the print order.

First, the client computer 3703
Is connected to the center server A3701, and step S180 of the order processing described in FIG. 18 in the first embodiment.
Steps S1806 to S1806 are performed to acquire an editing image and edit a print document.

Next, the client computer 3703
Is connected to the center server B3702, and executes the order processing step 1807 and subsequent steps to order the print order from the center server B3702. The center server B3702 executes the order processing described in FIG. 19 of the first embodiment. Then, an order is received for the print order.

Next, the center server B 3702 performs the printing image collection process described in FIGS. 20A and 20B in the first embodiment. At this time, the center server name 911 of the image ID included in the print order
Is not the same as the name of the center server B 3702, the center server indicated by the center server name 911, for example, the center server A 3701 in the present description.
In response to this, the image acquisition request transmission data of the example of the portion 1314 in FIG. 13 is transmitted. The transmission process is performed using the center transmission / reception control device 407.

[0454] The center transmission / reception control device 40 of the center server A3701 that has received the image acquisition request transmission data.
7 activates the order receiving means 403 and transfers the image acquisition request transmission data to the image collecting means 405. The order receiving unit 403 creates new print order data having the name of the center server that transmitted the image acquisition request transmission data as additional information based on the image acquisition request transmission data, and stores the print order data in the order status table. 415 and stored in the order management table 416,
The image collection unit 405 is activated.

The image collecting means 405 of the center server A 3701 is different from the image collecting means 405 of FIG.
When all the print images have been collected, the order progress management means 40 is executed.
6 is started.

[0456] If the print order data to be processed includes the name of the center server as the transmission source of the image acquisition request transmission data as additional information, the order progress management means converts the print original image for the print order into print order data. Based on FIG.
The original image transmission data of the example of the part 1317 is created,
The original image transmission data and the original image for printing are transmitted to the transmission center server in the print order data by using a center transmission / reception control device 407. After sending,
The print order determines that the processing is completed, and performs the print completion processing described in FIG. 28 in the first embodiment.

In the first embodiment, the center server B 3702 that has received the original image transmission data, as shown in FIG.
The process from the image receiving process to the printing completion process described in FIGS. 25, 26, 27, and 28 is performed, and the print order ordered by the client computer 3703 is printed.

As described above, according to the invention of this embodiment, storage means for managing transmission / reception data as a set of transmission / reception control information data in the SGML format and transmission data such as an image file, etc. When transmitting and receiving transmission data, in response to a transmission request from an individual transmission / reception requester such as a software program, the data transmission / reception control means for transmitting / receiving data in an asynchronous format, such as an output device, which is actively processed by a network connection source side. In an environment where connection is not always established, such as a dial-up connection, a large amount of data such as printing data can be simultaneously transmitted and received in large quantities.

[0459] Also, management means for holding a data transmission / reception history in the storage device, and data transmission / reception control means having a function of transmitting / receiving only untransmitted / received data when transmission / reception is resumed after transmission failure using the reception history,
The dial-up connection method can be used stably even in an unstable network environment such as mobile communication.

[Third Embodiment] In the first and second embodiments described above, the registration of the original image, ie, the printing image, is performed by using a so-called local image from a floppy disk or CDROM without passing through a network. The method was performed.

In the third embodiment, the center server 1 is transmitted from the client computer 101 via the network.
02, the image for printing is registered to realize the same services as described in the first and second embodiments, and the registered image is provided with a security function so that the registered image is not the owner of the image. An embodiment for providing the image to a third party will be described.

<System Configuration> The system configuration of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes an information processing device (CPU, R, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 2) for a customer who is a user of the system according to the present embodiment to operate directly from home, for example.
OM, RAM, HDD, etc.), and is hereinafter referred to as a client computer.

[0464] The client computer 101 has a function of browsing information such as an image stored in the center server 102 described later through a network, a function of acquiring the information in the client computer 101, and a function of the center server 102 to be described later. The print server 121 has a function of ordering an image print order.

Further, the client computer 101
Has a function of registering, updating, and deleting images stored in the center server 102 described later, and a function of setting permission, non-permission, or limitation of the image to be viewed or used by a third party.

[0466] The image printing order is hereinafter referred to as a print order or simply an order.

[0467] Reference numeral 102 denotes an information processing apparatus that performs processing mainly based on a request from the client computer 101, and is hereinafter referred to as a center server.

The center server 102 has a function of holding an image to be transmitted to the client computer 101 based on a request from the client computer 101, a print order received from the client computer 101, and based on image storage location information. Images are collected, and the print servers 121, 122, 123, 12
N has a function of giving a print instruction.

Further, the client computer 101
It has a function to hold and manage the images transmitted from.

[0470] 111, 112, and 11N store images,
An information processing device having a function of transmitting an image stored in response to a request from the center server 102 to the center server 102, and is hereinafter referred to as an image server.

[0471] Reference numerals 121, 122, and 12N denote a function of printing an image based on a print instruction from the center server 102, a function of storing and using the image for printing, and a function of storing the image stored in response to a request from the center server 102. An information processing apparatus having a function of transmitting data to the center server 102, and is hereinafter referred to as a print server.

[0472] The print servers 121, 122, 1
The 2N need not have a function of storing images.

Reference numeral 103 denotes the client computer 10
1, center server 102, image server 111, 1
12, 11N, print servers 121, 122, 12N
, Which represents a network system such as a local area network (LAN) or the Internet, and is hereinafter simply referred to as a network. In this embodiment, the network 10
3 uses the general Internet, but can also be realized using other network systems.

The client computer 101,
Center server 102, image servers 111 and 11
Some of the print servers 2 and 11N and the print servers 121, 122 and 12N can be shared by the same physical computer.

<Block diagram of client computer, center server, image server, print server>
The block diagram showing the system configuration of each information processing apparatus in the present embodiment has the same value as in the first embodiment.

<Center Server> FIG. 38 is a block diagram showing the processing means and management data in the center server 102. The same reference numerals as in FIG. 4 of the first embodiment denote the same parts. Those having the same numbers have the same values as those of the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted here.

The print image storage device 3801 stores the image transmitted from the client computer 101, that is,
A device that stores high-resolution original image files for printing.
It is stored in the HDD 1009 or on a removable disk that can be read by the FDD 1010.

[0478] The user group management table 3802
39 is a table for managing information on an image transmitted from the client computer 101 as described later with reference to FIG.

<Client Computer> The client computer 101 of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a client computer 101, which is an information processing device actually used by a user. As an application program read from the ROM 1003, HDD 1009, or FDD 1010 and expanded in the RAM 1002, the application program is used. ,
There are a data processing unit 501, a network browsing unit 502, and the extension unit 503.

The data processing means 501 stores a character string, a figure,
In addition to the functions of creating and editing a document including data such as images, converting document data into a page description language, and acquiring an image for editing from the center server 102 through an extension unit 503 operating in the network browsing unit 502, Has a function of creating a print order including the page description language of the above and ordering the print order from the center server through the extension means 503.

Further, the client computer 101
It has a function of adding information to images existing in the server and transmitting the information to the center server, and a function of requesting registration, update, and deletion of the images. As information to be added to the image,
Information indicating whether a third party is allowed or disallowed to use or view the image, and when and for how long a third party is allowed to use or view the image. The information indicates whether to permit.

[0483] The network browsing means 502 is an application program (a general application program such as a so-called Internet browser) that enables external services such as the Internet to be received through a network.

The function of the network browsing means 502 can be extended by incorporating an extension means (plug-in module), and the extension means (plug-in) 503 is added to the network browsing means 503 in this manner. Application program. Since the network browsing unit focuses on the function of browsing documents such as images on the network and transmitting it to the client computer, the data processing unit 50
In order to cooperate with an external application program such as (1), the extension unit 503 is used.

The extension means 503 is an application program stored in the HDD 1009 and is developed and usable in the RAM 1002 at the same time as the network browsing means 502. A function to obtain the data from above, a function to display the data through the CRT 1006, and a function to
1 and a function of transmitting the print order data created by the data processing means to the network.

The print order ordering function of the data processing means 501 is performed by the order receiving means of the center server 102, and the data display function and print order data transmission function of the extension means are performed by using the network browsing means 502. By doing so, the present invention can be implemented without the data processing unit 501 and the extension unit 503.

<User Group Management Table> FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram of a user group management table used in this embodiment. The user group management table is held in the HDD 1009 of the center server 102 as a database or a searchable file, and when the print image transferred from the client computer 101 is stored or when the user issues an edit request to the stored print image. Use when you have done.

[0488] Reference numeral 3901 in Fig. 39 denotes a table storing the image IDs of print images and their owners.

[0489] Reference numerals 3911 to 391N in Fig. 39 store a user and a use period in a linked table for each row of 3901. This information is stored in the client computer 101
Transmitted from. That is, this information allows the owner who transmitted the print image to the center server to freely set the information.

[0490] In Fig. 39, reference numeral 3921 denotes an image ID.
The image ID of a print image that can be used.

Reference numeral 3922 denotes a user ID of the owner of each print image, which is uniquely determined for the image ID. In the case of an image that is released to the public for a fee or free of charge, this item is blank, and there is no linked table.

[0492] In Fig. 39, reference numeral 3923 denotes a user ID.
Only users who can use the linked print image are listed in this item.

[0493] In Fig. 39, 3924 stores the expiration date of the use of the linked print image by the 3923 user. If the expiration date for the 3923 user is not limited, this field is blank. In this case, as long as the print image exists on the center server 102, it can be used indefinitely.

<Registration of Image from Client Computer> The flow of processing for registering a print image transmitted from the client computer 101 will be described. The image registration unit 404 in FIG. 38 performs the registration of an original image, the deletion of an already registered original image, and the transfer of the original image to the print server 122 or the image server 112 in addition to the registration of the original image at the request of the user of the client computer 101. And also performs copying.

[0495] From the client computer 101 in FIG.
The information such as the original image, the processing content, the owner (user ID), the user (user ID), and the expiration date are transmitted to the document providing means 401 of No. 8. The image registration unit 404 acquires the original image and the information.

FIG. 40 shows the image registration means 40 from the above time point.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of an image registration process in FIG. Hereinafter, processing of image registration, movement, copying, and deletion in the image registration unit 404 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0497] In step S4000, document providing means 4
01 is obtained.

[0498] In step S4001, a code for identifying the content of the processing to be performed (hereinafter referred to as "processing code") is extracted from the information obtained in step S4000.
2002.

[0499] In step S4002, in step S40
The processing code stored in 01 is determined, and if “new registration”, the process proceeds to step S4003, and if not “new registration”, the process proceeds to step S4008.

In step S4003, the original image is stored in the RAM
Read in 2002. At this time, the center server 102
The image ID of FIG. 9 of the first embodiment to be attached to the image is created by generating a unique value based on the time and the like in the image data, and is stored in the RAM 2002.

At step S4004, at step S40
03, an image for display / edit is created by performing image conversion for reducing the resolution and reducing the image size and the file size from the original image on the RAM 2002 read and stored in the display / edit image storage device 411. I do. The display / edit image format created in step S4004 is a format that can be processed by the data processing unit 501 and the extension unit 503 on the client computer 101. The image format at this time is, for example, JFIF (JPEG Interface) which is one of image data formats using a JPEG compression algorithm.
Using an image format in which additional information such as a comment such as “ange format” can be written, the image ID of the image stored in the RAM 2002 in step S4003 is written as the additional information.

[0502] In step S4005, in step S40
03, the original image read into the RAM 2002 is stored in the print image storage device 3801.

At step S4006, at step S40
The user ID, image ID, and storage location stored in the RAM at 00 and step S4003 are stored in the original image position management table 41 described in FIG. 12 of the first embodiment.
2 is stored. Step S40 is stored in the storage location 1202.
05 stores the path name of the original image file stored at step 05 or the volume name and path name of the removable disk.

At step S4007, at step S40
The user group and image ID stored in the RAM in step S4003 and the user IDs of the users who can use the original image and their expiration dates in the user group management table 3802 described in FIG.
To be stored.

Steps S4008 to S401
The processing steps up to 2 are performed in the RAM in step S4001.
This is performed when the processing code stored in 2002 is not “new registration”, that is, any of “move”, “copy”, and “delete”.

In step S4008, the image ID of the registered original image to be processed is obtained from the original image position management table 412 and stored in the RAM 2002.

[0507] In step S4009, in step S40
The process code stored in 01 is determined, and if “move” or “copy”, the process proceeds to step S4010, and if not “move” or “copy”, the process proceeds to step S4011.

In step S4010, step S40
08, the original image position management table 412 is searched with the image ID stored, and the path name of the original image file corresponding to the image ID is obtained.
The original image file is read from 010, and copied as a new image file in the center transmission box 407. Further, the copied path name is stored in the RAM 2002.

[0509] In step S4011, step S40
The process code stored in 01 is determined, and if "move" or "delete", the process proceeds to step S4012, and if not "move" or "delete", the process proceeds to step S4013.

[0510] In step S4012, in step S40
The original image position management table 412 is searched with the image ID stored in step 08, and the data of the original image position management table and the original image file are deleted.

In step S4013, the number of original images to be processed for the user is determined, and if there is an unprocessed image, the flow returns to step S4001.

[0512] As described above, the registered print image can be handled in the same manner as the print images of the first and second embodiments. The same service as the embodiment can be provided.

<Acquisition of Editing Image from Client Computer> The flow of processing on the center server when the user issues a request for acquiring the editing image at the client computer 101 will be described.

The document providing means 401 in FIG. 38 performs processing such as search, addition, update, and deletion of the user group management table 3802 in addition to the processing described in the first embodiment.

[0515] From the client computer 101 in FIG.
The information such as the processing content, the user ID, and the image ID is transmitted to the document providing means 401 of the eighth embodiment.

FIG. 41 shows the document providing means 40 from the above point.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of an editing image providing process in the first embodiment; Hereinafter, the document providing means 40 will be described with reference to FIG.
1 will be described.

In step S4101, a code for identifying the content of the processing to be performed (hereinafter referred to as “processing code”) is obtained and stored in the RAM 2002.

[0518] In step S4102, in step S41
The processing code stored in 01 is determined, and if “acquisition of an editing screen” is obtained, the process proceeds to step S4103.

[0519] In step S4103, the image ID is obtained and stored in the RAM 2002.

[0520] In step S4104, in step S41
The user obtains the image I obtained earlier by searching the user group management table 3802 using the image ID obtained in step 03.
It is determined whether D exists in the table. If D exists, the process proceeds to step S4105. If D does not exist, the process ends, and the D is registered in the printer server 121 or the image server 111 implemented in the first embodiment. The process proceeds to a process for acquiring the original image for editing.

[0521] In step S4105, the user ID which has issued the request to obtain the editing image is obtained, and the RAM 2
002.

[0522] In step S4106, in step S41
It is determined whether the user ID stored in step 05 is equal to the user ID of the row searched in step S4104. If the user IDs are equal, the process proceeds to step S4107.
To 4110.

[0523] In step S4107, in step S41
From the image ID acquired in step 03, an editing image is acquired from the editing image providing unit 402.

[0524] In step S4108, in step S41
At 07, the editing image acquired is transmitted to the client computer 101.

[0525] In step S4109, in step S41
The table linked to the row searched in 04 is stored in step S4
Search by the user ID acquired in 105 and find the same user I
If D exists, the process proceeds to step S4110; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S4111.

In step S4110, step S41
In step 09, a value is obtained from the period item of the row searched for, and it is determined whether the period is within the period. If the period is within the period, the process proceeds to step S4107.

[0527] In step S4111, error processing is performed, and a message notifying the fact is transmitted to the client computer 101.

As described above, the center server holding the print image and the print image are registered in the center server.
The client computer that acquires and edits the editing image for the registered print image is controlled.

Note that the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of one device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is implemented by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus. In this case, the storage medium storing the program according to the present invention constitutes the present invention. Then, by reading the program from the storage medium to a system or an apparatus, the system or the apparatus operates in a predetermined manner.

A storage medium storing a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the program stored in the storage medium. The object of the present invention is also achieved by reading and executing the code. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements 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, ROM, and the like can be used.

[0532] When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS and the like running on the computer are actually executed based on the instructions of the program code. Or a part of the entire process is performed, and the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the process.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into 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 case where the CPU of the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing.

[0534] As described above, according to the invention of the present application, there is provided an image position management device capable of communicating with a plurality of image storage devices via a network, wherein the image storage device stores image data. A management unit that manages specific information indicating the image data, and an image storage device in which the image data is stored based on the specific information stored in the management unit when a request for image data is received from an external device. Since the user has the specific means for specifying, the user only needs to store and use the image ID uniquely assigned to the design, and obtain the image file no matter how the storage location of the image is changed. Or, it can be operated, and by managing and storing the personally owned image data together with the information such as the owner and user of the image data, a third party can be operated. To publish the image data, it has become possible to control or to private.

[0535]

As described above, according to the invention of the present application, there is provided an image position management device capable of communicating with a plurality of image storage devices via a network, wherein the image storage device stores image data. A management unit that manages specific information indicating a storage device, and an image storage that stores the image data based on the specific information stored in the management unit when a request for image data is received from an external device. Since the device has a specifying means for specifying the device, the user only needs to store and use the identification information uniquely assigned to the image, and the image file can be changed no matter how the storage location of the image is changed. It is now possible to acquire or manipulate.

Also, the image manager can store or move any image data to any storage location without impairing the user's convenience, and can flexibly store the image data in a flexible storage location according to the data processing amount. It became possible to perform management easily.

[0537] Furthermore, by storing a plurality of image data for one image ID, a plurality of image data is prepared for one image, and an optimum storage location is selected in response to an image acquisition request. It is also possible to perform processing such as doing.

[0538] Further, by managing and storing the image data owned by the individual together with information such as the owner and user of the image data, the image data can be opened or closed to a third party. Control.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a system configuration of a center server, an image server, and a client computer.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a system configuration of a print server.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a module configuration of a center server according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a module configuration of a client according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a module configuration diagram of the image server of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a module configuration diagram of the print server of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a data structure diagram of print order data used in the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of an example of an image ID.

FIG. 10 is an order status table.

FIG. 11 is a server management table.

FIG. 12 is an original image position management table.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a transmission data format used in the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a script described in a page description language used in the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a processing flowchart of original image registration in the print server.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of an example of image registration information transmission data.

FIG. 17 is a processing flowchart of original image registration in the center server.

FIG. 18 is a processing flow chart of print order ordering and order receiving processing.

FIG. 19 is a processing flowchart of an image collection destination determining process in the center server.

FIG. 20 is a processing flowchart of a process of determining a collection destination of an original print image in the image collection destination determination process.

FIG. 21 is a processing flowchart of an order status table updating process in the image collection destination determining process.

FIG. 22 is a processing flowchart of an original image transmission process in the image server or the print server.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the contents of an original image transmission data file.

FIG. 24 is a processing flowchart of an image receiving process in the center server.

FIG. 25 is a processing flowchart of print order transmission processing in the center server.

FIG. 26 is a processing flowchart of a print order receiving process in the print server.

FIG. 27 is a processing flowchart of a printing process in the print server.

FIG. 28 is a processing flowchart of print completion processing in the center server.

FIG. 29 is a processing flow chart of a printing original image moving / copying / deleting process in the image server or the print server.

FIG. 30 is a block diagram illustrating a data structure in a transmission box.

FIG. 31 is a block diagram illustrating a data structure in a reception box.

FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram of a transmission control information table in a transmission box and a reception control information table in a reception box.

FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram of a processing means information table in a reception box.

FIG. 34 is a processing flowchart of processing for registering a transmission file in a transmission box.

FIG. 35 is a processing flowchart of data transmission / reception processing in the print server.

FIG. 36 is a processing flowchart of data transmission / reception processing in the center server.

FIG. 37 shows a system configuration according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 38 is a conceptual diagram of a system according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 39 is a user group management table for managing information about an image transmitted from a client computer.

FIG. 40 is a flowchart of an image registration process in the center server in the third embodiment.

FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing a flow of an editing image providing process in the third embodiment.

[Description of Signs] 101 Client computer 102 Center server 111, 112, 11N Image server 121, 122, 12N Print server 201 Order ID 202 Sub-order ID 203 Image ID 204 Status 211, 212, 213, 214 Example of order status data 130 Network 401 Document providing means 402 Editing image providing means 403 Order receiving means 404 Image registration means 405 Image collection means 406 Order progress management means 407 Center transmission / reception control means 411 Display / editing image storage device 412 Original image position management table 413 Server management table 414 Temporary storage image storage device 415 Order status table 416 Order management table 417 Image position management table for editing 418 Transmitter box 419 center receiving box 501 data processing means 502 network browsing means 503 expansion means (plug-in) 601 print image registration means 602 print image transmission means 603 local transmission / reception control means 611 original image storage for printing 612 original image position Management table 613 Local transmission box 614 Local reception box 701 Order output management unit 702 Print control unit 703 Local transmission / reception control unit 704 Image registration unit for printing 705 Image transmission unit for printing 711 Order management table 712 Print spool 713 Local transmission box 714 Local reception Box 715 Original image position management table 716 Original image storage device for printing 801 Print order 802 Sub-order 803 Order item 804 Editing Data 805 Image ID 901 Image ID 902 Order ID 911 Center server name 912 Registration server ID 913 Unique number 914 User ID 915 Center server ID 916 Unique number 1000 I / O bus 1001 Central processing unit (CPU) 1002 Random access memory (RAM) 1003 Read only memory (ROM) 1004 Network interface (NETI
F) 1005 Video RAM (VRAM) 1006 Display device (CRT) 1007 Controller (KBC) 1008 External input device (KB) 1009 Hard disk drive (HDD) 1010 External input / output device (FDD) 1000 Input / output bus 1101 Server ID 1102 Image acquisition Priority order 1201 Image ID 1202 Owner 1203 Storage location 1204 Additional information 1211, 1212, 1213, 1214 Example of original image position management data 1301, 1302 Example of transmission data format 1311 Transmission / reception header transmission data 1312 Order transmission data 1313 Original image transmission request Transmission data 1314 Image registration information transmission data 1315 Transmission / reception header transmission data 1316 Original image registration processing transmission data 1317 Original image transmission data 131 Print result notification data 1321 Example of internally encoded transmission data 1322 Example of external file reference 1401 Example of edited document 1402 Example of script 1403, 1404 Edited image 2001 Central processing unit (CPU) 2002 Random access memory (RAM) 2003 Read only Memory (ROM) 2004 Network interface (NETI
F) 2005 Video RAM (VRAM) 2006 Display device (CRT) 2007 Controller (KBC) 2008 External input device (KB) 2009 Hard disk drive (HDD) 2010 External input / output device (FDD) 2011 Printer control device (PRTC) 2012 External output Device (PRT) 2013 extended external input / output device control device (CLTR) 2014 extended external input / output device (scanner) 3001 transmission box 3002 destination transmission box 3003 transmission control information table 3004 transmission data file 3005 image file 3101 reception box 3102 transmission Source-specific inbox 3103 Processing unit information table 3104 Reception control information table 3105 Transmission file 3106 Image file 3201 Transmission file name 320 Transmission data file name 3203 File size 3204 Box storage date and time 3205 Transmission completion date and time 3301 Transmission data tag name 3302 Processing unit activation method 3303 Delivery data information 3701 Center server A 3702 Center server B 3703 Client computer 3711, 3712, 371N Image of center server A Servers 3721, 3722, 372N Print server of center server A 3731, 3732, 373N Image server of center server B 3741, 3742, 374N Print server of center server B 3751, 3752, 3753 Network

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Shinji Fujikawa 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Masaki Shimono 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 5B021 AA01 EE04

Claims (33)

[Claims] 1. An image position management device capable of communicating with a plurality of image storage devices via a network, comprising: management means for managing specific information indicating the image storage device in which image data is stored; And specifying means for specifying an image storage device in which the image data is stored based on the specifying information stored in the management means when a request for image data is received. Image position management device. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the management unit manages identification information for uniquely identifying each image data corresponding to a plurality of resolutions of a certain image. Image position management device. 3. The management means manages, as specific information, device identification information of an external image storage device storing the image data and identification position information indicating a storage location in the image position management device. 3. The image position management device according to claim 1, wherein 4. The image position management according to claim 1, further comprising an update unit that updates the specific information based on position update information of image data transmitted from an external image storage device. apparatus. 5. The position update information includes registration information indicating that new image data has been registered, or change information indicating that the storage location of already stored image data has been changed. The image position management device according to claim 4, wherein 6. When moving or copying image data from an external image storage device to another storage device, the image data is received from the source or copy source image storage device, and the destination or copy destination image storage is stored. 6. The image position management device according to claim 1, further comprising a transfer control unit for transferring the image to a device. 7. An image storage device specified by the specifying device, further comprising a request unit for transmitting a request for transmitting image data to an external device, and when it is necessary to obtain the image data from an external image storage device. 7. The image position management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a transmission request is transmitted by the request unit. 8. An image processing apparatus further comprising: acquiring means for acquiring image data from an external device in response to a transmission request for image data transmitted by the requesting means, wherein the acquiring means is managed by storage means of the external device. 8. The image position management device according to claim 7, wherein the image data storage position of the image data specified by the external device is obtained based on the specified information. 9. A printing apparatus further comprising a registration unit that receives a print image from a client computer and registers the print image in a storage unit, wherein the management unit manages specific information related to the registered print image. The image position management device according to claim 1, wherein: 10. An image generating means for generating an editing image from the registered printing image, and storing the editing image in the storage means, wherein the generated editing image is The image position management device according to claim 9, wherein the image is transmitted to an external device that has made a transmission request. 11. The image position management apparatus is applied to a system for acquiring image data necessary for a print request from a plurality of image storage apparatuses based on a print request transmitted from a document processing apparatus. The image position management device according to claim 1, wherein: 12. An image position management method in an image position management device capable of communicating with a plurality of image storage devices via a network, wherein specific information indicating the image storage device in which image data is stored is stored in storage means. A management step of managing, and a specifying step of specifying an image storage device in which the image data is stored based on the specifying information stored in the storage unit when a request for image data is received from an external device. And an image position management method. 13. The management step includes causing the storage unit to manage specific information of an image with respect to identification information for uniquely identifying each image data corresponding to a plurality of resolutions of a certain image. The image position management method according to claim 12. 14. The management step includes, as specific information, device identification information of an external image storage device storing the image data, and identification position information indicating a storage location in the image position management device. 14. The image position management method according to claim 12, wherein the image data is managed by a storage unit. 15. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of updating the specific information based on the position update information of the image data transmitted from the external image storage device.
15. The image position management method according to 2 to 14. 16. The position update information includes registration information indicating that new image data has been registered, or change information indicating that the storage location of already stored image data has been changed. The image position management method according to claim 15, wherein 17. When moving or copying image data from an external image storage device to another storage device, the image data is received from the source or copy source image storage device and the destination or copy destination image storage is performed. 17. The image position management method according to claim 12, further comprising a transfer control step of transferring the image to an apparatus. 18. The method according to claim 18, further comprising a requesting step of transmitting a transmission request of the image data to an external device, wherein when the image data needs to be acquired from an external image storage device, the image storage device specified in the specifying step is 18. The image position management method according to claim 12, wherein a transmission request is transmitted in the requesting step. 19. The method according to claim 19, further comprising: acquiring an image data from an external device in response to the transmission request of the image data transmitted in the requesting step. 19. The image position management method according to claim 18, wherein the storage device stores the image data whose storage position is specified by the external device based on the information. 20. A printing method, comprising: receiving a print image from a client computer; and registering the print image in a storage unit. The management step includes managing specific information related to the registered print image. The image position management method according to claim 12, wherein: 21. An image generating step of generating an editing image from the registered printing image, and causing the storage unit to store the editing image, and transmitting the generated editing image to image data. 3. The transmission to an external device which has made a request.
0. The image position management method described in item 0. 22. The image position management method is applied to a system that acquires image data necessary for a print request from a plurality of image storage devices based on a print request transmitted from a document processing device. Claims 12 to 21
Image position management method described. 23. A storage medium storing an image position management program in an image position management device capable of communicating with a plurality of image storage devices via a network, wherein the image storage device stores image data. A management step of causing the storage unit to manage the specific information; and an image storage device storing the image data based on the specific information stored in the storage unit when an image data is requested from an external device. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program, comprising: 24. The management step, wherein the storage unit manages specific information of an image with respect to identification information for uniquely identifying each image data corresponding to a plurality of resolutions of an image. The storage medium according to claim 13. 25. The management step, as the specific information, device identification information of an external image storage device storing the image data, and identification position information indicating a storage location in the image position management device. 25. The storage medium according to claim 23, wherein the storage medium is managed by a storage unit. 26. The method according to claim 2, further comprising the step of updating the specific information based on position update information of image data transmitted from an external image storage device.
26. The storage medium according to any one of items 3 to 25. 27. The position update information includes registration information indicating that new image data has been registered, or change information indicating that the storage location of already stored image data has been changed. The storage medium according to claim 26, wherein 28. When moving or copying image data from an external image storage device to another storage device, the image data is received from the source or copy source image storage device, and the destination or copy destination image storage is stored. 28. The storage medium according to claim 23, further comprising a transfer control step of transferring data to an apparatus. 29. The image processing apparatus further includes a requesting step of transmitting a transmission request for image data to an external device. If image data needs to be obtained from an external image storage device, 29. The storage medium according to claim 23, wherein a transmission request is transmitted in said requesting step. 30. An image processing apparatus according to claim 30, further comprising: obtaining an image data from an external device in response to the image data transmission request transmitted in said requesting step, wherein said obtaining step includes specifying the image data managed by a storage unit of said external device. 30. The storage medium according to claim 29, wherein the storage device causes the external device to acquire the image data whose storage position is specified by the information. 31. A registration step of receiving a print image from a client computer and registering the print image in a storage unit, wherein the management step manages specific information related to the registered print image. 24. The storage medium according to claim 23, wherein: 32. An image generating step of generating an editing image from the registered printing image and storing the editing image in the storage unit, and transmitting the generated editing image to image data. 4. The transmission to the external device which made the request.
The storage medium according to claim 1. 33. The image position management program is applied to a system for acquiring image data necessary for a print request from a plurality of image storage devices based on a print request transmitted from a document processing device. 33. The storage medium according to claim 23, wherein: