JP2002091733A - Printing system and re-output control method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable re-outputting while utilizing a suitable substitutive output device even when the condition of an output device in a first output instruction does not matche with the condition of the output device in re-outputting occurs in re-outputting. SOLUTION: When a re-output request instruction is received from the device (client terminal 1 or scanner unit 2) of a re-output instruction system, a re-output server 4 decides whether outputting from a relevant printer 5 (5-1 to 5-n) is enabled or not and when it is decided outputting is disabled as a result of this decision, a substitutive printer which satisfies the relevant re-output instruction, is retrieved out of the plural printers 5 (5-1 to 5-n). Then, the retrieval substitutive printer is reported to the re-output instruction system device and when a re-output request instruction in the substitutive printer is received from the relevant re-output instruction system device as a result of the report, outputting is requested to the substitutive printer.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a printing system, and more particularly to a printing system in which the condition of an output device at the time of first output instruction does not match the condition of an output device at the time of re-output (re-output). The present invention relates to a printing system capable of performing re-output using an appropriate alternative output device even when an (impossible situation) occurs.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in this type of printing system, there is a technique described below as an example in which a first output instruction is used for re-output at the time of re-output.

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-246571,
Alternatively, there are JP-A-5-308493 and JP-A-6-24106.

[0004] In any of these techniques, there is no mention of a method for coping with the case where the conditions of the first output instruction and the output device at the time of re-output do not match.

[0005] However, it is quite possible that such a situation generally occurs.

[0006]

As described above, in the conventional printing system, a method for coping with a case where the conditions of the first output instruction and the output device at the time of re-output do not match at the time of re-output is considered. Therefore, if the above situation occurs, various inconveniences will occur.

Therefore, the present invention solves the above disadvantages,
Even when a condition occurs in which the condition of the output device at the time of the first output instruction and the condition of the output device at the time of re-output do not match at the time of re-output, re-output can be performed using an appropriate alternative output device. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing system in which

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided at least one or more printers, and an output instruction device for instructing an output from any one of the printers. In a printing system, which is connected via a network to a server that allocates a print job to a corresponding printer based on an output instruction from the output instruction device, the server sends a re-output request instruction from the output instruction device. A determination unit that determines whether output is possible with the printer if accepted, and an output based on the re-output instruction is enabled among the plurality of printers if it is determined that output is not possible as a result of the determination. Print control means for allocating a print job to cause the printer to execute the alternative of re-output.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, at least one or more printers, an output instruction device for instructing output from any one of the printers, and an output instruction device based on the output instruction from the output instruction device. In a printing system in which a server that allocates a print job to a printer to be connected is connected via a network, when the server receives a re-output request instruction from the output instruction device, is the server capable of performing output? Determining means for determining whether or not the output is impossible, and as a result of the determination, searching means for searching for an alternative printer capable of outputting based on the re-output instruction among the plurality of printers; and Notification means for notifying the output instructing device of an alternative printer; and, as a result of the notification, a re-output request instruction from the output instructing device to the alternative printer When accepting, characterized by comprising an alternate output request means for performing the alternate output request re output to the surrogate replacement printer.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided at least one or more printers, an output instructing device for instructing output from any one of the printers, and an output instructing device based on an output instruction from the output instructing device. In a printing system in which a server that allocates a print job to a printer to be connected is connected via a network, when the server receives a re-output request instruction from the output instruction device, is the server capable of performing output? Determining means for determining whether or not output is not possible, as a result of the determination, re-selecting an alternative printer which is set in advance as an alternative when the re-output of the printer is not possible among the plurality of printers. And an alternative output requesting unit for requesting an alternative output of the output.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided at least one or more printers, an output instruction device for instructing output from any one of the printers, and an output instruction device based on the output instruction from the output instruction device. In a printing system in which a server that allocates a print job to a printer to be connected is connected via a network, when the server receives a re-output request instruction from the output instruction device, is the server capable of performing output? Determining means for determining whether or not the output is impossible, and as a result of the determination, searching means for searching for an alternative printer capable of outputting based on the re-output instruction among the plurality of printers; and And a substitute output requesting unit for making a substitute output request for re-output to the substitute printer.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided at least one or more printers, an output instructing device for instructing output from any one of the printers, and an output instructing device based on an output instruction from the output instructing device. A print server that allocates a print job to a printer to be connected via a network, wherein the server, when receiving a re-output request instruction from the output instruction device, outputs data from the printer. It is determined whether or not the output is possible, and if it is determined that the output is not possible, the printing is performed so that a printer capable of outputting based on the re-output instruction among the plurality of printers performs the alternative of the re-output. Jobs are allocated.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided at least one or more printers, an output instruction device for instructing output from any one of the printers, and an output instruction device based on an output instruction from the output instruction device. A print server that allocates a print job to a printer to be connected via a network, wherein the server, when receiving a re-output request instruction from the output instruction device, outputs data from the printer. It is determined whether or not the output is possible, and if it is determined that the output is not possible, an alternative printer that satisfies the re-output instruction is searched among the plurality of printers, and the searched alternative printer is output to the output instruction device. If the output instruction device receives a re-output request instruction at the alternative printer from the output instruction device as a result of the notification, And performing replacement output request.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided at least one or more printers, an output instruction device for instructing output from any one of the printers, and an output instruction device based on an output instruction from the output instruction device. A print server that allocates a print job to a printer to be connected via a network, wherein the server, when receiving a re-output request instruction from the output instruction device, outputs data from the printer. It is determined whether or not the output is possible, and if it is determined that the output is not possible, re-output is performed to an alternative printer which is previously set as an alternative when the re-output of the printer is not possible among the plurality of printers. The request for the alternative output is made.

[0015] The invention according to claim 8 provides at least one or more printers, an output instructing device for instructing an output from any one of these printers, and an output instructing device based on the output instructing from the output instructing device. A print server that allocates a print job to a printer to be connected via a network, wherein the server, when receiving a re-output request instruction from the output instruction device, outputs data from the printer. It is determined whether or not output is possible, and if it is determined that output is not possible, an alternative printer that satisfies the re-output instruction is searched for among the plurality of printers, and re-output is performed for the searched alternative printer. The request for the alternative output is made.

[0016]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printing system to which the present invention is applied.

As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system includes:
A client terminal 1 which is an image input system and also a re-output instruction system in the present invention, a scanner system device 2 comprising a monitor 2-1 and a scanner 2-2, and a server which controls printing of the printing system; In the present invention, a re-output server 4 for controlling re-output, printers 5-1 to 5-n (n: any integer) as an image output system, and accumulating and managing document files, and in the present invention, re-output A document file management server 6 for storing and managing document files used for
2, a re-output server 4, a printer 5, and a document file management server 6 are connected via a network 3.

Here, the client terminal 1 uses the application software and accesses the document file management server 6 and the like. In particular, in the present invention, the client terminal 1 is used when instructing re-output.

The monitor 2-1 is connected to the scanner 2-2, and displays a screen for performing various settings when a user (user) gives a print instruction using the scanner 2-2. In particular, the present invention is also used to display a setting screen for instructing re-output.

The re-output server 4 controls printing of the printing system, and in particular, in the present invention, controls re-output. More specifically, when the user receives a re-output instruction request from a re-output instruction device (client terminal 1 or scanner device 2), the user accesses the document file management server 6 and receives the corresponding document used for re-output. The file is read, and re-output by the corresponding printer 5 is controlled.

In the above embodiment, the scanner 2 as an image input system and a re-output instruction system is replaced with the scanner 2.
2 shows a case where the monitor 2-1 is connected, but the present invention is not limited to this. Even if the monitor 2-1 is not installed, the information displayed on the monitor 2-1 can be scanned. 2
-2 may be configured to be displayed on an operation display unit such as a touch panel.

In the above embodiment, the client terminal 1 and the scanner device 2 (the monitor 2-1 and the scanner 2-
Although 2) is shown only one by one, the present invention is not limited to this, and an arbitrary number (plurality) may be installed respectively.

FIG. 2 shows one example of the re-output file selection screen (1) displayed on the monitor of the client terminal 1 of the re-output instruction system shown in FIG. 1 or on the monitor 2-1 of the scanner system device 2. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example, in which case, an example of a screen for displaying a document name list is illustrated.

As shown in FIG. 2, on the re-output file selection screen (1) 100, re-output file selection candidates are displayed, and a button icon 100 used for selecting the displayed re-output file is displayed. -1, a display field 100-2 in which the file names of the re-output candidates are displayed, and a button icon 100-3 used when displaying the displayed files of the re-output candidates in the order of the names.
A button icon 100-4 used to arrange and display the displayed re-output candidate files separately in chronological order; and a first page image (thumbnail) of the displayed re-output candidate file ), And a button icon 100-6 used to return to the screen immediately before the re-output file selection screen (1) 100, and vice versa. Button icon 10 used when transitioning to the next screen of re-output file selection screen (1) 100
0-7 and a button icon 100-8 used for canceling the settings on this screen.

In this embodiment, when the user presses the button icon 100-1 for selecting a re-output file, the screen is changed to a re-print setting change screen 120 described later.

When the thumbnail display button icon 100-5 is pressed, a transition is made to a re-output file selection screen (2) 110 (for thumbnail list display) described later.

FIG. 3 shows a re-output file selection screen (2) displayed on the monitor of the client terminal 1 of the re-output instruction system shown in FIG. 1 or on the monitor 2-1 of the scanner device 2. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration, in which a screen example for displaying a thumbnail list is shown, and when a user (user) presses the button icon for thumbnail display 100-5 shown in FIG. Is displayed.

As shown in FIG. 3, on the re-output file selection screen (2) 110, an image of the first page of the re-output candidate file, that is, an area 110-1 for displaying a thumbnail, and a re-output candidate A display area 110-2 for displaying the job name of the file;
-2, a button icon 110-3 used when selecting the job displayed for re-output, and a button icon 110-4 used when displaying the displayed thumbnails in the order of the file names. And a button icon 110-5 used for displaying the displayed thumbnails in the order of the date when the file was created, and a file name corresponding to the displayed thumbnails. A button icon 110-6 used to return to the screen immediately before this screen,
A button icon 110-8 used to cancel the setting on this screen is provided.

Here, the thumbnails are all displayed at the same resolution without depending on the image (paper).
Also, a display area 10-2 for displaying the thumbnails
Prepare a square so that you can see the difference between the vertical position of the image (paper) and the horizontal position.

In this embodiment, when the user presses a button icon 110-3 for selecting a re-output file job, a transition is made to a re-print setting change screen 120 to be described later.

When the file name display button icon 110-6 is pressed, the screen is changed to the re-output file selection screen (1) 100 (for displaying a document name list).

FIG. 4 is a structural example of a reprint setting change screen displayed on the monitor of the client terminal 1 of the re-output instruction system shown in FIG. 1 or on the monitor 2-1 of the scanner system device 2. In this case, an example of a screen for changing the print setting at the time of reprinting is shown, and the button icon 10 for the user to select the re-output file shown in FIG.
0-1 or the button icon 110-3 for selecting a re-output file job shown in FIG. 3 is displayed.

As shown in FIG. 4, the reprint setting change screen 120 includes a button icon 120-1 used to change various settings, and a display field 120-2 for displaying the contents of various print settings. A button icon 120-3 used for confirming a list of setting contents including setting contents other than the displayed print setting, and a button icon 120- used for instructing start (start) of re-output. 4 and a button icon 120-5 used to cancel the setting on this setting screen.

In this embodiment, only the functions that can be changed are displayed. However, as shown in FIG.
Although the settings of “document size”, “magnification”, and “collectively (N-up)” cannot be changed, they are always displayed as information.

In this embodiment, when the user presses the button icon 120-3 for displaying the setting confirmation list, a transition is made to a setting confirmation list display screen 130 described later.

Also, this example shows a case where the “double-sided / single-sided selection” item is set to “single-sided” as the print setting.

FIG. 5 shows a configuration example of a setting confirmation list display screen displayed on the monitor of the client terminal 1 of the re-output instruction system shown in FIG. 1 or on the monitor 2-1 of the scanner system device 2. In this case, the screen is a screen on which the print setting contents of the re-output document file can be listed, and the setting confirmation list display button icon 120-3 on the re-print setting screen 120 shown in FIG. 4 is pressed. Will be displayed if

As shown in FIG. 5, on the setting confirmation list display screen 130, a display column 130-1 for displaying a file name as a display column for displaying file information of a re-output document file, A display field 130-2 for displaying the created time and a display field 130-3 for displaying the name of the printer to which the file is to be output are provided, and are set as print instruction settings for the re-output file. A display column 130-4 for displaying setting information;
Also, a button icon 130-5 used when returning to the screen immediately before this screen, a button icon 130-6 used when shifting to the next screen after this screen,
Button icon 1 to instruct start of re-output
30-6 and a button icon 130-8 used for closing this screen are provided.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the configuration of a re-output device display screen displayed on the monitor of the client terminal 1 of the re-output instruction system shown in FIG. In this case, after the user instructs re-output using the screens shown in FIGS. 2 to 5,
The re-output server determines that re-output is not possible, and displays a re-output alternative device (printer) notified in accordance with the re-output impossible notification.

As shown in FIG. 6, on the re-output device display screen 140, a display column 140-1 for displaying output devices as re-output alternative candidates, that is, a printer name,
Button icon 140-2 used when shifting to the screen next to this screen, button icon 140-3 used when canceling the settings on this screen, and button for instructing start of re-output (start) Icon 140-
4 are provided.

In this embodiment, it is assumed that when the button icon 140-2 is pressed, a transition is made to the re-output file selection screen (1) 100 shown in FIG.
Thereby, the print setting can be changed or confirmed again.

In this embodiment, the display field 140
-1, printer A as a re-output alternative candidate device,
The printer N and the printer Z are displayed, and the user selects one of the displayed re-output alternative printers and gives the re-output instruction again. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Only one printer of the re-output alternative candidate device may be indicated.

Next, the operation of the present invention with such a configuration will be described.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing operation procedure of the re-output instruction system (the client terminal 1 and the scanner 2) in the printing system according to the present invention. In particular, the user (user) monitors the monitor 2-1. 9 shows a processing operation procedure of the scanner device 2 when a re-output instruction is performed using the screen displayed above (see FIGS. 2 to 6).

As shown in FIG. 7, at the start of this processing, a re-output instruction request operation is performed by the user, and a re-output instruction mode screen (not shown) is displayed on the screen of the monitor 2-1. (Step S10
1).

First, in the scanner 2-2, the monitor 2-1
Of the re-output file selection from the user via the PC (step S102), and reception of the re-output setting change (step S102)
103), a setting confirmation is accepted (step S10)
4) At the same time, it is monitored whether an instruction to start re-output has been issued (step S105).

Then, as a result of this monitoring, if it is determined that the user has given an instruction to start re-outputting (step S1).
05YES), the scanner 2-2 instructs the re-output server 4 to issue a re-output request (step S106).

Thereafter, the scanner 2-2 determines whether the re-output server 4 has notified the re-output impossible and the notification of the alternative output device (printer) (step S107).

As a result of this determination, when it is determined that the re-output impossible notification and the notification of the alternative output device have been made from the re-output server 4 (step S107 YES), the scanner 2
In -2, the notified alternative output device is monitored 2
-1 (step S108), and then
Returning to the process in step S102, the same process is performed, and a user instruction is accepted.

If it is determined in step S105 that the user has not issued an instruction to start re-outputting (NO in step S105), the process returns to step S102, and the same processing is performed.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the re-output disable notification and the notification of the alternative output device have not been made from the re-output server 4 as a result of the determination in step S107 (NO in step S107), then the scanner 2- In step S2, it is determined whether the re-output server 4 has notified that re-output is possible (step S109).

Then, as a result of this determination, the re-output server 4
If it is determined that the re-output possible notification has been made (YES in step S109), the scanner 2-2 ends this process.

On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S109, when it is determined that the re-output enable notification has not been issued from the re-output server 4 (step S109 NO), the process returns to the above-described step S107, and the same process is performed. Do.

In the case of YES in step S109, for example, although not shown, the scanner 2-2 displays on the screen of the monitor 2-1 a content indicating that re-output is possible (successful termination). After that, this processing may be terminated.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing operation procedure of the re-output server 4 in the printing system according to the present invention. In particular, the re-output server 4 corresponding to the processing operation procedure of the scanner device 2 shown in FIG. Of the processing operation of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 8, first, the re-output server 4
Then, when an instruction for a re-output request is issued from a re-output instruction system device (the client terminal 1 or the scanner device 2) (step S201 YES), this process is started.

When a re-output request is issued from the re-output instruction system, the re-output server 4 then detects the presence or absence of the corresponding output device (printer 5-1 to 5-n) or capability information. (Step S202).

Then, the re-output server 4 determines whether re-output is possible at the corresponding output device based on the detected information (step S203). Specifically, the re-output server 4 determines that re-output is not possible when it is determined that the corresponding printer does not exist on the system based on the detection information, and determines that the first time the corresponding printer When it is determined that the output instruction does not match the condition at the time of re-output, that is, the function mounting state, it is determined that re-output is impossible.

As a case where the conditions do not match, 1
The printer when the output instruction was issued the second time and the printer when the reoutput instruction was issued have been changed due to system maintenance.
In addition, when the print function for executing the first output instruction is not implemented in the changed printer, or when the print function for executing the first output instruction in the corresponding printer at the time of re-output is inoperable due to a failure or the like. And the like.

As a result of the above determination, if it is determined from the detection information that re-output by the corresponding output device is not possible (NO in step S203), the re-output server 4 searches for an alternative output device under specific conditions. (Step S204). Note that the specific condition referred to here is a condition under which the user can search for an output device (printer) having all functions or almost equivalent functions of various print instructions set when the user performs the first output instruction. That is.

After that, the re-output server 4 notifies the re-output instruction device that re-output is possible and the above-described step S204.
The notification of the alternative output device searched as a result of the processing is performed (step S205), and this processing ends.

On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S203, when it is determined that re-output is possible with the corresponding output device (step S203 YES), the re-output server 4 allows re-output to the device of the re-output instruction system. Is notified (step S206), a re-output request is made to the corresponding output device (step S207), and the process ends.

Next, a modified example of the processing operation procedure shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the processing operation procedure of the re-output instruction apparatus shown in FIG. 7. In this case, in particular, in this case, the alternative device when re-output is not possible from the re-output server 4 2 shows a processing operation procedure of a mode in which the notification of the notification is not received.

As shown in FIG. 9, at the start of this processing, a re-output instruction request operation is performed by the user and a re-output instruction mode screen (not shown) is displayed on the screen of the monitor 2-1. (Step S30
1).

First, in the scanner 2-2, the monitor 2-1
Of the re-output file selection from the user via the PC (step S302), and reception of the re-output setting change (step S302)
303), and accept setting confirmation (step S30).
4) At the same time, it is monitored whether an instruction to start re-output has been issued (step S305).

Then, as a result of this monitoring, if it is determined that the user has given an instruction to start re-outputting (step S3).
05YES), the scanner 2-2 instructs the re-output server 4 to issue a re-output request (step S306).

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the processing operation procedure of the re-output server 4 shown in FIG. 8, and in this case, when it is determined that re-output is impossible, the re-output instruction system Do not notify the device of the alternative device,
9 shows a processing operation procedure of a mode in which a re-output server automatically sends a re-output request to an alternative output device set in advance.

As shown in FIG. 10, first, in the re-output server 4, when a re-output request instruction is issued from the re-output instruction system (the client terminal 1 or the scanner 2-2) (step S401 YES), Start processing.

When a re-output request is issued from the re-output instruction system, the re-output server 4 then detects the presence or absence or capability information of the corresponding output device (printer 5-1 to 5-n). (Step S402).

Then, the re-output server 4 determines whether or not re-output is possible at the corresponding output device based on the detected information (step S403). Specifically, the re-output server 4 determines that re-output is not possible when it is determined that the corresponding printer does not exist on the system based on the detection information, and determines that the first time the corresponding printer When it is determined that the output instruction does not match the condition at the time of re-output, that is, the function mounting state, it is determined that re-output is impossible.

As a case where the conditions do not match, 1
The printer when the output instruction was issued the second time and the printer when the reoutput instruction was issued have been changed due to system maintenance.
In addition, when the print function for executing the first output instruction is not implemented in the changed printer, or when the print function for executing the first output instruction in the corresponding printer at the time of re-output is inoperable due to a failure or the like. And the like.

As a result of the above determination, when it is determined from the detection information that re-output by the corresponding output device is not possible (NO in step S403), the re-output server 4 then switches to a preset alternative output device. A re-output request is made (step S404), and then this process ends. Here, the preset alternative output device is set by, for example, a system administrator, and specifically, a printer whose print capability conditions are the same or similar or similar for all printers on the system. Are set and managed in association with each other as an alternative printer when re-output is not possible.

On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S403, when it is determined that re-output is possible with the corresponding output device (step S403 YES), the re-output server 4 sends a re-output request to the corresponding output device. Then (step S405), this process ends.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the processing operation procedure of the re-output server 4 shown in FIG. 10. In this case, if it is determined that re-output is impossible, the re-output instruction system Do not notify the device of the alternative device,
FIG. 9 shows a processing operation procedure of a mode in which a re-output server automatically sends a re-output request to an alternative device searched under a specific condition.

As shown in FIG. 11, first, in the re-output server 4, when a re-output request instruction is issued from a re-output instruction device (the client terminal 1 or the scanner device 2) (step S501 YES), this processing is performed. To start.

When a re-output request is issued from a re-output instruction system, the re-output server 4 then detects the presence or absence of the corresponding output device (printer 5-1 to 5-n) or capability information. (Step S502).

Then, the re-output server 4 determines whether or not re-output is possible at the corresponding output device based on the detected information (step S503). Specifically, the re-output server 4 determines that re-output is not possible when it is determined that the corresponding printer does not exist on the system based on the detection information, and determines that the first time the corresponding printer When it is determined that the output instruction does not match the condition at the time of re-output, that is, the function mounting state, it is determined that re-output is impossible.

Incidentally, as a case where the conditions do not match, 1
The printer when the output instruction was issued the second time and the printer when the reoutput instruction was issued have been changed due to system maintenance.
In addition, when the print function for executing the first output instruction is not implemented in the changed printer, or when the print function for executing the first output instruction in the corresponding printer at the time of re-output is inoperable due to a failure or the like. And the like.

As a result of the above determination, when it is determined from the detection information that re-output by the corresponding output device is impossible (NO in step S503), the re-output server 4 searches for an alternative output device under specific conditions. (Step S504). Note that the specific condition referred to here is an output device (printer having a similar or similar function) in which all functions of various print instructions set when the user issues the first output instruction match. ) Can be searched.

Thereafter, the re-output server 4 makes a request for re-output to the alternative output device searched as a result of the processing in step S504 (step S505), and ends this processing.

On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S 503, when it is determined that re-output is possible on the corresponding output device (step S 503: YES), the re-output server 4 sends a re-output request to the corresponding output device. Then (step S506), this process ends.

[0084]

As described above, according to the printing system of the present invention, when a server receives a re-output request instruction from an output instruction device, the server determines whether or not output is possible with the printer. As a result of the determination, if it is determined that the output is not possible, a print job is assigned to a printer capable of outputting based on the re-output instruction among a plurality of printers so as to execute the alternative of re-output. Sometimes
Even when the condition of the output device (printer) at the time of the first output instruction and the condition of the output device (printer) at the time of re-outputting do not match, use an appropriate alternative output device (printer). Re-output can be performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printing system to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a re-output file selection screen (1) displayed on a monitor of a client terminal of a re-output instruction system shown in FIG. 1 or on a monitor of a scanner system device.

FIG. 3 is a view showing an example of a configuration of a re-output file selection screen (2) displayed on a monitor of a client terminal of a re-output instruction system shown in FIG. 1 or on a monitor of a scanner system device.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a reprint setting change screen displayed on a monitor of a client terminal of a re-output instruction system shown in FIG. 1 or on a monitor of a scanner system device.

FIG. 5 is a view showing an example of a configuration check list display screen displayed on a monitor of a client terminal of a re-output instruction system shown in FIG. 1 or a monitor of a scanner system device.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a re-output device display screen displayed on a monitor of a client terminal of the re-output instruction system shown in FIG. 1 or on a monitor of a scanner device.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing operation procedure of a device for a re-output instruction system in the printing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing operation procedure of a re-output server in the printing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a modification of the processing operation procedure of the re-output instruction system shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a modification of the processing operation procedure of the re-output server shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a modification of the processing operation procedure of the re-output server shown in FIG. 10;

[Explanation of symbols]

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 client terminal 2-1 monitor 2-2 scanner 3-network 4-re-output server 5-printer 6-document file management server 100-re-output file selection screen 1 (document name list) Display 110), re-output file selection screen 2 (for thumbnail list display),
120: reprint setting change screen, 130: setting confirmation list display screen, 140: reoutput device display screen

Claims (8)

[Claims] At least one or more printers, an output instruction device for instructing output from any one of the printers, and a print job for a corresponding printer based on an output instruction from the output instruction device And a server that assigns a re-output request instruction from the output instruction device.
Determining means for determining whether output by the printer is possible; and, if the result of the determination is that output is not possible, a printer capable of outputting based on the re-output instruction among the plurality of printers A print control unit for allocating a print job to execute the alternative of re-output. 2. An at least one printer, an output instructing device for instructing an output from any one of the printers, and a print job for a corresponding printer based on an output instruction from the output instructing device. And a server that assigns a re-output request instruction from the output instruction device.
Determining means for determining whether output is possible with the printer; and, if the determination result indicates that output is not possible, searching for an alternative printer capable of outputting based on the re-output instruction among the plurality of printers. Search means for notifying the output instructing device of the searched alternative printer; and, as a result of the notification, when a re-output request instruction in the alternative printer is received from the output instructing device, the alternative printer is notified. And a substitute output requesting means for making a substitute output request for re-output. 3. At least one or more printers, an output instructing device for instructing output of any one of the printers, and a print job for a corresponding printer based on an output instruction from the output instructing device. And a server that assigns a re-output request instruction from the output instruction device.
Determining means for determining whether output is possible with the printer; and, if the result of the determination is that output is not possible, setting is made in advance among the plurality of printers as an alternative when reprinting of the printer is impossible. And a substitute output requesting unit for making a substitute output request for re-output to the substitute printer. 4. At least one or more printers, an output instruction device for instructing output from any one of the printers, and a print job for a corresponding printer based on an output instruction from the output instruction device. And a server that assigns a re-output request instruction from the output instruction device.
Determining means for determining whether output is possible with the printer; and, if the determination result indicates that output is not possible, searching for an alternative printer capable of outputting based on the re-output instruction among the plurality of printers. And a substitute output requesting unit for making a substitute output request for re-outputting the retrieved substitute printer. 5. At least one or more printers, an output instructing device for instructing output of any one of the printers, and a print job for a corresponding printer based on an output instruction from the output instructing device. And a server that assigns a re-output request instruction from the output instruction device.
It is determined whether output by the printer is possible. If the result of the determination is that output is not possible, re-output is performed for a printer capable of outputting based on the re-output instruction among the plurality of printers. A re-output control method for a printing system, wherein a print job is assigned to execute substitution. 6. At least one or more printers, an output instructing device for instructing output from any one of the printers, and a print job for a corresponding printer based on an output instruction from the output instructing device. And a server that assigns a re-output request instruction from the output instruction device.
It is determined whether or not output is possible with the printer. If the result of the determination is that output is not possible, an alternative printer that satisfies the re-output instruction is searched among the plurality of printers. Notifying a printer to the output instructing device; and, as a result of the notification, when receiving a re-output request instruction in the alternative printer from the output instructing device, performing an alternative output request for re-output to the alternative printer. Characteristic printing system re-output control method. 7. At least one or more printers, an output instruction device for instructing output from any one of the printers, and a print job for a corresponding printer based on an output instruction from the output instruction device. And a server that assigns a re-output request instruction from the output instruction device.
It is determined whether or not output is possible with the printer. If the result of the determination is that output is not possible, a substitute set in advance among the plurality of printers as a substitute when the printer cannot be re-outputted. A re-output control method for a printing system, wherein a re-output alternative output request is issued to a printer. 8. At least one or more printers, an output instruction device for instructing output from any one of the printers, and a print job for a corresponding printer based on an output instruction from the output instruction device. And a server that assigns a re-output request instruction from the output instruction device.
It is determined whether or not output is possible with the printer. If the result of the determination is that output is not possible, an alternative printer that satisfies the re-output instruction is searched among the plurality of printers. A re-output control method for a printing system, wherein a re-output alternative output request is issued to a printer.