JP2002055801A - Information processor, method for displaying printing preview and storage medium storing computer readable program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a function for displaying a printing preview considering the hardware restriction of a printer on an information processor being a client before making a printing request via the Internet. SOLUTION: The information processor performing a printing request in a specific printer to an external server acquires device information on the printer, generates an image indicating the printing preview of a document to be printed on the basis of the device information and the document and displays the printing preview image on a window of a browser by using plug-in started from an application.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a print preview display method, and a storage medium storing a computer-readable program.
In particular, the present invention relates to a processing method for realizing a print preview display process of a document created by an information processing device in consideration of hardware restrictions in a specific printing device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when printing a document created using a document editing application of an information processing apparatus as a client computer, it is possible to transmit print data after a user checks a preview. System exists.

However, the print preview function provided by a conventional document editing application or the like only takes into account the page settings (margins and the like) specified by the document editing application. The user cannot confirm the print result to be previewed.

In recent years, a print request has been made via the Internet, a print output has been obtained at a print shop such as an external photo shop or a convenience store, and the customer has received cash-on-delivery at a store or has used a mailing service for printed matter by bank transfer. There is a print service for a user to obtain a printed matter.

[0005]

In a system for providing a print service in recent years as described above, it takes more days to receive the service than in a case where print output is performed in an office or a general home, and a satisfactory result is obtained. The user may be dissatisfied, such as not being able to immediately start over even when the user cannot obtain the. Therefore, there is a demand for a system capable of confirming a print result actually printed by a printing apparatus as a preview before making a print request.

However, when printing with a network printer connected to a LAN, the printer driver is installed in the client. Therefore, the document editing application obtains a printable area from the printer driver via the API, and thus performs a print preview. Although it is expected that the print request can be reflected in the print shop, if a print request is made via the Internet, a printer driver of the print shop is sent to a client that makes a print request by a printer corresponding to a printing device existing in the print shop. Since there is no driver, there is a problem that it cannot be reflected on the print preview.

Before a print request is made, a print image is generated in a center server having a WWW server function for receiving a print request via the Internet or in a print shop which performs print output, and returned to a client via the Internet. A print preview may be displayed on the display unit of the client. However, even if such processing is performed, the print preview obtained is limited to the content of the image data generated by the center server or the print shop, and sets the hardware restrictions of the printing apparatus, such as the printable area and the binding margin. There is no one that considers the deviation in the case of doing.

As described above, since the margin set by the application is taken into consideration in the print preview, a part of the document is missing from the actual print output even though the print preview is displayed so that it can be printed properly. There is a problem that it is printed.

[0009] In addition, since the print preview is received in a bit image data or a compressed format of the image, the time for connecting to the Internet becomes longer. There is a problem of getting stuck.

When a print preview is performed using a unique user interface (UI) of a document editing application, a print request is issued via the Internet.
This is different from a window of network browsing software such as an web browser, so that a print request cannot be made from a UI that is viewing a print preview, and it is expected that the usability of the user will deteriorate.

An object of the present invention is to provide a function of displaying a print preview in consideration of hardware limitations of a printing apparatus on an information processing apparatus as a client before making a print request via the Internet.

Another object of the present invention is to reduce the Internet access time for displaying a print preview on an information processing apparatus and reduce communication costs.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism for displaying a print preview in a window of network browsing software such as a Web browser, and making a print request for a print output in a print shop via the Internet while viewing the print preview.

[0014]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an information processing apparatus according to the present invention is an information processing apparatus for requesting an external server to perform a print request in a specific printing apparatus. Acquiring means for acquiring device information relating to the printing apparatus from the external server, device information acquired by the acquiring means in response to a start instruction input by an application, and printing information created by the application. An image generation unit that generates an image showing a print preview of the document based on the document to be output, and an image generated by the image generation unit using a plug-in activated in response to the start instruction. Display control means for displaying on a browser window communicating with the external server.

Further, the display control means uses the plug-in to arrange an image showing a print preview as defined by template data acquired from the external server in a process different from the device information. Is displayed on the browser window.

When a print instruction is input through a user interface displayed on the browser, a print request including print data is generated based on the document, and the print request is printed on the external server via the browser. It further has a print request means for making a request.

Further, the device information includes a paper size, a printing margin, and billing information supported by the printing apparatus.

Also, the external server is connected via the Internet.

The external server can communicate with the external server when acquiring device information and when requesting printing, and is not connected to the Internet when displaying a print preview.

The printing device is installed in a print shop, the external server is connected to the plurality of print shops via the Internet, and the print request is sent to the external server by the plurality of print shops. It is sent to a specific print shop selected from the print shop.

The present invention is also realized by the same steps in a storage medium storing a method and a program.

[0022]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment <System Configuration> FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a print control system according to the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a client computer which is an embodiment of the information processing apparatus of the present invention. The client computer 101 (sometimes called a client or an information processing device) can connect to the Internet using a browser,
Can be used.

Information processing apparatus 101 as client
Has the following functions. The means for realizing each function is realized by the control means (CPU) performing control processing based on various program modules included in the print processing program of the present invention.

Reference numeral 102 denotes the client computer 10
1 is a network browsing device (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a browser 102) that functions as a browser that operates on the network browsing device 1. The network browsing device 102 is a WWW (World Wide Web) server 109 on the print controller 105 via the Internet and a network.
HTML (HyperTextMarku) obtained from
p Language (HTM)
L file) or client computer 101
It has a function of interpreting an HTML file stored in a (HDD 1009 described later) and displaying it on the client computer 101 (CRT 1006 described later). In addition,
The network browsing device 102 may be a general browser, and may be an Internet Explorer of Microsoft Corporation of the United States or a Netscape Navigator of Netscape Corporation of the United States.

HTML acquired from WWW server 109
The file is a file stored on the print controller 102 in which the WWW server 109 exists, or a file stored in the print controller 102 via the WWW server.
(Common Gateway I)
interface) file may be a file dynamically generated by a program. Further, by setting a function expansion device described below, functions can be added or expanded.

Reference numeral 103 denotes a function expansion device (plug-in module) for expanding the functions of the network browsing device 102. When interpreting an HTML file by the network browsing device 102, a description for specifying execution of the function expansion device 103 is provided. In this case, the function expansion device 103 corresponding to the description content is executed by the network browsing device 102. A plurality of function expansion devices are set depending on the function to be executed. In the present embodiment, each function expansion device is distinguished by giving a name indicating the purpose, for example, a function expansion device for download (download plug-in module). To execute the function expansion device 103, an HTML file for executing the function expansion device 103 is generated and the network browsing device 10 is executed.
2 is performed.

Reference numeral 104 denotes the client computer 101
A document editing apparatus (document editing application program) that operates on a computer and has a function of creating and editing a document by combining character data, graphic data, image data, and the like, and a function of saving a file in the HDD 1009 of the client computer 101. Further, the document editing application of the present invention can make a print request via the Internet using a browser, and transmits a print request to a print controller 105 based on the document when making a print request for a created document. It has a function to generate a file called a print order to be performed.

Reference numeral 105 denotes a print controller, which is the center of the print service and is a center server which receives print requests from a plurality of clients via the Internet. The print controller 105 receives a print order from the browser 102 of the client computer 101 via the Internet, selects a print server that executes print output processing of a printed matter based on the print order, and sends the print order to the selected print server. To transfer. Print controller 105
Is communicated with the client computer 101 via the Internet, has a role of allocating a print order to each print server, and plays a central role of the present system. Hereinafter, the print controller may be referred to as a center server.

Print servers 106, 107, and 108 execute print processing of a print order received from the print controller 105. In addition, since the print server may include a plurality of printing devices, the print order is converted into print data so that printing can be performed by the printing device specified by the print order, and the printing device causes the printing device to print out. . The print controller 105 is, specifically,
It is a printing shop that includes photo shops and convenience stores. here,
Each print server can provide a unique service. The service is, for example, a type of printing mode such as a paper size, multiple imposition printing, and margin setting.

In order to determine these during the creation of the print order, the services provided by the respective print servers are changed during the creation of the print order by the client computer 10.
You need to know 1

The client computer 101, the print controller 105, and the print servers 106, 10
7, 108 are interconnected by the Internet.
As a method for connecting to the Internet, a dial-up connection or a constant connection using a dedicated line can be used.

A WWW 109 has a plurality of CGI programs running on the print controller 105.
The server is a server that transfers a desired HTML file to the network browsing device 102 in response to an HTML file acquisition request from the network browsing device 102 on the client computer 101. When a CGI program activation request is received from the network browsing device 102, the CGI program is activated and an HTML file obtained as a result of executing the CGI program is transferred to the network browsing device 102.

In this system, when a user starts a print request from the document editing application 101 in the client computer 101, the browser 102 of the client computer 101 sends the print request to the WWW server 10 of the print controller 105 via the Internet.
9 which is a GUI for determining a service (print mode and print server for executing printing)
A request for a TML page is made, an HTML page is acquired, and displayed on the browsing device 102. When a service is determined by the client computer 101, a function expansion device (plug-in module) 103 for displaying a print image is started, and a document editing device 104 creates an image image in a print form by the inter-application communication function of the OS. Then, the plug-in 103 is controlled to display an image in a print form on the browsing device 102.

When the user confirms a print preview image, which is a form of a print result, by image display,
The print order, which is information necessary for printing, is executed again by the plug-in 103 and the document editing device 104, and the created print order is transmitted to the print controller 105 via the Internet by the plug-in 103. Then, the print controller 105 distributes the print order to the print server (print shop) selected in the print order, and prints out the print server (print shop) in the format specified by the print order.

<Block Diagram of Client Computer> FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of the client computer.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 1001 denotes a CPU for controlling the entire apparatus. Reference numeral 1002 denotes a RAM.
1 as a main memory and as a work area and a temporary save area for an execution program.

A ROM 1003 stores the operation processing procedure of the CPU 1001. The ROM 1003 stores a system program for controlling device control of the print server, a program ROM for recording a print processing program of the present invention represented by a processing flow described later, and data for storing information necessary for operating the system. There is ROM.

A communication unit (Net-I / F) 1004 controls data transfer with the print controller 105. Communication with the print controller 105 may be dial-up Internet connection using a public line, or may be LAN-connected to a proxy server using a dedicated line.

Reference numeral 1005 denotes a video RAM (VRAM).
An image displayed on the screen of the CRT 1006 indicating the operating state of the system is developed, and the display is controlled. 1007
Is a keyboard controller for controlling input signals from an external input device such as a keyboard. Reference numeral 1008 denotes an external input device for receiving an operation, which generally indicates a keyboard or a pointing device (such as a mouse).

Reference numeral 1009 denotes a hard disk drive (HD)
D) for storing a document file created using the network browsing device 102 (browser), function expansion device 103 (plug-in), document editing device 104 (document editing application), and document editing device 104. Used. Further, as described later, shop information of an output shop (print shop) acquired from the center server is also stored here.

Reference numeral 1010 denotes a removable disk drive (FDD) such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk, which is used for reading an application program described later from a medium. The print processing program of the present invention and print processing program related data which is information necessary for providing a user interface described later are
D and the like, read into the information processing apparatus via the FDD 1010, installed in an external storage device such as the HDD 1009, and if necessary, the RAM 1002.
And may be processed by the CPU 1001.

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

<Block Diagram of Print Controller> FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of the print controller.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 2001 denotes a CPU for controlling the entire apparatus. Reference numeral 2002 denotes a RAM;
1 as a main memory and as a work area and a temporary save area for an execution 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 a system program for controlling the device of the print controller and a program represented by the processing flow in FIG. 18 are recorded, and a data ROM in which information necessary for operating the system is stored.

Reference numeral 2004 denotes a communication unit which performs data transfer control with a print server, which will be described later, and data control and diagnosis for performing data transfer with a network system (such as the Internet) for connecting the client computer 101 to the present system. Do. As a result, the editing information is received from the client computer 101 and transferred to the print server.

2005 is a video RAM (VRAM).
The image displayed on the screen of the CRT 2006 indicating the operating state of the system is developed, and the display is controlled. 2007
Is a keyboard controller for controlling input signals from an external input device such as a keyboard. Reference numeral 2008 denotes an external input device for receiving an operation, which generally indicates a keyboard or a pointing device (such as a mouse).

2009 is a hard disk drive (HD)
D) is used for storing data of WWW server programs and print server information.

Reference numeral 2010 denotes a removable disk drive (FDD) such as a floppy disk, which is used for reading an application program described later from a medium.

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

The print controller 105 as a center server accepts a print order from a client, selects a print server (print shop) to print out based on the print order, and distributes the print order to the selected print server. A program for realizing the processing is stored in a storage device such as the HDD 2009.

The print controller 105 serving as a center server includes a client computer 101.
In response to a request from the network browsing device 102 above,
Network browser 102
And a WWW server 10 that transfers an HTML file dynamically generated by the CGI program stored in the HDD 2009 to the network browsing device 102 in response to a request from the network browsing device 102.
9 is running.

The WWW server 109 is activated by activating the WWW server program stored on the HDD 2009. The client computer 101 is connected to the operating WWW server 109 via a network.
When a request to execute a CGI program is received from the network browsing device 102 above, the WWW server 109 executes the corresponding CGI program, and obtains H as an execution result.
The TML file is transferred to the network browsing device on the client computer 101 via the network.

<Block Diagram of Print Server> FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of the print server.

In FIG. 4, reference numeral 3001 denotes a CPU for controlling the entire apparatus. Control is performed to generate an output image from the editing information received from the communication unit 3004.

Reference numeral 3002 denotes a RAM, and the CPU 3001
Function as a work memory and a temporary save area for the execution program.

Reference numeral 3003 denotes a ROM that stores the operation processing procedure of the CPU 3001. The ROM 3003 stores a system ROM that controls the device control of the print server and a program ROM that stores an image editing program for performing image editing of a print image in accordance with a print order, and information necessary for operating the system. Data ROM.

Reference numeral 3004 denotes a communication unit which controls data transfer with the print controller.

Reference numeral 3005 denotes a video RAM (VRAM).
An image displayed on the screen of the CRT 3006 indicating the operating state of the system is developed, and the display is controlled.

Reference numeral 3007 denotes a keyboard controller for controlling an input signal from an external input device such as a keyboard. Reference numeral 3008 denotes an external input device for accepting an operation, which generally indicates a keyboard or a pointing device (such as a mouse). Reference numeral 3009 denotes a hard disk drive (HDD), which is used to store a program for processing a print request from the print controller 105. Reference numeral 3010 denotes a removable disk drive (FDD) such as a floppy disk, which is used for reading an application program described later from a medium.

Reference numeral 3011 denotes a printer control unit which controls the printer 3012 and the output image. 301
Reference numeral 2 denotes a printer for performing print output by a print server, and a single print server can connect a plurality of printers. Reference numeral 3000 denotes an I / O bus (address bus, data bus, and control bus) for connecting the above-described units.

The print server may have a plurality of printing devices (PRTs) 3012 as described above. In that case, the PRTC 3011 generates print data and outputs the print data so as to be suitable for the printing device 3012 as the output destination.

<Description of Operation> The overall operation of the present system will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are flowcharts for explaining the control of processing from the start of network printing to the transfer of print data in the client computer 101. Hereinafter, control of the client computer 101 will be described based on the flowchart.

<Creation of Document to be Printed> User (user)
Creates a print document that is a print target document to be printed by the print servers 106 to 108 by the document creation / editing function of the document editing application 104 on the client computer 101. In the present embodiment, the document editing device 104 is, for example, application software for desktop publishing.

The document editing apparatus 104 can create a multi-page document, and generates a print order based on the created print document when a print request is made.

<Start of Network Print Request> STEP
In 901, the user edits the document editing application 104
When the user selects a menu or button of "Start network print request" or a network print request start command by operating a pointing device such as a mouse or a keyboard 1008, the document editing application uses the OS program startup function to activate the browser. (Network browsing device) 102 is started, and the URL (Uniform Resource) of the network browsing device 102 is
ce Locators: Refer to RFC 1738) The URL of the print server selection page on the WWW server 109 is specified by the specifying function. Then, the client computer 101 sends the print controller 105 from the network browsing device 102 via the communication unit 1004.
An acquisition request for an HTML file is transmitted to the above WWW server 109. H included in the HTML file acquisition request
When the HTML file corresponding to the URL of the TML file is transmitted from the WWW server, the processing moves to STEP902.

In STEP 902, the network browsing apparatus 102 interprets the HTML file acquired from the WWW server 109 on the print controller 105 and displays a print server selection page shown in FIG.

<Selection of Print Server> FIG. 5 shows a print server selection page.

In FIG. 5, reference numeral 501 denotes a print server name display / selection area, 502 denotes an interrupt button, and 503 denotes an execution button. User can print server name display / selection area 50
Check box 504 for an arbitrary print server name in 1
By checking, an arbitrary print server name can be selected as an output destination.

Further, the suspend button 502 and the execute button 5
Numeral 03 indicates the content of the next process that occurs when the button is pressed as a character string. For example, in FIG. 5, the character strings of “cancel the process” and “to select the print mode” are displayed, respectively.

In STEP 903, the network browsing apparatus 102 determines whether the user has pressed the suspend button 502 shown in FIG. External input device 1 by user
If the suspend button 502 is pressed via 008,
Cancels all procedures of the printing process of the system.

In STEP 904, the network browsing device 102 determines whether the execution button 503 has been pressed. If the user presses the execute button 503 via the external input device 1008, the process proceeds to STEP905.

The processing in STEPs 904 and 905 does not need to be determined by the network browsing device 102. In this case, the user presses a button on the displayed HTML document to determine which control (argument is passed and new Opening a new page, etc.).

In STEP 905, the WWW on the print controller 105 is
CG for print server information download to server 109
An I program execution request is transmitted. The print server information requested here is the check box 50 in FIG.
Reference numeral 4 denotes print server information of the checked print server.

When the CGI program specified in the CGI program execution request is started by the WWW server 109 on the print controller 105 and the requesting network browsing device 102 receives the HTML file output as the execution result, the processing proceeds to STEP 906. Processing shifts. The print server information download CGI program includes a print server information download function extension device (plug-in) for downloading a print server information file (hereinafter also referred to as device information) corresponding to the print server name passed as an argument. Generate an HTML file for execution. At this time, a URL list of the print server information file of the print server to be downloaded on the print controller 105 is passed as the data of the print server information download function expansion device (plug-in).

In STEP 906, the HTML file transferred from the WWW server 109 on the print controller 105 to the network browsing device 102 is read into the network browsing device 102 as an execution result of the print server information downloading CGI program, and the print server information downloading function extension is performed. Run the device. FIG. 11 shows an example of the contents of the print server information file. The print server information download function extension apparatus downloads the print server information at the URL passed as data from the center server, saves the print server information in the HDD 1009 of the client computer 101 as a file having the print server name as a file name, and further prints the print form. A request to acquire the HTML file of the selected page is transmitted to the WWW server 109, and the process proceeds to STEP907.

In the first embodiment, the device information (print server information file) downloaded and obtained from the print controller, which is the external server (center server), is stored in the local storage device, as will be described later. This is used to generate a print preview image, thereby shortening the Internet connection time.

FIG. 11 is a description example of a print server information file. In FIG. 11, on the first line, the number of types of printing modes supported by the print server is specified, and on the second and subsequent lines, the name of the printing method (paper size and direction) in each printing mode, A print margin value (in millimeters) and a unit price per sheet in a print order are described.

FIG. 11 shows the paper size, print margin, and price (unit price) as the print server information file. In addition to this information, “output form = postcard,
Information such as “plain paper, glossy paper, T-shirts, mugs”, “payment method = electronic payment, store payment”, “receipt method = delivery, store delivery”, and the like may be provided.

As described above, the print server may be a print shop having a plurality of printing apparatuses. Therefore, the print server information file includes
Information supported by a plurality of printers is described.

In STEP 907, the network browsing device 102 interprets the HTML file acquired from the WWW server 109 on the print controller 105 and displays the print mode selection page shown in FIG.

<Selection of Print Type> FIG. 6 shows a print type selection page.

In FIG. 6, 601 is a print mode name display / selection area, 602 is a suspend button, and 603 is an execution button.
The user can select an arbitrary print mode by checking the check box 604 of an arbitrary print mode name in the print mode name display / selection area 601.

Reference numeral 605 denotes an input area for designating the number of print copies, which allows the user to designate the number of print copies when executing printing. In the drawing, 1 is designated as the number of copies.

The next processing content that occurs when the button is pressed is described as a character string in the interrupt button 602 and the execution button 603. For example, in FIG. 6, the character strings of "stop processing" and "to preview confirmation" are displayed, respectively. I have.

At STEP 908, the network browsing device 102 determines whether the suspend button 602 has been pressed. If the user presses the suspend button 602 via the external input device 1008, all procedures of the printing process of the system are stopped.

At STEP 909, the network browsing device 102 determines whether the execution button 603 has been pressed. When the user presses the execute button 603 via the external input device 1008, the user proceeds to step 91 in FIG.
Go to 0.

The processing of STEPs 908 and 909 also includes the case where the control is described in the HTML document as described above.

<Preparation of Preview Data> STEP91
0, the WWW server 109 on the print controller 105 transmits an HTML file constituting a preview confirmation page to the client computer 101,
It is passed to the network browsing device 102.

The HTML file for the preview confirmation page includes an execution tag for reading the preview start function expansion device (plug-in). The preview start function expanding device is a part of the function expanding device 103 of the network browsing device 102 having a function of requesting the document editing device 104 to generate preview data and a function of displaying the preview data on the network browsing device. is there.

The execution tag for reading the preview start function expansion device includes, as arguments, the print server name selected on the print server selection page, the print mode name selected on the print mode selection page, and the page number to be previewed. , The preview display size is included. In addition,
For the page number and the display size, default values described later are applied in the first preview display.

At STEP 911, the preview confirmation page HTML file is read into the network browsing device 102, and the preview function extension device is executed in accordance with the description of the tag in the HTML file. The preview function expansion apparatus reads the information on the print form passed as an argument from the print server information file saved in STEP 906, and passes it to the document editing application 104 together with the other received argument information to preview the edited document being displayed. Creation of image data for display is requested via the inter-application communication function of the OS.

In STEP 912, the document editing application 104 creates bitmap data of a preview display image of the document data being edited / displayed in accordance with the print form information passed from the preview function expansion device (plug-in module). I do. The document editing application 104 calculates the print margin based on the paper size of the print document being edited / displayed and the printable area (print margin) in the print server (printing apparatus) to be printed, and calculates the margin. A preview image is generated by clipping in white.
The preview image generated here is a bitmap image, and the document editing application 104 passes the file path of the bitmap image (the address in the client where the bitmap image exists) to the plug-in module 103. Plug-in module 10
Reference numeral 3 is a function extension that can handle a bitmap image, and inserts a print preview into a portion specified by a tag of an HTML template to display a browser 1.
The print preview is displayed in a window of the browser 102 by passing the print preview to the user, and the user can check the print preview in consideration of a print margin in a printing apparatus of a print shop to be printed out.

FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram of the image data created at this time.

In FIG. 12, 1200 is a paper area,
A printable area 1201 excluding a print margin 1202
Indicates an upper margin by printing, 1203 indicates a lower margin, 1204 indicates a left margin, and 1205 indicates a right margin. As shown in FIG. 12, each print margin area is clipped white, and it can be expressed that the margin part is not drawn by printing.

As described above, when the creation of the preview data is completed, the document editing application 104 notifies the function expansion device of the file path of the image file, and proceeds to STEP 913.

In STEP 913, the network browsing device 102 interprets the HTML file acquired from the WWW server 109 on the print controller 105, and displays the preview confirmation page shown in FIGS. It is displayed on the CRT 1006.

<Confirmation of Preview> FIGS. 7 and 8 show preview confirmation pages.

701 in FIG. 7 and 801 in FIG. 8 are preview display areas, 702 and 802 are interrupt buttons, 703
And 803 are redisplay buttons, and 704 and 804 are execute buttons.

Reference numerals 705 and 805 denote areas for inputting the page number of the destination when the page to be previewed is changed. In the figure, the first page is designated. Check boxes 706 and 806 are used to specify the changed display size when changing the preview display size.
In the figure, one of “large”, “medium” and “small” can be selected. In FIG. 7, the display size “small” is selected, and in FIG. 8, the display size “medium” is selected, and a preview image corresponding to that size is displayed in the display areas 701 and 801.

The user can select preview areas 701 and 80
The user can confirm the print result of the print mode in the selected print server in step 1. The display processing of the preview area is performed by the function expansion device 103.

The interrupt buttons 702 and 802, the re-display buttons 703 and 803, and the execute buttons 704 and 804 are described as character strings of the next processing contents that occur when the buttons are pressed. For example, in FIG. 7 and FIG. "
Character strings such as “preview reconfirmation” and “execution of print processing” are displayed.

As described above, on the user interface of the browser on which the print preview is displayed, it is possible to give an instruction for reconfirming the preview and for continuing the print processing (generation of a print order and a print request).

In STEP 914, the network browsing device 102 determines whether the suspend button 702 or 802 has been pressed. When the user presses the suspend button 702 or 802 via the external input device 1008, all procedures of the printing process of the system are stopped.

In STEP 915, the network browsing device 102 determines whether the redisplay button 703 or 803 has been pressed. When the user presses the execute button 703 or 803 via the external input device 1008,
The process returns to STEP 910 to create a preview image of the page number specified in each page number input area 705 or 805 with the display size specified by the display size specification check box 706 or 806.

In STEP 910, since the page number and the display size are not specified when the first preview display is performed, the first page is applied to the page number and the small value is applied to the display size as default values. .

In STEP 916, network browsing apparatus 102 determines whether execute button 704 or 804 has been pressed. If the user presses the execute button 704 or 804 via the external input device 1008,
Proceed to TEP917.

<Creation of Print Data> In STEP 917, the print data HT is sent from the WWW server 109 on the print controller 105 in response to a request from the browser.
The ML file is transmitted to the client computer 101 and passed to the network browsing device 102. The print data HTML file includes an execution tag for reading the print data function expansion device (plug-in). The print data function expansion device is a part of the function expansion device 103 of the network browsing device 102 having a function of requesting the document editing device 104 to generate print data and a function of uploading the generated print data to the print controller 105. It is.

The execution tag for reading the print data function expansion device includes, as arguments, the print server name selected on the print server selection page, the print mode name selected on the print mode selection page, and the number of copies. ing.

In STEP 918, the print data HTM
Read the L file into the network browsing device 102,
The print data function expansion device is executed according to the description of the tag in the HTML file. The print data function expansion apparatus reads the information on the print form passed as an argument from the print server information file saved in STEP 906,
The document is passed to the document editing apparatus 104, and a request is made via the inter-application communication function of the OS to create print data for the edited document being displayed.

In STEP 919, the document editing device 104
Creates print data of the document data being edited / displayed according to the print form information passed from the print data function expansion device. The print data created here is data in a format that can be output by the selected print server, such as output data in a script format. After completing the creation of the print data, the document editing device 104 notifies the print data extension device of the path of the print data file using the inter-application communication function of the OS running on the client computer 101.

In STEP 920, the print data function expansion device (plug-in) 103 creates a print order file corresponding to the print data.

FIG. 13 shows an example of a print order file.

The print order file includes a print data file name, a print server name to be used, a print mode name,
The number of print copies is described. Further, the print data function expansion device (plug-in) 103 makes a dial-up connection from the browser 102 to the center server 105 to establish a session. After that, the print data plug-in 103
Transmits the print data file and the print order file to the print controller 105, and requests execution of the print request CGI on the print controller 105.

The print request CGI is added with the name of the print server that executes the printing process as an argument. By executing the print request CGI on the print controller 105,
For the transmitted print data and print order, a print controller 105 and a print server
The printing process is executed by the processes of 06 to 108. Further, depending on the necessity of the system to be constructed, confirmation of print results and billing information, transmission of output materials, and the like are performed.

<Operation of Print Controller> When the user presses the execution button 704 or 804 of the preview confirmation page via the external input device 1008 and a CGI request on the print controller 105 is executed, the print controller 105 The print shop (print server) corresponding to the print server name passed from the client computer 101 as an argument of is selected from a plurality of print shops. Then, the print order file and the print data file described in the print order file are transferred to the selected print shop, and the print server is requested to execute printing. If the print request from the client computer 101 includes a plurality of print orders, the above process is repeated for each print order file.

HDD 20 of print controller 105
FIG. 1 shows the correspondence between the print server name (print shop name) and the network address of the print server.
4 are stored. The print execution request is made by obtaining the network address of the print server from this table.

FIG. 18 shows a memory map of such a program having functions and associated data files. A print processing program including a program for selecting a print shop and a program for transferring a print order to a print shop as a print request exists as a print processing program execution file 1803. Data including print shop information and an Internet address (may be a mail address) exists as a print processing program-related data file 1804.

<Printing on Print Server> The print servers 104, 105, and 106
When a print request (print order) is received from the print order file 05, the print data is printed according to the paper size and the number of copies described in the transferred print order file.
1 to the PRT 3012 for printing.

<Loading of Program from Medium> FIG.
Is stored in an external storage medium (removable disk such as a floppy disk or CD-R) of the print processing program of the present invention including each program of the document editing device, the network browsing device, and the function expansion device in the client computer of the present embodiment. 3 is an example of a memory map.

In FIG. 15, reference numeral 1501 denotes an area storing directory information, which indicates a storage location 1502 of a program of each module of the document editing apparatus 104 and the network browsing apparatus 102. Further, the area 1502
In the storage location of the network browsing device 102, the function extension device 103 used by the network browsing device 102
(Plug-in module) program storage location 15
03 is shown. The program of the document processing apparatus 104 is installed by reading the program of the memory map from the area 1502 in the FDD 1010, and is loaded into the RAM 1002. Similarly, the program of the network browsing device 102 is FDD.
At 1010, the program of this memory map is stored in area 1
It is installed by being read from 502 and loaded into the RAM 1002. At this time, area 15
03 to the RAM 10
02 is used in conjunction with the network browsing device 102.

Here, the document editing (application) program 1502 and the network browsing device function extension (plug-in) program 1503 can be simultaneously executed on the information processing apparatus 101 as a client by one installer (installation program: not shown). May be installed.

Further, the programs for controlling the CPU 1001 in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 9, 10, 16 (described later) and 17 (described later) of the present embodiment are also stored in the storage medium.

Here, the features of the present invention will be described.

According to the present invention, a print preview is displayed on a display unit of a client before a print request for a specific printing device (a specific printer included in the print server) is made to the print controller 105 of the present embodiment, which is an external server. In order to display the print server, the print preview display program sends a print server information file (FIG. 11) which is device information relating to the printing apparatus from the external server.
Acquisition module (included in the plug-in 103 activated based on a request from the application 104), which is obtained through the browser (the network browsing device 102), and a start instruction input by the application module 101 (the instruction in STEP 901). ), Based on the obtained device information and a document to be printed created by the application,
An image generation module that generates an image indicating a print preview of the document (generates an image by a function of the application 101 and generates a print preview based on device information acquired by a plug-in), and responds to the start instruction. A plug-in module 103 which is activated and functions to obtain the generated image by referring to a path specified by the application 104 and display the image on a browser window communicating with the external server.
And characterized in that:

By preparing each module in this way, the client can check the print preview on a specific printing apparatus before making a print request to an external server, and the client does not needlessly print out. can get.

Also, the plug-in module 103
Is a process (ST) different from the device information (FIG. 11).
As described in the template data obtained from the external server in EP 910), an image showing a print preview is arranged and displayed on the browser window.

When a print instruction (704 in FIG. 7) is input via a user interface (UI in FIG. 7) displayed on the browser 102, a print request including print data is issued based on the document. It further includes a print request module that generates and causes the external server to make a print request via the browser.

Further, the device information includes a paper size, a print margin, and billing information supported by the printing apparatus.

Further, the acquisition module causes the external server to communicate via the Internet via the browser, thereby acquiring the device information.

The print preview display program communicates with the external server via the browser at the time of device information acquisition and print request, and does not communicate via the Internet when the print preview is displayed.

The printing apparatus is installed in a print shop, the external server is connected to a plurality of the print shops via the Internet, and the print request is sent to the plurality of print shops in the external server. It is sent to a specific print shop selected from the print shop.

Further, the acquisition module, the image generation module, and the plug-in module are simultaneously installed in the computer by an installer of the print preview display program.

(Second Embodiment) A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In the first embodiment, the device information concerning the hardware restriction of the printing apparatus is downloaded in advance to the instruction of the print preview, stored in the local storage device, and the print preview process is performed using the information. In the second embodiment, a case will be described in which the device information is downloaded and a print preview process is performed in accordance with an instruction from the user for a print preview. The system configuration is the same as in the first embodiment.

FIGS. 16 and 17 are flowcharts for explaining the control of the processing from the start of network printing to the transfer of print data in the client computer 101.

Hereinafter, the control of the client computer 101 will be described based on the flowchart.

<Start of Network Print Request> STEP
In 1601, the user sets the document editing application 10
4 is selected by operating a pointing device such as a mouse or a keyboard 1008 by operating a menu or button of "Start network print request" or a network print request start command. ) 102
Is started, and the URL (Un
ifform Resource Locators: RF
C1738) The WWW server 109 is designated by the designation function.
The URL of the upper print server selection page is designated, and the client computer 101 transmits an HTML file acquisition request from the network browsing device 102 to the WWW server 109 on the print controller 105 via the communication unit 1004. HTML corresponding to the URL of the HTML file included in the HTML file acquisition request
When the file is transmitted from the WWW server, STEP1
The process moves to 602.

At STEP 1602, the network browsing device 102 transmits the WWW on the print controller 105
By interpreting the HTML file acquired from the server 109, the print server selection page shown in FIG.
To be displayed.

In STEP 1603, the network browsing device 102 determines whether the suspend button 502 has been pressed. When the user presses the suspend button 502 via the external input device 1008, all procedures of the print processing of the system are stopped.

At STEP 1604, the network browsing device 102 determines whether the execution button 503 has been pressed. If the user presses the execute button 503 via the external input device 1008, the process proceeds to STEP 1605.

In STEP 1605, the WWW server 109 on the print controller 105 transmits an HTML file constituting the print mode selection page to the client computer 101, and the network browsing apparatus 10
Passed to 2. The network browsing device 102 interprets the acquired HTML file and displays a print mode selection page shown in FIG.

At STEP 1606, the network browsing apparatus 102 determines whether the suspend button 602 has been pressed. If the user presses the suspend button 602 via the external input device 1008, all procedures of the printing process of the system are stopped.

In STEP 1607, the network browsing device 102 determines whether the execution button 603 has been pressed. When the user presses the execute button 603 via the external input device 1008, the user proceeds to STEP 16 of FIG.
Proceed to 08.

<Preparation of Preview Data> STEP16
In step 08, the WWW server 109 on the print controller 105 sends an HTML for forming a preview confirmation page.
The file is transmitted to the client computer 101 and passed to the network browsing device 102.

[0147] The HTML file for the preview confirmation page includes an execution tag for reading the preview start function expansion device (plug-in).

The function expansion device for preview start has the function of requesting the document editing device 104 to generate the preview data and the function expansion device 103 of the network browsing device 102 having the function of displaying the preview data on the network browsing device. Part.

The execution tag for reading the function expansion device for starting a preview includes, as arguments, print form information for creating a preview, a page number to be previewed, and a display size of the preview.

This print mode information is prepared by the center server 105 according to the type of print server selected in FIG. 5 and the type of print mode selected in FIG. Information about the print form information in the print server information file, specifically, the name of the printing method (paper size and direction), the upper and lower left and right print margin values (in millimeters), one sheet in the print order Per unit price.

In addition to the above information, “output form = postcard, plain paper, glossy paper, T-shirt, mug cup”, “payment method = electronic payment, store payment”, “receipt method = delivery,
Information such as "store delivery" may be provided.

Note that default values described later are applied to the page number and display size in the argument of the execution tag in the first preview display.

In STEP 1609, the HTML file for the preview confirmation page is stored in the network browsing device 102.
And executes the preview function expansion device according to the description of the tag in the HTML file. The preview function extension device passes the contents of each argument such as the received print form information to the document editing device 104 and creates image data for preview display of the edited document being displayed by using the OS inter-application communication function. Request through.

In STEP 1610, the document editing device 10
Reference numeral 4 creates bitmap data of a preview display image of the document data being edited / displayed in accordance with the print mode information passed from the preview function expansion device.

FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram of the image data created at this time.

In FIG. 12, 1200 is a paper area,
A printable area 1201 excluding a print margin 1202
Indicates an upper margin by printing, 1203 indicates a lower margin, 1204 indicates a left margin, and 1205 indicates a right margin. As shown in FIG. 12, each print margin area is clipped white, and it can be expressed that the margin part is not drawn by printing.

When the document editing device 104 has completed the creation of the preview data, it notifies the function extension device of the file path of the image file, and proceeds to STEP 1611.

In STEP 1611, the network browsing device 102 transmits the WWW on the print controller 105.
Interpret the HTML file obtained from the server 109,
The preview confirmation page shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is displayed on the CRT 1006 by the display processing of the preview function expansion device.

<Preview Confirmation> FIGS. 7 and 8 show preview confirmation pages.

701 in FIG. 7 and 801 in FIG. 8 are preview display areas, 702 and 802 are interrupt buttons, 703
And 803 are redisplay buttons, and 704 and 804 are execute buttons. Reference numerals 705 and 805 denote areas for inputting the page number of the destination when changing the page to be previewed. In the figure, the first page is designated. Check boxes 706 and 806 are used to specify the changed display size when changing the preview display size.
In the figure, one of “large”, “medium” and “small” can be selected. In FIG. 7, the display size “small” is selected, and in FIG. 8, the display size “medium” is selected, and a preview image corresponding to that size is displayed in the display areas 701 and 801.

The user can select preview areas 701 and 80
The user can confirm the print result of the print mode in the selected print server in step 1. The display processing of the preview area is performed by the function expansion device 103.

The interrupt buttons 702 and 802, the redisplay buttons 703 and 803, and the execute buttons 704 and 804 are described as character strings of the next processing contents that occur when the buttons are pressed. For example, in FIG. 7 and FIG. "
Character strings such as “preview reconfirmation” and “execution of print processing” are displayed.

At STEP 1612, the network browsing device 102 determines whether the suspend button 702 or 802 has been pressed. When the user presses the suspend button 702 or 802 via the external input device 1008,
Cancels all procedures of the printing process of the system.

At STEP 1613, the network browsing device 102 determines whether the redisplay button 703 or 803 has been pressed. When the user presses the execute button 703 or 803 via the external input device 1008, the preview image of the page number designated in the page number input area 705 or 805 is displayed in the display size designation check box 706 or 806. The process returns to STEP 1608 in order to create the display size specified by.

In STEP 1608, if no request for the display page and the size is received, it is assumed that the execution request of the preview start CGI program for displaying the small preview on the first page is transmitted. I do.

At STEP 1614, the network browsing device 102 determines whether the execute button 704 or 804 has been pressed. When the user presses the execute button 704 or 804 via the external input device 1008,
Go to STEP1615.

<Creation of Print Data> STEP1615
Then, the WWW server 1 on the print controller 105
From 09, the print data creation HTML file is transmitted to the client computer 101 and passed to the network browsing device 102.

The print data HTML file contains an execution tag for reading the print data function expansion device (plug-in). The print data function expansion device is a part of the function expansion device 103 of the network browsing device 102 having a function of requesting the document editing device 104 to generate print data and a function of uploading the generated print data to the print controller 105. It is. The execution tag for reading the print data function expansion device includes
The arguments include the print server name selected on the print server selection page, the print mode name selected on the print mode selection page, and print mode information for creating print data.

The print mode information prepared by the center server 105 according to the type of print server selected in FIG. 5 and the type of print mode selected in FIG.
This information is equivalent to that prepared at the time of preview creation in TEP1608.

In STEP 1616, the print data HT
The ML file is read into the network browsing device 102, and the print data function expansion device is executed according to the description of the tag in the HTML file. The print data function expansion device passes the print form information acquired by the argument of the tag to the document editing device 104, and requests creation of print data of the edited document being displayed via the inter-application communication function of the OS.

In STEP 1617, the document editing device 10
Reference numeral 4 creates print data of the document data being edited / displayed according to the print mode information passed from the print data function expansion device. The print data created here is
This is data in a format that can be output by the selected print server, such as output data in a script format.

After completing the creation of the print data, the document editing device 104 uses the inter-application communication function of the OS running on the client computer 101 to transfer the path of the print data file to the print data extension device. Notice.

In STEP 1618, the print data function expansion device (plug-in) 103 creates a print order file corresponding to the print data. The contents of the print order file are the same as those of the embodiment shown in FIG. Further, a print data function expansion device (plug-in) 1
03 makes a dial-up connection from the browser 102 to the center server 105 to establish a session. Thereafter, the print data plug-in 103 transmits the print data file and the print order file to the print controller 105, and requests execution of the print request CGI on the print controller 105. The name of the print server that performs the printing process is added to the print request CGI as an argument. C for print request on print controller 105
By executing the GI, print processing is executed on the transmitted print data and print order by the processing of the print controller 105 and the print servers 106 to 108 described below. Further, depending on the necessity of the system to be constructed, confirmation of print results and billing information, transmission of output materials, and the like are performed.

<Operation of Print Controller> When the user presses the execution button 704 or 804 of the preview confirmation page via the external input device 1008 and the CGI on the print controller 105 is executed, the print controller 105 The print order file and the print data file described in the print order file are transferred to the print server corresponding to the print server name passed from the client computer 101 as an argument, and the print server is requested to execute printing. . If the print request from the client computer 101 includes a plurality of print orders, the above processing is repeated for each print order file.

HDD 20 of print controller 105
09 stores a correspondence table shown in FIG. 14 showing the correspondence between the print server name and the network address of the print server. The print execution request is made by obtaining the network address of the print server from this table. Although simplified, the operation of the print controller is the same as in the first embodiment.

<Printing on Print Server> The print servers 104, 105, and 106
When a print request (print order) is received from the print order file 05, the print data is printed according to the paper size and the number of copies described in the transferred print order file.
1 to the PRT 3012 for printing. As described above, the print processing in the print server is the same as in the first embodiment.

As described above, in the second embodiment, when it is necessary to generate the print preview image, the device information concerning the hardware restriction of the printing apparatus is downloaded as needed.
Since the print preview is generated, the memory efficiency of the client is improved, and the information of the latest printing device in the print shop can always be obtained.

As described above, by using the print control device according to the embodiment of the present invention, in a service that performs interactive processing via a network browsing device, a print result is transmitted before a print request is transmitted to the network. By making the image data in advance and confirming the display, it is possible to request a safe and reliable printing process.

Further, upon displaying the image data,
By using the display function of the function expansion device of the network browsing device, it is possible to display the display data without sending it to the center server every time the display is confirmed, thereby reducing the communication cost and the amount of transfer and improving the efficiency. A print request can be ordered.

[0180]

As described above, according to the present invention, in order to display a print preview on a display unit of a client before making a print request for a specific printing apparatus to an external server, the present invention provides the following: Obtaining device information about the printing apparatus, generating an image showing a print preview of the document based on the device information and the document to be printed in response to a start instruction input by an application, In response to this, the generated image is displayed on a browser window that communicates with the external server, so that the client can confirm a print preview on a specific printing device before making a print request to the external server. This has the effect of eliminating unnecessary print output.

The plug-in module 103
Since an image showing a print preview is arranged and displayed on the browser window as defined by template data acquired from the external server in a process different from the device information, the It becomes easy to display a print preview of the document in a general browser.

When a print instruction is input through a user interface displayed on the browser, a print request including print data is generated based on the document, and the print request is printed on the external server via the browser. Since the request is made, the user can make a print request as necessary after checking the print preview.

Since the device information includes the paper size, print margin, and billing information supported by the printing device, the device information is not limited to the hardware limitations of the printing device, but may be obtained when a printed material is obtained by the printing device. Can be notified to the user.

Further, since the device information is obtained by causing the external server to communicate via the Internet via the browser, a print request for a document created by the local application is made to the external server via the Internet. In the system, it is possible to perform print preview in consideration of hardware restrictions.

Also, when the device information is obtained and the print request is made, the communication with the external server is performed via the browser, and when the print preview is displayed, the communication is not performed via the Internet. Can reduce communication costs.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram of a client computer.

FIG. 3 is a system configuration diagram of a print controller.

FIG. 4 is a system configuration diagram of a print server.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a print server selection page.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a print mode selection page.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a preview confirmation page displayed in a size “small”.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a preview confirmation page displayed with a size of “medium”.

FIG. 9 is the first half of the network print execution processing flow of the client computer according to the first embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 10 is a second half of the network print execution processing flow of the client computer according to the first embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a print server information file.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of image data displayed on a preview confirmation page.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print order file.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a correspondence table between a print server name and a network address.

FIG. 15 is a memory map of a processing program in a client.

FIG. 16 illustrates the first half of the network print execution processing flow of the client computer according to the second embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 17 shows the second half of the network print execution processing flow of the client computer according to the second embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 18 is a memory map of a processing program in a center server (print controller).

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 101 client (information processing device) 102 network browsing device (browser) 103 function extension device (plug-in) 104 document editing device (application) 105 print controller (center server) 106 print server (print shop) 107 print server (print shop) 108 Print server (print shop) 109 WWW server 1000 I / O bus (address bus, data bus and control bus) 1001 CPU 1002 RAM 1003 ROM 1004 Communication unit 1005 Video RAM 1006 CRT 1007 Keyboard controller 1008 External input device 1009 Hard disk drive 1010 Removable disk drive 2000 I / O bus (address bus, data bus and control bus) 001 CPU 2002 RAM 2003 ROM 2004 Communication unit 2005 Video RAM 2006 CRT 2007 Keyboard controller 2008 External input device 2009 Hard disk drive 2010 Removable disk drive 3000 I / O bus (address bus, data bus and control bus) 3001 CPU 3002 RAM 3003 ROM 3004 Communication unit 3005 Video RAM 3006 CRT 3007 Keyboard controller 3008 External input device 3009 Hard disk drive 3010 Removable disk drive 3011 Printer control unit 3012 Printer

Claims (22)

[Claims] 1. An information processing apparatus for requesting an external server to perform a print request in a specific printing apparatus, comprising: an obtaining unit configured to obtain device information on the printing apparatus from the external server; An image generating unit configured to generate an image showing a print preview of the document based on the device information acquired by the acquiring unit and a document to be printed created by the application in response to the instruction; Using a plug-in that is activated according to
An information processing apparatus, comprising: display control means for displaying an image generated by the image generation means on a window of a browser communicating with the external server. 2. The display control means, using the plug-in, arranges an image showing a print preview as defined by template data acquired from the external server in a process different from the device information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information is displayed on a window of the browser. 3. When a print instruction is input via a user interface displayed on the browser, a print request including print data is generated based on the document, and the print request is printed on the external server via the browser. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a print request unit for making a request. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the device information includes a paper size, a print margin, and billing information supported by the printing apparatus. 5. The external server is connected to the external server via the Internet.
An information processing device according to any one of the above. 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein communication with the external server is possible at the time of obtaining device information and at the time of a print request, and is not connected to the Internet when a print preview is displayed. 7. The printing device is installed in a print shop, the external server is connected to a plurality of the print shops via the Internet, and the print request is sent to the plurality of print shops in the external server. 7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the information is sent to a specific print shop selected from the print shop. 8. A print preview display method for displaying a print preview before making a print request on a specific printing device to an external server, comprising: obtaining device information on the printing device from the external server. An image generation step of generating an image showing a print preview of the document based on the acquired device information and a document to be printed created by the application in response to a start instruction input by the application And, using a plug-in activated in response to the start instruction,
A display control step of displaying the generated image on a window of a browser that communicates with the external server. 9. The display control step, using the plug-in, arranges an image showing a print preview as defined by template data obtained from the external server in a process different from the device information. 9. The print preview display method according to claim 8, wherein the print preview is displayed on a window of the browser. 10. When a print instruction is input via a user interface displayed on the browser, a print request including print data is generated based on the document, and the print request is printed on the external server via the browser. 10. The print preview display method according to claim 8, further comprising a print requesting step of making a request. 11. The print preview display method according to claim 8, wherein the device information includes a paper size, a print margin, and billing information supported by the printing apparatus. . 12. The print preview display method according to claim 8, wherein communication with the external server is performed via the Internet. 13. The print preview according to claim 12, wherein the external server is communicable when acquiring device information and requesting printing, and is not communicating via the Internet when displaying a print preview. Display method. 14. The printing apparatus is installed in a print shop, the external server is connected to a plurality of the print shops via the Internet, and the print request is sent to the plurality of print shops in the external server. 14. The print job is sent to a specific print shop selected from the print shop.
Print preview display method described. 15. A storage medium storing a print preview display program for displaying a print preview before making a request for printing on a specific printing device to an external server, wherein device information on the printing device is provided from the external server. And an acquisition module for acquiring an image showing a print preview of the document based on the acquired device information and a document to be printed created by the application in response to a start instruction input by the application. An image generation module to be generated, and a plug-in module that is activated in response to the start instruction and functions to display the generated image on a window of a browser that communicates with the external server. Computer readable print preview display Storage medium storing the program. 16. The plug-in module arranges an image showing a print preview as defined by template data obtained from the external server in a process different from the device information, and displays the image on the browser window. 16. The storage medium according to claim 15, wherein the storage medium has a function of causing a display to be performed. 17. When a print instruction is input via a user interface displayed on the browser, a print request including print data is generated based on the document, and the print request is printed on the external server via the browser. 17. The storage medium according to claim 15, further comprising a print request module for making a request. 18. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the device information includes a paper size, a print margin, and billing information supported by the printing apparatus.
The storage medium according to any one of the above. 19. The device according to claim 15, wherein the acquisition module causes the external server to communicate with the external server via the Internet to acquire the device information. Storage medium. 20. The print preview display program communicates with the external server via the browser at the time of device information acquisition and print request, and does not communicate via the Internet when a print preview is displayed. 20. The storage medium according to claim 19, wherein: 21. The printing apparatus is installed in a print shop, the external server is connected to a plurality of the print shops via the Internet, and the print request is sent to the plurality of print shops in the external server. 21. The print job is sent to a specific print shop selected from the print shop.
The storage medium according to the above. 22. The computer according to claim 15, wherein the acquisition module, the image generation module, and the plug-in module are simultaneously installed on the computer by an installer of the print preview display program. Storage media.