JP2002351645A - Print system and printing processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform a plurality of overlay processing to generate print image data from a slip form in parallel. SOLUTION: Use of form files with the same name does not conflict with each other and a plurality of image generation processing are operated in parallel by providing a slip form temporary storage part and a slip form permanent storage part as the ones to store the slip form.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a network print system that generates form print data via a network and prints the form.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the rapid development of the Internet and the proliferation of Web servers, the use of business processes on the Web has been promoted. A personal computer connected to a network is equipped with only a Web browser capable of displaying information and inputting information, and business processing by the Web browser and the Web server is widely performed. At this time,
Information required for business processing is exchanged between a Web server and a Web browser.

[0003] A Web server receives information inputted from a Web browser, processes the information in the server,
The processed information is transmitted to the Web browser again. Web
The server displays the processed information. These operations are repeatedly performed, and the task is performed.

[0004] However, a problem in business processing by a Web browser and a Web server is a part related to print processing indispensable for business processing. In particular, it was not possible to perform beautiful printing according to a format such as a form.

[0005] Although a normal Web browser provides a print function, this function is to copy a hard copy of an image displayed on the Web browser to a printer under the Web browser (or a computer on which the Web browser is activated). Printer under the control of the printer). In this printing method, when printing an image that exceeds the paper size or an image that spans a plurality of pages, there is a problem of how to break the pages, and the printing desired by the user is often not performed.

[0006]

As a method for solving this problem, a print system server having a Web server generates print image data (for example, form print data) in response to an instruction from a Web browser, and generates the print image data. A print system that distributes data to a client running a Web browser is conceivable. In this print system, the server always generates print data for each instruction and sequentially returns it to the client.

However, in the print processing via the Web browser, since the final print image data is generated on the print system server side, if requests are intensively generated from a large number of clients, the load on the print system server becomes large. There is a problem that becomes. In particular, the fact that requests from a large number of clients occur intensively is also a feature of the Web-based network system.

Further, since the print image data is generated by using the printer driver on the print system server side, the client side requires the printer driver on the print system server side to print the print image data on the printer. In some cases, it is necessary to use the same printer driver on the client side.

Further, the print image data generated on the print system server side has a large data amount depending on the content. When the print image data is distributed to the client side, the load on the network increases.

Therefore, in the present invention, instead of the print system server distributing the print image data, the print system server distributes the form data used to generate the print image data to the client side, while the client side distributes the form data. By providing a plurality of types of places for storing the form data, overlay processing for generating print image data can be performed efficiently and effectively in parallel.

[0011]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to the present invention, in a print system comprising a server and a client, a print screen corresponding to a display screen displayed on the client in response to a request from the client. A template for generating print data to be printed,
First template storage means for acquiring data to be inserted into the template, transferring the acquired template and data from the server to the client, storing the transferred template, and second template storage means for storing the template; Wherein a generation process using a template stored in the first template storage unit and a generation process using a template stored in the second template storage unit are performed in parallel. And

Further, in the present invention, after the generation processing using the template stored in the first template storage means is executed, the template stored in the first template storage means is stored in the second template storage means. It is stored in the means.

Further, in the present invention, in response to the instruction to use the template stored in the client being transferred from the server to the client, the template stored in the second template storing means is used. A generation process is performed.

Further, in the present invention, when a template used for the generation processing is not stored in either the first template storage means or the second template storage means, it is requested to request the template from the server. Features.

Further, in the present invention, it is possible to select whether to always transfer the template from the server to the client or to preferentially use the template stored in the first template storage means or the second template storage means. And

In the present invention, the first template storage means and the second template storage means each store a list of template identification information for identifying a template stored therein, and refer to the list. It is characterized in that it is determined in which of the templates used for the generation processing is stored.

Further, according to the present invention, it is determined whether a template having the same name as the transferred template is stored in the first template storage means, and in response to the determination that the template is stored, the transferred template is determined. A third template storage unit for storing the template.

Further, in the present invention, the template includes:
It is a form.

[0019]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS <Form Printing System> FIG.
1 is a functional configuration diagram of a form print system.

An information processing apparatus 100 is a server (hereinafter abbreviated as a server) of the form printing system.

Reference numeral 101 denotes a data storage unit constructed of a database, and stores each business data.
This data may be stored in a database in advance, or the data input by the Web browser may be stored in the data storage unit as it is.

Reference numeral 102 denotes a form form (or a form form indicating a print form form used in form printing).
This is called form data. This is a template for generating print data, and necessary data is embedded in this template. ) Is a form storage unit. The form storage unit 102 stores a form for printing a form. There is a form corresponding to each Web document read from the server by the client. Therefore, when the server sends a Web document associated with the form to the client, the server stores the identifier corresponding to the Web document. The form stored in the form storage unit is associated with a corresponding Web document identifier as a form identifier.

Reference numeral 103 denotes a distribution data generation unit 103 that generates distribution data in which data necessary for image generation and a form are combined based on a request from a client.

Reference numeral 104 denotes a network communication control unit having a Web server function. Here, the Web server function refers to HTTP (Hyper Text Trans).
fer Protocol (FTP) or FTP (File Tr)
This is a function to support an transfer protocol (transfer protocol) and a URL (Uniform Resource L).
octor), the HTML (Hyper
A document data file (Web document) described in Text Markup Language or the like can be transmitted to a client on a network in response to a request.

Reference numeral 110 denotes an information processing apparatus such as a PC which is a client (hereinafter, abbreviated as a client) of the form printing system.

Reference numeral 111 denotes a data input / output unit for inputting / outputting data to / from a server (hereinafter abbreviated as server) of the form printing system. The data input / output unit 111
It exchanges data with the server 100 via a network 150 such as a telephone line or a LAN, and performs processing at a lower layer than HTTP.

Reference numeral 112 denotes a data processing unit which analyzes the distribution data generated by the distribution data generation unit 103 and restores data necessary for image generation and a form from the distribution data. Reference numerals 113 and 114 are parts for storing the form restored by the data processing unit 112. The form form temporary storage unit 113
The form form is temporarily stored, and the form form permanent storage unit 114 stores the form form permanently. Details will be described later.

Reference numeral 115 denotes an image generation unit that creates form print data in accordance with a predetermined format. Image generation unit 11
Reference numeral 5 creates form print data in a predetermined format that can be interpreted by the print output unit 117 by combining the form with data overlaid thereon.

Reference numeral 116 denotes a Web browser 116.
The Web browser 116 uses HTML (Hyper Te
xt Markup Language) is an application program that has the function of displaying document data files (Web documents) described in Web documents.
Displays the Web document received from the server. In addition, the Web browser 116 has a function of not only displaying a Web document but also inputting data on a screen in accordance with the description of the HTML and returning the data to the Web server. Note that the Web browser displays the input U
Acquire a Web document from the server according to the RL.

A print output unit 117 converts the data created by the image generation unit 115 into a format that can be output by a printer, and is generally called a printer driver.

Reference numeral 120 denotes a printing device. Reference numeral 150 denotes a network connecting the server and the client.
As a form of the network, a LAN (Local Ar
eaNetwork), the Internet, wireless, and the like. Here, the network 150 uses a communication procedure of the Web environment (for example, TCP / IP protocol or HT
TP protocol).

FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram showing a control configuration of the client and the server. Each part (10
3, 104, 111, 112, 115-117) are realized by loading the corresponding programs into the memory 303 and executing them by the CPU 302 of the computer.

The programs, the data storage unit 101, the form storage unit 102, the form form temporary storage unit 113, and the form form permanent storage unit 114 are stored in an external memory 305 such as a hard disk. The external memory 305 may use a removable storage medium such as a floppy disk or a CD-ROM.

The display 304 displays a Web browser and images. I / O interface 306
Is a port for connecting to an external device such as the network 150 or the printer 120. In addition, the user performs necessary input using the keyboard and the pointing device 301.

<Display on Web Browser>
A print instruction from the b browser 116 will be described.
The server 100 communicates with the data input / output unit 110 to receive and analyze data input by the web browser 116, search for data according to the received data, and return a search result to the data input / output unit 111. Do.

The Web browser 116 displays a button according to the Web document distributed from the server, and when the user presses the button, the data input / output unit 10
Various requests are sent to the server via. This button is displayed on the display of the computer, and is selected and pressed by an input from a pointing device such as a mouse or a keyboard.

FIG. 2 shows that the Web browser 116
It is a figure showing that the page for business processes is displayed. The print button in this form printing system is
It is provided in an image display area of the Web browser 116.

Reference numeral 201 denotes a window of the Web browser 116 displayed on a monitor or a display device of the client. A window title is displayed in an area 202. We are in areas 203 and 204
The command which the b browser 116 has is displayed. W
There is also a command for printing the image displayed on the web browser 116 here. 205 is the address of the server to be accessed (URL: Uniform Res)
source location).

Reference numerals 206 and 207 are fields in which the user can select each item. Reference numeral 208 denotes a display button. When this display button is pressed, 206 and 2
In the column of 07, the item selected by the user is transmitted to the server, and waits for a response from the server. Then, the server generates form display data (display HTML document data) based on the form name selected in 206 and the person name selected in 207, and transmits it to the client. The Web server displays an image of a form such as 209 based on the form display data.

In the case of FIG. 2, the server retrieves data relating to the work situation of Mr. Natsume Soseki by searching the data storage unit 101, and based on the data, forms display data (here, an image of the form is displayed). (Web document to be displayed), and sends it to the client. Then, the monthly form is displayed on the Web browser 209.
Reference numeral 210 denotes a print button in the form printing system.

When reading a form page of the server from the client, the Web browser 116 is activated on the client. As shown in FIG.
/202.228.102, columns 206-2
Web document data containing 10
It is sent to the b browser 116.

FIG. 4 shows an example of a form template used for printing. Graphic data (form data) in a form template is classified into fixed data and variable data.
A character string 401 of the form title, a numeral 402 indicating a frame and a date, and a character string and a frame 403 are fixed data.
Also, s1, n1 to n12 of the areas 404 and 405,
Values (form data) retrieved from a database or the like are embedded in n50 and n51.

FIG. 5 is a table of variable data to be embedded in the graphic data of FIG. This table is prepared for each form template, and is given a form template identifier 504 so that the form template can be identified. In the table of FIG. 5, for each variable data s1, n1 to n51, an index (501) of the variable data, a character size (502) to be displayed by the variable data, and an actual value (numerical sequence or character string) of the variable data ) (503) are stored. Form print data is created by merging the form template of FIG. 4 with the value of each variable data of FIG. 5 based on the index.

<Processing of Server in Client Site Making> FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing until the server receiving a print request from a client creates distribution data. Steps S601 to S601
S605 is executed by the distribution data generation unit 103,
Step S606 is executed by the network communication control unit 104.

First, in step S601, a request (HTTP request) received from the Web browser 116 is analyzed. In steps S602 and S603, data required for generating the form print data requested by the client
In particular, specify the form and form data. Further, in step S604, after the client generates an image, the printer specifies printer information, the number of copies, and the like when the printer executes printing (collectively referred to as printing conditions).

In step S605, step S6
Information necessary for image generation specified in 02 to S604 is combined into one piece of data to create distribution data. Then, in step S606, the created distribution data is transmitted to the client.

FIG. 7 shows information included in a print request (HTTP request) received from a client. 701 is the HTTP request itself transmitted from the client. Reference numeral 702 denotes output printer information relating to the printer designated by the client. 7
03 is the name of the form specified when generating the image, the number of copies,
Indicates printing conditions such as double-sided / single-sided printing designation and printer tray designation. Reference numeral 704 denotes a form name to be printed selected by the client.

FIG. 8 shows a table for the server to specify form data and a form (form template) required for image generation based on the form name included in the HTTP request. Reference numeral 801 denotes a table indicating a combination of form data and a form corresponding to the form name. In this table, for each form, the name of the form (802, 804, 806), the form data corresponding to the form, and the form (803, 805, 80)
7) is stored. Note that 805 indicates that a plurality of form forms are required. Server is HT
Based on the form name included in the TP request, the table shown in FIG. 8 is searched to extract form data and a form.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing distribution data generated by the server. Reference numeral 901 denotes the entire distribution data distributed to the client.

Reference numeral 902 denotes a header part of the distribution data.
A field 903 stores output printer information. A field 1304 stores printing condition information.

Reference numeral 905 denotes a data portion of the distribution data.
A field 906 stores data necessary for generating an image. Reference numerals 907 and 908 denote fields for storing respective form forms. Even when a plurality of form forms exist in the data section 1305, each form form can be stored continuously.

<Client Process in Client Site Making> FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a process from when the client, which has received the distribution data distributed from the server, generates an image and executes printing. Step S1001 is performed by the data input / output unit 1
11 and executed in steps S1002 to S1004.
Is executed by the data processing unit 112, and step S1
005 is executed by the image generation unit 115,
Step 1006 is executed by the print output unit 117.

In step S1001, the distribution data created by the server is received. In step S1002,
From the distribution data received in step S1001, the printing conditions are extracted and held in the hand memory. In step S1003, the form data necessary for printing the form is extracted and stored as a file. In step S1004, a form required for image generation is extracted and stored as a file.

In step S1005, step S10
Form print data is generated based on the information extracted in steps 02 to S1004. The method of generating the form print data at this time is equivalent to steps S602 to S606 in FIG. In step S1006, the printer is caused to perform a printing process based on the form print data.

In the above description, only the part of the generation processing of the distribution data and the form printing processing based on the distribution data are taken out and described in detail. A part for generating and outputting the form print data by using 113 will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which a client receives data distributed from a server, generates print data, and executes printing. In the process of step S1105, specifically, the process of FIG. 10 is performed.

When the print button 210 in FIG. 3 is selected by the user, a request to print the displayed form is transmitted to the server 100. The server 100 prepares and generates necessary data to that effect, and transmits a response to the client 110.

Therefore, in step S1101, the response is received, and data necessary for generating the created print image is received. In step S1102, if the data received by the data processing unit 112 includes a form, a form required for generating a print image is extracted therefrom.

This response includes form specification information for specifying the form to be used. For example, when the form included in the response is used, the form specification information includes an instruction to use the form included in the response and the name of the form.

When a form already stored in the client is used, the form specification information includes an instruction to use the form stored in the client and the name of the form. You. When a form stored in the client is used, the response does not include the form.

Further, the client executes the program transmitted from the server, checks the form stored in the form permanent storage unit, and, based on the result of the check, determines that there is no required form. Can send an instruction to request the form together with the print request.

Further, it is possible to selectively set whether the required form is always obtained from the server or to preferentially use the form stored in the client, in the client or the server, based on the setting. ,
The form may be transmitted from the server to the client or not.

Next, in step S1103, the extracted form is stored in the form temporary storage unit 113 as a file. Then, in step S1104, the image generation unit 115 causes the form form temporary storage unit 11
3 and the form form permanent storage unit 114, the form specification information and a form form list to be described later are used to determine whether to use the form stored in any one of the forms or to combine the forms stored in each of the forms. Specify based on.

Further, in step S1105, image generating section 115 generates print image data (form print data) using the specified form and the data transmitted from the server, and prints it. This is passed to the output unit 117. The print output unit 117 converts the print image data into data using a printer control command and causes the printer 120 to print the data.

Finally, in step S1106, after the generation of the print image is completed, the form file stored in the form temporary storage unit 113 in step S1103 can be used for the subsequent generation of the print image. Then, the process moves to the form form permanent storage unit 114.

FIG. 12 shows a form temporary storage unit 113.
4 is a diagram showing contents of a form form permanent storage unit 114. FIG. The form permanent storage unit 114 has a list 1210 of stored form files. Here, the form list is named “form list A” for convenience. In addition, the form storage permanent storage unit 114 stores a form file 1 indicated by 1211 and a form file 2 indicated by 1212. The form temporary storage unit 113 has a form form file list 1200. This form list is named "form list B".

Here, for example, if there is a print request using the form file 3 in the processing of FIG. 11, the form file 3 indicated by 501 is stored in the form temporary storage unit 113 in step S1103.

FIG. 13 shows the contents of form list A and form list B. Reference numeral 1310 denotes a form list A list. In the form list 1310, a form file name “form file 1” indicated by 1311 and a form file name “form file 2” indicated by 1312 are described. Then, it indicates that two form files, “form file 1” and “form file 2” are stored in the form form permanent storage unit.

Reference numeral 1300 denotes a form list B. In the form list 1300, a form file name “form file 3” indicated by 1301 is described, and one form form file, Indicates that “form file 3” is stored.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the contents of the form list after the processing in step S1106 in FIG.
In FIG. 14, as the form file 3 is moved from the form temporary storage unit 113 to the form permanent storage unit 114, the description 1301 is deleted from the form list B, and the description 1401 is changed to the form list B. A is added.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the contents of the form form temporary storage unit 113 and the form form permanent storage unit 114 after the processing in step S1106 of FIG. FIG.
In 5, the form file 3 is moved to the form form permanent storage unit 114. In this state, the contents of form list A are as shown by 1310 in FIG. 14, and the contents of form list B are as shown by 1300 in FIG.

FIG. 16 further shows a form file 3
Form temporary storage unit 113 and form form permanent storage unit 11 when a print request using
4 is a diagram showing the contents of FIG. Here, a case is assumed where the form form file 3 indicated by 1201 has already been stored in the form form permanent storage unit 114, and the form form file 3 indicated by 1600 is newly delivered from the server to the client.

It should be noted that a form form file 3 indicated by 1201 and a form form file 3 indicated by 1600
Is the same name, but its contents may be the same or may have been updated and different. But,
When a plurality of image generation processes by the image generation unit 115 can be performed in parallel, another image generation process may use the form file 3 indicated by 1201 for printing or display on a screen. I do.

As an example in which a plurality of image generation processes are performed in parallel, it is conceivable that a user issues a print request continuously. For example, a first print request is sent from a client to a server in response to a first print request. The response (first response) at that time is a form “form file 3” stored in the client.
Is included. Next, a second print request is sent from the client to the server in response to the second print request. The response (second response) at that time is a form “Form file 3”
And an instruction to use the form is included.

As an example in which the second response includes the form “form file 3”,
When the content of “form file 3” has been updated, the fact that “form file 3” is in use and a new transmission request may be included in the second print request.

Therefore, in order to prepare for such a possibility, if the form file 3 is used in another image generation process (image generation process 1 in FIG. 16), a new print request is generated. In the image generation processing 2, 1600 stored in the form temporary storage unit 113
Is used.

In this way, the use of form files does not collide, and a plurality of image generation processes (in FIG. 16, image generation process 1 and image generation process 2) can operate in parallel. In addition, it is possible to prevent one image generation process from operating due to collision of use of a form file, and the image generation process from waiting until the other image generation process is completed or from becoming an error process. In addition, efficient and quick print processing can be performed.

Further, the form temporary storage unit can be used more efficiently. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the contents of the form temporary storage unit 113 and the form permanent storage unit 114 when a print request using the form file 3 is generated.

Further, when a print request using the form file 3 occurs, if there is only one form form temporary storage unit, use of the form file on the form form temporary storage unit may collide. Therefore, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, when a form file collision occurs, the form temporary storage unit 1700 may be dynamically increased and a new form file 3 1702 may be stored. The form file 3 indicated by 1702 is described and managed in the form list C.

As described above, by dynamically increasing the form temporary storage unit, it is possible to prevent the use of form files from colliding multiple times.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the processing for dynamically increasing the form form temporary storage unit in FIG. First, in step S1801, a response is received, and in step S1802, the distributed form is extracted.

Next, in step S1803, it is determined whether a form file having the same name already exists in the form temporary storage unit. If there is, a new form temporary storage unit is created in step S1804, and in step S1805, the data processing unit 112 is used to use the created form temporary storage unit.
Select. With these processes, the form temporary storage unit 2 in FIG. 17 is created. If not, in step S1806, the data processing unit 112
Selects to use the existing form temporary storage.

At step S1807, at step S18
05 or S1806, the extracted form file is stored in the form temporary storage unit selected.

In step S1807, the image generation unit performs
If a form is specified based on the form specification information and the form list and a file other than the extracted form file is used, the location of the form file is specified in step S1808. Step S1
In step 810, the image generation unit generates and prints the form print data using the specified form. In step S1810, specifically, the processing in FIG. 10 is performed.

In step S1811, after the image generation is completed, it is checked whether the form file extracted in step S1802 can be moved from the form form temporary storage unit to the form form permanent storage unit. As an example, if a file form file of the same name in the form form permanent storage unit is being used in the image generation processing, it cannot be moved, and if not, it can be moved.

If the form can be moved, the form file is moved from the form form temporary storage to the form form permanent storage. If the form cannot be moved, the form form file is not moved to the form form permanent storage unit but is held.

As a result of the above processing, if the contents of the form list in the form temporary storage unit become empty, the form temporary storage unit becomes unnecessary and may be deleted. However, the processing is not essential, and the empty form is stored according to the memory capacity of the device on which the present invention operates. For example, instead of creating a new form temporary storage unit in step S1804, an empty form It is also effective to use a form storage unit or a form temporary storage unit in which there is no form file of the same name.

<Method of Supplying Control Program> The program and related data according to the present invention are stored in a floppy (registered trademark) disk (FD) or a CD-ROM, and are supplied to the computer from there. FIG. 19 shows that the program and related data according to the present invention are FD or CD-R.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a memory map in a state where the memory map is stored in the OM. The storage area of the FD or the CD-ROM includes volume information, directory information, an execution file (program code) of the program according to the present invention, and a data file related to a job account.

Further, an object of the present invention is to provide a storage medium (FIG. 19) in which program codes of software (control program) for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiment are recorded, as shown in FIG.
0 is supplied to the computer, and the computer (CPU 302) of the computer reads out and executes the program code stored in the storage medium.

As a method of supplying the program and data shown in FIG. 19 to the computer, the program and data are stored in a floppy disk FD2000 as shown in FIG.
) Is common. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the program code and the storage medium storing the program code constitute the present invention.

Examples of the storage medium for supplying the program code include an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, and a CD-RO in addition to a floppy disk and a hard disk.
M, CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card,
A ROM or the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) May perform some or all of the actual processing, and the processing may realize the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instructions of the program code, It goes without saying that the CPU included in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0093]

As described above, according to the present invention, W
In a network print system under an eb environment,
Restrictions on the operation on the client side can be eliminated, and a comfortable network print system has been realized.

In particular, by providing the form temporary storage and the form permanent storage, the use of form files having the same name does not collide, and a plurality of image generation processes can operate in parallel. In addition, it is possible to prevent one image generation process from operating due to collision of use of a form file, and the image generation process from waiting until the other image generation process is completed or from becoming an error process. ,
An efficient and quick printing process can be performed.

Further, by dynamically increasing the form temporary storage section, it is possible to prevent the use of form files from colliding many times.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional configuration diagram of a form printing system.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing that a business processing page is displayed on a Web browser.

FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram showing a configuration of a client and a server.

FIG. 4 is an example of a form template used for printing.

FIG. 5 is a table of variable data to be embedded in graphic data.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing until a server receiving a print request from a client creates distribution data.

FIG. 7 shows a print request (HTT) received from a client.
P request).

FIG. 8 illustrates a table for the server to specify form data and a form (form template) required for image generation based on the form name included in the HTTP request.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating distribution data generated by a server.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process performed by a client receiving distribution data distributed from a server until the client generates an image and executes printing.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which a client receives data distributed from a server, generates print data, and executes printing.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing contents of a form temporary storage unit and a form permanent storage unit;

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the contents of a form list.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the contents of a form list.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing contents of a form temporary storage and a form permanent storage.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating the contents of a form temporary storage unit and a form permanent storage unit when a print request using a form file of the same name occurs.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating contents of a form temporary storage unit and a form permanent storage unit when a print request using a form file of the same name is generated.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing processing for dynamically increasing the form form temporary storage unit.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a storage medium on which a program code is recorded.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a method of supplying a program code to a computer.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 server 101 data storage unit 102 form form storage unit 103 distribution data generation unit 104 network communication control unit 110 client 111 data input / output unit 112 data processing unit 113 form form temporary storage unit 114 form form permanent storage unit 115 image generation unit 116 Web Browser 117 Print output unit 120 Printer 150 Network

Claims (32)

[Claims] 1. A print system comprising a server and a client, wherein a template for generating print data corresponding to a display screen displayed on the client in response to a request from the client, and inserted into the template Acquisition means for acquiring data to be transferred, transfer means for transferring the template and data acquired by the acquisition means from the server to the client, and first template storage means for storing the template transferred by the transfer means. A second template storage unit for storing a template, and a generation unit for generating print data using the template and the data, wherein the generation unit uses a template stored in the first template storage unit. Generation processing and the second
A print system capable of executing a generation process using a template stored in a template storage means in parallel. 2. After a generation process using a template stored in the first template storage unit is executed by the generation unit, the template stored in the first template storage unit is stored in the second template storage unit. 2. The printing system according to claim 1, further comprising a template storage control unit for storing the template in the storage unit. 3. In response to an instruction to use a template stored in the client being transferred from the server to the client, the generation unit uses the template stored in the second template storage unit. 3. A generation process according to claim 1, wherein
The printing system according to 1. 4. The template used in the generation processing is:
4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a request unit that requests the server from the server when the template is not stored in either the first template storage unit or the second template storage unit. 5. Print system. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the user can select whether to always transfer the template from the server to the client or to preferentially use the template stored in the first template storage means or the second template storage means. The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. 6. The first template storage unit and the second template storage unit each store a list of template identification information for identifying a template stored therein, and the generation unit refers to the list. 4. The print system according to claim 1, wherein it is determined in which of the templates used for the generation processing is stored. 7. A determining unit for determining whether a template having the same name as the template transferred by the transferring unit is stored in the first template storing unit, and determining that the template is stored in the first template storing unit. 7. The print system according to claim 1, further comprising a third template storage unit that stores the template transferred by the transfer unit. 8. The print system according to claim 1, wherein the template is a form. 9. The display screen is displayed by a Web browser based on display data transmitted from the server to the client, and the request is transferred by communication between the Web browser of the client and the Web server of the server. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein 10. The display data transmitted from the server to the client is described in HTML, and the Web browser and W
The print system according to claim 9, wherein the print system communicates with the eb server using HTTP. 11. A print processing method in an information processing apparatus having first template storage means for storing a template transferred from an external device, and second template storage means for storing a template, the display processing being performed by the information processing apparatus. A template for generating print data corresponding to the displayed display screen, an obtaining step for obtaining data to be inserted into the template, and a generating step for generating print data using the template and the data. In the generation step, a generation process using a template stored in the first template storage unit and a generation process using a template stored in the second template storage unit are performed in parallel. A print processing method characterized by the following. 12. After a generation process using a template stored in the first template storage unit is executed by the generation unit, the template stored in the first template storage unit is stored in the second template storage unit. 12. The print processing method according to claim 11, wherein the print processing method is stored in a unit. 13. In response to an instruction to use a template stored in the information processing device being transferred from the server to the information processing device, the generating step stores the instruction stored in the second template storage means. 2. The generation process is performed by using a template that exists.
13. The print processing method according to 1 or 12. 14. When the template used for the generation processing is not stored in either the first template storage means or the second template storage means,
14. The print processing method according to claim 11, wherein the template is requested from the server. 15. It is possible to select whether to always transfer a template from a server to an information processing apparatus or to preferentially use a template stored in the first template storage means or the second template storage means. 14. The print processing method according to claim 11. 16. The first template storage means and the second template storage means each store a list of template identification information for identifying a template stored therein, and in the generation step, referencing the list. 14. The print processing method according to claim 11, wherein it is determined in which of the templates used for the generation processing is stored. 17. A method for determining whether a template having the same name as the template transferred by the transfer means is stored in the first template storage means, and determining that the template is stored by the determination means. 17. The print processing method according to claim 11, further comprising a third template storage unit for storing the template transferred by the transfer unit. 18. The print processing method according to claim 11, wherein the template is a form. 19. The display screen is displayed by a Web browser based on display data transmitted from the server to the information processing apparatus, wherein the request is transmitted from the Web browser of the information processing apparatus to a Web server of the server. 19. The print processing method according to claim 11, wherein the print processing is performed by communication. 20. Display data transmitted from a server to an information processing apparatus is described in HTML, and is displayed on a Web browser and a WWW browser.
20. The print processing method according to claim 19, wherein communication with the web server is performed by HTTP. 21. A print processing program executed by an information processing apparatus having first template storage means for storing a template transferred from an external device and second template storage means for storing a template. An acquisition step of acquiring a template for generating print data corresponding to a display screen displayed on the device, data to be inserted into the template, and a generation step of generating print data using the template and the data And causing the computer to execute the following. In the generation step, a generation process using a template stored in the first template storage unit and a generation process using a template stored in the second template storage unit Print processing program characterized by being executable in parallel Ram. 22. After a generation process using a template stored in the first template storage unit is executed by the generation unit, the template stored in the first template storage unit is stored in the second template storage unit. 22. The print processing program according to claim 21, causing the computer to execute the step of storing in the means. 23. In response to an instruction to use a template stored in the information processing device being transferred from the server to the information processing device, the generating step stores the instruction stored in the second template storage means. 3. The generation process is executed by using a template that exists.
23. The print processing program according to 1 or 22. 24. If the template used for the generation processing is not stored in either the first template storage means or the second template storage means,
The print processing program according to any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the program causes a computer to execute a step of requesting the server for the template. 25. A step of causing a computer to select whether to always transfer a template from a server to an information processing apparatus or to preferentially use a template stored in the first template storage means or the second template storage means. 22. The program is executed.
24. The print processing program according to any one of claims to 23. 26. The first template storage unit and the second template storage unit each store a list of template identification information for identifying a template stored therein, and in the generation step, referencing the list. 24. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to claim 21, wherein a determination is made as to where the template used for the generation processing is stored. 27. A step of determining whether a template having the same name as the template transferred by the transfer unit is stored in the first template storage unit, and determining that the template is stored by the determination unit. Providing a third template storage means for storing the template transferred by the transfer means in response to the request.
27. The print processing program according to any one of claims 26 to 26. 28. The print processing program according to claim 21, wherein the template is a form. 29. The display screen is displayed by a Web browser based on display data transmitted from the server to the information processing apparatus, and the request is transmitted between the Web browser of the information processing apparatus and the Web server of the server. The print processing program according to any one of claims 21 to 28, wherein the program is transferred by communication. 30. Display data transmitted from a server to an information processing device is described in HTML, and is displayed on a
30. The print processing program according to claim 29, wherein the print processing program communicates with the eb server using HTTP. 31. A computer storing a print processing program to be executed by an information processing apparatus having first template storage means for storing a template transferred from an external device and second template storage means for storing the template. An readable recording medium, wherein the print processing program obtains a template for generating print data corresponding to a display screen displayed on an information processing device, and obtaining data to be inserted into the template. And causing the computer to execute a generation step of generating print data using the template and the data. In the generation step, a generation process using a template stored in the first template storage unit; 2 Templates stored in the template storage means A recording medium capable of executing a generation process using a plate in parallel. 32. An acquiring unit for acquiring a template for generating print data corresponding to a displayed display screen, data to be inserted into the template from an external device, and a template acquired by the acquiring unit. A first template storage unit for storing, a second template storage unit for storing a template, and a generation unit for generating print data using the template and the data, wherein the generation unit includes the first template storage unit Generation processing using the template stored in the
An information processing apparatus capable of executing a generation process using a template stored in a template storage means in parallel.