JP2004157834A - Print system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To quickly carry out remote form overlay print processing by using and acquiring the uniquely managed latest form by using a network. <P>SOLUTION: Insertion data are inputted from a client terminal to a Web print server 610 in which a plurality of print form data are stored, and customized data for insertion print are generated on a Web print server 610, and an overlay output format file is worked from the generated data for insertion print and print form data selected by a client terminal 620, and the worked overlay output format file is downloaded to the client terminal 620, and the downloaded overlay output format file and print data generated by the client terminal are form-overlay-processed on a printer 630. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to control of a printing system in which a web print server, a client terminal, and a printing device are connected to each other via a communication line.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a printing system in which a client PC, a web server, and a printer can communicate with each other via a predetermined communication line, form data is stored in a non-volatile storage unit and the like, and the form data is Printers that perform overlay processing are known.
[0003]
Further, in the client server system, form data for printing is distributed to each client, and the form data for printing and print data are superimposed on each client PC. The method of printing from is widely adopted.
[0004]
In these form overlay processes, if the print form is not changed in one job, it is not necessary to draw a form part for each page, and printing can be performed only by exchanging print data for each page, so that high-speed printing is possible. It has the advantage of being able to print.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described related art, since form data for printing and print data are separately stored and managed by the form overlay process, there is a problem that printing cannot be executed unless there is form data for printing at the time of printing. .
[0006]
Further, when the form data for printing is revised, inconsistency of the form data occurs between the form storage units of a plurality of clients. In the method of updating the form data every time the form data is revised, the form data is always sent to each client even though the form is rarely used, while the form is always guaranteed to be the latest in each client. There is a problem that resources (memory resources) are depleted and the load on the network increases.
[0007]
In addition, since a program for form overlay processing is required, the following problem occurs particularly at a destination. That is, since the form data is stored in a personal computer (PC) or printer at one's own workplace, it is possible to easily print a desired document from a portable terminal carried by oneself or a PC or printer at home. Can not.
[0008]
SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to provide a printing system in which a web print server, a client terminal, and a printing apparatus are connected to each other via a communication line. In a state where the insertion data input screen is displayed on the client terminal by communicating with the web print server storing the print form data, the insertion printing data customized according to the insertion character data input from the client terminal. Is generated from the generated insertion print data and print form data selected from a plurality of print form data from the client terminal into an overlay output format file, and the processed overlay output format file is processed by the client terminal. Download to the terminal and download the overlay output format file and client By transferring the print data generated by the client terminal to the printing device and performing form overlay processing on the printing device, the user can connect to the web print server from an available client terminal, Using the form data managed centrally and acquiring the overlay output format file in which the insertion data intended by the user is inserted into the client terminal, the latest form managed centrally without putting a load on the network It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing system that can freely construct a printing system environment that can perform a remote form overlay printing process at high speed by using a printing system.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a printing system according to the present invention has the following configuration.
[0010]
A printing system in which a web print server, a client terminal, and a printing device are connected to each other via a communication line, wherein the web print server stores print form data (for example, a storage form shown in FIG. 6). Device 614), insertion format information storage means (for example, a storage device 614 shown in FIG. 6) for storing insertion format information for inserting and outputting the print form data, and a plug-in according to the insertion format information. Generating means for generating an insertion data input screen; and insertion data generating means for generating insertion print data from the insertion character data input from the insertion data input screen and the insertion format information (for example, FIG. Into an overlay output format file that describes the combination of the insert print data and the print form data. Output format downloading means (for example, an output format file processing unit 616 shown in FIG. 6) for downloading to the client terminal, wherein the client performs the insertion according to the overlay output format file downloaded from the web print server. An overlay print data generation unit (for example, an overlay print data generation processing unit 622 shown in FIG. 6) for outputting print data and print form data in an overlay manner is provided. And a form overlay unit for generating print image data by superimposing the print form data input from the client and the insert print data. (For example, as shown in FIG. Characterized in that it comprises a overlay controller 631).
[0011]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0012]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a printing system according to the present invention, and corresponds to an example of a system assuming that n client computers are connected.
[0013]
In FIG. 1, client computers 102, 103, and 104 are connected to a network 105 via a network cable and can execute various programs such as application programs.
[0014]
Reference numeral 101 denotes a server computer which is connected to a network 105 via a network cable and manages client computers 102 to 104 connected to the network 105. The network 105 is connected to a client computer, a server computer, a network printer described later, and the like.
[0015]
In this way, by sharing roles between the server computer 101 and the client computers 102, 103, and 104, processing for effectively using the client computers and reducing the load on the network is performed.
[0016]
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing apparatus (client terminal) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to, for example, a schematic configuration of a client computer 102. It is assumed that the client computers 103 and 104 have the same configuration.
[0017]
2, a CPU 200 executes an application program, a printer driver program, an OS, a network printer control program, and the like stored in an HD (hard disk) 205, and temporarily stores information, files, and the like necessary for executing the program in a RAM 202. Control to be stored in
[0018]
The ROM 201 stores programs such as a basic I / O program, and various data such as font data and template data used in document processing. Reference numeral 202 denotes a RAM, which functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the CPU 200.
[0019]
Reference numeral 203 denotes an FD (flexible disk) drive, which can load a program or the like stored in the FD 204 into the computer system through the FD drive 203 as shown in FIG. Reference numeral 204 denotes an FD, which stores a program and related data described in the present embodiment. FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the stored contents.
[0020]
An HD 205 stores an application program, a printer driver program, an OS, a network printer control program, related programs, and the like. A keyboard 206 is used by a user to input a command of a device control command or the like to the client computer. A display 207 displays a command input from the keyboard 206, the status of the printer, and the like. A system bus 208 controls the flow of data in the client computer.
[0021]
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a memory map of the RAM 202 shown in FIG. 2, which corresponds to a state where the network printer control program is loaded into the RAM 202 and becomes executable.
[0022]
In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which a program and related data are directly loaded from the FD 204 into the RAM 202 and executed. It may be.
[0023]
The medium for recording the network program may be a CD-ROM, an IC memory card, or the like, other than the FD. Furthermore, it is also possible to record this program in the ROM 201, configure it as a part of the memory map, and directly execute the program by the CPU 200.
[0024]
In FIG. 4, reference numeral 301 denotes a basic I / O program. When the control device is turned on, an OS is read from the HD 205 into the RAM 202 and an IPL (initial program loading) function for starting the operation of the OS is performed. This is the area that contains the program that has 302, an OS; 303, a network printer control program (print system); 304, related data; and 305, a work area where the CPU 200 executes the program.
[0025]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a memory map of the flexible disk 204 shown in FIG.
[0026]
In FIG. 5, reference numeral 400 denotes data contents of the FD 204; 401, volume information indicating data information; 402, directory information; 403, a network program described in the present embodiment;
[0027]
Note that the program 403 is program-coded based on the flowchart of this program shown in FIGS. 9, 10, and 11.
[0028]
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a software module configuration in the printing system according to the present invention. These are supplied from a storage medium such as an FD.
[0029]
In FIG. 6, reference numeral 610 denotes a program configuration of the web print server; 611, a form data file (PDL) used for overlay printing; and 612, an insertion information file in which insertion data fields are defined in the form data. , 613 are management tables for associating the form data file 611 with the insertion information file 612 and managing the versions, all of which are stored in the storage device 614.
[0030]
An insertion data processing unit 615 generates an insertion data input screen for creating an insertion data input HTML screen according to the definition of the insertion information file 612, and receives input character data. The screen is not limited to HTML, but may be XML or the like, as long as it can be rendered by a predetermined browser in accordance with a so-called markup language.
[0031]
An output format file processing unit 616 generates and downloads an overlay output format file to be passed to an overlay print data generation processing unit 622 that is executed as a helper of the browser 621 of the client terminal 620.
[0032]
Reference numeral 621 denotes a browser that operates on the client, and is, for example, Internet Explorer (trade name) manufactured by Microsoft or Netscape Communicator (trade name) manufactured by Netscape.
[0033]
An overlay print data generation processing unit 622 analyzes the contents of the overlay output format file downloaded from the output format file processing unit 616 of the web print server 610, and generates overlay print data. Reference numeral 630 denotes a printing device. 631 denotes an overlay control unit which receives overlay print data created by the client 620, superimposes form data 633 stored in the storage device 632 and insertion print data, and prints image data for printing. Generate Note that the print form data 611 and the print form data 633 are the same.
[0034]
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a format of the management table 613 in the web print server 610 shown in FIG. 6. One record includes a form data file name, a registered form identification name for registration in a printing apparatus, and an insertion. Information file name and form version are included.
[0035]
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a format of an overlay output format file generated by the output format file processing unit 616 in the web print server 610 illustrated in FIG. 6, and illustrates a composite format in which each data stream is divided at a boundary. Become.
[0036]
In FIG. 8, the boundary stores an identifier for identifying the data stream, the size of format information following the boundary, the size of insertion print data, and, if necessary, the size of form data. Subsequent to the boundary, job format data, page format data, insertion print data, and, if necessary, form data are stored.
[0037]
The job format data stores a job name, a printer name, the total number of pages, the number of copies, and both-side / single-side designation that affect the entire job, and the page format data includes a sheet size, a sheet cassette, and an overlay that can be set for each page. The form identifier is stored.
[0038]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the first data processing procedure in the web print server according to the present invention. For example, the print data generation unit 615 shown in FIG. 6 creates print image data to be superimposed on a form. Corresponds to the processing procedure. In addition, S901 to S906 indicate each step.
[0039]
First, in step S901, an HTML (not shown) capable of listing insertion information files managed by the web print server 610 is created. The HTML screen created here is displayed on the browser 621 of the client terminal 620 connected to the web print server 610, and the user can select which insertion information file to use for printing. A plurality of plug-in information files can be selected, and when a plurality of plug-in information files are selected, it is made so that they can be input simultaneously on the same HTML screen.
[0040]
The selection content input by the browser 621 of the client terminal 620 is returned to the web print server 610 using the HTTP protocol.
[0041]
Next, in step S902, the process waits until acquisition of the selected content from the client terminal 620 is completed. If the input has been completed, in step S903, the input field items defined in the selected insertion information file are acquired. Attributes such as names and types are added to the fields.
[0042]
Next, in step S904, an HTML of a field input list screen (not shown) of the insertion information is created according to the acquired field attributes. The HTML screen created here is displayed on the browser 621 of the client terminal 620 connected to the web print server 610, and data to be printed can be input in the insertion field.
[0043]
Next, in step S905, the process waits until the input of the field data from the client terminal 620 is completed. When the input is completed, in step S906, the difference superimposed on the form based on the insertion information file 612 and the input data. The print data is generated, and the process is terminated. This process is performed for all the selected insertion information files.
[0044]
The insertion print data generated here is stored in an overlay output format file downloaded to the client terminal 620 by an output format file processing unit described later.
[0045]
[Second embodiment]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second data processing procedure in the web print server according to the present invention. The output format file processing unit 616 creates the data in the insertion data processing unit 615 described in the first embodiment. This corresponds to a procedure for creating the insert print data, print format information, and, if necessary, form data to be registered in the printing apparatus as an overlay output format file downloaded to the client according to the format shown in FIG. In addition, S1001 to S1009 indicate each step.
[0046]
First, in step S1001, an HTML screen (not shown) that lists various format settings that determine printer settings for printing is created. The format matches the content stored in the overlay output format file shown in FIG. 8, and is specified in units of job, printer name, total number of pages, number of copies, double-sided / single-sided designation, and page-by-page designation. The information includes a paper size, a paper cassette, and a registration form identifier. Among them, the registration form identifier is automatically selected from the insertion information file name selected in the first embodiment and the management table shown in FIG. 7, and on the HTML screen, the printing form used for each page is displayed. You can select whether to use form data or not.
[0047]
Normally, storing print form data in a storage device in a printing apparatus for each printing and performing overlay printing imposes a load on a network and adds a redundant processing time for registering the same form every time. "Not use" was selected because of concern. However, “use” is selected only when an error reply is made when the form data file 633 is not stored in the storage device 632 in the printing device 630 in the overlay data generation processing described later.
[0048]
The HTML screen created here is displayed on the browser 621 of the client terminal 620 connected to the web print server 610, and can perform format setting at the time of printing. The set contents of the format are returned to the web print server 610 by the HTTP protocol.
[0049]
Next, in step S1002, the process waits until input of format settings from the client terminal is completed. When the input is completed, an overlay output format file to be downloaded to the client is newly created in step S1003. The content of the file is embedded only by creation in a process described later.
[0050]
Next, in step S1004, only the contents (job name, output destination printer name, total number of pages, number of copies, double-sided / single-sided designation) to be set for each job are shown in FIG. Store as a job format following the boundary.
[0051]
In the boundary, only the identifier for identifying the job format and the job format size are set, and other print data size and form data size are both set to “0”.
[0052]
Next, in step S1005, it is determined whether the page to be stored is completed. If it is determined that the page is stored, the process by the output format file processing unit 616 is completed.
[0053]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1005 that the page is continued, in step S1006, the contents (paper size, paper cassette, and overlay form identifier to be used) set for each page are stored in the boundary shown in FIG. Store as the following page format.
[0054]
In the boundary, an identifier for identifying a page format, a page format size, a print data size, and if necessary, a form data size are set.
[0055]
Next, in step S1007, the insertion print data created in the first embodiment is stored. Next, in step S1008, it is determined whether "use" for print form data is selected in the format setting. If it is determined that the page format is unnecessary, the process returns to step S1005, and the subsequent page formats are sequentially stored. As a result of the determination, if necessary, in step S1009, the form data file 611 is read from the storage device 614, the size of the print form data is set to the boundary, and stored as print form data following the insert print data.
[0056]
The stored form data is generated as a form registration job by the overlay print data generation processing unit 622 of the client terminal 620, received and interpreted by the overlay control unit 631, and stored as form data in the storage device 632. You. The overlay control unit 631 is a known method, and a detailed description is omitted here.
[0057]
[Third embodiment]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data processing procedure in the client terminal according to the present invention. The overlay print data generation processing unit 622 receives the overlay output format file described in the second embodiment via the browser 621, and Corresponds to a processing procedure for generating print data for overlay printing in accordance with the content of (1). In addition, S1101 to S1119 indicate each step.
[0058]
First, in step S1101, the overlay output format file received from the browser is opened in the read / write mode in consideration of the fact that the browser in which the MIME type is set is being downloaded. Determine completion.
[0059]
Next, if it is determined in step S1102 that the download has not been completed, the process returns to step S1101.
[0060]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1102 that the process has been completed, in step S1103, the overlay output format file is opened and only the boundary records are read. Next, in step S1104, it is determined whether the file has been read to the end. As a result of the determination, if it is determined that the job format has not been completed, further, in step S1105, it is determined whether or not the job format is a job format by referring to the boundary identifier, and if the result of the determination is that the job format has been determined, In step S1106, a format size following the boundary is read, and a format for printing is set based on the stored contents.
[0061]
In the setting, a format setting value is set in a predetermined member of a DEVMODE structure to be passed to the Win32 CreateDC () function, and further, preprocessing of print data is performed using the StartDoc () function.
[0062]
On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S1105, if it is determined that the page is not in the job format, it is determined in step S1107 whether the boundary identifier is in the page format. It is determined that there is a possibility that the format file itself is broken, an error is notified in step S1116, and the process ends.
[0063]
In the error notification, a pop-up dialog (not shown) is displayed to prompt the user to retry.
[0064]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1107 that the page format is used, the data is registered in the storage device 632 in the printing device 630 in step S1108 based on the registration form identifier stored in the page format. Check if it is. For the confirmation, for example, a method of determining whether or not a registration form identifier can be found using an DIR command of FTP can be considered. However, a search method according to the mechanism of a control program for other printing devices and storage devices can be considered. adopt.
[0065]
Next, in step S1109, if it is determined that the registered form name is found as a result of the search for the registered form name, in step S1110, the format size of the boundary is read, and the format information to be set for each page is set. . If the format is not set, nothing is done. In addition, Win32 ResetDC () is used for the setting, and is added to the format content set in the previous step S1106.
[0066]
Next, in step S1111, an overlay control command is generated to use the registration form as an overlay form. This command is interpreted by the overlay control unit 631 in the printing apparatus, and is output while being superimposed on the subsequent print data.
[0067]
Further, the printer reads the size of the insertion print data of the boundary, and inserts the print data to be printed as overlay data into a PASSTHROUGH function (not interpreted in the PDL language) of a printer driver (not shown). Write) to specify an overlay control command that specifies the identification name of the form data used in overlay printing at the beginning of the print data, and immediately after that, generate a print data stream to which the insertion print data is added as print data I do. At this time, before and after the PASSTHROUGH function, it is necessary to call Win32 StartPage () and EndPage () that clearly indicate the start and end of the page.
[0068]
When the PASSTHROUGH function is used, the print data created by the insertion data processing unit 615 is not interpreted at all and is simply added to the print data stream as it is, so that the time required for conversion to PDL by the driver can be reduced. Then, the process returns to step S1103 to read the subsequent boundary.
[0069]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1109 that the form data has not been registered, it is determined in step S1117 whether form data is stored based on whether the form data size of the boundary is “0”. If it is determined that there is form data, in step S1118, the stored form data is read into the memory for the form data size, and a form registration command specifying the registration form identification name and form data is input. To edit. Next, in step 1111, a form registration + overlay control command designating insertion data is generated following the form registration command. Then, the process returns to step S1103 to read the subsequent boundary.
[0070]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1117 that there is no form data, in step S1119, the form data is registered in a request queuing table on the memory of a client terminal (not shown) that requests the web print server 610 for form data. Then, the process returns to step S1103 to read the subsequent boundary.
[0071]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1104 that all the output format files have been read, it is determined in step S1112 whether or not the request queuing table is registered in the memory. If it is determined that there is a request queuing table, the job generation is interrupted in step S1113 because the print data is generated halfway.
[0072]
Next, in step S1114, a list (not shown) of the form data names stored in the request queuing table is created, and the request form name list is uploaded to the web print server using the HTTP protocol. Then, when the uploaded list is received, the output format file processing unit 616 described in the second embodiment creates an overlay output format file including the form data.
[0073]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1112 that there is no request queuing table, in step S1115, the job generation end process is executed using Win32 EndDoc () and DeleteDC (), and the process is terminated. finish.
[0074]
The print data generated by the above processing is transmitted to the printing device via a printer driver (not shown), interpreted by the overlay control unit 631 in the printing device, and registered in the storage device 632 in the printing device in page units. It is superimposed on the form and printed.
[0075]
Hereinafter, the configuration of the data processing program that can be read by the printing system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the memory map shown in FIG.
[0076]
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by the printing system according to the present invention.
[0077]
Although not shown, information for managing a group of programs stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, a creator, and the like are also stored, and information dependent on the OS or the like on the program reading side, for example, a program is identified and displayed. Icons and the like may also be stored.
[0078]
Further, data dependent on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, a program for installing various programs on a computer or a program for decompressing a program to be installed when the program to be installed is compressed may be stored.
[0079]
The functions shown in FIGS. 9 and 11 in the present embodiment may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when a group of information including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Things.
[0080]
As described above, the storage medium storing the program codes of the software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or the apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or the apparatus stores the storage medium in the storage medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention is also achieved by reading and executing the program code thus obtained.
[0081]
In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.
[0082]
As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, or the like may be used. it can.
[0083]
When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a part or all of the actual processing is performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.
[0084]
Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided on 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. It goes without saying that a 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.
[0085]
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications (including organic combinations of the embodiments) are possible based on the spirit of the present invention, and those are excluded from the scope of the present invention. is not.
[0086]
Although various examples and embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will recognize that the spirit and scope of the present invention is not limited to the specific description herein, but rather includes the following embodiments. Needless to say, this is also included. Hereinafter, Embodiments 1 to 25 will be described.
[0087]
[Embodiment 1]
A printing system in which a web print server, a client terminal, and a printing device are connected to each other via a communication line, wherein the web print server stores print form data (for example, a storage form shown in FIG. 6). Device 614), insertion format information storage means (for example, a storage device 614 shown in FIG. 6) for storing insertion format information for inserting and outputting the print form data, and a plug-in according to the insertion format information. Generating means (not shown) for generating an insertion data input HTML screen, and insertion data generation for generating insertion print data from the insertion character data input from the insertion data input HTML screen and the insertion format information Means (for example, the insertion data processing unit 615 shown in FIG. 6), and a description of the combination of the insertion print data and the print form data. Output format downloading means (for example, an output format file processing unit 616 shown in FIG. 6) for processing into a valley output format file and downloading to the client terminal, wherein the client terminal is configured to download the overlay downloaded from the web print server. An overlay print data generation unit (for example, an overlay print data generation processing unit 622 shown in FIG. 6) for overlaying the insert print data and print form data in accordance with the output format file is provided. Print form storage means for storing print form data input from a client terminal; form overlay means for generating print image data by superimposing the print form data and the insert print data input from the client terminal (For example, Printing system, characterized in that it comprises an overlay controller 631) and shown to 6.
[0088]
[Embodiment 2]
The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the client terminal includes a driver for interfacing the printing device with the client terminal.
[0089]
[Embodiment 3]
A web print server, a client terminal, and a printing apparatus, comprising: print form data storage means for storing print form data; and insert format information storage means for storing insert format information for inserting and outputting the print form data. Is a printing system connected to each other via a communication line, wherein the web print server generates an insertion data input HTML screen according to the insertion format information (for example, step S901 shown in FIG. 9). A plug-in data generating step (for example, step S906 shown in FIG. 9) for generating plug-in print data from the plug-in character data input from the plug-in data input HTML screen and the plug-in format information; Into an overlay output format file that describes the combined print data and the print form data, An output format download step for downloading to the client terminal (steps S1001 to S1009 shown in FIG. 10), wherein the client terminal is configured to output the merge print data and the insert print data in accordance with the overlay output format file downloaded from the web print server. A printing step of generating overlay print data (not shown) for overlay output of print form data with the printing apparatus, wherein the printing apparatus stores print form data input from the client terminal in print form storage means (not shown) ), And a form overlay step (not shown) for generating print image data by superimposing the print form data input from the client terminal and the insert print data. Data processing method.
[0090]
[Embodiment 4]
A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for realizing the data processing method of the printing system according to the third embodiment.
[0091]
[Embodiment 5]
A program for realizing the data processing method of the printing system according to the third embodiment.
[0092]
[Embodiment 6]
A client terminal that constitutes a printing system in cooperation with a web print server and a client terminal connected to each other via a communication line. The client terminal analyzes contents of an output format file downloaded from the web print server and performs insertion printing. At the beginning of the data, an overlay control command that specifies the identification name of the form data used in overlay printing is specified, and immediately after that, the print data stream to which the insert print data is added is generated using the driver PASSTHROUGH instruction to generate print data. A client terminal comprising:
[0093]
[Embodiment 7]
A data processing method for a client terminal that constitutes a printing system in cooperation with a web print server and a client terminal connected to each other via a communication line, and analyzes a content of an output format file downloaded from the web print server. At the beginning of the insert print data, an overlay control command that specifies the identification name of the form data to be used in overlay printing is specified, and immediately after that, the print data stream to which the insert print data is added is transmitted using a driver PASSTHROUGH instruction. A data processing method for a client terminal, comprising a step of generating print data.
[0094]
[Embodiment 8]
A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for implementing the data processing method for a client terminal according to the seventh embodiment.
[0095]
[Embodiment 9]
A program for realizing the client terminal data processing method according to the seventh embodiment.
[0096]
[Embodiment 10]
A web print server which constitutes a printing system in cooperation with a client terminal and a printing device connected to each other via a communication line, and stores form data of the printing device in print form data stored in form data storage means. Means for assigning a unique form name identified in the apparatus and generating a correspondence between the form name and the insert print data as an overlay output format file (for example, an output format file processing unit 616 shown in FIG. 6). Web print server characterized.
[0097]
[Embodiment 11]
A data processing method of a web print server which constitutes a printing system in cooperation with a client terminal and a printing device connected to each other via a communication line, wherein printing is performed on print form data stored in the form data storage means. A step of allocating a unique form name identified in the form storage device of the apparatus and generating a correspondence between the form name and the insert print data as the overlay output format file (steps S901 to S906 shown in FIG. 9). A data processing method for a web print server.
[0098]
[Embodiment 12]
A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for realizing the data processing method of the web print server according to the eleventh embodiment.
[0099]
[Embodiment 13]
A program for implementing a data processing method of a web print server according to an eleventh embodiment.
[0100]
[Embodiment 14]
A printing form storage unit that stores a printing form in cooperation with a web printing server and a client terminal connected to each other via a communication line, and stores a printing form (for example, a storage unit 632 illustrated in FIG. 6). A plug-in print data storage unit (for example, a storage device 632 shown in FIG. 6) for storing plug-in print data including plug-in character data and control data, and superimposing the print form and the plug-in print data. A printing apparatus comprising: a form overlay unit (for example, an overlay control unit 631 shown in FIG. 6) that generates image data for printing.
[0101]
[Embodiment 15]
Print form storage means (for example, the storage device 632 shown in FIG. 6) for storing a print form, and insert print data storage means (for example, as shown in FIG. 6) for storing insert print data including insert character data and control data. Storage device 632), and a data processing method for a printing apparatus that constitutes a printing system in cooperation with a web print server and a client terminal connected to each other via a communication line. A data processing method for a printing apparatus, comprising a form overlay step (not shown) for generating print image data by superimposing print data.
[0102]
[Embodiment 16]
A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for implementing the data processing method for a printing apparatus according to the fifteenth embodiment.
[0103]
[Embodiment 17]
A program for implementing the data processing method for a printing apparatus according to the fifteenth embodiment.
[0104]
[Embodiment 18]
A client terminal that forms a printing system in cooperation with a web print server and a client terminal that are connected to each other via a communication line, the registration content in a form storage unit of the printing device, and download from the web print server. And comparing the contents of the overlay output format file with the content of the overlay output format file, and when it is determined that there is no print form data on the printing device, requests registration of the form data to the web print server, and the web print server and the printing device A client terminal comprising a form synchronizing means (for example, a browser 621 shown in FIG. 6) for synchronizing the print form storing means.
[0105]
[Embodiment 19]
A data processing method for a client terminal that constitutes a printing system in cooperation with a web print server and a client terminal connected to each other via a communication line, comprising: a registration content in a form storage unit of the printing apparatus; A determination step (not shown) for comparing the content of the overlay output format file downloaded from the print server to determine whether or not print form data is present on the printing apparatus; If it is determined that the form data is registered to the web print server, a request step (not shown) is performed, and an output format file generation step (not shown) of the web print server is generated in response to the request step. An overlay output format file containing form data is The overlay format file is downloaded to the print terminal, the overlay format file is analyzed, and the form registration + overlay print data is output by the printing apparatus, so that the overlay printing using the form is executed simultaneously with the form registration, and the web print server and A data synchronization method (not shown) for synchronizing the printing form storage means of the printing apparatus.
[0106]
[Embodiment 20]
A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for implementing the data processing method for a client terminal according to the nineteenth embodiment.
[0107]
[Embodiment 21]
A program for realizing the client terminal data processing method according to the nineteenth embodiment.
[0108]
[Embodiment 22]
A web print server comprising form data storage means for storing print form data, and forming a printing system in cooperation with a client terminal and a printing apparatus connected to each other via a communication line, wherein a form from the client terminal is provided. File generation means for receiving a data registration request and generating a form data registration form file for registering print form data stored in the print form storage means of the web print server in a print form storage means provided in the printing apparatus (For example, an output format file processing unit 616 shown in FIG. 6).
[0109]
(Embodiment 23)
A data processing method for a web print server comprising form data storage means (for example, a storage device 614) for storing print form data and forming a printing system in cooperation with a client terminal and a printing device connected to each other via a communication line A form for receiving a form data registration request from the client terminal and registering print form data stored in a print form storage unit of the web print server in a print form storage unit provided in the printing apparatus A data processing method for a web print server, comprising: a file generation step of generating a data registration format file (for example, step S1003 in FIG. 10).
[0110]
(Embodiment 24)
A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for implementing the data processing method of a web print server according to embodiment 22.
[0111]
[Embodiment 25]
A program for implementing the data processing method of a web print server according to the twenty-second embodiment.
[0112]
According to the above embodiments, it is possible to freely construct a print system capable of realizing high-speed printing based on the latest form by a method that does not impose a load on the network.
[0113]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, in a printing system in which a web print server, a client terminal, and a printing device are connected to each other via a communication line, the web print server communicates with a web print server that stores a plurality of print form data. In a state where the insertion data input screen is displayed on the client terminal, customized insertion print data is generated in accordance with the insertion data input from the client terminal, and the generated insertion print data and the client Processing the print form data selected from the plurality of print form data from the terminal into an overlay output format file; downloading the processed overlay output format file to the client terminal; and downloading the downloaded overlay output format file and the client A print device that generates print data generated by a terminal By transferring the form and performing the form overlay processing on the printing apparatus, the user can connect to the web print server from an available client terminal, use the form data centrally managed on the web print server, and Obtains the overlay output format file in which the intended insertion data is inserted into the client terminal, and performs high-speed remote form overlay printing using the latest form that is centrally managed without imposing a load on the network This has the effect that a printing system environment that can perform printing can be freely constructed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of loading a program to a client terminal included in the printing system according to the present invention.
4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a memory map of a RAM illustrated in FIG. 2;
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a memory map of the flexible disk shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a software module configuration in a printing system according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a format of a management table in the web print server shown in FIG.
8 is a diagram showing a format of an overlay output format file generated by an output format file processing unit in the web print server shown in FIG.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure in the web print server according to the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure in the web print server according to the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data processing procedure in the client terminal according to the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by the printing system according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
610 Web Print Server
611 Form data file
612 Insertion information file
613 management table
614 storage device
615 Plug-in data processing unit
616 Output format file processing unit
620 Client terminal
621 Browser
622 Overlay print data generation processing unit
630 Printer
631 overlay control unit
632 storage device
633 Form data file

Claims (1)

A printing system in which a web print server, a client terminal, and a printing device are connected to each other via a communication line,
The web print server, print form data storage means for storing print form data,
Insertion format information storage means for storing insertion format information for inserting and outputting to the print form data,
Generating means for generating an insertion data input screen according to the insertion format information;
An insertion data generating unit that generates insertion printing data from the insertion character data and the insertion format information input from the insertion data input screen,
Output format download means for processing into an overlay output format file describing a combination of the insert print data and the print form data, and downloading to the client terminal,
The client terminal, according to the overlay output format file downloaded from the web print server, comprises overlay print data generating means for overlay output of the insert print data and print form data,
The printing apparatus, print form storage means for storing print form data input from the client terminal,
Form overlay means for generating print image data by superimposing the print form data and the insert print data input from the client terminal,
A printing system comprising:

Images