JP2002318852A - Information processing device, print managing device, print managing system, method for the same, storage medium with program readable by computer housed therein, and print control program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system in which a print order is stocked in a center server and a user requests to print collectively when print service is accepted via the Internet. SOLUTION: The system is provided with a means, wherein, when a client 100 transmits the print order to the center server 120, an uploading instruction, where the print order is transmitted to the center server 120 and is managed without performing a print process, is inputted, and the print order is uploaded to the center server 120 through the Internet, and then, a print ordering request of one or more print orders to be ordered to print specified by a user out of the uploaded print orders is transmitted.

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 capable of communicating with an external print management apparatus via the Internet, a print management apparatus, a print control system, a control method therefor, and a storage medium storing a computer-readable program. In particular, the present invention relates to a process for issuing a print order from an information processing apparatus to a print management apparatus via the Internet.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram of a conventional print system for realizing a print service on the Internet. Client PC (Personal
The Computer 200 connects to the Internet using a dial-up method or a constant connection method, and communicates with a center server 202 that provides a print service via a provider or the like. The center server 202
It has a print controller 203 and accepts print orders (print order information) from clients. Further, the center server 202 is connected via the Internet to
It is communicably connected to one or more shops 204, which are printing shops that perform actual print output. Shop 204
Since the store is often the same affiliated store as the center server 202, the shop is connected to the center server by a dedicated line. Therefore, the print controller 203 of the center server 202 actively issues a print order to the shop. The shop 204, which is a printing store, is provided with at least one printer 205 that performs high-quality printing processing in normal colors.

In the client PC 200, a dedicated application 210 for receiving a print service is installed.
The print data 201 which is a print order is generated by 0. This print data is generally described in a script format in order to receive a print service.
For example, the name of a shop that is a printing shop for printing, the model name of the printer, the paper size, the designation of the recording paper type (media type), the image image (a format supported by the print service, such as JPEG, GIF, and bit) Map), the range of the image, and editing information for the image (designation of image processing for the image, designation of clipping, etc.). However, in the conventional print service, the print order requests the center server to perform printing, and a dedicated application is required to generate the print order.

In the client PC 200,
In order to make a print request for the print data 201 which is a print order generated by the dedicated application 210, the dedicated application 210
(Operation system), the user is prompted to start the browser 211, a browser for browsing the Internet is started, and the center server 2 is connected to the Internet.
02 by specifying the URL of the center server 20
2 has a mechanism to communicate. Then, the client PC 200 requests the center server 202 to print the print order via the browser 211. In addition, a list of shops that can be ordered for printing at the time of this communication is downloaded, and can be designated at the time of the next order for printing.

[0005] The print controller 203 of the center server 202 communicates with the browser 21 of the client PC 200.
0, the print order (print data 2)
01), the shop 204 to be printed out is selected, and the print order is transmitted to the corresponding shop.

[0006]

As described above, in the print service system in which the client PC 200 issues a print request to the shop on the Internet via the center server 202, the print controller 203 of the center server 202 sends the print request to the client. PC
Each time a print order is requested from the same client PC 200 to the same shop, the print order is not stocked. Because each shop will be asked to print,
There was a problem that the print request could not be made to the shop at once and the delivery fee would be high.

[0007] In view of the above problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a mechanism in which print orders are stocked in a center server when printing services are received via the Internet, and printing requests can be made collectively. I do.

Further, in order to collectively request printing, the center server manages the stock print orders and displays a plurality of print orders from one user client for each shop as a print shop. It is a further object to provide a mechanism for generating display data by a print management device that is a center server.

[0009] An upload instruction for stocking a print order in a center server for collectively requesting printing and an immediate request instruction for issuing an immediate print request when a print order is issued to the center server are sent to the client. It is a further object to provide a mechanism that allows the information processing apparatus to be selectable.

[0010]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a first invention of the present application is an information processing method in an information processing device capable of communicating with a print management device via the Internet. When transmitting to the print management device, an input step of inputting an upload instruction so that a print order is transmitted to the print management device and managed without being subjected to print processing, and, when the upload instruction is input, An uploading step of uploading the print order to the print management apparatus via the Internet, and a print order request for one or more print orders to be ordered by the user from the print order uploaded to the print management apparatus. And a print ordering step of transmitting to the print management apparatus via the Internet.

[0011] The print management apparatus may further include a list acquisition step of accessing the print management apparatus via the Internet to acquire an order list of print orders uploaded to the print management apparatus. A print order request for one or more print orders to be ordered by the user specified from the print order list is transmitted to the print management apparatus via the Internet.

[0012] The method further includes a print order generating step of generating a print order for making a print order to the print management apparatus based on the print target data generated by the application.

Further, the method further includes a printer information obtaining step of obtaining a printer information description file from the print management apparatus via the Internet. To generate a print order.

Further, the method further includes a shop information obtaining step of obtaining a shop information file from the print management apparatus via the Internet, wherein the print order generating step generates a print order including a shop name based on the obtained shop information file. I do.

[0015] The present invention is also achieved by an information processing apparatus for realizing the above method, a print control program for realizing the above method in an information processing apparatus, and a storage medium storing the print control program.

Further, in order to solve the above problems, a second invention of the present application is a print management method in a print management device capable of communicating with a client via the Internet, and the print order reception for receiving a print order from a client. A process, a print order management process for managing the received print order in association with the client's user identification information without performing printing processing, and printing by referring to the client's user identification information in response to a request from the client. A search step of searching for a print order to be returned as a print order list from the print orders managed in the order management step; and an order list for returning the order list including the searched print order to a client that has requested the print order. And a return step.

In the print order management step, the received print order is further managed in association with shop identification information included in the print order and indicating a shop to be printed.
In the search step, in response to a request from the client, a print order for the shop indicated by the shop identification information is searched from the print order managed in the print order management step with reference to the shop identification information specified by the client. I do.

Further, in accordance with the order list returned to the client, a print order receiving step of receiving a print order instruction designating one or more print orders from the client, and one or more print order instructions specified by the received print order instruction And transmitting the print order to the designated shop.

[0019] The present invention also solves the problems by a print management apparatus that implements the above method, a print control program that implements the above method using a print management apparatus, and a storage medium that stores the print control program.

A print control system capable of communicating between the information processing apparatus and the print management apparatus via the Internet, wherein the print order is transmitted to the information processing apparatus when the print order is transmitted to the print management apparatus. An input unit for inputting an upload instruction to be transmitted to the print management apparatus and managed without being subjected to print processing; and when the upload instruction is input, uploading the print order to the print management apparatus via the Internet. Uploading means for transmitting, from the print order uploaded to the print management apparatus, a print order request for one or more print orders to be ordered by the user to the print management apparatus via the Internet. And an ordering means, wherein the print management device is uploaded from the information processing device. Referring to a print order request transmitted from the information processing apparatus, and specifying a print order managed by the order management means, and performing print processing on the specified print order. And control means for controlling transmission to a desired shop.

[0021] Further, there is provided a print control system in which the information processing apparatus and the print management apparatus can communicate with each other via the Internet, wherein the uploading means uploads a print order to the print management apparatus. Requesting means for requesting the print management device for a list of print orders; a print order receiving means for receiving a print order from the information processing device; and A print order management unit that manages the client in association with the user identification information of the client without performing, and, in response to a request from the client, a print order managed by the print order management process with reference to the user identification information of the client. Search means for searching for a print order to be returned as a print order order list; Serial in which and a order list returning means for returning to the clients at the order list of request including the retrieved print order.

Further, in order to solve the above problem, a third invention of the present application is an information processing method in an information processing device capable of communicating with a print management device via the Internet, wherein the print order is stored in the print management device. If you send to
A print order instruction in which a print order is issued as it is after the print order is transmitted to the print management device, and an upload instruction in which a print order is transmitted to the print management device and the print order is managed without being issued. An input requesting step for prompting the input of an alternative instruction; an uploading step of uploading the print order to the print management apparatus via the Internet when the upload instruction is input; and an uploading step of uploading the print order to the print management apparatus. And transmitting a print order request for one or more print orders to be ordered by the user from the specified print order to the print management apparatus via the Internet.

Further, the method further includes a list obtaining step of accessing the print management apparatus via the Internet to obtain an order list of print orders uploaded to the print management apparatus. A print order request for one or more print orders to be ordered by the user specified from the print order list is transmitted to the print management apparatus via the Internet.

Further, the method further includes a print order generating step of generating a print order for making a print order to the print management device based on the print target data generated by the application.

Further, the method further includes a printer information obtaining step of obtaining a printer information description file from the print management device via the Internet, wherein the print order generating step is based on the print settings described in the obtained printer information description file. To generate a print order.

Further, the method further includes a shop information obtaining step of obtaining a shop information file from the print management apparatus via the Internet, wherein the print order generating step generates a print order including a shop name based on the obtained shop information file. I do.

[0027] The present invention is also achieved by an information processing apparatus for realizing the above method, a print control program for realizing the above method in the information processing apparatus, and a storage medium storing the print control program.

Further, in order to solve the above problem, a fourth invention of the present application is a print management method in a print management device capable of communicating with a client via the Internet, wherein a print order received from the client is received after the print order is received. A determining step of determining whether the print order is a print order in which a print order is issued as it is or an upload order in which a print order is managed without issuing a print order after acceptance;
A transmission control step of controlling the received print order to be transmitted as a print order to a designated shop when the print order is determined to be a print order; Order
A print order management process in which the print order is managed in association with the client user identification information without issuing a print order, and printing is performed from a print order already managed in the print order management process in response to a single print order request from the client. A print order receiving step of specifying a plurality of print orders to be transmitted to a shop specified as an order, and executing a print order print order process by the transmission control step on the specified plurality of print orders. .

Also, in response to a request from a client,
A search step of searching for a print order to be returned as a print order list from a print order managed in a print order management step with reference to the user identification information of the client, and an order list including the searched print order Order list returning step of returning the request to the client that has made the request.

The print order receiving step receives a single print order instruction designating a plurality of print orders from the client in accordance with the order list returned to the client in the order list returning step.

The present invention is also achieved by a print management apparatus that implements the above method, a print control program that implements the above method using a print management apparatus, and a storage medium that stores the print control program.

[0032]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a print service according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this system, a client PC 100 (hereinafter, referred to as a client) which is an embodiment of an information processing apparatus of the present invention that generates a print order, and an embodiment of a print management apparatus of the present invention which receives a print order from each client. There is a center server 120 and a shop 140 which is a printing shop having at least one printer 141. Here, the client 100 and the center server 120 communicate via the Internet, and there are a plurality of the clients 100 because they correspond to information processing devices connectable to the Internet. The center server 120 and the shop 140 also communicate with each other via the Internet, but the shop 140 may be communicably connected to the center server 120 directly via a cable or the like. In the present embodiment, the shop 140 corresponds to a print shop that includes an information processing apparatus that can be connected to the Internet and a printer 141 that can print out in response to a print request. Shall be.

In the client 100 of the present embodiment, a user performs an operation such as document creation using an arbitrary application 101 and creates a print request for a print service of the present system. Client PC 100
When a document to be printed is created by the application 101 and a user issues a print instruction in the print service, a printer driver 102, which is print data generation means for generating print data for the print service, is activated. Then, the printer driver 1
02 is a shop 14 that can provide this print service
Printer information description file 103 which describes attribute information (device characteristics (print resolution, double-sided printing, bookbinding printing, finishing such as stapling and punching), supported media types, and paper sizes) of each printer 141.
In accordance with the attribute information, a user interface screen for performing print settings is generated, and print data 104 described in a postscript is generated in accordance with the print settings specified by the user.

In the network print service system, a printer information description file 103 dedicated to the driver is used.
Is used. The printer information description file 103 is a file in which printer attributes are stored. In a preferred example, for example, a PPD file (PostScript) describing the characteristics of a PostScript printer driver is provided.
Use of tPrinterDescription) is easy. The PostScript printer driver (hereinafter, PS driver) is
The PPD file is for converting print data (hereinafter referred to as PS data) described in PostScript based on a drawing command ejected through the S. The PPD file specifies attribute information for each printer. And P
This is because the S driver generates PS data based on the PPD file.

A print order application 105 serving as a print order generating unit is an application for generating a print order for the print data 104 generated by the printer driver 102.
Postscript data file 10 generated by
4 (print data) and a description of the shop information file 106 to provide a GUI for specifying a printable shop, specifying a print option, and the like. Further, the print order application 105 saves information such as the specification of the set shop and the specification of the print option in the print setting information 107, generates a print order including the print setting information 197 and the print data 104, and generates a web browser. Start 108
The print order is uploaded to the center server 120 via the Internet.

The shop information file 106 describes shop information (shop name, etc.) and information on print services (media type, A4 single-sided, A4 double-sided, etc.) available in the shop, and exists for each shop. The print setting information 107 is an information file set on the client PC 100 with respect to print order data, and describes an ID of a print destination shop, a print paper size, a printer name, the number of copies, and the like.

The web browser 108 serving as the Internet browsing means may be a general web browser installed in the client PC 100. A thumbnail image 123 generated by the center server 120 based on the print order managed by the center server 120;
The preview image 124 is provided to the client 100 by the center server 120 and displayed on the window of the web browser 108. Further, the web browser 108 functions as a browser that operates on the client PC 100. The web browser 108 transmits the HTML (HyperTextM) acquired from the HTTP server 122 on the center server 120 via the Internet.
arkupLanguage) (HTML file) or the client PC 100
It has a function of interpreting the HTML file stored above and displaying it on the client PC 100 (CRT 306 described later).

HTM obtained from HTTP server 122
The L file is a file stored on the center server 120 where the HTTP server 122 exists,
CGI (CommonGatewayInt) operating on the center server 120 via the HTTP server 122
The file may be a file dynamically generated by a program. For example, for the thumbnail image (thumbnail image), the print order is
20 is automatically generated in the center server 120 and stored as a file. When the thumbnail image file is obtained from the client 100 via the browser, the browser 1 of the client 100
08 and a preview image (preview image) is transmitted from the client 100 to the HTTP server 122.
Is dynamically generated by invoking a CGI program operating on the center server 120 via
It can be displayed on the browser 108 of the client 100.

The center server 200 according to the present embodiment receives a print order from the client 100, and responds to the type of the print order and a print request from the client 100 according to the print order.
It has a function of delivering a print order to be printed to the designated shop 140.

The center server 200 is connected to the client 1
00, the print order (including the print data file 104 and the print setting information 107) is received. If the print order specifies immediate printing, the designated shop 14
Control to download to 0. Specifically, if the designated shop 140 is always connected to the Internet, the print order is transmitted to the shop,
If the designated shop 140 is a printing shop that connects to the Internet by dial-up, the transfer device (transfer means) 1
The print order is stored in the shop folder of the shop 25, and when the center server 120 is accessed from the corresponding shop, the print order in the shop folder is transmitted.

The center server 120 receives the attributes of the printer of the shop and the service information of the shop from the shop 140, updates the printer information description file 103 based on the attributes of the printer, and stores the shop information based on the service information of the shop. Information file 106
Update management. In this embodiment, F that functions as a printer information transmitting unit and a shop information transmitting unit
The TP server 121 acquires (reads from the storage unit) the printer information description file 103 and the shop information file 106 described above, and sends the printer information description file 103 and the shop information file to the client 100 that has requested acquisition via the Internet. It has a function to update (transmit) 106.

In this embodiment, the HTTP server 1 which functions as a print order receiving unit and a display image generating unit
At 22, the print order including the print data file 104 and the print setting information 107 is received from the client 100 via the Internet and stored (uploaded) in the storage unit. Also, the thumbnail image 123 provided from the center server 120 (having the function of the thumbnail image generating means) or the preview image 124 dynamically generated by the preview image generating means
Web browser 10 of the client 100 based on
8, display image information (in this embodiment, H
It is described in the TML format, but is not limited to HTML as long as it is a language that can be displayed by a web browser.

Reference numeral 127 denotes print data conversion means of this embodiment, which converts print data (PostScript data in this embodiment) into a PDF (Portable DocumentF).
(or format) file 126. This print data conversion unit 127 can be realized by GhostScript or Adobe Acrobat Distiller or an application having an equivalent function.
The PDF file 126 may be any printer description language file that is not dependent on a shop printer. In the following description, the PDF file 126 is referred to as a printer description language file. PDF file 126
And the print setting information 107 are collectively transferred to the shop 140 as the print order 129.

Reference numeral 128 denotes an image conversion unit (hereinafter, also referred to as an image converter) having the functions of the thumbnail image generation unit and the preview image generation unit of the present embodiment.
3. Generate a preview image 124. The image converter 128 is provided by GhostScript or A
It can also be realized by dobeAcrobatDistiller or an application having an equivalent function.

The thumbnail image 123 and the preview image 124 are collectively referred to as a display image 130,
The print image is displayed on the web browser 108 at the request of the client as a display image of the print image, or is used for print preview display as a check of print data.
The PDF file 126 and the print setting information 107 are stored as print data 129 via the transfer device 125 at the shop 140.
Is forwarded to Also, as described above, the thumbnail image 1
Reference numeral 23 is generated in response to receiving a print order from the client 100 and stored in a storage unit described later, and the preview image 124 is generated in response to receiving a preview instruction from the client 100.

Reference numeral 125 denotes a transfer unit (also referred to as a transfer device) of the present invention, which receives the print setting information 107 specified by the client from the HTTP server 122,
The printer description language file 126 is received from the print data converter 127, and the print order including the print setting information 107 and the printer description language file 126 is managed for each shop. Then, when receiving the print order of the immediate print instruction, the transfer means 125, upon receiving the printer description language file 126, transmits the print order to the shop to be printed out. If a stock order print order has been received, the transfer means 1
25 has a function of receiving a print request from the client 100 and storing the print order in a box (folder) for an output destination shop specified by the print order. As described above, when the print order is transmitted to the shop 140 which is always connected to the Internet, and the shop which is connected to the dial-up network receives access from the shop, a shop folder specified according to the shop ID is searched. The print order in the found shop folder is transmitted to the shop.

The shop 140 which is the printing shop of this embodiment
Has at least one printer 141 for obtaining a print output desired by the user according to the print order distributed from the center server 120. Also, as described above, the shop 1 which is a printing shop on the Internet
One or more 40 can be present.

Each shop is provided with one or more printers (postscript printers in this embodiment) 141. The shop is a generic name of a print shop, and outputs a printer description language file 126 (a PDF file in this embodiment) to the printer 141 in accordance with the print setting information 107 included in the print order. Shop 140
Data transfer is performed asynchronously with the transfer device 125 of the center server 120 via the Internet. Shop 14
“0” arbitrarily communicates with the center server 120 and downloads the print request data to its own shop.

The printer 141 prints the PDF file 126 in accordance with the description of the print setting information 107. Since the print control of the printer 141 is a known technique, the description is omitted.

<Block Diagram of Client> FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a client 100 which is an information processing apparatus according to the present invention.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 301 denotes C which controls the entire apparatus.
It is a PU and can provide various functions by executing arithmetic processing based on a control program stored in the storage means. The storage means here is a RAM 302 as a volatile internal storage means, a ROM 303 as a nonvolatile internal storage means, and an HDD 30 as an external storage means.
9. Any of the FDD 310, which is a detachable storage unit, may be used.

Reference numeral 302 denotes a RAM, which functions as a main memory of the CPU 301 and as a work area or a temporary save area for an execution program. Reference numeral 303 denotes a ROM that stores the operation processing procedure of the CPU 301. ROM303
And a program ROM in which a system program for controlling device control of the print server and a program represented by a processing flow described later with reference to FIGS. There is.

Reference numeral 304 denotes a communication unit which controls data transfer with the center server 120 via the Internet. Communication with the center server 120 may be a dial-up Internet connection using a public line, or may be LAN-connected to a proxy server using a dedicated line.

Reference numeral 305 denotes a video RAM (VRAM), which develops an image displayed on the screen of a CRT 306, which is a display unit indicating the operating state of the system, and controls the display.

Reference numeral 307 denotes a keyboard controller (instruction input means) for controlling an input signal from an external input device such as a keyboard. Reference numeral 308 denotes an external input device for receiving an operation, which generally indicates a keyboard or a pointing device (such as a mouse).

Reference numeral 309 denotes a hard disk drive (HDD) as external storage means, which is used for storing a document file created using an application and a document editing device. Also, a printer driver 102, shop information 106 of a printing shop acquired from a center server, a printer information description file 103
Is also stored here.

Reference numeral 310 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.

Reference numeral 300 denotes an I / O bus (address bus, data bus, and control bus) for connecting the above-described units.

<Block Diagram of Center Server> FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a center server which is a print management device according to the present invention.

In FIG. 4, reference numeral 401 denotes C which controls the entire apparatus.
It is a PU and can provide various functions by executing arithmetic processing based on a control program stored in the storage means.

Reference numeral 402 denotes a RAM, which functions as a main memory of the CPU 401 and as a work area or a temporary save area for an execution program. A ROM 403 stores the operation processing procedure of the CPU 401. ROM403
Includes a program ROM in which a system program for controlling the equipment of the center server 120 and a program represented by a processing flow described later with reference to FIG. 9 are recorded, and a data ROM in which information necessary for operating the system is stored. .

A communication unit 404 performs data transfer control with a shop 140 described later, and data control and diagnosis for performing data transfer between the client 100 and the present system via the Internet. As a result, the editing information is received from the client 100 and transferred to the print server. Further, the shop information 106 and the printer information description file 103 are transmitted to each client.

Reference numeral 405 denotes a video RAM (VRAM) for developing an image displayed on the screen of the CRT 406 indicating the operating state of the system and controlling the display.

Reference numeral 407 denotes a keyboard controller for controlling an input signal from an external input device such as a keyboard. Reference numeral 408 denotes an external input device for accepting an operation, and generally indicates a keyboard or a pointing device (such as a mouse).

Reference numeral 409 denotes a hard disk drive (HD
D) indicates the HTTP server program or print data 1
29 (PDF 126, print setting information 107, etc.). Reference numeral 410 denotes a removable disk drive (FDD) such as a floppy disk,
It is used for reading an application program described later from a medium. Printer information description file 10
3 and shop information 106 are also stored here. Also,
The print order received from the client 100 and the display image (thumbnail image) converted and generated by the image converter 128 are also stored here.

Reference numeral 400 denotes an I / O bus (address bus, data bus, and control bus) for connecting the above-described units.

In response to a request from the client 100, the center server 120 transfers a fixed HTML file to the client PC, and generates an HTML file dynamically generated by the CGI program stored in the HDD 409.
An HTTP server 122 that transfers the ML file to the client PC is running.

The HTTP server 122 is activated by activating the HTTP server program stored on the HDD 409. HTTP server 12 in operation
2 allows the client 10 to browse and select print order information on the client PC 100 via the network, and to execute a print order.
Expands to zero.

<Flow chart of print order generation processing>
FIGS. 5 and 6 are flowcharts illustrating control of a print start process and a print order process in the client 100 which is an embodiment of the information processing apparatus of the present invention. Hereinafter, control of the client 100 will be described based on this flowchart. Each client 100 has an HDD
This control can be realized by the CPU 301 performing arithmetic processing based on a control program 309 or a control program stored (installed) in an executable manner in the program ROM 303.

In the processing based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, the printer driver 102 executes the following printing start processing.

First, when the “print” menu is selected by the operator while the application 101 is running on the OS of the client PC, the printer driver 102 is started by the function of the OS, and STEP 501 print start processing is performed. Is executed. In STEP 502, the printer driver 102 executes the printer information description file 103.
, A user interface for the user to specify the printer type, resolution, paper selection, and the like is generated and displayed, and the print setting specified by the user is set as the print setting of the print job.

In the following STEP 503, the printer driver 102 converts the drawing function input from the application 101 via the OS based on the print setting value set in the previous step, thereby forming the print data 1.
04 (postscript data in this embodiment). Note that the drawing function input to the printer driver 102 is a first drawing function (a drawing function defined by the OS; for example, GDI in Windows (registered trademark)) that is discharged from an application to a drawing unit of the OS.
This is a drawing function that is generated by converting a device function into a second drawing function that can be interpreted by the device driver (a drawing function defined in the DLL file of the device driver; for example, a DDI function in Windows). .

In STEP 504, the printer driver 1
In step 02, it is checked whether there is an error in the print settings and whether the generated PostScript data is correct. If there is an error, the printer driver 1
02 creates error information.

When there is no error in STEP 504 or when error information is generated in STEP 505, the following S
At STEP 506, the printer driver 102 prompts the user to activate the print order application 105 via the monitor. The print order application 105 executes a print order process shown in FIG.

In the processing based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, the print order application 105 executes the following print order processing.

When the print order application 105 is started via the monitor in accordance with an instruction from the printer driver 102, the print order processing STEP 600 is started. In STEP 601, the print order application 105 determines whether or not there is error information created in the error processing (STEP 505) of the printer driver described above. If there is an error, the process proceeds to STEP 602, where the print order application 105 notifies the user of the error information and ends the process.

On the other hand, if there is no error, STEP 603
Then, the print order application 105 connects to the center server 120 via the Internet and inquires of the center server 120 whether or not the printer information description file 103 (PPD file in this embodiment) has been updated. The center server 120 compares the version of the printer information description file of the client with the latest version of the printer information description file of the center server 120 in response to the inquiry sent from the client. Attaching the URL where the printer information description file exists, and using that information as printer information description file information in a format that can be interpreted by the print order application 105, for example, HTML
The file is converted into a file in the format and notified to the client 100.

When the printer description file update information indicating that the printer information description file has been updated is notified from the center server 120, in STEP 604,
The print order application 105 sends the notified UR
L via the FTP server 121 on the center server 120 and the latest printer information description file 1
03, the printer information description file is updated. When the printer information description file is updated, the print settings of the printer driver and the created print data performed in the print start processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5 become invalid, and the print command is again executed to the user in STEP 605. And the process ends in STEP606.

On the other hand, when it is notified that the printer information description file has not been updated, in STEP 607, the print order application 105 transmits the shop information 106 downloaded to the client 100.
To generate and display a user interface for selecting a printable shop. Then, by causing the user to select a printable shop, a selection instruction from the user is accepted. The shop selection user interface displays all shops defined in the shop information file 106 stored in the client, and determines whether or not print data generated by the printer driver 102 can be printed out. Judge and display that fact. Whether print output is possible or not is determined by a device-dependent print setting (paper size, resolution, paper orientation, ink type, etc.) specified by the user in the property UI of the printer driver 102 for each printer. It can be realized by the print order application 105 determining whether or not the shop is prepared by referring to the shop information 106. The shop selection UI will be described later with reference to FIG.

When the shop is selected by the user in STEP 607, in STEP 608, the print order application 105 inquires of the center server 120 via the Internet whether or not the shop information file 106 of the selected shop has been updated. The center server 120 compares the version of the shop information file held by the client with the version of the shop information file of the corresponding shop held by the center server in response to the inquiry sent from the client. The print order application 10 adds the URL where the shop information file exists and the file name, and uses the information as shop information update information.
5 is converted to a format that can be interpreted, for example, an HTML format file, and is notified to the client 100.

When the shop information update information indicating that the shop information file has been updated is notified from the center server 120, in STEP 609, the print order application 105 accesses the notified URL and performs FTP on the center server 120. The shop information file is updated by downloading the latest shop information file via the server 121. When the shop information file is updated, there is a possibility that the printer or the printer option has been changed. Therefore, in step 607, the shop selection is executed again in order to check whether the current print order is possible.

On the other hand, if it is notified that the shop information file has not been updated, the print order application 105 generates the print setting information file 107 in STEP 610. Print setting information file 107
As described above, the print destination shop ID specified from the shop information 106 corresponding to the shop selected by the user, the print paper size as the print setting selected by the user on the UI based on the printer information description file 103, Describes the printer name, number of copies, and the like.

In STEP 611, the print order application 105 generates a GUI (hereinafter, referred to as a user interface) shown in FIG. V using a display driver not shown
By expanding it on the RAM 305, the CR
The user interface is displayed at T306.

Here, the user interface screen shown in FIG. 13 will be described. FIG. 13 shows the client PC 1
9 is an example of an operation screen of the print order application 105 operating on the application program 00. In the figure, reference numeral 1301 denotes a page screen for giving an instruction to upload the print order generated by the print order application 105 to the center server 120. 1302 is the user I corresponding to the user name
D (information for identifying a user, also referred to as user identification information), and the user ID is an ID previously issued to the client by the center server to identify the user who has accessed the center server. It is. This ID is different for each user. 1303
Indicates information indicating a shop (store) that prints out the print order, and the shop name of the shop specified by the user selection in STEP 607 is displayed. Reference numeral 1304 denotes the name of print data in the actual print order. Reference numerals 1305 to 1309 denote instruction items, respectively, and when the user presses a button which is one of the instruction items, processing by the print order application is performed on the client PC.
Reference numeral 1305 denotes a “property” button. When the user presses this button, the details of the print order, for example, the number of pages, the number of copies, paper size, resolution, designation of finishing, and the type of recording material (toner or ink) are displayed. It will be displayed in a separate window. Reference numeral 1306 denotes an “immediate order” button. When this button is pressed by the user, the actual print order becomes an immediate print order, the print order is uploaded to the center saver 120, and a print order is sent from the center server 120 to the shop. publish. 1307 is an "upload" button,
When the user presses this button, the actual print order is uploaded to the center server 120. 120
Reference numeral 8 denotes a “cancel” button. When the user presses this button, the page screen for upload selection of the actual print order ends, and the screen returns to the previous page screen. 130
Reference numeral 8 denotes a “preview” button. When the user presses this button, the web browser 108
A preview HTML acquisition request is issued to the TP server 122, and the center server 122 outputs the HTML including the preview image 124 as a result of the CGI program.
The display data in the L format is generated and transferred to the client 100, and the preview image is displayed on the web browser 108 of the client. Reference numeral 1309 denotes a “cancel” button, and the print order processing is interrupted when the user presses this button.

Therefore, in STEP 611, the print order application 105 allows the user to select “immediate order”, “upload”
It is determined which button of “Cancel” has been selected. If it is determined that “Immediate order” has been selected, the print setting information file 107 and the print data 104 are set as the print order, and a flag indicating the immediate print order is set. Up,
Upload to the center server 120 via the Internet. If it is determined that “upload” has been selected, the print order application 105
Uploads the print order as the normal print order to the center server 120 via the Internet.
The print order application 105 sends a request command to change the uploaded print data 104 (post-script data in this embodiment) to the PDF file 126 and an error check request command of the print order 129 at the same time as the print order. Issued to 120. On the other hand, if it is determined that the cancel is selected, the processing is terminated or the shop selection processing (S
The processing returns to (TEP607).

In STEP 612, the print order application 105 sends the print data to the center server 120 via the Internet by the print data conversion means 127, using the printer description language file (as described above,
This is a file in a data format that does not depend on the shop. In this embodiment, a conversion error when changing to a PDF file), the printer description language file 126 is converted into image data (display image 130) by the image converter 128 (image conversion means). Inquires whether there is a conversion error or an error in print setting information when changing to. If there is an error, in STEP 613, the print order application 105 notifies the user of the error information and ends. If there is no error, in STEP 614, the print order application 105 of the client receives a notification of the order ID (to be described later) for specifying the print order from the center server 120, and uploads the unnecessary print order to the center server 120. End processing such as deletion is performed, and the processing ends.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of S in the flowchart shown in FIG.
GUI (Gr.) For selecting a shop in TEP607
(a.a.a.a.UserInterface). This GUI is for the print order application 10
CRT generated by the OS 5 and displayed via the OS
Displayed at 306. A list area 701 displays a list of shop names displayed according to the shop information file 106 existing in the client 100. As described above, a list of shop names that can be output according to the print settings by the printer driver is displayed, and the user can select one shop from this list. In addition, a list of shop names for which print output of the current print data cannot be performed is displayed with an x mark or is grayed out, so that the user cannot make a wrong selection.

Reference numeral 702 denotes a list update button. When the user presses the list update button 702, the print order application 105 stores the shop information file 106 relating to the shop selected in the shop list on the center server 120. Is downloaded from the center server 120 and updated. When the user explicitly updates the shop information file 106 during the shop selection processing, the determination in step 608 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 is always No, since the update of the shop information file has already been performed. Is avoided. A cancel button 703 selects a recently selected shop and ends the shop selection processing. 70
Reference numeral 4 denotes a selection button. In response to the selection button 704 being pressed by the user, the print order application 105 selects the shop selected in the shop list area 701 as a shop for performing print processing of the print order. Then, the shop selection process ends.

FIG. 8 shows an example of the shop information file 106 stored in the center server 120 or the shop information file 106 downloaded to the client 100, both of which have the same data structure.

Reference numeral 801 denotes shop name information indicating the shop name, which is displayed in the shop list area of FIG. 802 is shop ID information for distinguishing shops. The print order application 105 inserts this shop ID into the print setting information, and the center server 120 refers to the print setting information 107 in the print order 129 to change the shop ID.
By extracting D and searching for shops having the same shop ID in the shop information 106 held with confidence, the shop which should print out the actual print order, in other words, the shop to which the print request should be made, is specified. can do.

Reference numeral 803 denotes version information of the shop information file, which is shown in STEP 608 in the flowchart shown in FIG.
Is used for a check process for checking whether or not the print order application 105 should perform the update process. Reference numeral 804 denotes shop information which stores information on the shop, such as the address of the shop and holidays. 805
Is printer list information in which the names of printers available in the shop are stored. Reference numeral 806 denotes paper size list information in which a list of paper sizes selectable by the printer indicated by the printer list information 805 is stored. 807 can be selected by the printer function.
Printer option information such as duplex printing and parameter information such as the printing margin of the printer are stored. Here, the paper size list information 806 and the printer option parameter information 807 may be described in the printer information description file 103 as information for each printer. The error check process of the printer driver 102 in STEP 504 of the flowchart shown in FIG.

<Flowchart of Shop Information Acquisition Process in Client> Here, the center server 120
The process of downloading shop information from the client to the client 100 will be described. According to the present invention, a shop including a printer specified by the user's use conditions is selected without downloading all shop information from the center server 120, and shop information 106 corresponding to the selected shop is transmitted from the center server 120. It is downloaded to the client 100.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the shop information acquisition processing in the client 100. The client 100 can perform this control by the CPU 301 performing arithmetic processing based on a control program executable (stored) in the HDD 309 or the program ROM 303.

This processing is performed in the print order application 1
05 "Get shop information" button
STEP 1500 is started by instructing (not shown). In STEP 1501, the print order application 105 instructs the OS to start the web browser 108, and causes the client 100 to operate the web browser 108. In that case, UR
L is specified, and the web browser 108 transmits the URL (the center server 120) specified via the Internet.
To obtain display information as a result of the CGI program, and display the GUI shown in FIG. 14 on the display unit.

FIG. 14 is a screen diagram for explaining the user interface of the shop use condition input page displayed and operated by the web browser 108 on the client PC 100. CG for the center server 120
By requesting the execution of the I program, the center server 12
The HTTP server 122 on 0 transfers HTML format data to the client PC as a result of the CGI program. H in web browser 108 on client PC
The display and operation on the web browser 108 are enabled by displaying the data in the TML format as a page. Further, in the present embodiment, the data is described as HTML format data. However, the present invention is not limited to the HTML format. No problem.

In FIG. 14, reference numeral 1401 denotes the center server 1
A shop use condition input page displayed on the web browser 108 of the client 100 based on the image information generated and transferred by the client 20, and a page for inputting use conditions for specifying shop information to be downloaded to the client 100. It is. Reference numerals 1402 to 1405 denote check box formats, and reference numeral 1406 denotes a pull-down menu format option, all of which are use condition items.

A check box 1402 is used to specify a paper size as a use condition. The user can specify one or more of the plurality of check boxes. The printer having at least one paper size specified here is the target printer.

A check box 1403 is used to specify a media type as a use condition. The user can specify one or more of the plurality of check boxes. The printer having at least one media type specified here is the target printer.

Reference numeral 1404 denotes a page layer as a use condition.
This is a check box for specifying the default. This item is
Check only the items (functions) that the user must use in the print order.
Is to be checked. The page specified here
Only printers that have a layout function
Become.

Reference numeral 1405 denotes a check box for designating finishing as a use condition. This item also checks only items (functions) that the user always uses in the print order. Only the printer having the finishing function specified here is the target printer.

Reference numeral 1406 denotes a pull-down menu for designating a region as a use condition. It is also possible not to select this item, and if an area is specified, the shop will be excluded from the selection in the specified area.

Reference numeral 1407 denotes a download button.
When the user presses this button, the web browser 108 transmits the information to the center server 12 via the Internet.
A download request is issued to the HTTP server 122 with the use condition specified by the user as an argument. Also, 1408
Is a cancel button, and when this button is pressed by the user, the process ends.

In this way, the user interface screen shown in FIG. 14 is displayed on the display unit, and in STEP 1502, the web browser 108 performs a process of inputting a use condition specified by the user via this user interface. Then, in STEP 1503, the web browser 108
It is determined whether the download button 1407 has been pressed by the user. If it is determined that there is a download request, the process proceeds to STEP 1504.
If it is determined that 08 has been pressed by the user, the process ends.

At step 1504, the web browser 10
8 obtains, from the center server 120, the first candidate shop information 106 searched based on the use conditions described above, and downloads the printer information description file 103 as necessary in STEP 1505. When each download process ends, the shop information acquisition process in the client 100 ends.

<Flowchart of Shop Information Transfer Processing in Center Server> FIG.
9 is a flowchart illustrating control performed when a shop information acquisition request including usage conditions from the client 100 is received from the client 20. The center server 120
This control can be realized by the CPU 401 performing arithmetic processing based on a control program executable (stored) in the HDD 409 or the program ROM 403.

On the client, the web browser 1
08, use condition items 1402 to 1406 are set,
When a “download” button 1407 is pressed by the user in STEP 1503, this processing STEP 1600 is started. In STEP 1601, client login processing is performed. The center server 120 determines whether the user ID and password input from the client 100 via the Internet are correct with the user ID and password of the user information file (stored in the HDD 409) managed by the center server 120. If the user ID and the password are correct and the center server 120 determines that the
Allows access to 00 and holds a communication session,
Proceed to STEP1602. In the case of a user accessing for the first time, a user registration process is performed, and the center server 1
User I to issue to client user at 20
D and a password input by the client user are registered and managed in a user information file. And
A cookie information file describing a user ID and the like is stored in the HDD 309 of the client PC 100.

In STEP 1602, the center server 1
20 performs input processing of a download request including usage conditions from the client 100 via the Internet.
Then, in STEP 1603, the center server 120 analyzes the use conditions included in the received download request,
A shop having a printer that meets this use condition is searched from all shop information managed by the center server 120. This search processing is 1402, 1403
The printers having one or more items corresponding to the respective use conditions are the target printers.
With respect to the use conditions of Nos. 4 and 1405, printers satisfying each condition are target printers. Then, the shop information of the printing shop including the target printer is searched and determined as the first candidate shop information. Also, 140
If the area designation of 6 is performed, the shops that exist in the area are further narrowed down. Shop information file 10
In the data structure of No. 6, as described above with reference to FIG. 8, the shop information 804 includes the address of the shop, and it can be determined whether or not the area is a designated area.

When the first candidate of the shop information is determined in STEP 1603, the FTP server 121 of the center server 120 transfers the shop information of the first candidate to the client 100 via the Internet in STEP 1604, and the client 100 In the path of the storage means of
Store and manage downloaded shop information.

Further, in STEP 1605, when the shop information file 106 is newly downloaded to the client 100, it is inquired whether or not the client 100 manages the printer information description file 103 of the printer included in the downloaded shop information. , The FTP server 121 of the center server 120 transfers the printer information description file 103 to the client 100.

As described above, the center server 120 searches for a suitable shop based on the usage conditions received from the client 100, and transfers the shop information 106 of the searched shop to the client 100. Since the desired shop information is managed, the usability is good, and since there is no need to manage unnecessary shop information, the memory efficiency is improved.

<Flowchart of Control Processing in Center Server> FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining control when the center server 120 receives a request from the client 100. In the client 100, the "HTML file income request" of the web browser 108, the processing flow STEP603 of the client in FIG.
When a request for “update check of printer information description file” performed in step 608, a request for update check of shop information file performed in step 608, and a “print data conversion request” performed in step 611, the center server This is the process performed in step S120. Hereinafter, control of the center server 120 will be described based on this flowchart. Note that the center server 120 is an HDD
This control can be realized by the CPU 401 performing arithmetic processing based on a control program 409 or a control program stored (installed) in the program ROM 403 so as to be executable.

When the request from the client 100 is received, in step 901 the HTTP server 122 determines whether or not the request is an HTML file acquisition request. H
If the request is determined to be a TML file acquisition, STEP
The process proceeds to 902, and if it is determined that the request is not an HTML file acquisition request, the process proceeds to STEP 903. When the print order application 105 on the client PC 100 accesses the “preview” request (the preview button 1308 in FIG. 13 is instructed by the user) and the web browser 108 displays the “shop selection page” or the “print order determination page”. If it is accessed as an acquisition request, it is an HTML file acquisition request, and the process proceeds to STEP902. Here, the acquisition request of the HTML file is a request for displaying the print order that has already been received (uploaded) from the client 100 that has made the access request (when the user designates the preview button 1015 in FIG. 10). This is also included in this. If the print order application 105 requests a printer information description file update check or a shop information file update check, the request proceeds to STEP 903 because the request is a CGI program execution request.

In STEP 902, the HTTP server 12
2 is the HTML included in the HTML file.
An HTML file corresponding to the URL of the file is transferred to the requesting client PC 100. Also, HTM
If the request to acquire the L file is a request to execute the CGI program, the HTTP
The server 122 transfers HTML format data to the client PC as a result of the CGI program. This corresponds to a case where a print order is retrieved from a client or a case where a display image is included in an HTML file.

In STEP 903, the HTTP server 12
2 determines whether or not the request from the print order application 105 is a request to check the update of the printer information description file 103. If the determination is No, the process proceeds to STEP905. If it is determined that the request is an update check request for the printer information description file 103, the process proceeds to STEP904. In STEP 904, the HTTP server 122 on the center server 120 checks the version of the printer information description file (PPD file) specified by the print order application 105 in the execution request of the CGI program and the latest version updated on the center server 120. The version of the printer information description file is compared, and the resulting HTML file is transferred to the requesting client PC 100. HTM transferred as a result if the printer information description file has been updated
The L file contains a list of URLs of printer information description files to be downloaded.

In STEP 905, the HTTP server 12
2 determines whether the request from the print order application 105 is an update check request for the shop information file 106. If the determination is No, the process proceeds to STEP 907. If it is determined that the request is an update check request for the shop information file, the process proceeds to STEP 906. STE
In P906, the HTTP server 122 on the center server 120 sends the C
The version of the shop information file corresponding to the shop name or shop ID passed as an argument, specified in the GI program execution request, and the center server 120
The version of the latest shop information file of the same shop, which is updated above, is compared, and the resulting HTML file is transferred to the requesting client PC 100. If the shop information file has been updated, the resulting transferred HTML file includes a list of URLs of the shop information file to be downloaded.

In STEP 907, the HTTP server 12
Step 2 determines whether the request from the print order application 105 is uploading of the print order, in other words, whether or not print data conversion is required. If the determination is No, the process ends. If it is determined that the request is a print data conversion request, STEP
The process proceeds to 908. In STEP 908, the print data conversion unit 127 generates a printer description language file (PDF file in this embodiment) from the print data (PostScript data in this embodiment). As described above, the print data conversion unit 127 may use GhostScript or AdobeAcro.
It can be realized by a batDistiller or an application having an equivalent function. In STEP 909, the image converter 208 generates a display image of a low-resolution thumbnail image and a high-resolution preview image from a PDF file, which is a printer description language file. Image converter 208 may also be GhostScript or AdobeAcro.
It can be realized by a batDistiller or an application having an equivalent function.

In STEP 910, the center server 12
In step 908, the process checks whether there is any error in the conversion of STEP 908 and STEP 909, and if there is an error, adds error information to the resulting HTML file and transfers it to the requesting client PC 100. If there is no error, an HTML file indicating that the conversion process of the print data has been correctly performed is transferred to the client PC 100 that has issued the request.

In STEP 911, it is determined whether the print order uploaded from the client is the “immediate print order” or the “normal print order” by referring to whether the above-described immediate print flag is set. If it is determined that the print order is immediate, STE
The process proceeds to P913, and if it is determined that the print order is the normal print order, the process proceeds to STEP912.

In STEP 912, the center server 12
0 of the printer description language file 126 generated in STEP 908.
The TTP server 122 stores the print setting information file 107 received from the client as a print order 129 for shop transfer in the print order management table (FIG. 12) in the transfer unit 125 on the center server 120. At this time, the HTTP server of the center server 120 transmits an order ID for specifying the print order 129.
To the client PC 100 as additional information.
In the process of STEP 910, the thumbnail image 123 and the preview image 124 are stored as the display image 130 on the center server 120 described later in the print order management table (FIG. 12).

On the other hand, if it is determined that the print order is an immediate print order, in STEP 913, the print data conversion means 127 outputs the printer description language file 126 generated in STEP 908, and the HTTP server 122
Print setting information file 107 received from client
Are stored in the print order management table (FIG. 12) in the transfer unit 125 on the center server 120 as the immediate print order 129 for shop transfer. On this occasion,
Thumbnail image 123, preview image 124
Is also stored in the print order correspondence table. Then, as described above, when the shop to be printed out is a shop that is always connected to the Internet, the transfer unit 125 transmits the actual print order to the corresponding shop and makes a print request. If the shop to be output is a shop with a dial-up connection to the Internet, store the print order in a box (folder) corresponding to the shop and manage it so that it can be downloaded when accessed from the shop. deep. Here, the center server 120 manages information indicating whether the shop is always connected to the Internet or is a dial-up connection in the shop information 106, and when the print order is immediately uploaded,
Alternatively, when a print order request for a normal print order is made, by referring to the shop information 106,
It is possible to determine whether to transmit the print order 129 to request a print or to manage the download order in a box (folder) corresponding to the shop.

As described above, in the center server 120, as a print order, a printer description language file (in this embodiment, PD
F file), the shop that should print out this print order only needs to have a general application and printer driver that can handle the printer description language file (PDF file). Since the software can be easily operated and the application and the printer driver can be easily obtained, the load on the shop side is very light.

The thumbnail image 123 is used in a print order operation page (FIG. 10) displayed and operated by the web browser 108 of the client 100, which will be described later. The preview image 124 is used for preview drawing as an image for checking print data.

<Explanation of Print Order Processing> FIG. 10 is a screen for explaining a user interface of a shop selection page and a print order determination page at the time of executing a print order displayed and operated by the web browser 108 on the client PC 100. FIG. By requesting the center server 120 to execute the above-described CGI program, the HTTP server 122 on the center server 120 transfers the HTML data to the client PC as a result of the CGI program. The web browser 108 on the client PC displays the data in the HTML format as a page, so that the display and operation on the web browser 108 are enabled. Further, in the present embodiment, the data is described as HTML format data. However, the present invention is not limited to the HTML format. No problem.

In FIG. 10, reference numeral 1001 denotes a center server 1
This is a shop selection page displayed on the web browser 108 of the client 100 based on the image information generated and transferred at 20, and is a page for selecting a shop to execute a print order from a shop where a print order has been placed. 1
Reference numeral 002 denotes a user name and a user ID corresponding to the user name. When the client 100 accesses the center server 120, the client 100 accessed by the center server 120 is specified and generated by embedding it in the image information. The center server 120 may allow the user to input a user ID at the time of an access request, or may prepare cookie information in the client in advance and automatically determine the client using this information. .

Reference numerals 1003, 1004, and 1005 indicate shop names, and indicate the shop names of the print output destination shops included in all the print orders currently uploaded by the accessing client specified by the user ID. are doing. The center server 120 can generate this image information by searching for a print order managed in the transfer unit 125 based on the user ID. In addition, the user can select shop names 1003 to 10
05 by specifying any of
00 web browser 108 to the center server 120
A request for a list of print orders uploaded to the designated shop is issued to the HTTP server 122. The list request includes the user ID and the shop ID. In response to this, the center server 120 refers to the print order management table (FIG. 12) and uses the user ID and the shop ID to determine the list. The print order uploaded by the user of the client 100 to the shop is searched, the searched result is generated as image information, and the HTTP server 122 of the center server 120 outputs the image information to the web browser 108 of the client. I do. The user interface screen 1010 displayed on the web browser 108 of the client based on the image information becomes 1010.

In FIG. 10, reference numeral 1010 denotes the center server 1
20 is a print order determination page displayed on the web browser 108 of the client 100 based on the image information generated and transferred at 20. For the shop selected by the user on the shop selection page 1001, a plurality of print data that have been printed (uploaded to the center server 120) are displayed, and one print order that the user wants to order for printing is displayed. This is a page for executing print orders collectively by selecting the above. 101
Reference numerals 1 and 1012 show all print orders uploaded to the center server for the shop selected on the shop selection page 1001. Is displayed. Reference numeral 1013 denotes an order button. When the user presses this button, the client web browser 108 prints the print orders 1011 to 1012.
Judge the print order that has been specified by the user (the check box is checked),
Print order instructions for the specified print order
The data is transmitted from the web browser 108 to the HTTP server 122 of the center server 120 via the Internet.

Reference numeral 1014 denotes a cancel button. When the user presses this button, the web browser 108 interrupts the print order processing. Reference numeral 1015 denotes a preview button for displaying a preview image corresponding to the print order checked in the check box. When the user presses this button, the web browser 108 transmits the preview HTML to the HTTP server 122. An acquisition request is issued, and the center server 122 generates HTML-format display data including the preview image 124 as a result of the CGI program, transfers the display data to the client 100, and displays the preview image on the client web browser 108. Become.

Here, the processing of the client will be described. When transmitting the print order to the center server 120, the client 100 immediately receives a print order from the shop after the print order is transmitted to the center server 120. When an upload instruction (1307 in FIG. 13) to manage the print order in the print order management table is input, the print order is uploaded to the center server 120 via the Internet.
From the print order uploaded to the print server 20, the print order request for one or more print orders to be ordered by the user (specified on the print order determination page 1010 in FIG. 10) is sent to the center server 120 via the Internet. Perform processing to transmit via

The client 100 accesses the center server 120 via the Internet and obtains a print order list uploaded to the center server 120 (see shop selection page 1 in FIG. 10).
001: shop name specified by user in 1003-100
5, a list is obtained from the center server 120).

Further, the client 100 generates a print order to be transmitted to the center server 120 by using the printer driver 102 and the print order application 105 based on the print target data generated by the application 101.

The client 100 performs a process of acquiring the printer information description file 103 (PPD file) from the center server 120 via the Internet, and performs a print order based on the print settings described in the acquired printer information description file. Will be generated.

The client 100 performs a process of acquiring the shop information file 106 from the center server 120 via the Internet, and the print order application 105 generates a print order including the shop name based on the acquired shop information file. become.

When transmitting the print order to the center server 120, the client 100 issues a print order as it is after the print order is transmitted to the center server 120 (1306 in FIG. 13).
Then, an upload instruction (13 in FIG. 13) for transmitting the print order to the center server 120 and causing the print management table (FIG. 12) to manage the print order without issuing a print order is issued.
07) (the print order transmission page 1301 in FIG. 13), and when the upload instruction is input, the client 100 sends the print order to the center server 120 via the Internet. Uploaded, and then designated by the user from the print order uploaded to the center server 120 (FIG. 1).
A print order request for one or more print orders to be ordered for printing (designated on the print order determination page 1010 of 0) is transmitted to the center server 120 via the Internet.

<Flowchart of Print Order Processing in Center Server> FIG. 11 is a flowchart of print order processing in the center server 120. Hereinafter, the control of the print order processing on the client PC 100 will be described based on this flowchart. Note that the center server 120 may be the HDD 409 or the program ROM 4
This control can be realized by the CPU 401 performing arithmetic processing based on a control program stored (installed) so as to be executable in the CPU 03.

In STEP 1101, the client 10
0 user makes a print order to the center server 120, the center server 120
Perform login processing from 0. Center server 120
Means that the user ID and password input from the client 100 via the Internet are stored in the center server 12.
It is determined whether or not the user ID and the password of the user information file (stored in the HDD 409) managed at 0 are correct. If the user ID and the password are correct, the center server 120 issues an access request. Access to the client 100 is permitted to hold a communication session, and the process proceeds to STEP 1102. In the case of a user accessing for the first time, a user registration process is performed, and a user ID issued to the client user in the center server 120 and a password input from the client user are registered and managed in a user information file. . Then, a cookie information file describing the user ID and the like is stored in the HDD 309 of the client PC 100.

In STEP 1102, the center server 1
Reference numeral 20 denotes a shop name selected by the user by operating the pointing device or the keyboard from the shop names 1003, 1004, and 1005 displayed on the shop selection page 1001 on the web browser 108 of the client 100. Is selected from the shop information 106. ST when shop is selected
Proceeding to EP 1103, the page of the web browser 108 of the client PC 100 is changed to the print order determination page 101.
It is changed to 0.

In STEP 1103, the center server 1
Based on the user ID of the accessing client and the shop selected in STEP 1102, the HTTP server 122 searches the transfer unit 125 for a print order uploaded to the shop selected from the client, A print order determination page 1010 in HTML format to be displayed on the web browser 108 of the client 100 is generated and transferred to the web browser 108 of the client 100. Then, on the print order determination page 1010 on the web browser 108, the user selects one or more of the displayed print orders 1011 and 1012 by operating a pointing device or a keyboard, and the center server 120 The HTTP server 122 receives the designation of the print order desired by the user, and determines one or more print orders to be ordered. The HDD 409 of the center server 120 stores a table of FIG. 12 showing the correspondence between the user ID, the shop ID, the order ID, the print data 129, and the display image 130.

FIG. 12 is an example of a print order management table for explaining the correspondence between print orders and print data in the center server 120. User ID input to center server 120 in STEP 1101, STEP
From the shop ID indicating the shop specified and selected by the user's instruction in 1102, the center server 120
Generates a print order determination page 1010 including all the corresponding order IDs and displays it on the web browser 108 of the client 100. At this time, the thumbnail image 1 of the display image 130 is obtained from the corresponding display image path.
23, and a print order determination page 1010 including a thumbnail image is generated.

When the print order to be printed is determined, the flow advances to STEPs 1104 and 1105 to determine which input operation has been performed by pressing the order button or the cancel button on the print order determination page 1010 of the web browser 108. The center server 120 checks by analyzing information input from the client PC 100 via the Internet. STEP11
If it is determined at 04 that the order button has been pressed, the STE
Proceeding to P1106, the print order process described above is executed, and the process ends. If it is determined in STEP 1105 that the cancel button has been pressed, the print order processing ends.

In STEP 1106, the center server 1
In FIG. 12, a print order 129 is acquired by a print order path corresponding to the order ID determined on the print order determination page 1010 in FIG. 12, and is associated with the shop ID via the transfer device 125 on the center server 120. The print order 129 is transferred to the shop 140. When the print order 129 is transferred to the shop, the shop 140
In the above, according to the print setting information 107, the printer description language file extracted from the print order (in this embodiment,
(PDF data) 126 is subjected to image processing based on the print setting information, and printed by a designated printer.

The processing of the center server 120 is summarized here. The center server 120 receives a print order from the client 100 (STEP 90 in FIG. 9).
7), the received print order is processed by the user I of the client 100 without processing the print order with the shop.
D is managed in the print order management table (12) in association with D (determined to be No in STEP 911, corresponding to the processing in STEP 912), and in response to a list request from the client 100, the user ID of the client 100 is referred to. A print order to be returned as a print order order list is searched from the print orders managed in the print order management table (FIG. 12), and image information of the order list including the searched print order (print order determination in FIG. 10). A process for returning the page 1010) to the client 100 that has made the request is performed.

The center server 120 manages the print order received from the client 100 in the print order management table (FIG. 12) in association with the shop ID indicating the shop to be subjected to the printing process included in the print order. At the time of a search in response to a request from, a search process is performed using this shop ID.

The center server 120 transmits the image information (FIG. 1) of the order list returned to the client 100.
0 in response to the print order determination page 1010), the client 100 receives from the client 100 a print order instruction specifying one or more print orders (step 1104 in FIG. 11), and receives one or more print orders specified by the received print order instruction. Is controlled so as to transmit the print order to the designated shop (STEP 1106). As described above, this control is for controlling a process whose transmission method is different depending on whether the designated shop is always connected to the Internet or is a dial-up connection.

As described above, in this embodiment, the client 1
The print order uploaded in 00 is stored on the center server 120 and can be ordered collectively in the print order processing. Since the print order is ordered collectively for each shop, the delivery after the print output is performed collectively. And save on shipping costs.

Further, since the print order corresponding to the user ID is displayed separately for each shop, even after the print order is uploaded to the center server 120, the user can easily determine which print order has been uploaded to which shop. Can be recognized.

In this embodiment, the print order application 105 generates the print order from the print data 104 generated by the printer driver and the print settings. The print data 104 has been described as PostScript data. The present invention is not limited to this,
The print data 104 may be PDF data from Adobe. This is because if the printer driver generates PDF data as the print data 104, the center server does not need to generate PDF data from the print data, reducing the load on the center server and improving efficiency.
In addition, the print settings can be inserted into the PDF data in the form of a job ticket, so that the client can easily generate a print order.

Hereinafter, the configuration of a data processing program readable by a printing system to which the information processing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied will be described with reference to a memory map shown in FIG. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by a printing system to which the information processing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied.

Although not shown, information for managing a group of programs stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, a creator, etc. are also stored, and information dependent on the OS or the like on the program reading side, for example, An icon or the like for identification display may also be stored.

Further, data subordinate to various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, a program for installing various programs on a computer or a program for decompressing a program to be installed when the program to be installed is compressed may be stored. Although the same storage medium has been described from the first data processing program to the sixth data processing program, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a first data processing program corresponding to the flowchart shown in FIG. FIG.
A second data processing program corresponding to the flowchart shown in FIG. 15 and a third data processing program corresponding to the flowchart shown in FIG.
A fourth data processing program corresponding to the flowchart shown in FIG. 9, a fifth data processing program corresponding to the flowchart shown in FIG. 11, and a sixth data processing program corresponding to the flowchart shown in FIG. The program may be prepared and distributed as another storage medium for the center server.

In the present invention, a software program (in this embodiment, a program corresponding to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 9, 11, 15, and 16) for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiment is executed by a system or This includes a case in which the program is directly or remotely supplied to a device, and the computer or system of the system or the device reads out and executes the supplied program to achieve the above. In that case, the form does not need to be a program as long as it has the function of the program.

Therefore, since the functions of the present invention are implemented by computer, the program code installed in the computer also implements the present invention. That is, the present invention includes the computer program itself for implementing the functional processing in the computer.

In this case, as long as the program has the function of the program, the program may be in any form such as an object code, a program executed by an interpreter, and script data supplied to the OS.

Examples of the recording medium for supplying the program include a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, MO, CD-RO
M, CD-R, CD-RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD
-R).

In addition, as a method for supplying the program, a browser of a client computer is used to connect to a homepage on the Internet, and the computer program itself of the present invention or a compressed file containing an automatic installation function is recorded on a hard disk or the like from the homepage. It can also be supplied by downloading to a medium. Also, the present invention can be realized by dividing the program code constituting the program of the present invention into a plurality of files and downloading each file from a different homepage. In other words, a WWW server that allows a plurality of users to download a program file for realizing the functional processing of the present invention on a computer is also included in the embodiment of the present invention.

Also, the program of the present invention is encrypted to
By storing the information in a storage medium such as a D-ROM and distributing it to users, and allowing users who have cleared predetermined conditions to download key information for decrypting from a homepage via the Internet and using the key information, It is also possible to execute the encrypted program and install the program on a computer.

The functions of the above-described embodiments are implemented when the computer executes the read program, and the OS or the like running on the computer executes actual processing based on the instructions of the program. The functions of the above-described embodiment can be realized by performing a part or all of the above.

Further, after the program read from the recording medium is written into the memory provided in the function expansion board inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instructions of the program,
CPU installed in the function expansion board or function expansion unit
May perform some or all of the actual processing, and the processing may realize the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0158]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a print order is transmitted from a client to a center server and uploaded so as to be managed without a print order, and then uploaded. It is possible to provide a function of issuing a print order request for one or more print orders to be ordered from the print order to be printed by the user, and to order prints at the time of print order. Is improved, and in the case of delivery from the shop to the user, it is possible to obtain an effect of saving a delivery fee and the like.

Further, the client obtains the order list of the print order uploaded to the center server based on the user ID and the shop ID. Therefore, even after uploading the print order to the center server 120, the client can obtain any print order in any shop. The user can easily recognize whether the order is uploaded.

Further, a print order for making a print order to the center server is generated using a printer driver and a print order application based on print target data generated by a general application. This printing service can be applied to documents other than documents created using the application, and the effect of improving convenience for the user can be obtained.

Further, according to the second invention of the present application, the center server manages the print order uploaded from the client in association with the user ID without immediately ordering the print, and in response to the request from the client, Since the print order is searched by referring to the user ID of the client and the order list is returned, the user of the client can obtain the print order uploaded by the client to the center server as a list, and the user's convenience is improved. In addition, it is possible to provide a mechanism for collectively ordering a plurality of print orders uploaded at different times to the center server.

Since the center server refers to the shop ID included in the request from the client and searches for the print order and returns it as a list, the user can recognize the print order for each shop.

Further, according to the third aspect of the present invention, when transmitting the print order to the center server, the client receives the print order instruction from which the print order is issued as it is after the print order is transmitted to the center server. The print order is transmitted to the center server and the user is prompted to input an alternative instruction such as an upload instruction so that the print order is managed without issuing a print order. The user can select an immediate print order operation for uploading a print order and a print order, or an upload operation for once uploading a print order to the center server and then ordering a print order again, thereby improving convenience.

Further, according to the fourth invention of the present application, the center server determines whether the print order received from the client is a print order in which a print order is issued as it is after the reception, or the print order is not issued after the reception. Judge whether it is an upload order managed in the order, and if it is judged that the order is a print order, the received print order is controlled to be transmitted to a designated shop as a print order. If it is determined that there is a print order, it is possible to improve the degree of freedom of the client by providing a mechanism for managing the received print order in association with the user identification information of the client without issuing a print order. Performs upload and print order to the center server in one operation according to his / her preference At the time and the print order operation, it is possible to select the upload operation and to perform the subsequent re-printing order to upload once print order to the center server, the convenience is improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a print service via the Internet according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram of a conventional print system via the Internet.

FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of a client PC which is an example of the information processing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a hardware configuration diagram of a center server which is an example of a print management device of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating print data generation processing in the information processing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a print order upload process in the information processing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a shop selection dialog displayed at the time of print order generation displayed on the client.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of a shop information file.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a request receiving process in the print management apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an example of a user interface screen for explaining a shop selection page and a print order determination page displayed on a web browser of a client.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining print order processing in the print management apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print order management table indicating correspondence between print orders, print data paths, and display image paths.

FIG. 13 is an example of a user interface screen displayed on a client when a print order is uploaded.

FIG. 14 is an example of a user interface screen for explaining a use condition determination page displayed on a web browser of a client.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining shop information acquisition processing in the information processing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining shop information transfer processing in the print management apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by a printing system to which the information processing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 100 client PC 101 application 102 printer driver 103 printer information description file (PPD file) 104 print data (PS data) 105 print order application 106 shop information file 107 print setting information file 108 web browser 120 center server 121 FTP server 122 HTTP server 123 Thumbnail image 124 Preview image 125 Transfer means 126 Printer description language file (PDF file) 127 Print data conversion means 128 Image converter 129 Print order 130 Display image 140 Shop (print shop) 141 Printer 200 Client PC 201 Print data 202 Center server 203 Print controller 204 Top 205 printer 210 dedicated application 211 web browser 300 I / O bus (address bus, data bus and control bus) 301 CPU 302 RAM 303 ROM 304 communication unit 305 video RAM 306 CRT 307 keyboard controller 308 external input device 309 hard disk drive 310 Removable disk drive 400 I / O bus (address bus, data bus and control bus) 401 CPU 402 RAM 403 ROM 404 Communication unit 405 Video RAM 406 CRT 407 Keyboard controller 408 External input device 409 Hard disk drive 410 Removable disk drive 701 Shop name display / Select list 702 Update list button 703 Cancel button 704 selection button 801 shop name information 802 shop ID information 803 version information 804 shop information 805 printer list information 806 paper size list information 807 printer option information and parameter information 1001 shop selection page 1002 user name and user ID display area 1003 shop name display area 1004 shop name display area 1005 shop name display area 1010 print order determination page 1011 print order display area 1012 print order display area 1013 order button 1014 cancel button 1015 preview button 1401 use condition input page 1402 to 1406 use condition 1407 download button 1408 cancel button

Claims (54)

[Claims] 1. An information processing method in an information processing device capable of communicating with a print management device via the Internet, wherein when a print order is transmitted to the print management device, the print order is transmitted to the print management device. An input step of inputting an upload instruction to be managed without being subjected to print processing, and an upload step of uploading the print order to the print management apparatus via the Internet when the upload instruction is input; Transmitting a print order request for one or more print orders to be ordered by a user specified by the user from the print order uploaded to the management device to the print management device via the Internet. An information processing method characterized by the following. 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of: accessing the print management apparatus via the Internet and obtaining a list of print orders uploaded to the print management apparatus. 2. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein a print order request for one or more print orders to be ordered by a user specified from a print order list is transmitted to the print management apparatus via the Internet. . 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a print order generating step of generating a print order for making a print order to a print management apparatus based on print target data generated by the application. Method. 4. A printer information obtaining step of obtaining a printer information description file from the print management device via the Internet, wherein the print order generating step is based on print settings described in the obtained printer information description file. 4. The information processing method according to claim 3, wherein the print order is generated. 5. A shop information obtaining step of obtaining a shop information file from the print management apparatus via the Internet, wherein the print order generating step generates a print order including a shop name based on the obtained shop information file. 5. The information processing method according to claim 3, wherein the information processing is performed. 6. A storage medium storing a print control program executable by an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a print management apparatus via the Internet, wherein a print order is transmitted to the print management apparatus. An input step of inputting an upload instruction to be transmitted to the print management apparatus and managed without being subjected to print processing; and when the upload instruction is input, the print order is transmitted to the print management apparatus via the Internet. An uploading step of uploading, and transmitting a print order request for one or more print orders to be ordered by the user from the print order uploaded to the print management device to the print management device via the Internet. A computer-readable printing system, comprising: a printing order process; Storage medium storing the program. 7. The print management apparatus further includes a list acquisition step of accessing the print management apparatus via the Internet to acquire an order list of print orders uploaded to the print management apparatus. 7. The computer-readable computer according to claim 6, further comprising: causing the print management device to transmit, via the Internet, a print order request for one or more print orders to be ordered by the user from a print order list. Storage medium storing various print control programs. 8. The computer-readable medium according to claim 6, further comprising a print order generating step of generating a print order for making a print order to a print management device based on print target data generated by the application. A storage medium storing a possible print control program. 9. A printer information obtaining step of obtaining a printer information description file from the print management device via the Internet, wherein the print order generating step is based on print settings described in the obtained printer information description file. 9. The storage medium storing a computer-readable print control program according to claim 8, wherein the print order is generated. 10. A shop information obtaining step of obtaining a shop information file from the print management apparatus via the Internet, wherein the print order generating step generates a print order including a shop name based on the obtained shop information file. A storage medium storing the computer-readable print control program according to claim 8 or 9. 11. A print control program executable by an information processing device capable of communicating with a print management device via the Internet, wherein the print order is transmitted to the print management device when the print order is transmitted to the print management device. An input step of inputting an upload instruction to be transmitted and managed without being subjected to print processing, and an upload step of uploading the print order to the print management apparatus via the Internet when the upload instruction is input. A print order step of transmitting, via the Internet, a print order request for one or more print orders to be ordered by the user from the print order uploaded to the print management device to the print management device; Control program for causing an information processing apparatus to execute the process. 12. The print management apparatus further includes a list obtaining step of accessing the print management apparatus via the Internet to obtain an order list of print orders uploaded to the print management apparatus. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is configured to transmit a print order request for one or more print orders to be ordered by the user from a print order list to the print management apparatus via the Internet. Item 12. The print control program according to Item 11. 13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a print order generating step of generating a print order for making a print order to the print management apparatus based on the print target data generated by the application. 12. The print control program according to item 12. 14. A printer information acquiring step for acquiring a printer information description file from the print management device via the Internet, wherein the print order generating step is based on print settings described in the acquired printer information description file. 14. The print control program according to claim 13, causing the information processing apparatus to execute a print order to generate a print order. 15. The print order generating step further includes a shop information obtaining step of obtaining a shop information file from the print management apparatus via the Internet, wherein the print order generating step generates a print order including a shop name based on the obtained shop information file. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
15. The print control program according to 3 or 14. 16. An information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a print management apparatus via the Internet, wherein, when a print order is transmitted to the print management apparatus, the print order is transmitted to the print management apparatus and subjected to print processing. Input means for inputting an upload instruction to be managed without being uploaded, upload means for uploading the print order to the print management apparatus via the Internet when the upload instruction is input, and uploading to the print management apparatus Print order means for transmitting, via the Internet, a print order request for one or more print orders to be ordered by the user from the specified print order. Information processing device. 17. A print management method in a print management device capable of communicating with a client via the Internet, comprising: a print order receiving step of receiving a print order from the client; A print order management process for managing the print order in association with the user identification information; and, in response to a request from the client, referring to the user identification information of the client to obtain a print order management list from the print order managed in the print order management process. A print management method, comprising: a search step of searching for a print order to be returned as an order; and an order list return step of returning an order list including the searched print order to a client that has requested the print order. 18. The print order management step further manages the received print order in association with shop identification information indicating a shop to be subjected to print processing included in the print order, and wherein the search step is performed in response to a request from a client. 18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising: searching for a print order for the shop indicated by the shop identification information from the print order managed in the print order management process with reference to the shop identification information specified by the client. Print management method. 19. A print order receiving step of receiving a print order instruction specifying one or more print orders from a client according to an order list returned to a client, and one or more print order instructions specified by the received print order instruction. 19. The print management method according to claim 17, further comprising: a transmission control step of controlling the transmission of the print order to a designated shop. 20. A storage medium storing a print control program executable by a print management device capable of communicating with a client via the Internet, comprising: a print order receiving step of receiving a print order from a client; A print order management step of managing the print data in association with the user identification information of the client without performing the printing process; and, in response to a request from the client, managing the print order management step with reference to the user identification information of the client. A search step of searching for a print order to be returned from the print order as a print order order list, and an order list returning step of returning an order list including the searched print order to a client that has requested the print order. Features computer-readable print control Storage medium storing the program. 21. A print order management step, wherein the received print order is further managed in association with shop identification information indicating a shop to be subjected to print processing included in the print order, and the search step is performed in response to a request from a client. 21. A print order for a shop indicated by shop identification information is searched from a print order managed in a print order management step by referring to shop identification information specified by the client. A storage medium storing a computer-readable print control program. 22. A print order receiving step of receiving a print order instruction designating one or more print orders from a client according to an order list returned to a client, and one or more print order instructions specified by the received print order instruction. 22. A storage medium storing a computer-readable print control program according to claim 20, further comprising a transmission control step of controlling the print order to be transmitted to a designated shop. 23. A print control program executable by a print management device capable of communicating with a client via the Internet, comprising: a print order receiving step of receiving a print order from the client; and printing processing of the received print order. A print order management process that manages the print order in association with the user identification information of the client, and, in response to a request from the client, refers to the user identification information of the client to change the print order from the print order managed in the print order management process. A search step of searching for a print order to be returned as an order list, and an order list return step of returning an order list including the searched print order to a requesting client. Print control program. 24. The print order management step further manages the received print order in association with shop identification information indicating a shop to be subjected to print processing included in the print order, and wherein the search step is performed in response to a request from a client. And causing the print management apparatus to execute the print management apparatus by searching the print order managed in the print order management process for the shop indicated by the shop identification information with reference to the shop identification information specified by the client. The print control program according to claim 23, wherein: 25. A print order receiving step of receiving a print order instruction designating one or more print orders from a client in accordance with an order list returned to a client, and one or more print order instructions specified by the received print order instruction. 25. The print control program according to claim 23, further comprising: causing the print management apparatus to execute a transmission control step of controlling the print order to be transmitted to a designated shop. 26. A print management apparatus communicable with a client via the Internet, comprising: a print order receiving means for receiving a print order from the client; and a user identification information of the client without printing the received print order. A print order management unit that is managed in association with the client, and in response to a request from the client, the print order managed from the print order management process should be returned as a print order list from the print order managed by referring to the user identification information of the client. A print management apparatus comprising: a search unit that searches for a print order; and an order list return unit that returns an order list including the searched print order to a client that has requested the print order. 27. A print control system in which an information processing apparatus and a print management apparatus can communicate with each other via the Internet, wherein a print order is transmitted to the information processing apparatus when a print order is transmitted to the print management apparatus. An input unit for inputting an upload instruction to be transmitted to the print management apparatus and managed without being subjected to print processing; and, when the upload instruction is input, uploading the print order to the print management apparatus via the Internet. Uploading means for transmitting, from the print order uploaded to the print management apparatus, a print order request for one or more print orders to be ordered by the user to be printed, to the print management apparatus via the Internet And an ordering means, wherein the print management device is uploaded from the information processing device. Referring to a print order request transmitted from the information processing apparatus, specifying a print order managed by the order management means, and performing print processing on the specified print order. Control means for controlling transmission to a desired shop. 28. A print control system in which the information processing apparatus and the print management apparatus can communicate with each other via the Internet, wherein: an upload unit for uploading a print order to the print management apparatus to the information processing apparatus; Requesting means for requesting a print order list of the print order to the print management device, print order receiving means for receiving a print order from the information processing device to the print management device, and printing processing of the received print order. A print order management unit that manages the print order management in association with the user identification information of the client without performing the processing. Search means for searching for a print order to be returned as a print order order list; Printing control system, characterized in that it comprises a order list returning means for returning to the client that the order list has been requested including print order which has been the search. 29. An information processing method in an information processing device capable of communicating with a print management device via the Internet, wherein when a print order is transmitted to the print management device, the print order is transmitted to the print management device. Input that prompts the user to input an alternative instruction between a print order instruction in which a print order is issued as it is and a print order is transmitted to the print management device so that the print order is transmitted and the print order is managed without being issued. A requesting step, an uploading step of uploading the print order to the print management apparatus via the Internet when the upload instruction is input, and a print order uploaded to the print management apparatus. A print order request for one or more print orders to be ordered is sent to the print management device via the Internet. And a print ordering step of transmitting the information via the Internet. 30. The method further comprising the step of: accessing the print management device via the Internet to obtain a list of print orders uploaded to the print management device. 30. The information processing method according to claim 29, wherein a print order request for one or more print orders to be ordered by the user specified from a print order list is transmitted to the print management apparatus via the Internet. . 31. The information processing according to claim 29, further comprising a print order generating step of generating a print order for making a print order to a print management device based on print target data generated by an application. Method. 32. A printer information obtaining step of obtaining a printer information description file from the print management apparatus via the Internet, wherein the print order generating step is performed based on print settings described in the obtained printer information description file. 32. The information processing method according to claim 31, wherein a print order is generated by performing the following. 33. A shop information obtaining step of obtaining a shop information file from the print management apparatus via the Internet, wherein the print order generating step generates a print order including a shop name based on the obtained shop information file. The information processing method according to claim 31, wherein the information processing is performed. 34. A storage medium storing a print control program executable by an information processing device capable of communicating with a print management device via the Internet, wherein when a print order is transmitted to the print management device, the print medium is printed. One of a print order instruction in which a print order is issued as it is after the print order is transmitted to the management device, and an upload instruction in which the print order is transmitted to the print management device so that the print order is managed without being issued. An input requesting step of prompting the input of a general instruction; an uploading step of, when the upload instruction is input, causing the print management apparatus to upload the print order via the Internet; and an uploading step of uploading the print order to the print management apparatus. From the print order, a print order request for one or more print orders to be ordered by the user specified by the user is sent. A storage medium storing a computer-readable print control program, comprising: a print ordering step of causing the print management device to transmit the print control via the Internet. 35. The method further comprising the step of: accessing the print management device via the Internet to obtain an order list of print orders uploaded to the print management device. 35. The computer readable medium according to claim 34, wherein the print management apparatus transmits, via the Internet, a print order request for one or more print orders to be ordered by the user specified from a print order list. Storage medium storing various print control programs. 36. The computer-readable medium according to claim 34, further comprising a print order generating step of generating a print order for making a print order to a print management device based on print target data generated by an application. A storage medium storing a possible print control program. 37. A printer information acquiring step for acquiring a printer information description file from the print management device via the Internet, wherein the print order generating step is based on the print settings described in the acquired printer information description file. 37. The storage medium storing a computer-readable print control program according to claim 36, wherein the print order is generated. 38. A shop information obtaining step of obtaining a shop information file from the print management apparatus via the Internet, wherein the print order generating step generates a print order including a shop name based on the obtained shop information file. A storage medium storing the computer-readable print control program according to claim 36 or 37. 39. A print control program executable by an information processing device capable of communicating with a print management device via the Internet, wherein the print order is transmitted to the print management device when the print order is transmitted to the print management device. Input of a print order instruction in which a print order is issued as it is after transmission of a print order, and an upload instruction in which a print order is transmitted to the print management apparatus and the print order is managed so that the print order is not issued. An input requesting step for prompting the user, an uploading step of uploading the print order to the print management apparatus via the Internet when the upload instruction is input, and a user requesting the print order uploaded to the print management apparatus. A print order request for one or more print orders to be ordered is specified to the print management apparatus. A print control program for causing an information processing apparatus to execute a print ordering step transmitted via a network. 40. The print management apparatus further includes a list acquisition step of accessing the print management apparatus via the Internet to acquire an order list of print orders uploaded to the print management apparatus. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is configured to transmit a print order request for one or more print orders to be ordered by the user from a print order list to the print management apparatus via the Internet. Item 39. The print control program according to Item 39. 41. The information processing apparatus according to claim 39, further comprising the step of: causing the information processing apparatus to further execute a print order generating step of generating a print order for making a print order to the print management apparatus based on the print target data generated by the application. 40. The print control program according to 40. 42. A printer information acquiring step for acquiring a printer information description file from the print management device via the Internet, wherein the print order generating step is based on a print setting described in the acquired printer information description file. 43. The print control program according to claim 41, wherein the program is caused to execute the information processing apparatus so as to generate a print order. 43. A shop information acquiring step of acquiring a shop information file from the print management apparatus via the Internet, wherein the print order generating step generates a print order including a shop name based on the acquired shop information file. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein
43. The print control program according to 1 or 42. 44. An information processing device capable of communicating with a print management device via the Internet, wherein when transmitting a print order to the print management device, printing is performed as it is after the print order is transmitted to the print management device. A print order instruction for issuing an order, and an input requesting unit for prompting input of an alternative instruction of an upload instruction so that a print order is transmitted to the print management device and the print order is managed without being issued. Upload means for uploading the print order to the print management device via the Internet when the upload instruction is input; and at least one user-designated print order from the print order uploaded to the print management device. A print order request for transmitting a print order request for a print order to be printed to the print management device via the Internet. An information processing apparatus comprising: a sentence. 45. A print management method in a print management apparatus capable of communicating with a client via the Internet, wherein a print order received from the client is a print order order in which a print order is issued as it is after the reception, or after the reception. A determination step of determining whether the print order is an upload order managed without being issued, and transmitting the received print order as a print order to a designated shop when the print order is determined to be a print order. A print control step of controlling the transmission order to control the print order in the case where the print order is determined to be an upload order, and managing the received print order in association with the user identification information of the client without issuing a print order; Has already received a print order request from A plurality of print orders to be transmitted from a print order managed in the above to a shop designated as a print order are specified, and a print order process of the print order by the transmission control process is performed on the specified plurality of print orders. And receiving a print order. 46. A search for searching a print order to be returned as a print order list from a print order managed in a print order management process by referring to the user identification information of the client in response to a request from the client. The print management method according to claim 45, further comprising: a step of returning an order list including the searched print order to a client who has requested the print list. 47. The print order receiving step receives a single print order instruction designating a plurality of print orders from a client according to the order list returned to the client in the order list returning step. Item 48. The print management method according to Item 46. 48. A storage medium storing a print control program executable by a print management device capable of communicating with a client via the Internet, wherein the print order received from the client is a print order for which a print order is issued as it is after receiving the print order. A determination step for determining whether the order is an upload order or an upload order that is managed without a print order being issued after receiving the order; and, if the order is determined to be a print order, the received print order is designated. A transmission control step of causing a shop to control transmission as a print order, and managing the received print order by associating it with the user identification information of the client without issuing a print order when the upload order is determined. Print order management process and one print order from client A plurality of print orders to be transmitted from a print order already managed in the print order management process to a shop specified as a print order, and the transmission control process is performed on the plurality of specified print orders. And a print order receiving step of executing a print order process of a print order according to claim 1. A storage medium storing a computer-readable print control program. 49. A search for requesting a print order to be returned as a print order list from print orders managed in a print order management process by referring to user identification information of the client in response to a request from the client. 49. The computer-readable print control program according to claim 48, further comprising: an order list returning step of returning an order list including the searched print order to a requesting client. Storage medium. 50. The print order receiving step receives a single print order instruction designating a plurality of print orders from a client according to the order list returned to the client in the order list returning step. 50. A storage medium storing the computer-readable print control program according to item 49. 51. A print control program executable by a print management device capable of communicating with a client via the Internet, wherein the print order received from the client is a print order order in which a print order is issued as it is after the reception. A determination step of determining whether the received print order is an upload order that is managed without a print order being issued after receiving the print order. If the print order is determined to be a print order, the received print order is printed to a designated shop. And a print order management step of managing the received print order in association with the client user identification information without issuing a print order when the upload order is determined to be transmitted. Print request already received from the client A plurality of print orders to be transmitted from a print order managed in a print management process to a shop specified as a print order, and a print order of the print order by the transmission control process for the plurality of specified print orders. And a print control program for causing the print management device to execute a print order receiving step of executing processing. 52. A search for searching a print order to be returned as a print order list from a print order managed in a print order management process by referring to user identification information of the client in response to a request from the client. 53. The print control program according to claim 51, further causing the print management device to execute a step of returning an order list including the searched print order to a client that has requested the print list. 53. A print order receiving step executes a print management apparatus so as to receive a single print order instruction designating a plurality of print orders from a client according to the order list returned to the client in the order list returning step. 53. The print control program according to claim 52, wherein the program is caused to be executed. 54. A print management apparatus capable of communicating with a client via the Internet, wherein the print order received from the client is a print order order in which a print order is issued as it is after reception, or a print order is issued after reception. A determination means for determining whether the order is an upload order managed without being managed, and a transmission for controlling the received print order to be transmitted as a print order to a designated shop when it is determined that the order is a print order. Control means; print order management means for managing the received print order in association with the user identification information of the client without issuing a print order when the upload order is determined; Marks already managed in the print order management process in response to a print order request Print order receiving means for specifying a plurality of print orders to be transmitted from the order to the shop designated as the print order, and executing print order print order processing by the transmission control means for the plurality of specified print orders; and And a print management device.