JP2004086419A - Program, recording medium, and server device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To access an image forming job stored in an image forming job management server even from a client device in which a dedicated application program is not installed. <P>SOLUTION: A web server 40 is installed in such a way that a printing job management server 10 is connected to the client device having a web browser 21 through a network, display data making display a display screen containing an element necessary for display or operation indication of data in a display data forming processing part 43 in the web browser 21 is formed, and sent to the web browser 21 of the client device with an input-output processing part 41. The web server 40 receives the operation indication performed on the display screen from the web browser 21, and requests transfer of necessary operation or data to the printing job management server 10 through a printing job management server I/F part 42. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention, an image forming job management server which manages an image forming job and a client device having a web browser can be connected via a network, and information between the image forming job management server and the client device can be transmitted. The present invention relates to a server device that mediates transfer, a program for operating a computer that can constitute the server device, and a recording medium that stores such a program.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming job management server is provided to manage a job to be executed by an image forming apparatus such as a printer connected to a network. Such an image forming job management server collectively manages image forming requests from client devices, and distributes jobs to appropriate image forming devices. The forming operation can be performed smoothly.
[0003]
When printing a document in the image forming management system using such an image forming job management server, the user specifies a document to be printed on the operation screen of the client device and instructs printing. Then, the file is converted into intermediate image data for printing, transferred to the image forming job management server as an image forming job file, and distributed to an appropriate image forming apparatus to perform print output. Here, the intermediate image data is data obtained by converting data of a document (including a chart and an image) to be formed and output into a state in which the image can be formed and output without depending on the application which created the document. is there.
Further, in the above-described image forming management system, the image forming job management server is accessed before the printout is performed, and a list of image forming job files and images related to each image forming job file are referred to. It was also known that it was possible to perform operations such as merging, moving pages, and deleting files, and to set image forming options such as duplex, merging, punching, and stapling. There is a problem that the operability when giving these instructions is low.
[0004]
Therefore, the applicant of the present invention has improved the operability of such a system by making it possible to consistently perform operations from document operations to image forming job operations and image forming instructions on the same operation screen. A patent application has been filed for the management system in the past (Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-329798, not disclosed).
However, in such a document management system, in order to operate the image forming job management server, it is necessary to execute a dedicated application program in the client device, and a client device in which the application program is not installed is required. Has a problem that the user cannot perform an operation on the image forming job management server. In addition, it is troublesome to install an application program on each client device. Further, when it is desired to perform an operation on the image forming job management server from a platform such as a personal digital assistant (PDA) or a mobile phone, these are required. Another problem is that application programs that run on the platform must be developed separately, which takes time and money.
[0005]
As a related technique for solving such a problem, for example, a data processing apparatus described in JP-A-2002-7095 is known. According to the technology described in this publication, for example, a function of generating a web page is provided in an image processing apparatus, and the function is transmitted to a web browser of a computer connected to a network. By using the information, information about a job executed by the image processing apparatus, image data, and the like can be grasped and an operation can be performed.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, according to the technology described in the above publication, a web page is generated for each image processing apparatus and transmitted to a web browser, so that information of many image processing apparatuses can be grasped from a host computer. When an operation is performed on a large number of image processing apparatuses, it is necessary to access the web pages corresponding to the number of image processing apparatuses, and the operation becomes troublesome.
The “image data information” in the above publication is, for example, “image data obtained by a scanner” or “received PDL print request is image- It is information as to whether it is "stored image data", and there is no particular description on the point of referring to the contents of the stored image forming job and operating the intermediate file related to the job.
[0007]
The present invention solves such a problem, and when constructing an image forming system provided with an image forming job management server that manages image forming jobs, an image can be obtained even from a client device in which a dedicated application program is not installed. An object of the present invention is to be able to check an image forming job stored in a forming job management server, check an image related to the image forming job, and perform an operation on the image forming job.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a program according to the present invention can be connected to an image forming job management server for managing an image forming job and a client device having a web browser via a network. A computer that can constitute a server device that mediates the transfer of information between the server and its client device is obtained by acquiring required data from the image forming job management server, A job management server interface unit for instructing an operation, and in response to a request from a web browser of the client device, acquiring a list of image forming jobs from the image forming job management server by the job management server interface unit; Display for displaying the list on the above web browser First display data transmitting means for generating data and transmitting the generated image data to the client device; and, when a request for displaying the content of the image forming job in the list is received from a web browser of the client device, the job management. Job image acquisition means for acquiring image data relating to an image forming job for which a request to display the contents has been made from the image formation job management server by server interface means, and converting the image based on the data acquired by the means. Second display data transmission means for generating display data to be displayed on the web browser and transmitting the display data to the client device, and displaying an operation instruction screen for instructing an operation on the image forming job on the web browser. Display data for generating display data for transmission to the client device The job management server interface means instructs the image forming job management server to perform the operation when receiving data indicating that an operation has been instructed on the operation instruction screen from the web browser of the client device. It is designed to function as operation instruction means.
[0009]
In such a program, the computer generates display data for displaying an option setting screen for instructing setting of an image forming option for the image forming job on the web browser, and transmits the display data to the client device. A display data transmitting unit and a job management server interface unit that receives data indicating that setting of any image forming option has been instructed on the option setting screen from the web browser of the client device. Output image acquisition means for instructing the management server to reflect the setting, and for an image forming job reflecting the setting, acquiring image data indicating an output result when the setting is reflected, The above output based on the acquired data An image showing the results may be to further include a program for functioning as the fifth display data transmission means for transmitting to said client device generates display data to be displayed on the web browser.
[0010]
Further, the fifth display data transmission means has a function of generating display data for displaying on the web browser a screen capable of instructing download of the image forming job and transmitting the display data to the client device. When the computer receives an instruction to download the image forming job from the web browser of the client device, the job management server interface means reflects the setting of the image forming option from the image forming job management server. Intermediate image data acquisition means for acquiring the intermediate image data for image formation in a state, and a program for causing the client device to function as means for storing the intermediate image data for image formation acquired by the means via the web browser in the client device. To include more Good.
A recording medium according to the present invention is a computer-readable recording medium on which the above-described program is recorded.
[0011]
Also, the server device of the present invention can be connected to an image forming job management server for managing an image forming job and a client device having a web browser via a network, and the image forming job management server and the client device A job management server interface for acquiring required data from the image forming job management server and instructing the image forming job management server of required operations in a server device that mediates transmission and reception of information between the server and the server. Means for acquiring a list of image forming jobs from the image forming job management server by the job management server interface means in response to a request from a web browser of the client device, and displaying the list on the web browser. Generate display data and send it to the client device A first display data transmitting unit that receives the request and a request to display the contents of the listed image forming jobs from the web browser of the client device. Means for acquiring image data relating to an image forming job for which a request to display the above-mentioned contents is provided, and display data for displaying the image on the web browser based on the data acquired by the means. A second display data transmitting unit for generating an image forming job and transmitting the display data to the client device; and an operation instruction screen for instructing an operation on the image forming job when the unit transmits the display data, on the web browser. Display data to be generated and transmitted to the client device The job management server interface means instructs the image forming job management server to perform the operation when receiving data indicating that an operation has been instructed on the operation instruction screen from the web browser of the client device. Operation instructing means.
[0012]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, a web server for print job file operation (hereinafter, also simply referred to as “web server”) as an embodiment of a server device of the present invention and an image forming management system configured using the web server will be described with reference to FIGS. This will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the image forming management system, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the device configuration of the image forming management system, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a job management server, FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processing in a web server when a print job list is displayed on a client device in the image forming management system, and FIG. 5 is a display example of the print job list. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processing in a web server when a reference image of a print job is displayed on a client device in the image forming management system shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display example of the reference image. FIG. 8 shows the print job management server in the image forming management system shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing processing in the web server when performing an operation on a print job. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing processing in the web server when setting a print option for a print job stored in the print job management server. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a process in the web server when the client device downloads the print intermediate file for the print job stored in the print job management server.
[0013]
As shown in FIG. 2, this document management system is configured by connecting a print job management server 10, a client device 20, a printer 30, and a print job file operation web server (web server) 40 via a network 50. .
Of these, the print job management server 10, the client device 20, and the web server 40 can be configured using a computer such as a known personal computer (PC) as shown in FIG. 3 in which dedicated software is installed. The computer may be configured using a computer using dedicated hardware suitable for the functions described below. Further, as the printer 30, a known image forming apparatus such as a printer can be used, and a digital multifunction peripheral having a print function may be used. As the network 50, a LAN (local area network) can be used, but another network such as the Internet may be used, and it does not matter whether the network is wireless or wired.
[0014]
Here, the computer will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the computer includes a CPU 61, a ROM 62, a RAM 63, a hard disk drive (HDD) 64, a display 65, an operation unit 66, and a network control unit 67. This is a configuration connected by a system bus 68.
The CPU 61 is a control unit that controls the entire computer. The CPU 61 executes various control programs and application programs stored in the ROM 62 and the HDD 64 to control the apparatus, edit data, and communicate with each apparatus constituting the image forming management system. It performs operations such as transmission and reception of information and instructions to each device.
The ROM 62 is a storage unit that mainly stores a control program of the apparatus, and the RAM 63 is a storage unit that is used for a work memory of the CPU 61 and temporary storage of data.
[0015]
The HDD 64 is a storage unit that mainly stores various application programs that need to be frequently updated. However, when the computer is used for other purposes, various files corresponding to the applications are also stored.
A display device such as a liquid crystal display or a cathode ray tube (CRT) can be used as the display 65. An operation screen, which is an interface to the user of the application program, is displayed on this screen to receive operations and instructions. indicate.
[0016]
The operation unit 66 is configured by a keyboard, a mouse, and the like, and the user directly performs an operation and an instruction by using these components.
The network control unit 67 is an interface with the network 50 to which the computer is connected.
When the print job management server 10 and the web server 40 are configured by such a computer, the display 65 and the operation unit 66 are not necessarily provided if all operations are performed via the client device 20.
[0017]
The functional configuration of such an image forming management system is as shown in FIG. Note that arrows shown by broken lines in FIG. 1 indicate transmission and reception of data via the network 50.
First, the print job management server 10 manages a job (image forming job) to be executed by the printer 30 as a print job file (image forming job file) of printing intermediate image data (image forming intermediate image data). The image forming job management server includes a print job file operation interface (I / F) unit 11, a print job file processing unit 12, an image generation unit 13, and a print job file database 14.
[0018]
Then, the print job file operation I / F unit 11 exchanges information with the web server 40 via the network 50, and performs operations such as combining, moving, and deleting print job files, double-sided printing, aggregation, punching, and stapling. This is a means for setting print options such as processing, receiving a data transfer request, and transferring data to the web server 40 in response to the request.
The print job file processing unit 12 is a means for accessing a print job file stored in the print job file database 14 and performing operations and setting print options in accordance with a request from the web server 40 or the like.
[0019]
The image generation unit 13 generates an image related to the print job file, that is, an image formed when the intermediate image data related to the print job is printed out, and further outputs an output state when the print option is reflected. It is means for generating data of an image to be shown. The image in which the print option is reflected is, for example, an original image for a plurality of pages is arranged on one page in the case of aggregate printing, or these processes are performed in the case of stapling or punching. The image of the needle or the hole formed on the output sheet is added to the original image. By displaying these images on the screen as reference images, it is possible to grasp what state of output will be obtained when the print job is executed.
The image generation unit 13 also functions as a printer driver, and when the print job management server 10 receives a print job execution instruction, receives the intermediate image data via the print job file processing unit 12, and here, The data is converted into image data, and the printer 30 is driven according to the image data to perform printing.
[0020]
The functions of the print job file operation I / F unit 11, print job file processing unit 12, and image generation unit 13 are realized by causing a CPU of a computer constituting the print job management server 10 to execute required application programs. be able to.
The print job file database 14 is a unit that stores a print job to be executed by the printer 30 as a print job file, and can be configured using a RAM or an HDD of a computer configuring the print job management server 10.
[0021]
Next, the client device 20 is a terminal device for referring to a print job file stored in the print job management server 10, editing the print job file, setting print options, downloading intermediate image data, and the like. Yes, it is the client device 20 that the user directly operates.
The client device 20 includes a web browser 21 for browsing a web page. By issuing a request to the web server 40 using the web browser 21, the print job file stored in the print job management server 10 is saved. The user can refer to the print job file and execute editing of the print job file.
[0022]
The client device 20 can also download intermediate image data from the print job management server 10 via the web server 40. The downloaded intermediate image data is stored in an intermediate image data storage unit 22 such as an HDD, and is sent to a printer driver 23 according to a user's operation instruction, where it is converted into image data. 2, a printer 70 (not shown) can be driven to perform printing. Here, it is assumed that the printer 70 is not under the management of the print job management server 10, and is, for example, a printer locally connected to the client device 20.
[0023]
The web server 40 is a device that mediates transmission and reception of data between the print job management server 10 and the client device 20, and includes an input / output processing unit 41, a print job management server I / F unit 42, and a display data generation processing unit 43. It has.
The input / output processing unit 41 receives a request such as an access request from the web browser 21 of the client device 20 and, as a response to the request, transmits data such as display data for displaying the required web page on the web browser 21. Or means for transmitting.
The print job management server I / F unit 42 is a job management server interface unit, exchanges information with the print job management server 10 via the network 50, and performs operations such as connection to a print job file, page movement, deletion, and the like. Reflecting the setting of print options such as double-sided, aggregation, punching, stapling, etc., making a data transfer request, and receiving data transferred from the print job management server 10 in response to the request. is there.
[0024]
The display data generation processing unit 43, based on the request from the web browser 21 of the client device 20 and the data received from the print job management server 10 by the print job management server I / F unit 42, Is a means for generating display data for displaying.
The functions of the input / output processing unit 41, the print job management server I / F unit 42, and the display data generation processing unit 43 are realized by causing a CPU of a computer constituting the web server 40 to execute required application programs. Can be.
[0025]
In such an image formation management system, by providing the web server 40, printing can be performed using a widely used web browser without causing the client device 20 to execute a dedicated application program (client software). The user can refer to, edit, and the like print jobs stored in the job management server 10.
Therefore, next, a description will be given of processing in the case where various operations are performed on the print jobs stored in the print job management server 10 from the client device 20 in the image forming management system, focusing on the processing in the web server 40.
[0026]
When performing an operation on a print job from the client device 20, the user starts the web browser 21, specifies the URL (Universal Resource Locator) of the web server 40, and accesses the web server 40. As will be described later, the web server 40 returns display data for displaying a list of print jobs stored in the print job management server 10 when this first access is made. Become.
Upon receiving this request, the web server 40 executes a process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 by executing a required program stored in the HDD or the like.
[0027]
First, in step S1, according to a request from the client device 20, a print job list data is requested to the print job management server 10 via the print job management server I / F unit 42. Then, in the print job management server 10, the print job file operation I / F unit 11 receives the request, and the print job file processing unit 12 accesses the print job file database 14 to extract the data of the print job list, and perform printing. The data is transmitted to the web server 40 via the job file operation I / F unit 11.
[0028]
The web server 40 waits until the data is obtained in step S2, and if so, in step S3, the display data generation processing unit 43 displays the print job list in the web browser 21 of the client device 20 based on the data. Create display data to display the screen. Then, the generated display data is transmitted from the input / output processing unit 41 to the web browser 21, and the process is terminated. Here, the display data can be created, for example, in the form of HTML (HyperText Markup Language), and data communication between the client device 20 and the web server 40 can be performed by HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol).
In the processes of steps S1 to S4, the CPU of the computer constituting the web server 40 functions as a first display data transmitting unit.
[0029]
The client device 20 can display a list of print jobs on the web browser 21 based on the display data received from the web server 40. The display is, for example, a print job list display screen 100 shown in FIG. Things.
On this screen, the name of the print job management server that has accessed the print job management server display unit 101 is displayed, and a list of print jobs stored in the print job management server is displayed on the print job list display unit 102. Then, by selecting one of the print jobs displayed on the print job list display unit 102 by clicking with a mouse or the like, it is possible to request display of a reference image for the print job. The request is transmitted to the web server 40. Such a request can be made, for example, by embedding a link in the icon and name portion of each print job.
The print job list display unit 102 also displays an intermediate image data download button 103 for instructing download of intermediate image data for each print job, which will be described later.
[0030]
On the other hand, when the web server 40 receives a request to display a reference image for a print job from the web browser 21, the web server 40 executes a process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 by executing a required program.
First, in step S11, in accordance with a request from the client device 20, a request is made to the print job management server 10 via the print job management server I / F section 42 for reference image data of the selected print job. Then, on the print job management server 10 side, the print job file operation I / F unit 11 receives the request, and the print job file processing unit 12 accesses the print job file database 14 to select the intermediate image data of the selected print job. Is extracted, image data formed when the intermediate image data is printed out by the image generation unit 13 is generated as reference image data, and transmitted to the web server 40 via the print job file operation I / F unit 11. Send the data. The web server 40 waits until the data is obtained in step S12.
In the processes of steps S11 and S12, the CPU of the computer constituting the web server 40 functions as a job image acquisition unit.
[0031]
When the data of the reference image is obtained, the process proceeds to step S13, where the display data generation processing unit 43 displays a screen for displaying the reference image of the selected print job on the web browser 21 of the client device 20 based on the data. Create display data for Then, in step S14, display data for causing the web browser 21 to display an operation instruction screen for instructing an operation for the print job is generated.
Here, the screen displaying the reference image and the operation instruction screen are integrated, and the contents of these screens are displayed in different areas of the same screen, and icons and links for operation instructions are displayed as the reference image. May be scattered on the screen.
After that, the display data generated in steps S13 and S14 are transmitted from the input / output processing unit 41 to the web browser 21, and the process is terminated.
In the processes of steps S13 to S15, the CPU of the computer constituting the web server 40 functions as the second and third display data transmitting means.
[0032]
In the client device 20, a reference image of the selected print job can be displayed on the web browser 21 based on the display data received from the web server 40. The display is performed, for example, on the reference image display screen 200 shown in FIG. It is something like
On this screen, the reference image of each page is displayed on the page list display section 201 in a reduced size list format, and the reference image of the page selected on the page list display section 201 is displayed on the page view display section 202 in a large size. I have. The figure shows a state where page 1 is selected. When another page is selected, the display is switched. In this case, display data of a new display screen may be transmitted from the web server 40 again, or the display of the display may be performed on the client device 20 side. It is also possible to include certain codes and data in the display data and transmit them first so that they can be changed. The former method enables display even when the web browser 21 supports only a very simple function, and the latter method reduces the amount of data transferred between the client device 20 and the web server 40. As a result, the processing speed is increased, and the load on the network 50 can be reduced.
[0033]
Note that on the reference image display screen 200, an intermediate image data download button 203 for instructing download of intermediate image data for a print job displaying a reference image, and a print option for setting a print option for the print job are displayed. An option setting button 204 is also displayed, which will be described later.
Although the operation instruction screen is not shown in FIG. 7, operations such as division, combining, moving, and copying can be performed on a print job displaying a reference image on the reference image display screen 200. is there. Dividing is an operation of dividing a print job before and after a selected page into two jobs, and combining is an operation of designating another print job and combining the print job being displayed and the print job into one print job. The move is an operation of moving the selected page to another position in the print job, and the copy is an operation of creating another print job identical to the print job being displayed.
[0034]
When the user instructs such an operation on the operation instruction screen, a request to execute the operation is transmitted from the web browser 21 to the web server 40. At this time, a reference image display request for the print job after the execution of the operation is also made. Then, when receiving the request, the web server 40 executes a process shown in a flowchart of FIG. 8 by executing a required program.
First, in step S21, in response to a request from the client device 20, the print job management server 10 executes the requested operation for the target print job via the print job management server I / F unit 42. Instruct. Then, in the print job management server 10, the print job file operation I / F unit 11 receives the instruction, and the print job file processing unit 12 accesses the print job file database 14 to perform the operation requested for the print job file. When the process is completed, the data to that effect is transmitted to the web server 40 via the print job file operation I / F unit 11.
The web server 40 waits until data indicating that the operation has been completed is obtained in step S22.
In the processing of steps S21 and S22 described above, the CPU of the computer constituting the web server 40 functions as an operation instruction unit.
[0035]
Then, in step S23, a request is made to the print job management server 10 via the print job management server I / F unit 42 for reference image data of the print job after the operation is completed. At this time, if the print job to be operated has disappeared or has been divided into a plurality of print jobs due to division, combination, or the like, the print job for which reference image data is requested is determined as appropriate.
In response to this request, the print job management server 10 generates reference image data in the same procedure as in the case of the request in step S11 in FIG. The web server 40 waits until the data is obtained in step S24.
[0036]
When the data of the reference image is obtained, the process proceeds to step S25, and the display data generation processing unit 43 displays a new reference image of the print job after the operation is completed on the web browser 21 of the client device 20 based on the data. Display data for displaying a screen to be displayed. Here, when the screen for displaying the reference image and the operation instruction screen are integrated, display data for displaying the operation instruction screen is also generated at the same time.
After that, the display data generated in step S25 is transmitted from the input / output processing unit 41 to the web browser 21, and the process ends.
In the processes of steps S23 to S26, the CPU of the computer configuring the web server 40 functions as a job image acquisition unit and a second display data transmission unit.
Note that operations on a print job basis, such as combining and deleting, may be performed from the print job list display screen 100.
[0037]
Next, setting of a print option for a print job will be described.
When the user presses the option setting button 204 displayed on the reference image display screen 200, the web browser 21 of the client device 20 displays an option setting screen for setting a print option for a print job displaying the reference image. The display is requested from the web server 40. Then, upon receiving this request, the web server 40 executes a process shown in a flowchart of FIG. 9 by executing a required program.
[0038]
First, in step S31, the display data generation processing unit 43 generates display data for displaying the option setting screen on the web browser 21 according to the request from the client device 20, and transmits the display data to the client device 20 from the input / output processing unit 41. . Here, the option setting screen may be integrated with the screen for displaying the reference image as in the case of the operation instruction screen.
The client device 20 displays an option setting screen on the web browser 21 based on the display data, and accepts a print option setting for a print job displaying a reference image. Although illustration of the option setting screen is omitted, when the user selects a desired print option on this screen and instructs the setting, the web browser 21 transmits the instruction to the web server 40.
[0039]
The web server 40 waits for this instruction in step S32, and if there is an instruction, the process proceeds to step S33, where the web browser 21 instructs the print job management server 10 via the print job management server I / F unit 42. The user instructs the setting of the print option for the target print job as described above. Then, on the print job management server 10 side, the print job file operation I / F unit 11 receives the instruction, and the print job file processing unit 12 accesses the print job file database 14 to perform printing as instructed for the print job. When the setting of the options is completed, the data is transmitted to the web server 40 via the print job file operation I / F unit 11 when the setting is completed.
The web server 40 waits until data indicating that the setting is completed in step S34.
[0040]
In step S35, the print job management server I / F unit 42 transmits to the print job management server 10 image data indicating an output result reflecting the set print options for the print job in which the print options are set. Request.
In response to this request, the print job management server 10 generates image data indicating an output result in the same procedure as in the case of the request in step S11 in FIG. However, what is generated here is image data in a state in which the set print options are reflected. The web server 40 waits until the data is obtained in step S36.
In the processing of steps S33 to S36, the CPU of the computer constituting the web server 40 functions as an output image acquisition unit.
[0041]
When the data of the image indicating the output result is obtained, the process proceeds to step S25, where the display data generation processing unit 43 uses the data to display an image indicating the output result reflecting the setting for the print job in which the print option is set. It generates display data for displaying a screen to be displayed (output result display screen) on the web browser 21 of the client device 20. Here, display data for displaying a screen integrating the output result display screen and the option setting screen may be generated.
After that, the display data generated in step S38 is transmitted from the input / output processing unit 41 to the web browser 21, and the process ends.
In the processing of steps S37 and S38, the CPU of the computer constituting the web server 40 functions as a fifth display data transmission unit.
[0042]
The client device 20 can display an output result display screen for a print job in which a print option is set in the web browser 21 based on the display data received from the web server 40. The display format is, for example, as shown in FIG. What is necessary is just to make it the same as that of the reference image display screen 200, and the illustration is omitted for details. Note that a button similar to the intermediate image data download button 203 is also displayed on this screen.
[0043]
Next, download of the intermediate image data to the client device 20 will be described.
When the user presses the intermediate image data download buttons 103 and 203 displayed on the print job list display screen 100, the reference image display screen 200, or the output result display screen (not shown), the web browser 21 of the client device 20 It requests the web server 40 to download the intermediate image data for the print job corresponding to the button. Then, upon receiving this request, the web server 40 executes a process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10 by executing a required program.
[0044]
First, in step S41, it is determined whether or not the download request is from the output result display screen. This determination is made, for example, by generating display data such that when the intermediate image data download button is pressed when the display data of each screen is generated, the web server 40 also transmits the information of the screen being displayed together with the download request. This can be done by referring to the information on the screen transmitted together with the actual request.
If it is from the output result display screen, the process proceeds to step S42, where the print job management server I / F unit 42 acquires the intermediate image data reflecting the print option setting for the print job requested to be downloaded. , The print job management server 10 is requested for such intermediate image data. Then, on the print job management server 10 side, the print job file operation I / F unit 11 receives the request, and the print job file processing unit 12 accesses the print job file database 14 to extract intermediate image data of the target print job. Then, it generates intermediate image data reflecting the print options set in the print job, and transmits the data to the web server 40 via the print job file operation I / F unit 11. The web server 40 waits until the data is obtained in step S43.
[0045]
On the other hand, if it is not from the output result display screen in step S41, the print job management server I / F is used to acquire the intermediate image data stored in the print job management server 10 for the print job requested to be downloaded. The print job management server 10 is requested via the section 42 for such intermediate image data. Then, on the print job management server 10 side, the print job management server I / F unit 42 extracts the intermediate image data of the target print job as in step S42, and here, the print job file operation I / F unit 11 The data is transmitted to the web server 40 via the web server 40. The web server 40 waits until the data is obtained in step S45.
In the processing of steps S42 and S43 or steps S44 and S45, the CPU of the computer constituting the web server 40 functions as an intermediate image data acquisition unit.
[0046]
When the intermediate image data is acquired in step S43 or S45, the process proceeds to step S46, and the acquired intermediate image data is transmitted from the input / output processing unit 41 to the web browser 21. The file of the intermediate image data transmitted here corresponds to a file downloaded from the web server 40 using the web browser 21 when viewed from the client device 20 side, so that the function of the web browser 21 and the operating system (OS) is used. The storage destination can be specified and stored in the HDD or the like in the same manner as when storing a normal download file.
Thus, the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10 ends.
Here, the intermediate image data stored in the client device 20 can be converted into image data of each page by the printer driver 23 and printed out by the printer 70, for example, but can be stored in a portable storage medium such as a memory stick. It can also be stored and carried, read by a PC or the like provided at another location, and printed out in the same manner by a printer there.
[0047]
By performing the processing shown in FIGS. 4, 6, and 8 to 10, the web browser 21 of the client device 20 displays the list and contents of the print jobs stored in the print job management server 10. It accepts a request for an operation for a print job or a request for setting a print option from the web browser 21, reflects the request on a print job stored in the print job management server 10, or transfers intermediate image data to the client device 20. And memorize it. In performing these operations, the client device 20 does not require a dedicated application program (client software).
Therefore, if the image forming management system is configured using the web server 40 that performs such processing, the print job management can be performed using a widely used web browser without causing the client device 20 to execute the client software. The user can refer to and edit the print jobs stored in the server 10.
[0048]
Therefore, many computers connected to the network 50 can be used as the client device 20, and the image forming management system can be easily configured. In addition, if there is a computer connected to the network 50 and capable of using the web browser 21, any computer can instruct processing of a print job stored in the print job management server 10 from any computer. The convenience of the system is also improved. Further, hardware resources for installing and executing a dedicated application program can be saved.
In addition to the PC, some PDAs, mobile phones, and the like have a web browser mounted thereon, and even if such a device is connected to the network 50, it can be used as the client device 20. Even in such a case, it is not necessary to develop an application program for each platform, and the time and labor required for development can be saved.
[0049]
Further, the program of the present invention includes a server device that can be connected to the print job management server 10 and the client device 20 via a network, and mediates transmission and reception of information between the print job management server 10 and the client device 20. This is a program for causing a configurable computer to function as the web server 40 as described above. By causing such a program to be executed by the computer, the web server 40 can be configured to obtain the above-described effects. it can.
[0050]
Such a program may be stored in a storage means such as a ROM or an HDD provided in the computer from the beginning, but may be stored in a non-volatile storage medium such as a CD-ROM or a flexible disk, an SRAM, an EEPROM, or a memory card as a recording medium. It can also be provided by recording it on a medium (memory). Each of the above-described procedures can be executed by installing the program recorded in the memory in the computer and causing the CPU to execute the program, or reading and executing the program from the memory by the CPU.
Further, the program can be downloaded from an external device provided with a recording medium storing the program or an external device having the program stored in the storage means and executed.
[0051]
In the embodiment described above, the processing in the case of displaying the print job list, operating the print job, setting the print options, and downloading the intermediate image data in the client device 20 has been described as an example. Needless to say, the processing may be performed by the web browser 21 through the web server 40.
Further, here, the example in which the print job management server 10, the client device 20, and the web server 40 are all different devices has been described. However, each server may have the function of the client device 20, and may also serve as this. Alternatively, the print job management server 10 and the web server 40 may be integrally configured.
[0052]
In addition, it goes without saying that the number of devices such as client devices, servers, and printers that constitute the image forming management system is not limited to the example described in this embodiment. For example, when a plurality of print job management servers 10 are provided, the print job management server displays the names of the plurality of print job management servers on the print job management server display unit 101 of the print job list display screen 100 and displays the list. It is good to be able to select ten. Even in such a case, the processing for the print jobs stored in each print job management server can be performed only by accessing the web server 40, so that the operation burden is not so much as when the print job management server 10 is one. does not change. Alternatively, a plurality of web servers 40 may be provided so that an arbitrary web server can be selected and accessed by a URL specified by the web browser 21.
[0053]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the server device of the present invention, the image data is stored in the image forming job management server using a widely used web browser without causing the client device to execute the dedicated application program. It is possible to configure an image formation management system capable of referring to and editing an image formation job.
According to the program of the present invention, the computer can function as the server device as described above. Further, according to the recording medium of the present invention, the computer can store the program in a computer that does not store the program, and can function as the server device by executing the program.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an image forming management system configured using a web server which is an embodiment of a server device of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an apparatus configuration of the image forming management system.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a client device, a web server, and a print job management server that constitute the image forming management system.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processing in a web server when displaying a print job list on a client device in the image forming management system.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display example of the print job list.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a process in a web server when displaying a reference image of a print job on a client device in the image forming management system shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display example of the reference image.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing in the web server when performing an operation on a print job stored in the print job management server in the image formation management system shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing processing in the web server when setting a print option for a print job stored in the print job management server.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process performed by a web server when a client device downloads an intermediate print file for a print job stored in a print job management server.
[Explanation of symbols]
10: Print job management server
11: Print job file operation I / F section
12: print job file processing unit 13: image generation unit
14: Print job file database
20: Client device 21: Web browser
22: intermediate image data storage unit 23: printer driver
30, 70: Printer
40: Web server for print job file operation
41: input / output processing unit
42: Print job management server I / F section
43: display data generation processing unit 50: network
100: Print job list display screen
101: Print job management server display unit
102: Print job list display section
103, 203: Intermediate image data download button
200: Reference image display screen 201: Page list display section
202: Page view display section
204: Option setting button

Claims (5)

An image forming job management server that manages image forming jobs and a client device equipped with a web browser can be connected via a network, and mediates information transfer between the image forming job management server and the client device. Computer that can constitute a server device that performs
Job management server interface means for acquiring required data from the image forming job management server, and instructing the image forming job management server of required operations;
In response to a request from a web browser of the client device, the job management server interface unit acquires a list of image forming jobs from the image forming job management server, and displays display data for displaying the list on the web browser. First display data transmission means for generating and transmitting the generated image data to the client device; and a job management server interface means for receiving a request for displaying the contents of the image forming job in the list from a web browser of the client device. A job image acquisition unit that acquires data of an image related to an image formation job for which a request to display the content is issued from the image formation job management server,
Second display data transmission means for generating display data for displaying the image on the web browser based on the data obtained by the means and transmitting the display data to the client device;
Third display data transmission means for generating display data for displaying an operation instruction screen for instructing an operation on the image forming job on the web browser and transmitting the display data to the client device;
When receiving, from the web browser of the client device, data indicating that an operation has been instructed on the operation instruction screen, the job management server interface means instructs the image forming job management server to perform the operation. Program to make it work. Said computer,
A fourth display data transmitting unit that generates display data for displaying an option setting screen for instructing setting of an image forming option for the image forming job on the web browser and transmits the display data to the client device;
When receiving data from the web browser of the client device to the effect that an image forming option setting has been instructed on the option setting screen, the job management server interface means reflects the setting to the image forming job management server. Output image acquisition means for instructing and acquiring image data indicating an output result when the setting is reflected, for an image forming job in which the setting is reflected,
A program for functioning as fifth display data transmitting means for generating display data for displaying the image indicating the output result on the web browser based on the data acquired by the means and transmitting the display data to the client device The program according to claim 1, further comprising: The fifth display data transmitting unit has a function of generating display data for displaying on the web browser a screen capable of instructing the download of the image forming job on the web browser, and transmitting the display data to the client device.
Said computer,
When an instruction to download the image forming job is received from a web browser of the client device, the job management server interface means for forming an image in a state in which the setting of the image forming option is reflected from the image forming job management server. Intermediate image data acquisition means for acquiring intermediate image data,
The program according to claim 2, further comprising a program for causing the client device to function as means for storing the intermediate image data for image formation acquired by the means via the web browser in the client device. A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 1 is recorded. An image forming job management server that manages image forming jobs and a client device equipped with a web browser can be connected via a network, and mediates information transfer between the image forming job management server and the client device. Server device,
Job management server interface means for acquiring required data from the image forming job management server, and instructing the image forming job management server of required operations;
In response to a request from a web browser of the client device, the job management server interface unit acquires a list of image forming jobs from the image forming job management server, and displays display data for displaying the list on the web browser. First display data transmission means for generating and transmitting the generated image data to the client device; and a job management server interface means for receiving a request for displaying the contents of the image forming job in the list from a web browser of the client device. A job image acquisition unit that acquires data of an image related to an image formation job for which a request to display the content is issued from the image formation job management server,
Second display data transmission means for generating display data for displaying the image on the web browser based on the data obtained by the means and transmitting the display data to the client device;
A third display for generating display data for causing the web browser to display an operation instruction screen for instructing an operation on the image forming job when the means transmits the display data, and transmitting the display data to the client device; Data transmission means;
An operation instructing unit configured to instruct the image forming job management server to perform the operation by the job management server interface unit when receiving data indicating that an operation is instructed from the web browser of the client device in the operation instruction screen; A server device comprising:

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