JP2006244321A - Image forming device, server, and client - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a function allowing printing without any knowledge about a network address of an image forming device. <P>SOLUTION: This server 4 manages a printer 3 so that it can be used as a shared printer shared with an information processor 6 serving as a client. The server 4 manages an identifier ID of the printer 3 and a connection means to the shared printer in association with each other. In this way, when the information processor 6 acquiring the ID identifying the printer 3 from the printer makes a query about the ID, the printer 3 acquiring the ID is used as the shared printer. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a server, and a client connected to a network.

There are roughly two methods for printing using a network printer from an information processing apparatus such as a PC or PDA. One is a method of installing a printer driver, starting an application on the information processing apparatus, and printing. The other is a method in which a service for executing printing exists on the network, and the information processing apparatus requests printing to the printing service. In the latter case, the printing service activates an application for printing the document to be printed and performs printing.
In the former case, a printer connected to the LAN can print from a PC by installing a printer driver and setting the printer's IP address in the TCP / IP port of the printer.
However, when using a printer for the first time, it is very troublesome to download and install a printer driver installer from the Web or the like, check the IP address of the printer, and set the TCP / IP port. For example, when a notebook PC is brought to a meeting room on another floor for an in-house meeting and printing is attempted on that floor, it may be necessary to install the printer driver.
On the other hand, there is a method of sharing a printer in a PC in which a printer driver for a printer connected to a LAN is installed. This is printer sharing in the Windows (registered trademark) OS of Microsoft (registered trademark). In most cases, a printer sharing service called a print server is activated on a server machine that manages printers so that nearby printers can be shared. The client PC can access the server and share and use the printer simply by double-clicking the shared printer icon. If this means is used, it is possible to easily install and print a printer driver, which is more possible than the above case.
However, if you do not know the network address of the server PC running the essential print service, or if you cannot connect, or if you do not have access rights to share the printer, obtain an account, that is, a logon user name and password, There is a problem that the printer cannot be shared unless this is entered. For this reason, similarly to the above example, there is a problem that printing cannot be performed immediately at a business office that has come for the first time in an in-house LAN environment.
In the latter case, what operates on the Web is called a Web service, and various techniques have been proposed. In particular, there are many systems related to a system that prints pages on the Web from a mobile phone using a printer connected to the Internet. In this case, since the application for printing is on the Web service, there is a problem that the printable document is limited to the application supported by the Web service side. In addition, there is a problem that fine print settings according to user preferences cannot be made. Furthermore, there are cases where the print preview cannot be confirmed.

Specifically, various conventional techniques are examined. First, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 relates to a method for printing a document on a file server by a printing service on the Internet.
As a technique for eliminating the application dependency of a Web service, Patent Document 2 is known. In this case, a printer driver that renders print data in a print definition language encapsulates and transmits the render data in HTTP. This provides a means that does not require driver installation for printing via the Internet, and functions as a general-purpose printer driver.
Alternatively, there is a method of transferring files to a printing service in a common format. In this method, a file to be printed on a PC is converted into a PDF file, and the file and print settings are transferred to a print service. As a result, application dependency can be eliminated.
As a technology related to automatic printer installation, Patent Document 3 uses SLP (Service Location Protocol) to notify a newly connected printer to a client PC connected to a network and install a shared printer on the client PC. Techniques for making them disclosed are disclosed.

As a technique combining print service and printer designation by ID input, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 4 is known. This transmits the file to the server in charge of printing, while transmitting the job ID from the printer. As a result, printing can be performed by physically specifying the printer.
Patent Document 5 is known as a technique for printing by designating a printer. In this case, a mobile phone is connected to the Internet, and a print service is requested to print a document. The mobile phone acquires print data that can be printed by the printer that it wants to output. Thereafter, the mobile phone communicates with the printer by means of IrDA or the like, and sends print data to the printer. This provides a method for printing a document on the Internet even for a stand-alone printer not connected to the Internet.
Non-Patent Document 1 develops a system for detecting a position using RFID and automatically setting nearby network devices. One of them is that it can be used for a printer near the position recognized by the RFID.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-256012 JP 2002-318669 A JP 2000-215128 A JP 2002-132464 A JP 2002-140254 A MIT Oxgen project (http://www.oxygen.lcs.mit.edu/index.html)

However, the technique of Patent Document 1 has a problem in that fine print settings cannot be made and applications are limited as described above. In addition, although it is possible to print by specifying the URL of a page on the Internet, a so-called Web page or a file published on the Web, there is a means for printing a file on a PC connected on the LAN. There is no inconvenience.
Further, in the technique of Patent Document 2, there is no guarantee that printing is performed as an image having the same configuration or with the same image quality as when printing is performed using a genuine printer driver. In addition, a PC serving as a server for printing the rendered data is required. Since printing is performed twice, processing may take time. Further, when it is desired to specify a printer in the immediate vicinity of the user, there is a lack of means for specifying the printer.
In the technique of Patent Document 3, it is sufficient that the printer to be used can be used when it is desired to be used, but it is not clear which printer is physically installed when the printer is connected to the network. The problem is that there is no means for uniquely specifying the printer to be used, preferably physically.
In the technique of Patent Document 4, a problem occurs when a file to be printed cannot be printed by the server. In the present invention, when printing is impossible, an inquiry is made to another print server, and if possible, the job is transferred and the job is entrusted. However, there is no guarantee that fine print settings can be made correctly, and there are problems that cannot be confirmed by print preview.
In the technique of Patent Document 5, since the format of the print data differs for each printer, the print data transferred by the desired printer may not be printed out. Alternatively, the printer needs to have a function of printing based on arbitrarily standardized print data. In addition, there is a problem that application limitation and detailed print setting cannot be performed in the Web service.
Furthermore, the technique of Non-Patent Document 1 has a problem that the user lacks means for performing detailed print settings.
An object of the present invention is to physically designate an image forming apparatus with respect to an image forming apparatus connected to a network, so that an arbitrary document can be transferred from an image forming apparatus designated by an information processing apparatus such as a PC to a printer. It is possible to easily and quickly print with an arbitrary print setting within an allowable range.

The present invention includes a printer engine, communication means for communicating with a client, and information providing means for transmitting an identifier for identifying the image forming apparatus to the client through the communication.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, a print server means for managing the image forming apparatus so that a client can use the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect as a shared printer, and an identifier and a connection means for connecting to the shared printer are associated with each other. The image forming apparatus that has acquired the identifier by the print server means when a client that has acquired an identifier for identifying the image forming apparatus from the image forming apparatus inquires of the identifier. Use the device as a shared printer.
The invention described in claim 3 is characterized in that the identifier includes data of means for connecting the client to a server via a network.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printer engine, a communication means for communicating with a client, and an information providing means for transmitting data of a connection means for connecting to a shared printer of a server from the image forming apparatus to the client by the communication. And.
According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided print server means for managing the image forming apparatus so that a client can use the image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect as a shared printer. When the client that has acquired the data of the connection unit inquires about the identifier, the image forming apparatus that has acquired the data by the print server unit is used as a shared printer.
The invention described in claim 6 monitors the user authentication means for performing user authentication when the client connects to the shared printer managed by the server itself, the printer port of the shared printer of the server, and records the information. And recording means for charging the user based on the user information and the monitoring information.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided printing means for causing a predetermined image forming apparatus designated by the image forming apparatus instructed by the image forming apparatus connected to the client or the server via a network to print data instructed to be printed by the client; When a print preview instruction is received from the client, a preview screen transmission unit that transmits screen data of the print preview screen to the client, and execution or cancellation of printing by the printing unit according to a command instructed by the client Execution / cancellation means for performing
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided printing means for causing a predetermined image forming apparatus instructed by an image forming apparatus connected to the client or server via a network to print data instructed to be printed by the client. The server display screen is displayed on the display device as a shared screen, and further includes remote operation means for remotely operating the server from the shared screen, and at least print setting execution or print preview screen is provided by the remote operation means. One of the browsing can be performed.
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, an acquisition unit for acquiring an identifier for identifying the image forming apparatus from an image forming apparatus on the network, a server connected to the server via the network, and inquiring the server for the acquired identifier. And a print execution unit that causes the image forming apparatus specified by the identifier to execute printing.
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided information acquisition means for acquiring an identifier for identifying the image forming apparatus from the image forming apparatus via the network, and printing on the image forming apparatus having acquired the identifier on a server via the network. A print instruction means for instructing to communicate with a predetermined information processing apparatus via a network, select a document to be printed stored in the information processing apparatus, and transfer the selected document to the server A transfer unit; and a printing unit that causes the image forming apparatus that has acquired the identifier to print a document on the information processing apparatus.

In the invention described in claim 11, the identifier includes data of a means for the client to connect to the server via the network.
According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the print instructing unit acquires the information when the image forming apparatus can provide the client with information about the processing capability of the image forming apparatus itself together with the identifier. Print settings are made based on the information of the image forming apparatus, and the setting information is transmitted to the server, thereby causing the image forming apparatus to perform printing with the designated print settings.
According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, when the server that has completed preparation for printing pauses the printing operation, a notification receiving unit that receives notification that the preparation for printing has been completed, and a print preview screen from the server are provided. A print preview screen acquisition means for acquiring; and an instruction means for instructing the server to continue or cancel printing.
According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printer engine, communication means for communicating with the server,
Each said means same as the client as described in any one of Claims 11-13 is provided.
According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print preview screen acquisition means for acquiring a print preview screen from the server.
According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, a printer engine, a communication unit that communicates with a server and a client via a network, and when the client instructs to print the data, the data is transferred to the server. And a print processing means for performing the processing of the instruction.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided print preview screen acquisition means for causing the client to acquire a print preview screen from the server via the image forming apparatus, and the client to the server via the image forming apparatus. Printing instruction means for instructing continuation or cancellation of printing.
In the invention described in claim 18, the print processing means prints the document by the server that selects the document that the client wants to print and stores the document stored in a predetermined information processing apparatus. Let
According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a directory structure storage means for acquiring and recording a directory structure of a predetermined information processing apparatus, a file path of an arbitrary file of the information processing apparatus by browsing the recorded directory structure 19. A file path acquisition unit for acquiring a communication command, a communication command transmission unit for transmitting a communication command to the information processing apparatus connected to the network via the image forming apparatus of claim 18, and arbitrary data of the previous information processing apparatus And a printing unit that transfers the data to a server by specifying a file path and performs printing by the image forming apparatus.

According to the first and second aspects of the present invention, the printer driver can be installed in the information processing apparatus of the client and printing can be performed without knowing the network address of the image forming apparatus. Since a shared printer is used, installation and image forming apparatus port setting can be performed faster than installing a printer driver locally. Also, by installing a printer driver, printing can be performed with any application that can be executed by the information processing apparatus of the client.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to connect to the server only by obtaining the identifier from the image forming apparatus without knowing the network address of the server by providing the identifier with an access means to the server. Thus, the printer can be shared by connecting to the server as in the above invention.
According to the fourth and fifth aspects of the invention, instead of sending the identifier of the image forming apparatus, by sending a script file for connecting to the shared printer through IrDA communication, it is easier than in the first to third aspects. The physically designated image forming apparatus can be used as a shared printer.
According to the sixth aspect of the invention, by providing user authentication for printer sharing, it is possible to identify and record who used which image forming apparatus. Further, when sharing an image forming apparatus, it is possible to monitor which user account performs what kind of printing. Normally, the number of pages, document name, and number of bytes can be recorded. Based on these, it is possible to construct a printing system that easily charges the user together with a function of easily printing on the image forming apparatus designated by the user.
According to the seventh and eighth aspects of the present invention, since the print preview of the normal Web service cannot perform the print preview, the image may actually be printed as an image different from the user's expectation. In the present invention, a preview function is provided in the print service, and the preview screen is transmitted as screen data to the client information processing apparatus that requested the printing, and the client information processing apparatus that receives the preview function provides a function of confirming the preview screen. Thereby, highly reliable printing is possible.
According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the print screen of printing performed on the server is displayed on the client information processing apparatus instructed to print by remote operation using screen sharing, and the print setting is performed by remote operation. It will be possible. Further, as in the above-described invention, it is possible to confirm the print preview using the screen sharing function. As a result, fine print settings and print image confirmation can be performed from the client information processing apparatus. Further, by using the printing service and printing, printing can be performed even with a portable information terminal such as a PDA having a processing capability lower than that of the PC.
According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the client information processing apparatus indicates the image forming apparatus to be output to the server that performs printing by acquiring the identifier of the image forming apparatus without knowing the network address of the image forming apparatus. It becomes possible to do. Also, print preview is possible.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, by using a function that allows a client information processing apparatus to send a document on another PC to a print service, the document on another PC can be used by using the print service. It becomes possible to print. Since the print service is used, the client information processing apparatus can be a portable information terminal such as a PDA having a processing capability lower than that of the PC. Further, by obtaining the identifier from the image forming apparatus, it is possible to print with the designated image forming apparatus without knowing the network address of the image forming apparatus.
According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, as in the first and second aspects, the user can easily print on the image forming apparatus that the user wants to print by the function of designating the image forming apparatus by acquiring the identifier by the short-range communication means Will be able to do.
According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the client information processing apparatus further includes means for the image forming apparatus to acquire the specifications of the image forming apparatus at the same time as the identifier, so that the server can be connected to the server with appropriate settings without connecting to the server. It is possible to instruct printing. This simplifies the procedure up to printing.
According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to perform printing with high reliability by performing a print preview.
According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus includes a display device and an input device, and has a function of communicating with another information processing device (such as a PC). Even if the user does not carry the device etc., it is possible to print a file on another information processing apparatus (such as a PC) on the operated image forming apparatus only by operating the image forming apparatus.

According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus further includes a display device capable of displaying an image, and the server has a function of transmitting print preview screen data to the image forming apparatus. A function for performing a print preview is provided so that highly reliable printing is possible.
According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, even a PC or PDA that is not connected to a network can print a file by other short-range communication such as IrDA.
According to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, even a PC or PDA that is not connected to the network can perform printing while confirming on the print preview screen.
According to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, even a PC or PDA that is not connected to a network can print a file on another PC by other short-distance communication such as IrDA.

Hereinafter, multiple examples of the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described.
[Embodiment 1]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the network configuration of the network system 1 of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram thereof.
In this network system 1, a printer 3 and a server 4 are connected to a LAN (Local Area Network). Further, an information processing apparatus 6 serving as a client is connected via a wireless LAN access point 5. In this example, the information processing apparatus 6 is a notebook computer.
The information processing apparatus 6 has an infrared communication function based on IrDA as means for acquiring the identifier of the printer 3 from the printer 3. That is, the information processing apparatus 6 and the printer 3 have an IrDA communication unit 11 (infrared port). By bringing the information processing apparatus 6 closer to the printer 3, an identifier (hereinafter referred to as "ID") of the printer 3 is acquired by automatic or manual operation. The information processing device 6 receives a file in which an ID is written from the printer 3 using the IrDA file transfer function. A network interface (I / F) 13 is an I / F for wireless LAN communication.
As shown in FIG. 3, this operation is performed by monitoring the infrared port on the printer 3 side (step S1) and automatically transmitting an ID file when a communication partner is found (Y in step S2).
The ID file combines the name of the printer 3 and the extension indicating that it is an ID file of the printer 3, and describes the IP address as the contents of this file, such as “PRINTERABCD.PRD”.
In the case of the printer 3 whose IP address is 133.139.3.4 and the shared management name is PRINTERABCD, the information processing apparatus 6 receives from the printer 3 a file with the name “PRINTERABCD.PRD” and the content “133.139.3.4”.
The printer 3 includes an IrDA communication unit 31 (infrared port) that communicates with the information processing apparatus 6, an identifier management unit 32 that manages the ID that is the identifier, a printing unit (printer engine) 33, and a network I / F 34 that communicates with the LAN 2. It has.

  On the other hand, a server 4 is connected on the network 1. The server 4 is a normal information processing apparatus 6. A network I / F 22 that communicates with the LAN 2, a user authentication unit 23 that performs user authentication, and the like are provided. As an OS, Windows 2000 Server (“Windows” and “Windows” are registered trademarks (the same applies hereinafter)) is installed, and the printer 3 connected to the network 1 is managed. In terms of Windows, the server 4 uses a function of the print server 24 to activate a service that can use the installed printer 3 as a shared printer for the information processing apparatus 6 connected to the server 4. . By using the print server 24, the connected client information processing apparatus 6 simply selects the printer 3 to be used from the shared printer list and double-clicks, and the printer driver 25 is installed in the client information processing apparatus 6. Can be used. The setting of the TCP / IP port of the printer 3 is also automatically performed. Therefore, since the printer 3 can be used more easily than installing the printer driver 25 locally, this service is often used to use a network printer in the LAN 2. Also in this example, the function of the print server 24 is used.

The communication operation of the server 4 with respect to the client information processing device 6 will be described with reference to FIG. On the server 4, a program for managing the printer 3 managed as a shared printer so that the connected client information processing apparatus 6 can share it is activated (printer / identifier management program 21). This program 21 manages the shared printer and the ID of the printer 3 in association with each other, and the information processing apparatus 6 can use the printer 3 having the ID inquired by the connected client information processing apparatus 6 as a shared printer. I manage it.
The user operates the client information processing apparatus 6 and starts a program (client program 12) for using the printer 3, whereby the client program 12 is connected to the server 4 (Y in steps S11 and S12). The client program 12 is caused to read a file by dragging and dropping the ID of the printer 3 obtained by IrDA to the client program 12. Accordingly, the client program 12 acquires the ID of the printer 3 and inquires of the server 4 about the acquired ID. When the server 4 receives the ID inquiry (Y in step S13), the server 4 searches the management data of the server 4 itself for a shared printer that matches the ID (step S14). If there is a matching printer 3 (Y in step S14), a script file for using the shared printer is transmitted to the client information processing apparatus 6 (step S6).
And
Set WSHNetwork = WScrIPt.CreateObject ("WScrIPt.Network")
Const strPort = "LPT1"
Const strPrinter = "\\ 133.139.3.5 \ PRINTERABCD"
Const strUserName = "PrintGuest"
Const strPassword = "PASSWD"
WSHNetwork.AddPrinterConnection strPort, strPrinter, False, strUserName, strPassword
WSHNetwork.AddWindowsPrinterConnection strPrinter
WSHNetwork.SetDefaultPrinter strPrinter
The contents of the script are as follows: An operation for setting the printer 3 that is normally used is performed.

Here, the user account is described. In a general method of using the information processing apparatus 6, authority is required to use the shared printer. Specifically, an account for the server information processing apparatus 6 is required, and logon authentication is required to use the shared printer. In other words, it is necessary to authenticate the user name and password.
In this example, the server 4 prepares a user account that permits sharing of the printer 3. The account contents are a user name “PrintGuest” and a password “PASSWD”. It is desirable that this account does not give authority such as file sharing or remote management in consideration of security.
FIG. 5 shows an operation example of the client information processing apparatus 6 when this script is executed. By executing this script (step S21), the user authority to use the shared printer of the server 4 can be given, and the printer 3 that has acquired the ID can be used as a shared printer (steps S22 and S23). The last line of the script sets the printer 3 as the default printer 3, that is, the “normally used printer 3” in Windows (step S24). Is set to use 3.
As another form, as shown in FIG. 2, the printer 3 monitors the infrared port (step S1), and when a communication partner is found, the file is automatically transmitted (step S3). The file may be transmitted by pressing a button provided in 3, or infrared communication is started from the information processing apparatus 6 as shown in FIG. 8 (step S 51), and an ID transmission command is sent to the printer 3. The received printer 3 may return the ID (step S54) by sending or sending a file in which the ID transmission command of the printer 3 is written (steps S52 and S53).
As a means for acquiring the identifier of the printer 3, not only IrDA infrared communication but also RFID, Bluetooth, or UWB may be used.
Alternatively, an authentication server 4 is separately provided in which both the information processing device 6 and the printer 3 authenticate with a fingerprint or an IC card, and the information processing device 6 automatically identifies the printer 3 that the information processing device 6 wants to use and notifies the server 4 of the authentication. May be.
In this example, the client information processing apparatus 6 receives a script file for using the shared printer and executes the received script to share the printer 3, but conversely the server 4 is the client. The printer 3 may be shared by operating.

[Embodiment 2]
The basic configuration of the network system 1 of the present embodiment is the same as that of FIGS. 1 and 2, and the same reference numerals are used for the same elements in the following description.
In the first embodiment, since the method of accessing the server 4 by the information processing apparatus 6 as a client is not obvious, there is a problem that the printer 3 cannot be used when the network address of the server 4 is not known.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, this is solved by including the data of the means for accessing the server 4 in the identifier acquired from the printer 3.
That is, it is assumed that the printer 3 / identifier management program 21 of the server 4 is activated as a Web service. That is, the URL can be specified by the browser so that the server 4 can be accessed from the information processing apparatus 6 and the service can be used.
Here, it is assumed that the URL of the Web service is http: // server / print /. The server 4 manages the URL for each printer 3. The URL for providing a service for using the printer 3 with the shared name PRINTERABCD is http: // server / print / PRINTERABCD /, and the service URL for the printer 3 with the shared name XYZPRINTER is http: // server / print / XYZPRINTER / And shall be managed.
An example of the operation of the client information processing apparatus 6 in this case is shown in FIG. The information processing apparatus 6 of the client receives information including the URL to the service for using the printer 3 by infrared communication from the printer 3 (step S31). A shortcut file to http: // server / print / PRINERABCD / is received from the printer 3 with the shared name PRINERABCD (Y in step S32). By activating the received shortcut (step S33), the client information processing device 6 accesses the page of the service that manages the printer 3 with the browser activated on the client information processing device 6 (step S34). On this page, a script file that shares the same printer 3 as in the first embodiment is downloaded (step S35). The client information processing device 6 downloads the script file from this page and executes it (step S36). Similarly, the client information processing device 6 obtains an access right to the shared printer (Y in step S37) and shares the printer 3 for printing. (Step S38).
That is, it is not necessary for the user to input a network address or URL in order to access a service that manages the printer 3, and a service for using the target printer 3 without selecting the printer 3 at the same time. You can get to the page you want to manage.
In this case, it is not always necessary to take the form of a Web service. The identifier (ID) received by the client information processing apparatus 6 from the printer 3 includes network information such as the IP address of the server 4, and the program connected to the server 4 reads the network address and reads the network address. It suffices if it has a function of connecting to.

[Embodiment 3]
The basic configuration of the network system 1 of the present embodiment is the same as that of FIGS. 1 and 2, and the same reference numerals are used for the same elements in the following description.
The difference between the first embodiment and the first embodiment is that the client information processing device 6 is directly connected to the printer 3 by IrDA infrared communication (step S41), as shown in FIG. The script file sharing the printer 3 similar to that of the first embodiment is received (Y in step S42). By executing the received script (step S43), the client information processing apparatus 6 obtains an access right to the shared printer as in the first embodiment (Y in step S44) so that the printer 3 can be shared and printed. (Step S45).
As a result, the printer 3 can be shared without making an inquiry to the server 4.

[Embodiment 4]
The basic configuration of the network system 1 of the present embodiment is the same as that of FIGS. 1 and 2, and the same reference numerals are used for the same elements in the following description.
In the first to third embodiments, a user account that anyone can print is prepared. However, in this embodiment, an account is managed for each user so that only authenticated users can share the printer 3.
That is, as shown in FIG. 9, the client information processing apparatus 6 receives the shortcut file of the shared printer instead of the script file by IrDA communication from the printer 3 (step S61) (Y in step S62). When the shortcut file received on the client information processing device 6 is opened (step S63), a dialog for authenticating the information processing device 6 of the server 4 is displayed on the client information processing device 6. Here, the user performs authentication by operating the client information processing apparatus 6 and inputting a user name and a password. If the authentication is successful (success in step S64), the printer 3 can be used as a shared printer (step S65).
With such a mechanism, only an authenticated user can easily install and use the printer 3 physically designated by the short-distance communication means such as IrDA as a shared printer in the information processing apparatus 6.

Next, an embodiment of the accounting method will be described with reference to FIG. The server 4 manages the print log using the function of the print server 4 (steps S71 to S73). By recording this function and user account information (step S74), a log is recorded such as which user prints which printer 3 at what time and how many pages the data transmission amount is (step S75). ).
Then, billing is performed using this log. Whether the printer 3 is a color print or a monochrome printer 3 is managed in the management information of the printer 3. For example, a color printer is set to 100 yen per page, and a monochrome printer is set to 20 yen per page. Based on these pieces of information, it is possible to charge by taking statistics and calculating and managing who printed how many yen (step S76).
A specific example of an actual management method will be described. A VPN using an Internet line is constructed in a public place such as a convenience store or kiosk, and the printer 3 is connected to the VPN and managed by the server 4 connected to the VPN. The user having the VPN access right can use any printer 3 as a shared printer as long as the printer 3 is connected to the VPN.
Since the printer 3 can be designated by IrDA infrared communication, it is not necessary to check the network address of the printer 3, and it can be used as a shared printer immediately without checking the model and installing the printer 3 driver. It becomes possible to print with any application of time. On the other hand, the VPN administrator can easily charge according to the print contents.
Note that a function of notifying the user every time a predetermined amount such as 1000 yen per month is charged may be added. In addition, a function of notifying the user of the charge each time it is used may be added. Furthermore, a means for the user to inquire the server 4 about current billing information may be provided.
A billing server 4 for managing billing information may be provided, and billing information may be acquired from a plurality of servers 4 and managed collectively. When the user inquires about the current billing information, the billing server 4 may be inquired.

[Embodiment 5]
The basic configuration of the network system 1 of the present embodiment is the same as that of FIGS. 1 and 2, and the same reference numerals are used for the same elements in the following description.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the network configuration of the network system 1. Also in this example, a printer 3 and a server 4 are connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) 2. Further, an information processing apparatus 6 (PDA as a client) is connected via a wireless LAN access point 5. As in the first embodiment, both the printer 3 and the PDA that is the information processing apparatus 6 have an IrDA infrared communication function, and the PDA acquires the identifier of the printer 3 through IrDA infrared communication.
FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram of the network system 1. The server 4 has a function of performing printing as a Web service. In other words, it provides a function that can be accessed from the information processing apparatus 6 or the PDA by a Web browser, and outputs the Web content (specified by the URL) designated by the browser or the file uploaded from the browser to the printer 3 designated by the browser. That is, the printer driver 25 is installed in the server 4, and various applications such as a text editor, a Web browser, and a word processor are installed for printing. Up to this point, it is the same as the normal printing service.
In this embodiment, by providing a print preview function (preview management unit 26) in this Web service, a means capable of printing and outputting as an image as intended by the user is provided.
In a Web page that provides a Web service, when printing is executed in a state set by a setting unit such as a button for performing a print preview or a check box for setting to start printing after confirmation by the print preview Display the print preview screen in the browser.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the server 4. The server 4 acquires print contents depending on whether the client uploads a file via a Web browser or specifies a URL. At the same time, when the output destination printer 3 is designated by the client and the print preview is designated by the client as described above, the server 4 opens the document with an application associated with the print contents. Assuming that the text file is a notepad and the HTML file is associated with opening in Internet Explorer (registered trademark), if the print content is an HTML file, the document is opened in Internet Explorer. Then, the preview management unit 26 of the server 4 operates the application from the outside by operating the application by obtaining automation or a window handle (step S81). When the print preview screen is displayed on the server 4, the preview management unit 26 of the server 4 temporarily stores the print preview screen as image data (step S82) and displays it on the Web browser of the client (step S83). ). More specifically, Java (registered trademark) or the like is used to control the client PDA's Web browser to download and display this image data.
Then, the server 4 waits for an instruction whether to execute printing from the Web browser of the client (step S87) or cancel (step S86). At this time, if there is no response from the Web browser (Y in step S85), the print job is left and monopolizes the resources of the server 4. Therefore, if there is no instruction even after one minute, printing is performed. A timer is operated so that it can be automatically canceled (step S84).
When the start of printing is instructed from the client Web browser (printing in step S86), the server 4 starts printing to the network printer 3 (step S87). On the other hand, if cancellation is instructed or the timer is completed (Y in step S85), printing is stopped.
In addition to the PDA, the information processing apparatus 6 serving as a client may be the information processing apparatus 6 or a mobile phone. It does not have to be LAN 2 and may be an internet line. As for the print preview method of the server 4, the print preview of the printer driver 25 may be used instead of performing the print preview by operating the application externally.

[Embodiment 6]
The basic configuration of the network system 1 of the present embodiment is the same as that of FIGS. 1 and 2, and the same reference numerals are used for the same elements in the following description.
In this example, printing executed by the server 4 is remotely operated using screen sharing from a client PDA or the like.
This screen sharing function will be described. As existing software having a screen sharing function, VNC (Virtual Network Computing) and Microsoft NetMeeting are known.
The screen sharing is a client / server communication method, and the desktop screen of the information processing apparatus 6 on which the screen sharing server is activated or a part of the screen data is transmitted to the screen sharing client, and the client receives the screen sharing. By displaying the screen data, the screen data of the server 4 is shared and the same screen is browsed.
In addition, when the screen is updated on the server 4 side, the same screen can be viewed in real time by hooking a screen update drawing command, detecting the screen update, and sending new data to the client. .
On the other hand, when the mouse and keyboard are operated on the shared screen from the screen sharing client, the input event is transmitted to the server 4. The received server 4 issues an input event corresponding to the received event, so that the information processing apparatus 6 of the server 4 can be remotely operated from the client.
This example uses this to remotely control the server 4 that executes printing from the information processing apparatus 6 such as a PDA, thereby enabling the user to make fine print settings and the server 4 to perform printing. By executing the processing, it becomes possible to reduce the processing amount of the client. That is, even if the terminal has a processing capability lower than that of the information processing apparatus 6 such as a mobile phone or does not have an application for printing a document, the document can be checked while performing detailed print settings and print preview. Printing can be performed.

The functional block diagram of the system is as shown in FIG. 14 (the network configuration is the same as in FIG. 11). With the screen sharing server function (implemented by the screen sharing server unit 27), the information processing apparatus 6 that is a client can remotely operate an application that is activated on the server 4. If the entire desktop screen of the server 4 can be operated, there is a risk that the server 4 can be shut down, so that only a designated application can be remotely controlled. The screen sharing server 4 operates in cooperation with the Web server 4 so that Java can be operated by the Web browser of the client and can be operated remotely. A method of sharing a screen from a Web browser using Java has already been realized by VNC and many other commercial or free software.
A flowchart of the operation is shown in FIG. That is, as in the fifth embodiment, the client designates the upload file or URL and the output destination printer 3 and instructs the server 4 to print. Then, in the server 4, a printing application is activated (step S91), and then the above-described screen sharing server function is activated (step S92). Furthermore, the screen sharing client is started by the Web browser of one client by Java (step S93), and is connected to the screen sharing server 4. As a result, the screen of the server 4 can be displayed in the web browser and remotely operated.
Here, as in the case of the fifth embodiment, the execution or cancellation of printing is monitored by a timer so that the server 4 remains stopped when there is no instruction from the Web browser. If there is no printing, the printing is automatically canceled (steps S94 to S99).
In this state, the client PDA can remotely operate the server 4 on the Web browser. While performing detailed print settings or confirming a print preview, the print settings can be adjusted as if the information processing apparatus 6 of the server 4 is actually operated.

When printing is started (step S97), the server 4 disconnects the screen sharing server 4 so that browsing and operation from the client cannot be performed, and printing is performed on the printer 3. In addition, when the client cancels printing (cancellation of step S96) or when remote operation is not performed from the client for a certain period of time (Y of step S95), the server 4 ends screen sharing (step S99). The use of the printing service is terminated.
However, if there is only one server 4 and if a client is connected and performing remote operation, other clients cannot connect and perform printing. It is desirable to be able to execute printing.
As one method, the information processing apparatus 6 that executes printing and the Web server 4 are different information processing apparatuses 6, and a plurality of print execution information processing apparatuses 6 are prepared, and a print job is allocated to distribute the load. .
Alternatively, the system is operated in a system that can log on using a plurality of GUIs simultaneously, such as UNIX (registered trademark). Even in Windows, it can be executed by a terminal service called Windows Terminal Service. A terminal client is allocated for each client job, and the screen of the terminal client is shared by screen sharing to enable remote operation from the client information processing apparatus 6.
Alternatively, a method of starting a terminal service client directly on the client may be employed.
Further, in common with both, when there is no operation event from the client for a certain period of time or when the disconnection of the screen sharing client is detected, the print job is canceled and the resources of the information processing apparatus 6 on the server 4 side are wasted. It is desirable to provide a function that does not.
In addition, it is desirable to provide a function for changing and displaying the magnification so that a shared screen of the screen sharing client can be easily seen even by a client having a small display device such as a mobile phone. This can be realized by reducing the shared screen data and scaling the coordinates of the input event according to the magnification.

[Embodiment 7]
The basic configuration of the network system 1 of the present embodiment is the same as that of FIGS. 1 and 2, and the same reference numerals are used for the same elements in the following description.
In the case of the present embodiment as well, as in the second embodiment, a service for accessing the server 4 and using the printer 3 by receiving a URL for using the Web service printer 3 with IrDA is used. Connect directly to.
Assume that the URL of the print service Web service is http: // server / print /. Assuming that the URL for providing a service for using the printer 3 named PRINTERABCD is http: // server / print / PRINTERABCD /, the client PDA uses the printer 3 via infrared communication, and http: // server / print / PRINTERABCD Receive shortcut file to /. By activating the shortcut received on the PDA which is the information processing apparatus 6 as a client, a connection is made to a service page that can be printed by the printer 3 on the browser activated on the client.

[Embodiment 8]
The basic configuration of the network system 1 of the present embodiment is the same as that of FIGS. 1 and 2, and the same reference numerals are used for the same elements in the following description.
FIG. 16 is a network configuration diagram of the network system 1 of the present embodiment, and FIG. 17 is a functional block diagram thereof. A printer 3 and a server 4 are connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) 2. Further, a PDA is connected as an information processing apparatus 6 serving as a client via the wireless LAN access point 5. This PDA uses an infrared communication function based on IrDA as means for acquiring the identifier of the printer 3 from the printer 3. That is, the notebook PC and the printer 3 have IrDA communication units (infrared ports) 11 and 31. Similar to the first embodiment, the identifier (hereinafter referred to as ID) of the printer 3 is acquired by automatic or manual operation by bringing the PDA closer to the printer 3. A file with an ID is received from the printer 3 using the IrDA file transfer function. As a result, the ID of the printer 3 to be printed is acquired.
In addition, an information processing device 7 is connected to the network 1 as a second information processing device via a network I / F 42. The information processing apparatus 7 is, for example, a PC. A predetermined program is activated on the information processing apparatus 7. This program is a remote server program 41. The operation of this program will be described below.

FIG. 18 is a communication sequence diagram of the network system 1. As one of the functions, the remote server program 42 has a function of giving a list of arbitrary directories on the information processing apparatus 6 to a connected client, such as a “Dir” command of the FTP server 4. (1).
That is, assuming that the remote client program 12 is activated on the PDA, the remote client program 12 connects to the remote server program 41 on the information processing apparatus 7 and acquires a list of arbitrary directories (2) Further, the display directory has a function of selecting a file to be printed by moving the directory by the same function as the FTP “cd” command.
Further, in this client / server connection, it is desirable to perform user authentication at the time of connection (3) so that a malicious user cannot view the inside of the information processing apparatus 7 without permission.
When the remote client program 12 selects a file to be printed, the remote client program 12 instructs the remote server program 41 to transfer the selected file to the server 4 (the server 4 that executes printing). (4) Upon receiving this instruction, the remote server program 41 transmits the designated file to the designated server 4 (5).
The remote client program 12 activated on the PDA connects to the print service activated on the server 4, transmits the ID obtained through IrDA communication with the printer 3, and designates the printer 3 to the server 4 ( 6). By specifying “PRINTERABCD” which is the name of the printer 3, the server 4 can be set to print to the printer 3 called PRINTERABCD.
The server 4 manages the specifications of the printer 3 and provides options so that the user can select available print settings from the remote client program 12 (7). That is, it is possible to select a paper size that can be used by the user, whether it is color or monochrome, and whether or not to assign it. When a print instruction is sent from the remote client program 12 of the PDA (8), the server 4 uses the file received from the remote server program 41 of the information processing apparatus 6 as a file to be printed, as in the fifth embodiment, and the file by the application To execute printing (9).

[Embodiment 9]
The basic configuration of the network system 1 of the present embodiment is the same as that of FIGS. 1 and 2, and the same reference numerals are used for the same elements in the following description.
The present embodiment is a modification of the eighth embodiment, and the description will focus on the deformation portion. That is, in the eighth embodiment, as in the seventh embodiment, the print service of the server 4 is a so-called Web service. The PDA can access the server 4 with a browser. Here, it is assumed that the URL of the Web service of the print service is http: // server / print /. Assuming that the URL for providing a service for using the printer 3 named PRINTERABCD is http: // server / print / PRINERABCD /, the client PDA uses the printer 3 by infrared communication to http: // server / print / PRINERABCD. Receive shortcut file to /. By activating the received shortcut on the client PDA, the browser is activated on the client PDA and a service page that can be printed by the printer 3 is accessed. Further, it is also used for designating the address of the server 4 as a destination for sending the file to be printed to the information processing apparatus 7 to the server 4.
A communication sequence diagram of the network system 1 in this case is shown in FIG. 19, which is different from FIG. 18 in that the PDA connects to the server 4 with a shortcut file (10).

[Embodiment 10]
The basic configuration of the network system 1 of the present embodiment is the same as that of FIGS. 1 and 2, and the same reference numerals are used for the same elements in the following description.
The present embodiment is a modification of the eighth embodiment, and the description will focus on the deformation portion. That is, in the eighth embodiment, information regarding the specifications of the printer 3 is also acquired through IrDA communication between the PDA as a client and the printer 3. That is, the printer 3 stores a file that describes information such as available paper size, color or monochrome, and whether layout printing is possible. When there is a request from the PDA, this file is transmitted by IrDA. By reading the information from the received file, the PDA can appropriately determine print settings without connection.
In the remote print client program 12 in the above-described example, a file on the information processing apparatus 7 is activated on the server 4 by connecting to the remote print server program 41 activated on the information processing apparatus 7. Since the address of the server 4 is acquired simultaneously with the printer 3 information, it is not necessary for the user to check the address of the server 4 or input it manually.
In the eighth embodiment, the method for accessing the Web server 4 and performing print settings according to the specifications of the printer 3 has been described. However, in this example, the specification information is acquired directly from the printer 3 and the print settings are performed locally on the PDA. Thus, the operation of the user is simplified by temporarily storing it as a setting file and transmitting the setting file to the server 4.
A communication sequence diagram of the network system 1 in this case is shown in FIG. 20, which is different from FIG. 18 in that the print setting file is transmitted from the PDA to the server 4 (12).

[Embodiment 11]
The basic configuration of the network system 1 of the present embodiment is the same as that of FIGS. 1 and 2, and the same reference numerals are used for the same elements in the following description.
The present embodiment is a modification of the eighth embodiment, and the description will focus on the deformation portion. That is, in the eighth embodiment, a print preview function similar to that described in the fifth embodiment is added to the server 4 and the remote print client program 12. The flowchart of the operation of the server 4 is almost the same as that in FIG.
The overall communication flow is shown in FIG. This figure shows an example in which printing is started after preview execution (12) (13).

[Embodiment 12]
The basic configuration of the network system 1 of the present embodiment is the same as that of FIGS. 1 and 2, and the same reference numerals are used for the same elements in the following description.
FIG. 22 is a network configuration diagram of the network system 1, FIG. 23 is a functional block diagram thereof, and FIG. 24 is a communication sequence diagram thereof.
The network system 1 is configured by connecting a server 4, a printer 3, and an information processing apparatus 7 via a LAN 2.
The printer 3 in this example includes a display device 35 and an input device 36. That is, the printer 3 has a configuration in which a touch panel including a 320 × 240 liquid crystal display device is added. From this touch panel, it is possible to input characters and numbers using a soft keyboard and press an application button. In addition to performing normal printing, the printer 3 has an information processing capability comparable to that of a PDA. It is assumed that a Windows CE OS is installed and an application program such as the above-described remote print client program 12 can be operated from the touch panel. That is, in the printer 3, a program having the same function as the remote print client program 12 operates.
The user operates the remote client program 12 activated on the printer 3 by operating the touch panel of the printer 3, and first selects the information processing apparatus 7 as a connection destination. In the information processing apparatus 7, the remote print server program 41 of the eighth embodiment is activated. The remote print server program 41 may have the same function as in the eighth embodiment.
The printer 3 is connected to the remote print server program 41 on the information processing apparatus 7 after authentication (21). Authentication is input from the software keyboard of the touch panel. Then, a default directory list is displayed on the display unit of the printer 3 (22). Thereafter, as in the eighth embodiment, a file to be printed is searched for while moving the directory. When a file to be printed is designated (23), an instruction is given to transfer the file from the information processing apparatus 7 to the server 4. The information processing apparatus 7 transmits the designated file to the server 4 (24). On the other hand, when the printer 3 is operated with the touch panel to make print settings, and the setting contents and the print start command are transmitted to the server 4 (25) (26), the server 4 starts the application associated with the document, Printing is started on the operating printer 3 (27).
The input device 36 may be a keyboard and a mouse instead of a touch panel.
As the above-described authentication method, an authentication unit such as an IC card or a fingerprint may be used to automatically connect to the information processing apparatus 7 registered in association with the authentication unit.

[Embodiment 13]
The basic configuration of the network system 1 of the present embodiment is the same as that of FIGS. 1 and 2, and the same reference numerals are used for the same elements in the following description.
The present embodiment is a modification of the twelfth embodiment, and the description will focus on the deformation portion. That is, in the twelfth embodiment, a print preview function is further provided.
It is desirable that the display device 35 of the printer 3 has a sufficient resolution so that the user can view the print preview with a sufficient image quality. It is assumed that the liquid crystal display device has a resolution of 800 × 600.
A communication sequence diagram is shown in FIG. The basic operation is the same as that of the twelfth embodiment, but here, the function of performing the print preview of the eleventh embodiment can be realized by adding it to the printer 3 instead of the PDA (28) (29).

[Embodiment 14]
The basic configuration of the network system 1 of the present embodiment is the same as that of FIGS. 1 and 2, and the same reference numerals are used for the same elements in the following description.
FIG. 26 is a system configuration diagram of the network system 1, and FIG. 27 is a functional block diagram thereof. The system configuration is as follows. The information processing apparatus 6 is a PDA that is a client capable of IrDA infrared communication, the printer 3 connected to the network is capable of IrDA infrared communication, and a printing service similar to that of the fifth embodiment operates on the network. The server 4 is provided, and these are the minimum units.
This will be briefly described with reference to the communication sequence diagram of the overall operation of FIG. 28 and the flowchart of the server operation principle of FIG. Assume that the client PDA is not connected to the network. As in the tenth embodiment, the PDA acquires spec information managed by the spec management unit 51 of the printer 3 as a printer information file through IrDA infrared communication with the printer 3 (31). A printing application activated on the PDA can read the received printer information file, and the user can perform print settings suitable for the printer 3. When a file to be printed is selected and print settings are made (34), the PDA as a client temporarily stores the print settings as a file. When instructed to start printing, the PDA as a client first transfers the print target file to the printer 3 by IrDA (32). The printer 3 transfers the file received by IrDA to the server 4 by the transfer program 52 (33). When the file transfer is completed, the client PDA next transmits the print setting file to the printer 3 by IrDA (34). The printer 3 transmits the received print setting file to the server 4 (35). The server 4 monitors the received file, and starts printing when it receives the print setting file (36).
That is, when a file with the extension “INI” is received (steps S101 to S103), the file is read (step S104) and printing is started (steps S105 to S108). The server 4 that has read the INI file prints the designated file, that is, the previously received file, using the described printer 3 with the described print settings.
Note that an information processing device 7 or a mobile phone may be used instead of the information processing device 6 which is a PDA. In addition, when the PDA transmits the print target file and the print setting file to the printer 3, it does not perform the transfer in order while waiting for the transfer completion notification to the server 4, but transmits both at once. Only when the transfer is completed, the transfer completion may be notified from the printer 3 to the PDA.

[Embodiment 15]
The basic configuration of the network system 1 of the present embodiment is the same as that of FIGS. 1 and 2, and the same reference numerals are used for the same elements in the following description.
In the present embodiment, a print preview function is added to the fourteenth embodiment. FIG. 30 shows a communication sequence diagram.
The information processing device 6 transmits a command for instructing execution of the print preview in the print setting file (34). Upon receiving the print setting file with the preview, the server 4 activates the application to perform print preview, and transmits the screen data to the printer 3 (37). The printer 3 transfers the received screen data to the PDA using IrDA (38). At this time, if the partner's PDA cannot be found within a certain time, the server 4 is notified to stop printing. When the PDA receives screen data with IrDA, the PDA displays the screen and asks the user whether to execute or cancel printing with this setting. When the print start is selected, a print start command is transmitted to the printer 3 through IrDA communication (39). Upon receiving this command, the printer 3 notifies the server 4 of the start of printing via the network (LAN 2) (40). When the printer 3 starts printing, the print job is started with the setting as previewed and output to the printer 3 (36). If cancel is selected, the printer 3 similarly cancels the print job of the server 4 by transferring a cancel command via the IrDA and the LAN 2.
Note that, as in the fifth embodiment, a timer is used to limit the print preview time, and if there is no print start instruction within a certain time, for example, 3 minutes, a function for automatically canceling printing is added. May be.

[Embodiment 16]
The basic configuration of the network system 1 of the present embodiment is the same as that of FIGS. 1 and 2, and the same reference numerals are used for the same elements in the following description.
FIG. 31 is a network configuration diagram of the network system 1, and FIG. 32 is a functional block diagram thereof.
The present embodiment is a combination of the tenth embodiment and the fourteenth embodiment. That is, a client PDA with an IrDA infrared communication function, a printer 3 with an IrDA infrared communication function, a server 4 in which a print service is activated, and an information processing apparatus 6 (remote print server in the eighth embodiment) The network system 1 is configured to start up.
FIG. 33 is a communication sequence diagram of the system. However, only the case where all communication is successful is shown.
First, as in the tenth and fourteenth embodiments, the client PDA receives the specification information of the printer 3 through the IrDA communication with the printer 3 (41). Here, the address of the information processing apparatus 7 where the file to be printed exists, the password necessary for authentication, the path of the file to be printed, and the print settings are collectively referred to as one “print setting file”. This file may be encrypted. Next, the PDA transmits the print setting file to the printer 3 using IrDA (42).
On the printer 3, the remote client program 12 referred to in the eighth embodiment is activated. When the printer 3 reads the received print setting file, the printer 3 connects to the remote print server of the described information processing apparatus 6 based on this file with the same authentication information (43). If the connection fails, the PDA is notified that the authentication has failed with IrDA. If the authentication is successful, the printer 3 checks whether there is a file instructed to the information processing apparatus 6, and if not, notifies the PDA that the file did not exist by IrDA. If the existence of the file can be confirmed, the information processing apparatus 7 is instructed to transmit the file to the server 4 (44). Receiving this instruction, the information processing apparatus 7 transmits a file to the server 4 (45), and notifies the printer 3 when the transmission is completed. When the printer 3 confirms the file transmission, it transmits the previous print setting file to the server 4 (46). Then, the server 4 reads the print setting file and starts printing the described file on the described printer 3 with the described print setting (47). In this case, the server 4 ignores information such as authentication information. If it is encrypted, it is decoded.
Note that it is not necessary to transmit the print setting file from the PDA to the printer 3 as a single file, and it may be divided for each function. Authentication is performed separately as an authentication file. Further, the print preview may be performed by the method as in the eleventh and fifteenth embodiments. Further, a PC or a mobile phone may be used instead of the PDA. Note that encryption may not be performed.

[Embodiment 17]
The basic configuration of the network system 1 of the present embodiment is the same as that of FIGS. 1 and 2, and the same reference numerals are used for the same elements in the following description.
In the present embodiment, when a file in the information processing apparatus 7 is designated from the PDA serving as a client in the sixteenth embodiment, it is easy and certain to designate the file path.
Usually, the PDA is equipped with a function for performing file transfer and schedule synchronization by communicating with the information processing apparatus 7 via a cradle connection using a USB cable or IrDA infrared communication.
In this example, the directory structure of the information processing apparatus 7 is copied to the PDA using such communication.
An example of the operation will be described with reference to FIG. The information processing apparatus 7 and the PDA as a client can be connected by a USB cable. When the PDA serving as the client is in a USB connection with the information processing apparatus 7 (51) and instructs the start of synchronization of the directory structure of the information processing apparatus 7 (52), the information processing apparatus 7 analyzes the directory structure, Is temporarily saved as a file, and this file is transferred to the PDA as a client by USB (53). With this operation, the PDA as a client can acquire which file is in which directory even when the PDA is not connected to the information processing apparatus 7. Using this, in the sixteenth embodiment, the file of the information processing apparatus 7 is designated.
As a result, on the client PDA, the directory is checked by a GUI operation such as Windows Explorer, the path of an arbitrary file,
C: \ Documents and Settings \ tarou \ My Documents \ My Pictures \ 0000.txt
Can be obtained.

[Embodiment 18]
The basic configuration of the network system 1 of the present embodiment is the same as that of FIGS. 1 and 2, and the same reference numerals are used for the same elements in the following description.
FIG. 35 is a network configuration diagram of the network system 1, and FIG. 36 is a functional block diagram thereof. This example is an embodiment in which the printer 3 has a server function in the third embodiment. The operation of the information processing apparatus 6 as a client is almost the same as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, in the following, an implementation method of the printer 3 will be mainly described.
The printer 3 is mounted with another OS in order to function as the print server 4 separately from processing and printing the print data received from the network. For example, a Windows XP Embedded OS is installed, and a print server 25 is set up and managed so that its own printer driver 24 can be shared so that various Windows OSs can share the printer 3 therein. On the other hand, a function for transmitting a script file for using a shared printer is provided by IrDA communication. The script file may be the same as that shown in the first embodiment.
A communication sequence diagram of the system will be described with reference to FIG. The information processing apparatus 6 as a client makes the infrared port of the printer 3 face the infrared port of the printer 3, and requests the printer 3 to use the printer 3 through IrDA communication (61). Then, the printer 3 sends a script file for using its own shared printer (62). In the script file, information for connecting to the printer server 25 on which the printer 3 is activated and connecting the printer 3 as a shared printer and authentication information necessary for sharing the printer 3 are described. ing.
By executing this script file on the information processing apparatus 6 as a client (63), connection is made to the printer 3 server 4 on which this printer 3 is activated, authentication is performed (64), and this printer 3 is used as a shared printer. The driver is installed in the information processing apparatus 6. When the installation is completed, in the information processing apparatus 6, the printer 3 can be used as a shared printer managed by the printer 3 itself (65) (66). By designating this printer 3 as an output destination and executing printing of a document, it is possible to print out to this printer 3 (67).
As a result, the image forming apparatus 3 according to the first to sixth aspects of the present invention has the function of the server 4 and manages itself as a shared printer. Without installing the server 4, it is possible to provide a system in which a printer driver can be installed and printed immediately using only the image forming apparatus and the network.

It is a network block diagram of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a functional block diagram of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a flowchart of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the process of Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the process of Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the process of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the process of Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the process of Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a network block diagram of Embodiment 5 of this invention. It is a functional block diagram of Embodiment 5 of the present invention. It is a flowchart of Embodiment 5 of the present invention. It is a functional block diagram of Embodiment 6 of the present invention. It is a flowchart of Embodiment 6 of this invention. It is a network block diagram of Embodiment 8 of this invention. It is a functional block diagram of Embodiment 8 of the present invention. It is a communication sequence diagram of Embodiment 8 of the present invention. It is a communication sequence diagram of Embodiment 9 of the present invention. It is a communication sequence diagram of Embodiment 10 of the present invention. It is a communication sequence diagram of Embodiment 11 of the present invention. It is a network block diagram of Embodiment 12 of this invention. It is a functional block diagram of Embodiment 12 of the present invention. It is a communication sequence diagram of Embodiment 12 of the present invention. It is a communication sequence diagram of Embodiment 13 of the present invention. It is a network block diagram of Embodiment 14 of this invention. It is a functional block diagram of Embodiment 14 of the present invention. It is a communication sequence diagram of Embodiment 14 of the present invention. It is a flowchart of Embodiment 14 of this invention. It is a communication sequence diagram of Embodiment 15 of the present invention. It is a network block diagram of Embodiment 16 of this invention. It is a functional block diagram of Embodiment 16 of the present invention. It is a communication sequence diagram of Embodiment 16 of the present invention. It is a communication sequence diagram of Embodiment 17 of the present invention. It is a network block diagram of Embodiment 18 of this invention. It is a functional block diagram of Embodiment 18 of the present invention. It is a communication sequence diagram of Embodiment 18 of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

3 Image forming apparatus 4 Server 6 Client 7 Information processing apparatus

Claims (19)

A printer engine;
A communication means for communicating with the client;
Information providing means for transmitting an identifier for identifying the image forming apparatus to the client by the communication;
An image forming apparatus. Print server means for managing the image forming apparatus so that a client can use the image forming apparatus according to claim 1 as a shared printer;
Management means for managing the identifier and the connection means to the shared printer in association with each other;
With
A server that uses the image forming apparatus that has acquired the identifier by the print server means as a shared printer when a client that has acquired an identifier for identifying the image forming apparatus from the image forming apparatus inquires about the identifier.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the identifier includes data of a unit that connects the client to a server via a network. A printer engine;
A communication means for communicating with the client;
Information providing means for transmitting data from the image forming apparatus to a shared printer of the server to the client by the communication;
An image forming apparatus. A print server means for managing the image forming apparatus so that a client can use the image forming apparatus according to claim 4 as a shared printer;
A server that uses the image forming apparatus that has acquired the data by the print server means as a shared printer when a client that has acquired the data of the connecting means to the shared printer from the image forming apparatus inquires about the identifier. . User authentication means for performing user authentication when the client connects to a shared printer managed by the server itself;
Recording means for monitoring the printer port of the shared printer of the server and recording the information;
With
The server according to claim 2 or 5, wherein a user can be charged based on the user information and the monitoring information. Printing means for causing a predetermined image forming apparatus instructed by the image forming apparatus instructed by the image forming apparatus connected to the client or the server via a network to print data instructed to be printed by the client;
When a print preview instruction is received from the client, preview screen transmission means for transmitting screen data of the print preview screen to the client;
Execution / cancellation means for executing or canceling printing by the printing means in accordance with an instruction instructed by the client;
Server equipped with. Share the display screen of the server provided with a printing unit that causes the image forming apparatus instructed by the image forming apparatus connected to the client or server via a network to print the data instructed to print by the client. Displayed on a display device as a screen, further comprising a remote operation means for remotely operating the server from a shared screen,
A client capable of performing at least print setting or browsing a print preview screen by the remote control means. Obtaining means for obtaining an identifier for identifying the image forming apparatus from the image forming apparatus on the network;
A print execution unit that connects to a server via the network and inquires the server of the acquired identifier, and causes the image forming apparatus specified by the identifier to execute printing;
9. The client of claim 8, comprising: Information acquisition means for acquiring an identifier for identifying the image forming apparatus from the image forming apparatus via a network;
Print instruction means for instructing a server to print to the image forming apparatus that has acquired the identifier, via a network;
A transfer unit that communicates with a predetermined information processing apparatus via a network, selects a document to be printed, which is stored in the information processing apparatus, and transfers the selected document to the server;
Printing means for causing the image forming apparatus that has acquired the identifier to print a document on the information processing apparatus;
With clients.   The client according to claim 10, wherein the identifier includes data of a means for the client to connect to the server via the network.   When the image forming apparatus can provide information regarding the processing capability of the image forming apparatus itself to the client together with the identifier, the print instruction unit is based on the information of the image forming apparatus acquired by the client. The client according to claim 11, wherein print setting is performed, and setting information is transmitted to the server, thereby causing the image forming apparatus to perform printing with designated print settings. A notification receiving means for receiving a notification that the printing preparation is completed when the server that has completed the printing preparation pauses the printing operation;
Print preview screen acquisition means for acquiring a print preview screen from the server;
Instruction means for instructing the server to continue or cancel printing;
The client according to claim 11 or 12, comprising: A printer engine;
A communication means for communicating with the server;
Each said means same as the client as described in any one of Claims 11-13,
An image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising a print preview screen acquisition unit configured to acquire a print preview screen from the server. A printer engine;
A communication means for communicating with a server and a client via a network;
Print processing means for transferring the data to the server to perform processing of the instruction when the client transfers the data and instructs the printing;
An image forming apparatus. Print preview screen acquisition means for causing the client to acquire a print preview screen from the server via the image forming apparatus;
Print instruction means for instructing the client to continue or cancel printing to the client via the image forming apparatus;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 16.   The image according to claim 17, wherein the print processing unit causes the server to select a document that the client wants to perform printing stored in a predetermined information processing apparatus and cause the server to print the document. Forming equipment. Directory structure storage means for acquiring and recording a directory structure of a predetermined information processing apparatus;
Browsing this recorded directory structure, and obtaining a file path of an arbitrary file of the information processing apparatus,
A communication command transmitting means for transmitting a communication command to the information processing apparatus connected to the network via the image forming apparatus according to claim 18;
Printing means for transferring arbitrary data of the information processing apparatus in the previous period to the server by designating a file path and printing on the image forming apparatus;
With clients.

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