JP2005100340A - Method, program and apparatus for providing service for sharing printing environment, recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To quickly print a specified document. <P>SOLUTION: A printing environment sharing service providing method in a printing environment sharing service providing apparatus having printing environment sharing service providing means for providing a service of printing environment sharing has a transfer step of transferring reservation information about a printing reservation and/or document data from the printing environment sharing service providing means to the printing environment sharing service providing means of another printing environment sharing service providing apparatus in response to a request form the printing environment sharing service providing means of another printing environment sharing service providing apparatus, a reservation information acquisition step of acquiring the reservation information about the printing reservation, and a change step of changing the contents of the reservation information about the printing reservation. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing environment sharing service providing method, a printing environment sharing service providing program, a recording medium, and a printing environment sharing service providing apparatus.

  In recent years, as the processing speed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) has been improved, the range of use of notebook personal computers (hereinafter referred to as PCs) mainly composed of CPUs has been expanded. Furthermore, printers that print documents created on a PC have become widespread with the expansion of the PC usage range.

  In general, in an office, a PC and a printer are connected by a LAN (Local Area Network), and a printer driver for the printer that is necessary when using the printer is installed in the PC.

  For example, when a user of the PC participates in a meeting held in an environment different from that in the office, for example, in another department or another office, the user brings his / her PC to the conference room, I was printing a document with a printer near the room.

  Also, a document created by the user using his / her PC is stored in a recording medium such as FD (Floppy (registered trademark) Disk), the recording medium is brought to the conference room, and other documents in the vicinity of the conference room A method of printing a document by using a user's PC is also conceivable.

  A method of using a printer of another department using a print server or the like is also conceivable. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a system configuration of an example of a conventional technique. In the system configuration shown in FIG. 1, each department includes a WWW (World Wide Web) server (hereinafter also simply referred to as a Web server) 1, a document storage / management server (hereinafter also referred to as a repository server) 2, and a print server 4. Each department is connected by, for example, a LAN, and devices across the departments are connected via the Internet with a firewall (FW) in between.

  In FIG. 1, the repository service 12 is implemented in the repository server 2, and the document print service 14 is implemented in the print server 4.

  In the system configuration shown in FIG. 1, for example, a person in the A department uses the print server 4 (PS-A) and uses the printer 6 in the B department (P-B1, P-B2) or the printer 6 in the C department (P -C1, P-C2).

  There is also a system related to a print service using a network (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In Patent Document 1, a server obtains user information and information on a location to be printed from a terminal, searches for a printer close to the location information, returns a candidate to the terminal, and the user uses the terminal to identify the printer candidates. A system is described in which one is selected and the print data is sent to a server, and the server sends the sent print data to the selected printer.
JP 2003-15848 A

  However, in the above-described method of bringing the user's own PC to the place where the conference is held, there is annoyance to bring a heavy PC, and there is anxiety about the battery duration.

  There is also a problem that various settings must be made in order to connect the PC brought by the user to the LAN and / or the printer 6 itself near the place where the conference is held.

  There is also a problem that a printer driver for the printer 6 that is required when using the printer 6 must be installed.

  Since it is not possible to construct a printing environment that can be used on the spot without going through such various complicated work processes, printing cannot be easily performed.

  Further, in the above method of bringing a recording medium, in the case of a document created by a user using a specific application on his / her PC, the application is not necessarily installed on another user's PC to be used. There was a possibility that the document could not be printed.

  Further, in the system configuration shown in FIG. 1, a person in department A uses a print server 4 (PS-A) and uses a printer 6 (P-B1, P-B2) in department B or a printer 6 in department C ( In order to use (P-C1, P-C2), the printer 6 (P-B1, P-B2) in the B department or the printer 6 (P-C1, P-C1, P in the B department) is connected to the print server 4 (PS-A). There is a problem that information for specifying P-C2), for example, an IP address, a printer name, and the like must be set.

  A person in department A uses printer 6 (P-B1, P-B2) in department B and printer 6 (P-C1, P-C2) in department C using print server 4 (PS-A). In order to do this, it is necessary to set the printer server 4 (PS-A) to the printer driver installation of the printer 6 of another department and information related to the printer driver.

  Therefore, in the conventional system as shown in FIG. 1, when a printer 6 is newly added to another department (for example, department B), it is newly added to the print server 4 of its own department (for example, department A). It is necessary to set information for specifying the printer 6 and information regarding the printer driver of the printer 6, and information (for example, IP address) for specifying the printer is changed due to a layout change or the like in another department. In this case, it is necessary to change the settings of the own department, and the information to be managed increases as the system expands. For example, it becomes necessary to exchange change information between departments. There was also a problem.

  Further, in the conventional system as shown in FIG. 1, for example, the print server 4 (PS-A) and the printers 6 of other departments that can be used are connected in a one-to-many manner. There are as many communication paths between the print server 4 (PS-A) and the printer 6 as there are printers 6 in other departments, and in order to protect the security of the communication path, it is necessary to deal with each communication path. There was also a problem in terms of surface.

  Also, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, when the system is expanded, the number of printers 6 to be managed increases, which affects the search speed, and changes in the location of the printer 6 such as layout changes and store relocations and new ones. With the installation of the printer 6, it is necessary to change or add data in the server (for example, information about the address of the printer 6, the name of the printer, and the printer driver, etc.), and there is a problem that is practically difficult to implement. .

  Further, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, there is a problem that the printer 6 is out of order or the printer 6 that easily prints cannot be changed and used even when hundreds of other people are printing.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to quickly print a designated document.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a printing environment sharing service providing method in a printing environment sharing service providing apparatus having a printing environment sharing service providing means for providing a service related to printing environment sharing, the printing environment sharing method In response to a request from the printing environment sharing service providing means of another printing environment sharing service providing device, the environment sharing service providing means provides reservation information and / or document data related to printing reservation to another printing environment sharing service. A transfer stage for transferring to the printing environment sharing service providing means of the apparatus; a reservation information obtaining stage for obtaining reservation information relating to a print reservation; and a change stage for changing the content of the reservation information relating to the print reservation. It is characterized by.

  According to the present invention, there is provided a printing environment sharing service providing method in a printing environment sharing service providing apparatus having a printing environment sharing service providing means for providing a service related to printing environment sharing, the printing environment sharing service providing means comprising: In response to a request from the printing environment sharing service providing unit of another printing environment sharing service providing apparatus, the printing environment sharing service provision of the printing environment sharing service providing apparatus is provided with reservation information and / or document data related to printing reservation. A transfer step of transferring to the means, a reservation information acquisition step of acquiring reservation information related to the print reservation, and a change step of changing the content of the reservation information related to the print reservation You can print quickly.

  The present invention is also a printing environment sharing service providing apparatus having printing environment sharing service providing means for providing a service related to printing environment sharing, wherein the printing environment sharing service providing means provides another printing environment sharing service. Transfer means for transferring reservation information and / or document data relating to printing reservation to a printing environment sharing service providing means of another printing environment sharing service providing apparatus in response to a request from the printing environment sharing service providing means of the apparatus; And reservation information acquisition means for acquiring reservation information relating to a print reservation, and change means for changing the contents of the reservation information relating to the print reservation.

  According to the present invention, there is provided a printing environment sharing service providing device having a printing environment sharing service providing means for providing a service related to printing environment sharing, wherein the printing environment sharing service providing means provides another printing environment sharing service. Transfer means for transferring reservation information and / or document data relating to printing reservation to a printing environment sharing service providing means of another printing environment sharing service providing apparatus in response to a request from the printing environment sharing service providing means of the apparatus; The specified document can be quickly printed by including reservation information acquisition means for acquiring reservation information related to the print reservation and change means for changing the content of the reservation information related to the print reservation. .

  Note that, as shown in an embodiment described later, for example, the transfer stage may be performed after the change stage.

  Further, as a means for solving the above problems, a printing environment sharing service providing program and a recording medium may be used.

  According to the present invention, a designated document can be printed quickly.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram (part 1) for implementing the present invention. In the system configuration shown in FIG. 2, each department includes a Web server 1, a repository server 2, an SPS server 3, a print server 4, and a printer 6. Here, in each department, it is assumed that each server, printer 6 and the like are managed, and are used as a printing environment.

  In FIG. 2, a repository service 12 that performs services related to document storage and / or management is implemented in the repository server 2, a printing environment sharing service 13 is implemented in the SPS server 3, and the print server 4. Is mounted with a document print service 14 for providing a service related to printing.

  Each service can exchange messages based on the SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) protocol as a Web service, and can use each function. The same applies to the following.

  Compared to the system configuration shown in FIG. 1, the system configuration shown in FIG. 2 introduces an SPS server 3 to be described later, so that, for example, the service list 71 of the SPS server 3 of the own sector can be referred to. Identification information for specifying the printing environment sharing service 13, for example, a service identifier of the printing environment sharing service 13, is set, and the SPS server 3 and / or the printing environment sharing service 13, the printing environment (print server 4, printer 6, etc.) Can be used and the printing environment of other departments can be used.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the SPS server 3 of each department sets the printer 6 of its own department that can use the SPS server 3 of other departments and / or the printing environment sharing service 13 in the printer list 72. By managing, it is possible to perform distributed management of the printing environment and the like in each department without being affected by changes in other departments, such as changes in the printer 6 and printer drivers in other departments.

  2 is connected to the SPS server 3 and / or the printing environment shared service 13 that can be referred to, compared to the system configuration shown in FIG. This reduces the number of attacked communication paths, thus ensuring security.

  The service list 71 and the printer list 72 may be stored in the SPS server 3 on which the printing environment sharing service 13 is mounted as shown in FIG. 2, or may be stored in another device or separately. It is good also as a structure stored for every printing environment shared service 13. FIG.

  Hereinafter, another example of the system configuration for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a system configuration diagram (part 2) for implementing the present invention. The system shown in FIG. 3 includes a Web server 1, a repository server 2, an SPS server 3, a print server 4, a printer 6, and a PDA 7.

  The Web server 1, repository server 2, SPS server 3, print server 4, printer 6, and PDA 7 shown in FIG. 3 are connected via a LAN and / or the Internet. In the system configuration shown in FIG. 3, as in the system configuration shown in FIG. 2, each department manages each server, printer 6 and the like, and is used as a printing environment. .

  The user inputs a user name, a password, and the like using the PDA 7, logs into the Web server 1, uses a service provided by the printing environment sharing service 13, and prints (for example, the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1- 2)), a printer to be printed (for example, printer 6 (P-2-2)), a printing condition (for example, A4, color), a document to be reserved for printing, and the like are specified, and a printing reservation is requested. Here, when the user selects the print location, the user does not directly select the SPS server 3 or the print environment shared service 13, but is easy to understand for the user associated with the SPS server 3 or the print environment shared service 13, for example Alternatively, a city name, business office name, department name, etc. may be selected. The same applies to the following.

  When the user designates the print location, the print environment shared service 13 uses the communication route information (hereinafter, route) to the print location designated by the user (for example, the print environment shared service 13 (B-1-2)). Information).

  For example, the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) responds to a search request from the Web server 1 or the like (A-1-1) → (A-1) → (R-0) → (B -1) → (B-1-2), etc., and the route from the print environment shared service 13 (A-1-1) to the print environment shared service 13 (B-1-2) which is the print location designated by the user Information is acquired and provided to the Web server 1.

  Note that the route information can be acquired by using the service list 71. For example, when the user selects “A-1” using the PDA 7 or the like on the print location selection screen as shown in FIG. 7A described later, the Web server 1 acquires the FIG. 9 described later. From the service list 71 of the print environment shared service 13 (A-1-1) as shown in FIG. 5, the print environment shared service 13 (A-1) is connected to the upper level of the print environment shared service 13 (A-1-1). Information from the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) to the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1) (for example, the name, latitude, longitude of the place where the printing environment sharing service 13 exists) Information such as altitude, address, and URI (Uniform Resource Identifier)) is obtained from the Web server 1 as a route information, and the print environment sharing service 13 ( A route information from the print environment shared service 13 (A-1-1) to the print environment shared service 13 (A-1) is added to the route information to A-1-1), and the route information is added to the service list. It is included in 71 acquisition requests. Similarly, in the following, the Web server 1 and / or the printing environment sharing service 13 can acquire the route information to the printing location selected by the user, for example, by acquiring the service list 71.

  When the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) receives a print reservation request from the user via the Web server 1 or the like, the print environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) uses the document ID and document use permission information included in the print reservation request. Then, a document acquisition request specified by the document ID is transmitted to the repository service 12 implemented in the repository server 2, and the document data stored in the repository server 2 is acquired via the repository service 12. .

  Based on the route information included in the print reservation request, the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) identifies the route information, identification information for specifying the printing location, and identification for specifying the printer 6 to be printed. The acquired document data is transferred to the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1) together with the reservation information including the information and the printing conditions.

  When the printing environment shared service 13 (A-1) receives the reservation information or the document data from the printing environment shared service 13 (A-1-1), the reservation is made based on the route information included in the reservation information. The information and the document data are transferred to the printing environment sharing service 13 (R-0).

  When the printing environment sharing service 13 (R-0) receives the reservation information and the document data from the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1), the printing environment sharing service 13 (R-0), based on the route information included in the reservation information, The document data is transferred to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1).

  Similarly, when the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) receives the reservation information or the document data from the printing environment sharing service 13 (R-0), based on the route information included in the reservation information, The reservation information and the document data are transferred to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2).

  The print environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) that has acquired the transferred reservation information and the document data stores the reservation information and the document data in the SPS server 3 (B-1-2). .

  On the other hand, for example, the user goes to a print location and requests the print environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) via the Web server 1 or the like to start printing the document for which the print reservation has been made. . The printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) that has received the printing start request sends the printing start request to the printing environment sharing service 13 (based on the route information to the printing environment sharing service 13 at the printing location. To A-1).

  When the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1) receives the printing start request from the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1), the printing environment sharing service 13 sends the printing start request to the printing environment sharing service 13 based on the path information. To (R-0).

  When the printing environment sharing service 13 (R-0) receives the printing start request from the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1), the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-0) outputs the printing start request based on the path information. -1).

  Similarly, when the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) receives the printing start request from the printing environment sharing service 13 (R-0), the printing environment sharing service 13B outputs the printing start request based on the route information. 13 (B-1-2).

  The print environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) that has received the print start request transmits the stored reservation information and document data to the document print service 14 (PS-2) and is included in the reservation information. Requests printing of the document data under printing conditions.

  Upon receiving the document data print request, the document print service 14 (PS-2) converts the document data into print data that can be printed by the printer 6 (P-2-2), and the printer included in the reservation information. 6 (P-2-2) is requested to print the print data under the printing conditions.

  The printer 6 (P-2-2) that has received the print data print request prints based on the print request from the document print service 14 (PS-2).

  As described above, by making a print reservation, transferring reservation information and document data between the printing environment sharing services 13, and printing the document based on the print request, the user can, for example, have a different department or a different business. Therefore, it is possible to use a well-organized printing environment that is allowed to be shared, so that it is possible to quickly print a document in a different printing environment without the trouble of constructing a new printing environment.

  By using a service list 71 described later, each printing environment shared service 13 can construct a tree-structured system as shown in FIG.

  Note that the user terminal used by the user may be a PC, not limited to the PDA 7, and may be another portable terminal such as a cellular phone.

  In the above-described example, the reservation information and / or the document data are stored in the SPS server 3 (B-1-2) that is the printing place in the system configuration illustrated in FIG. Instead, it may be stored in the SPS server 3 (A-1-1) which is a reserved place.

  Further, in the system configuration shown in FIG. 3 instead of the printing place or the reservation place, the system may be stored in the SPS server 3 (R-0) at the top of the system.

  Further, it may be stored in the SPS server 3 (A-1) at the top of the reserved place instead of the print place, reserved place, or top, or may be stored in the SPS server 3 (B-1) at the top of the print place. It may be.

  In addition, it is not stored in only one place, but is stored in both the printing place and the reserved place, or saved in the vicinity of the reserved place and the printing place (B-1-1), or the reserved place and the printing place. At the same time, it may be stored in each top (A-1, B-1).

  Moreover, you may make it preserve | save in all the paths (A-1-1, A-1, R-0, B-1, B-1-2) from a reservation place to a printing place.

  In the following, for the sake of simplicity, the description will be made assuming that the reservation information and / or the document data are stored in both the reservation place and the print place unless otherwise specified.

  FIG. 4 is a software configuration diagram of an example of the SPS server.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the SPS server 3 includes an OS (Operating System) 21 and an application 29.

  The OS 21 is an operating system such as UNIX (registered trademark) or Windows (registered trademark). For example, each software of the application 29 is executed in parallel as a process.

  The application 29 includes a printing environment sharing application 24 that is a printing reservation and / or printing application. The printing environment sharing service 13 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is included in the printing environment sharing application 24.

  2 and 3, the SPS server 3 has been described as having only the print environment shared service 13 included in the print environment shared application 24. However, as shown in FIG. For example, a printer application 26 that is an application and a document management application 27 that is a document management application may be included.

  The document print service 14 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is included in the printer application 26. Further, the repository service 12 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is included in the document management application 27.

  However, in the first embodiment, for simplification of description, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the document print service 14 is mounted on the print server 4, and the repository service 12 is mounted on the repository server 2. I will explain it as a thing. Note that this does not limit the implementation of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, the hardware configuration of the SPS server 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of the SPS server.

  The hardware configuration of the SPS server 3 shown in FIG. 5 includes an input device 31, a display device 32, a drive device 33, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 35, a RAM ( Random Access Memory (CPU) 36, CPU (Central Processing Unit) 37, interface device 38, and HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 39 are included.

  The input device 31 includes a keyboard and a mouse that are operated by a user of the SPS server 3, and is used to input various operation signals to the SPS server 3.

  The display device 32 includes a display or the like used by the user of the SPS server 3 and displays various information.

  The interface device 38 is an interface that connects the SPS server 3 to a network or the like.

  An application program corresponding to the printing environment sharing application 24 included in the application 29 of FIG. 4, a main program for controlling the entire processing of the SPS server 3, and the like are stored in the SPS server 3 by a recording medium 34 such as a CD-ROM, for example. Provided or downloaded over the network. The recording medium 34 is set in the drive device 33, and the application program, the main program, and the like are installed from the recording medium 34 to the HDD 39 via the drive device 33.

  The ROM 35 stores data and the like. The RAM 36 reads and stores the application program, the main program, and the like from the HDD 39 when the SPS server 3 is activated. The CPU 37 executes processing in accordance with the application program, the main program, etc. read and stored in the RAM 36.

  The HDD 39 stores, for example, a service list 71 and a printer list 72 in addition to the application program and the main program.

  Hereinafter, an exemplary functional configuration of the SPS server 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a functional configuration diagram of an example of the SPS server.

  6, the SPS server 3 includes an HTTP processing unit 63 that performs communication control in accordance with an HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) protocol, an HDD 39 that stores a service list 71 and a printer list 72, which will be described later, a printing environment sharing application 24, Have

  An XML processing unit 61 that processes messages described in XML (extensible Markup Language) and a SOAP processing unit 62 that exchanges messages in accordance with SOAP are other than the printing environment sharing application 24 and the printing environment sharing application 24. Shared with the app.

  The printing environment sharing service 13 included in the printing environment sharing application 24 includes a service list acquisition unit 41, a printer list acquisition unit 42, a document data acquisition unit 43, a data transfer unit 44, a printer capability information acquisition unit 45, Application information acquisition unit 46, storage unit 47, deletion unit 48, service list management unit 49, printer list management unit 50, print reservation control unit 51, print start control unit 52, and reservation information acquisition unit 53 A saved document data acquisition unit 54, a reservation list acquisition unit 55, a reservation information change unit 56, a conversion request transmission unit 57, and a print data reception unit 58.

  The service list acquisition unit 41 acquires the service list 71. For example, the service list acquisition unit 41 transmits a service list 71 (described later) stored in another SPS server 3 to the other SPS via the print environment sharing service 13 installed in the other SPS server 3. Obtain from the server 3, or obtain a service list 71 (to be described later) stored in the SPS server 3 on which the printing environment sharing service 13 is mounted.

  The printer list acquisition unit 42 acquires the printer list 72. For example, the printer list acquisition unit 42 uses the printer environment 72 described later stored in the other SPS server 3 or the print server 4 as the print environment sharing service 13 or the print server installed in the other SPS server 3. The printer list 72 is acquired from the other SPS server 3 or the print server 4 via the document print service 14 installed in FIG. 4 or the printer list 72 described later from the SPS server 3 in which the print environment sharing service 13 is installed. Or get.

  The document data acquisition unit 43 acquires the document data of the designated document from the repository server 2 via the repository service 12 based on a request from the Web server 1 shown in FIG. 2 or FIG.

  The data transfer unit 44 includes route information of the print location to the print environment shared service 13, identification information for specifying the print location (for example, a service identifier of the print environment shared service 13), and identification information for specifying the printer 6 that performs printing ( For example, reservation information such as a printer name and / or printer identifier), printing conditions, and / or document data acquired by the document data acquisition unit 43 is sent to another SPS server 3 via another printing environment sharing service 13. Forward.

  The printer capability information acquisition unit 45 uses, for example, the capability information of the printer 6 such as whether printing is possible in color or double-sided printing, and the printing environment sharing service 13 and / or the print server 4 installed in the other SPS server 3. Or via the document print service 14 installed in the SPS server 3 in which the print environment sharing service 13 is installed.

  The application information acquisition unit 46 displays application information necessary for converting the document data acquired by the document data acquisition unit 43 into print data, for example, whether there is an application such as Microsoft Word (registered trademark). get.

  The storage unit 47 stores the reservation information and / or the document data in the HDD 39.

  The erasure unit 48 stores the reservation information and / or the document data stored in the storage unit 47 based on a request from another printing environment sharing service 13 or based on reservation time limit information included in the reservation information. to erase. For example, the reservation information prints the reserved document data together with the route information to the print environment sharing service 13 of the print location, the identification information for specifying the print location, the identification information for specifying the printer 6 that performs printing, and the printing conditions. Reservation deadline information representing a deadline that can be received is included.

  The service list management unit 49 is a management unit that manages the service list 71. For example, based on a connection request from another print environment sharing service 13, the service list management unit 49 stores the service list 71 in the service list 71 stored in the HDD 39 of the SPS server 3. For example, from the service list 71 stored in the HDD 39 of the SPS server 3 based on a request for disconnection from another print environment shared service 13 or the data related to the print environment shared service 13 of the connection request source, For example, the data related to the print environment sharing service 13 of the disconnection request source is deleted.

  The printer list management unit 50 is a management unit that manages the printer list 72. For example, based on a request, the printer list management unit 50 adds data to the printer list 72 stored in the HDD 39 of the SPS server 3, or from the printer list 72. Or delete data.

  The print reservation control unit 51 performs control related to a print reservation request. For example, a print reservation request is received from the Web server 1 or the like connected to the SPS server 3 via the Internet and / or network, and the document data acquisition unit 43 is requested to acquire document data, or document data acquisition The data transfer unit 44 is requested to transmit the document data acquired by the unit 43 and the reservation information included in the print reservation request to the other print environment sharing service 13, or the reservation information and / or the storage unit 47 is requested. Request storage of document data.

  The print start control unit 52 performs control related to a print start request. For example, a print start request is received from the Web server 1 connected to the SPS server 3 via the Internet and / or the network and / or another print environment sharing service 13 and the like, and the route information to the print location is used as a basis. In addition, the print start request is transmitted to another print environment sharing service 13 or the document print service 14.

  The reservation information acquisition unit 53 acquires reservation information related to a print reservation stored in the storage unit 47 of the printing environment sharing service 13 and / or the storage unit 47 of another printing environment sharing service 13.

  The stored document data acquisition unit 54 acquires document data stored in the storage unit 47 of the printing environment shared service 13 and / or the storage unit 47 of another printing environment shared service 13.

  The reservation list acquisition unit 55 acquires a list of reservation information related to printing reservations stored in the storage unit 47 of the printing environment sharing service 13 and / or the storage unit 47 of other printing environment sharing service 13.

  The reservation information changing unit 56 changes the reservation information stored in the storage unit 47.

  The conversion request transmission unit 57 transmits a conversion request from the document data to the print data including the document data to the document print service 14.

  The print data receiving unit 58 receives print data corresponding to the conversion request transmitted from the conversion request transmitting unit 57 from the document print service 14.

  Hereinafter, an example from a print reservation to a print start process will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, an example of selection of a print location will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining selection of a print location.

  FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram for explaining selection of a print location.

  For example, in the case of a system configuration as shown in FIG. 3, the Web server 1 makes a print environment shared service 13 (A-1) to a print environment shared service 13 (A-1-1) based on a request from the user. -1) transmits a request to obtain the service list 71 of the printing environment shared service 13 (A-1-1) including information related to the location of the other printing environment shared service 13 that can be referred to (sequence S1 in FIG. 8). .) At this time, the acquisition request for the service list 71 includes route information to the print environment shared service 13 (A-1-1).

  The service list acquisition unit 41 of the printing environment shared service 13 (A-1-1) that has received the acquisition request of the service list 71 of the printing environment shared service 13 (A-1-1) from the Web server 1 is the SPS server 3 The service list 71 stored in the HDD 39 of (A-1-1) is acquired and transmitted to the Web server 1 (sequence S2 in FIG. 8). At this time, along with the service list 71, route information to the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) is also transmitted to the Web server 1.

  The Web server 1 creates a print location selection screen as shown in FIG. 7A based on the received service list 71 (for example, see FIG. 9 described later) of the print environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1). And provide it to the user.

  FIG. 7A shows another print environment shared service 13 that can be referred to by the print environment shared service 13 (A-1-1).

  For simplification of description, in FIG. 7, the print environment sharing service 13 that can be referred to is simply described as A-1-1-1, A-1-1-2, A-1, or the like. This is, for example, information for specifying a printing place such as a department name, business office name, or place name. The same applies to the following drawings.

  For example, when the user selects “A-1” and taps the “Next” button, the Web server 1 sends the print environment shared service 13 (A-1-1) to the print environment shared service 13 (A-1-1). The acquisition request for the service list 71 of (-1) is transmitted (sequence S3 in FIG. 8). Here, when the user selects “A-1”, the Web server 1 reads the print environment shared service 13 (A−) from the service list 71 of the acquired print environment shared service 13 (A-1-1). 1) is an upper level connection of the printing environment shared service 13 (A-1-1), and the printing environment shared service 13 (A-1-1) to the printing environment shared service 13 (A-1). Since the information is obtained, the route information from the Web server 1 to the print environment shared service 13 (A-1-1) is used as the route information, and the print environment shared service 13 (A-1-1) to the print environment. Route information to the shared service 13 (A-1) is added, and the route information is included in the service list 71 acquisition request. Similarly, in the following, the Web server 1 and / or the printing environment sharing service 13 can acquire the route information to the printing location selected by the user, for example, by acquiring the service list 71.

  Here, the user selects a print location, taps a button, or the like on the screen displayed on the PDA 7. The same applies to the following.

  The service list acquisition unit 41 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) that has received the acquisition request sends the acquisition request to the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1) based on the route information. Transmit (sequence S4 in FIG. 8).

  The service list acquisition unit 41 of the printing environment shared service 13 (A-1) that has received the acquisition request acquires the service list 71 stored in the SPS server 3 (A-1), and The route information is transmitted to the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) based on the route information (sequence S5 in FIG. 8).

  The service list acquisition unit 41 of the print environment shared service 13 (A-1-1) transmits the received service list 71 of the print environment shared service 13 (A-1) and the path information to the Web server 1 ( Sequence S6 in FIG. 8).

  As described above, the print environment shared service 13 adds the route information every time the user selects the print location, and includes the route information in the acquisition request for the service list 71 and passes it to the print environment shared service 13. The acquisition request for the service list 71 can be transferred to another printing environment shared service 13 according to the route information. Further, the printing environment sharing service 13 can transfer the acquired service list 71 to the other printing environment sharing service 13 of the request source according to the route information. In addition, although description is abbreviate | omitted below for the simplification of description, route information is contained in the acquisition request of the service list 71 and the response to the acquisition request, and the service list 71 and the like are acquired using the route information. It shall be.

  The Web server 1 creates a print location selection screen as shown in FIG. 7B based on the received service list 71 of the print environment sharing service 13 (A-1) and provides it to the user.

  In FIG. 7B, the printing environment shared service 13 that can be referred to by the printing environment shared service 13 (A-1) is displayed.

  For example, when the user selects “R-0” and taps the “Next” button, the Web server 1 sends the print environment shared service 13 (R-R) to the print environment shared service 13 (A-1-1). -0) request for obtaining the service list 71 is transmitted (sequence S7 in FIG. 8).

  The service list acquisition unit 41 of the printing environment shared service 13 (A-1-1) that has received the acquisition request transmits the acquisition request to the printing environment shared service 13 (A-1) (sequence of FIG. 8). S8.).

  The service list acquisition unit 41 of the printing environment shared service 13 (A-1) that has received the acquisition request transmits the acquisition request to the printing environment shared service 13 (R-0) (sequence S9 in FIG. 8). ).

  The service list acquisition unit 41 of the printing environment shared service 13 (R-0) that has received the acquisition request acquires the service list 71 stored in the SPS server 3 (R-0), and the printing environment sharing service 13. (A-1) (sequence S10 in FIG. 8).

  The service list acquisition unit 41 of the print environment shared service 13 (A-1) transmits the received service list 71 of the print environment shared service 13 (R-0) to the print environment shared service 13 (A-1-1). (Sequence S11 in FIG. 8).

  The service list acquisition unit 41 of the print environment shared service 13 (A-1-1) transmits the received service list 71 of the print environment shared service 13 (R-0) to the Web server 1 (sequence S12 in FIG. 8). ).

  The Web server 1 creates a print location selection screen as shown in FIG. 7C based on the received service list 71 of the print environment sharing service 13 (R-0) and provides it to the user.

  In FIG. 7C, the printing environment shared service 13 that can be referred to by the printing environment shared service 13 (R-0) is displayed.

  For example, when the user selects “B-1” and taps the “Next” button, the Web server 1 sends the print environment shared service 13 (B-B) to the print environment shared service 13 (A-1-1). The acquisition request for the service list 71 of (-1) is transmitted (sequence S13 in FIG. 8).

  The service list acquisition unit 41 of the printing environment shared service 13 (A-1-1) that has received the acquisition request transmits the acquisition request to the printing environment shared service 13 (A-1) (sequence of FIG. 8). S14.).

  The service list acquisition unit 41 of the printing environment shared service 13 (A-1) that has received the acquisition request transmits the acquisition request to the printing environment shared service 13 (R-0) (sequence S15 in FIG. 8). ).

  The service list acquisition unit 41 of the printing environment shared service 13 (R-0) that has received the acquisition request transmits the acquisition request to the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1) (sequence S16 in FIG. 8). ).

  The service list acquisition unit 41 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) that has received the acquisition request acquires the service list 71 stored in the SPS server 3 (B-1), and the printing environment sharing service 13. (R-0) (sequence S17 in FIG. 8).

  The service list acquisition unit 41 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (R-0) transmits the received service list 71 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) to the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1) (FIG. 8 sequence S18).

  The service list acquisition unit 41 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1) transmits the received service list 71 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) to the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1). (Sequence S19 in FIG. 8).

  The service list acquisition unit 41 of the print environment shared service 13 (A-1-1) transmits the received service list 71 of the print environment shared service 13 (B-1) to the Web server 1 (sequence S20 in FIG. 8). ).

  The Web server 1 creates a print location selection screen as shown in FIG. 7D based on the received service list 71 of the print environment sharing service 13 (B-1) and provides it to the user.

  In FIG. 7D, the printing environment shared service 13 that can be referred to by the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1) is displayed.

  For example, when the user selects “B-1-2” and taps the “OK” button, the Web server 1 creates a print location selection confirmation screen as shown in FIG. 7E and provides it to the user. .

  Further, for example, when the user taps the “selection result display” button on the print location selection confirmation screen in FIG. 7E, the user selects a print location etc. by the previous user and adds it every time the “decision” button is tapped. From the route information, the Web server 1 creates a print location selection result display screen as shown in FIG. 7F and provides it to the user.

  By performing the processing shown in FIG. 7 and / or FIG. 8, the printing location is selected by the user, and the web server 1 and / or the printing environment is shared from the route information added each time the “OK” button is tapped. Service 13 (A-1-1) is (A-1-1) → (A-1) → (R-0) → (B-1) → (B-1-2), etc. The route information from the service 13 (A-1-1) to the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1-2) that is the printing location selected by the user can be acquired.

  For example, when the user taps a “print reservation” button on the print location selection confirmation screen in FIG. 7E, the Web server 1 creates a print reservation confirmation screen as shown in FIG. provide.

  For example, the user can make a print reservation by setting only the print location without setting the printer 6 or print conditions, and tapping a “reserve” button on the print reservation confirmation screen of FIG. In such a case, after the print reservation, for example, after the user goes to the actual printing place, the usage status and performance of the printer 6 in the vicinity are confirmed, the printer 6 and printing conditions described later are set, and printing is performed. I do.

  Although not shown, the user can designate only a document to be printed and can make a print reservation without setting a printing location. In such a case, for example, after the location of the meeting is determined, the user sets a printing location, a printer 6 and a printing condition, which will be described later, and performs printing.

  Hereinafter, an example of the service list 71 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of the service list. The service list 71 shown in FIG. 9 is an example of the service list 71 stored in the SPS server 3 (A-1-1) in the system configuration as shown in FIG.

  The service list 71 includes identification information for specifying another print environment shared service 13 that can be referred to by the corresponding print environment shared service 13.

  For example, the service list 71 shown in FIG. 9 has a higher rank than the print environment shared service 13 that can be referred to by the print environment shared service 13 installed in the SPS server 3 in which the service list 71 is stored. Identification information for specifying the printing environment shared service 13 and identification information for specifying the lower printing environment sharing service 13 are included.

  However, in order to simplify the description, in FIG. 9, instead of the identification information for specifying the printing environment shared service 13, for example, A-1 or A-1- 1-1 etc. are included.

  Although not shown in FIG. 9, the service list 71 includes other print environment shared services that can be referred to by the print environment shared service 13 installed in the SPS server 3 in which the service list 71 is stored. Along with the identification information 13, the name, latitude, longitude, altitude, address, etc. of the place where the other printing environment sharing service 13 exists are included.

  In the diagram showing the service list 71, “none” is described when there is no higher, peer, or lower printing environment sharing service 13 with respect to the printing environment sharing service 13. In the example of FIG. 9, the peer is “none”.

  Hereinafter, an example of selection of the printer 6 will be described with reference to FIGS. Since the printer list 72 is used in this system to limit the printers that are allowed to be used by people in other departments, the printer list 72 is provided for all people in other departments. The printer list 72 is not necessary when the use of the printer is permitted. However, in the following description, it is assumed that the printer list 72 exists. First, taking the case where the printer list 72 is stored in the SPS server 3 as described above, an example of obtaining the printer list 72 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of printer list acquisition.

  For example, as described with reference to FIG. 7, the selection of the printing location (for example, the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2)) is completed, and the user selects the printing location as illustrated in FIG. When the “printer selection” button is tapped on the selection confirmation screen, the Web server 1 uses the printing environment sharing service 13 for the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) in the system configuration shown in FIG. An acquisition request for the printer list 72 of (B-1-2) is transmitted (sequence S30 in FIG. 10).

  When searching for a print location, the Web server 1 searches for route information (for example, (A-1-1) → (A-1) → (R-0) → (B-1) to the print service 13 at the print location. ) → (B-1-2)), the route information can be included in the acquisition request for the printer list 72 and transmitted.

  The printer list acquisition unit 42 of the printing environment shared service 13 (A-1-1) that has received the acquisition request of the printer list 72 of the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1-2) performs printing based on the route information. The acquisition request is transmitted to the environment sharing service 13 (A-1) (sequence S31 in FIG. 10).

  The printer list acquisition unit 42 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1) that has received the acquisition request transmits the acquisition request to the printing environment sharing service 13 (R-0) based on the route information. (Sequence S32 in FIG. 10).

  The printer list acquisition unit 42 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (R-0) that has received the acquisition request transmits the acquisition request to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) based on the path information. (Sequence S33 in FIG. 10).

  The printer list acquisition unit 42 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) that has received the acquisition request sends the acquisition request to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) based on the route information. Transmit (sequence S34 in FIG. 10).

  The printer list acquisition unit 42 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) that has received the acquisition request acquires the printer list 72 stored in the SPS server 3 (B-1-2), and Based on the route information, it is transmitted to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) (sequence S35 in FIG. 10).

  The printer list acquisition unit 42 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) uses the received printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) as the printer list 72 based on the path information. (R-0) (sequence S36 in FIG. 10).

  The printer list acquisition unit 42 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (R-0) uses the received printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) printer list 72 based on the path information. (A-1) (sequence S37 in FIG. 10).

  The printer list acquisition unit 42 of the printing environment shared service 13 (A-1) uses the received printer list 72 of the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1-2) based on the route information. (A-1-1) (sequence S38 in FIG. 10).

  The printer list acquisition unit 42 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) transmits the received printer list 72 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) to the Web server 1 (FIG. 10). Sequence S39.).

  The Web server 1 creates a printer selection screen as shown in FIG. 13A to be described later based on the received printer list 72 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) and provides it to the user.

  Hereinafter, an example of obtaining the printer list 72 will be described with reference to FIG. 11, taking the case where the printer list 72 is stored in the print server 4 as an example. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram for explaining another example of printer list acquisition.

  For example, as described with reference to FIG. 7 and the like, the search for the printing location (for example, the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2)) is completed, and the user performs printing as illustrated in FIG. When the “select printer” button is tapped on the location selection confirmation screen, the Web server 1 uses the print environment shared service to the print environment shared service 13 (A-1-1) in the system configuration shown in FIG. 13 (B-1-2), a request for acquiring the printer list 72 of the document print service 14 that can be referred to is transmitted (sequence S600).

  The printer list acquisition unit 42 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) that has received the acquisition request of the printer list 72 of the document printing service 14 that can be referred to by the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) Based on the path information, the acquisition request is transmitted to the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1) (sequence S601).

  The printer list acquisition unit 42 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1) that has received the acquisition request transmits the acquisition request to the printing environment sharing service 13 (R-0) based on the route information. (Sequence S602).

  The printer list acquisition unit 42 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (R-0) that has received the acquisition request transmits the acquisition request to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) based on the path information. (Sequence S603).

  The printer list acquisition unit 42 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) that has received the acquisition request sends the acquisition request to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) based on the route information. Transmit (sequence S604).

  The printer list acquisition unit 42 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) that has received the acquisition request for the printer list 72 of the document printing service 14 that can be referred to by the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) An acquisition request for the printer list 72 of the document print service 14 (PS-2) is transmitted to the document print service 14 (PS-2) (sequence S605).

  The document print service 14 (PS-2) that has received the acquisition request acquires the printer list 72 stored in the print server 4 (PS-2), for example, and print environment shared service 13 (B-1- 2) (sequence S606).

  The printer list acquisition unit 42 of the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1-2) uses the received printer list 72 of the document print service 14 (PS-2) based on the path information. B-1) (sequence S607).

  The printer list acquisition unit 42 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) transmits the received printer list 72 to the printing environment sharing service 13 (R-0) based on the path information (sequence S608). .

  The printer list acquisition unit 42 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (R-0) transmits the received printer list 72 to the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1) based on the path information (sequence S609). .

  The printer list acquisition unit 42 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1) transmits the received printer list 72 to the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) based on the path information (sequence S610). .)

  The printer list acquisition unit 42 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) transmits the received printer list 72 to the Web server 1 (sequence S611).

  Based on the received printer list 72 of the document print service 14 that can be referred to by the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2), the Web server 1 displays a printer selection screen as shown in FIG. And provide it to the user.

  In the following description, the printer list 72 is assumed to be stored in the SPS server 3 in which each printing environment shared service 13 is mounted for the sake of simplicity.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an example of the printer list.

  The printer list 72 includes a service identifier of the document print service 14 that can be referred to by the corresponding print environment sharing service 13, a printer identifier (for example, printer ID) of the printer 6 to be managed by the document print service 14, and a printer. Name.

  For example, the printer list 72 shown in FIG. 12 includes the document print service 14 that can be referred to by the print environment sharing service 13 installed in the SPS server 3 (B-1-2) in which the printer list 72 is stored. The service identifier, the printer identifier of the printer 6 to be managed by the document print service 14, and the printer name are included.

  However, for simplification of description, FIG. 12 includes PS-1, PS-2, and the like for identifying the document print service 14, for example, instead of the service identifier.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining selection of a printer.

  As described above, when the user taps the “printer selection” button on the print location selection confirmation screen as shown in FIG. 7E, the Web server 1 uses the print environment sharing service 13 selected as the print location. An acquisition request for the printer list 72 is made, and the printer list 72 is acquired.

  The Web server 1 creates a printer selection screen as shown in FIG. 13A based on the acquired printer list 72 and provides it to the user.

  For example, when the user selects “P-2-2” on the printer selection screen in FIG. 13A and taps the “OK” button, the Web server 1 confirms the printer selection as shown in FIG. Create a screen and provide it to the user.

  For example, when the user taps the “print reservation” button on the printer selection confirmation screen in FIG. 13B, the Web server 1 creates a print reservation confirmation screen as shown in FIG. 13C and provides it to the user. To do.

  In the print reservation confirmation screen in FIG. 13C, the printer 6 is set compared to the print reservation confirmation screen in FIG. 7G.

  For example, the user selects and sets a document to be printed, a printing location, and the printer 6 without setting printing conditions, and taps a “reservation” button on the print reservation confirmation screen in FIG. Reservations can be made.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 to 13, for example, when the Web server 1 and / or the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) acquires the printer list 72, the user selects the printer 6, Print reservations can be made.

  Hereinafter, an example of capability information acquisition of the printer 6 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of acquiring capability information of a printer.

  For example, when the selection of the printer 6 is completed as shown in FIG. 13 and the user taps the “print condition setting” button on the printer selection confirmation screen as shown in FIG. In the system configuration as shown in FIG. 3, the printer 6 (P-2-2) capability information acquisition request is transmitted to the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) (FIG. 14). Sequence S40.).

  The printer capability information acquisition unit 45 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) that has received the capability information acquisition request of the printer 6 (P-2-2), based on the path information, 13 (A-1) transmits the acquisition request (sequence S41 in FIG. 14).

  The printer capability information acquisition unit 45 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1) that has received the acquisition request transmits the acquisition request to the printing environment sharing service 13 (R-0) based on the path information. (Sequence S42 in FIG. 14).

  The printer capability information acquisition unit 45 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (R-0) that has received the acquisition request transmits the acquisition request to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) based on the path information. (Sequence S43 in FIG. 14).

  The printer capability information acquisition unit 45 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) that has received the acquisition request makes the acquisition request to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) based on the path information. Is transmitted (sequence S44 of FIG. 14).

  The printer capability information acquisition unit 45 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) that has received the acquisition request indicates that the printer 6 (P-2-2) selected by the user from the printer list 72 is a document print. Since it is understood that the service is managed by the service 14 (PS-2), the acquisition request is transmitted to the document print service 14 (PS-2) (sequence S45 in FIG. 14).

  Upon receiving the acquisition request, the document print service 14 (PS-2) acquires capability information of the printer 6 (P-2-2) stored in the print server 4 (PS-2), for example, and prints it. It transmits to the environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) (sequence S46 of FIG. 14).

  Note that the capability information of the printer 6 may be stored in the print server 4, or may be stored in each of the printers 6 together in another server or the like. In the following description, for the sake of simplicity, the capability information of the printer 6 is assumed to be stored in the print server 4.

  The printer capability information acquisition unit 45 of the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1-2) obtains the received capability information of the printer 6 (P-2-2) based on the route information. B-1) (sequence S47 in FIG. 14).

  The printer capability information acquisition unit 45 of the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1) uses the received capability information of the printer 6 (P-2-2) based on the route information as a printing environment sharing service 13 (R-). 0) (sequence S48 in FIG. 14).

  The printer capability information acquisition unit 45 of the printing environment shared service 13 (R-0) uses the received capability information of the printer 6 (P-2-2) based on the route information as the printing environment shared service 13 (A-). 1) (sequence S49 in FIG. 14).

  The printer capability information acquisition unit 45 of the printing environment shared service 13 (A-1) uses the received capability information of the printer 6 (P-2-2) based on the route information as the printing environment shared service 13 (A-). 1-1) (sequence S50 in FIG. 14).

  The printer capability information acquisition unit 45 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) transmits the received capability information of the printer 6 (P-2-2) to the Web server 1 (sequence S51 in FIG. 14). ).

  The Web server 1 creates a print condition setting screen as shown in FIG. 15A described later based on the received capability information of the printer 6 (P-2-2) and provides it to the user.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining setting of printing conditions.

  As described above, for example, when the user taps the “print condition setting” button on the printer selection confirmation screen in FIG. 13B, the Web server 1 makes a request for acquiring the capability information of the selected printer 6, Capability information of the printer 6 is acquired.

  The Web server 1 creates a print condition setting screen as shown in FIG. 15A based on the acquired capability information of the printer 6 and provides it to the user.

  Further, for example, when the user taps the “print reservation” button on the print condition setting screen in FIG. 15A, the Web server 1 creates a print reservation confirmation screen as shown in FIG. To provide.

  The printing reservation confirmation screen in FIG. 15B has printing conditions set as compared to the printing reservation confirmation screen in FIG.

  For example, the user can set a document to be printed, a printing location, a printer, and printing conditions, and tap a “reservation” button on the print reservation confirmation screen in FIG. 15B to make a print reservation.

  As described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, for example, when the Web server 1 and / or the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) acquires the capability information of the printer, the user can specify the printing location and the printing location. Following the printer, printing conditions can be set and printing reservations can be made.

  Hereinafter, an example of a print reservation request and a print start request will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of a print reservation request and a print start request.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram (part 1) for explaining the start of printing.

  For example, when the user taps the “reservation” button on the print reservation confirmation screen as shown in FIG. 15B, the Web server 1 uses the print environment sharing service 13 (A -1-1), a print reservation request is transmitted (sequence S60 in FIG. 16).

  The print reservation control unit 51 of the print environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) that has received the print reservation request receives the document ID, document use permission information, and the like included in the print reservation request as a document data acquisition unit 43. To obtain document data.

  The document data acquisition unit 43 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) transmits a document data acquisition request including the document ID and document use permission information to the repository service 12 (sequence in FIG. 16). S61.).

  Upon receiving the document data acquisition request, the repository service 12 determines the validity of the document usage permission information included in the document acquisition request and determines that the document usage permission information is valid. Corresponding document data is acquired from the repository server 2 and transmitted to the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) (sequence S62 in FIG. 16).

  When the document data acquisition unit 43 acquires the document data, the print reservation control unit 51 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) stores reservation information (for example, the print reservation request received from the Web server 1 (for example, , Identification information for specifying the printing location, identification information for specifying the printer 6, printing conditions, route information to the printing location, and the like) and the obtained document data are requested to be saved.

  The storage unit 47 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) requested to store the reservation information and the document data in the HDD 39 of the SPS server 3 (A-1-1).

  Further, the print reservation control unit 51 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) requests the data transfer unit 44 to transfer the reservation information and the acquired document data.

  The data transfer unit 44 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) requested to transfer prints the reservation information and the document data based on the route information to the print location included in the reservation information. It transfers to environment sharing service 13 (A-1) (sequence S63 of FIG. 16).

  The data transfer unit 44 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1) that has acquired the reservation information and the document data uses the reservation information and the document data based on the route information to the print location included in the reservation information. Then, it is transferred to the printing environment shared service 13 (R-0) (sequence S64 in FIG. 16).

  The data transfer unit 44 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (R-0) that has acquired the reservation information and the document data uses the reservation information and the document data based on the route information to the print location included in the reservation information. Then, it is transferred to the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1) (sequence S65 in FIG. 16).

  The data transfer unit 44 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) that has acquired the reservation information and the document data uses the reservation information and the document data based on route information to the printing location included in the reservation information. Then, it is transferred to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) (sequence S66 in FIG. 16).

  The data transfer unit 44 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) that has acquired the reservation information and the document data indicates that the acquisition has been performed, and print reservation control of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2). Notify the unit 51. The print reservation control unit 51 of the print environment shared service 13 (B-1-2) uses the reservation information and document data acquired by the data transfer unit 44 of the print environment shared service 13 (B-1-2) as the print environment shared service. 13 (B-1-2) to the storage unit 47 to request storage. The storage unit 47 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) that has received the request stores the reservation information and the document data in the HDD 39 of the SPS server 3 (B-1-2).

  On the other hand, the Web server 1 transmits a reservation list acquisition request that can be referred to by the user to the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) based on, for example, a request from a user who has visited the printing location. Sequence S67 in FIG. 16).

  The reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) that has received the acquisition request, based on an identifier for identifying the user included in the acquisition request, for example, a user ID, the SPS server 3. For example, the reservation name and / or reservation number of the corresponding reservation information is acquired from the reservation information stored in (A-1-1), and is transmitted to the Web server 1 as a reservation list (sequence in FIG. 16). S68.).

  When the Web server 1 receives the reservation list, the Web server 1 creates a print reservation selection screen as shown in FIG. 17A with the reservation list as display contents, and provides it to the user.

  For example, when the user selects “Reservation 1” on the print reservation selection screen in FIG. 17A and taps the “Reservation contents” button, the Web server 1 switches to the print environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1). On the other hand, a reservation information acquisition request corresponding to “reservation 1” is transmitted (sequence S69 in FIG. 16).

  The reservation information acquisition unit 53 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) that has received the acquisition request, based on the reservation identifier (for example, reservation number) included in the acquisition request, the SPS server 3 (A The corresponding reservation information is acquired from the reservation information stored in (1-1) and transmitted to the Web server 1 (sequence S70 in FIG. 16). In the following description, for simplification of description, a reservation number is used as a reservation identifier.

  When the Web server 1 receives the reservation information, the Web server 1 creates a print reservation content display screen as shown in FIG. 17B with the reservation information as display content, and provides it to the user.

  For example, when the user confirms the reservation content on the print reservation content display screen as shown in FIG. 17B and taps the “print” button on the print reservation content display screen, the Web server 1 displays the reservation content as shown in FIG. In such a system configuration, a print start request including a reservation number is transmitted to the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) (sequence S71 in FIG. 16).

  Upon receiving the print start request, the print start control unit 52 of the print environment shared service 13 (A-1-1) sends the print start request to the print environment shared service 13 ( A-1) (sequence S72 in FIG. 16).

  The route information to the print location may be transmitted from the Web server 1 to the print environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) included in the print start request, or the print start request may be sent. The received printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) refers to the corresponding reservation information stored in the SPS server 3 (A-1-1), obtains it, and makes the print start request. It may be included.

  The printing start control unit 52 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1) that has received the printing start request sends the printing start request to the printing environment sharing service 13 (R) based on the route information to the printing location. -0) (sequence S73 in FIG. 16).

  Upon receiving the print start request, the print start control unit 52 of the print environment shared service 13 (R-0) sends the print start request to the print environment shared service 13 (B) based on the route information to the print location. -1) (sequence S74 in FIG. 16).

  Upon receiving the print start request, the print start control unit 52 of the print environment shared service 13 (B-1) sends the print start request to the print environment shared service 13 (B) based on the route information to the print location. -1-2) (sequence S75 in FIG. 16).

  The print start control unit 52 of the print environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) that has received the print start request receives the SPS server 3 (B-1) corresponding to the reservation number included in the print start request. 2), the reservation information and the document data stored in the HDD 39 are acquired, and a print start request including the reservation information and the document data is transmitted to the document print service 14 (PS-2) (sequence in FIG. 16). S76.).

  The document print service 14 (PS-2) that has received the print start request including the reservation information and the document data prints the document data with the designated printer 6 (P-2-2). The print start request including the print data is transmitted to the printer 6 (P-2-2) included in the reservation information (sequence S77 in FIG. 16).

  The printer 6 (P-2-2) that has received the print start request prints the print data included in the print start request.

  As shown in FIGS. 16 and / or 17, the printing environment sharing service 13 prints printing reservation information and document data based on the route information to the printing location acquired using the service list 71, for example, at the printing location. It can be transferred to the environment sharing service 13 to make a print reservation.

  The print environment sharing service 13 also issues a print start request based on the route information to the print location acquired using the service list 71, for example, and the print location SPS server 3 for storing print reservation information and document data. The document print service 14 that manages the designated printer 6 can be requested to start printing.

  Hereinafter, an example of changing the print location via the Web server 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram (part 1) for explaining the change of the print location.

  FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram (part 1) for explaining the print location change process.

  For example, when the user taps the “change reservation” button on the print reservation content display screen shown in FIG. 17B, the Web server 1 creates a reservation change screen as shown in FIG. To provide.

  For example, when the user selects “change print location” on the reservation change screen shown in FIG. 18A and taps the “next” button, the Web server 1 has the system configuration shown in FIG. An acquisition request for the service list 71 of the print environment shared service 13 (B-1-2) including the route information to the print location (B-1-2) included in the reservation information is sent to the print environment shared service 13 (A- 1-1) (sequence S100 in FIG. 19).

  The service list acquisition unit 41 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) that has received the acquisition request, based on the path information included in the acquisition request, sends the acquisition request to the printing environment sharing service 13 (A -1) (sequence S101 in FIG. 19).

  Upon receiving the acquisition request, the service list acquisition unit 41 of the printing environment shared service 13 (A-1) sends the acquisition request to the printing environment sharing service 13 (R-0) based on the path information included in the acquisition request. (Sequence S102 in FIG. 19).

  Upon receiving the acquisition request, the service list acquisition unit 41 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (R-0) sends the acquisition request to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) based on the path information included in the acquisition request. (Sequence S103 in FIG. 19).

  The service list acquisition unit 41 of the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1) that has received the acquisition request sends the acquisition request to the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1) based on the path information included in the acquisition request. -2) (sequence S104 in FIG. 19).

  The service list acquisition unit 41 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) that has received the acquisition request acquires the service list 71 stored in the SPS server 3 (B-1-2) and prints it. It transmits to the environment sharing service 13 (B-1) (sequence S105 of FIG. 19).

  The service list acquisition unit 41 of the print environment shared service 13 (B-1) uses the received service list 71 of the print environment shared service 13 (B-1-2) based on the route information. (R-0) (sequence S106 in FIG. 19).

  The service list acquisition unit 41 of the print environment shared service 13 (R-0) uses the received service list 71 of the print environment shared service 13 (B-1-2) as the print environment shared service 13 based on the route information. (A-1) (sequence S107 in FIG. 19).

  The service list acquisition unit 41 of the print environment shared service 13 (A-1) uses the received service list 71 of the print environment shared service 13 (B-1-2) based on the route information. (A-1-1) (sequence S108 in FIG. 19).

  The service list acquisition unit 41 of the print environment shared service 13 (A-1-1) transmits the received service list 71 of the print environment shared service 13 (B-1-2) to the Web server 1 (FIG. 19). Sequence S109.)

  The Web server 1 that has received the service list 71 of the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1-2) displays the service list 71 of the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1-2) in FIG. Create a print location change screen as shown and provide it to the user.

  For example, when the user selects “B-1” on the print location change screen shown in FIG. 18B and taps the “Next” button, the Web server 1 selects “B-1”. And “B-1-2” is deleted from the route information, and an acquisition request for the service list 71 of the print environment shared service 13 (B-1) including the route information is sent to the print environment shared service. 13 (A-1-1) (sequence S110 in FIG. 19).

  The service list acquisition unit 41 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) that has received the acquisition request, based on the path information included in the acquisition request, sends the acquisition request to the printing environment sharing service 13 (A -1) (sequence S111 in FIG. 19).

  Upon receiving the acquisition request, the service list acquisition unit 41 of the printing environment shared service 13 (A-1) sends the acquisition request to the printing environment sharing service 13 (R-0) based on the path information included in the acquisition request. (Sequence S112 in FIG. 19).

  Upon receiving the acquisition request, the service list acquisition unit 41 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (R-0) sends the acquisition request to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) based on the path information included in the acquisition request. (Sequence S113 in FIG. 19).

  The service list acquisition unit 41 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) that has received the acquisition request acquires the service list 71 stored in the SPS server 3 (B-1), and the printing environment sharing service 13. (R-0) (sequence S114 in FIG. 19).

  The service list acquisition unit 41 of the print environment shared service 13 (R-0) uses the received service list 71 of the print environment shared service 13 (B-1) based on the route information as the print environment shared service 13 (A-0). -1) (sequence S115 in FIG. 19).

  The service list acquisition unit 41 of the print environment shared service 13 (A-1) uses the received service list 71 of the print environment shared service 13 (B-1) based on the route information as the print environment shared service 13 (A-1). -1-1) (sequence S116 in FIG. 19).

  The service list acquisition unit 41 of the print environment shared service 13 (A-1-1) transmits the received service list 71 of the print environment shared service 13 (B-1) to the Web server 1 (sequence S117 in FIG. 19). .)

  Upon receiving the service list 71 of the print environment shared service 13 (B-1), the Web server 1 performs printing as shown in FIG. 18C based on the service list 71 of the print environment shared service 13 (B-1). Create a location change screen and provide it to the user.

  For example, when the user selects “B-1-1” on the print location change screen shown in FIG. 18C and taps the “OK” button, the Web server 1 displays “B-1-1”. The selection is stored, “B-1-1” is added to the route information, and a print location change confirmation screen as shown in FIG. 18D is created and provided to the user.

  When the Web server 1 and / or the printing environment sharing service 13 performs the processing as described above, the user can change the printing location. Further, the route information to the printing location is also changed with the change of the printing location.

  For example, when the user taps the “printer selection” button on the print location change confirmation screen as shown in FIG. 18D, the Web server 1 displays a new print location (B-1-1) selected by the user. A request to acquire the printer list 72 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) including the route information to the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) is transmitted (sequence S118 in FIG. 19). ).

  The printer list acquisition unit 42 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) that has received the acquisition request, based on the path information included in the acquisition request, sends the acquisition request to the printing environment sharing service 13 (A -1) (sequence S119 in FIG. 19).

  Upon receiving the acquisition request, the printer list acquisition unit 42 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1) sends the acquisition request to the printing environment sharing service 13 (R-0) based on the path information included in the acquisition request. (Sequence S120 in FIG. 19).

  Upon receiving the acquisition request, the printer list acquisition unit 42 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (R-0) sends the acquisition request to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) based on the path information included in the acquisition request. (Sequence S121 in FIG. 19).

  Upon receiving the acquisition request, the printer list acquisition unit 42 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) transmits the acquisition request to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) (sequence S122 in FIG. 19). .)

  The printer list acquisition unit 42 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) that has received the acquisition request acquires the printer list 72 stored in the SPS server 3 (B-1-1) and performs printing. It transmits to the environment sharing service 13 (B-1) (sequence S123 of FIG. 19).

  The printer list acquisition unit 42 of the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1) uses the received printer list 72 of the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1-1) based on the path information. (R-0) (sequence S124 in FIG. 19).

  The printer list acquisition unit 42 of the print environment shared service 13 (R-0) uses the received printer list 72 of the print environment shared service 13 (B-1-1) based on the route information. (A-1) (sequence S125 in FIG. 19).

  The printer list acquisition unit 42 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1) uses the received printer list 72 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) based on the route information. (A-1-1) (sequence S126 in FIG. 19).

  The printer list acquisition unit 42 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) transmits the received printer list 72 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) to the Web server 1 (FIG. 19). Sequence S127.).

  The Web server 1 that has received the printer list 72 of the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1-1) uses the printer list 72 of the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1-1) as shown in FIG. A printer selection screen as shown is created and provided to the user.

  When the Web server 1 and / or the printing environment sharing service 13 performs the processing shown in sequence S118 to sequence S127, the user can select the printer 6 that can be used in the changed printing location.

  Hereinafter, an example of print reservation and print start processing after changing the print location and selecting the printer 6 will be described with reference to FIGS. 18, 20, 21, and 22.

  FIG. 20 is a sequence diagram (No. 1) for explaining the processing at the time of changing the print reservation.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram (part 2) for explaining the start of printing.

  For example, when the user selects “P-1” on the printer selection screen shown in FIG. 18E and taps the “OK” button, the Web server 1 selects the printer as shown in FIG. Create a confirmation screen and provide it to the user.

  For example, when the user taps the “print condition setting” button on the printer selection confirmation screen shown in FIG. 18F, the Web server 1 uses the print location (B-1--) in the system configuration shown in FIG. A request for acquiring the capability information of the printer 6 (P-1) including the route information up to 1) is transmitted to the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) (sequence S130 in FIG. 20).

  The printer capability information acquisition unit 45 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) that has received the acquisition request, based on the path information included in the acquisition request, sends the acquisition request to the printing environment sharing service 13 ( A-1) (sequence S131 in FIG. 20).

  Upon receiving the acquisition request, the printer capability information acquisition unit 45 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1) sends the acquisition request to the printing environment sharing service 13 (R−) based on the path information included in the acquisition request. 0) (sequence S132 in FIG. 20).

  Upon receiving the acquisition request, the printer capability information acquisition unit 45 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (R-0) sends the acquisition request to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-) based on the path information included in the acquisition request. 1) (sequence S133 in FIG. 20).

  Upon receiving the acquisition request, the printer capability information acquisition unit 45 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) sends the acquisition request to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-) based on the path information included in the acquisition request. 1-1) (sequence S134 in FIG. 20).

  Upon receiving the acquisition request, the printer capability information acquisition unit 45 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) receives the document print service 14 from the printer list 72 by the printer 6 (P-1) selected by the user. Since it is understood that the data is managed by (PS-1), the acquisition request is transmitted to the document print service 14 (PS-1) (sequence S135 in FIG. 20).

  The document print service 14 (PS-1) that has received the acquisition request acquires capability information of the printer 6 (P-1) stored in the print server 4 (PS-1), for example, and shares the printing environment. It transmits to the service 13 (B-1-1) (sequence S136 of FIG. 20).

  The printer capability information acquisition unit 45 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) uses the received capability information of the printer 6 (P-1) as a basis for the printing environment sharing service 13 (B- 1) (sequence S137 in FIG. 20).

  The printer capability information acquisition unit 45 of the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1) uses the received capability information of the printer 6 (P-1) as a basis for the printing environment shared service 13 (R-0). (Sequence S138 in FIG. 20).

  The printer capability information acquisition unit 45 of the printing environment shared service 13 (R-0) uses the received capability information of the printer 6 (P-1) based on the route information as the printing environment shared service 13 (A-1). (Sequence S139 in FIG. 20).

  The printer capability information acquisition unit 45 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1) uses the received capability information of the printer 6 (P-1) as a basis for the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-). 1) (sequence S140 in FIG. 20).

  The printer capability information acquisition unit 45 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) transmits the received capability information of the printer 6 (P-1) to the Web server 1 (sequence S141 in FIG. 20).

  Upon receiving the capability information of the printer 6 (P-1), the Web server 1 creates a print condition setting screen as shown in FIG. 18G based on the capability information of the printer 6 (P-1), and the user To provide.

  For example, when the user sets printing conditions on the printing condition setting screen shown in FIG. 18 (G) and taps the “print reservation confirmation” button, the Web server 1 is as shown in FIG. 18 (H). Create a print reservation confirmation screen and provide it to the user.

  For example, when the user taps a “print reservation” button on the print reservation confirmation screen shown in FIG. 18H, the Web server 1 sends a print reservation request including new reservation information to the print environment sharing service 13 ( A-1-1) (sequence S142 in FIG. 20).

  For example, the new reservation information includes identification information for specifying a new printing location, route information to the new printing location, identification information for specifying a new printer 6, new printing conditions, and reservation information before the change. The reservation number to be identified, the identification information for identifying the document data stored together with the reservation information before the change are included.

  The print reservation control unit 51 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) that has received the print reservation request sets reservation information such as a reservation number for identifying reservation information before the change included in the print reservation request. This is provided to the acquisition unit 53 to request acquisition of the corresponding reservation information before the change.

  The reservation information acquisition unit 53 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) that has received the acquisition request, based on the reservation number that identifies the reservation information before the change, the SPS server 3 ( The corresponding reservation information is acquired from the reservation information stored in A-1-1).

  The print reservation control unit 51 of the print environment shared service 13 (A-1-1) that has received the notification that the reservation information has been acquired from the reservation information acquisition unit 53 of the print environment shared service 13 (A-1-1). In addition to the reservation information, the new reservation information includes, for example, identification information for specifying a new printing location, route information to the new printing location, identification information for specifying a new printer 6, new printing conditions, etc. Is provided to the reservation information changing unit 56 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1), and the change of the reservation information is requested.

  The reservation information changing unit 56 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) that has received the change request changes the original reservation information to new reservation information.

  For example, the reservation information changing unit 56 of the print environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) uses the identification information for identifying the print location (B-1-2) included in the original reservation information as a new print location ( B-1-1) is changed to the identification information for specifying, or the identification information for identifying the original printer 6 (P-2-2) is changed to the identification information for identifying the new printer 6 (P-1). To do.

  The print reservation control unit 51 of the print environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) that has received the print reservation request receives the document data stored together with the reservation information before the change included in the print reservation request. Identification information to be identified is provided to the stored document data acquisition unit 54 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) to request acquisition of corresponding document data.

  The stored document data acquisition unit 54 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) that has received the acquisition request, based on the identification information for identifying the document data, the SPS server 3 (A- Corresponding document data is acquired from the document data stored in 1-1).

  The print reservation control unit 51 of the print environment shared service 13 (A-1-1) and the reservation information changed by the reservation information change unit 56 of the print environment shared service 13 (A-1-1) and the print environment shared service 13 ( The document data acquired by the stored document data acquisition unit 54 of A-1-1) is provided to the data transfer unit 44 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1), and the transfer of the reservation information and the document data is requested. To do.

  Upon receiving the transfer request, the data transfer unit 44 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) uses the reservation information and the document data based on route information to a new print location included in the reservation information. Then, it is transferred to the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1) (sequence S143 in FIG. 20).

  The data transfer unit 44 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1) that acquired the reservation information and the document data uses the printing environment sharing service 13 (R) based on the reservation information and the document data. -0) (sequence S144 in FIG. 20).

  The data transfer unit 44 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (R-0) that has acquired the reservation information and the document data uses the reservation information and the document data as a basis for the printing environment sharing service 13 (B -1) (sequence S145 in FIG. 20).

  The data transfer unit 44 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) that has acquired the reservation information and the document data uses the printing environment sharing service 13 (B -1-1) (sequence S146 of FIG. 20).

  The data transfer unit 44 of the print environment shared service 13 (B-1-1) notifies the print reservation control unit 51 of the print environment shared service 13 (B-1-1) of the acquisition. The print reservation control unit 51 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) uses the reservation information and document data acquired by the data transfer unit 44 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) as the printing environment sharing service. 13 (B-1-1) to the storage unit 47 to request storage. Upon receiving the request, the storage unit 47 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) stores the transferred reservation information and document data of the SPS server 3 (B-1-1), which is a printing location. Save in the HDD 39.

  On the other hand, the print reservation control unit 51 of the printing environment shared service 13 (A-1-1) uses the reservation information changed by the reservation information changing unit 56 of the printing environment shared service 13 (A-1-1) and the printing environment shared service. Document data acquired by the stored document data acquisition unit 54 of 13 (A-1-1) is provided to the storage unit 47 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1), and reservation information and document data are stored. Request.

  The storage unit 47 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) that has received the storage request stores the reservation information and the document data in the HDD 39 of the SPS server 3 (A-1-1) that is a reservation location. Save to.

  Further, the Web server 1 transmits a reservation list acquisition request that can be referred to by the user to the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) based on a request from a user who has visited the printing location, for example ( Sequence S147 in FIG. 20).

  The reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) that has received the acquisition request, based on an identifier for identifying the user included in the acquisition request, for example, a user ID, the SPS server 3. The reservation name and reservation number of the corresponding reservation information are acquired from the reservation information stored in (A-1-1), and are transmitted to the Web server 1 as a reservation list (sequence S148 in FIG. 20).

  Upon receiving the reservation list, the Web server 1 creates a print reservation selection screen as shown in FIG. 21A with the reservation list as display contents, and provides it to the user.

  For example, when the user selects “Reservation 1” on the print reservation selection screen in FIG. 21A and taps the “Reservation details” button, the Web server 1 switches to the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1). On the other hand, a reservation information acquisition request corresponding to “reservation 1” is transmitted (sequence S149 in FIG. 20).

  The reservation information acquisition unit 53 of the print environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) that has received the acquisition request sends the reservation information to the SPS server 3 (A-1-1) based on the reservation number included in the acquisition request. The corresponding reservation information is acquired from the stored reservation information and transmitted to the Web server 1 (sequence S150 in FIG. 20).

  Upon receiving the reservation information, the Web server 1 creates a print reservation content display screen as shown in FIG. 21B with the reservation information as display content, and provides it to the user.

  For example, when the user confirms the reservation content on the print reservation content display screen as shown in FIG. 21B and taps the “print” button on the print reservation content display screen, the Web server 1 displays the reservation content as shown in FIG. In such a system configuration, a print start request including a reservation number is transmitted to the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) (sequence S151 in FIG. 20).

  Upon receiving the print start request, the print start control unit 52 of the print environment shared service 13 (A-1-1) sends the print start request to the print environment shared service 13 ( A-1) (sequence S152 in FIG. 20).

  The printing start control unit 52 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1) that has received the printing start request sends the printing start request to the printing environment sharing service 13 (R) based on the route information to the printing location. -0) (sequence S153 in FIG. 20).

  Upon receiving the print start request, the print start control unit 52 of the print environment shared service 13 (R-0) sends the print start request to the print environment shared service 13 (B) based on the route information to the print location. -1) (sequence S154 in FIG. 20).

  Upon receiving the print start request, the print start control unit 52 of the print environment shared service 13 (B-1) sends the print start request to the print environment shared service 13 (B) based on the route information to the print location. -1-1) (sequence S155 of FIG. 20).

  The print start control unit 52 of the print environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) that has received the print start request receives the SPS server 3 (B-1) corresponding to the reservation number included in the print start request. -1) acquires the reservation information and document data stored in the HDD 39, and transmits a print start request including the reservation information and the document data to the document print service 14 (PS-1) (sequence of FIG. 20). S156.).

  Upon receiving the print start request including the reservation information and the document data, the document print service 14 (PS-1) converts the document data into print data that can be printed by the designated printer 6 (P-1). Then, a print start request including the print data is transmitted to the printer 6 (P-1) included in the reservation information (sequence S157 in FIG. 20).

  The printer 6 (P-1) that has received the print start request prints the print data included in the print start request.

  When the Web server 1 and / or the printing environment sharing service 13 performs the processing shown in FIG. 20, the user changes the print reservation information and prints the document with the changed print reservation information. Can do.

  FIG. 22 is a sequence diagram (No. 2) for explaining the processing at the time of changing the print reservation.

  The processing from sequence S160 to sequence S171 in FIG. 22 is the same as the processing from sequence S130 to sequence S141 in FIG.

  When the Web server 1 acquires the capability information of the newly selected printer 6 (P-1) in the system configuration shown in FIG. 3, the route information to the print location (B-1-2) before the change is acquired. A request for acquiring the capability information of the printer 6 (P-2-2) including is sent to the printing environment shared service 13 (A-1-1) (sequence S172 in FIG. 22).

  The printer capability information acquisition unit 45 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) that has received the acquisition request, based on the path information included in the acquisition request, sends the acquisition request to the printing environment sharing service 13 ( A-1) (sequence S173 in FIG. 22).

  Upon receiving the acquisition request, the printer capability information acquisition unit 45 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1) sends the acquisition request to the printing environment sharing service 13 (R−) based on the path information included in the acquisition request. 0) (sequence S174 in FIG. 22).

  Upon receiving the acquisition request, the printer capability information acquisition unit 45 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (R-0) sends the acquisition request to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-) based on the path information included in the acquisition request. 1) (sequence S175 in FIG. 22).

  Upon receiving the acquisition request, the printer capability information acquisition unit 45 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) sends the acquisition request to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-) based on the path information included in the acquisition request. 1-2) (sequence S176 in FIG. 22).

  Upon receiving the acquisition request, the printer capability information acquisition unit 45 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) transmits the acquisition request to the document print service 14 (PS-2) (sequence in FIG. 22). S177.).

  Upon receiving the acquisition request, the document print service 14 (PS-2) acquires capability information of the printer 6 (P-2-2) stored in the print server 4 (PS-2), for example, and prints it. It transmits to the environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) (sequence S178 of FIG. 22).

  The printer capability information acquisition unit 45 of the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1-2) uses the received capability information of the printer 6 (P-2-2) as a basis for the printing environment shared service 13 ( B-1) (sequence S179 in FIG. 22).

  The printer capability information acquisition unit 45 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) uses the received capability information of the printer 6 (P-2-2) as a basis for the printing environment sharing service 13 (R-). 0) (sequence S180 in FIG. 22).

  The printer capability information acquisition unit 45 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (R-0) uses the received capability information of the printer 6 (P-2-2) as a basis for the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-). 1) (sequence S181 in FIG. 22).

  The printer capability information acquisition unit 45 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1) uses the received capability information of the printer 6 (P-2-2) as a basis for the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-). 1-1) (sequence S182 in FIG. 22).

  The printer capability information acquisition unit 45 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) transmits the received capability information of the printer 6 (P-2-2) to the Web server 1 (sequence S183 in FIG. 22). ).

  The Web server 1 that has acquired the capability information of the newly changed printer 6 (P-1) and the capability information of the printer 6 (P-2-2) before the change is based on the capability information of the two printers 6. For example, a print condition setting screen as shown in FIG. 18G is created and provided to the user.

  For example, the Web server 1 determines only a part having the same capability based on the acquired capability information of the printer 6 (P-2-2) before the change and the capability information of the printer 6 (P-1) after the change. Provide to users.

  For example, when the user sets printing conditions on the printing condition setting screen shown in FIG. 18 (G) and taps the “print reservation confirmation” button, the Web server 1 is as shown in FIG. 18 (H). Create a print reservation confirmation screen and provide it to the user.

  For example, when the user taps a “print reservation” button on the print reservation confirmation screen shown in FIG. 18H, the Web server 1 sends a print reservation request including new reservation information to the print environment sharing service 13 ( A-1-1) (sequence S184 in FIG. 22).

  For example, the new reservation information includes identification information for specifying a new printing location, route information to the new printing location, identification information for specifying a new printer 6, new printing conditions, and reservation information before the change. The reservation number to be identified, the identification information for identifying the document data stored together with the reservation information before the change are included.

  The print reservation control unit 51 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) that has received the print reservation request sets reservation information such as a reservation number for identifying reservation information before the change included in the print reservation request. This is provided to the acquisition unit 53 to request acquisition of the corresponding reservation information before the change.

  The reservation information acquisition unit 53 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) that has received the acquisition request, based on the reservation number that identifies the reservation information before the change, the SPS server 3 ( The corresponding reservation information is acquired from the reservation information stored in A-1-1).

  The print reservation control unit 51 of the print environment shared service 13 (A-1-1) that has received the notification that the reservation information has been acquired from the reservation information acquisition unit 53 of the print environment shared service 13 (A-1-1). In addition to the reservation information, the new reservation information includes, for example, identification information for specifying a new printing location, route information to the new printing location, identification information for specifying a new printer 6, new printing conditions, etc. Is provided to the reservation information changing unit 56 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1), and the change of the reservation information is requested.

  The reservation information changing unit 56 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) that has received the change request changes the original reservation information to new reservation information.

  For example, the reservation information changing unit 56 of the print environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) uses the identification information for identifying the print location (B-1-2) included in the original reservation information as a new print location ( B-1-1) is changed to the identification information for specifying, or the identification information for identifying the original printer 6 (P-2-2) is changed to the identification information for identifying the new printer 6 (P-1). To do.

  The print reservation control unit 51 of the print environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) that has received the print reservation request receives the document data stored together with the reservation information before the change included in the print reservation request. Identification information to be identified is provided to the stored document data acquisition unit 54 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) to request acquisition of corresponding document data.

  The stored document data acquisition unit 54 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) that has received the acquisition request, based on the identification information for identifying the document data, the SPS server 3 (A- Corresponding document data is acquired from the document data stored in 1-1).

  The printing reservation control unit 51 of the printing environment shared service 13 (A-1-1) includes the reservation information changed by the reservation information changing unit 56 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1), and the printing environment sharing service 13. The document data acquired by the saved document data acquisition unit 54 of (A-1-1) and the document conversion information are provided to the data transfer unit 44 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1), and the reservation information And transfer of the document data and the document change information. Here, the document conversion information is, for example, information up to the SPS server 3 (B-1-2) that can communicate with the print server 4 (PS-2) that manages the printer 6 (P-2-2) before the change. Route information, identification information for identifying the print server 4 (PS-2) managing the printer 6 (P-2-2) before the change, and an identification for identifying the printer 6 (P-2-2) before the change Information and new printing conditions.

  The data transfer unit 44 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) that has received the transfer request sends the reservation information, the document data, and the document conversion information to a new print location included in the reservation information. Based on the path information and / or the document conversion information (step S185 in FIG. 22).

  The data transfer unit 44 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1) that has acquired the reservation information, the document data, and the document conversion information uses the reservation information, the document data, and the document conversion information as the new information. Based on the route information to the printing location and / or the document conversion information, the information is transferred to the printing environment sharing service 13 (R-0) (sequence S186 in FIG. 22).

  The data transfer unit 44 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (R-0) that has acquired the reservation information, the document data, and the document conversion information uses the reservation information, the document data, and the document conversion information as the new information. Based on the route information to the printing location and / or the document conversion information, the information is transferred to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) (sequence S187 in FIG. 22).

  The data transfer unit 44 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) that has acquired the reservation information, the document data, and the document conversion information uses the document conversion information based on the document conversion information. Then, it is transferred to the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1-2) (sequence S188 in FIG. 22).

  The conversion request transmission unit 57 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) that has acquired the document data and the document conversion information, based on the document conversion information, print data from the document data including the document data. A request for conversion to the document print service 14 (PS-2) is transmitted (sequence S189 in FIG. 22).

  Upon receiving the conversion request, the document print service 14 (PS-2) converts the document data into print data based on the request, and transmits the print data to the print environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2). (Sequence S190 in FIG. 22).

  For example, the document print service 14 converts document data into print data such as PDF (Portable Document Format), TIFF (Tagged Image File Format), and PS (PostScript).

  The print data receiving unit 58 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) receives the print data and requests the data transfer unit 44 to transfer the received print data.

  The data transfer unit 44 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) that has received the request transfers the print data to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) based on the document conversion information. (Sequence S191 in FIG. 22).

  The data transfer unit 44 of the print environment sharing service 13 (B-1) that has received the print data passes the reservation information received in sequence S187 and the print data received in sequence S191 to the new print location. Based on the information, it is transferred to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) (sequence S192 in FIG. 22).

  The data transfer unit 44 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) that has acquired the transferred reservation information and the printing data notifies that the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) has acquired the information. The print reservation control unit 51 is notified. The print reservation control unit 51 of the print environment shared service 13 (B-1-1) uses the reservation information and print data acquired by the data transfer unit 44 of the print environment shared service 13 (B-1-1) as the print environment shared service. 13 (B-1-1) to the storage unit 47 to request storage. The storage unit 47 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) that has received the request stores the reservation information and the print data in the HDD 39 of the SPS server 3 (B-1-1) that is the printing location.

  On the other hand, the print reservation control unit 51 of the printing environment shared service 13 (A-1-1) uses the reservation information changed by the reservation information changing unit 56 of the printing environment shared service 13 (A-1-1) and the printing environment shared service. Document data acquired by the stored document data acquisition unit 54 of 13 (A-1-1) is provided to the storage unit 47 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1), and reservation information and document data are stored. Request.

  The storage unit 47 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) that has received the storage request stores the reservation information and the document data in the HDD 39 of the SPS server 3 (A-1-1) that is a reservation location. Save to.

  Further, the Web server 1 transmits a reservation list acquisition request that can be referred to by the user to the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) based on a request from a user who has visited the printing location, for example ( Sequence S193 in FIG. 22).

  The reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) that has received the acquisition request, based on an identifier for identifying the user included in the acquisition request, for example, a user ID, the SPS server 3. The reservation name and reservation number of the corresponding reservation information are acquired from the reservation information stored in (A-1-1), and are transmitted to the Web server 1 as a reservation list (sequence S194 in FIG. 22).

  Upon receiving the reservation list, the Web server 1 creates a print reservation selection screen as shown in FIG. 21A with the reservation list as display contents, and provides it to the user.

  For example, when the user selects “Reservation 1” on the print reservation selection screen in FIG. 21A and taps the “Reservation details” button, the Web server 1 switches to the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1). On the other hand, a reservation information acquisition request corresponding to “reservation 1” is transmitted (sequence S195 in FIG. 22).

  The reservation information acquisition unit 53 of the print environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) that has received the acquisition request sends the reservation information to the SPS server 3 (A-1-1) based on the reservation number included in the acquisition request. The corresponding reservation information is acquired from the stored reservation information and transmitted to the Web server 1 (sequence S196 in FIG. 22).

  Upon receiving the reservation information, the Web server 1 creates a print reservation content display screen as shown in FIG. 21B with the reservation information as display content, and provides it to the user.

  For example, when the user confirms the reservation content on the print reservation content display screen as shown in FIG. 21B and taps the “print” button on the print reservation content display screen, the Web server 1 displays the reservation content as shown in FIG. In such a system configuration, a print start request including a reservation number is transmitted to the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) (sequence S197 in FIG. 22).

  Upon receiving the print start request, the print start control unit 52 of the print environment shared service 13 (A-1-1) sends the print start request to the print environment shared service 13 ( A-1) (sequence S198 in FIG. 22).

  The printing start control unit 52 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1) that has received the printing start request sends the printing start request to the printing environment sharing service 13 (R) based on the route information to the printing location. -0) (sequence S199 in FIG. 22).

  Upon receiving the print start request, the print start control unit 52 of the print environment shared service 13 (R-0) sends the print start request to the print environment shared service 13 (B) based on the route information to the print location. -1) (sequence S200 in FIG. 22).

  Upon receiving the print start request, the print start control unit 52 of the print environment shared service 13 (B-1) sends the print start request to the print environment shared service 13 (B) based on the route information to the print location. -1-1) (sequence S201 in FIG. 22).

  The print start control unit 52 of the print environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) that has received the print start request receives the SPS server 3 (B-1) corresponding to the reservation number included in the print start request. -1) acquires reservation information and print data stored in the HDD 39, and sends a print start request including the reservation information and the print data to the document print service 14 (PS-1) (sequence in FIG. 22). S202.).

  The document print service 14 (PS-1) that has received the print start request including the reservation information and the print data transmits the print start request including the print data to the printer 6 (P-1) included in the reservation information. ) (Sequence S203 in FIG. 22).

  The printer 6 (P-1) that has received the print start request prints the print data included in the print start request.

  When the Web server 1 and / or the printing environment sharing service 13 performs the processing shown in FIG. 22, the user changes the print reservation information and prints the document with the changed print reservation information. Can do.

  Note that whichever of the order of acquisition of capability information of the printer 6 (P-1) and acquisition of capability information of the printer 6 (P-2-2) shown in FIG. 22 may be first.

  The printer capability information acquisition unit 45 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) that has received the capability information acquisition request of the printer 6 without performing the processing of sequence S171 and sequence S172 in FIG. The capability information of the previous printer 6 and the capability information of the changed printer 6 are acquired, and the common capability information portion of the two acquired capability information is transmitted to the Web server 1. Good.

  Note that the processing shown in FIG. 22 is different from the processing shown in FIG. 20 in that the Web server 1 and / or the printing environment sharing service 13 has the capability information of the printer 6 before the reservation change and the printer 6 after the change. By acquiring the capability information, creating a print condition setting screen based on the common capability information, and converting the print data from the document data in the document print service 14 that manages the printer 6 before the reservation change. Even when an application (for example, Microsoft Word (registered trademark)) necessary for printing the document selected by the user can be used only in the print server 4 before the change, the newly selected print location and the printer 6 The document can be printed.

  Hereinafter, an example of the changing process of the printer 6 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 23 is a diagram (part 1) for explaining the change of the printer.

  FIG. 24 is a sequence diagram (part 1) for explaining the printer change process.

  For example, when the user taps the “change reservation” button on the print reservation content display screen shown in FIG. 17B, the Web server 1 creates a reservation change screen as shown in FIG. To provide.

For example, when the user selects “Change Printer” on the reservation change screen shown in FIG. 23A and taps the “Next” button, the Web server 1 uses the system configuration shown in FIG. An acquisition request for the printer list 72 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) including the route information to the printing location (B-1-2) included in the information is sent to the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1). -1) (sequence S210 in FIG. 24).
The printer list acquisition unit 42 of the print environment shared service 13 (A-1-1) that has received the acquisition request of the printer list 72 of the print environment shared service 13 (B-1-2) performs printing based on the route information. The acquisition request is transmitted to the environment sharing service 13 (A-1) (sequence S211 in FIG. 24).

  The printer list acquisition unit 42 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1) that has received the acquisition request transmits the acquisition request to the printing environment sharing service 13 (R-0) based on the route information. (Sequence S212 in FIG. 24).

  The printer list acquisition unit 42 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (R-0) that has received the acquisition request transmits the acquisition request to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) based on the path information. (Sequence S213 in FIG. 24).

  The printer list acquisition unit 42 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) that has received the acquisition request sends the acquisition request to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) based on the route information. Transmit (sequence S214 in FIG. 24).

  The printer list acquisition unit 42 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) that has received the acquisition request acquires the printer list 72 stored in the HDD 39 of the SPS server 3 (B-1-2). Based on the route information, the information is transmitted to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) (sequence S215 in FIG. 24).

  The printer list acquisition unit 42 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) uses the received printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) as the printer list 72 based on the path information. (R-0) (sequence S216 in FIG. 24).

  The printer list acquisition unit 42 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (R-0) uses the received printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) printer list 72 based on the path information. (A-1) (sequence S217 in FIG. 24).

  The printer list acquisition unit 42 of the printing environment shared service 13 (A-1) uses the received printer list 72 of the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1-2) based on the route information. (A-1-1) (sequence S218 in FIG. 24).

  The printer list acquisition unit 42 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) transmits the received printer list 72 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) to the Web server 1 (FIG. 24). Sequence S219.).

  The Web server 1 creates a printer change screen as shown in FIG. 23B based on the received printer list 72 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) and provides it to the user.

  In FIG. 23B, together with the currently selected printer 6, the print environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) can be referred to, and usable printers 6 are displayed.

  The user can change the printer using a printer change screen as shown in FIG.

  For example, when the user changes the printer 6 (P-2-2) to the printer 6 (P-2-1), subsequently sets printing conditions, and makes a print reservation, the print environment sharing service 13 (A-1) The reservation information changing unit 56 of -1) changes the original reservation information to new reservation information.

  For example, the reservation information changing unit 56 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) uses identification information for identifying the printer 6 (P-2-2) included in the original reservation information as the new printer 6 ( P-2-1) is changed to identification information for identifying, or the printing condition included in the original reservation information is changed to a new printing condition.

  Hereinafter, the change of the printing condition will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 25 is a diagram (part 1) for explaining the change of the printing conditions.

  FIG. 26 is a sequence diagram (part 1) for explaining the printing condition changing process.

  For example, when the user taps the “change reservation” button on the print reservation content display screen shown in FIG. 17B, the Web server 1 creates a reservation change screen as shown in FIG. To provide.

  For example, when the user selects “Change Print Conditions” on the reservation change screen shown in FIG. 25A and taps the “Next” button, the Web server 1 has the system configuration shown in FIG. A capability information acquisition request of the printer 6 (P-2-2) is transmitted to the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) (sequence S220 in FIG. 26).

  The printer capability information acquisition unit 45 of the printing environment shared service 13 (A-1-1) that has received the capability information acquisition request of the printer 6 (P-2-2) performs printing based on the route information to the printing location. The acquisition request is transmitted to the environment sharing service 13 (A-1) (sequence S221 in FIG. 26).

  The printer capability information acquisition unit 45 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1) that has received the acquisition request transmits the acquisition request to the printing environment sharing service 13 (R-0) based on the path information. (Sequence S222 in FIG. 26).

  The printer capability information acquisition unit 45 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (R-0) that has received the acquisition request transmits the acquisition request to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) based on the path information. (Sequence S223 in FIG. 26).

  The printer capability information acquisition unit 45 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) that has received the acquisition request makes the acquisition request to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) based on the path information. Is transmitted (sequence S224 in FIG. 26).

  The printer capability information acquisition unit 45 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) that has received the acquisition request transmits the acquisition request to the document print service 14 (PS-2) (sequence in FIG. 26). S225.).

  Upon receiving the acquisition request, the document print service 14 (PS-2) acquires capability information of the printer 6 (P-2-2) stored in the print server 4 (PS-2), for example, and prints it. It transmits to the environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) (sequence S226 of FIG. 26).

  The printer capability information acquisition unit 45 of the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1-2) obtains the received capability information of the printer 6 (P-2-2) based on the route information. B-1) (sequence S227 in FIG. 26).

  The printer capability information acquisition unit 45 of the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1) uses the received capability information of the printer 6 (P-2-2) based on the route information as a printing environment sharing service 13 (R-). 0) (sequence S228 in FIG. 26).

  The printer capability information acquisition unit 45 of the printing environment shared service 13 (R-0) uses the received capability information of the printer 6 (P-2-2) based on the route information as the printing environment shared service 13 (A-). 1) (sequence S229 in FIG. 26).

  The printer capability information acquisition unit 45 of the printing environment shared service 13 (A-1) uses the received capability information of the printer 6 (P-2-2) based on the route information as the printing environment shared service 13 (A-). 1-1) (sequence S230 in FIG. 26).

  The printer capability information acquisition unit 45 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) transmits the received capability information of the printer 6 (P-2-2) to the Web server 1 (sequence S231 in FIG. 26). ).

  The Web server 1 creates a print condition change screen as shown in FIG. 25B based on the received capability information of the printer 6 (P-2-2) and provides it to the user.

  The user can change the print conditions using a print condition change screen as shown in FIG.

  For example, when the user changes the printing conditions and makes a print reservation, the reservation information changing unit 56 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) changes the original reservation information to new reservation information.

  For example, the reservation information changing unit 56 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (A-1-1) changes the printing conditions (A4, landscape, color, no duplex, 5 copies) included in the original reservation information to new printing conditions ( A4, landscape, black and white, double-sided, number of copies 8).

  In the first embodiment described above, an example in which print reservation, print start, reservation change, and the like are performed via the Web server 1 has been described. However, an operation terminal connected to the SPS server 3 is used below. An example of processing for changing a reservation will be described in the second embodiment.

  FIG. 27 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an example of the operation terminal.

  The operation terminal is connected to the SPS server 3, has a touch panel, etc., and displays various screens (for example, a print reservation selection screen, a reservation change screen, a print location change screen, etc.) to be described later on the touch panel and input from the user. Accept the operation.

  The operation terminal has a slot into which a recording medium such as an SD memory card can be inserted and removed, and reads data written on the recording medium from the recording medium inserted into the slot.

  As will be described later, for example, the user writes route information to a printing place on a recording medium, inserts the recording medium into the operation terminal, and provides the route information to the operation terminal.

  Hereinafter, the functional configuration of the SPS server 3 in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 28 is a functional configuration diagram of another example of the SPS server.

  The functional configuration of the SPS server 3 in FIG. 28 is a screen environment unit 59 newly added to the printing environment sharing service 13 as compared to the functional configuration of the SPS server 3 in FIG. 6 of the first embodiment.

  The screen control unit 59 creates various screens to be described later (for example, a print reservation selection screen, a reservation change screen, a print location change screen, etc.), provides them to the operation terminal, and inputs by the user via the touch panel of the operation terminal. Control based on the input data.

  Hereinafter, the printing location changing process will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In the following description, for simplification of description, the SPS server 3 is integrated with the operation terminal, and the SPS server 3 is described as having the touch panel and the slot described in FIG. This does not limit the practice of the present invention.

  Also in the second embodiment, description will be made using a system configuration similar to the system configuration shown in FIG. 3 of the first embodiment.

  FIG. 29 is a diagram (No. 2) for explaining the change of the printing place.

  FIG. 30 is a sequence diagram (part 2) for explaining the print location change process.

  29 and 30, an example in which the user changes the print location from B-1-2 to B-1-2-1 using the SPS server 3 (B-1-2-1) will be described. To do. In FIGS. 29 and 30, the recording medium on which the path information is recorded is inserted into the slot of the SPS server 3 (B-1-2-1) by the user, and the SPS server 3 (B-1-2-2) is inserted. An example in which route information is provided in 1) will be described.

  For example, when the user selects the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) as a printing location and makes a print reservation, the user operates the touch panel on the SPS server 3 (B-1-2-1). Then, the user ID and password are input, and information indicating that a predetermined operation (for example, tapping a print reservation selection screen display button, etc.) is performed is displayed on the screen of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2-1). When acquired from the control unit 59, the reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2-1) stores reservation information stored in the HDD 39 of the SPS server 3 (B-1-2-1). The reservation information corresponding to the user ID is searched.

  For example, when a notification that there is no corresponding reservation information is received from the reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1-2-1), the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2-1). The screen control unit 59 creates a print reservation selection screen as shown in FIG. 29A, displays it on the touch panel, and provides it to the user.

  In the print reservation selection screen as shown in FIG. 29A, for example, information indicating that the user has selected “no reservation” and tapped the “reservation information search” button is used as the print environment sharing service 13 (B-1- 2-1), the reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2-1) receives the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2-1). , The reservation list acquisition request including the user ID is transmitted to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2), which is the upper printing environment sharing service 13 (sequence in FIG. 30). S300.).

  The reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) that has received the acquisition request sends the reservation list acquisition unit 55 to the SPS server 3 (B-1-2) based on the user ID included in the acquisition request. The reservation name, reservation number, and the like of the corresponding reservation information are acquired from the stored reservation information, and are transmitted as a reservation list to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2-1) (sequence S301 in FIG. 30). .)

  The reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1-2-1) provides the received reservation list to the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2-1). . The screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2-1) creates a print reservation selection screen as shown in FIG. 29B with the reservation list as display contents, and displays it on the touch panel. And provide it to the user.

  For example, information indicating that the user has selected “Reservation 1” on the print reservation selection screen in FIG. 29B and tapped the “Reservation details” button is used as the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2-1). Is received from the screen control unit 59, the reservation information acquisition unit 53 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2-1) receives "reservation 1" from the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2). The reservation information acquisition request corresponding to “” is transmitted (sequence S302 in FIG. 30).

  The reservation information acquisition unit 53 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) that has received the acquisition request sends the reservation information to the SPS server 3 (B-1-2) based on the reservation number included in the acquisition request. Corresponding reservation information is acquired from the stored reservation information and transmitted to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2-1) (sequence S303 in FIG. 30).

  The reservation information acquisition unit 53 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2-1) provides the received reservation information to the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2-1). . The screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2-1) creates a print reservation content display screen as shown in FIG. 29C with the reservation information as display content, and displays it on the touch panel. Display and provide to the user.

  For example, when the user taps the “change reservation” button on the print reservation content display screen shown in FIG. 29C, the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2-1) A reservation change screen as shown in FIG. 29D is created, displayed on the touch panel, and provided to the user.

  For example, in the reservation change screen shown in FIG. 29D, information indicating that the user has selected “change print location” and tapped the “next” button is used as the print environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2). -1) from the screen control unit 59, the service list acquisition unit 41 of the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1-2-1) receives the service list 71 of the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1-2). Is acquired to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) (sequence S304 in FIG. 30).

  The service list acquisition unit 41 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) that has received the acquisition request acquires the service list 71 stored in the HDD 39 of the SPS server 3 (B-1-2). The print environment shared service 13 (B-1-2-1) is transmitted (sequence S305 in FIG. 30).

The service list acquisition unit 41 of the print environment shared service 13 (B-1-2-1) that has received the service list 71 of the print environment shared service 13 (B-1-2) receives the print environment shared service 13 (B-1). -2) is provided to the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2-1). The screen control unit 59 of the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1-2-1) is based on the service list 71 of the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1-2) as shown in FIG. A print location change screen is created, displayed on the touch panel, and provided to the user.
For example, when the user selects “B-1-2-1” on the print location change screen shown in FIG. 29E and taps the “OK” button, the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) is selected. The screen control unit 59 of -1) creates a print location change confirmation screen as shown in FIG. 29F, displays it on the touch panel, and provides it to the user.

  Here, for example, information indicating that the user has tapped the “change print location” button on the print location change confirmation screen shown in FIG. 29F is displayed as information of the print environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2-1). When received from the screen control unit 59, the reservation information changing unit 56 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2-1) prints the print location included in the original reservation information acquired by the reservation information acquiring unit 53 in sequence S303. The identification information for identifying (B-1-2) is changed to the identification information for identifying the new print location (B-1-2-1).

  Further, for example, information indicating that the user has tapped the “change print location” button on the print location change confirmation screen shown in FIG. 29F is displayed on the screen of the print environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2-1). When received from the control unit 59, the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2-1) adds “B-1-2-1” to the route information from A-1-1 to B-1-2. to add.

  Further, for example, the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1-2-1) of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2-1) that has received the notification that the reservation information has been changed from the reservation information changing unit 56 of the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1-2-1). The print reservation control unit 51 passes a request for storing the changed reservation information to the storage unit 47 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2-1). The storage unit 47 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2-1) that received the request receives the reservation information changed by the reservation information changing unit 56 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2-1). Are stored in the HDD 39 of the SPS server 3 (B-1-2-1). The same applies to the following.

  Also, the reservation information changing unit 56 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2-1) prints the changed reservation information using the route information in the system configuration as shown in FIG. The reservation information transferred to the reserved place SPS server 3 (A-1-1) or the like and stored in the reserved place for printing may be rewritten with the changed reservation information. The same applies to the following.

  When the printing environment sharing service 13 performs the processing as described above, the user can directly operate the SPS server 3 to change the printing location.

  Also, for example, information indicating that the user has tapped the “printer selection” button on the print location change confirmation screen as shown in FIG. 29F is displayed in the print environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2-1). When received from the screen control unit 59, the printer list acquisition unit 42 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2-1) receives the printer stored in the HDD 39 of the SPS server 3 (B-1-2-1). The list 72 is acquired and provided to the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2-1). The screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2-1) is shown in FIG. 29G based on the printer list 72 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2-1). Such a printer selection screen is created, displayed on the touch panel, and provided to the user.

  The user can select a printer 6 that can be used at the changed printing location by using a printer selection screen as shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, a case where the user changes the print location from B-1-2 to B-1-1 using the SPS server 3 (B-1-1) will be described with reference to FIGS. 31 to 33. . In FIG. 31 to FIG. 33, description will be made by taking as an example a case where route information is not provided to the SPS server 3 (B-1-1).

  FIG. 31 is a diagram (No. 3) for explaining the change of the printing place.

  FIG. 32 is a sequence diagram (No. 3) for explaining the print location change processing.

  For example, when the user selects the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) as a printing location and makes a print reservation, the user operates the touch panel on the SPS server 3 (B-1-1). The user ID and password are input, and information indicating that a predetermined operation (for example, tapping a print reservation selection screen display button, etc.) has been performed is received from the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). Upon acquisition, the reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) corresponds to the user ID in the reservation information stored in the HDD 39 of the SPS server 3 (B-1-1). Search for reservation information.

  For example, when a notification that there is no corresponding reservation information is received from the reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1), the screen control unit of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). 59 creates a print reservation selection screen as shown in FIG. 31A, displays it on the touch panel, and provides it to the user.

  In the print reservation selection screen as shown in FIG. 31A, for example, information indicating that the user has selected “no reservation” and tapped the “reservation information search” button is used as the print environment sharing service 13 (B-1- 1), the reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) refers to the service list 71 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). Then, route information (B-1-1 → B-1) for information search is created, and a reservation list is acquired for the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) which is the upper printing environment sharing service 13 The request is transmitted (sequence S310 in FIG. 32).

  The reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) that has received the acquisition request is stored in the SPS server 3 (B-1) based on the user ID included in the acquisition request. The corresponding reservation information is searched from the reservation information, and the reservation name, reservation number, etc. are acquired. However, if there is no corresponding reservation information, a response indicating that there is no corresponding reservation information is sent to the print environment sharing service 13 (B-1) based on the route information (B-1-1 → B-1) for information search. -1) (sequence S311 in FIG. 32).

  The reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) that has received the response indicating that there is no corresponding reservation information, the lower printing environment sharing service 13 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1). In response to a request for acquiring a reservation list including the user ID and the like, based on the route information (B-1-1 → B-1) for information search, the print environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) Is transmitted to the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1) (sequence S312 in FIG. 32).

  The reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1) that has received the acquisition request refers to the service list 71 of the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1), and obtains route information for information search ( Route information from B-1 to B-1-2 is added to (B-1-1 → B-1), and the route information for the information search (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-2) ), A reservation list acquisition request including the user ID and the like is transmitted to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) which is the lower printing environment sharing service 13 (sequence S313 in FIG. 32). .

  The reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) that has received the acquisition request sends the reservation list acquisition unit 55 to the SPS server 3 (B-1-2) based on the user ID included in the acquisition request. The reservation name, reservation number, etc. of the corresponding reservation information is acquired from the stored reservation information, and the route information for searching for information as a reservation list (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-2) Is transmitted to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) (sequence S314 in FIG. 32).

  The reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) that has received the reservation list uses the reservation list as route information (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-2) for information search. ) To the print environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) as the acquisition request source (sequence S315 in FIG. 32).

  The reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) provides the received reservation list to the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). The screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) creates a print reservation selection screen as shown in FIG. 31B with the reservation list as display contents, and displays it on the touch panel. Provide to users.

  For example, information indicating that the user has selected “Reservation 1” on the print reservation selection screen in FIG. 31B and tapped the “Reservation details” button is displayed on the screen of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). Upon receipt from the control unit 59, the reservation information acquisition unit 53 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) obtains route information for information search (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-2). Based on the above, a reservation information acquisition request corresponding to “reservation 1” stored in the SPS server 3 (B-1-2) is transmitted to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) (FIG. 5). 32 sequence S316.).

  The reservation information acquisition unit 53 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) that has received the acquisition request is based on the information search path information (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-2). The acquisition request is transmitted to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) (sequence S317 in FIG. 32).

  The reservation information acquisition unit 53 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) that has received the acquisition request sends the reservation information to the SPS server 3 (B-1-2) based on the reservation number included in the acquisition request. The corresponding reservation information is acquired from the stored reservation information, and based on the route information for information search (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-2), the printing environment sharing service 13 ( B-1) (sequence S318 in FIG. 32).

  The reservation information acquisition unit 53 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) that has received the reservation information uses the reservation information as route information (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-2) for information search. ) To the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) (sequence S319 in FIG. 32).

  The reservation information acquisition unit 53 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) provides the received reservation information to the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). The screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) creates a print reservation content display screen as shown in FIG. 31C with the reservation information as display content, and displays it on the touch panel. , Provide to users.

  For example, when the user taps the “change reservation” button on the print reservation content display screen shown in FIG. 31C, the screen control unit 59 of the print environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) displays the screen shown in FIG. A reservation change screen as shown in D) is created, displayed on the touch panel, and provided to the user.

  For example, in the reservation change screen shown in FIG. 31D, information indicating that the user has selected “change print location” and tapped the “next” button is used as the print environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). ) Of the print environment shared service 13 (B-1-1), the service list acquisition unit 41 of the print environment shared service 13 (B-1-1) issues an acquisition request for the service list 71 of the print environment shared service 13 (B-1-2). Based on the route information for information search (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-2), the information is transmitted to the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1) (sequence S320 in FIG. 32).

  The service list acquisition unit 41 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) that has received the acquisition request transmits the acquisition request to the information search path information (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-2). ) To the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) (sequence S321 in FIG. 32).

  The service list acquisition unit 41 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) that has received the acquisition request acquires the service list 71 stored in the HDD 39 of the SPS server 3 (B-1-2). Then, based on the route information for information search (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-2), it is transmitted to the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1) (sequence S322 in FIG. 32).

  The service list acquisition unit 41 of the print environment shared service 13 (B-1) that has received the service list 71 of the print environment shared service 13 (B-1-2) receives the print environment shared service 13 (B-1-2). The service list 71 is transmitted to the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1-1) based on the route information (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-2) for information search (FIG. 32). Sequence S323.).

  Upon receiving the service list 71 of the print environment shared service 13 (B-1-2), the service list acquisition unit 41 of the print environment shared service 13 (B-1-1) receives the print environment shared service 13 (B-1-2). ) Service list 71 is provided to the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). The screen control unit 59 of the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1-1) prints the printing location as shown in FIG. 31E based on the service list 71 of the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1-2). A change screen is created, displayed on the touch panel, and provided to the user.

  For example, information indicating that the user has selected “B-1” and tapped the “Next” button on the print location change screen shown in FIG. 1), the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) receives the route information (A-1-1 → A-1 → R-0 → B-1 → B-1-). The route from B-1 to B-1-2 in 2) is deleted. Further, information indicating that the user has selected “B-1” and tapped the “Next” button on the print location change screen shown in FIG. 1), the service list acquisition unit 41 of the print environment shared service 13 (B-1-1) receives an acquisition request for the service list 71 of the print environment shared service 13 (B-1). It transmits to the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1) (sequence S324 in FIG. 32).

  The service list acquisition unit 41 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) that has received the acquisition request acquires the service list 71 stored in the HDD 39 of the SPS server 3 (B-1) and shares the printing environment. It transmits to the service 13 (B-1-1) (sequence S325 of FIG. 32).

  The service list acquisition unit 41 of the print environment shared service 13 (B-1-1) that has received the service list 71 of the print environment shared service 13 (B-1) receives the service list of the print environment shared service 13 (B-1). 71 is provided to the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). The screen control unit 59 of the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1-1), based on the service list 71 of the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1), displays a printing location change screen as shown in FIG. Is created, displayed on the touch panel, and provided to the user.

  For example, when the user selects “B-1-1” on the print location change screen shown in FIG. 31F and taps the “OK” button, the print environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) is selected. The screen controller 59 creates a print location change confirmation screen as shown in FIG. 31G, displays it on the touch panel, and provides it to the user.

  Here, for example, information indicating that the user has tapped the “change print location” button on the print location change confirmation screen shown in FIG. 31G is used as the screen control of the print environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). When received from the section 59, the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) changes the path information (A-1-1 → A-1 → R-0 → B-1) from B-1 to B-1. Add a route to -1. Also, information indicating that the user has tapped the “change print location” button on the print location change confirmation screen shown in FIG. 31G is displayed on the screen control unit 59 of the print environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). When received, the reservation information changing unit 56 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) prints the print location (B-1-2) included in the original reservation information acquired by the reservation information acquisition unit 53 in sequence S319. Is changed to identification information for specifying a new print location (B-1-1).

  When the printing environment sharing service 13 performs the processing as described above, the user can directly operate the SPS server 3 and change the printing location without providing route information.

  Further, for example, information indicating that the user has tapped the “printer selection” button on the print location change confirmation screen as shown in FIG. 31G is used for screen control of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). Upon receipt from the unit 59, the printer list acquisition unit 42 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) acquires the printer list 72 stored in the HDD 39 of the SPS server 3 (B-1-1). To the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). The screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) selects a printer as shown in FIG. 31 (H) based on the printer list 72 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). A screen is created, displayed on the touch panel, and provided to the user.

  The user can select a printer 6 that can be used at the changed printing location by using a printer selection screen as shown in FIG.

  In the following, another example of changing reservation information without route information will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 33 is a sequence diagram (part 4) for explaining the print location change process.

  For example, when the user selects the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) as a printing location and makes a print reservation, the user operates the touch panel on the SPS server 3 (B-1-1). The user ID and password are input, and information indicating that a predetermined operation (for example, tapping a print reservation selection screen display button, etc.) has been performed is received from the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) Upon acquisition, the reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) corresponds to the user ID in the reservation information stored in the HDD 39 of the SPS server 3 (B-1-1). Search for reservation information.

  For example, when a notification that there is no corresponding reservation information is received from the reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1), the screen control unit of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). 59 creates a print reservation selection screen as shown in FIG. 31A, displays it on the touch panel, and provides it to the user.

  In the print reservation selection screen as shown in FIG. 31A, for example, information indicating that the user has selected “no reservation” and tapped the “reservation information search” button is used as the print environment sharing service 13 (B-1- 1), the reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) refers to the service list 71 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). Then, route information (B-1-1 → B-1) for information search is created, and the user ID and the like are assigned to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) which is the upper printing environment sharing service 13. A reservation list acquisition request is transmitted (sequence S330 in FIG. 33).

  The reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) that has received the acquisition request is stored in the SPS server 3 (B-1) based on the user ID included in the acquisition request. The corresponding reservation information is searched from the reservation information, and the reservation name, reservation number, etc. are acquired. However, if there is no corresponding reservation information, the reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1) refers to the service list 71 of the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1) and searches for information. Route information from B-1 to B-1-2 is added to the route information for search (B-1-1 → B-1), and the route information for searching the information (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-2), a reservation list acquisition request including the user ID and the like is transmitted to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2), which is the lower printing environment sharing service 13 (FIG. 33). Sequence S331.).

  The reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) that has received the acquisition request sends the reservation list acquisition unit 55 to the SPS server 3 (B-1-2) based on the user ID included in the acquisition request. The reservation name, reservation number, etc. of the corresponding reservation information is acquired from the stored reservation information, and the route information for searching for information as a reservation list (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-2) Is transmitted to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) (sequence S332 in FIG. 33).

  The reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) that has received the reservation list uses the reservation list as route information (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-2) for information search. ) To the print environment shared service 13 (B-1-1) as the acquisition request source (sequence S333 in FIG. 33).

  The reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) provides the received reservation list to the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). The screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) creates a print reservation selection screen as shown in FIG. 31B with the reservation list as display contents, and displays it on the touch panel. Provide to users.

  The processing from sequence S334 to sequence S343 in FIG. 33 is the same as the processing from sequence S316 to sequence S325 in FIG. Also, the reservation information changing process in FIG. 33 and the printer list 72 obtaining process in FIG. 33 are the same as the reservation information changing process in FIG. 32 and the printer list 72 obtaining process in FIG.

  In the process shown in FIG. 33, as compared with the process shown in FIG. 32, the reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) that has received the reservation list acquisition request performs the SPS server 3 (B The corresponding reservation information is searched from the reservation information stored in -1), and when there is no corresponding reservation information, the service list 71 of the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1) is voluntarily referred to. A reservation list acquisition request including the user ID and the like is transmitted to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2), which is the lower printing environment sharing service 13, and the corresponding reservation list is acquired.

  The printing environment sharing service 13 performs the processing shown in FIG. 33, so that the user can directly operate the SPS server 3 and change the printing location without providing route information.

  In the processing of FIG. 33, if there is no corresponding reservation information in the printing environment shared service 13 below the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1), the reservation of the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1) is made. The list acquisition unit 55 refers to the service list 71 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) and refers to the user ID for the printing environment sharing service 13 (R-0) that is the upper printing environment sharing service 13. A reservation list acquisition request including the above is transmitted to request acquisition of a reservation list.

  Hereinafter, another example in which the user changes the print location from B-1-2 to B-1-1 using the SPS server 3 (B-1-1) will be described with reference to FIGS. . 34 and 35, a recording medium on which reservation information is recorded together with route information is inserted by a user into a slot of the SPS server 3 (B-1-1), and the SPS server 3 (B-1-1) is inserted. ) Using an example in which reservation information is provided together with route information.

  FIG. 34 is a diagram (No. 4) for explaining the change of the printing place.

  FIG. 35 is a sequence diagram (No. 5) for explaining the print location change processing.

  For example, when the user selects the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) as a printing location and makes a print reservation, the user operates the touch panel on the SPS server 3 (B-1-1). The user ID and password are input, and information indicating that a predetermined operation (for example, tapping a print reservation selection screen display button, etc.) has been performed is received from the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). Upon acquisition, the reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1), among the reservation information read from the inserted recording medium, the reservation name and reservation number of the reservation information corresponding to the user ID. Are provided to the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) as a reservation list.

  Upon receiving the reservation list, the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) creates a print reservation selection screen as shown in FIG. 34A and displays it on the touch panel. , Provide to users.

  For example, information indicating that the user selects “Reservation 1” on the print reservation selection screen in FIG. 34A and taps the “Reservation details” button is displayed on the screen of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). When received from the control unit 59, the reservation information acquisition unit 53 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) acquires the reservation information of the corresponding reservation number among the reservation information read from the inserted recording medium. To the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1).

  The screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) having received the reservation information displays a print reservation content display screen as shown in FIG. Create, display on the touch panel, and provide to the user.

  For example, when the user taps the “change reservation” button on the print reservation content display screen shown in FIG. 34B, the screen control unit 59 of the print environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) displays the screen shown in FIG. A reservation change screen as shown in C) is created, displayed on the touch panel, and provided to the user.

  For example, in the reservation change screen shown in FIG. 34C, information indicating that the user has selected “change print location” and tapped the “next” button is the print environment shared service 13 (B-1-1). ) Of the print environment shared service 13 (B-1-1), the service list acquisition unit 41 of the print environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) reads the path information (A-1-1 → A-1 → R-). 0 → B-1 → B-1-2) and the service list 71 stored in the HDD 39 or the like of the SPS server 3 (B-1-1). If it is determined that the identifier for identifying B-1-1)) is not included in the route information read from the recording medium, route information for searching for information (B-1-1 → B-1) is created, Print environment shared service including path information read from the recording medium A request for obtaining the service list 71 of the service 13 (B-1-2) is made based on the route information (B-1-1 → B-1) for information search, and the print environment shared service 13 (B-1 (Sequence S350 in FIG. 35).

  Upon receiving the acquisition request, the service list acquisition unit 41 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) includes path information (A-1-1 → A-1 → R-0 → B-) included in the received acquisition request. 1 → B-1-2) and the service list 71 stored in the HDD 39 or the like of the SPS server 3 (B-1), and compares itself (print environment shared service 13 (B-1)). If it is determined that the identifier to be identified is included in the route information, an acquisition request for the service list 71 of the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1-2) is sent to the route information (B-1-1 → Based on (B-1 → B-1-2), it transmits to the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1-2) (sequence S351 in FIG. 35).

  The service list acquisition unit 41 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) that has received the acquisition request acquires the service list 71 stored in the HDD 39 of the SPS server 3 (B-1-2). Then, based on the route information for information search (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-2), it is transmitted to the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1) (sequence S352 in FIG. 35).

  Upon receiving the service list 71 of the print environment shared service 13 (B-1-2), the service list acquisition unit 41 of the print environment shared service 13 (B-1) receives the print environment shared service 13 (B-1-2). The service list 71 is transmitted to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) based on the route information (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-2) for information search (FIG. 35 sequence S353.).

  Upon receiving the service list 71 of the print environment shared service 13 (B-1-2), the service list acquisition unit 41 of the print environment shared service 13 (B-1-1) receives the print environment shared service 13 (B-1-2). ) Service list 71 is provided to the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). The screen control unit 59 of the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1-1) prints the printing location as shown in FIG. 34D based on the service list 71 of the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1-2). A change screen is created, displayed on the touch panel, and provided to the user.

  For example, information indicating that the user has selected “B-1” and tapped the “Next” button on the print location change screen shown in FIG. 1), the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) receives the route information (A-1-1 → A-1 → R-0 → B-1 → B-1-). The route from B-1 to B-1-2 in 2) is deleted. Also, information indicating that the user has selected “B-1” and tapped the “Next” button on the print location change screen shown in FIG. 1), the service list acquisition unit 41 of the print environment shared service 13 (B-1-1) receives an acquisition request for the service list 71 of the print environment shared service 13 (B-1). Based on the route information (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-2) for information search, it is transmitted to the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1) (sequence S354 in FIG. 35).

  The service list acquisition unit 41 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) that has received the acquisition request acquires the service list 71 stored in the HDD 39 of the SPS server 3 (B-1), and searches for information. Is transmitted to the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1-1) based on the route information (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-2) (sequence S355 in FIG. 35).

  The service list acquisition unit 41 of the print environment shared service 13 (B-1-1) that has received the service list 71 of the print environment shared service 13 (B-1) receives the service list of the print environment shared service 13 (B-1). 71 is provided to the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). The screen control unit 59 of the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1-1), based on the service list 71 of the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1), displays a printing location change screen as shown in FIG. Is created, displayed on the touch panel, and provided to the user.

  For example, when the user selects “B-1-1” on the print location change screen shown in FIG. 34E and taps the “OK” button, the print environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) is selected. The screen control unit 59 creates a print location change confirmation screen as shown in FIG. 34F, displays it on the touch panel, and provides it to the user.

  Here, for example, information indicating that the user has tapped the “change print location” button on the print location change confirmation screen shown in FIG. 34F is the screen control of the print environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). When received from the section 59, the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) changes the path information (A-1-1 → A-1 → R-0 → B-1) from B-1 to B-1. Add a route to -1. Also, information indicating that the user has tapped the “change print location” button on the print location change confirmation screen shown in FIG. 34F is displayed on the screen control unit 59 of the print environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). When received, the reservation information changing unit 56 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) identifies the print location (B-1-2) included in the original reservation information acquired by the reservation information acquiring unit 53. The identification information to be changed is changed to identification information for specifying a new printing place (B-1-1).

  When the printing environment sharing service 13 performs the processing as described above, the user can provide route information and reservation information to the SPS server 3 and directly operate the SPS server 3 to change the printing location. .

  For example, information indicating that the user has tapped the “printer selection” button on the print location change confirmation screen as shown in FIG. 34F is displayed on the screen control unit 59 of the print environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). In response, the printer list acquisition unit 42 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) acquires the printer list 72 stored in the HDD 39 of the SPS server 3 (B-1-1), and performs printing. This is provided to the screen control unit 59 of the environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). The screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) selects a printer as shown in FIG. 34 (G) based on the printer list 72 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). A screen is created, displayed on the touch panel, and provided to the user.

  The user can select a printer 6 that can be used at the changed printing location by using a printer selection screen as shown in FIG.

  The printing environment sharing service 13 performs the processing described with reference to FIGS. 29 to 35, so that the user is in the vicinity of the place where the user is present even if the meeting place suddenly changes. By operating the SPS server 3, it is possible to change the printing location in the reserved information that has been reserved, and print the document at a new printing location.

  Hereinafter, the changing process of the printer 6 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 36 is a diagram (No. 2) for explaining the change of the printer.

  FIG. 37 is a sequence diagram (part 2) for explaining the printer change process.

  36 and 37, an example in which the user changes the printer 6 from P-2-2 to P-2-1 using the SPS server 3 (B-1-2) will be described.

  For example, when the user selects the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) as a printing location and makes a print reservation, the user operates the touch panel on the SPS server 3 (B-1-2). , Input a user ID and password, and send information indicating that a predetermined operation (for example, tapping a print reservation selection screen display button) has been performed from the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2). Upon acquisition, as shown in FIG. 37, the reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) reserves information stored in the HDD 39 of the SPS server 3 (B-1-2). Among them, the reservation name, reservation number, etc. of the reservation information corresponding to the user ID are acquired and provided as a reservation list to the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2).

  Upon receiving the reservation list, the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) creates a print reservation selection screen as shown in FIG. 36A and displays it on the touch panel. , Provide to users.

  For example, information indicating that the user has selected “Reservation 1” on the print reservation selection screen in FIG. 36A and tapped the “Reservation details” button is displayed on the screen of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2). When received from the control unit 59, as shown in FIG. 37, the reservation information acquisition unit 53 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) is stored in the HDD 39 of the SPS server 3 (B-1-2). Among the existing reservation information, the reservation information of the corresponding reservation number is acquired and provided to the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2).

  Upon receiving the reservation information, the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) displays a print reservation content display screen as shown in FIG. Create, display on the touch panel, and provide to the user.

  For example, when the user taps the “change reservation” button on the print reservation content display screen shown in FIG. 36B, the screen control unit 59 of the print environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) displays the screen shown in FIG. A reservation change screen as shown in C) is created, displayed on the touch panel, and provided to the user.

  For example, information indicating that the user has selected “change printer” and tapped the “next” button on the reservation change screen shown in FIG. 36C is used as the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2). , The printer list acquisition unit 42 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) stores it in the HDD 39 of the SPS server 3 (B-1-2) as shown in FIG. The obtained printer list 72 is acquired and provided to the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2). The screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) changes the printer as shown in FIG. 36D based on the printer list 72 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2). A screen is created, displayed on the touch panel, and provided to the user.

  The user can change the printer by using the printer change screen shown in FIG.

  For example, when the user selects “P-2-1” on the printer change screen shown in FIG. 36D and taps the “OK” button, the screen of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) The controller 59 creates a printer change confirmation screen as shown in FIG. 36E, displays it on the touch panel, and provides it to the user.

  Here, for example, information indicating that the user has tapped the “printer change” button on the printer change confirmation screen shown in FIG. 36E is displayed on the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2). When received, the reservation information changing unit 56 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) identifies the printer 6 (P-2-2) included in the original reservation information acquired by the reservation information acquiring unit 53. The identification information to be changed is changed to identification information for specifying the new printer 6 (P-2-1).

  Hereinafter, an example in which the user changes the printer 6 from P-2-2 to P-2-1 using the SPS server 3 (B-1-1) will be described with reference to FIGS. 38 and 39, the recording medium on which the route information is recorded is inserted into the slot of the SPS server 3 (B-1-1) by the user, and the route is sent to the SPS server 3 (B-1-1). An explanation will be given using an example in which information is provided.

  FIG. 38 is a diagram (No. 3) for explaining the change of the printer.

  FIG. 39 is a sequence diagram (No. 3) for explaining the printer change process.

  For example, when the user has selected the printer 6 (P-2-2) and made a print reservation, the user operates the touch panel in the SPS server 3 (B-1-1) to enter the user ID and password. When information is input and information indicating that a predetermined operation (for example, tapping a print reservation selection screen display button is performed) is obtained from the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1), the printing environment is shared. The reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the service 13 (B-1-1) searches for reservation information corresponding to the user ID among the reservation information stored in the HDD 39 of the SPS server 3 (B-1-1). .

  For example, when a notification that there is no corresponding reservation information is received from the reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1), the screen control unit of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). 59 creates a print reservation selection screen as shown in FIG. 38A, displays it on the touch panel, and provides it to the user.

  In the print reservation selection screen as shown in FIG. 38A, for example, information indicating that the user has selected “no reservation” and tapped the “reservation information search” button is used as the print environment sharing service 13 (B-1- 1) from the screen control unit 59, the reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) reads the path information (A-1-1 → A-1 → R) read from the recording medium. −0 → B−1 → B-1-2) and the service list 71 stored in the HDD 39 or the like of the SPS server 3 (B-1-1), and compares itself (print environment shared service 13). If it is determined that the identifier for identifying (B-1-1)) is not included in the route information read from the recording medium, route information (B-1-1 → B-1) for information search is created. , Route information read from the recording medium and the user ID The reservation list acquisition request including the print environment shared service 13 (B-1), which is the upper print environment shared service 13, based on the route information (B-1-1 → B-1) for information search. (Sequence S360 in FIG. 39).

  The reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) that has received the acquisition request receives the route information (A-1-1 → A-1 → R-0 → B-) included in the received acquisition request. 1 → B-1-2) and the service list 71 stored in the HDD 39 or the like of the SPS server 3 (B-1), and compares itself (print environment shared service 13 (B-1)). If it is determined that the identifier to be identified is included in the route information, the route information from B-1 to B-1-2 is added to the route information for information search (B-1-1 → B-1), Based on the route information for searching for information (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-2), the print environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) (Sequence S361 in FIG. 39).

  The reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) that has received the acquisition request sends the reservation list acquisition unit 55 to the SPS server 3 (B-1-2) based on the user ID included in the acquisition request. The reservation name, reservation number, etc. of the corresponding reservation information are acquired from the stored reservation information, and information search route information (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-2) is obtained as a reservation list. ) To the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) (sequence S362 in FIG. 39).

  The reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) that has received the reservation list converts the reservation list into route information (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-) for information search. Based on 2), it transmits to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) (sequence S363 in FIG. 39).

  The reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) provides the received reservation list to the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). The screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) creates a print reservation selection screen as shown in FIG. 38B with the reservation list as display contents, and displays it on the touch panel. Provide to users.

  For example, information indicating that the user selects “Reservation 1” on the print reservation selection screen in FIG. 38B and taps the “Reservation details” button is displayed on the screen of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). Upon receipt from the control unit 59, the reservation information acquisition unit 53 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) obtains route information for information search (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-2). Based on the above, a reservation information acquisition request corresponding to “reservation 1” stored in the SPS server 3 (B-1-2) is transmitted to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) (FIG. 5). 39 sequence S364.).

  The reservation information acquisition unit 53 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) that has received the acquisition request converts the acquisition request into route information (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-) for information search. 2), it transmits to the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1-2) (sequence S365 in FIG. 39).

  The reservation information acquisition unit 53 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) that has received the acquisition request sends the reservation information to the SPS server 3 (B-1-2) based on the reservation number included in the acquisition request. The corresponding reservation information is acquired from the stored reservation information, and based on the route information for information search (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-2), the printing environment sharing service 13 ( B-1) (sequence S366 in FIG. 39).

  The reservation information acquisition unit 53 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) that has received the reservation information converts the reservation information into route information for information search (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-). 2), it transmits to the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1-1) (sequence S367 in FIG. 39).

  The reservation information acquisition unit 53 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) provides the received reservation information to the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). The screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) creates a print reservation content display screen as shown in FIG. 38C with the reservation information as display content, and displays it on the touch panel. , Provide to users.

  For example, when the user taps the “change reservation” button on the print reservation content display screen shown in FIG. 38C, the screen control unit 59 of the print environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) displays the screen shown in FIG. A reservation change screen as shown in D) is created, displayed on the touch panel, and provided to the user.

  For example, information indicating that the user selects “change printer” and taps the “next” button on the reservation change screen shown in FIG. 38D is used as the print environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). The printer list acquisition unit 42 of the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1-1) receives an acquisition request for the printer list 72 of the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1-2). Based on the route information for information search (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-2), it is transmitted to the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1) (sequence S368 in FIG. 39).

  The printer list acquisition unit 42 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) that has received the acquisition request converts the acquisition request into route information (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-) for information search. 2), it transmits to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) (sequence S369 in FIG. 39).

  The printer list acquisition unit 42 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) that has received the acquisition request acquires the printer list 72 stored in the SPS server 3 (B-1-2), and obtains information. Based on the search route information (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-2), it is transmitted to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) (sequence S370 in FIG. 39).

  Upon receiving the printer list 72 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2), the printer list acquisition unit 42 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) receives the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2). The printer list 72 is transmitted to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) based on the route information for information search (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-2) (FIG. 39 sequence S371).

  The printer list acquisition unit 42 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) that has received the printer list 72 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) receives the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2). ) Printer list 72 is provided to the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). The screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) changes the printer as shown in FIG. 38E based on the printer list 72 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2). A screen is created, displayed on the touch panel, and provided to the user.

  The user can change the printer by using the printer change screen shown in FIG.

  For example, when the user selects “P-2-1” on the printer change screen shown in FIG. 38E and taps the “OK” button, the screen of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) The control unit 59 creates a printer change confirmation screen as shown in FIG. 38F, displays it on the touch panel, and provides it to the user.

  Here, for example, information indicating that the user has tapped the “printer change” button on the printer change confirmation screen shown in FIG. 38F is displayed on the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). In response, the reservation information changing unit 56 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) receives the printer 6 (P-2-2) included in the original reservation information acquired by the reservation information acquiring unit 53 in sequence S367. ) Is changed to identification information for specifying the new printer 6 (P-2-1).

  When the printing environment sharing service 13 performs the processing shown in FIGS. 38 and 39, the user can directly operate the SPS server 3 to change the printer.

  Hereinafter, another example in which the user changes the printer 6 from P-2-2 to P-2-1 using the SPS server 3 (B-1-1) will be described with reference to FIGS. 38, 40, and 41. I will explain. 40 and 41, the case where the path information is not provided to the SPS server 3 (B-1-1) will be described as an example.

  FIG. 40 is a sequence diagram (part 4) for explaining the printer change process.

  For example, when the user has selected the printer 6 (P-2-2) and made a print reservation, the user operates the touch panel in the SPS server 3 (B-1-1) to enter the user ID and password. When information is input and information indicating that a predetermined operation (for example, tapping a print reservation selection screen display button is performed) is obtained from the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1), the printing environment is shared. The reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the service 13 (B-1-1) searches for reservation information corresponding to the user ID among the reservation information stored in the HDD 39 of the SPS server 3 (B-1-1). .

  For example, when a notification that there is no corresponding reservation information is received from the reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1), the screen control unit of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). 59 creates a print reservation selection screen as shown in FIG. 38A, displays it on the touch panel, and provides it to the user.

  In the print reservation selection screen as shown in FIG. 38A, for example, information indicating that the user has selected “no reservation” and tapped the “reservation information search” button is used as the print environment sharing service 13 (B-1- 1), the reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) refers to the service list 71 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). Then, route information (B-1-1 → B-1) for information search is created, and the user ID and the like are given to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) which is the upper printing environment sharing service 13 A reservation list acquisition request including “S” is transmitted (sequence S380 in FIG. 40).

  The reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) that has received the acquisition request is stored in the SPS server 3 (B-1) based on the user ID included in the acquisition request. The corresponding reservation information is searched from the reservation information, and the reservation name, reservation number, etc. are acquired. However, if there is no corresponding reservation information, a response indicating that there is no corresponding reservation information is sent to the print environment sharing service 13 (B-1) based on the route information (B-1-1 → B-1) for information search. -1) (sequence S381 in FIG. 40).

  The reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) that has received the response indicating that there is no corresponding reservation information, the lower printing environment sharing service 13 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1). In response to a request for acquiring a reservation list including the user ID and the like, based on the route information (B-1-1 → B-1) for information search, the print environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) Is transmitted to the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1) (sequence S382 in FIG. 40).

  The reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1) that has received the acquisition request refers to the service list 71 of the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1), and obtains route information for information search ( Route information from B-1 to B-1-2 is added to (B-1-1 → B-1), and the route information for the information search (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-2) ), A reservation list acquisition request including the user ID and the like is transmitted to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2), which is the lower printing environment sharing service 13 (sequence S383 in FIG. 40). .

  The reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) that has received the acquisition request sends the reservation list acquisition unit 55 to the SPS server 3 (B-1-2) based on the user ID included in the acquisition request. The reservation name, reservation number, etc. of the corresponding reservation information are acquired from the stored reservation information, and information search route information (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-2) is obtained as a reservation list. ) To the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) (sequence S384 in FIG. 40).

  The reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) that has received the reservation list is based on route information (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-2) for information search. The reservation list is transmitted to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) (sequence S385 in FIG. 40).

  The reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) provides the received reservation list to the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). The screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) creates a print reservation selection screen as shown in FIG. 38B with the reservation list as display contents, and displays it on the touch panel. Provide to users.

  The processing from sequence S386 to sequence S393 in FIG. 40 is the same as the processing from sequence S364 to sequence S371 in FIG. 40 is the same as the reservation information change process of FIG.

  When the printing environment sharing service 13 performs the processing shown in FIG. 40, the user can directly operate the SPS server 3 and change the printer without providing the route information.

  Hereinafter, another example of changing the printer 6 without route information will be described with reference to FIGS. 38 and 41. FIG.

  FIG. 41 is a sequence diagram (part 5) for explaining the printer change process.

  For example, when the user has selected the printer 6 (P-2-2) and made a print reservation, the user operates the touch panel in the SPS server 3 (B-1-1) to enter the user ID and password. When information is input and information indicating that a predetermined operation (for example, tapping a print reservation selection screen display button is performed) is obtained from the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1), the printing environment is shared. The reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the service 13 (B-1-1) searches for reservation information corresponding to the user ID among the reservation information stored in the HDD 39 of the SPS server 3 (B-1-1). .

  For example, when a notification that there is no corresponding reservation information is received from the reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1), the screen control unit of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). 59 creates a print reservation selection screen as shown in FIG. 38A, displays it on the touch panel, and provides it to the user.

  In the print reservation selection screen as shown in FIG. 38A, for example, information indicating that the user has selected “no reservation” and tapped the “reservation information search” button is used as the print environment sharing service 13 (B-1- 1), the reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) refers to the service list 71 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). Then, route information (B-1-1 → B-1) for information search is created, and the user ID and the like are assigned to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) which is the upper printing environment sharing service 13. A reservation list acquisition request is transmitted (sequence S400 in FIG. 41).

  The reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) that has received the acquisition request is stored in the SPS server 3 (B-1) based on the user ID included in the acquisition request. The corresponding reservation information is searched from the reservation information, and the reservation name, reservation number, etc. are acquired. However, if there is no corresponding reservation information, the reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1) refers to the service list 71 of the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1) and searches for information. Route information from B-1 to B-1-2 is added to the route information for search (B-1-1 → B-1), and the route information for searching the information (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-2), a reservation list acquisition request including the user ID and the like is transmitted to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2), which is the lower printing environment sharing service 13 (FIG. 41). Sequence S401.).

  The reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) that has received the acquisition request sends the reservation list acquisition unit 55 to the SPS server 3 (B-1-2) based on the user ID included in the acquisition request. The reservation name, reservation number, etc. of the corresponding reservation information is acquired from the stored reservation information, and the route information for searching for information as a reservation list (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-2) Is sent to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) (sequence S402 in FIG. 41).

  The reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) that has received the reservation list is based on route information (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-2) for information search. The reservation list is transmitted to the print environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) as the acquisition request source (sequence S403 in FIG. 41).

  The reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) provides the received reservation list to the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). The screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) creates a print reservation selection screen as shown in FIG. 38B with the reservation list as display contents, and displays it on the touch panel. Provide to users.

  The processing from sequence S404 to sequence S411 in FIG. 41 is the same as the processing from sequence S386 to sequence S393 in FIG. 41 is the same as the reservation information change process of FIG.

  In the process shown in FIG. 41, as compared with the process shown in FIG. 40, the reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) that has received the reservation list acquisition request performs the SPS server 3 (B The corresponding reservation information is searched from the reservation information stored in -1), and when there is no corresponding reservation information, the service list 71 of the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1) is voluntarily referred to. A reservation list acquisition request including the user ID and the like is transmitted to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2), which is the lower printing environment sharing service 13, and the corresponding reservation list is acquired.

  The printing environment sharing service 13 performs the processing shown in FIG. 41, so that the user can directly operate the SPS server 3 and change the printer without providing route information.

  In the process of FIG. 41, if there is no corresponding reservation information in the printing environment shared service 13 below the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1), the reservation of the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1) is made. The list acquisition unit 55 refers to the service list 71 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) and refers to the user ID for the printing environment sharing service 13 (R-0) that is the upper printing environment sharing service 13. A reservation list acquisition request including the above is transmitted to request acquisition of a reservation list.

  Hereinafter, another example in which the user changes the printer 6 from P-2-2 to P-2-1 using the SPS server 3 (B-1-1) will be described with reference to FIGS. . 42 and 43, the recording medium on which the reservation information is recorded together with the route information is inserted into the slot of the SPS server 3 (B-1-1) by the user, and the SPS server 3 (B-1-1) is inserted. ) Using an example in which reservation information is provided together with route information.

  FIG. 42 is a diagram (part 4) for explaining the change of the printer.

  FIG. 43 is a sequence diagram (No. 6) for explaining the printer change process.

  For example, when the user has selected the printer 6 (P-2-2) and made a print reservation, the user operates the touch panel in the SPS server 3 (B-1-1) to enter the user ID and password. When information is input and information indicating that a predetermined operation (for example, tapping a print reservation selection screen display button is performed) is obtained from the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1), the printing environment is shared. The reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the service 13 (B-1-1), as shown in FIG. 43, among the reservation information read from the inserted recording medium, the reservation name and reservation of the reservation information corresponding to the user ID The number and the like are obtained and provided as a reservation list to the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1).

  Upon receiving the reservation list, the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) creates a print reservation selection screen as shown in FIG. 42A and displays it on the touch panel. , Provide to users.

  For example, information indicating that the user has selected “Reservation 1” on the print reservation selection screen in FIG. 42A and tapped the “Reservation details” button is displayed on the screen of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). When received from the control unit 59, the reservation information acquisition unit 53 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1), as shown in FIG. 43, among the reservation information read from the inserted recording medium, the corresponding reservation. The number reservation information is acquired and provided to the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1).

  The screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) having received the reservation information displays a print reservation content display screen as shown in FIG. Create, display on the touch panel, and provide to the user.

  For example, when the user taps the “change reservation” button on the print reservation content display screen shown in FIG. 42B, the screen control unit 59 of the print environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) displays the screen shown in FIG. A reservation change screen as shown in C) is created, displayed on the touch panel, and provided to the user.

  For example, in the reservation change screen shown in FIG. 42C, information indicating that the user has selected “change printer” and tapped the “next” button is used as the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). The printer list acquisition unit 42 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) receives the path information (A-1-1 → A-1 → R-0) read from the recording medium. → B-1 → B-1-2) and the service list 71 stored in the HDD 39 or the like of the SPS server 3 (B-1-1) are compared with each other (the printing environment shared service 13 (B If it is determined that the identifier for identifying (1-1-1)) is not included in the route information read from the recording medium, route information (B-1-1 → B-1) for information search is created and recorded. Print environment shared service including route information read from the medium A request to obtain the printer list 72 of the service 13 (B-1-2) is sent to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1), which is the upper level, based on the path information (B-1-1 → B-1) for information search. (Sequence S420 in FIG. 43).

  Upon receiving the acquisition request, the printer list acquisition unit 42 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) includes path information (A-1-1 → A-1 → R-0 → B-) included in the received acquisition request. 1 → B-1-2) and the service list 71 stored in the HDD 39 or the like of the SPS server 3 (B-1), and compares itself (print environment shared service 13 (B-1)). If it is determined that the identifier to be identified is included in the route information, the route information from B-1 to B-1-2 is added to the route information for information search (B-1-1 → B-1), Based on the route information for searching for information (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-2), a request for obtaining the printer list 72 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) is printed. It transmits to the environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) (sequence S421 of FIG. 43).

  The printer list acquisition unit 42 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) that has received the acquisition request acquires the printer list 72 stored in the SPS server 3 (B-1-2), and obtains information. Based on the search route information (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-2), it is transmitted to the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1) (sequence S422 in FIG. 43).

  The printer list acquisition unit 42 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) that has received the printer list 72 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) receives the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2). The printer list 72 is sent to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) based on the route information (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-2) for information search (see FIG. 43 sequence S423.).

  The printer list acquisition unit 42 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) that has received the printer list 72 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) receives the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2). ) Printer list 72 is provided to the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). The screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) changes the printer as shown in FIG. 42D based on the printer list 72 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2). A screen is created, displayed on the touch panel, and provided to the user.

  The user can change the printer using the printer change screen shown in FIG.

  For example, when the user selects “P-2-1” on the printer change screen shown in FIG. 42D and taps the “OK” button, the screen of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) is displayed. The control unit 59 creates a printer change confirmation screen as shown in FIG. 42E, displays it on the touch panel, and provides it to the user.

  Here, for example, information indicating that the user has tapped the “printer change” button on the printer change confirmation screen shown in FIG. 42E is displayed on the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). When received, the reservation information changing unit 56 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) identifies the printer 6 (P-2-2) included in the original reservation information acquired by the reservation information acquiring unit 53. The identification information to be changed is changed to identification information for specifying the new printer 6 (P-2-1).

  When the printing environment sharing service 13 performs the processing shown in FIGS. 42 and 43, the user provides the route information and the reservation information to the SPS server 3, and directly operates the SPS server 3 to change the printer. be able to.

  When the printing environment sharing service 13 performs the processing described with reference to FIGS. 36 to 43, the user operates the SPS server 3 even if a certain printer 6 is used in large quantities by other users, for example. Then, it is possible to print a document by changing the printer or the like in the reserved information that has been reserved.

  Hereinafter, the printing condition changing process will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 44 is a diagram (No. 2) for explaining the change of the printing condition.

  FIG. 45 is a sequence diagram (No. 2) for explaining the printing condition changing process.

  44 and 45, an example will be described in which the user changes the printing conditions for printing on the printer 6 (P-2-2) using the SPS server 3 (B-1-2).

  For example, when the user selects the printer 6 (P-2-2), sets printing conditions, and makes a print reservation, the user operates the touch panel in the SPS server 3 (B-1-2) Information indicating that a predetermined operation (for example, tapping a print reservation selection screen display button has been performed) is input from the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) by entering a user ID and password. Then, as shown in FIG. 45, the reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) stores the reservation information stored in the HDD 39 of the SPS server 3 (B-1-2). Among them, the reservation name, reservation number, etc. of the reservation information corresponding to the user ID are acquired and provided as a reservation list to the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2).

  Upon receiving the reservation list, the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) creates a print reservation selection screen as shown in FIG. 44A and displays it on the touch panel. , Provide to users.

  For example, information indicating that the user selects “Reservation 1” on the print reservation selection screen in FIG. 44A and taps the “Reservation details” button is displayed on the screen of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2). When received from the control unit 59, as shown in FIG. 45, the reservation information acquisition unit 53 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) is stored in the HDD 39 of the SPS server 3 (B-1-2). Among the reservation information, the reservation information of the corresponding reservation number is acquired and provided to the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2).

  Upon receiving the reservation information, the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) displays a print reservation content display screen as shown in FIG. Create, display on the touch panel, and provide to the user.

  For example, when the user taps the “change reservation” button on the print reservation content display screen shown in FIG. 44B, the screen control unit 59 of the print environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) displays the screen shown in FIG. A reservation change screen as shown in C) is created, displayed on the touch panel, and provided to the user.

  For example, in the reservation change screen shown in FIG. 44 (C), information indicating that the user has selected “change print condition” and tapped the “next” button is used as the print environment shared service 13 (B-1-2). ) From the screen control unit 59, the printer capability information acquisition unit 45 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) receives a request for acquiring capability information of the printer 6 (P-2-2) as a document print service. 14 (PS-2) (sequence S430 in FIG. 45).

  Upon receiving the acquisition request, the document print service 14 (PS-2) acquires capability information of the printer 6 (P-2-2) stored in the print server 4 (PS-2), for example, and prints it. It transmits to the environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) (sequence S431 of FIG. 45).

  The printer capability information acquisition unit 45 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) that acquired the capability information of the printer 6 (P-2-2) prints the capability information of the printer 6 (P-2-2). This is provided to the screen control unit 59 of the environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2). The screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) creates a printing condition change screen shown in FIG. 44D based on the capability information of the printer 6 (P-2-2). Displayed on the touch panel and provided to the user.

  Here, for example, when the user changes the print condition on the print condition change screen shown in FIG. 44D and taps the “change print condition” button, the screen of the print environment shared service 13 (B-1-2) is displayed. The control unit 59 passes the tapping information and the printing condition changed by the user to the reservation information changing unit 56 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2). The reservation information changing unit 56 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) changes the printing conditions included in the original reservation information acquired by the reservation information acquiring unit 53 to new printing conditions changed by the user. .

  The user can change the print conditions using the print condition change screen shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, an example in which the user changes the printing conditions of the printer 6 (P-2-2) using the SPS server 3 (B-1-1) will be described with reference to FIGS. 46 and 47, the recording medium on which the route information is recorded is inserted into the slot of the SPS server 3 (B-1-1) by the user and routed to the SPS server 3 (B-1-1). An explanation will be given using an example in which information is provided.

  FIG. 46 is a diagram (No. 3) for explaining the change of the printing condition.

  FIG. 47 is a sequence diagram (part 3) for explaining the printing condition changing process.

  For example, when the user selects the printer 6 (P-2-2), sets printing conditions, and makes a print reservation, the user operates the touch panel on the SPS server 3 (B-1-1), Information indicating that a predetermined operation (for example, tapping a print reservation selection screen display button has been performed) is input from the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) by entering a user ID and password. Then, the reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) stores the reservation corresponding to the user ID in the reservation information stored in the SPS server 3 (B-1-1). Search for information.

  For example, when a notification that there is no corresponding reservation information is received from the reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1), the screen control unit of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). 59 creates a print reservation selection screen as shown in FIG. 46A, displays it on the touch panel, and provides it to the user.

  In the print reservation selection screen as shown in FIG. 46A, for example, information indicating that the user has selected “no reservation” and tapped the “reservation information search” button is used as the print environment sharing service 13 (B-1- 1) from the screen control unit 59, the reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) reads the path information (A-1-1 → A-1 → R) read from the recording medium. −0 → B−1 → B-1-2) and the service list 71 stored in the HDD 39 or the like of the SPS server 3 (B-1-1), and compares itself (print environment shared service 13). If it is determined that the identifier for identifying (B-1-1)) is not included in the route information read from the recording medium, route information (B-1-1 → B-1) for information search is created. , Reservation list including route information read from the recording medium An acquisition request, and transmits the route information for information search (B-1-1 → B-1) which is a higher based on the printing environment shared services 13 (B-1) (the sequence of FIG. 47 S440.).

  The reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) that has received the acquisition request receives the route information (A-1-1 → A-1 → R-0 → B-) included in the received acquisition request. 1 → B-1-2) and the service list 71 stored in the HDD 39 or the like of the SPS server 3 (B-1), and compares itself (print environment shared service 13 (B-1)). If it is determined that the identifier to be identified is included in the route information, the route information from B-1 to B-1-2 is added to the route information for information search (B-1-1 → B-1), The acquisition request is transmitted to the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1-2) based on the information search route information (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-2) (FIG. 47). Sequence S441.).

  The reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) that has received the acquisition request sends the reservation list acquisition unit 55 to the SPS server 3 (B-1-2) based on the user ID included in the acquisition request. The reservation name, reservation number, etc. of the corresponding reservation information are acquired from the stored reservation information, and information search route information (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-2) is obtained as a reservation list. ) To the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) (sequence S442 in FIG. 47).

  The reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) that has received the reservation list converts the reservation list into route information (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-) for information search. 2), it transmits to the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1-1) (sequence S443 in FIG. 47).

  The reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) provides the received reservation list to the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). The screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) creates a print reservation selection screen as shown in FIG. 46B with the reservation list as display contents, and displays it on the touch panel. Provide to users.

  For example, information indicating that the user selects “Reservation 1” on the print reservation selection screen in FIG. 46B and taps the “Reservation details” button is displayed on the screen of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). Upon receipt from the control unit 59, the reservation information acquisition unit 53 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) obtains route information for information search (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-2). Based on the above, a reservation information acquisition request corresponding to “reservation 1” stored in the SPS server 3 (B-1-2) is transmitted to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) (FIG. 5). 47 sequence S444.).

  The reservation information acquisition unit 53 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) that has received the acquisition request converts the acquisition request into route information (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-) for information search. 2), it transmits to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) (sequence S445 in FIG. 47).

  The reservation information acquisition unit 53 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) that has received the acquisition request sends the reservation information to the SPS server 3 (B-1-2) based on the reservation number included in the acquisition request. The corresponding reservation information is acquired from the stored reservation information, and based on the route information for information search (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-2), the printing environment sharing service 13 ( B-1) (sequence S446 in FIG. 47).

  The reservation information acquisition unit 53 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) that has received the reservation information converts the reservation information into route information for information search (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-). 2), it transmits to the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1-1) (sequence S447 in FIG. 47).

  The reservation information acquisition unit 53 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) provides the received reservation information to the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). The screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) creates a print reservation content display screen as shown in FIG. 46C with the reservation information as display content, and displays it on the touch panel. , Provide to users.

  For example, when the user taps the “change reservation” button on the print reservation content display screen shown in FIG. 46C, the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) displays the screen shown in FIG. A reservation change screen as shown in D) is created, displayed on the touch panel, and provided to the user.

  For example, in the reservation change screen shown in FIG. 46D, information indicating that the user has selected “change print condition” and tapped the “next” button is the print environment shared service 13 (B-1-1). ) From the screen control unit 59, the printer capability information acquisition unit 45 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) searches for the capability information acquisition request of the printer 6 (P-2-2) as an information search. 47 is transmitted to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) based on the route information (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-2) (sequence S448 in FIG. 47).

  Upon receiving the acquisition request, the printer capability information acquisition unit 45 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) converts the acquisition request into information search path information (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1). -2), it transmits to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) (sequence S449 in FIG. 47).

  Upon receiving the acquisition request, the printer capability information acquisition unit 45 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) transmits the acquisition request to the document print service 14 (PS-2) (sequence S450 in FIG. 47). .)

  Upon receiving the acquisition request, the document print service 14 (PS-2) acquires capability information of the printer 6 (P-2-2) stored in the print server 4 (PS-2), for example, and prints it. It transmits to the environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) (sequence S451 of FIG. 47).

  The printer capability information acquisition unit 45 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) that acquired the capability information of the printer 6 (P-2-2) receives the capability information of the printer 6 (P-2-2). Based on the route information for information search (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-2), it is transmitted to the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1) (sequence S452 in FIG. 47).

  The printer capability information acquisition unit 45 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) that acquired the capability information of the printer 6 (P-2-2) searches the capability information of the printer 6 (P-2-2) for information. 47 is transmitted to the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1-1) based on the route information (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-2) (sequence S453 in FIG. 47).

  The printer capability information acquisition unit 45 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) that acquired the capability information of the printer 6 (P-2-2) prints the capability information of the printer 6 (P-2-2). This is provided to the screen control unit 59 of the environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). The screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) creates a printing condition change screen shown in FIG. 46E based on the capability information of the printer 6 (P-2-2). Displayed on the touch panel and provided to the user.

  Here, for example, when the user changes the print condition on the print condition change screen shown in FIG. 46E and taps the “print condition change” button, the screen of the print environment shared service 13 (B-1-1). The control unit 59 passes the tapping information and the printing condition changed by the user to the reservation information changing unit 56 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). The reservation information changing unit 56 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) changes the printing conditions included in the original reservation information acquired by the reservation information acquiring unit 53 to new printing conditions changed by the user. .

  The user can change the print conditions using the print condition change screen shown in FIG.

  When the printing environment sharing service 13 performs the processing shown in FIGS. 46 and 47, the user can provide route information to the SPS server 3, directly operate the SPS server 3, and change the printing conditions. it can.

  Hereinafter, another example in which the user changes the printing conditions of the printer 6 (P-2-2) using the SPS server 3 (B-1-1) will be described with reference to FIGS. 46, 48, and 49. To do. 48 and 49, the case where the path information is not provided to the SPS server 3 (B-1-1) will be described as an example.

  FIG. 48 is a sequence diagram (part 4) for explaining the printing condition changing process.

For example, when the user selects the printer 6 (P-2-2), sets printing conditions, and makes a print reservation, the user operates the touch panel on the SPS server 3 (B-1-1), Information indicating that a predetermined operation (for example, tapping a print reservation selection screen display button has been performed) is input from the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) by entering a user ID and password. Then, the reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) stores the reservation corresponding to the user ID in the reservation information stored in the SPS server 3 (B-1-1). Search for information.
For example, when a notification that there is no corresponding reservation information is received from the reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1), the screen control unit of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). 59 creates a print reservation selection screen as shown in FIG. 46A, displays it on the touch panel, and provides it to the user.

  In the print reservation selection screen as shown in FIG. 46A, for example, information indicating that the user has selected “no reservation” and tapped the “reservation information search” button is used as the print environment sharing service 13 (B-1- 1), the reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) refers to the service list 71 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). Then, route information (B-1-1 → B-1) for information search is created, and the user ID and the like are given to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) which is the upper printing environment sharing service 13 A reservation list acquisition request including “S” is transmitted (sequence S460 in FIG. 48).

  The reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) that has received the acquisition request is stored in the SPS server 3 (B-1) based on the user ID included in the acquisition request. The corresponding reservation information is searched from the reservation information, and the reservation name, reservation number, etc. are acquired. However, if there is no corresponding reservation information, a response indicating that there is no corresponding reservation information is sent to the print environment sharing service 13 (B-1) based on the route information (B-1-1 → B-1) for information search. -1) (sequence S461 in FIG. 48).

  The reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) that has received the response indicating that there is no corresponding reservation information, the lower printing environment sharing service 13 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1). In response to a request for acquiring a reservation list including the user ID and the like, based on the route information (B-1-1 → B-1) for information search, the print environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) Is transmitted to the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1) (sequence S462 in FIG. 48).

  The reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1) that has received the acquisition request refers to the service list 71 of the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1), and obtains route information for information search ( Route information from B-1 to B-1-2 is added to (B-1-1 → B-1), and the route information for the information search (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-2) ), A reservation list acquisition request including the user ID and the like is transmitted to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) which is the lower printing environment sharing service 13 (sequence S463 in FIG. 48). .

  The reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) that has received the acquisition request sends the reservation list acquisition unit 55 to the SPS server 3 (B-1-2) based on the user ID included in the acquisition request. The reservation name, reservation number, etc. of the corresponding reservation information are acquired from the stored reservation information, and information search route information (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-2) is obtained as a reservation list. ) To the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) (sequence S464 in FIG. 48).

  The reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) that has received the reservation list converts the reservation list into route information (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-) for information search. Based on 2), it is transmitted to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) as the acquisition request source (sequence S465 in FIG. 48).

  The reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) provides the received reservation list to the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). The screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) creates a print reservation selection screen as shown in FIG. 46B with the reservation list as display contents, and displays it on the touch panel. Provide to users.

  The processing from sequence S466 to sequence S475 in FIG. 48 is the same as the processing from sequence S444 to sequence S453 in FIG. Also, the reservation information change process in FIG. 48 is the same as the reservation information change process in FIG.

  When the printing environment sharing service 13 performs the process shown in FIG. 48, the user can directly operate the SPS server 3 and change the printing conditions without providing the route information.

  Hereinafter, another example of changing the printing condition without the route information will be described with reference to FIGS. 46 and 49. FIG.

  FIG. 49 is a sequence diagram (No. 5) for explaining the printing condition changing process.

  For example, when the user selects the printer 6 (P-2-2), sets printing conditions, and makes a print reservation, the user operates the touch panel on the SPS server 3 (B-1-1), Information indicating that a predetermined operation (for example, tapping a print reservation selection screen display button has been performed) is input from the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) by entering a user ID and password. Then, the reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) stores the reservation corresponding to the user ID in the reservation information stored in the SPS server 3 (B-1-1). Search for information.

  For example, when a notification that there is no corresponding reservation information is received from the reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1), the screen control unit of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). 59 creates a print reservation selection screen as shown in FIG. 46A, displays it on the touch panel, and provides it to the user.

  In the print reservation selection screen as shown in FIG. 46A, for example, information indicating that the user has selected “no reservation” and tapped the “reservation information search” button is used as the print environment sharing service 13 (B-1- 1), the reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) refers to the service list 71 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). Then, route information (B-1-1 → B-1) for information search is created, and the user ID and the like are assigned to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) which is the upper printing environment sharing service 13. A reservation list acquisition request including this is transmitted (sequence S480 in FIG. 49).

  The reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) that has received the acquisition request is stored in the SPS server 3 (B-1) based on the user ID included in the acquisition request. The corresponding reservation information is searched from the reservation information, and the reservation name, reservation number, etc. are acquired. However, if there is no corresponding reservation information, the reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1) refers to the service list 71 of the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1) and searches for information. Route information from B-1 to B-1-2 is added to the route information for search (B-1-1 → B-1), and the route information for searching the information (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-2), a reservation list acquisition request including the user ID and the like is transmitted to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2), which is the lower printing environment sharing service 13 (FIG. 49). Sequence S481).

  The reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) that has received the acquisition request sends the reservation list acquisition unit 55 to the SPS server 3 (B-1-2) based on the user ID included in the acquisition request. The reservation name, reservation number, etc. of the corresponding reservation information are acquired from the stored reservation information, and information search route information (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-2) is obtained as a reservation list. ) To the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) (sequence S482 in FIG. 49).

  The reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) that has received the reservation list converts the reservation list into route information (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-) for information search. Based on 2), the print request is transmitted to the print environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) as the acquisition request source (sequence S483 in FIG. 49).

  The reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) provides the received reservation list to the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). The screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) creates a print reservation selection screen as shown in FIG. 46B with the reservation list as display contents, and displays it on the touch panel. Provide to users.

  The processing from sequence S484 to sequence S493 in FIG. 49 is the same as the processing from sequence S466 to sequence S475 in FIG. Further, the reservation information changing process of FIG. 49 is the same as the reservation information changing process of FIG.

  In the process shown in FIG. 49, as compared with the process shown in FIG. 48, the reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) that has received the reservation list acquisition request performs the SPS server 3 (B The corresponding reservation information is searched from the reservation information stored in -1), and when there is no corresponding reservation information, the service list 71 of the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1) is voluntarily referred to. A reservation list acquisition request including the user ID and the like is transmitted to the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2), which is the lower printing environment sharing service 13, and the corresponding reservation list is acquired.

  When the printing environment sharing service 13 performs the processing shown in FIG. 49, the user can directly operate the SPS server 3 and change the printing conditions without providing the route information.

  In the process of FIG. 49, if there is no corresponding reservation information in the printing environment shared service 13 below the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1), the reservation of the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1) is made. The list acquisition unit 55 refers to the service list 71 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) and refers to the user ID for the printing environment sharing service 13 (R-0) that is the upper printing environment sharing service 13. A reservation list acquisition request including the above is transmitted to request acquisition of a reservation list.

  Hereinafter, another example in which the user changes the printing conditions of the printer 6 (P-2-2) using the SPS server 3 (B-1-1) will be described with reference to FIGS. 50 and 51, a recording medium in which reservation information is recorded together with route information is inserted into a slot of the SPS server 3 (B-1-1) by the user, and the SPS server 3 (B-1-1) is inserted. ) Using an example in which reservation information is provided together with route information.

  FIG. 50 is a diagram (No. 4) for explaining the change of the printing condition.

  FIG. 51 is a sequence diagram (No. 6) for explaining the printing condition changing process.

  For example, when the user selects the printer 6 (P-2-2), sets printing conditions, and makes a print reservation, the user operates the touch panel on the SPS server 3 (B-1-1), Information indicating that a predetermined operation (for example, tapping a print reservation selection screen display button has been performed) is input from the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) by entering a user ID and password. Then, the reservation list acquisition unit 55 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1), as shown in FIG. 51, among the reservation information read from the inserted recording medium, reservation information corresponding to the user ID. Reservation name, reservation number, etc. are acquired and provided to the screen controller 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) as a reservation list.

  Upon receiving the reservation list, the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) creates a print reservation selection screen as shown in FIG. 50A and displays it on the touch panel. , Provide to users.

  For example, information indicating that the user selects “Reservation 1” on the print reservation selection screen in FIG. 50A and taps the “Reservation details” button is displayed on the screen of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). When received from the control unit 59, the reservation information acquisition unit 53 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1), as shown in FIG. 51, among the reservation information read from the inserted recording medium, the corresponding reservation. The number reservation information is acquired and provided to the screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1).

  The screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) having received the reservation information displays a print reservation content display screen as shown in FIG. Create, display on the touch panel, and provide to the user.

  For example, when the user taps the “change reservation” button on the print reservation content display screen shown in FIG. 50B, the screen control unit 59 of the print environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) displays the screen shown in FIG. A reservation change screen as shown in C) is created, displayed on the touch panel, and provided to the user.

  For example, in the reservation change screen shown in FIG. 50C, information indicating that the user has selected “change print condition” and tapped the “next” button is the print environment shared service 13 (B-1-1). ), The printer capability information acquisition unit 45 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) reads the path information (A-1-1 → A-1 → R) read from the recording medium. −0 → B−1 → B-1-2) and the service list 71 stored in the HDD 39 or the like of the SPS server 3 (B-1-1), and compares itself (print environment shared service 13). If it is determined that the identifier for identifying (B-1-1)) is not included in the route information read from the recording medium, route information (B-1-1 → B-1) for information search is created. The printer 6 (including path information read from the recording medium) A request for capability information of 2-2), and transmits to the printing environment shared services 13 which is the upper (B-1) (sequence S500 of FIG. 51.).

  Upon receiving the acquisition request, the printer capability information acquisition unit 45 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) includes path information (A-1-1 → A-1 → R-0 → B) included in the received acquisition request. -1 → B-1-2) and the service list 71 stored in the HDD 39 or the like of the SPS server 3 (B-1), and compares itself (print environment shared service 13 (B-1)). When it is determined that the identifier for identifying is included in the route information, the route information from B-1 to B-1-2 is added to the route information for information search (B-1-1 → B-1). Based on the route information for searching for information (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-2), the printer 6 (P-2-2) capability information acquisition request is sent to the printing environment sharing service. 13 (B-1-2) (sequence S501 in FIG. 51).

  Upon receiving the acquisition request, the printer capability information acquisition unit 45 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) transmits the acquisition request to the document print service 14 (PS-2) (sequence S502 in FIG. 51). .)

  Upon receiving the acquisition request, the document print service 14 (PS-2) acquires capability information of the printer 6 (P-2-2) stored in the print server 4 (PS-2), for example, and prints it. It transmits to the environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) (sequence S503 of FIG. 51).

  The printer capability information acquisition unit 45 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-2) that acquired the capability information of the printer 6 (P-2-2) receives the capability information of the printer 6 (P-2-2). Based on the route information for information search (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-2), it is transmitted to the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1) (sequence S504 in FIG. 51).

  The printer capability information acquisition unit 45 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1) that acquired the capability information of the printer 6 (P-2-2) searches the capability information of the printer 6 (P-2-2) for information. 51 is transmitted to the printing environment shared service 13 (B-1-1) based on the path information (B-1-1 → B-1 → B-1-2) for use (sequence S505 in FIG. 51).

  The printer capability information acquisition unit 45 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) that acquired the capability information of the printer 6 (P-2-2) prints the capability information of the printer 6 (P-2-2). This is provided to the screen control unit 59 of the environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). The screen control unit 59 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) creates a printing condition change screen shown in FIG. 50D based on the capability information of the printer 6 (P-2-2). Displayed on the touch panel and provided to the user.

  Here, for example, when the user changes the print condition on the print condition change screen shown in FIG. 50D and taps the “print condition change” button, the screen of the print environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) is displayed. The control unit 59 passes the tapping information and the printing condition changed by the user to the reservation information changing unit 56 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1). The reservation information changing unit 56 of the printing environment sharing service 13 (B-1-1) changes the printing conditions included in the original reservation information acquired by the reservation information acquiring unit 53 to new printing conditions changed by the user. .

  The user can change the print conditions using the print condition change screen shown in FIG.

  When the printing environment sharing service 13 performs the processing shown in FIGS. 50 and 51, the user provides the route information and the reservation information to the SPS server 3, and directly operates the SPS server 3 to change the printing conditions. can do.

  When the printing environment sharing service 13 performs the processing described with reference to FIGS. 44 to 51, for example, even when the number of people participating in the conference is suddenly changed, the user operates the SPS server 3, It is possible to print a document by changing printing conditions (for example, the number of copies to be printed) of the reserved information that has been reserved.

  Hereinafter, as another example of an apparatus in which the printing environment sharing service 13 is implemented, an image forming apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a multi-function peripheral) that forms an image will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 52 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the compound machine.

  52, the MFP 1200 includes a plotter 1201, a scanner 1202, a hardware resource 1203 such as a facsimile, and the like, a software group 1210 including a platform 1220 and an application 1230, a MFP starter 1240, and the like. It has.

  The MFP starter 1240 is first executed when the MFP 1200 is turned on to start the platform 1220 and the application 1230.

  The platform 1220 interprets a processing request from the application 1230, generates a hardware resource acquisition request, and manages one or a plurality of hardware resources, and acquires from the control service 1250. It has a system resource manager (SRM (System Resource Manager) 1223) that arbitrates requests, and an OS 1221.

  The control service 1250 is formed by a plurality of service modules. Specifically, the system control service (SCS) 1222, the engine control service (ECS) 1224, the memory control service (MCS) 1225, and the OCS (Opera) There is a Control Service (2261), an FCS (FAX Control Service) 1227, an NCS (Network Control Service) 1228, and an IMH (Imaging Memory Handler) 1229. The platform 1220 has an application program interface that can receive a processing request from the application using a predefined function.

  The OS 1221 is an operating system such as UNIX (registered trademark), and executes the software of the platform 1220 and the application 1230 in parallel as processes. By using open source UNIX (registered trademark), the safety of the program can be secured, the network can be supported, and the source code can be easily obtained. Furthermore, OS and TCP / IP royalties are unnecessary, and outsourcing is easy.

  The SRM1223 controls the system and manages resources together with the SCS1222, and includes an engine unit such as a scanner and a plotter, a memory, an HDD file, a host I / O (Centronics I / F, network I / F, IEEE 1394 I / F, RS232CI / F, etc.) arbitration is performed according to a request from a higher layer using hardware resources, and execution control is performed.

  Specifically, the SRM 1223 determines whether the requested hardware resource is available (whether it is not used by another request). If it is available, the requested hardware resource is Tell the upper layer that it is available. Also, hardware resource usage scheduling may be performed in response to a request from an upper layer, and the requested contents (for example, paper conveyance and image forming operation by the printer engine, memory allocation, file generation, etc.) may be directly executed. .

  The SCS 1222 includes application management (function 1), operation unit control (function 2), system screen display (job list screen, counter display screen, etc.) (function 3), LED display (function 4), resource management (function 5), A plurality of functions such as interrupt application control (function 6) are performed. Specifically, in application management (function 1), processing for registering an application and notifying other applications of the information is performed. In the operation unit control (function 2), exclusive control of the operation unit use right of the application is performed. In the system screen display (function 3), a warning screen corresponding to the state of the engine unit is displayed according to the request content from the application having the operation unit usage right. In LED display (function 4), display control of system LEDs such as warning LEDs and application keys is performed. Resource management (function 5) provides a service for exclusive control of engine resources (scanners, staples, etc.) that must be excluded when an application (ECS) executes a job. In the interrupt application control (function 6), control and service for preferential operation of a specific application are performed.

  The ECS 1224 controls engine units such as the plotter 1201, the scanner 1202, and other hardware resources 1203, and performs image reading and printing operations, status notification, jam recovery, and the like.

  The MCS 1225 performs memory control. Specifically, the MCS 1225 acquires and releases an image memory, uses a hard disk device (HDD), compresses and decompresses image data, and the like.

  The OCS 1226 is a module that controls an operation panel serving as information transmission means between the operator and the main body control, and provides a process for notifying the main body control of an operator's key operation event and a library function for each application to construct a GUI. Processing, processing for managing the constructed GUI information for each application, display reflection processing on the operation panel, and the like are performed.

  The FCS 1227 performs facsimile transmission / reception using the PSTN / ISDN network from each application layer of the system controller, registration / quotation of various facsimile data managed by BKM (backup SRAM), facsimile reading, facsimile reception printing, and fusion transmission / reception. API (Application Program Interface).

  The NCS 1228 is a module group for providing a service that can be commonly used for applications that require network I / O. The NCS 1228 distributes data received by each protocol from the network side to each application, and distributes data from the application. Mediating when sending to the network side.

  For example, NCS 1228 controls data communication with a network device connected via the Internet by HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Daemon) 20 among a plurality of protocols by HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol), and uses an HTTP request header. A processing unit corresponding to a specified Web service may be activated by a function call, and a processing result by the Web service may be notified to the network device using an HTTP response. The web service is provided according to a message described in XML, for example.

  The IMH 1229 maps image data from a virtual memory area (user virtual space) to a physical memory. In response to process activation, a system call is performed to perform processing such as mapping a virtual memory area for a process, releasing the mapped virtual memory area at the end of the process, and the like.

  The application 1230 includes a printer application 1211 that is a printer application having a page description language (PDL), PCL, and postscript (PS), a copy application 1212 that is a copy application, and a fax application 1213 that is a facsimile application. , A scanner application 1214 that is a scanner application, and a Web service processing application 1215 that is a Web service application. Since each application 1211 to 1215 can execute an operation by using each process on the platform 1220, a screen display control program for performing screen control, key operation control, job generation, and the like is the main component. Note that a new application can also be installed via the network via the network connected by the NCS 1228. Each application can be added or deleted for each application.

  The web service processing application 1215 receives an HTTP request for requesting a web service and transmits a HTTP response to perform a predetermined process using the web server 500 that provides the web service and the control service 1250 via the API 1205. And a Web service function (WSF) 1400 that provides the processing result as a Web service via a WS-API (Web Service Application Program Interface).

  In this embodiment, the print environment sharing service 13 and the repository service 12 are installed in the Web service function 1400.

  In addition, reservation information, document data, and the like transferred from the service list 71, the printer list 72, and other MFPs 1200 are stored in an HDD 1303, which will be described later.

  The multi-functional apparatus 1200 performs centralized processing on the platform 1220 for processing commonly required by each application.

  FIG. 53 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the multifunction peripheral.

  As shown in FIG. 53, the MFP 1200 includes an operation panel 1310, a FAX control unit (FCU) 1530, an engine unit 1350 (to which a scanner 1202 and the like are connected), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) of the plotter 1201 and the controller 1300. ) 1301 is connected with a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus 1309 or the like.

  The controller 1300 connects a MEM-C 1302, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 1303, and the like to the ASIC 1301, and connects the ASIC 1301 and the CPU 1304 via the NB 1305 of the CPU chip set. Thus, the reason for connecting via the NB 1305 is that the interface of the CPU 1304 itself is not disclosed.

  Here, the ASIC 1301 and the NB 1305 are not connected via a PCI, but are connected via an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) 1308. The reason for the connection via the AGP 1308 is that the MFP 1200 is connected to the platform 1220 and the application 1230 shown in FIG. 52 by executing and controlling a plurality of processes using a low-speed PCI. This is because performance decreases.

  The CPU 1304 performs overall control of the MFP 1200. Specifically, the SCS 1222, SRM 1223, ECS 1224, MCS 1225, OCS 1226, FCS 1227, NCS 1228, and IMH 1229 forming the platform 1220 on the OS 1221 are started as processes. At the same time, the printer application 1211, the copy application 1212, the fax application 1213, the scanner application 1214, and the Web service processing application 1215 forming the application 1230 are activated and executed.

  The NB 1305 connects the CPU 1304 to the MEM-P 1306, the SB 1307, the NIC (Network Interface Card) 1341, the USB (Universal Serial Bus) 1330, the IEEE 13941340, the Centronics 1342, the driver I / F 1343, and the ASIC 1301.

  The MEM-P 1306 is a system memory used as a drawing memory for the multifunction peripheral, and the SB 1307 is a bridge for connecting the NB 1305 to the ROMPCI device and peripheral devices. The MEM-C 1302 is a local memory used as an image buffer for copying and a code buffer, and the ASIC 1301 is an IC for image processing applications having hardware elements for image processing.

  The driver I / F 1343 is an I / F that is used to read a program or application from an inserted recording medium in which the program or application is stored and mount the program or application on the MFP 1200. Examples of the recording medium include an SD memory card, smart media, multimedia card, and compact flash (registered trademark).

  The HDD 1303 is a storage for accumulating image data, accumulating programs, accumulating font data, accumulating forms, and accumulating documents. In addition, the service list 71, the printer list 72, reservation information, document data, and the like in this embodiment. Is stored. The operation panel 1310 is an operation unit that receives an input operation from an operator and performs display for the operator. For example, the operation panel 1310 is the same as the touch panel described in the second embodiment.

  The ASIC 1301 is provided with a RAM interface for connecting the MEM-C 1302 and a hard disk interface for connecting the HDD 1303. When inputting / outputting image data to / from these storage units, the input / output destination is Switching to a RAM interface or a hard disk interface.

  The AGP 1308 is a bus interface for a graphics accelerator card that has been proposed to speed up graphics processing, and makes the graphics accelerator card faster by directly accessing the system memory with high throughput.

  As shown in FIGS. 52 and 53, when the printing environment sharing service 13 is installed in the multi-function peripheral 1200, as shown in the first embodiment, for example, reservation information and document data are exchanged between the multi-function peripherals 1200. When the transfer information is stored and the reservation information and document data are stored in the MFP 1200 at the designated print location and a print start request is received, for example, the MFP 1200 can perform printing.

  Further, as shown in the second embodiment, for example, by operating the multi-function apparatus 1200 using a screen displayed on the operation panel 1310, the reservation information stored in the multi-function apparatus 1200 is changed. You can change the reservation or start printing directly on the spot.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, but the present invention is not limited to such specific embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims.・ Change is possible.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the print start control unit 52 transmits a print start request including reservation information, document data, and the like to another print environment sharing service 13 or the like based on route information to the print location. However, the print start control unit 52 requests the data transfer unit 44 to transfer, and the data transfer unit 44 issues a print start request including reservation information, document data, and the like based on the route information to the print location. You may make it transmit to the printing environment shared service 13 grade | etc.,.

It is a figure for demonstrating the system configuration | structure of an example of a prior art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is the system block diagram (the 1) which implements this invention. It is a system configuration figure (the 2) which carries out the present invention. It is a software block diagram of an example of an SPS server. It is a hardware block diagram of an example of an SPS server. It is a function block diagram of an example of an SPS server. It is a figure for demonstrating selection of a printing place. It is a sequence diagram for explaining selection of a printing place. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of a service list. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of printer list acquisition. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram for explaining another example of printer list acquisition. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of a printer list. It is a figure for demonstrating selection of a printer. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of acquiring capability information of a printer. It is a figure for demonstrating the setting of printing conditions. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of a print reservation request and a print start request. FIG. 6 is a diagram (part 1) for explaining the start of printing; FIG. 6 is a diagram (part 1) for explaining a change of a printing place. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram (No. 1) for explaining a printing location change process. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram (No. 1) for explaining processing when a print reservation is changed. FIG. 6 is a second diagram for explaining the start of printing; FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram (No. 2) for explaining a process when a print reservation is changed. FIG. 6 is a first diagram for explaining a change of a printer. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram (No. 1) for describing printer change processing; FIG. 6 is a diagram (part 1) for explaining a change in printing conditions. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram (No. 1) for explaining a printing condition changing process; It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating an example of an operation terminal. It is a function block diagram of the other example of a SPS server. FIG. 10 is a diagram (part 2) for explaining the change of the printing place. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram (No. 2) for explaining the printing location change process. FIG. 10 is a third diagram for explaining a change in a printing place. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram (No. 3) for explaining the printing location change process; FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram (part 4) for explaining the printing location change process; FIG. 14 is a diagram (part 4) for explaining the change of the printing place; FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram (No. 5) for explaining the printing location change process; FIG. 6 is a second diagram for explaining a printer change; FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram (No. 2) for describing a printer change process; FIG. 10 is a third diagram for explaining a printer change; FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram (No. 3) for describing a printer change process; FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram (part 4) for explaining the printer change process; FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram (No. 5) for describing a printer change process; FIG. 6 is a diagram (part 4) for explaining a printer change; FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram (No. 6) for describing a printer change process; FIG. 6 is a second diagram for explaining a change in printing conditions. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram (No. 2) for explaining the printing condition changing process. FIG. 10 is a third diagram illustrating a change in printing conditions. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram (No. 3) for explaining the printing condition changing process; FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram (No. 4) for explaining the printing condition changing process; FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram (No. 5) for explaining the printing condition changing process; FIG. 14 is a diagram (No. 4) for describing a change in printing conditions; FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram (No. 6) for describing the printing condition changing process; It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of a compound machine. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of a compound machine.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Web server 2 Repository server 3 SPS server 4 Print server 6 Printer 7 PDA (Personal Digital Assistant)
12 Repository service (RS)
13 Print Environment Shared Service (SPS)
14 Document Print Service (PS)
20 httpd (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Daemon)
21 OS (Operating System)
24 Print Environment Sharing Application 26 Printer Application 27 Document Management Application 29 Application 31 Input Device 32 Display Device 33 Drive Device 34 Recording Medium 35 ROM (Read Only Memory)
36 RAM (Random Access Memory)
37 CPU (Central Processing Unit)
38 Interface device 39 HDD (Hard Disk Drive)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 41 Service list acquisition part 42 Printer list acquisition part 43 Document data acquisition part 44 Data transfer part 45 Printer capability information acquisition part 46 Application information acquisition part 47 Storage part 48 Erase part 49 Service list management part 50 Printer list management part 51 Print reservation control Unit 52 print start control unit 53 reservation information acquisition unit 54 saved document data acquisition unit 55 reservation list acquisition unit 56 reservation information change unit 57 change request transmission unit 58 print data reception unit 59 screen control unit 61 XML processing unit 62 SOAP processing unit 63 HTTP processing unit 71 Service list 72 Printer list 500 Web server 1200 Fusion machine 1201 Plotter 1202 Scanner 1203 Other hardware resources 1205 API
1210 Software Group 1211 Printer Application 1212 Copy Application 1213 Fax Application 1214 Scanner Application 1215 Web Service Processing Application 1220 Platform 1221 OS (Operating System)
1222 SCS (System Control Service)
1223 SRM (System Resource Manager)
1224 ECS (Engine Control Service)
1225 MCS (Memory Control Service)
1226 OCS (Operation panel Control Service)
1227 FCS (FAX Control Service)
1228 NCS (Network Control Service)
1229 IMH (Imaging Memory Handler)
1230 Application 1240 Multi-function machine start-up unit 1300 Controller 1301 ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit)
1302 MEM-C
1303 HDD (Hard Disk Drive)
1304 CPU (Central Processing Unit)
1305 NB (North Bridge)
1306 MEM-P (system memory)
1307 SB (South Bridge)
1308 AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port)
1309 PCI Bus (Peripheral Component Interconnect Bus)
1310 Operation Panel 1330 USB (Universal Serial Bus)
1340 IEEE 1394
1341 NIC (Network Interface Card)
1342 Centronics 1350 Engine 1400 WSF (Web Service Function)
1530 FCU (FAX control unit)

Claims (33)

A printing environment sharing service providing method in a printing environment sharing service providing device having a printing environment sharing service providing means for providing a service related to printing environment sharing,
The printing environment sharing service providing means includes:
In response to a request from the printing environment sharing service providing unit of another printing environment sharing service providing apparatus, the printing environment sharing service provision of the printing environment sharing service providing apparatus is provided with reservation information and / or document data related to printing reservation. A transfer stage to transfer to the means;
Reservation information acquisition stage for acquiring reservation information related to print reservation;
A printing environment sharing service providing method comprising: a changing step of changing contents of reservation information relating to the print reservation.   In the reservation information acquisition step, the printing environment sharing service providing means uses the printing environment sharing service providing means of another printing environment sharing service providing apparatus to make a reservation related to the printing reservation based on the route information to the printing place. The printing environment sharing service providing method according to claim 1, wherein the information is acquired.   3. The printing environment sharing service provision according to claim 1, wherein, in the changing step, the printing environment sharing service providing unit changes information relating to a printing place included in the reservation information relating to the printing reservation. Method.   3. The printing environment shared service providing method according to claim 1, wherein in the changing step, the printing environment shared service providing means changes information related to the printer included in the reservation information related to the printing reservation. .   3. The printing environment sharing service provision according to claim 1, wherein in the changing step, the printing environment sharing service providing unit changes information related to a printing condition included in the reservation information related to the printing reservation. Method.   In response to a request from the printing environment sharing service providing unit of another printing environment sharing service providing device, the printing environment sharing service providing unit includes service data including data relating to a reference relationship between the printing environment sharing service providing units. 6. The printing environment sharing service providing method according to claim 1, further comprising a service data acquisition step of acquiring from a printing environment sharing service providing unit of another printing environment sharing service providing apparatus.   In response to a request from the printing environment sharing service providing unit of another printing environment sharing service providing device, the printing environment sharing service providing unit receives printer data including data relating to the printer of the other printing environment sharing service providing device. The printing according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a printer data acquisition step acquired from a printing service providing unit of a printing environment sharing service providing unit or a printing service providing unit that provides a service related to printing. How to provide environment sharing services.   In response to a request from the printing environment sharing service providing unit of another printing environment sharing service providing device, the printing environment sharing service providing unit obtains the capability information of the printer, and the printing environment sharing service of another printing environment sharing service providing device. The printing environment sharing service according to claim 1, further comprising a printer capability information acquisition step acquired from a printing service providing unit of a providing unit or a printing service providing apparatus that provides a service related to printing. How to provide.   9. The printer capability information acquisition step, wherein the printing environment sharing service providing unit acquires the capability information of the printer before the change and the capability information of the printer after the change in the change step. To provide common printing environment service.   In response to a request from the printing environment sharing service providing unit of another printing environment sharing service providing device, the printing environment sharing service providing unit provides a list of reservation information related to the printing reservation to other printing environment sharing service providing 10. The printing environment sharing service providing method according to claim 1, further comprising a reservation list acquisition step of acquiring from a printing environment sharing service providing unit of the apparatus.   11. The printing environment sharing service according to claim 1, further comprising a storing step in which the printing environment sharing service providing unit stores reservation information and / or document data related to the printing reservation. How to provide.   12. The service environment management step for managing the service data including the data related to the reference relationship between the printing environment sharing service providing units. The printing environment shared service provision method of description.   13. The printing environment shared service providing method according to claim 12, wherein the service data can be set to a higher level and / or a peer and / or a lower level in the relationship between the printing environment shared service providing means.   14. The printing environment sharing service providing method according to claim 1, further comprising a route searching step of searching for a route to a reservation information storage location.   15. A printing environment shared service providing program for causing a computer to execute the printing environment shared service providing method according to claim 1.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the printing environment sharing service providing program according to claim 15 is recorded. A printing environment shared service providing apparatus having a printing environment shared service providing means for providing a service related to printing environment sharing,
The printing environment sharing service providing means includes:
In response to a request from the printing environment sharing service providing unit of another printing environment sharing service providing apparatus, the printing environment sharing service provision of the printing environment sharing service providing apparatus is provided with reservation information and / or document data related to printing reservation. A transfer means for transferring to the means;
Reservation information acquisition means for acquiring reservation information related to printing reservation;
A printing environment shared service providing apparatus comprising: changing means for changing contents of reservation information relating to the print reservation.   The reservation information acquisition unit acquires the reservation information related to the print reservation from the print environment shared service providing unit of another printing environment shared service providing apparatus based on the route information to the printing place. The printing environment sharing service providing apparatus according to claim 17.   19. The printing environment sharing service providing apparatus according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the changing unit changes information relating to a printing location included in reservation information relating to the printing reservation.   19. The printing environment sharing service providing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the changing unit changes information related to a printer included in reservation information related to the print reservation.   19. The printing environment sharing service providing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the changing unit changes information relating to a printing condition included in reservation information relating to the printing reservation.   In response to a request from the printing environment sharing service providing unit of another printing environment sharing service providing device, the printing environment sharing service providing unit includes service data including data relating to a reference relationship between the printing environment sharing service providing units, The printing environment sharing service providing apparatus according to any one of claims 17 to 21, further comprising service data acquisition means for acquiring from printing environment sharing service providing means of another printing environment sharing service providing apparatus.   In response to a request from the printing environment sharing service providing unit of another printing environment sharing service providing apparatus, the printing environment sharing service providing unit receives printer data including data relating to the printer, and the printing environment sharing service providing apparatus The printing according to any one of claims 17 to 22, further comprising printer data acquisition means acquired from the printing service providing means of the printing environment sharing service providing means or a printing service providing apparatus that provides a service related to printing. Environmental shared service provision equipment.   The printing environment sharing service providing means receives the printer capability information in response to a request from the printing environment sharing service providing means of another printing environment sharing service providing apparatus, and the printing environment sharing service of another printing environment sharing service providing apparatus. The print environment sharing service according to any one of claims 17 to 23, further comprising a printer capability information acquisition unit that is acquired from the providing unit or the printing service providing unit of the printing service providing apparatus that provides a service related to printing. Providing device.   25. The printing environment sharing service providing apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the printer capability information acquisition unit acquires the capability information of the printer before the change by the change unit and the capability information of the printer after the change.   The printing environment sharing service providing means provides a list of reservation information related to the printing reservation in response to a request from the printing environment sharing service providing means of another printing environment sharing service providing apparatus. The printing environment shared service providing apparatus according to any one of claims 17 to 25, further comprising a reservation list acquiring unit that acquires the printing environment shared service providing unit of the apparatus.   27. The printing environment sharing service according to claim 17, wherein the printing environment sharing service providing unit further includes a storage unit that stores reservation information and / or document data related to the printing reservation. Providing device.   28. The print environment shared service providing means further comprises service data management means for managing service data including data relating to a reference relationship between the print environment shared service providing means. The printing environment shared service providing apparatus as described.   29. The printing environment shared service providing apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the service data can be set to a higher level and / or a peer and / or a lower level in the relationship between the printing environment shared service providing means.   30. The printing environment sharing service providing apparatus according to claim 17, further comprising document management service providing means for providing a service related to document management.   31. The printing environment sharing service providing apparatus according to claim 17, further comprising a document storage unit that stores the document.   32. The printing environment sharing service providing apparatus according to claim 17, further comprising a printing service providing unit that provides a service related to printing.   The printing environment sharing service providing apparatus according to any one of claims 17 to 32, further comprising printing means for performing printing.

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