JP2004118509A - Data management system and data management program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To hold information on the setting of printing regardless of a printer used for printing, and to carry out management of a data file, retrieval, or the like based on the information on the setting of printing. <P>SOLUTION: A data management system is provided with a storage part in which a file system for managing files is constructed to store data files to be the object of printing, and a file generating part for generating an annotation information file which describes the printing setting of the data files, and storing it in the storage part for every data file. The file system constructed in the storage part integrally manages the data file and annotation information files. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a technology for performing data search, printing, and the like, based on print settings.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, the field of information processing has been remarkably developed, and the performance of personal computers and the like has been dramatically improved. As a result, an information processing device that captures, stores, and manages images and documents with an input device, searches as needed, and prints with an output device is provided to not only business fields / specific applications but also general users. It is becoming popular.
[0003]
Some of such information processing apparatuses can print the contents of a data file by adding a finishing function. The finishing function is a print setting function related to finishing when printing and outputting a data file. For example, “2 in 1” for outputting two pages on one sheet, “staple” for binding a plurality of sheets, and the like are known.
[0004]
Usually, each time a data file is printed, a specific finishing function is specified. Therefore, even if the same file is to be printed, the same finishing function must be set again.
[0005]
To solve this problem, there is a technology that, when printing the contents of a data file from an application, causes the printer driver to record the file name and its print setting information in advance, and if the data file name matches, prints according to the corresponding print setting information. It is known (see Patent Document 1).
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-350606 A
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional method, after transferring the data file to the third party, the third party may not be able to reproduce the print settings that the sender has made for the data file. The reason is that the correspondence between the data file name held by the printer driver of each device and its print setting information is not transferred and is not registered in the printer driver of the third party device. In other words, the print setting information has to be set for each printer driver corresponding to the printer, and when the printer used for printing changes, the print setting information up to that time has not been reflected. Therefore, integrated handling of the data file and the print setting information is required.
[0008]
Further, for example, there are many occasions where materials used for a meeting are printed on an OHP film or output by performing a specific finishing function such as stapling. At the time of classifying and retrieving data files related to such meeting documents, at present, it is not possible to retrieve files based on print settings.
[0009]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to retain information about print settings regardless of the printer used for printing, and to manage and search data files based on the information about print settings.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In the data management system of the present invention, a file system that manages files is constructed, a storage unit that stores data files to be printed, and annotation information that describes, for each of the data files, print settings of the data files. A file generation unit that generates a file and stores the file in the storage unit. The file system constructed in the storage unit integrally manages the data file and the annotation information file. Thereby, the above object can be achieved.
[0011]
The annotation information file has one or more items related to print settings of the data file. Then, the storage unit stores a plurality of the data files, and stores a plurality of annotation information files associated with each of the data files. The data management system searches the plurality of annotation information files for an annotation information file having a predetermined item among the one or more items, and specifies the data file related to the searched annotation information file. A search unit may be further provided.
[0012]
The data management system may further include a display unit that displays at least one of a preview of a print result of the data file, a thumbnail of a set print mode, and a list based on the description of the annotation information file.
[0013]
A data management program according to the present invention is a data management program that is executable on a computer in which a file system for managing files is constructed, and stores a data file to be printed, and for each of the data files, The method includes the steps of generating an annotation information file in which data file printing settings are described, and storing the generated annotation information file. The data management program integrally manages the data file and the annotation information file in a file system. Thereby, the above object can be achieved.
[0014]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0015]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a data management system used in the description of the present embodiment. The system includes a data file input device 10 for inputting a data file such as image data and document data, a data management device 20 for managing the data file input to the data file input device 10, and a printing device for printing the data file. 30.
[0016]
The feature of this system is that when printing the contents of a data file in the data management device 20, each file has print setting annotation information that describes settings related to printing such as a finishing function, and is integrated with the data file. Management (move, delete, etc.). By integrally managing, the next time printing is performed, it is possible to perform printing based on the print setting by referring to the print setting annotation information or search for a file based on the print setting annotation information. . The data management device 20 is, for example, a general-purpose PC, but is not limited to a PC as long as it is configured as described below and can perform the processing described below. The data file is a computer file such as image data and document data.
[0017]
When the data file is an image, the data file input device 10 is a digital camera, a flatbed scanner, a film scanner, or the like. The data file input device 10 may be a flexible / CD / DVD drive or the like. Note that a data file can also be input to the data management device 20 from another device via a network (not shown). The printing device 30 is a known printer. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the printing device 30 will be described as a printer. Note that the data file input device 10 and the printing device 30 may be a single multi-function device (MPF: Multi Function Peripheral) having a plurality of functions such as a scanner, a printer, a copier, and a facsimile.
[0018]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the data management device 20. The data management device 20 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 201, a read-only memory (ROM) 202, a display (CRT) 203, a keyboard 204, a communication interface (I / F) 205, a random access memory A (RAM) 206, a hard disk memory (HDD) 207, a mouse 208, a CD-ROM 209, and an expansion slot 210 are provided, and data can be mutually input and output through a data bus 211.
[0019]
The CPU 201 is Pentium (registered trademark) manufactured by Intel Corporation, and controls the data management device 20 and the data management system based on a program stored in the ROM 202. The CPU 201 sends an instruction via the data bus 211 and controls the operation of the data management device 20 as a whole. The main operation of the data management device 20 under the control of the CPU 201 will be described later.
[0020]
The CRT 203 is a display including a display control circuit for displaying images or characters, displaying for operations, and the like. The keyboard 204 receives input of numbers, characters, and the like from the user and transfers the input to the CPU 201. The keyboard 204 is also used for setting print setting annotation information and the like. The communication I / F 205 is an interface for the data management device 20 to receive and transmit data with the data file input device 10, the printing device 30 (FIG. 1), and the like. The RAM 206 is a memory that stores data, programs executed by the CPU 201, and the like, and can arbitrarily access them.
[0021]
The HDD 207 is a large-capacity secondary storage device, and has a file system configured to store data files such as image data and document data, and store and manage the data files in folders. The mouse 208 receives the position information and the like of the pointer and transfers the information to the CPU 201. The mouse 208 is also used when the user selects a data file and wants to print the data file, or selects a search condition and the like. The CD-ROM 209 is a drive device that can reproduce the CD-ROM and transfer it to the CPU 201. The expansion slot 210 is a slot for adding a circuit board or the like for expanding the function of the data management device 20. Note that the keyboard 204 and the mouse 208 described above need only function as an instruction input unit for a user to input an instruction, and need not be provided separately when the above-described functions can be realized. Instruction input means may be provided.
[0022]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing main operations of the data management device 20 in the data management system (FIG. 1). The CPU 201 (FIG. 2) operates according to a computer program based on this flowchart. Specifically, when the power of the system is turned on and the program is started, the CPU 201 first performs an initialization process for initializing flags and the like necessary in the following processes and for displaying an initial screen (step S1). S1). Thereafter, an initial menu is displayed on the CRT 203 (FIG. 2), and it is determined whether or not a process is selected on the initial menu screen (step S2). The menu is an item listing the processing performed by the data management device 20. In this specification, the items are “data registration”, “additional information setting”, “search”, “print”, and “system end”. The user uses the keyboard 204 or the mouse 208 to select a menu item. In this step, the process loops until one of the processes listed in the menu is selected. When a menu is selected, processing corresponding to each menu (S3 to S6, S8) is performed.
[0023]
First, when "data registration" is selected, the process proceeds to step S3. The data registration process is a process of registering a data file in the data management device 20, for example, creating and moving a data file. When the data file is registered, the CPU 201 (FIG. 2) of the data management device 20 also stores a file describing the annotation information for print setting associated with the registered file, as described later with reference to FIG. 6. Generate at the same time. In other words, the CPU 201 functions as an annotation information file generation unit.
[0024]
The annotation information file is a file unique to the data management system, and can be used only in the data management system. The annotation information file has no relation to other application files, and is given an invisible attribute that cannot be viewed by the user. Therefore, the user cannot operate (move, delete, etc.) the annotation information file alone. Recording and updating of the annotation information are performed on the file by the data management device 20. The data management device 20 determines the attribute of the related file based on the content of the annotation information file. Further, the file system constructed in the data management device 20 integrally manages the data file and the associated annotation information file so that they always coexist in the HDD 207 (FIG. 2) of the same data management device 20. More specifically, in this file system, the data file and its associated annotation information file are moved to the same location when the data file is moved, and the data file is deleted. Then, the related annotation information file is also deleted.
[0025]
When a data file is transferred from the data management device 20 (FIG. 2) to another data management device in the data management system according to the present invention, the data management device 20 simultaneously transmits the annotation information file related to the data file. Forward. When the data management device at the transfer destination registers the data file, the data management device further checks whether there is an annotation information file associated with the data file. If the associated annotation information file has been received, the annotation information file is registered in the data management system. If an annotation information file is provided in advance, the annotation information file may be registered in association with the annotation information file. The data management device at the transfer destination also prints the data file based on the corresponding annotation information. As a result, no matter which data management device is used, printing can be performed in a print form as desired by the user based on the annotation information set in advance. Further, even when the printer to be used is changed, printing can be performed based on the initial print settings described in the annotation information file.
[0026]
Next, when "additional information setting" is selected, the process proceeds to step S4. The additional information setting process (step S4) adds a keyword, a marker, and the like used at the time of search to the data file in the data management device 20. An example of the additional information is attribute information that is essential for data management. The attribute information includes data creation / modification dates, file names, file formats, and the like.
[0027]
Particularly in this specification, it is assumed that the additional information is the above-described annotation information. That is, the setting of the additional information refers to the addition / modification of the print setting annotation information. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a setting process of additional information. First, the user selects a data file for which additional information is to be set using the mouse 208 (FIG. 2) or the like (step S401). The CPU 201 (FIG. 2) of the data management device 20 determines whether or not the additional information has already been set (step S402). If the additional information has been set, the information is displayed on the CRT 203 (FIG. 2) (FIG. 2). Step S403). For example, FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print setting annotation setting screen. In this example, the print setting annotation information is “2in1”, “monochrome”, and “A4” whose check boxes are checked.
[0028]
If the print setting annotation information has not been set, the default setting contents are displayed on the CRT 203 (FIG. 2), and the contents are set as additional information (step S404). The default settings here are the initial settings of the printer registered in the “print icon” displayed on the CRT 203. Immediately after registration as a print icon in the data management system, the initial settings for each printer are reflected as default settings. Note that the default setting can be changed by the user when necessary. If there is a change or correction in the displayed settings, the user reflects the change or correction (step S405). Then, the data management device 20 updates the setting of the additional information and stores the updated setting in the HDD 207 (FIG. 2). If there is a file for which additional information (annotation information) is not set, even if the user does not select “additional information setting”, the data management apparatus 20 automatically performs the setting processing of the additional information. It may be performed.
[0029]
(A) to (d) of FIG. 6 are diagrams illustrating a setting mode of the annotation information. FIG. 6A illustrates a data file in a text format (“Conference.txt”). FIGS. 6B to 6D show three types of means for defining annotation information. FIG. 6B is a diagram showing that the annotation information file (“Conference.ant”) is provided as a file different from the data file. The file name of the annotation information file differs from the related data file only in the extension. Note that the “extension” is a combination of letters and numbers that form a part of the file name and that indicates the nature of the file. FIG. 6C is a diagram showing a table for storing data file names and their annotations in association with each other. It is understood that “2in1”, “monochrome”, and “A4” checked in FIG. 5 are defined as annotations for the data file (“Conference.txt”). FIG. 6D is a diagram illustrating annotation information added to the data file. The annotation information is not limited to the end of the data file, and may be included at the beginning or appropriately superimposed. In the case of the example of FIG. 6D, the data file itself is changed, but there is no particular problem as long as the data file can be handled by the data management system.
[0030]
In the following, description will be made assuming that the annotation information file as described in FIG. 6B is provided separately from the data file.
[0031]
When checking the content of the annotation information, the following two means are conceivable. That is, a display using a print confirmation thumbnail or a list display is performed. The display using the print confirmation thumbnail is a schematic display in which the form after printing can be grasped based on the print setting annotation associated with the file. FIG. 7A shows an example of a confirmation screen for annotation information only by thumbnail display. FIG. 7B shows an example of a further simplified thumbnail display and a confirmation screen of annotation information in which annotations are described below the thumbnail display. Since the annotation is described, the user can very easily understand what kind of processing is performed. The notation of the annotation may be provided below the detailed thumbnail display shown in FIG. In addition, a preview of the print result can be displayed. On the other hand, the list display is a display in which the annotation information added to the file is a detailed list. If annotation information is added, it is added to the list item.
[0032]
Referring to FIG. 3 again, when “search” is selected, the process proceeds to step S5. In the search process (step S5), the user inputs a search item or a search word using the mouse mouse 208, the keyboard 204 (FIG. 2) and the like. The CPU 201 of the data management device 20 searches for the annotation information associated with the data file, and searches for the annotation information file including the search item or the search word. The search process will be described later with reference to FIGS.
[0033]
If “print” is selected, the process proceeds to step S6. In the printing process (step S6), the data management device 20 transmits a data file (document data, image data, etc.) specified by the user to the printer 30 (FIG. 1) based on a print instruction from the user, To print. The printing process will be described later with reference to FIGS.
[0034]
If “system end” is selected, the process proceeds to step S8. In the system termination process (step S8), the data management device 20 performs, for example, a process for terminating data registration, printing, etc., and turning off the power.
[0035]
When the data registration process (Step S3), the additional information setting process (Step S4), the search process (Step S5), and the printing process (Step S6) are completed, the process proceeds to other processes (Step S7) to perform post-processing and the like. Then, the process returns to waiting for menu selection (step S2).
[0036]
Next, two types of print processing will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0037]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating details of printing using the print dialog. The print dialog here is a setting screen displayed for performing printing. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, various items indicating the printing mode are displayed, and when a check box of a desired item is checked, printing is possible in that mode. Prior to execution of this process, it is assumed that the data management device 20 has received data files such as documents and images from the data file input device 10 and stored them in the HDD 207 (FIG. 2).
[0038]
The user first selects a data file to be printed (step S801). Then, the CPU 201 (FIG. 2) determines whether or not the print setting annotation information exists in the selected data file (step S802). If there is, a print setting screen (that is, a print dialog) is displayed according to the print setting annotation information (step S803). On the other hand, if it does not exist, a print setting screen is displayed according to the annotation information that defines the default print setting (step S804). This screen is displayed by the print driver of the data management system. It should be noted that this print driver is not a driver distributed by the manufacturer or the like for each printer, but a driver that allows the data management system to manage both the annotation information and the data file. That is, the modification of the annotation information from the print setting screen is easily accepted and immediately reflected.
[0039]
The reason for this configuration is that if the printer that generates the annotation information file is different from the printer that is currently printing, the process of directly reflecting the print setting annotation on the driver of each printer becomes complicated. Because it becomes. Therefore, in the data management system, using a unified driver, the print setting annotation is managed by the driver, and the printing information is passed from the driver of the data management system to the driver of each printer immediately before printing, and printing is performed. Let me. As a result, even when the data file is transferred to another data management device and the printer (and the driver that operates the printer) used changes, printing can be performed based on the original print settings described in the annotation information file. .
[0040]
When the print setting screen is displayed in steps S803 and S804, the print function of the currently set printer is checked, and a function that cannot be executed by the printer to be used, for example, a setting of a print function not installed in the printer is set. The annotation character is grayed out (step S805). This prevents the user from selecting a print function that is not installed in the currently set printer. However, it is independent of the check of the check box, and the ON / OFF can be changed while the check remains as it is. The user changes or corrects the currently displayed print settings as needed (step S806). The user only needs to check the items that he / she wants to print regardless of the printing ability of the printer.
[0041]
Next, the CPU 201 (FIG. 2) determines whether or not the content of the currently set annotation information can be realized by a printer that performs printing (step S807). If it can be realized, printing is performed by the printer according to the set contents (step S810). If the printer cannot be realized, a determination as to whether or not to change the printer is received from the user (step S808). If the printer is not to be changed, the setting is limited to the contents that can be printed by the current printer (step S809). Thereafter, printing is performed according to the set contents (step S810). However, when changing the printer for printing, if the changed printer is determined, the processing from step S805 is performed again. Finally, when printing is executed, the set new contents are updated as print setting annotations and stored (step S811).
[0042]
Next, printing using the print icon of the launcher will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of the CRT 203 (FIG. 2) on which the launcher 90 and a plurality of data files are displayed. The launcher 90 is a program that executes a process corresponding to an icon simply by clicking the icon with the mouse 208 (FIG. 2). The launcher 90 displays a plurality of icons including the process described above with reference to FIG. For example, the icon 91 indicates a data registration process. The icon 92 indicates a process of creating additional information (annotation information). The icon 93 indicates a folder list display process. The icon 94 indicates a document list display process. The icon 95 indicates a search process. The icon 96 indicates a printing process. Note that even if a data file is dragged and dropped onto each icon of the launcher 90, processing corresponding to the icon at the position where the data file is dropped (for example, the additional information setting processing in FIG. A search process described later with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12) is executed. In the figure, the trajectory when the data file (“Conference.txt”) is dragged and dropped onto the print icon 96 is indicated by a dotted line.
[0043]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a printing process using the print icon of the launcher. When the user selects a data file and drags and drops it onto the print icon 96 (step S1001), the CPU 201 (FIG. 2) determines whether print setting annotation information exists in the selected data file. A determination is made (step S1002). If the print setting screen does not exist, a print setting screen is displayed according to the annotation information that defines the default print setting (step S1003). If the print setting annotation information already exists, or if the default setting is added, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the contents of the current print setting annotation can be realized by a printer that performs printing (step S1004). If it can be realized, printing is performed by the printer according to the set contents (step S1007). If it cannot be realized, it receives from the user whether or not to print with the content that can be printed by the current printer (step S1005). Then, if the current printer prints with printable contents, the contents are set and printing is performed (step S1007). If printing is not to be performed with printable contents, a print dialog is displayed, the printer to be printed is changed or the contents of the print setting annotation are changed (step S1006), the contents are set, and printing is performed (step S1007). . The two types of print processing have been described above.
[0044]
When the print settings of the data file are corrected, that is, when the annotation information is changed, there are two types of change procedures. That is, if printing is not required, the setting process of the additional information described in FIG. 4 may be executed. If printing is required, a print dialog including the items shown in FIG. Can be corrected. Note that in the latter case, the settings are updated and not saved unless printing is performed in S810 and S811 in FIG.
[0045]
Next, with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, a description will be given of a data file search process based on two types of annotation information. This processing is intended to search for a data file based on print settings, and is useful, for example, when searching for a data file to be printed on an OHP film and classifying meeting materials.
[0046]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a file search process from the print setting annotation setting screen. This flow is mainly executed by the CPU 201 (FIG. 2). In other words, the CPU 201 functions as a data file search unit. The CPU 201 displays a print setting annotation setting screen on the CRT 203 (FIG. 2) (step S1101). The setting screen includes print setting items and check boxes, for example, as shown in FIG. Next, the user uses the mouse 208 (FIG. 2) or the like to check a print setting item desired to be searched (step S1102). That is, the data management device 20 receives a print setting item serving as a search reference from the user.
[0047]
Then, the CPU 201 of the data management device 20 searches the print setting annotation information file (such as (b) in FIG. 6) and specifies the annotation information file including the same items as the checked print setting items (step S1103). As described with reference to FIGS. 6A to 6D, if the annotation information file can be specified, the corresponding data file can also be specified. The CPU 201 displays the data file specified based on the annotation information file on the CRT 203 as a print setting confirmation list (step S1104). After the list is displayed or in place of the list, a print setting confirmation thumbnail ((a) or (b) in FIG. 7) may be displayed for the data file of the search result.
[0048]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a file search process from a print setting confirmation thumbnail. The CPU 201 (FIG. 2) displays a print setting confirmation thumbnail on the CRT 203 (FIG. 2) (step S1201). The print setting confirmation thumbnail includes print setting items and check boxes displayed as thumbnails, for example, as shown in FIG. 7A or 7B. Next, using the mouse 208 (FIG. 2) or the like, the user looks at the thumbnail of the print mode and checks the print mode desired to be searched (step S1202). That is, the data management device 20 receives a print setting item serving as a search reference from the user. Instead of the check box, the selected thumbnail may be highlighted to clearly indicate the selection.
[0049]
Then, the CPU 201 of the data management device 20 searches the print setting annotation information file (such as (b) in FIG. 6) and specifies the annotation information file including the same print mode as the checked print mode (step S1203). As described with reference to FIGS. 6A to 6D, if the annotation information file can be specified, the corresponding data file can also be specified. The CPU 201 displays the data file specified based on the annotation information file on the CRT 203 as a print setting confirmation thumbnail (step S1204). Note that a print setting confirmation list of search results may be displayed after or instead of displaying thumbnails.
[0050]
The two types of search processing have been described above. In any of the searches, the data management device 20 can perform a search based on parameters (for example, keywords, markers, and the like) other than the print setting annotation. Detailed description is omitted.
[0051]
The data management device 20 (FIG. 2) and the entire data management system including the same operate according to a computer program based on the flowcharts of FIGS. Such a computer program is recorded on a recording medium typified by an optical disk such as a CD or DVD, a magnetic disk such as a floppy disk, a smart media, a compact flash (registered trademark), or a semiconductor memory such as an EEPROM. In addition, the data is transmitted to another computer via an electric communication line such as the Internet, and is recorded on a recording medium such as a memory of a communication partner computer.
[0052]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, for each data file to be printed, an annotation information file describing the print settings of the data file is generated, and the data file and the annotation information file are managed integrally. As a result, it is possible to always refer to the annotation information file for printing, so that a desired print result can always be obtained regardless of which printing apparatus is used for printing. Further, the user does not need to make print settings each time printing is performed, so that work efficiency can be improved.
[0053]
Also, according to the present invention, a data file can be searched based on print settings based on the description of the annotation information file. Therefore, it is easy to classify the data files for each printing mode.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a data management system used in the description of an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a data management device.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing main operations of a data management device in the data management system (FIG. 1).
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a setting process of additional information.
FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a print setting annotation setting screen.
FIGS. 6A to 6D are diagrams illustrating a setting mode of annotation information. (A) is a conceptual diagram showing a text format data file. (B)-(d) are conceptual diagrams showing three types of means for defining annotation information.
FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating an example of a confirmation screen of annotation information only by thumbnail display. (B) is a diagram showing an example of a further simplified thumbnail display and a confirmation screen of annotation information in which an annotation is described below the thumbnail display.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating details of printing using a print dialog.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a launcher and a CRT screen on which a plurality of data files are displayed.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a printing process using a print icon of a launcher.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a file search process from a print setting annotation setting screen.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a file search process from a print setting confirmation thumbnail.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 data file input device,
20 data management devices,
30 printing device (printer),
201 CPU,
202 ROM,
203 CRT,
204 keyboard,
205 communication I / F,
206 RAM,
207 HDD,
208 mice,
209 CD-ROM,
210 expansion slots,
211 Data bus.

Claims (4)

A file system for managing files, a storage unit for storing data files to be printed,
A data management system comprising: a file generation unit that generates an annotation information file describing print settings of the data file for each of the data files, and stores the annotation information file in the storage unit. A data management system, wherein the file system integrally manages the data file and the annotation information file. The annotation information file has one or more items related to print settings of the data file,
The storage unit stores a plurality of the data files, and stores a plurality of annotation information files associated with each of the data files,
The data management system searches the plurality of annotation information files for an annotation information file having a predetermined item of the one or more items, and specifies the data file related to the searched annotation information file. The data management system according to claim 1, further comprising a unit. 3. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit configured to display at least one of a preview of a print result of the data file, a thumbnail of a set print format, and a list based on the description of the annotation information file. 4. Data management system. A data management program executable on a computer in which a file system for managing files is constructed,
Storing a data file to be printed;
For each data file, generating an annotation information file describing the print settings of the data file,
Storing the generated annotation information file; and a data management program for integrally managing the data file and the annotation information file in a file system.

Images