JP2009176286A - Print control system, information processor, print control method of print control system, processing method of information processor, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simply confirm on a browser whether to be able to appropriately output document data in a desired print form when combining a plurality of pieces of document data and printing the combined document data. <P>SOLUTION: A client terminal 101 transmits to a server 102 document data identification information of a plurality of pieces of document data selected on a browser of the client terminal 101 as document data combined from document data stored by the server 102 to be printed, receives display control information returned from the server 102, specifies document data to be arranged covering two facing pages and to be unarranged covering two facing pages when combinedly printed according to the print paper size and the number of pages of a plurality of pieces of document data selected as document data included in the display control information to be combinedly printed when displaying the display control information, and performs warning display for the specified document unarranged covering two facing pages. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to appearance confirmation control when a plurality of document data are combined and printed.

  Conventionally, when a business brings a document (for example, a proposal) to a customer, a catalog printed in advance is selected, and necessary data is printed on the catalog and bundled.

  In this form of printing the catalog in advance, when a new catalog is created, the previous catalog must be discarded. Therefore, document data (contents) such as a catalog is registered in the server at present. The user searches the required content system from the terminal, selects the content, prints it, and then bundles it with the customer.

Furthermore, if the content is a separate file, the user must bundle it with a stapler after printing. Therefore, recently, print data is accumulated on the printer driver using a technique such as Patent Document 1. The print data is combined and printed, and a stapled printed matter is created.
JP 2002-192895 A

  However, in recent years, the number of systems using web systems has increased, and when searching for content and printing the searched content, the searched data is downloaded to a client terminal and a technique such as that of Patent Document 1 is used. It has been troublesome to print a plurality of contents using a printer driver and combine them with a printer driver.

  Also, when using a web system, content must be downloaded and data must be generated using the technology of Patent Document 1, for example, when bookbinding printing results in a blank page on the back, Since the user does not look good at the blank portion, the user has to search the content for other content that can be added, download the desired content, execute printing again with the printer driver, and combine them.

  In this case, since the appearance cannot be confirmed unless combined and previewed, the contents must be searched and downloaded again.

  In addition, when bookbinding printing of content including A3, etc., it is desired to print the A3 content so that it is spread. However, when using the technique of Patent Document 1, rearrangement must be performed while checking and confirming the preview display. Therefore, it has been technically difficult to achieve the user's expected appearance without previewing.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism for easily confirming on a browser whether selected document data can be appropriately output in a desired print format.

The present invention provides a server including a storage unit that stores document data and attribute information including document data identification information, the number of pages, and a paper size, and selects the document data stored in the server by a browser. A print control system capable of communicating with an information processing apparatus capable of printing the document data, wherein the server receives identification information of the document data selected by the information processing apparatus And generating display control information that can be displayed by a browser including the number of pages of the document data stored in the storage unit and the paper size of the document data according to the identification information of the document data received by the identification information receiving unit. Display control information transmitting means for transmitting to the information processing apparatus, and the information processing apparatus causes the browser to select document data to be printed. From the server based on the identification information transmitted by the identification information transmitting means, the identification information transmitting means for transmitting the identification information of the document data selected by the document data selecting means to the server, and the identification information transmitting means. Display control information receiving means for receiving display control information that can be displayed by a browser including the paper size and the number of pages of the document data to be transmitted, and display the display control information received by the display control information receiving means. At this time, in accordance with the paper size of the document data included in the display control information, first specifying means for specifying whether the document data is to be arranged on a spread page, and according to the number of pages of the selected document data, Document data to be placed on the spread page specified by the first specifying means is not placed on the spread page Second specifying means for specifying the data, and display control means for displaying on the browser display control information for warning the document data that is not arranged on the spread page specified by the second specifying means. ,
It is characterized by that.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to easily confirm on the browser whether or not the selected document data can be appropriately output in a desired print format.

  FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of a printing system showing an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in the printing system of this embodiment, a server 102 and a client terminal 101 are connected to each other via a network 104.

  The server 102 functions as a Web server, an application server, and a database server, stores various programs, and stores content (information) and various setting information as shown in FIG.

  The client terminal 101 communicates with the server via the browser, and executes the selected content combining process.

  Hereinafter, the hardware configuration of the server 102 and the client terminal 101 illustrated in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram showing an outline of the hardware configuration of the server 102 and the client terminal 101 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the server 102 and the client terminal 101 include a CPU 201, a RAM 202, a ROM 203, a LAN adapter 204, a video adapter 205, a keyboard 206, a pointing device such as a mouse 207, HD) 208 and a recording medium drive 209, which are connected to each other via a system bus 200.

  Actually, an interface circuit, a chip set, and the like exist between the CPU 201 to the recording medium drive 209 and the system bus 200, but are omitted in FIG.

  The system bus 200 is various system buses such as a PCI bus and an AGP bus, and a plurality of system buses are usually connected via a so-called chip set, but are omitted in FIG.

  The CPU 201 stores programs stored in the ROM 203 or HD 208 or the storage medium drive 209 in the RAM 202 and then sequentially reads them to execute various control processes described later.

  The RAM 202 is a memory for temporarily storing various data including an array and variables used when a part of the OS and an application program are loaded and the application program is executed under the control of the CPU 201. The ROM 203 stores a control program (so-called BIOS) for each hardware. A part of the operating system (OS) can also be stored.

  A LAN adapter (network interface card) 204 is a communication interface for connecting to the network 104. The video adapter 205 is a so-called video graphic adapter (VGA) to which various displays such as a liquid crystal display (not shown) are connected.

  The HD 208 stores various application programs including an operating system and screen information (information for displaying a screen on a display described in html, CGI, or the like).

  The HD 208 of the server 102 stores an application that combines the selected content.

  Also, the HD 208 of the client terminal 101 is used to output a browser for displaying the OS and image information (information for displaying the screen on the display described in html, CGI, or the like) and the generated content. A printer driver and the like are also stored.

  The recording medium drive 209 is a drive device that can read data on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM drive, a DVD-ROM drive, or a DVD-R drive.

  Note that the DB 103 of the server 102 may be configured on the HD 208 of the server 102 or may be configured on another device that can communicate with the server 102.

  The printing system according to the present embodiment is a printing system that generates a combined content by combining a plurality of pieces of content information selected by a user from content information (FIG. 3) stored in the DB 103, and enables printing.

  Here, content information stored in the DB 103 of the server 102 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of content information stored in the DB 103 of the server 102 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the content information stored in the DB 103 includes content ID 3001, content name 3002, content paper size 3003, content page number 3004, normal file capacity 3005, high compression file capacity 3006, content type 3009, and Original content data 3007 and compressed content data 3008 associated with the content ID are included.

  The original content data 3007 indicates actual content data of the original content, and the compressed content data 3008 indicates actual content data obtained by highly compressing the actual content data of the original content.

  As described above, the DB 103 of the server 102 stores a plurality of contents (document data) and attribute information including document data identification information (content ID), the number of pages, and the content paper size related to the contents.

  The functional configuration of the printing system of the present invention will be described below.

  FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the printing system of the present invention, and each functional unit performs processing of a flowchart described later.

  First, the functional configuration of the client terminal 101 will be described.

  A printer information acquisition / transmission unit 4001 acquires information on a printer driver (may be a printer object) provided in the client terminal 101 and transmits the information to the server 102.

  The display control information receiving unit 4002 receives display control information (for example, a display screen described in HTML (FIGS. 14 and 15 described later)) transmitted from the server 102.

  The display control information display unit 4003 displays the display control information received by the display control information receiving unit 4002 using a display application (for example, a web browser) provided in the client terminal 101. The display control information display unit 4003 also performs processing when displaying a list of contents to be selected. Specifically, the display control information display unit 4003 is a functional unit that performs processing to display a list of reduced images of content acquired from the server 102.

  The function specifying unit 4004 is specified to execute various functions with the display control information displayed by the display application. More specifically, the function specifying unit 4004 is a functional unit that executes processing when a button (content addition, content release, content printing) for executing various functions is pressed.

  The warning determination unit 4005 is control information (control information that can be described in HTML) for switching the display described in the display control information displayed by the display application, or a script (program, for example, received by the script receiving unit) , Java (registered trademark) script) is a functional unit that performs processing to display warnings for exceeding the number of pages, exceeding the total content capacity, and mixing blank pages.

  The script receiving unit 4006 receives a script (program) for making a determination for displaying a warning.

The content display unit 4007 is a function for displaying the combined content in which the selected content is combined. The content receiving unit 4008 is a function for receiving the combined content.

The content printing unit 4009 is a function for printing the received combined content. The functional configuration of the server 102 will be described below.

  The printer information receiving unit 4010 is a functional unit for receiving printer information transmitted from the client terminal 101 and storing it in the HD 208.

  The display control information generation unit 4012 is a functional unit for generating an HTML format file (FIG. 5). Here, the HTML format file will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of data generated by the display control information generation unit 4012 of the server 102 illustrated in FIG. 4 and stored in the HTML file.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the HTML file, as shown in FIG. 5, the content ID 5001, content type 5002, content name 5003, content paper size 5004, content page number 5005, content capacity 5006 are included as information of the selected content. In addition, a total content capacity 5007, a total content page number 5008, and the like, a printer name 5009 of a printer to be selected, a bookbinding page upper limit number 5010, a printing method 5011, and the like are stored.

  That is, the HTML file is display control information including the content paper size 5004 and the number of content pages 5005 of the document data corresponding to the selected content (a plurality of document data selected as document data to be combined and printed). .

  The content paper size 5004 is used to confirm the size of the corresponding document data when determining whether the page size is a spread page size in step S326-3 described later.

  In the present embodiment, the content paper size 5004 is described in standards such as A4 and A3. However, for example, the A4 size may be represented as a standard size (1) and represented as 2 in the case of A3. . In addition, a flag can be set to 0 for A3 size content, and a flag can be set to 1 otherwise. Furthermore, the vertical and horizontal lengths of the paper may be stored and represented.

  The number of content pages 5005 is used to determine from which page the target content is printed when bookbinding printing is performed.

  Returning to the description of FIG.

  The display control information transmission unit 4012 is a functional unit that transmits the generated HTML file to the client terminal.

  The designated function execution unit 4013 is designated in accordance with a function execution instruction from the client terminal 101 (function designation unit 4004) (content addition instruction, content release instruction, printer, printing method change instruction, content printing instruction, etc.). Is a functional unit for executing

  When the designation function execution unit 4013 receives a content addition (cancellation) instruction or a printer / printing method change instruction from the client terminal 101, the designation function execution unit 4013 displays information on the added (cancellation) content, the selected printer, and the printing method. The selected content list table 1101 and the selected printer / printing method table 1102 (FIG. 6) are updated. Here, the selected printer / printing method table 1102 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the selected content list table 1101 and the selected printer / printing method table 1102 that are stored and managed in the HD 208 of the server 102 by the designated function execution unit 4013 of the server 102.

  As shown in the selected content list table 1101, the selected content is managed by the content ID, and combined content is generated in the order of this list.

  In the example shown in FIG. 6, the number of pages of each content is also stored and managed in the selected content list table 1101. However, the content information shown in FIG. 3 may be referred to as needed to obtain the number of pages of each content without being stored in the selected content list table 1101.

  Returning to the description of FIG.

  The script transmission unit 4014 is a functional unit that transmits a script (program, for example, a Java (registered trademark) script) for determining a warning function.

  The content information calculation unit 4015 calculates the total file capacity of the combined content and the total number of pages of the combined content when the content (group) selected by the function specifying unit 4004 of the client terminal 101 is combined, and the selection in the HD 208 This is a functional unit that performs processing for storing in the content total capacity / selected content total page number storage area (FIG. 7). Here, the selected content total capacity / selected content total page number storage area will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 7 shows the selected content total capacity / selected content total for storing the selected content total capacity (normal file) and the selected content total page number (normal file) calculated by the content information calculation unit 4015 of the server 102 shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of a page number storage area. Returning to the description of FIG.

  The content combining unit 4016 performs processing for combining the content (group) selected by the display control unit of the client. The combination includes both a process for combining compressed compressed contents (3008 in FIG. 3) and a process for combining original contents (3007 in FIG. 3) that are the basis of the compressed contents.

  The content transmission unit 4017 executes processing for controlling transmission of the combined content combined to the client terminal 101. The transmitted combined content is printed by the client terminal 101.

  The HD 208 of the server 102 stores an upper limit number table shown in FIG. 8 in advance in addition to the various data described above.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the upper limit number table stored in the HD 208 of the server 102.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the upper limit number table stores the printer name and the upper limit number of pages that the printer can perform bookbinding printing.

  It is assumed that the HD 208 of the server 102 stores in advance the maximum file capacity (threshold value) of content that can be downloaded from the server 102 to the client terminal 101.

  As described above, the function units 4001 to 4009 of the client terminal 101 illustrated in FIG. 4 load and execute the program stored in the HD 208 (or the program downloaded from the server 102) on the RAM 202 by the CPU 201 of the client terminal 101. It corresponds to a functional unit realized by this.

  Also, each of the functional units 4010 to 4017 of the server 102 illustrated in FIG. 4 corresponds to functional units realized by the CPU 201 of the server 102 loading a program stored in the HD 208 into the RAM 202 and executing the program.

  In FIG. 22A and FIG. 22B described below, when the content stored in the client terminal 101 is registered in the server 102 and the content to be transmitted to the server 102 is A3 size, the server 102 stores the content in A4. Register by dividing into sizes.

  With reference to FIGS. 22 to 27, a process for registering arbitrary contents in the printing system will be described in detail.

  22A and 22B are flowcharts showing processing for registering arbitrary content in the printing system in the printing system of this embodiment. Note that the processing in this flowchart is processing in the client terminal 101 and the server 102.

  When the login process from the client terminal 101 to the server 102 is completed, the process of this flowchart is started.

  First, in step S501, the display control information generation unit 4011 of the server 102 generates a HOME screen, and the display control information transmission unit 4012 transmits the HOME screen to the client terminal 101.

  When the display control information receiving unit 4002 of the client terminal 101 receives the HOME screen transmitted from the server 102, in step S502, the display control information display unit 4003 of the client terminal 101 displays the received HOME screen (FIG. 23). 2300) is displayed on the display.

  Next, in step S503, the function specifying unit 4004 of the client terminal 101 determines whether the maintenance button 2301 is pressed from the menu at the top of the HOME screen displayed in step S502.

  If it is determined in step S503 that the maintenance button 2301 has been pressed, the function specifying unit 4004 of the client terminal 101 notifies the server 102 that the maintenance button 2301 has been pressed.

  Upon receiving this notification, in step S504, the display control information generation unit 4011 of the server 102 generates a maintenance TOP screen, and the display control information transmission unit 4012 transmits the maintenance TOP screen to the client terminal 101.

  When the display control information receiving unit 4002 of the client terminal 101 receives the maintenance TOP screen transmitted from the server 102, in step S505, the display control information display unit 4003 of the client terminal 101 displays the maintenance TOP screen (2303 in FIG. 23). Appears on the display.

  Note that the transition of the screen from step S502 to step S505 is shown in FIG.

  In step S506, the function specifying unit 4004 of the client terminal 101 determines whether the content maintenance button 2302 has been pressed from the maintenance TOP screen displayed in step S505.

  If it is determined in S506 that the content maintenance button 2302 has been pressed, the function specifying unit 4004 of the client terminal 101 notifies the server 102 that the content maintenance button 2302 has been pressed.

  Upon receiving this notification, in step S507, the display control information generation unit 4011 of the server 102 generates a content maintenance TOP screen, and the display control information transmission unit 4012 transmits the content maintenance TOP screen to the client terminal 101.

  When the display control information receiving unit 4002 of the client terminal 101 receives the content maintenance TOP screen transmitted from the server 102, in step S508, the display control information display unit 4003 of the client terminal 101 displays the content maintenance TOP screen (FIG. 24). 2400) is displayed on the display.

  Next, in step S509, the function specifying unit 4004 of the client terminal 101 selects an arbitrary content type from the content type pull-down 2401 at the upper right of the content maintenance TOP screen displayed in step S508, and the new registration button 2402 is pressed. Judging.

  The content type name as each option displayed in the content type pull-down 2401 includes a content type ID 2701, a content type name 2702, and a content paper size 2703 in advance as shown in the table 208 of FIG. Are registered in association with each other.

  If it is determined in S509 that an arbitrary content type is selected from the content type pull-down 2401 and the new registration button 2402 is pressed, the function specifying unit 4004 of the client terminal 101 selects the option selected from the content type pull-down 2401. And the server 102 is notified that the new registration button 2402 has been pressed.

  Upon receiving this notification, in step S510, the display control information generation unit 4011 of the server 102 generates a bibliographic information input screen, and the display control information transmission unit 4012 transmits the bibliographic information input screen to the client terminal 101.

  When the display control information receiving unit 4002 of the client terminal 101 receives the bibliographic information input screen transmitted from the server 102, in step S511, the display control information display unit 4003 of the client terminal 101 displays the bibliographic information input screen (FIG. 25). 2500) is displayed on the display. The bibliographic information input on the bibliographic information input screen (2500 in FIG. 25) includes, for example, a document management number, content name, data definition name, content outline, creator ID number, content paper size, and the like.

  In step S512, the function specifying unit 4004 of the client terminal 101 determines whether various bibliographic information has been input on the bibliographic information input screen displayed in step S508, and the next button 2501 has been pressed.

  If it is determined in S512 that various bibliographic information is input and the next button 2501 is pressed, the function specifying unit 4004 of the client terminal 101 presses the input various bibliographic information and the next button 2501. This is notified to the server 102.

  Upon receiving this notification, in step S513, the display control information generation unit 4011 of the server 102 generates an input confirmation / file selection screen, and the display control information transmission unit 4012 transmits the input confirmation / file selection screen to the client terminal 101. To do.

  When the display control information receiving unit 4002 of the client terminal 101 receives the input confirmation / file selection screen transmitted from the server 102, the display control information display unit 4003 of the client terminal 101 displays the input confirmation / file selection screen in step S514. (2504 in FIG. 25) is displayed on the display. If a reference button 2502 is pressed on the input confirmation / file selection screen, a file selection dialog box is displayed, and the content (PDF file) to be registered in the server can be designated. Note that the paper size of the content (PDF file) specified here is the content paper size corresponding to the content type selected in step S509.

  Next, in step S515, the function designation unit 4004 of the client terminal 101 designates content (PDF file) to be registered from the file selection dialog box on the input confirmation / file selection screen displayed in step S514, and a registration button 2504. It is determined whether is pressed.

  In S515, when it is determined that the content (PDF file) to be registered in the server is specified and the registration button 2503 is pressed, the function specifying unit 4004 of the client terminal 101 registers the specified content (PDF file). The server 102 is notified that the button 2503 has been pressed.

  Upon receiving this notification, in step S516, the display control information generation unit 4011 of the server 102 generates an uploading screen, and the display control information transmission unit 4012 transmits the uploading screen to the client terminal 101.

  When the display control information receiving unit 4002 of the client terminal 101 receives the uploading screen transmitted from the server 102, the display control information display unit 4003 of the client terminal 101 displays the uploading screen (2601 in FIG. 26) in step S517. Appears on the display.

  When the uploading screen is displayed, in step S518, the function specifying unit 4004 of the client terminal 101 transfers the content (PDF file) specified in step S514 from the client 101 to the server 102.

  In step S519, the function execution unit 4004 of the server 102 receives the content transmitted from the client terminal 101 in step S518.

  Next, in step S520, the function execution unit 4004 of the server 102 specifies the content paper size (specified from the table master in FIG. 27) corresponding to the content type specified on the client terminal 101 and notified to the server 102 in step S509. It is determined whether the content paper size 2703) is A3.

  If it is determined in S520 that the content paper size corresponding to the designated content type is A3, in step S521, the function execution unit 4004 of the server 102 converts the page of the PDF file transferred to the server 102 to A4 size. Divide into

  This division is performed in advance when binding processing is performed using a file divided into A4 size instead of A3 size when bookbinding printing of A3 size content. Specifically, during the binding process, an A4 size file indicated by the content paper size 5004 in the data table of FIG. 5 is used during bookbinding printing. Note that the content printing method is not limited to bookbinding printing, and one-sided printing is also conceivable. In this case, since the A3 size file is used for single-sided printing, the server 102 holds the A3 size file before division separately from the file to be divided in step S521.

  As a method for determining the size, it may be determined whether or not the content is A3 size using the content sheet size stored in the header of the content received in S519, for example, in the document data.

  Hereinafter, the description returns to FIG.

  Next, in step S522, the function execution unit 4004 of the server 102 holds the page number information of the PDF file received in S519 in the RAM 202 or the like. At this time, if the page is divided into A4 size in S521, the number of pages after the division is also held.

  As a method for retaining the page number information, for example, the page number may be acquired from the page number information stored in the header in the document data of the PDF file and retained.

  Next, in step S523, the function execution unit 4004 of the server 102 generates a PDF file having a small file capacity by highly compressing the PDF file. Thereafter, in step S524, the function execution unit 4004 of the server 102 also stores information on the file capacity before and after high compression in the RAM 202 or the like.

  Next, in step S525, the function execution unit 4004 of the server 102 stores the content received in step S519 in the designated position of the HD 208 of the server 102. If the file is divided into A4 size in step S520, the divided files are also stored in the HD 208.

  Next, in step S526, the function execution unit 4004 of the server 102 displays the bibliographic information input in step S511 and the page information and file capacity information held in steps S522 and S524 as shown in FIG. Information is registered in the HD 208 of the server 102 as information.

  Specifically, for example, the document management number input in step S511 is the content ID 5001, the content name is the content name 5003, the content paper size is the content paper size 5004, the content page number is the content page number 5005, and in step S524. The specified file size before high compression is registered as a normal file capacity 5006, and the size after high compression is registered as a high compression file capacity 5007.

  Next, in step S527, the function execution unit 4004 of the server 102 determines whether all the processes in steps S519 to S529 have been completed normally.

  If it is determined in step S527 that all processing has been completed normally, in step S528, the display control information generation unit 4011 of the server 102 generates a registration completion screen, and the display control information transmission unit 4012 of the server 102 Transmits the generated registration completion screen to the client terminal 101.

  In step S529, the display control information receiving unit 4002 of the client terminal 101 receives the registration completion screen, and the display control information display unit 4003 of the client terminal 101 displays the registration completion screen (2602 in FIG. 26). To display.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S527 that an abnormality has occurred in any of the processes, the display control information generation unit 4011 of the server 102 generates an error screen and transmits the display control information of the server 102 in step S530. The unit 4012 transmits the generated error screen to the client terminal 101.

  In step S531, the display control information receiving unit 4002 of the client terminal 101 receives the error screen, and the display control information display unit 4003 of the client terminal 101 displays the error screen (not shown) on the display.

  As described above, in FIGS. 22 to 27, when the content stored in the client terminal 101 is stored in the HD 208 of the server 102 and the content received by the server 102 is A3 size, the server 102 The content can be divided into A4 sizes and stored.

  Hereinafter, processing for printing a plurality of contents arbitrarily selected in the printing system of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 12.

  9 to 12 are flowcharts showing processing for printing a plurality of arbitrarily selected contents in the printing system of this embodiment. Note that the processing in this flowchart is processing in the client terminal 101 and the server 102.

  First, the login process from the client terminal 101 to the server 102 is completed, and the HOME screen (2300 in FIG. 23) shown in FIG. 23 is displayed on the client terminal 101, and the approach book button 2304 is displayed from the menu at the top of the HOME screen from the client terminal 101. When is pressed, the processing of this flowchart is started.

  In step S <b> 301, the CPU 201 (printer information acquisition / transmission unit 4001) of the client terminal 101 acquires information about the printer driver (printer information) installed in the client terminal 101 from the HD 208 of the client terminal 101. Specifically, the printer information is obtained from a driver name (printer name) and a printing method (single-sided printing, double-sided printing, bookbinding printing) that can be set by the driver from system information (for example, registry) managed by the OS. .

  In step S302-1, the printer information acquisition / transmission unit 4001 of the client terminal 101 transmits the printer information acquired in S301 to the server 102.

  In step S302-2, the printer information receiving unit 4010 of the server 102 receives the printer information (printer name, settable printing method (single-sided printing, double-sided printing, bookbinding printing)) transmitted from the client terminal 101, and In step S303, the information is stored in the HD 208 of the server 102.

  Note that the HD 208 of the server 102 stores in advance the upper limit number of pages for bookbinding printing by various drivers (printers) as shown in FIG. Based on the upper limit number table, the server 102 acquires the upper limit number of pages for bookbinding printing in the corresponding printer based on the driver name (printer name) received from the client terminal 101.

  The printer name and the page upper limit number stored in the upper limit number table may be acquired from the printer information received from the client terminal 101 and stored and managed in the upper limit number table.

  Further, not only the upper limit number of pages for bookbinding printing but also a configurable printing method, the upper limit number of staple (stapling) printing pages, and the like can be stored in the HD 208 of the server 102. is there. These pieces of information may also be stored in advance in a table in the server 102, or may be configured to be acquired from printer information received from the client terminal 101 and stored in the table.

  The HD 208 of the server 102 also stores in advance the maximum file capacity (threshold value) of content downloaded from the server 102 to the client terminal 101.

  Next, in step S304, the server 102 executes an HTML control process (FIG. 13).

  In the HTML control process, the display control information generation unit 4011 of the server 102 generates an HTML format file (display control information), and the display control information transmission unit 4012 of the server 102 transmits the file to the client terminal 101. In this process, the display control information receiving unit 4002 of the client terminal 101 receives the file and the display control information display unit 4003 of the client terminal 101 displays the file on the browser screen displayed on the display. For example, a screen as shown in FIG. 14 or FIG. 15 described later is displayed on the browser screen.

  Here, the HTML control processing will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing HTML control processing in the printing system of this embodiment. Note that the processing in this flowchart is processing in the client terminal 101 and the server 102. This process is a process for generating an HTML file and displaying the HTML file.

  In step S401, the display control information generation unit 4011 of the server 102 first selects the selected content list table 1101 (FIG. 6), the selected printer / printing method table 1102 (FIG. 6), and the selected content stored in the HD 208 of the server 102. The HTML file is generated in accordance with the selected content, printing method, printer name, selected content total capacity, selected content total page number, etc. stored in the total capacity / total selected content page number storage area (FIG. 7).

  An example of information stored in the HTML file is shown in FIG.

  The HTML file is displayed on the browser of the client terminal 101, and includes control information that allows various functions to be operated on the browser.

  For example, the printer and printing method displayed in the pull-down display on the screen shown in FIG. 14 are controlled so that the printer and printing method shown in FIG. 5 are displayed by default. When displayed and selected, the selected printer and printing method are transmitted to the server 102.

  The HTML file also includes control information for making a determination such as warning display as shown in FIGS.

  In step S402, the display control information transmission unit 4012 of the server 102 transmits the HTML file generated in step S401 to the client terminal 101.

  In step S403, the display control information receiving unit 4002 of the client terminal 101 receives the HTML file transmitted from the server 102.

  In step S404, the display control information display unit 4003 of the client terminal 101 performs control so that the received HTML file is displayed by a browser provided in the client terminal 101.

  Here, when content is not selected (when there is no selected content), a screen (initial screen) as shown in FIG. 14 is displayed, when content is already selected (when there is selected content). ) Displays a screen as shown in FIG.

  14 and 15 are diagrams showing examples of screens displayed on the client terminal 101 side by the HTML control processing shown in FIG.

  For example, FIG. 15 shows information stored in the HTML file shown in FIG. 5, which is an example when the information is received in step S403 in step S318 and displayed on the screen in step S404. .

  As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the screen displayed on the client terminal 101 side in the present embodiment is a print execution button 1501, a printer or print method change button 1502, all cancellation of selected contents (all cases are canceled). A button 1503, a cancel (cancel) button 1504 for the selected content, a content addition button 1505, and a content rearrangement button 1506 are provided (displayed).

  Hereinafter, the description returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S305, the function specifying unit 4004 of the client terminal 101 determines whether an event has occurred from the browser screen displayed based on the HTML format file in S304. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15 to be described later, the following buttons displayed on the browser screen, a print execution button 1501, a printer or print method change button 1502, all cancellation of selected contents (cancel all cases) It is determined whether any one of a button 1503, a cancel (cancel) button 1504 of the selected content, a content addition button 1505, or a content rearrangement button 1506 has been pressed.

  If it is determined that any of the above instructions has been given, the function specifying unit 4004 of the client terminal 101 moves the process to step S306.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that neither of the above instructions is given, the function specifying unit 4004 of the client terminal 101 waits for an event occurrence (instruction) as it is.

  In step S306, the function specifying unit 4004 of the client terminal 101 determines whether the instruction (event) is a print execution instruction (the print execution button 1501 has been pressed). If it is determined that the instruction (event) is a print execution instruction, the function specifying unit 4004 of the client terminal 101 transmits information indicating that the print execution instruction has been issued to the server 102, which will be described later with reference to FIG. The process proceeds to S328-1.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S306 that the instruction (event) is not a print execution instruction, the function specifying unit 4004 of the client terminal 101 advances the processing to step S307.

<Instructions for changing the printer or printing method>
In step S307, the function specifying unit 4004 of the client terminal 101 determines whether the instruction (event) is a printer or printing method change instruction (the printer or printing method change button 1502 has been pressed). To do. If it is determined that the instruction (event) is a printer or printing method change instruction, the function specifying unit 4004 of the client terminal 101 advances the process to step S308.

  In step S <b> 308, the function specifying unit 4004 of the client terminal 101 acquires the printer and printing method changed by the printer or printing method change button 1502 and transmits the acquired printer and printing method to the server 102.

  In step S308-1, the designated function execution unit 4013 of the server 102 receives the printer and printing method transmitted from the client terminal 101, and overwrites the selected printer / printing method table 1102 (FIG. 6) stored in the HD 208. save.

  Note that the function designation unit 4004 of the client terminal 101 waits for an event to occur in step S305.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S307 that the instruction (event) is not a printer or printing method change instruction, the function specifying unit 4004 of the client terminal 101 advances the process to step S309.

<Instruction to cancel (cancel all) selected content>
In step S309, the function specifying unit 4004 of the client terminal 101 indicates that the instruction (event) is an instruction to cancel all selected contents (cancel all) (cancel all selected contents (cancel all) button 1503). Is pressed). If it is determined that the instruction (event) is an instruction to cancel all selected contents (cancel all cases), the function specifying unit 4004 of the client terminal 101 advances the process to step S310.

  In step S310, the function specifying unit 4004 of the client terminal 101 discards (deletes) information about the selected content (for example, the total number of pages and the total content capacity) in order to release all the selected content. A request is made to the server 102.

  In step S310-1, the designated function execution unit 4013 of the server 102 receives the discard command transmitted from the client terminal 101, and deletes information regarding the selected content. The information to be deleted is information in the selected content list table 1101 shown in FIG. 6 and the selected content total capacity / selected content total page number storage area shown in FIG. Note that the printing method and printer name are not deleted, and are used to generate an HTML file to be transmitted next.

  Then, after the process of step S310-1, the server 102 executes an HTML control process (S304). If the same HTML file cache data is already held in the client terminal 101, the HTML control process in S304 may be omitted and the HTML file cached in the client terminal 102 may be displayed.

  Note that the function designation unit 4004 of the client terminal 101 waits for an event to occur in step S305.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S309 that the instruction (event) is not an instruction (event) for canceling all selected content (cancel all cases), the function designating unit 4004 of the client terminal 101 determines that step S311 in FIG. Proceed with the process.

<Instruction to cancel (cancel) selected content>
Next, in step S311, the function designating unit 4004 of the client terminal 101 indicates that the instruction (event) is a cancel (cancel) instruction for the selected content (the cancel (cancel) button for the selected content has been pressed). Determine whether or not.

  When it is determined that the instruction (event) is an instruction to cancel (cancel) the selected content (the cancel (cancel) button 1504 for the selected content has been pressed), the function specifying unit 4004 of the client terminal 101 is selected. Advances the process to step S311-1.

  In step S311-1, the function specifying unit 4004 of the client terminal 101 transmits the released (cancelled) content information (for example, content ID) to the server 102.

  In step S311-2, the designated function execution unit 4013 of the server 102 receives the content information (content ID) transmitted from the client 101, and selects the target from the selected content list table 1101 (FIG. 6) stored in the HD 208. Delete (update) the content that becomes.

  Next, in step S311-3, the content information calculation unit 4015 of the server 102 acquires the number of pages and the normal file capacity of each content from the selected content list updated in S311-2, and calculates the total number of pages and total number of pages. The capacity is calculated, and the selected content total capacity and the selected content total page number storage area (FIG. 7) in the HD 208 are updated. As a calculation method, the page number capacity of the target content may be subtracted from the total number of pages and the total capacity already stored. Further, the total capacity may be calculated and stored in the total capacity of the normal file and the highly compressed file.

  When the process of step S311-3 is completed, in step S318, the server 102 executes an HTML control process (FIG. 13). As a result, the HTML file generated using the updated selected content list (the HTML file from which the instructed release content has been deleted) is transmitted to the client terminal 101.

  In the example of FIG. 10, the content information changed (added, deleted, rearranged) is sent from the client terminal 101 to the server 102 in S311-1, and the HTML format file is received again and redisplayed in S318. Configured. However, the CPU 201 of the client terminal 101 may delete the content from the content list selected and displayed on the client terminal 101 without being redisplayed. In this case, it is only necessary to transmit the deleted content information to the server (S311-1), and the HTML control process of S318 may not be performed.

  Next, in step S319-1, the script transmission unit 4014 of the server 102 receives a script (program) for determining whether the content is “printed as a spread page” on the client terminal 101 side on the client terminal 101 side. It is determined whether it exists (has already sent a script). This determination may be made by making an inquiry to the client terminal 101, or may be made from the history by storing the history of sending the script in the server 102.

If it is determined in step S319-1 that the script does not exist on the client side (the script has not yet been sent), the script transmission unit 4014 of the server 102 transmits the script file to the client terminal 101 in S319-2. To do.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S319-1 that the script exists on the client side (the script has already been sent), the script transmission unit 4014 of the server 102 performs no particular processing.

  It should be noted that the determination of “whether the page is over” or “whether a blank page is mixed”, which will be described later, can be controlled by the code described in the HTML file. Alternatively, a script may be separately transmitted to the client terminal 101 so as to be determined and controlled by the script, as in the case of “printing”.

  In step S319-3, the script receiving unit 4006 of the client terminal 101 receives the script file transmitted from the server 102 in S319-2. This script is stored in the RAM 202 or the like of the client terminal 101 and is executed when content is added, canceled or rearranged thereafter.

  When the process of step S319-3 is completed, in step S320 of FIG. 11, the warning determination unit 4005 of the client terminal 101 acquires the designated printing method as shown in FIGS. It is determined whether or not the printing method is bookbinding printing.

  If it is determined that bookbinding printing is to be performed, in step S320-1, the function specifying unit 4004 of the client terminal 101 determines the content ID, content name, content paper size, content content page of the currently selected content. The server 102 is requested for the number, the name of the printer that was printing, the total number of pages of content, and the maximum number of bookbinding pages.

  In step S320-2, the designated function execution unit 4013 of the server 102 stores the total content page number requested from the client terminal 101 in S320-1 as the selected content total capacity / selected content total page number storage area shown in FIG. Is acquired from the page upper limit table shown in FIG. 8 and is transmitted to the client terminal 101. When requested, the total number of pages may be calculated based on the content list table 1101 shown in FIG. 6 and transmitted.

  In step S320-3, the warning determination unit 4005 of the client terminal 101 receives the total content page number and the bookbinding page upper limit number transmitted from the server 102.

  Note that the total content page number and bookbinding page upper limit number received in step S403 in step S318 use information on the total content page number 5008 and bookbinding page upper limit number 5009 stored in the HTML file shown in FIG. May be.

  In step S321, the warning determination unit 4005 of the client terminal 101 confirms whether the total number of pages of the currently selected content does not exceed the upper limit number of pages for bookbinding printing. The page upper limit number is also described in the HTML file, and may be determined using this.

  If it is determined that “the maximum number of pages <the total number of pages of content”, that is, the total number of pages of the currently selected content exceeds the maximum number of pages for bookbinding printing, the client terminal 101 The warning determination unit 4005 shifts the process to step S322.

  In step S322, the warning determination unit 4005 of the client terminal 101 displays a warning display (1601 in FIG. 16) indicating that bookbinding printing cannot be performed with the currently specified printer because the upper limit of the number of pages has been exceeded. And the process proceeds to step S323.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a warning display indicating that bookbinding printing cannot be performed with the currently designated printer because the upper limit value of the number of pages has been exceeded.

  In this way, by performing the warning display, it is possible to recognize that bookbinding printing cannot be performed in advance before the actual print data download / combination processing is performed before printing, thereby avoiding unnecessary processing.

  On the other hand, in step S321, the warning determination unit 4005 of the client terminal 101 determines “the maximum number of pages <= the total number of pages of content”, that is, the total number of pages of the currently selected content indicates the maximum number of pages for bookbinding printing. If it is determined that it has not exceeded, the process proceeds to step S323 as it is.

  In step S323, the warning determination unit 4005 of the client terminal 101 determines whether the currently selected content total page is a multiple of four. The multiple of 4 is determined as “multiple of 4” (number of pages suitable for bookbinding printing) when the content total page number acquired in S320-3 is divided by “4” and there is no remainder. If there is a remainder, it is determined that “it is not a multiple of 4” (number of pages not suitable for bookbinding printing).

  If it is determined in step S323 that the currently selected content total page is not a multiple of 4, the warning determination unit 4005 of the client terminal 101 shifts the process to step S324.

  In step S324, the warning determination unit 4005 of the client terminal 101 displays a warning display (1701 in FIG. 17) that a blank page is generated when bookbinding printing is executed because the current total number of pages is not a multiple of four. The process is performed on the browser screen, and the process proceeds to step S325. As a result, it is possible to recognize that beautiful bookbinding printing cannot be performed in advance before downloading, combining processing, and printing of actual print data, thereby avoiding unnecessary processing.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a warning display that a blank page is generated when bookbinding printing is executed because the current total number of pages is not a multiple of four.

  In this case, the recommended content information may be acquired and displayed from the server 102, and the content may be inserted into a portion that becomes a blank page by selecting it. When inserting content, the number of content that can be inserted is up to a multiple of four. In the example shown in FIG. 17, since there are currently 9 pages, control is performed so that content is added up to 12 pages (3 pages). Then, the inserted content information (content ID) is transmitted from the client terminal 101 to the server 102, and the selected content list table 1101 shown in FIG. 6 is updated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S323 that the currently selected content total page is a multiple of 4, the warning determination unit 4005 of the client terminal 101 shifts the process to step S325 as it is.

  If it is determined in step S320 that the currently selected printing method is not bookbinding printing, the warning determination unit 4005 of the client terminal 101 proceeds to step S325 as it is.

  In step S325, the warning determination unit 4005 of the client terminal 101 determines whether the designated printing method is bookbinding printing or duplex printing as shown in FIGS.

  If it is determined that bookbinding printing or double-sided printing is performed, the function specifying unit 4004 of the client terminal 101 acquires the number of pages of each content currently selected from the server 102 in step S326-1. Note that the content page number 5005 and content ID 5001 of each content selected at the time of HTML creation by the server 102 are held in the HTML file, and the content page number 5005 of each content selected from the HTML file is stored. A configuration in which the content ID 5001 is acquired can also be realized.

  Steps S326-2 to S326-7 are repeated for the number of selected contents.

  First, in step S326-2, the warning determination unit 4005 of the client terminal 101 acquires the start page of the content to be processed. Specifically, information on the number of content pages 5005 (included in the HTML file) is acquired in order from the content ID 5001 of the first content, and the acquired number of pages is added up to determine how many pages the target content is. Judge whether to print from the eyes. Also, it may be determined from which page the target content is printed using the script received in step S319-3.

  Next, in step S326-3, the warning determination unit 4005 of the client terminal 101 determines whether or not the content sheet size (included in the HTML file) of the content to be processed is a spread page size. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the content paper size 5004 in the HTML file shown in FIG. 5 is A3 size. In other words, in step S326-3, the content data (document data) is specified according to the paper size of the content (document data).

  If it is determined that the page size is not the spread page size (not A3 size), the warning determination unit 4005 of the client terminal 101 proceeds to step S326-7 as it is.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S326-3 that the content paper size of the content to be processed is the spread page size (A3 size), the warning determination unit 4005 of the client terminal 101 performs processing in S326-4. To proceed.

  In step S326-4, the warning determination unit 4005 of the client terminal 101 determines whether the start page of the content to be processed is an even page. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the start page determined in step S326-2 is an even number. In other words, the process of step S326-4 is a process of specifying whether the content (document data) to be arranged on the spread page specified in S326-3 is content (document data) that is not arranged on the spread page.

  If it is determined that the start page of the content to be processed is an even page, the warning determination unit 4005 of the client terminal 101 advances the process to S326-7 as it is.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S326-4 that the start page of the content to be processed is not an even page (odd page), the warning determination unit 4005 of the client terminal 101 advances the process to step S326-5.

  In step S326-5, the warning determination unit 4005 of the client terminal 101 determines that the content to be a spread page is printed from an odd page (not printed as a spread page), and the intended printing is performed as illustrated in FIG. A warning display indicating that there is a possibility that it should not be performed is performed, and the process proceeds to S326-7. Specifically, the script received in step S319-3 performs the determination in step S326-4. As a result of the determination, the script returns the content ID of the content determined not to start from the even page as a return value.

  This return value (content ID) is acquired by the control information described in the HTML file, the content corresponding to the content ID is specified (for example, “0002” of the content ID 5001 in FIG. 5), and display control information display The color of the content displayed in the part 4003 is changed and a warning is displayed. Note that the script reads and stores the content ID of the content that executes the processing of steps S326-2 to S326-4.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a warning display indicating that there is a possibility that the intended printing may not be performed because the content of the spread page is printed from an odd-numbered page (not printed as a spread page).

  In FIG. 18, 1801 is a message indicating that the content shown in 1802 may not be the intended print because the content of the spread size (for example, A3 size) is printed from an odd number of pages (not printed as a spread page). is there.

  As a result, it is possible to recognize that bookbinding printing intended in advance before actual print data download, combining processing, and printing cannot be performed, and unnecessary processing can be avoided.

  Next, in step S326-7, the warning determination unit 4005 of the client terminal 101 determines whether or not the content to be processed is the last content on the content selection / print screen, and is not yet the last content. Is determined, the process target is shifted to the next content, and the process returns to step S326-1.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S326-7 that the content to be processed is the last content on the content selection / print screen, the process proceeds to step S305 in FIG. The function designation unit 4004 waits for an event to occur.

  If it is determined in step S325 that the designated printing method is neither bookbinding printing nor duplex printing as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the process proceeds to step S305 in FIG. The function specifying unit 4004 of the client terminal 101 waits for an event to occur.

<Content addition instruction>
If it is determined in step S311 in FIG. 10 that the instruction (event) is not an instruction to cancel (cancel) the selected content, in step S313, the function specifying unit 4004 of the client terminal 101 determines that the instruction (event) is the content. It is determined whether or not the instruction is to add (the content addition button 1505 has been pressed).

  If it is determined that the instruction (event) is a content addition instruction, the function specifying unit 4004 of the client terminal 101 displays a screen shown in FIG. Receive. This content addition screen is acquired from the server 102 and displayed.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of an addition screen for selecting content to be added.

  On this additional screen, the content stored in the DB 103 of the server 102 is displayed in a selectable manner. When content is added on the screen of FIG. 20, the function specifying unit 4004 of the client terminal 101 advances the processing to step S314.

  In step S <b> 314, the function specifying unit 4004 of the client terminal 101 transmits content information (content ID and position where content is added) of the content selected and added on the content addition screen in FIG. 20 to the server 102.

  In step S316, the designated function execution unit 4013 of the server 102 receives content information (content ID, content adding position) of the content added from the client terminal 101.

  In step S317, the designated function execution unit 4013 of the server 102 acquires the number of content pages from the content information shown in FIG. 3 based on the added content information (content ID) received in S316, and includes these pieces of information. Based on this, the information in the selected content list 1101 shown in FIG. 6 is updated. Since the location where the content is added is not necessarily the tail, the selected content list table 1101 shown in FIG. 6 is updated based on the “position where content is added” received from the client terminal 101 (reordering is performed). Assumed to be performed.

  In step S317-1, the content information calculation unit 4015 of the server 102 acquires the file capacity of each selected content described in the selected content list table 1101 of FIG. 6 updated in S317 from the content information shown in FIG. The total file capacity and the total page number of the selected content are calculated, and the selected content total capacity and the selected content total page number stored in the selected content total capacity / selected content total page number storage area (FIG. 7) in the HD 208 are calculated. Update. As a calculation method, the page number capacity of the target content may be subtracted from the total number of pages and the total capacity already stored. Further, the total capacity may be calculated and stored in the total capacity of the normal file and the highly compressed file.

  When the process of step S317-1 is completed, in step S318, the server 102 executes an HTML control process (FIG. 13). As a result, an HTML file (HTML file to which content is added) generated using the updated selected content list is transmitted to the client terminal 101.

  Hereinafter, the processing after S318-1 is the same as that in the case of a cancel (cancel) instruction for the selected content (when the cancel (cancel) button 1504 for the selected content is pressed), and the description thereof will be omitted.

<Sort instructions>
If it is determined in step S311 in FIG. 10 that the instruction (event) is a content rearrangement instruction (the content rearrangement button 1506 has been pressed), the function designation unit 4004 of the client terminal 101 determines that the step The process proceeds to S312.

  In step S <b> 312, the function specifying unit 4004 of the client terminal 101 transmits rearranged content information (content rearrangement information, for example, an array of content IDs) to the server 102.

  In step S311-4, the designated function execution unit 4013 of the server 102 receives the content rearrangement information transmitted from the client 101, and updates the selected content list table 1101 (FIG. 6) stored in the HD 208 (arrangement). Change).

  The CPU 201 of the client terminal 101 advances the process to step S320 in FIG. 11 after the process in step S312.

  Hereinafter, the processing after S320 is the same as the case of canceling (cancelling) the selected content (when the canceling (cancelling) button 1504 of the selected content is pressed), and the description thereof will be omitted.

<Print execution instruction>
If it is determined in step S306 in FIG. 9 that the instruction (event) is a print execution instruction (the print execution button 1501 has been pressed), the function specifying unit 4004 of the client terminal 101 has received the print execution instruction. Information to the effect is transmitted to the server 102.

  In response to this, the designated function execution unit 4013 of the server 102 acquires the selected content list table 1101 (FIG. 6) stored in the HD 208 of the server 102 in S328-1 of FIG.

  Next, in step S328, the designated function execution unit 4013 of the server 102 determines whether the content list acquired in S328-1 includes one or more content items to be printed (whether there is a selected content item). To do.

  If it is determined that there is no content to be printed in the content list acquired in S328-1 (there is no selected content), the designated function execution unit 4013 prints the print target in a step not shown. An HTML screen for warning display is transmitted to the client terminal 101 so as to select the content.

  In step S329, the display control information receiving unit 4002 of the client terminal 101 receives the warning display HTML screen, and the display control information display unit 4003 of the client terminal 101 displays the warning display HTML screen. Then, the function specifying unit 4004 of the client terminal 101 waits for an event to occur in step S305 in FIG.

  On the other hand, in step S328, when the designated function execution unit 4013 of the server 102 determines that there is one or more content to be printed (there is a selected content) in the content list acquired in S328-1, The designated function execution unit 4013 of the server 102 advances the process to step S330-1.

  In step S330-1, the designated function execution unit 4013 of the server 102 selects the total capacity of the selected content stored in the selected content total capacity / selected content total page number storage area (FIG. 7) in the HD 208 of the server 102 (normally). File).

  Next, in step S330-2, the designated function execution unit 4013 of the server 102 determines whether the total capacity (normal file) of the selected content acquired in S330-1 exceeds a prestored threshold (download threshold). Confirm.

  If it is determined that the total file capacity exceeds the threshold, the designated function execution unit 4013 of the server 102 selects whether or not to execute printing using high-compression content in step S330-3. A screen (HTML screen for confirming high compression PDF) is transmitted to the client terminal 101.

  In step S331, the display control information receiving unit 4002 of the client terminal 101 receives the high-compression PDF conversion confirmation HTML screen, and the display control information display unit 4003 of the client terminal 101 displays the high-compression PDF conversion confirmation HTML screen. indicate.

  When an instruction is selected and input from the high compression PDF conversion confirmation HTML screen, the function specifying unit 4004 of the client terminal 101 transmits the selection input result to the server 102 in a step (not shown).

  If it is determined that the high compression PDF is not to be used (the “high compression” button has not been pressed on the browser screen of the client terminal 101), the designated function execution unit 4013 of the server 102 is selecting in step S333. An HTML screen for warning display (1901 in FIG. 19) indicating that printing (downloading) cannot be performed because the total content file capacity exceeds the threshold is transmitted to the client terminal 101.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a warning display indicating that printing (downloading) cannot be performed because the total file capacity of the selected content exceeds the threshold.

  The display control information receiving unit 4002 of the client terminal 101 receives the warning display HTML screen (FIG. 19), and the display control information display unit 4003 of the client terminal 101 displays the warning display HTML screen (FIG. 19). indicate. Then, the function specifying unit 4004 of the client terminal 101 waits for an event to occur in step S305 in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S331 that the PDF is to be highly compressed (the “highly compress” button is pressed on the browser screen of the client terminal 101), the designated function execution unit 4013 of the server 102 performs step S332-2. The process proceeds to 1.

  In step S332-1, the content information calculation unit 4015 of the server 102 acquires the file capacity of the highly compressed content corresponding to each selected content from the content information shown in FIG. 3, and calculates the total capacity of the highly compressed file. calculate.

  Next, in step S332-2, the content combining unit 4016 of the server 102 acquires the file capacity 3008 of the high compression content corresponding to each selected content from the content information shown in FIG. Calculate the total capacity.

  Next, in step S332-2, the designated function execution unit 4013 of the server 102 checks whether the total capacity of the high-compression content acquired in S322-1 exceeds a prestored threshold (download threshold). .

  If it is determined that the total capacity of the high-compression content exceeds the threshold, the designated function execution unit 4013 of the server 102 prints in step S333 because the total capacity of the selected content exceeds the threshold. An HTML screen (a screen similar to FIG. 19) for displaying a warning indicating that (downloading) cannot be performed is transmitted to the client terminal 101.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S332-2 that the total capacity of the highly compressed content acquired in S322-1 does not exceed the threshold (download threshold) stored in advance, the content combination of the server 102 is performed in step S334. The unit 4016 acquires the highly compressed content (PDF) from the content information shown in FIG. 3 in the arrangement order of the selected content list 1101 (FIG. 6), performs the combination, and the content transmission unit 4017 performs the combination The high-compressed content (PDF) is transmitted to the client terminal 101.

  Note that the highly compressed file is generated when each content is registered, and is stored in advance in the DB 103 of the server 102 as indicated by 3008 in FIG. Also, (original) content (normal file) at the time of registration and highly compressed content (highly compressed file) are managed (stored) in association with each other.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S330-2 that the total capacity (normal file) of the selected content acquired in S330-1 does not exceed a prestored threshold (download threshold), the server 102 in step S335. The content combining unit 4016 acquires the original (normal file) content (PDF) from the content information shown in FIG. 3 in the arrangement order of the selected content list table 1101 (FIG. 6), combines them, and the content transmitting unit 4017 transmits the combined original content (PDF) to the client terminal 101.

  Since bookbinding printing is premised on bookbinding in A4 size, the A3 size file is combined using the files for two pages of A4 size divided into A4 size in step S521. Specifically, the determination is made using the number of content pages of the HTML file shown in FIG. In this case, it can be determined that the number of content pages of the file whose “content ID” is “0002” is 2 pages in A4 size.

  Further, as described in the description of step S521 in FIG. 22B described above, the server 102 stores and manages the original A3 size file if the normal file has an A3 size.

  Therefore, when bookbinding printing or double-sided printing is designated as the printing method, the divided A4 file may be used, and in the case of single-sided printing, printing may be performed using the A3 file.

  Further, according to the present invention, in order to acquire printer information, if the output printer is not an A3-compatible device, the combined content may be generated using the A4 file obtained by dividing A3.

  In step S336-1, the content receiving unit 4008 of the client terminal 101 receives the content combined in the server 102 in S334 or S335.

  Next, in step S336-2, the content printing unit 4009 of the client terminal 101 determines whether to directly print the content received in S336-1 on the client terminal. Specifically, print control information is embedded in the header portion of the content (PDF file) combined in S334 or S335, and when content including the print control information is received, it is installed in the client terminal 101 in advance. The printing program (content printing unit 4009) is started and silent printing is executed. In the case of content (PDF file) downloaded from another system or the like, silent printing is not performed because the print control information does not exist in the header portion.

  When the content printing unit 4009 of the client terminal 101 determines to perform direct printing, in step S337, the content combined in the server 102 in step S334 or S335 corresponds to the printer designated by the printer selection in FIG. A print instruction is issued via the driver. As a result, the print data is transmitted to the printer, and printing is executed by the printing method designated by the printing method of FIG. 15, for example. That is, bookbinding printing, single-sided printing, or double-sided printing is set in the print settings of the printer driver when printing is performed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S336-2 that direct printing is not to be performed, in step S338, the content display unit 4007 of the client terminal 101 displays the content combined by the server 102 in S334 or S335 as the browser of the client terminal 101. Display on the screen (preview).

  It should be noted that the configuration and contents of the various data described above are not limited to this, and it goes without saying that the various data and configurations are configured according to the application and purpose.

  Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention can take an embodiment as, for example, a system, apparatus, method, program, or recording medium, and specifically includes a plurality of devices. The present invention may be applied to a system including a single device.

  With the above processing, according to the printing system of the present embodiment, it is possible to easily confirm whether document data can be appropriately output in a designated print format.

  That is, when combining print data and performing bookbinding printing, it is necessary to preview and confirm whether the user has the expected appearance. If the expected appearance is not achieved, the print data combining order is changed again. The problem of having to execute printing can be solved.

  In addition, when printing data is combined and bookbinding printed, if the number of pages of combined print data exceeds the number of printers supported, it can be confirmed that bookbinding has not been completed for the first time after printing. It is possible to solve the problem that the reduced print data must be generated again, combined, and output.

  Furthermore, in order to reduce the load on the network in the enterprise, the file capacity that can be transmitted at one time is limited, so that it can be confirmed before downloading and the workload can be reduced.

  The configuration of a data processing program that can be read by the client terminal 101 and the server 102 constituting the printing system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the memory map shown in FIG.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining a memory map of a recording medium (storage medium) for storing various data processing programs readable by the client terminal 101 and the server 102 according to the present invention.

  Although not specifically shown, information for managing a program group stored in the recording medium, for example, version information, creator, etc. is also stored, and information depending on the OS on the program reading side, for example, a program is identified and displayed. Icons may also be stored.

  Further, data depending on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, when a program or data to be installed is compressed, a program to be decompressed may be stored.

  The functions shown in FIG. 9 to FIG. 12, FIG. 13, FIG. 22A, and FIG. 22B in this embodiment may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when an information group including a program is supplied to the output device from a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external recording medium via a network. Is.

  As described above, a recording medium recording software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the recording medium in the recording medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by reading and executing the programmed program code.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the recording medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the recording medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  As a recording medium for supplying the program code, for example, a flexible disk, HD, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD-ROM, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, A silicon disk or the like can be used.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) or the like running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

  Furthermore, after the program code read from the recording medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted in the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. It goes without saying that the present invention can also be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. In this case, by reading a recording medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention into the system or apparatus, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. .

  Furthermore, by downloading and reading out a program represented by software for achieving the present invention from a server, database, etc. on a network using a communication program, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. It becomes.

  In addition, all the structures which combined each embodiment mentioned above and its modification are also included in this invention.

  According to the present invention, when a plurality of document data are combined and printed, it can be easily confirmed whether the data can be appropriately output in a desired print format.

1 is a system configuration diagram illustrating an example of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram illustrating an outline of hardware configurations of a server 102 and a client terminal 101 illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows an example of the content information memorize | stored in DB103 of the server 102 shown in FIG. It is a functional block diagram of the printing system of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of data generated by a display control information generation unit 4011 of the server 102 illustrated in FIG. 4 and stored in an HTML file. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a selected content list table 1101 and a selected printer / printing method table 1102 that are stored and managed in the HD 208 of the server 102 by the designated function execution unit 4013 of the server 102. FIG. The selected content total capacity / selected content total page number storage area for storing the selected content total capacity (normal file) and the selected content total page number (normal file) calculated by the content information calculation unit 4015 of the server 102 shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an upper limit number table stored in the HD 208 of the server 102. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process which prints the several content arbitrarily selected in the printing system of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process which prints the several content arbitrarily selected in the printing system of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process which prints the several content arbitrarily selected in the printing system of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process which prints the several content arbitrarily selected in the printing system of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the HTML control processing in the printing system of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on the client terminal 101 side by the HTML control process shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on the client terminal 101 side by the HTML control process shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a warning display indicating that bookbinding printing cannot be performed with the currently designated printer because the upper limit value of the number of pages is exceeded. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a warning display that a blank page is generated when bookbinding printing is executed because the current total number of pages is not a multiple of four. It is a figure which shows an example of the warning display to the effect that there exists a possibility that it may not become intended printing because the content of a spread page is printed from an odd-numbered page (it is not printed as a spread page). It is a figure which shows an example of the warning display to the effect that printing (downloading) cannot be performed because the total file capacity of the selected content exceeds a threshold value. It is a figure which shows an example of an addition screen in order to select the content to add. It is a figure explaining the memory map of the recording medium (storage medium) which stores the various data processing program which can be read by the client terminal 101 and the server 102 concerning this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process which preserve | saves the some content arbitrarily selected in the printing system of this embodiment in a server. It is a flowchart which shows the process which preserve | saves the several content arbitrarily selected in the printing system of this embodiment in a server. It is a figure which shows an example of the HOME screen displayed on the client terminal 101 side, and a maintenance TOP screen. It is a figure which shows an example of the content maintenance TOP screen displayed on the client terminal 101 side. It is a figure which shows an example of the bibliographic information input screen displayed on the client terminal 101 side, and an input confirmation and file selection screen. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen during upload displayed on the client terminal 101 side, and a registration completion screen. It is a figure which shows an example of the table showing the list of the kind of content registered into the server 102 concerning this invention, and paper size.

Explanation of symbols

101 Client terminal 102 Server 103 Database 104 Network

Claims (16)

A server having a storage unit for storing document data and attribute information including document data identification information, the number of pages, and a paper size, and selecting the document data to be stored in the server with a browser, and selecting the selected document data A print control system capable of communicating with an information processing apparatus capable of printing,
The server
Identification information receiving means for receiving identification information of document data selected by the information processing apparatus;
Generating display control information that can be displayed by a browser, including the number of pages of document data stored in the storage unit corresponding to the identification information of the document data received by the identification information receiving means, and the paper size of the document data; Display control information transmitting means for transmitting to the information processing apparatus,
The information processing apparatus includes:
Document data selection means for selecting document data for printing on the browser;
Identification information transmitting means for transmitting identification information of the document data selected by the document data selecting means to the server;
Display control information receiving means for receiving display control information that can be displayed by a browser, including a paper size of the document data transmitted from the server corresponding to the identification information transmitted by the identification information transmitting means and the number of pages; ,
When displaying the display control information received by the display control information receiving means, first specifying whether the document data should be arranged on a spread page according to the paper size of the document data included in the display control information Means for identifying
Second specifying means for specifying whether the document data to be arranged on the spread page specified by the first specifying means is document data not arranged on the spread page according to the number of pages of the selected document data;
A printing system comprising: display control means for displaying, on the browser, display control information that warns about document data that is not arranged on a spread page specified by the second specifying means. An information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a server having a storage unit that stores document data and attribute information including document data identification information, the number of pages, and a paper size,
Document data selection means for selecting document data stored in the storage unit of the server on a browser;
Identification information transmitting means for transmitting identification information of a plurality of document data selected by the document data selecting means to the server;
Display control information receiving means for receiving display control information including paper sizes and page numbers of a plurality of document data transmitted from the server corresponding to the identification information transmitted by the identification information transmitting means;
When displaying the display control information received by the display control information receiving means, first specifying whether the document data should be arranged on a spread page according to the paper size of the document data included in the display control information Means for identifying
Second specifying means for specifying whether the document data to be arranged on the spread page specified by the first specifying means is document data not arranged on the spread page according to the number of pages of the selected document data;
An information processing apparatus comprising: display control means for displaying, on a browser, display control information for giving a warning to document data not arranged on a spread page specified by the second specifying means. The display control information is display control information for displaying a list of the selected plurality of document data,
The display control means can identify document data specified by the second specifying means that is not arranged on the spread page among the document data specified by the first specifying means to be printed in the spread display by the list display. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein display control is performed. The display control information includes appearance information when printing the document data included in the display control information,
The first specifying unit specifies whether or not the document data to be arranged on a spread page when the appearance information included in the display control information indicates bookbinding printing or double-sided printing. Or the information processing apparatus of 3. The display control information includes a bookbinding printing upper limit number of sheets,
Bookbinding printing upper limit determination means for determining whether the total number of pages of the selected plurality of document data exceeds the bookbinding printing upper limit number;
The display control means performs a warning display indicating that bookbinding printing cannot be performed when the bookbinding printing upper limit determination means determines that the total number of pages of the selected plurality of document data exceeds the upper limit. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4. Printer information acquisition means for acquiring printer information stored in the information processing apparatus;
Printer information transmission means for transmitting the printer information acquired by the printer information acquisition means,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the upper limit number of bookbinding prints included in the display control information is an upper limit number of bookbinding prints corresponding to the printer information. Print instruction means for instructing printing of the selected plurality of document data;
In accordance with a print instruction by the print instruction means, combined document data acquisition means for acquiring, from the server, combined document data in which the selected plurality of document data is combined;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: a print control unit that prints the combined document data acquired by the combined document data acquisition unit. The display control information includes information for displaying a warning that the combined document data cannot be acquired because the total capacity of the selected plurality of document data exceeds the total downloadable capacity,
8. The display control unit according to claim 7, wherein, based on the display control information, a warning is displayed to the effect that a total capacity of the selected plurality of document data exceeds the total downloadable capacity. The information processing apparatus described. Whether the display control information acquires compressed combined document data obtained by combining compressed data of the selected plurality of document data when the total capacity of the selected plurality of document data exceeds the total downloadable capacity Contains information for choosing whether or not
The display control means performs display for selecting whether or not to acquire compressed combined document data obtained by combining compressed data of the selected plurality of document data based on the display control information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8.   10. The storage unit of the server comprises registration instruction means for instructing registration of the document data and attribute information including identification information of the document data, the number of pages, and a paper size. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims. Registered document data selection means for selecting document data to be registered in the storage unit of the server,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the paper size and the number of pages are information included in the document data selected by the registered document data selection unit. Program receiving means for receiving a program for causing the information processing apparatus to function as the first specifying means and the second specifying means from the server;
12. The program executing means for executing the program received by the program receiving means and causing the information processing apparatus to function as the first specifying means and the second specifying means. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims. A server having a storage unit for storing document data and attribute information including document data identification information, the number of pages, and a paper size, and selecting the document data to be stored in the server with a browser, and selecting the selected document data A print control method in a print control system capable of communicating with an information processing apparatus capable of printing,
The server is
An identification information receiving step of receiving identification information of the document data selected by the information processing apparatus;
Generating display control information that can be displayed by a browser, including the number of pages of document data stored in the storage unit corresponding to the identification information of the document data received in the identification information reception step, and the paper size of the document data; Performing a display control information transmission step to be transmitted to the information processing apparatus;
The information processing apparatus is
A document data selection step for selecting document data for printing on the browser;
An identification information transmission step of transmitting identification information of the document data selected in the document data selection step to the server;
A display control information receiving step for receiving display control information that can be displayed by a browser, including a paper size and the number of pages of the document data transmitted from the server corresponding to the identification information transmitted in the identification information transmitting step; ,
When displaying the display control information received in the display control information receiving step, first specifying whether the document data should be arranged on a spread page according to the paper size of the document data included in the display control information Specific steps of
A second specifying step of specifying whether the document data to be arranged on the spread page specified in the first specifying step is document data not arranged on the spread page according to the number of pages of the selected document data;
And a display control step of displaying, on the browser, display control information for giving a warning to document data not arranged on the spread page specified in the second specifying step. A processing method of an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a server including a storage unit that stores document data and attribute information including document data identification information, number of pages, and paper size,
A document data selection means for selecting document data stored in the storage unit of the server on a browser;
An identification information transmitting means for transmitting identification information of a plurality of document data selected in the document data selection step to the server;
Display control information receiving means for receiving display control information including paper sizes and page numbers of a plurality of document data transmitted from the server corresponding to the identification information transmitted in the identification information transmitting step. When,
When the first specifying means displays the display control information received in the display control information receiving step, the document data to be arranged on the spread page according to the paper size of the document data included in the display control information. A first identifying step that identifies whether there is,
Second specifying means specifies, according to the number of pages of the selected document data, whether the document data to be arranged on the spread page specified in the first specifying step is document data not arranged on the spread page. Two specific steps;
A display control step, wherein the display control means includes a display control step of displaying, in a browser, display control information for giving a warning to document data not arranged on the spread page specified in the second specifying step. Method. A server having a storage unit for storing document data and attribute information including document data identification information, the number of pages, and a paper size, and selecting the document data to be stored in the server with a browser, and selecting the selected document data The server in the print control system capable of communicating with an information processing apparatus capable of printing;
Identification information receiving means for receiving identification information of document data selected by the information processing apparatus;
Generating display control information that can be displayed by a browser, including the number of pages of document data stored in the storage unit corresponding to the identification information of the document data received by the identification information receiving means, and the paper size of the document data; Function as display control information transmitting means for transmitting to the information processing apparatus;
The information processing apparatus;
Document data selection means for selecting document data for printing on the browser;
Identification information transmitting means for transmitting identification information of the document data selected by the document data selecting means to the server;
Display control information receiving means for receiving display control information that can be displayed by a browser, including a paper size of the document data transmitted from the server corresponding to the identification information transmitted by the identification information transmitting means and the number of pages; ,
When displaying the display control information received by the display control information receiving means, first specifying whether the document data should be arranged on a spread page according to the paper size of the document data included in the display control information Means of identifying
Second specifying means for specifying whether the document data to be arranged on the spread page specified by the first specifying means is document data not arranged on the spread page according to the number of pages of the selected document data;
A program for functioning as display control means for displaying on the browser display control information for giving a warning to document data not arranged on a spread page specified by the second specifying means. An information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a server including a storage unit that stores document data and attribute information including document data identification information, the number of pages, and a paper size.
Document data selection means for selecting document data stored in the storage unit of the server on a browser;
Identification information transmitting means for transmitting identification information of a plurality of document data selected by the document data selecting means to the server;
Display control information receiving means for receiving display control information including paper sizes and page numbers of a plurality of document data transmitted from the server corresponding to the identification information transmitted by the identification information transmitting means;
When displaying the display control information received by the display control information receiving means, first specifying whether the document data should be arranged on a spread page according to the paper size of the document data included in the display control information Means for identifying
Second specifying means for specifying whether the document data to be arranged on the spread page specified by the first specifying means is document data not arranged on the spread page according to the number of pages of the selected document data;
A program for functioning as display control means for displaying display control information on a browser for warning about document data not arranged on a spread page specified by the second specifying means.

Images