JP2004127009A - Print system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To increase speed of processing by completing print processing by the minimum requests and responses thereby relieving a burden. <P>SOLUTION: A distributed business form is recorded and managed in a group 108 of client business form management tables of a Web server 100 for each client device. In a client device 110, the business form distributed from the Web server 100 is held in a business form storage part 113. When a print request exists, the Web server 100 refers to the group 108 of tables, establishes a business form required to be distributed which is not held by a client device 110 concerning the present print request and distributes distribution data generated by synthesizing the business form into one piece of data together with information required for generating other images to a corresponding client device 110. The client device 110 performs image generation and print by using the business form distributed this time and the existing business form. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a print system for printing forms, electronic catalogs, and the like via a network.
[0002]
[Prior art]
With the rapid development of the Internet and the proliferation of Web servers, the use of business processes on the Web has been promoted. Personal computers, which are client devices connected to a network, are equipped with a Web browser capable of displaying and inputting information, and business processes via the Web browser are widely performed. Further, when performing a business using a browser, information is exchanged between a Web server existing on the network and a Web browser on the client side. The Web server receives information input from the browser, processes the information in the server, transmits the processed information to the browser again, repeatedly performs operations such as displaying, and obtains a result, thereby performing a task.
[0003]
Regarding print processing, a system that realizes an overlay process using form data on the server side based on a print request sent from a client device, and distributes data to obtain a beautiful print result to the client device has been proposed. Are provided.
[0004]
Problems in the print processing via the browser include the following. First, since all processes for generating a final print image are performed on the server side, the load increases if there is an intensive request from an unspecified large number of Web servers. Further, since a print image is generated using a printer driver on the server side, in order to print the image on the client side, it is necessary to prepare the same printer driver as that existing on the server. Furthermore, the print image generated on the server side may have a large data amount depending on the content, and it is assumed that a network load occurs when data is delivered to the client device.
[0005]
In order to solve such a problem, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-216, the data required for overlay is distributed from a Web server to a client device, and overlay processing can be realized on the client side. Can be held by the client device, and the data once held by the client device is not delivered from the server from the next time. It is trying to make it.
[0006]
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an outline of an automatic distribution function of a form in the print system of Patent Document 1 below. The client device C and the server device S are connected.
[0007]
The request analysis unit 1603 of the server device S analyzes a print request (HTTP request) from the request generation unit 1601 of the client device C, and specifies a form, form data, and printing conditions required for generating form print data. The last update date and time information of each of the specified form forms is acquired with reference to the form management table 1501. Then, the information indicating the specified form and the obtained last update date / time information are set in the automatic distribution module 1502. The automatic distribution module 1502 generates automatic distribution data and transmits it to the client device C.
[0008]
In the client device C, the automatic distribution module 1503 receives the data for automatic distribution and determines whether or not the form indicated by the information extracted from the data for automatic distribution is registered in the form form management table 1504. Determine if the form has already been delivered. If not registered, a request (HTTP request) for having the form distributed is generated, and the request is transmitted to the server S.
[0009]
In the server device S, the request analysis unit 1604 receives and analyzes the request, specifies a form to be delivered to the client device C, that is, a form not held by the client device C, and generates a response as a response. The unit 1605 generates and transmits the distribution data to the client device C.
[0010]
In the client device C, when the distribution data is received, the response analysis unit 1602 extracts the print conditions and holds them in the memory, extracts the form data and form required for printing the form, and saves them as a file. Then, the image generation unit 903 generates form print data based on each extracted information. Thereafter, the printing process is performed by the printer.
[0011]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2002-163596 (Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-363011)
[0012]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the print system disclosed in Patent Document 1, communication between the client device and the server is required a plurality of times in order for the server to know the form distributed to the client device. That is, referring to FIG. 7, in addition to the processing of the first print request “request generation unit 1601 → request analysis unit 1603”, the processing of the request request from the server to the client device for confirming the form required to be distributed Processing of “automatic distribution module 1502 → automatic distribution module 1503” and the response from the client device (including information for calculating a form that actually requires distribution) “automatic distribution module 1503 → request analysis unit” 1604 ", and processing of the final response from the server including the actual form form," response generation unit 1605 → response analysis unit 1602 ", required a total of four communications.
[0013]
In this method, the form stored in the client device is checked for each print process by inquiring of the client device, so that the operation is reliable, but the speed decreases due to an increase in the number of communication times. was there.
[0014]
Further, in a configuration including an actual Web server, it is necessary for a customer to select one of various commercially available Web servers and to create (bridge) these communications passing through those Web servers. There has been a problem that the number of mounting steps is increased.
[0015]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the related art, and an object of the present invention is to complete a print process with a minimum number of requests and responses, to reduce the load, and to speed up the process. It is to provide a printing system.
[0016]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
To achieve the above object, a printing system according to claim 1 of the present invention is a printing system configured by connecting a server device and a client device via a network, wherein the server device performs printing from the client device. In response to a request, a data extraction unit that extracts a print form and print data necessary for forming a print image from a memory storing the print form and print data, and a print form that has been distributed in the past. Form managing means for managing, form recognizing means for recognizing a printing form not possessed by the client device relating to the print request based on the information managed by the form managing means, Printing the printed form together with the printing data extracted by the data extracting means. Requesting a client device, wherein the client device is configured to store a print form distributed by the distribution device of the server device, and distributed by the distribution device. Image forming means for generating a printing image based on the printing form or the printing form stored in the form storage means and the printing data distributed by the distribution means. [Aspect 1].
[0017]
Further, the print system of the present invention may be configured as follows. That is,
[Aspect 2] In the configuration according to claim 1 (Aspect 1), the client device responds to the print request with a print form distributed by the distribution unit and a print form stored by the form storage unit. The printing apparatus further includes a determination unit configured to determine whether a printing form required to execute a printing process is satisfied, wherein the image generation unit generates the printing image only when the printing form is satisfied. It is characterized by.
[0018]
[Aspect 3] In the configuration according to Aspect 2, the client device has a notifying unit for notifying the server device when the printing form is not satisfied.
[0019]
[Aspect 4] In the configuration according to Aspect 3, when the server device receives a notification from the notifying unit of the client device that the printing form is not satisfied, the form managing unit manages the printing form. A print form corresponding to the client device related to the notification is deleted.
[0020]
[Aspect 5] In the configuration according to Aspect 4, when the form management unit deletes the printing form, the server apparatus extracts the printing form and the printing data by the data extracting unit in response to the print request. The processing of printing form management by the form management means, recognition of the printing form by the form recognition means, and distribution of the printing form and printing data by the distribution means are retried.
[0021]
[Aspect 6] In the configuration according to Aspect 2, the client device includes a list returning unit that returns a list of printing forms stored in the form storage unit to the server device when the printing form is not satisfied. Wherein the form management unit of the server device updates a print form corresponding to the client device related to the list based on the list returned from the list return unit.
[0022]
[Aspect 7] In the configuration according to any one of Aspects 1 to 6, the identification of the client device by the server device is performed based on unique information given to each client device, and the unique information is transmitted by the server device. Is generated based on the terminal information, the access date and time, and the random number, and is stored in each client device to be given to each client device.
[0023]
[Eighth Aspect] In the configuration according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the printing form includes a form of a partial page of a catalog that is electronically made into parts.
[0024]
The present invention is also applicable to an information processing apparatus, a control method for an information processing apparatus, a control program for an information processing apparatus, and a storage medium as in the following aspects. That is, [Aspect 9] An information processing apparatus according to the present invention is an information processing apparatus constituting a server device to which a client device is connected via a network, and in response to a print request from the client device, a printing form and a printing form. Data extracting means for extracting a print form and print data necessary for forming a print image from a memory storing print data, form management means for managing print forms distributed in the past, and form management A form recognizing means for recognizing a printing form not possessed by the client device relating to the print request based on the information managed by the means, and a printing form recognized by the form recognizing means by the data extracting means. A distribution to be distributed to the client device related to the print request together with the extracted print data. Means, the client device stores a distributed print form, and prints based on the distributed print form or the stored print form and the distributed print data. For generating an image for use.
[0025]
[Aspect 10] An information processing apparatus according to the present invention is an information processing apparatus constituting a client apparatus connected to a server apparatus via a network, wherein the print request transmitting unit transmits a print request to the server apparatus; A form storage unit for storing a printing form delivered from the server device, a printing form delivered from the server device or a printing form stored by the form storage unit, and a printing form delivered from the server device. Image generating means for generating a print image based on the data and the server device, in response to a print request, from a memory storing a print form and print data, to form a print image. It extracts necessary print forms and print data, manages print forms that have been distributed in the past, and manages the managed print forms. Based on the information of the print request, recognizes a print form that the client device related to the print request does not have, and sends the recognized print form together with the extracted print data to the client device related to the print request. It is characterized by being delivered to
[0026]
[Aspect 11] A method for controlling an information processing apparatus according to the present invention is a method for controlling an information processing apparatus that controls an information processing apparatus constituting a server apparatus to which a client apparatus is connected via a network. A data extraction step of extracting a print form and print data necessary for forming a print image from a memory storing the print form and print data according to a request; A form management step for managing; a form recognition step for recognizing a printing form not possessed by the client device relating to the print request based on the information managed by the form management step; Printing data extracted by the data extracting step A distribution step of distributing to the client device relating to the print request, wherein the client device stores the distributed print form, and stores the distributed print form or the stored print form. And generating a print image based on the distributed print data.
[0027]
[Aspect 12] A method for controlling an information processing apparatus according to the present invention is a method for controlling an information processing apparatus constituting a client apparatus connected to a server apparatus via a network, the method comprising: A print request transmitting step for transmitting to the server, a form storing step for storing a printing form distributed from the server device, and a printing form distributed from the server device or a printing form stored by the form storing step. An image generating step of generating a print image based on the form and the print data distributed from the server device, wherein the server device prints the print form and the print data in response to a print request. The printing form and printing data required for print image formation are extracted from the memory that stores Manages the completed print form, recognizes a print form that the client device related to the print request does not have, based on the information of the managed print form, and converts the recognized print form to The print data is distributed to the client device related to the print request together with the extracted print data.
[0028]
[Aspect 13] A control program for an information processing apparatus according to the present invention is a control program for an information processing apparatus for controlling an information processing apparatus constituting a server apparatus to which a client apparatus is connected via a network, and the printing program from the client apparatus. A data extraction step of extracting a print form and print data necessary for forming a print image from a memory storing the print form and print data according to a request; A form management step for managing; a form recognition step for recognizing a printing form not possessed by the client device relating to the print request based on the information managed by the form management step; Was extracted by the data extraction step. And a distribution step of distributing to the client device relating to the print request together with the printing data. The client device stores the distributed printing form, and stores the distributed printing form. And generating a print image based on the print form or the stored print form and the distributed print data.
[0029]
[Aspect 14] A control program for an information processing apparatus according to the present invention is a control program for an information processing apparatus for controlling an information processing apparatus constituting a client apparatus connected to a server apparatus via a network, wherein the print request is transmitted to the server apparatus. A print request transmitting step for transmitting to the server, a form storing step for storing a printing form distributed from the server device, and a printing form distributed from the server device or a printing form stored by the form storing step. A program for causing a computer to execute an image generation step of generating a print image based on the form and the print data distributed from the server device, wherein the server device responds to a print request, From the memory that stores print forms and print data, It extracts necessary print forms and print data, manages print forms that have been distributed in the past, and does not have a client device related to the print request based on the information on the managed print forms. The printing form is recognized, and the recognized printing form is delivered to the client device related to the print request together with the extracted printing data.
[0030]
[Aspect 15] A storage medium according to the present invention is a computer-readable storage medium storing a control program of an information processing device for controlling an information processing device constituting a server device to which a client device is connected via a network, In response to a print request from a client device, a data extraction step of extracting a print form and print data required for forming a print image from a memory storing the print form and print data; A form managing step of managing a print form of the form, a form recognizing step of recognizing a print form not possessed by a client device relating to a print request, based on information managed by the form managing step; Extracting the print form recognized by the recognition step from the data Storing a program for causing a computer to execute a distribution step of distributing the print data together with the print data extracted to the client to the print request, and the client device stores the distributed print form. And generating a print image based on the distributed print form or the stored print form and the distributed print data.
[0031]
[Aspect 16] A storage medium according to the present invention is a computer-readable storage medium storing a control program of an information processing apparatus for controlling an information processing apparatus constituting a client apparatus connected to a server apparatus via a network, and A print request transmission step of transmitting a request to the server device, a form storage step of storing a print form distributed from the server device, and a print form or the form storage step distributed from the server device. A program for causing a computer to execute an image generation step of generating a print image based on the stored print form and print data distributed from the server device, wherein the server device includes: Stores print forms and print data in response to print requests A print form and print data necessary for forming a print image are extracted from the memory, a print form that has been distributed in the past is managed, and a print request related to a print request is generated based on the information on the managed print form. The print form that the client device does not have is recognized, and the recognized print form is delivered to the client device related to the print request together with the extracted print data. .
[0032]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0033]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a print system according to one embodiment of the present invention. This system is configured by connecting a client device 110 such as a personal computer to a Web server 100 (server device) via a network 109. A plurality of client devices 110 may exist. The type of the network 109 is not limited as long as it corresponds to a communication procedure in a Web environment such as a LAN, the Internet, or wireless.
[0034]
In the Web server 100, reference numeral 102 denotes a data storage unit (a part of a memory) for storing a database and the like, and stores each business data. The distribution data generating unit 103 (data extracting unit, form recognizing unit) transmits data necessary for image generation based on an HTTP print request (hereinafter, simply referred to as “print request” or “print request request”) of the client device 110. (Print data, etc.) and a form (print form) are synthesized to generate distribution data. Reference numeral 104 denotes a network communication control unit (distribution unit) that functions as a Web server. A form storage unit 101 stores a form for printing a form. Reference numeral 106 denotes a server form management table (part of the memory) for recording and managing the latest information on the form on the Web server side.
[0035]
Reference numeral 108 denotes a client form management table group (form management means) for recording and managing a form previously distributed to each client apparatus 110 for each client apparatus. The client form management table group 108 is usually stored in an external storage device because it has a huge amount of data. However, it is sufficient that the Web server 100 can easily access the storage form. It may be. The form list analysis module 107 analyzes a “form form list” which is generated and transmitted by a form form list module 114 of the client device 110 described later, and which lists form forms currently valid in the client device 110, and manages the client form form. This is reflected in the table group 108.
[0036]
In the client device 110, a data input / output unit (notification unit, list return unit, print request transmission unit) 111 functions as a browser for inputting and outputting data to and from the Web server 100. Reference numeral 112 denotes a data processing unit (determination unit) that analyzes distribution data generated and distributed by the distribution data generation unit 103 and restores data necessary for image generation and a form. Reference numeral 113 denotes a form storage unit (form storage unit) for storing the form restored by the data processing unit 112. The form distributed from the Web server 100 is stored in the form storage unit 113. Reference numeral 115 denotes an image generation unit (image generation unit) that generates an image such as a form image in accordance with a determined format. Reference numeral 117 denotes a printer (a part of a printing unit). Reference numeral 116 denotes a print output unit (a part of a printing unit) that converts data generated by the image generation unit 115 into a format that can be output by the printer 117, and is generally called a printer driver. The form list module 114 manages, for some reason, a management table of the form distributed to the client device 110 managed on the server side (client form management table group 108), and a form actually present in each client device 110. When an inconsistency occurs with the form (form form storage unit 113), a “form form list” that lists the currently valid form forms is generated.
[0037]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of processing from distribution of a form to image generation. This processing corresponds to the processing of FIGS. 4 and 6 described later.
[0038]
In the client device 110, the functions of the request generation unit 21 and the response analysis unit 22 are performed by the data processing unit 112. The function of the image generation unit 28 is performed by the image generation unit 115. The request generator 21 generates a print request. Reference numeral 23 denotes a print request request generated by the request generation unit 21 and transmitted to the Web server 100.
[0039]
In the Web server 100, the functions of the request analysis unit 24, the distribution data generation unit 25, and the response generation unit 26 are performed by the distribution data generation unit 103. The request analysis unit 24 analyzes the print request request 23. The distribution data generation unit 25 determines a form that requires distribution and generates distribution data. This determination is made based on information held in the server form management table 106 and the client form management table group 108. The response generation unit 26 generates a response including data to be distributed to the client device 110.
[0040]
Reference numeral 27 denotes a response including the distribution data generated by the distribution data generation unit 25, which is transmitted to the client device 110 side. The response analysis unit 22 analyzes the response 27 transmitted from the Web server 100. The image generation unit 28 generates an image based on the result analyzed by the response analysis unit 22.
[0041]
FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of information stored in the server form form management table 106. This information (table information FT) is also an example of information stored in one of the client form management tables 108. A plurality of form names (1 to n) are stored in the table information FT, and the last update date and time information (1 to n) is associated with each form name (1 to n) and is stored in a database. .
[0042]
Next, processing for generating and outputting a form print image by the client device 110 will be described.
[0043]
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of the distribution processing executed by the Web server 100. This flowchart shows the flow of processing until the Web server 100, which has received a print request from the client device 110, generates and distributes distribution data. Steps S401 to S408 are executed by the distribution data generation unit 103, and step S409 is executed by the network communication control unit 104.
[0044]
First, a print request (HTTP request) received from the client device 110 is analyzed (step S401), and data necessary for image generation is extracted and specified while referring to the data storage unit 102 and the server form management table 106. (Step S402), a form required for image generation is extracted and specified (Step S403). Next, printer information and the number of copies required for the printer 117 to execute printing after the image is generated (collectively referred to as “print conditions”) are specified (step S404).
[0045]
Next, a client ID unique to the client device 110 related to the print request is acquired from the print request (step S405). Here, it is assumed that, for example, the Web server 100 generates the client ID based on the terminal information, the access date and time, and the random number, and stores the generated client ID in each client device.
[0046]
Next, based on the obtained client ID, the client form management table group 108 managed on the server side is referred to, and from the table group 108, the client form 110 corresponding to the client device 110 related to the current print request is referred to. A form that is present (that is, a form that the client device 110 would have) is acquired (step S406).
[0047]
Next, a form that needs to be distributed (hereinafter, referred to as a "delivery required form") is determined (step S407). That is, of the forms identified in step S403, those not recorded in the client form management table group 108, and those recorded but different in date from the server form management table 106. The form is recognized as a form that the client device 110 related to the print request does not have, and by selecting such a form, the “delivery required form” to the client device 110 is determined. I do.
[0048]
Next, information necessary for image generation specified and determined in steps S402, S404, and S407 is combined into one piece of data to generate distribution data (step S408), and the generated distribution data is transmitted to the client device 110 as a response. (Step S409), and the process ends. The form in the distribution data newly distributed this time is added and reflected in a portion of the client form management table group 108 corresponding to the client device 110 related to the print request. Following this process, the client device 110 performs the printing process of FIG. 6 described later.
[0049]
In this process, the form once distributed to the client device 110 is recorded in the client form management table group 108 corresponding to the client device 110 in the Web server 100. The form is not distributed. However, since the form once distributed from the Web server 100 is stored in the form storage unit 113 in the client device 110, the client device 110 reuses the form to request the second and subsequent print requests. Sometimes an image can be generated even if the same form received in the past is not distributed.
[0050]
FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the distribution data generated in step S408 of FIG.
[0051]
This distribution data has a header section 51 and a data section 54. The header section 51 includes a field 52 for storing printer information to be output and a field 53 for storing printing condition information. The data section 54 includes a field 55 for storing data required for image generation obtained by the analysis, and a field 56 for storing distribution form required (1 to n). If there are a plurality of delivery form forms that need to be distributed, they are stored consecutively.
[0052]
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of the printing process executed by the client device 110. This flowchart shows the flow of processing from the time when the client device 110, which has received the data distributed from the Web server 100 in response to the print request, generates an image and executes printing. Steps S601 and S608 are executed by the data input / output unit 111, steps S602 to S605 are executed by the data processing unit 112, step S606 is executed by the image generation unit 115, and step S607 is executed by the print output unit 116. You.
[0053]
First, distribution data transmitted as a response from the Web server 100 is received (step S601), and printing conditions (those stored in the field 53 shown in FIG. 5) are extracted from the received distribution data and are not shown. In addition to storing the data in the memory (step S602), data necessary for image generation (stored in the field 55) is extracted from the received distribution data and saved as a file (step S603). Further, a form required for image generation (delivery required form stored in the field 56) is extracted from the received distribution data and saved as a file (step S604). Since the form extracted this time is usually different from the form already stored in the form storage 113, such a form is newly added to the form storage 113 and stored.
[0054]
Next, it is determined whether or not all necessary form forms are satisfied (step S605). That is, whether the form extracted in step S604 and the form extracted from the previous response and already stored in the form storage unit 113 are complete with all the forms required for the current image generation. Judge. Such a determination is made, for example, in the form distributed in the past. However, for the reason that the user of the client device 110 has deleted the form form from the form storage unit 113, for example, The contents of the form form management table group 108 and the form actually stored on the client device 110 side do not match, and printing is performed using only the form received by the client device 110 this time and the form existing in the client device 110. May not be sufficient to implement the above.
[0055]
As a result of the determination, if all the required form forms are satisfied, a print image is generated based on the form forms and the information extracted in steps S602 to S604 (step S606). Is printed by the printer 117 (step S607), and this processing ends.
[0056]
On the other hand, when the form is not satisfied, a request indicating that the image generation has failed (hereinafter, referred to as a “failure notification request”) is retransmitted to the Web server 100 without generating the image. (Step S608), and the process ends.
[0057]
Here, in the retransmission request, in addition to the “failure notification request”, a list of valid client form forms generated by the form form list module 114 (the “form form list”) can be returned to the Web server 100. . Whether or not to return the “form form list” can be arbitrarily selected by the user of the client device 110. The correspondence on the Web server 100 side differs depending on whether or not the “form form list” is included.
[0058]
First, when the “form form list” is returned in addition to the “failure notification request”, the form form list analysis module 107 analyzes the “form form list” and retransmits the “form form list” in the client form form management table group 108. The part corresponding to the client device 110 related to the request is synchronized with the “form form list”. That is, the client form management table group 108 is reconfigured based on the “form form list”. As a result, the form stored in the client device 110 is matched with the distributed form stored in the Web server 100. From the next print request, the user does not need to be aware of the form at all times. Image generation using the latest form form is performed.
[0059]
On the other hand, when the “form form list” is not returned and only the “failure notification request” is received, the portion corresponding to the client device 110 related to the retransmission request in the client form form management table group 108 is cleared (erased). . As a result, at the time of the next print request, a response including all forms required for the print request is delivered to the corresponding client device 110, and the form is stored in the corresponding client device 110. Can be redone from the beginning.
[0060]
When the client form management table group 108 is cleared, the Web server 100 may be configured to immediately retry the distribution process for the print request that could not be executed this time. This also allows the form form to be stored in the corresponding client device 110 quickly from the beginning.
[0061]
According to the present embodiment, the Web server 100 manages the form previously distributed to the client device 110 related to the print request in the client form management table group 108, and normally inquires the client device 110. Since there is no necessity, printing processing is completed with one round trip request and response, and the processing can be speeded up. Also, since only one request and one response are required, even if a customer's own Web server or Web application is placed in the middle of the communication path of the system, coordination of session management for bridging processing is performed. For example, there is no need to implement a mechanism for increasing the number of steps, and the load on the Web server 100 and the network is reduced, and a comfortable network print system is realized. Therefore, the printing process can be completed with a minimum number of requests and responses, the load can be reduced, and the processing speed can be increased.
[0062]
It should be noted that a form of a partial page of an electronically cataloged catalog may be applied as the form, and the present invention may be applied to the case where distribution, storage, and printing of a catalog partial page are performed.
[0063]
Note that an object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing a program code of software for realizing the functions of the embodiments to a system or an apparatus, and a computer (or a CPU or an MPU or the like) of the system or the apparatus to store the storage medium. It is also achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in the.
[0064]
In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.
[0065]
Further, as a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD -RW, DVD + RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, and the like can be used.
[0066]
When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also an OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. This also includes a case where some or all of the actual processing is performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.
[0067]
Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. This also includes the case where the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.
[0068]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to complete the printing process with a minimum number of requests and responses, reduce the load, and speed up the process.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a print system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of a form form distribution process.
FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of information stored in a server form management table.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of a distribution process executed by a Web server.
FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of distribution data generated in step S408 of FIG.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of a printing process executed by the client device.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an outline of an automatic distribution function of a form in a print system of Patent Document 1.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 Web server (server device)
102 Data storage (part of memory)
103 Distribution data generation unit (data extraction means, form recognition means)
104 network communication control unit (distribution means)
106 Server form management table (part of memory)
108 Client form management table group (form management means)
110 client device
111 data input / output unit (notification unit, list return unit, print request transmission unit)
112 Data processing unit (judgment means)
113 Form storage unit (Form storage unit)
114 Form list module
115 Image Generation Unit (Image Generation Means)
116 Print output unit (part of printing means)
117 Printer (part of printing means)

Claims (1)

A print system configured by connecting a server device and a client device via a network,
The server device,
Data extraction means for extracting a print form and print data necessary for forming a print image from a memory storing print forms and print data in response to a print request from the client device;
A form management means for managing print forms that have been delivered in the past,
A form recognizing unit that recognizes a printing form that the client device related to the print request does not have based on the information managed by the form managing unit;
Distribution means for distributing the print form recognized by the form recognition means together with the print data extracted by the data extraction means to the client device relating to the print request,
The client device,
Form storage means for storing a print form distributed by the distribution means of the server device;
An image generation unit that generates a print image based on the print form distributed by the distribution unit or the print form stored in the form storage unit, and the print data distributed by the distribution unit; A print system comprising:

Images