JP2012248150A - Printing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing system for suppressing increase of useless traffics to preliminarily transfer data from a print server to a printer in pull-print.SOLUTION: When a user performs a specific action such as, starting movement in the printer direction, ending the movement near the printer, within predetermined time before and after transmission of a printing instruction, the printing instruction is determined as urgent printing, the printer to be used by the user is predicted from the content of the specific action, printing data is immediately transferred from a print server to the printer.

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing system that stores print data received from a user terminal in a print server and transfers the print data from the print server to the printer in response to a transfer request from the printer.

  The print data is transmitted from the user terminal to the print server and stored, and the print data is transferred from the print server to the printer in response to a transfer request from the printer connected to the print server through the network. There is a printing system that performs printing. This printing system is generally called a pull printing system.

  The pull printing system can execute printing on any of a plurality of printers connected to the network. For example, when a printer near you is in use, There is an advantage that printing can be performed.

  On the other hand, in the above pull print system, since the print data related to the transfer request is transferred from the print server to the printer after receiving the transfer request from the printer, the printing can be performed only for the time required for transfer compared to the normal hold printing. Start is delayed.

  Therefore, data is transmitted in advance from the print server to a plurality of printers with a hold printing function close to the user's position, and when printing is completed in any printer, the printed data is deleted to the remaining printers. There has been proposed a printing system in which a transfer waiting time is eliminated by giving an instruction (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this printing system, in order to reduce the communication load when transmitting data from a print server to a plurality of printers with a hold printing function in advance, 1) not transferring all jobs, but part of the jobs. Send the remaining jobs only to the printer that has started printing, 2) Increase or decrease the amount of jobs sent in advance in 1) above according to the distance from the user to the printer 3) It has also been proposed to increase or decrease the amount of jobs transmitted in advance in the above 1) according to the user's movement route history.

JP 2008-269298 A

  In the printing system disclosed in Patent Document 1, since data is transferred in advance to a plurality of printers close to the user's position, the problem of waiting for transfer is reduced. However, even if the measures 1) to 3) are taken, since data is transmitted to a plurality of printers in advance for all jobs of all users, the network traffic increases. There is a lot of waste.

  The present invention is intended to solve the above-described problem, and provides a printing system capable of preliminarily transferring data from a print server to a printer while suppressing an increase in useless traffic during pull printing. It is aimed.

  The gist of the present invention for achieving the object lies in the inventions of the following items.

[1] The print server receives and stores the print data transmitted together with the print instruction from the user's terminal, and when the printer receives a print data transfer request from the user, the print data related to the transfer request is displayed. A printing system for transferring from the print server to the printer,
Automatic transfer of print data related to the print instruction from the print server to a predetermined printer when a user who has issued the print instruction takes a specific action before or after transmission of the print instruction. A printing system featuring.

  In the above invention, when the user who has issued the print instruction takes a specific action within a predetermined period before and after the transmission of the print instruction, the print data related to the print instruction is automatically transferred from the print server to the predetermined printer. The specific action is, for example, that the user has started moving in the direction of the printer within a predetermined time before or after the transmission of the print instruction, or has ended moving near the printer, and the user is directed to the printer for print output. It is an action that can be presumed.

[2] The printing system according to [1], wherein the specific action is at least one of movement start and movement end.

[3] The printing system according to [2], wherein the movement end is a movement end at a movement end position within a predetermined distance from the printer.

  In the above invention, if the movement end position is the movement end within a predetermined distance from the printer, it is specified that the user has moved toward the printer and stopped in front of the printer.

[4] The printing system according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein there are a plurality of the predetermined printers.

  In the above invention, when there is one transfer destination, if the printer is being used by another user, there is a waiting time before starting printing, so print data is automatically transferred to a plurality of printers in advance.

[5] The specific action is that when the movement end position is a movement end within a predetermined distance from the printer, a printer near the movement end position is preferentially selected as the predetermined printer. The printing system according to any one of [1] to [4].

  In the above invention, when the user moves toward the printer and stops in front of the printer, a printer close to the stopped user is preferentially selected as an automatic transfer destination of print data.

[6] When the specific action is a movement start having a movement start position within a predetermined distance from the seat of the user who issued the print instruction, a printer near the user's seat is given priority over the predetermined printer. The printing system according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the printing system is selected.

  In the above invention, when the user issues a print instruction near his / her seat and starts moving, it is estimated that the user is likely to print with a printer near his / her seat, and the print data is automatically transferred to A printer near the user's seat is preferentially selected.

[7] The printing according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein when the specific action is movement start, the printer located in the movement direction is selected as the predetermined printer. system.

  In the above invention, the printer in the direction of movement of the user is selected as the print data automatic transfer destination.

[8] The number of the predetermined printer is increased when the number of times of the automatic transfer related to the user who has taken the specific action is equal to or greater than the specified number of times than when the number of results is less than the specified number of times. The printing system according to any one of [1] to [7].

  In the above invention, a user who has a large number of results of automatic transfer is considered a busy person, so that such a person does not wait for printing because another person is using the printer at the print data transfer destination. In addition, the number of print data automatic transfer destinations is increased.

[9] In the automatic transfer, all the untransferred print data transmitted by the user who took the specific action and stored in the print server is transferred. [1] to [8] The printing system according to any one of the above.

  In the above invention, when automatic transfer is performed, all the untransferred print data of the user that has been stored in the print server so far is transferred.

[10] In the automatic transfer, among unprinted print data transmitted by the user who took the specific action and stored in the print server, a predetermined period before receiving the print instruction related to the specific action The printing system according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein the received one is also transferred.

  In the above invention, when the automatic transfer is performed, the print data that has been received in the past in the past among the untransferred print data stored in the print server so far is transferred. For example, when the user sequentially transmits five print data and starts moving toward the printer after transmitting the last print data, all the five print data are subject to automatic transfer.

[11] When the user takes the specific action during the predetermined period, the print data relating to the print instruction is automatically transferred from the print server to n printers, and the user specifies the specific period during the predetermined period. If the above action is not taken, the print data according to the print instruction is automatically transferred from the print server to m printers (n and m are positive integers, n> m). The printing system according to any one of [1] to [10].

  In the above invention, if the user takes a specific action before and after the print instruction, the print data is automatically transferred to n printers. If the user does not take a specific action, the number of printers is less than n. Automatically transfer print data.

  According to the printing system of the present invention, it is possible to transfer data from the print server to the printer in advance during pull printing while suppressing an increase in useless traffic. Thus, it is possible to prevent waiting for data transfer.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the system configuration example of the printing system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of client PC. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of a portable terminal. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printer. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a print server. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the layout map of the office using a printing system. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a user information table. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a printer information table. FIG. It is a front view which shows an example of an immediate transfer judgment condition input screen. It is a front view which shows an example of an immediate transfer method setting screen. 4 is a flowchart illustrating processing of the print server according to the first embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of an immediate transfer judgment process. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a continuation of FIG. 12. It is explanatory drawing which enumerated the various setting values used in an immediate transfer judgment process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the information which client PC etc. add to print data. It is a flowchart which shows the transmission destination printer extraction process 1. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the transmission destination printer extraction process 2. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the transmission destination printer extraction process 3. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a printer. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the print server in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the transmission destination printer extraction process 4. FIG.

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

  FIG. 1 shows a system configuration example of a printing system 10 according to the present invention. The printing system 10 includes a network 2 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) provided in an office, a plurality of printers 20, a client PC 40 such as a personal computer, a print server 50, an indoor navigation system 80, an indoor It is configured by connecting to an access point 83 for wireless communication. A plurality of access points 83 are installed. In addition, the mobile terminal 90 used by the user is connected through the access point 83 by wireless communication.

  In the printing system 10, printing is performed according to the following flow. First, print data (print instruction) is transmitted from the client PC 40 to the print server 50. The print server 50 receives this and temporarily stores it. When the user goes to the desired printer 20 and performs operations such as user authentication (input of user identification information) and designation of print data to be printed, the printer 20 that has received the operation transmits print data to the print server 50. A transfer request (also called a pull print request) is transmitted. The print server 50 that has received the transfer request transmits the designated print data to the transmission source printer 20, and the printer 20 that has received the print data prints it out.

  The user can send print data from the client PC 40 to the print server 50, and can also print print data stored in the client PC 40 by sending a print data transmission instruction from the portable terminal 90 to the client PC 40. It can be transmitted to the server 50. In addition, print data stored in the mobile terminal 90 can be transmitted from the mobile terminal 90 to the print server 50.

  Further, in the printing system 10, the action of the user who is the sender of the print data is examined within a predetermined period before and after the print server 50 receives the print data, and when the user takes a specific action within the predetermined period. Therefore, it is determined that the printing related to the print data is “rush printing”, and the print data is automatically transferred to a predetermined printer 20 (hereinafter referred to as immediate transfer).

  Here, the movement situation of the user is tracked as the user's action. Specifically, the indoor navigation system 80 detects the position of the mobile terminal 90 carried by the user and tracks the user's behavior.

The specific behavior is movement start, movement end, or the like. Specifically, the following four actions are designated as specific actions.
(1) After starting the movement, a print instruction (print data) is transmitted within a predetermined time, and the printer is in the movement direction.
(2) After the movement is completed, a print instruction is transmitted within a predetermined time, and the movement end position is near any printer (within a predetermined distance).
(3) The movement is started within a predetermined time after the print instruction is transmitted, and the printer is in the movement direction.
(4) The movement is completed within a predetermined time after the printing instruction is transmitted, and the movement end position is near any printer (within a predetermined distance).
The specific action (1) is when the user starts moving from the user's seat or the like toward the printer 20 and transmits a print instruction from the portable terminal 90 or the like within the predetermined time (for example, within 10 seconds). Correspond. Since the print instruction is transmitted immediately after the start of the movement toward the printer, this movement is presumed to be a movement for acquiring printed matter.

  The specific action (2) corresponds to a case where the user moves from his / her seat or the like to the printer 20 and transmits a print instruction from the portable terminal 90 or the like in front of the printer. Since the print instruction is transmitted immediately after moving to the front of the printer and stopping, it is estimated that the user is in a hurry to print according to the print instruction.

  The specific action (3) corresponds to a case where the user starts moving toward the printer within a predetermined period after transmitting a print instruction from the client PC 40 installed at his / her seat. Immediately after the printing instruction is transmitted, the movement is started toward the printer, and thus this movement is estimated to be a movement for obtaining printed matter.

  The specific action (4) is that the user transmits a print instruction from the portable terminal 90 or the like when the user comes from his / her seat or the like to the vicinity of the printer 20, arrives in front of the printer immediately after that, and finishes moving. Corresponds to the case. Since the print instruction is transmitted when it comes close to the printer and then stops in front of the printer, it is estimated that the user is in a hurry to print according to the print instruction.

  As a transmission destination of the print data by the immediate transfer, a printer predicted to be used by the user is selected from a specific action taken by the user. More specifically, if the specific action is the specific action (1) or (3) related to the start of movement and the position of the user at the time of sending the print instruction is near the seat of the user, the printer that the user normally uses is selected. Select with priority. If the specific action of (1) or (3) and the position of the user at the time of printing instruction transmission is not near the seat of the user, a printer in the user's moving direction is preferentially selected. When the specific action is the above (2) or (4) related to the end of movement, a printer near the movement end position is preferentially selected.

  As described above, the printing system 10 determines whether or not the printing related to the print data is urgent printing based on the user's action before and after the transmission of the print instruction (print data). In addition, print data is transferred in advance to the printer 20 that the user is expected to use for printing based on the user's action.

  FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of the client PC 40. The client PC 40 communicates with the control unit 41, the operation unit 42 that receives operations from the user, the display unit 43 that displays various screens such as an operation screen, and various external devices such as the print server 50 through the network 2. Network I / F 44 and the like. The control unit 41 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that performs various calculations, a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores programs and fixed data, a RAM (Random Access Memory) that is used as a work memory, and the like as main parts. The The display unit 43 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display. The operation unit 42 includes operation input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse.

  The client PC 40 is installed with an OS program, an application program for creating and editing documents and images, a browser program, a program for transmitting print data to the print server 50, and the like, and the control unit 41 executes them.

  The control unit 41 functions as a print data transmission unit that creates print data from a document created by an application program or the like and transmits the print data to the print server 50 via the network I / F 44. In addition, it functions to add the identification information of the user who has instructed transmission of the print data and information indicating the transmission date and time to the print data to be transmitted.

  FIG. 3 shows a configuration example of the mobile terminal 90. The portable terminal 90 includes a control unit 91 having CPU, ROM, RAM, and the like as main parts, an operation unit 92 that receives operations from a user, a display unit 93 that displays various screens such as operation screens, and an access point 83. And a wireless network I / F 94 for performing wireless communication with each other. The portable terminal 90 is installed with an OS program, an application program for creating and editing documents and images, a browser program, a program for transmitting print data to the print server 50, and the like, and the control unit 91 executes them.

  The control unit 91 indicates the position of the mobile terminal 90 (that is, the user who uses the mobile terminal 90), the start of movement, the end of movement, the detection direction of the movement direction, the user identification information, and the position detected by the detection unit 91a. It functions as a transmission unit 91b that transmits information such as position information, movement start, movement end, and movement direction detected by the detection unit 91a to the print server 50. Here, the position of the own device is detected by receiving signals for position detection from the indoor navigation system 80 from a plurality of access points 83.

  The portable terminal 90 recognizes the position of the terminal itself, sequentially transmits this position information to the print server 50, and the print server 50 that has received the time information includes the time information in the position information obtained from the portable terminal 90. May be configured to be accumulated and stored, and the print server 50 may be configured to recognize each user's actions (movement start, movement end, movement direction, etc.) from the accumulated and stored position information. .

  FIG. 4 shows a schematic configuration of the printer 20. The printer 20 includes a control unit 21, an operation display unit 22, an image forming unit 23, a storage unit 24, a network I / F 25, and the like.

  The control unit 21 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. The CPU of the control unit 21 is based on an OS program, on which middleware and application programs are executed. Various programs are stored in the ROM, and each function of the printer 20 such as execution of a print job is realized by the CPU executing processes according to these programs. The RAM is used as a work memory for temporarily storing various data when the CPU executes a program, an image memory for storing image data, and the like.

  The operation display unit 22 includes a display unit and an operation unit. The display unit is configured with a liquid crystal display or the like, and displays various screens such as an initial screen, an operation screen, and a setting screen. The operation unit accepts operations related to job input and transfer requests, setting operations, and the like from the user. The operation unit is configured to include a numeric keypad, a character input key, a start key, and the like in addition to a touch panel that is provided on the screen of the display unit and detects a pressed coordinate position.

  The image forming unit 23 functions to form an image based on the image data on a recording sheet and print it out. For example, a recording paper conveyance device, a photosensitive drum, a charging device, an LD (Laser Diode) that is controlled to be turned on in accordance with input image data, and laser light emitted from the LD on the photosensitive drum. It is configured as a so-called laser printer having a scanning unit for scanning, a developing device, a transfer separation device, a cleaning device, and a fixing device. Other methods may be used for image formation.

  The network I / F 25 communicates with various external devices via the network 2. Also, it fulfills the functions of transmitting a transfer request to the print server 50 and receiving print data from the print server 50.

  The storage unit 24 is a large-capacity nonvolatile storage device such as a hard disk device, and is used for storing print data and image data, for example.

  The control unit 21 prints from a user identification unit 31 that identifies a user who uses the printer 20 by user authentication, a pull print data request unit 32 that makes a pull print transfer request to the print server 50, a client PC 40, and the like. A print data receiving unit 33 that receives data, a print data processing unit 34 that rasterizes the received print data and develops it into image data, and a usage status transmission unit 35 that notifies the print server 50 of the usage status of the printer. Fulfills the function.

  FIG. 5 shows a schematic configuration of the print server 50. The print server 50 includes a control unit 51 mainly composed of a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., a storage unit 52 composed of a hard disk device and the like, and an external device such as a client PC 40, an indoor navigation system 80, and a portable terminal 90 via the network 2. And a network I / F 53 for communicating with the apparatus. In addition, a display unit and an operation unit may be provided. Note that the print server 50 may be configured by installing a predetermined program on a general-purpose server including the network I / F 53.

  The control unit 51 of the print server 50 includes a print data reception unit 61, a print data reception time management unit 62, a user information management unit 63, an acquisition unit 64, a management unit 65, an immediate transfer determination unit 66, a pull It functions as a print management unit 67, a printer information management unit 68, a printer usage status acquisition unit 69, a destination printer extraction unit 70, a print data transmission unit 71, a print history management unit 72, and the like.

  The print data receiving unit 61 functions to receive print data from the client PC 40 or the like, and store the received print data in the storage unit 52. Further, the print data receiving unit 61 assigns and stores a job ID unique to the received print data to the print data.

  The print data reception time management unit 62 functions to manage the reception time of received print data. Here, the print data reception time is stored in association with the job ID assigned by the print data receiving unit 61. As this reception time, the transmission date and time described in the header portion of the received print data may be used, or when the print server 50 receives the print data, the time is sent to a predetermined clock unit or date and time management server. It is also possible to obtain it by making an inquiry and use the obtained time as the reception time.

  The user information management unit 63 has a function of accepting various user information settings from an administrator or the like, a function of storing the set user information in the storage unit 52 as in the user information table 120 of FIG. Fulfill.

  The acquisition unit 64 acquires information such as user position information, movement start, movement end, and movement direction from the portable terminal 90 or the indoor navigation system 80. The management unit 65 manages the movement start time and movement end time of the user.

  The immediate transfer determination unit 66 determines whether or not to perform immediate transfer on the print data received from the client PC 40 or the like. This determination is made based on whether or not the action of the user who sent the print data before and after sending the print data corresponds to any one of the specific actions (1) to (4) described above.

  The pull print management unit 67 transmits a list of print data in response to a request from the printer 20, manages whether or not each print data stored in the storage unit 52 has been subjected to pull print, and the like. Fulfills the function of

  The printer information management unit 68 receives a setting of information regarding the printer 20 that can be a transmission destination of print data by pull printing or immediate transfer, and stores the setting in the storage unit 52 as in the printer information table 130 of FIG. 8, for example. Fulfill.

  The printer usage status acquisition unit 69 has a function of inquiring of the printer whether or not the printer is in use and receiving an answer from the printer.

  The transmission destination printer extraction unit 70 has a function of extracting a printer to be a transmission destination for immediate transfer from registered printers.

  The print data transmission unit 71 transmits the print data to the printer 20 by immediate transfer or based on a pull print request.

  The print history management unit 72 has a function of creating print history data representing an execution history such as transfer based on a pull print request or immediate transfer and storing the print history data in the storage unit 52. As the history information, for example, the transfer type of immediate transfer or transfer by pull print request, user name related to print data, job ID, reception date / time, transfer date / time, transfer destination, etc. are registered.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of an office layout map 110 that uses the printing system 10. The layout map 110 shows the seat position of the user in the office, the position of each printer 20, and the like. A to D in the figure indicate seat positions of the respective users whose user names are UserA, UserB, UserC, and UserD. In addition, Prt1 to Prt5 in the figure indicate the arrangement positions of the printers 20 whose printer names are Printer1, Printer2, Printer3, Printer4, and Printer5, respectively.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of the user information table 120 registered in the storage unit 52 of the print server 50 under the arrangement shown by the layout map 110 in FIG. In the user information table 120, a user name, a seat position of the user, a printer name of a printer normally used by the user, and the like are registered in association with each other. Here, a plurality of normally used printers can be registered for each user, and a priority indicating which printer is to be used preferentially can be added and registered. Priority 1 is given the highest priority. Here, printers with priority levels 1 to 3 can be registered. The seat position of the user is represented by position coordinates (X, Y) on the coordinates of the layout map 110 in FIG.

  FIG. 8 shows an example of the printer information table 130 registered in the storage unit 52 of the print server 50 under the arrangement shown by the layout map 110 in FIG. In the printer information table 130, a printer name, an IP address of a printer having this printer name, and position information are registered in association with each other. The position information of the printer is represented by position coordinates (X, Y) on the coordinates of the layout map 110 in FIG.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of an immediate transfer determination condition input screen 140 for receiving settings of various setting values that are criteria for determining whether immediate transfer should be performed. The immediate transfer determination condition input screen 140 is displayed on the display unit of the print server 50 when setting is performed in the print server 50, and the terminal is used when setting is performed remotely from the administrator terminal device to the print server 50. Displayed on the display of the device.

  (1) to (4) in the immediate transfer determination condition input screen 140 correspond to the specific actions (1) to (4) described above, respectively. In the “determination time” column, the time set in the item 141 of “(1) time from start of movement to print instruction” is used when determining whether or not the user's action is the specific action (1) described above. used. Similarly, the time set in the item 142 of “(2) Time from the end of movement to printing instruction” is used when determining whether or not the user's action is the specific action of (2) described above. The same applies to items 143 and 144 in (3) and (4).

  In the “distance to printer” column, the distance set in the item 145 of “(2) Distance from current position and printer under conditions” indicates whether or not the user's action is the specific action of (2) described above. Used when making decisions. The distance set in the item 146 of “(4) Condition, distance from current position to printer” is used when determining whether or not the user's action is the specific action described in (4) above.

  In the item 147 in the column “Frequency of Immediate Transfer”, the number of days serving as a reference for setting the history to be counted from the latest print instruction up to how many days ago is set. In item 148, the number of times used as a criterion for determining whether or not the user has a large number of actual transfer results when there are more than one immediate transfer within the period is set.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of an immediate transfer method setting screen 150 for receiving settings related to the immediate transfer method. The immediate transfer method setting screen 150 is displayed on the display unit of the print server 50 when setting is performed on the print server 50, and the terminal device when setting is performed remotely from the administrator's terminal device to the print server 50. Displayed on the display.

As an immediate transfer method,
a. Immediate transfer of all unprinted data,
b. Immediately transfer only the latest data,
c. Immediately transfer the latest data and unprinted data within a certain period of time,
Any one of can be selected. C. When is selected, how many hours the above-mentioned fixed time is to be set is set. The latest data is print data related to a print instruction that causes immediate transfer.

  A. In this case, in addition to the latest data, all print data of the user stored in the print server 50 in an unprinted state is subjected to immediate transfer. B. In this case, only the latest data is subject to immediate transfer. Even if unprinted data is accumulated, data other than the most recent data is not transferred immediately. C. In this case, the latest data and unprinted data received within a certain time before the reception of the data are subjected to immediate transfer. For example, when the user continuously transmits a plurality of print data within the predetermined time described above, and starts moving toward the printer after transmitting the last print data (when specific action (3) is taken) The plurality of data is collectively subjected to immediate transfer.

  The setting contents and the like on the immediate transfer determination condition input screen 140 and the immediate transfer method setting screen 150 are stored in a nonvolatile manner in a storage unit 52 of the print server 50 or a non-illustrated nonvolatile memory included in the print server 50.

  Next, the operation of the printing system 10 will be described.

  FIG. 11 shows the flow of processing performed by the print server 50 for the received print data. When the print server 50 receives print data from the client PC 40 or the like (step S101), the print server 50 determines whether or not to immediately transfer the print data by an immediate transfer determination process (step S102). Although details of this process will be described later, in the immediate transfer determination process, it is determined whether or not the user has taken the specific actions (1) to (4) described above.

  When it is determined not to transfer immediately (step S103; No), the print data is stored in the storage unit 52 of the print server 50 (step S105). Thereafter, when a pull print request is received from any of the printers 20 (step S106), the print data designated by the pull print request is transmitted to the requesting printer (step S107).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that immediate transfer is to be performed (step S103; Yes), a destination printer extraction process is performed (step S104), and a printer that is a destination for immediate transfer is extracted. Then, print data is transmitted to the extracted transmission destination printer (step S107), and this process is terminated. Details of the destination printer extraction process will be described later.

  Even when it is determined to transfer immediately, the print server 50 stores the received print data in the storage unit 52, and when there is a pull print request from the printer 20, the print data is transferred in response to the request. It has become. This is because the user may execute printing on a printer other than the immediate transfer destination printer.

  12 and 13 show details of the immediate transfer determination process (step S102 in FIG. 11). FIG. 14 lists various setting values used in the immediate transfer determination process. The print server 50 reads, from the received print data, the user name (user ID) of the user who transmitted the print data (hereinafter referred to as a corresponding user) and the transmission date and time Tj of the print data (step S201). FIG. 15 shows an example of information added to the print data by the client PC 40 or the like. In place of the transmission date and time added to the print data, the reception date and time when the print server 50 received the print data may be used.

  Next, confirm the event Ms (movement start event of the corresponding user), Me (movement end event of the corresponding user), the date / time Ts (movement start date / time), and Te (movement end date / time) of the corresponding user. (Step S202). For example, the print server 50 stores each user's position information, movement start, movement end, and movement direction information received from the mobile terminal 90 in association with the received date and time, The events Ms and Me and the dates and times Ts and Te are recognized.

  Next, the corresponding user issues a print instruction within a certain time (Ttr1) after the start of movement (Ts> Tj−Ttr1), and determines whether any printer 20 exists in the movement direction ( Step S203). This determination is a determination of whether or not the user has taken the specific action (1). Note that Ttr1 is the time set in the item 141 of the immediate transfer determination condition input screen 140.

  If the determination result is true (step S203; Yes), the Ts flag is set (step S211), “immediate transfer” is set as a return value (step S215), and the process is terminated. The Ts flag is a flag indicating that the determination of “immediate transfer” is derived from the movement start event.

  If the determination result is false (step S203; No), it is determined whether or not the user has taken the specific action (2) (step S204). That is, after the movement is completed, a print instruction is transmitted within a certain time (Ttr2) (Te> Tj−Ttr2), and it is determined whether the movement end position is close to the printer (Dp <Dp2). Note that Ttr2 is the time set in the item 142 of the immediate transfer determination condition input screen 140. Dp is a distance from the current position of the user to the nearest printer, and Dp2 is a distance set in the item 145 of the immediate transfer determination condition input screen 140. The user's current position Dp is recognized based on position information transmitted from the mobile terminal 90.

  If the determination result is true (step S204; Yes), the Te flag is set (step S212), "immediate transfer" is set as a return value (step S215), and this process is terminated. The Te flag is a flag indicating that the determination of “immediate transfer” originates from the movement end event.

  If the determination result is false (step S204; No), monitoring of whether the event Ms (movement start) or Me (movement end) of the corresponding user newly occurs is started (step S205).

  When the event Ms has occurred, it is determined whether or not the user has taken the specific action (3) (step S206). That is, it is determined whether or not the printer starts moving within a certain time (Ts <Tj + Ttr3) after the print instruction and the printer is in the moving direction. Note that Ttr3 is the time set in the item 143 of the immediate transfer determination condition input screen 140.

  If the determination result is true (step S206; Yes), the Ts flag is set (step S213), “immediate transfer” is set as a return value (step S215), and the process is terminated.

  If the determination result is false (step S206; No), it is determined whether or not the user has taken the specific action (4) (step S207). That is, it is determined whether or not the movement is finished within a certain time (Ttr4) after the print instruction (Te <Tj + Ttr4) and the movement end position is close to the printer (Dp <Dp4). Note that Ttr4 is the time set in the item 144 of the immediate transfer determination condition input screen 140. Dp4 is the distance set in the item 146 of the immediate transfer determination condition input screen 140.

  If the determination result is true (step S207; Yes), the Te flag is set (step S214), "immediate transfer" is set as a return value (step S215), and this process is terminated.

  If the determination result is false (step S207; No), it is determined whether a certain time has passed since the transmission of the print instruction (Tnow> Tj + Tw). If not (step S208; No), the process proceeds to step S206. Return. When a predetermined time has elapsed, that is, when a new event has not occurred within a predetermined time since the transmission of the print instruction (step S208; Yes), monitoring of the occurrence of the events Ms and Me is terminated (step S209). “Non-immediate transfer” is set as a return value (step S210), and this process ends.

  Next, the destination printer extraction process (S104 in FIG. 11) will be described. The destination printer extraction process includes a plurality of processes with different extraction methods, each of which will be described.

<Destination printer extraction process 1>
FIG. 16 shows details of the destination printer extraction processing 1. First, it is checked whether the Ts flag is set in the immediate transfer determination process (step S301). If the Ts flag indicating that the current immediate transfer is derived from the movement start event is set (step S301; Yes), it is checked whether or not the current position of the user is near the seat position of the user ( Step S302). Here, since the print server 50 executes this process immediately after receiving the print instruction, the current position of the user is considered to be close to the position where the user was at the time of transmission of the print instruction. The user's current position is recognized based on position information transmitted from the user's mobile terminal 90.

  If the current position of the user is near the seat position of the user (step S302; Yes), a plurality of printers normally used by the user are extracted as destination printers for immediate transfer (step S303). That is, in this case, since the user issues a print instruction at his / her seat and starts moving immediately, there is a high possibility that the printer near the user's seat is the output destination. Therefore, a plurality of printers normally used by the user are extracted as immediate transfer destination printers. Whether or not it is near the seat position may be determined by a fixed distance, for example, whether or not it is within a radius of 1 m from the seat position, or the item is also added to the immediate transfer determination condition input screen 140, and an arbitrary The distance may be set.

  The normally used printer to be extracted is registered in the user information table 120 (see FIG. 7). Here, for example, three printers with priorities 1 to 3 are extracted as transmission destination printers for immediate transfer. When extracting a smaller number of printers than the number registered in the user information table 120, the printers with higher priority are extracted preferentially.

  In the transmission destination printer extraction processing 1, when there is one transmission destination printer, printing cannot be started immediately if another user is using the printer. Therefore, a plurality of printers are extracted as transmission destination printers for immediate transfer. is doing.

  If the current position of the user is not near the seat position of the user (step S302; No), a plurality of printers installed in the moving direction of the user are extracted as immediate transfer destination printers (step S305). That is, since the user has started moving at a place other than his / her seat, a plurality of printers installed in the moving direction are extracted. In this case, for example, it may be preferentially extracted from a printer in the moving direction and close to the current position of the user.

  If the Ts flag is not set (step S301; No), a plurality of printers close to the user's current position are extracted as immediate transfer destination printers (step S304). If the Ts flag is not set, the Te flag indicating that the current immediate transfer originates from the movement end event is set. Therefore, this user is highly likely to use a printer near the movement end position (current position) as an output destination. Therefore, a plurality of printers close to the user's current position are extracted as immediate transfer destinations. In this case, a plurality of vehicles are preferentially extracted from those close to the current position of the user.

<Destination printer extraction process 2>
FIG. 17 shows the flow of destination printer extraction processing 2. In the destination printer extraction process 2, when the number of immediate transfers executed within the period set in the item 147 of the immediate transfer determination condition input screen 140 is equal to or more than the set number set in the item 148 of the screen 140 The number of destination printers for immediate transfer is increased compared to the case where the number is less than the set number. Since it is considered that there are some biases in busy people and busy times, the purpose is to reduce the waiting time of the printer in such busy people and times. In other words, if the number of destination printers for immediate transfer is increased, the probability that all of the printers are in use by other users is low, and the possibility that an empty printer can be used immediately increases.

  In the destination printer extraction process 2, first, it is checked whether or not the number of executions of immediate transfer related to the user within the set period is equal to or greater than the set number (step S401). ), The process from step S402 to S406 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S412. In step S412, history information relating to the current immediate transfer is stored.

  The processes in steps S402 to S406 are the same as the transmission destination printer extraction process 1 in FIG. 16 except that the number of printers to be extracted as immediate transmission destination printers is one.

  Specifically, it is checked whether or not the Ts flag is set (step S402). If the Ts flag is set (step S402; Yes), whether or not the current position of the user is near the seat position of the user. (Step S403). If the current position of the user is near the seat position of the user (step S403; Yes), one printer normally used by the user is extracted as an immediate transfer destination printer (step S404), and step S412 is performed. Migrate to

  If the current position of the user is not near the seat position of the user (step S403; No), one printer installed in the moving direction of the user is extracted as a destination printer for immediate transfer (step S405). ), The process proceeds to step S412.

  If the Ts flag is not set (step S402; No), one printer close to the current position of the user is extracted as an immediate transfer destination printer (step S406), and the process proceeds to step S412.

  Since the number of past executions of immediate transfer is small, in steps S404, S405, and S406, only one destination printer for immediate transfer is used.

  If the number of executions of the immediate transfer related to the user within the set period is equal to or greater than the set number (step S401; Yes), the process from step S407 to S411 is performed and the process proceeds to step S412. The processing contents of steps S407 to S411 are the same as those of the transmission destination printer extraction process 1 in FIG.

  In this way, in the destination printer extraction process 2, if the user has a large history (number of executions) of immediate transfer, the number of printers to which print data is transferred is increased compared to the user with a small history. While preventing the increase, it is possible to reduce a case where a user who frequently prints quickly waits for printing while others are using the printer.

<Destination printer extraction process 3>
FIG. 18 shows the flow of the destination printer extraction process 3. In the transmission destination printer extraction process 3, one optimal printer is first extracted as a transmission destination printer for immediate transfer, and if that printer is in use, another printer is extracted instead. Yes. As a result, it is possible to further prevent unnecessary network traffic from occurring while avoiding waiting for printing during use by other users.

  Specifically, first, it is checked whether or not the Ts flag is set in the immediate transfer determination process (step S501), and the Ts flag indicating that the current immediate transfer is derived from the movement start event is set. If so (step S501; Yes), it is checked whether or not the current position of the user is near the seat position of the user (step S502). If the current position of the user is near the seat position of the user (step S502; Yes), one printer normally used by the user is extracted as an immediate transfer destination printer (step S503). Here, a printer with high priority, that is, a printer with priority 1 is selected.

  Next, it is checked whether or not this printer is in use (step S504). Specifically, an inquiry is made to the printer extracted in step S503 as to whether it is currently in use. If not in use (step S504; No), this process is terminated. If it is in use (step S504; Yes), another printer is extracted (step S505), and this process is terminated. As another printer, a printer having a high priority is preferentially selected from printers normally used. Here, a printer with priority 2 is extracted. It is checked whether the extracted printer is in use, and if it is in use, another printer may be extracted.

  If the current position of the user is not near the seat position of the user (step S502; No), one printer installed in the moving direction of the user is extracted as an immediate transfer destination printer (step S506). . Next, it is checked whether or not this printer is in use (step S507). If it is not in use (step S507; No), this process ends. If it is in use (step S507; Yes), another printer is extracted (step S508), and this process is terminated. A printer close to the current position in the user's moving direction may be selected with priority.

  If the Ts flag is not set (step S501; No), one printer close to the current position of the user is extracted as a destination printer for immediate transfer (step S509). Then, it is checked whether or not this printer is in use (step S510). If it is not in use (step S510; No), this process ends. If it is in use (step S510; Yes), another printer is extracted (step S511), and this process is terminated.

  Next, the flow of processing in the printer 20 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the printer 20 receives print data from the print server 50 (step S601; Yes), the printer 20 stores the received print data in the storage unit 24. The print data received in step S601 has been sent by the print server 50 by immediate transfer.

  In a state where no print data has been received (step S601; No), upon receiving input of user identification information from the operation display unit 22 (step S603), it is checked whether or not the user's print data has been received (step S604). ). If the print data of the user has not been received (step S604; No), a list of the print data of the user is requested to the print server 50 (step S605). Upon receiving this request, the print server 50 creates a list of print data for the user stored in the storage unit 52 of the print server 50 and returns it to the requesting printer 20.

  The printer 20 displays a list of print data received from the print server 50 on the operation display unit 22 (step S606), and receives a print data selection operation from the user (step S607). Then, a pull print request is sent to the print server 50 to transmit the print data selected by the user (step S608). Upon receiving this pull print request, the print server 50 transmits the requested print data to the requesting printer.

  When the print data requested for the pull print is transferred from the print server 50, the printer 20 receives it and stores it in the storage unit 24 (step S609). When the reception and storage are completed, the print data stored in the storage unit 24 is rasterized, and various processes are performed to generate image data for printing (step S610). Then, printing based on the image data is performed (step S611), and the process returns to step S601.

  If the print data of the user has been received by immediate transfer (step S604; Yes), a list of the print data received by the user is displayed on the operation display unit 22 (step S612), and the print data to be printed from the user is displayed. Selection is received (step S613). Then, the selected print data is read from the storage unit 24, and processing such as rasterization is performed (step S610), printing is performed (step S611), and the process returns to step S601.

  As described above, in the printing system 10 according to the present embodiment, the user who is the sender of the print data within a predetermined period before and after the print server 50 receives the print data performs a specific action (action to pick up the printed matter). If it is determined that the print data related to the print data is “rush print”, the user predicts the printer to be used as the output destination of the print data from the action contents, Transfer print data immediately. Thus, since the print data is transferred from the print server 50 to the printer 20 before the user reaches the printer and performs an operation, the user can start printing without waiting for the transfer of the print data in front of the printer. Can do. Accordingly, even in the pull print system, it is possible to start urgent printing quickly without waiting for data transfer.

  In the printing system 10, immediate transfer is performed only when it is determined that printing is urgent, and the destination printer for immediate transfer is limited to only printers extracted based on user actions. Even if immediate transfer is performed, generation of useless network traffic due to the transfer can be reduced.

  Note that the user does not necessarily perform printing with the printer extracted by the destination printer extraction process, but if more printers are extracted by the destination printer extraction process, the user can preliminarily specify the printer that performs printing. The probability that the print data is transferred can be increased. On the other hand, if the number of printers extracted in the destination printer extraction process is reduced, an increase in traffic can be suppressed.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The configuration of the printing system according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the operation is partially different. The following different operations will be described.

  In the second embodiment, when “immediate transfer is present” is determined in the immediate transfer determination process of the first embodiment, immediate transfer is performed to a plurality of printers, and the immediate transfer determination of the first embodiment is performed. Even when it is determined that “not to transfer immediately” in the process, it is transferred immediately to one printer.

  FIG. 20 shows the flow of processing of the print server 50 in the second embodiment. When the print server 50 receives print data from the client PC 40 or the like (step S701), the print server 50 performs an immediate transfer determination process for determining whether or not immediate transfer should be performed for the print data (step S702). The contents of this process are the same as those described in the first embodiment (the processes shown in FIGS. 12 and 13).

  When it is determined that immediate transfer is performed (step S703; Yes), the transmission destination printer extraction process 1 shown in FIG. 16 is performed (step S704), and a plurality of printers are extracted as transmission destination printers for immediate transfer. Then, print data is transmitted to the extracted printer (step S706), and this process is terminated.

  When it is determined that immediate transfer is not performed (step S703; No), the destination printer extraction process 4 shown in FIG. 21 is performed (step S705), and one printer is extracted as the destination printer for immediate transfer. Then, print data is transmitted to the extracted one printer (step S706), and this process is terminated. It should be noted that the number n of printers to be extracted when there is immediate transfer may be larger than the number m of printers to be extracted when there is no immediate transfer.

  In the second embodiment, the print server 50 stores all received print data in the storage unit 52, and when there is a pull print request from the printer 20, print data is received in response to the request. It is supposed to transfer.

  In the transmission destination printer extraction process 4 shown in FIG. 21, it is checked whether or not the Ts flag is set (step S801). If the Ts flag is set (step S801; Yes), the current position of the corresponding user is determined as that. It is checked whether or not it is near the seat position of the user (step S802). If the current position of the user is near the seat position of the user (step S802; Yes), one printer normally used by the user is extracted as an immediate transfer destination printer (step S803), and this processing is performed. Exit.

  If the current position of the user is not near the seat position of the user (step S802; No), one printer installed in the moving direction of the user is extracted as a destination printer for immediate transfer (step S805). ), This process ends.

  If the Ts flag is not set (step S801; No), one printer close to the current position of the user is extracted as an immediate transfer destination printer (step S804), and the process is terminated.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to that shown in the embodiment, and the present invention can be changed or added without departing from the scope of the present invention. Included in the invention.

  In the embodiment, the print server 50 is configured to have the main function as the printing system 10. However, which device performs each function of the printing system 10 or how to share the function among a plurality of devices. The system configuration is arbitrary and is not limited to the system configuration exemplified in the embodiment.

  For example, the immediate transfer determination process or the like may be performed by another server independent of the print server, or may be configured to be performed by a PC terminal such as the client PC 40 or any one of the printers 20. For example, when processing for determining whether immediate transfer is necessary or extracting a destination printer is performed on a dedicated server different from the print server, and it is determined that immediate transfer is to be performed, the dedicated server sends it to the print server. The print data transfer instruction may be transmitted.

  Moreover, the method of tracking a user's action is not limited to the portable terminal 90 or the indoor navigation system 80, and any method may be used. If GPS (Global Positioning System) can be used, this may be used. Further, instead of the portable terminal 90, a user may carry a dedicated terminal or IC card that tracks the position and movement of the user.

  In the embodiment, in the immediate transfer determination process, four specific actions (1) to (4) are determined. However, a configuration for determining at least one of these may be used. Further, only a specific action related to the start of movement or only a specific action related to the end of movement may be determined as an action to be determined in the immediate transfer determination process. Further, the specific action may be an action other than (1) to (4). Any action can be used as long as it can be estimated that printing is in a hurry.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 ... Network 10 ... Printing system 20 ... Printer 21 ... Control part 22 ... Operation display part 23 ... Image formation part 24 ... Memory | storage part 25 ... Network I / F
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 31 ... User identification part 32 ... Pull print data request part 33 ... Print data receiving part 34 ... Print data processing part 35 ... Usage condition transmission part 40 ... Client PC
41 ... Control unit 42 ... Operation unit 43 ... Display unit 44 ... Network I / F
50 ... Print server 51 ... Control unit 52 ... Storage unit 53 ... Network I / F
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 61 ... Print data reception part 62 ... Print data reception time management part 63 ... User information management part 64 ... Acquisition part 65 ... Management part 66 ... Immediate transfer judgment part 67 ... Pull print management part 68 ... Printer information management part 69 ... Printer use Status acquisition unit 70 ... Destination printer extraction unit 71 ... Print data transmission unit 72 ... Print history management unit 80 ... Indoor navigation system 83 ... Access point 90 ... Mobile terminal 91 ... Control unit 91a ... Detection unit 91b ... Transmission unit 92 ... Operation Part 93 ... Display part 94 ... Wireless network I / F
110: Layout map 120 ... User information table 130 ... Printer information table 140 ... Immediate transfer determination condition input screen 141-148 ... Item 150 ... Immediate transfer method setting screen

Claims (11)

The print server receives and stores the print data transmitted together with the print instruction from the user's terminal, and when the printer receives a print data transfer request from the user, the print server receives the print data related to the transfer request. A printing system for transferring from the printer to the printer,
Automatic transfer of print data related to the print instruction from the print server to a predetermined printer when a user who has issued the print instruction takes a specific action before or after transmission of the print instruction. A printing system featuring. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the specific action is at least one of movement start and movement end. The printing system according to claim 2, wherein the movement end is a movement end at a movement end position within a predetermined distance from the printer. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined printer is a plurality of printers. The specific action is that when a movement end position is a movement end within a predetermined distance from a printer, a printer close to the movement end position is preferentially selected as the predetermined printer. 5. The printing system according to any one of 4. When the specific action is a movement start having a movement start position within a predetermined distance from the seat of the user who issued the print instruction, a printer close to the user's seat is preferentially selected as the predetermined printer. The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein when the specific action is movement start, the printer positioned in the movement direction is selected as the predetermined printer. The number of the predetermined printers is increased when the number of times of the automatic transfer related to the user who has taken the specific action is equal to or greater than a specified number of times than when the number of results is less than the specified number of times. Item 8. The printing system according to any one of Items 1 to 7. The automatic transfer includes transferring all untransferred print data transmitted by the user who has taken the specific action and stored in the print server. The printing system described. In the automatic transfer, the untransferred print data transmitted by the user who took the specific action and stored in the print server is received during a predetermined period before receiving the print instruction related to the specific action. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the printing system is also transferred. When the user takes the specific action during the predetermined period, the print data according to the print instruction is automatically transferred from the print server to n printers, and the user performs the specific action during the predetermined period. If not, the print data according to the print instruction is automatically transferred from the print server to m printers (n and m are positive integers, n> m). The printing system according to any one of 1 to 10.

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