JP2014115854A - Printing system, and control method and program thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To notify, when a print is included whose output contents happen to be similar to that of the other print among a plurality of prints waiting for their output, a user who is outputting by a printer of what the print is in order to suppress waste prints.SOLUTION: A printer has following means for: acquiring from a print server, list information of print job information including print data accumulated in a spool area and displaying it on a display part of the printer; accepting specification of specific print job information in the acquired list information by selection of a user; accepting an execution instruction for executing printing of the specified specific print job information by the printer; and when it is determined that similar print job information is managed in a similar table in response to the specification of the specific print job information and the acceptance of the execution instruction, not instructing the print server to start the transmission but respectively displaying the specified specific print job information and the print job information similar to the specific print job information extracted by reference on the display part separately.

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing system, and a control method and program thereof.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a usage form in which a print instruction for a plurality of printed materials is sequentially input from a PC or the like to a multi-function peripheral, displayed as a list on the multi-function peripheral, and then selected again before being printed out has become mainstream. When a plurality of print instructions compete with each other in such a form of use, a printed material to be output may be mixed with other printed materials, or a plurality of printed materials to be output may be manually sorted for each printed material.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a client terminal that displays a schematic image on a print job list screen so that a user can easily identify the contents of a print job.

  For example, Patent Document 2 discloses a printer that compares print settings of two print job data acquired and stored from a host device in order to determine whether there is a common print setting as an improvement in continuous printing throughput. Has been.

  For example, in Patent Document 3, as an automatic search for a highly convenient printer, when a print setting is received, an available printer is searched first, and a printer candidate that can be printed without changing the received print setting is changed. A printer driver that displays printer candidates that can be printed is disclosed.

JP-A-10-301900 JP 2012-192658 A JP2012-198765A

  In the above-described prior art, when a plurality of print requests waiting for output are collectively printed, the printed contents that are the same as the result and unnecessary as a result are also output in a batch. As a result, there arises a problem that unnecessary prints that are unnecessary are output at the same time.

  In the present invention, in order to suppress such a useless print, when there is another print whose content to be accidentally output is similar among a plurality of prints waiting for output, the printer will output the print. It is an object of the present invention to provide a mechanism capable of notifying a user who is trying to print before printing something.

  The present invention provides a print server having a spool area for sequentially storing and storing print data included in print job information transmitted from a client terminal, and instructing the print server to start transmission and storing the print data in the spool area A print system that receives and outputs the print data and is connected to be communicable via a network, wherein the print server includes print job information newly transmitted from the client terminal, Similarity determination means for comparing a part of the print job information with the print data already stored in the spool area to determine whether the print data is similar, and a part of the print job information of each other by the similarity determination means That manages a similar table that uniquely associates print job information that is determined to be similar And the printing apparatus acquires list information of print job information in which the print data is stored in the spool area from the print server, and displays the list information on a display unit of the printing apparatus. The job designation unit that accepts designation of specific print job information in the acquired list information by being selected by the user, and executes printing of the designated specific print job information on the printing apparatus An execution instruction receiving means for receiving an execution instruction for the print job information, and print job information uniquely associated with the specified specific print job information in response to the specification of the specific print job information and the reception of the execution instruction. In order to determine whether the similarity table is managed, reference means for referring to the similarity table, and If it is determined that the print data has not been sent, the print server instructs the print server to start sending so that the print data stored in the spool area corresponding to the specific print job information is sent to the printing apparatus. If it is determined that the information is managed by the instruction means and the similar table, the specified specific print job information and the specific extracted by referring to the specific print job information without instructing the print server to start the transmission. Classification display means for classifying and displaying print job information similar to the print job information on the display unit.

  In addition, the printing apparatus prints data corresponding to the specific print job information that is determined that the print job information similar to the similarity table is managed after the classification display unit displays the classification. When the transmission request unit requests transmission start of print data corresponding to the specific print job information, the transmission request unit requests the print server to start transmission so as to transmit to the printing apparatus. The apparatus further comprises bookmark sheet output means for adding and outputting a bookmark sheet together with the print data transmitted from the print server.

  In addition, the printing apparatus displays the transmission destination of the print data corresponding to the specific print job information on a printing apparatus different from the printing apparatus that performs the classification display after the classification display unit displays the classification. It further comprises change screen display means for displaying a screen for allowing the user to select whether to change.

  The spool area is a spool area that sequentially stores and accumulates print data included in print job information transmitted from a plurality of client terminals and is shared by the plurality of client terminals.

  The print data included in the print job information is described in a binary format, and it is determined whether or not they are similar by comparing the degree of matching of the described character strings of the print data. .

  Further, a part of the print job information is an output file name, and it is similar by comparing the coincidence between the newly transmitted output file name and the output file name already stored and accumulated in the spool area. It is characterized in that it is determined whether or not it is doing.

  Further, a part of the print job information is file bibliographic information, which is similar by comparing the coincidence between the newly transmitted file bibliographic information and the file bibliographic information already stored and accumulated in the spool area. It is characterized in that it is determined whether or not it is doing.

  According to the present invention, in order to suppress useless printing, a user who intends to output with a printer when there is another printing with similar contents to be accidentally output among a plurality of prints waiting for output It is possible to provide a mechanism that can notify the user before the print is output.

1 is a system diagram of an apparatus constituting a printing system according to the present invention. It is a hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus (client terminal) in the present invention. 2 is a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus (or printing apparatus) in the present invention. FIG. 3 shows connections between a print server and a plurality of client terminals in the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of print job transmission processing according to the present invention. 6 is a flowchart of similar table creation processing executed by a print server (spool server) according to the present invention. 6 is a flowchart of print job list screen display processing executed by the printing system according to the present invention. 6 is a flowchart of similar job notification processing executed by the printing system according to the present invention. 3 is a job list display screen displayed by the display unit of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. 6 is a similar notification screen displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. 3 is a printing method instruction screen displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. 4 is a bookmark designation screen displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. 4 is an output destination change screen displayed by the display unit of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. 4 shows the contents of print job information used in the present invention. It is an example of the management table created by similarity determination of the printing system in the present invention.

Referring to FIG.
Reference numerals 101 and 102 denote client terminals. The print server 100 is communicably connected via a network.

  Reference numeral 100 denotes a print server, and the print server 100 has a spool area for sequentially storing and storing print jobs transmitted from each client terminal or print data included in the print jobs.

Reference numeral 201 denotes an image forming apparatus (multifunction machine) which instructs the print server 100 to start sending print data in order to start outputting a large number of print data stored in the spool area. The print data stored in the printer can be received and output for each job.
The client terminal 101, the print server 100, and the image forming apparatus 201 are communicably connected via the network 300 to form a printing system.
FIG. 2 will be described.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of the client terminals 101 and 102 and the print server 100 according to the present invention.
A CPU 401 controls the devices and controllers connected to the system bus 404 in an integrated manner.

  In the ROM 402 or the external memory 411, a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) or an operating system program (hereinafter referred to as OS), which is a control program of the CPU 401, or a function to be executed by each server or each PC, which will be described later. Various programs to be stored are stored.

Reference numeral 403 denotes a RAM (storage unit) that functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the CPU 401. The CPU 401 implements various operations by loading a program necessary for execution of processing from the ROM 402 or the external memory 411 into the RAM 403 and executing the loaded program.
An input controller 405 controls input from a keyboard (KB) 409 or a pointing device such as a mouse (not shown).

  A video controller 406 controls display on the display unit 410. Note that the display unit 410 is not limited to a CRT, but may be another display such as a liquid crystal display. These are used by the administrator as needed. Further, the display unit may include a touch panel function in which the user specifies a target position in the display screen with a finger, a pen, or the like.

  Reference numeral 407 denotes a memory controller, which is connected via an adapter to a hard disk (HD), flexible disk (FD), or PCMCIA card slot for storing a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, various data, and the like. Controls access to an external memory 411 such as a compact flash (registered trademark) memory.

  Reference numeral 408 denotes a communication I / F controller that is connected to and communicates with an external device via the network (LAN) 300, and executes communication control processing in the network. For example, communication using TCP / IP is possible.

  Note that the CPU 401 enables display on the CRT by executing, for example, outline font rasterization processing on the display information area in the RAM 403. In addition, the CPU 401 enables a user instruction with a mouse cursor (not shown) on the CRT.

Various programs to be described later for realizing the present invention are recorded in the external memory 411 and executed by the CPU 401 by being loaded into the RAM 403 as necessary. Further, a data file and a data table used when executing the program are also stored in the external memory 411, and detailed description thereof will be described later.
FIG. 3 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatuses 201 and 202 or the printing unit 203 illustrated in FIG.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 316 denotes a controller unit that is connected to a scanner unit (image reading unit) 314 that functions as an image input device and a printer unit 312 that functions as an image output device, while a LAN (for example, the LAN 300 shown in FIG. 1). ) Or a public line (WAN) (for example, PSTN or ISDN), image data and device information are input / output.
The inside of the controller unit 316 will be described.
A CPU 301 is a processor that controls the entire system.

Reference numeral 302 denotes a RAM (storage unit), which is a system work memory for operating the CPU 301, and is also a program memory for recording a program and an image memory for temporarily recording image data.
A ROM 303 stores a system boot program and various control programs.
A hard disk drive (HDD) 304 stores various programs for controlling the system, image data, and the like.
A network interface (Network I / F) 305 is connected to the network (LAN) 300 and inputs / outputs data.
A modem (MODEM) 306 is connected to a public line and inputs / outputs data such as FAX transmission / reception.

  An operation unit interface (operation unit I / F) 307 is an interface unit with the operation unit (keyboard) 308. Further, the operation unit I / F 307 serves to transmit the key information (for example, pressing of the start button) input from the operation unit 308 to the CPU 301.

  The operation unit 308 has an LCD display unit, and a touch panel sheet is pasted on the LCD. The operation unit 308 displays an operation screen of the system. When a displayed key is pressed, the position information is displayed on the operation unit I / F 307. To the CPU 301 via Furthermore, the operation unit 308 includes, for example, a start key, a stop key, an ID key, a reset key, and the like as various operation keys.

  The LCD display unit has different display performance depending on the multifunction device. The present invention is configured by a multifunction device that can be operated via a touch panel, or a multifunction device that simply includes a liquid crystal screen and displays a character string (displays the print status and the name of the document being printed).

  Here, the start key of the operation unit 308 is used when starting a document image reading operation. At the center of the start key, there are two color LEDs, green and red, which indicate whether or not the start key can be used.

The stop key of the operation unit 308 functions to stop the operation in operation. The ID key of the operation unit 308 is used when inputting the user ID of the user. The reset key is used to initialize settings from the operation unit.
Reference numeral 318 denotes an external interface (external I / F), which is an I / F unit that accepts external inputs such as USB, IEEE 1394, printer port, and RS-232C.

A card reader 319 for reading an IC card (storage medium) required for user authentication or the like is connected to the external I / F unit 318. The CPU 301 can control reading of information from the IC card by the card reader 319 via the external I / F unit 318, and can acquire information read from the IC card. The above devices are arranged on the system bus 309.
A card reader 319 reads information stored in the IC card under the control of the CPU 301.

Reference numeral 320 denotes an image bus interface (IMAGE BUS I / F), which is a bus bridge that connects the system bus 309 and an image bus 315 that transfers image data at high speed and converts the data structure.
The image bus 315 is configured by a PCI bus or IEEE1394. The following devices are arranged on the image bus 315.
A raster image processor (RIP) 310 develops vector data such as a PDL code into a bitmap image.

  A printer interface (printer I / F) 311 connects the printer unit 312 and the controller unit 316, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.

  The printer unit 312 is a part that converts raster image data into an image on paper. The method is an electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum or a photosensitive belt, and ink is ejected from a micro nozzle array directly on the paper. There is an inkjet method for printing an image, but any method may be used.

  The activation of the printing operation is started by an instruction from the CPU 301. The printer unit 312 has a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and has a paper cassette corresponding thereto.

  A scanner interface (scanner I / F) 313 connects the scanner unit (image reading unit) 314 and the controller unit 316, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.

  An image processing unit 317 performs correction, processing, and editing on input image data, and performs printer correction, resolution conversion, and the like on print output image data. In addition, the image processing unit 317 performs image data rotation and compression / decompression processing such as JPEG for binary image data and JBIG, MMR, MH for binary image data. Further, the pixel level image data (for example, BITMAP data) converted into an electrical signal by the scanner unit (image reading unit) 314 is converted into a compressed file in a format such as JPEG or GIF, or into a file such as a PDF format. Perform the conversion.

The scanner unit (image reading unit) 314 illuminates an image on paper as a document and scans it with a CCD line sensor, thereby converting the image data as pixel level image data (for example, BITMAP data) into an electrical signal. The original paper is set on the tray of the original feeder, and when the apparatus user gives a reading start instruction from the operation unit 308, the CPU 301 gives an instruction to the scanner unit 314, and the feeder feeds the original paper one by one to read the original image. Perform the action.
With the configuration described above, the printer 203 can print out print data received from the LAN 300 using the printer unit 312.

  With the configuration as described above, the MFPs 201 and 202 convert the pixel-level image data (for example, BITMAP data) read from the scanner unit (image reading unit) 314 into a desired file format and transmit it to the LAN 300. Or print data received from the LAN 300 can be printed out by the printer unit 312. Also, pixel level image data (for example, BITMAP data) read from the scanner unit 314 may be faxed to the public line by the modem 306, or image data received by fax from the public line may be output by the printer unit 312. it can.

Various programs to be described later for realizing the present invention are recorded in the HDD 304, and are executed by the CPU 301 by being loaded into the RAM 302 as necessary. Further, a data file and a data table used when executing the program are also stored in the HDD 304, and a detailed description thereof will be described later.
FIG. 4 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 4, the print server 100 can also function as a shared spool area in which print jobs are simultaneously transmitted from a plurality of client terminals.
FIG. 5 will be described.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart of processing in which a print job is transmitted (submitted) from each client terminal to the print server 100.

  In step S99, the client terminal generates print data using a printer driver installed in the client terminal in advance, and transmits a print job 1400 including the print data to the print server 100.

In step S100, the print server 100 receives a print job 1400 including print data and attribute information (print job ID, output file name, etc.), and executes a similar table creation process. A detailed flowchart of the similar table creation process will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 6 will be described.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the similar table creation process.
In step S101, the print server 100 sequentially receives print jobs 1400 newly transmitted from each client terminal.

  In step S <b> 102, the print server 100 compares a part of one print job 1400 newly transmitted from the client terminal with a part of the print job 1400 in which print data is already stored in the spool area, and is similar. It is determined whether or not it is present (similarity determination means).

  Here, since the print data is described in the binary format, it is determined whether or not they are similar by comparing the matching degrees of the character strings described as the print data.

  The binary character strings of the comparison source (newly transmitted print job) and the comparison target (print job that has already been received) are compared, and if there is a match of 80% or more, it is determined that they are similar (YES) Then, the process proceeds to S103.

  On the contrary, if the binary character string match is less than 80%, it is determined that they are not similar (NO), and the process proceeds to S105. Similarly, when there is no print data already accumulated and there is no comparison target. It determines with it not being similar (NO), and progresses to S105.

  In step S103, the print server 100 first newly registers the newly received print job ID (identifier of each print job based on the job name, job number, etc.) in the column of the job ID 1504 of the similar table (FIG. 15).

  In step S104, the print server 100 newly registers the print job ID stored in the spool area whose print data is similar to the print job newly received in S102 in the similar job ID 1505 column of the similar table. When a mutual ID is newly registered, it means that the job ID 1504 and the similar job ID 1505 are managed in a uniquely associated manner.

  Note that there may be a plurality of print job IDs newly registered in the similar job ID 1505 column. In this case, each similar job ID is uniquely associated with one job ID 1504 and managed. To do.

  Therefore, a similarity table that uniquely associates print jobs determined to be similar to each other is created and managed in the storage unit of the print server 100 (management unit).

Further, as a similar reason, a similar reason ID indicating that the character strings in the binary format match 80% or more is newly registered in the similar reason ID 1506 column of the similar table 1501.
This means that the reason for similarity between both print job IDs uniquely associated by being registered is also managed.

  In step S105, the print server 100 determines whether the print job newly transmitted from the client terminal is similar to the content of the print job already stored and accumulated in the spool area.

  Here, since a part of the print job 1400 is the output file name, it is similar by comparing the match between the newly transmitted output file name and the output file name already stored and accumulated in the spool area. It is determined whether or not it is warm.

  The file name excluding the extension of the comparison source (newly transmitted print job) and the comparison target (print job that has already been accumulated) is compared, and if they match, they are similar (YES) Determine and proceed to S106.

Conversely, if they do not match, it is determined that they are not similar (NO), and the process proceeds to S108. If there is no print job already accumulated and there is no comparison target, it is similarly determined that they are not similar (NO). The process proceeds to S108.
In step S106, the print server 100 newly registers in the same manner as in step S103.
In step S107, the print server 100 newly registers in the same manner as in step S104.

  In step S108, the print server 100 determines whether the print job newly transmitted from the client terminal is similar to the content of the print job that has already been stored and accumulated in the spool area.

  Here, since a part of the print job 1400 is file bibliographic information (file creator name, file creation date, title, etc.), the newly transmitted file bibliographic information and the spool area have already been stored and accumulated. It is determined whether or not they are similar by comparing the match with the file bibliographic information.

If the output file creation information of the comparison source (newly transmitted print job) and the comparison target (print job already accumulated) are compared and one of them matches, they are similar (YES) And the process proceeds to S109. Conversely, if none of them match, it is determined that they are not similar (NO), and the process proceeds to S111. If there is no print job already accumulated and there is no comparison target, it is not similar (NO). And proceed to S111.
In step S109, the print server 100 newly registers in the same manner as in step S103.
In step S110, the print server 100 newly registers in the same manner as in step S104.

In step S111, the print server 100 newly registers the newly received print job ID and attribute information (output file name, date and time transmitted from the client terminal to the print server 100, etc.) in a job list information table (not shown), and new registration. The print data corresponding to the print job ID is also stored and stored in the spool area, and the process is terminated.
FIG. 7 will be described.

  In step S <b> 150, the image forming apparatus 201 instructs the print server 100 to request a job list acquisition by accepting a login operation (such as user authentication) or a button press by a user operating the display unit 308.

In step S151, the print server 100 includes the latest job list information (print job ID, output file name, and print request transmission date and time) of all print jobs stored in the spool area at the time of receiving the job list acquisition request. ) From the job list information table and transmitted to the image forming apparatus 201.
In step S152, the image forming apparatus 201

  A list of print job IDs in which print data is stored in the spool area 100 is acquired from the print server, and a job list display screen as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the display unit (list display means). That is, the list information of all print jobs stored in the spool area at this time is acquired from the print server and displayed on the display unit of the printing apparatus.

  Here, the displayed job list display screen may display a job list for each user based on user authentication, or may display a shared job list for each group based on group authentication.

  In step S200, the image forming apparatus 201 and the print server 100 execute the similar job classification display process of FIG. 8 using the print job list information and the similar job information. A detailed flowchart will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S250, the image forming apparatus notifies the print server 100 of the print job ID printed in the image forming apparatus in step S210 or step S213.

  In step S251, the print server 100 deletes the data string of the job ID 1504 corresponding to the print job ID notified from the managed similar table. When printing is executed, the similar table is not managed.

In step S252, depending on whether the user further selects another print job from the job list display screen (FIG. 9), if selected (Yes), the process returns to S200, and if not selected (No), the process ends. To do.
FIG. 8 will be described.

  In step S201, the image forming apparatus 201 selects specific print job information from the acquired list information by selecting (one or more) a desired print job from the list of job list information displayed by the user. Is accepted (job designation means). Here, a plurality of jobs may be selected by the user from the job list information.

For example, on the job list display screen in FIG. 9, the user selects a “quotation material.pdf” print job 901. The print job ID selected by the user from the job list display screen is transmitted to the print server 100 in response to the user's selection operation of the “estimated material.pdf” print job 901.
In other words, when a print job is selected by the user, designation of a specific print job in the acquired list information may be accepted.
Alternatively, as another operation procedure, the user presses a print execution button 902 on the job list display screen in FIG. 9 after the user has confirmed and selected a desired print job.

  The print execution button 902 is a button for receiving an execution instruction for executing printing of specific print job information selected by the user on the printing apparatus (execution instruction receiving means).

When the user selects the “quotation material.pdf” print job 901 and presses the print execution button 902 thereafter, all print job IDs selected by the user from the job list display screen are input to the print server 100. You can send it.
In other words, when a print execution button 902 is pressed, it may be accepted as a start instruction to execute a specified print job.

In step S301, the print server 100 refers to the similar table 1501 managed by the print server 100 using the print job ID transmitted from the image forming apparatus 201 as a key (referencing unit).
That is, a specific print job ID is received from the image forming apparatus 201 in response to specification of specific print job information and reception of an execution instruction.

  When receiving, the similar table is referred to determine whether or not the print job ID uniquely associated with the specific print job ID is managed in the similar table.

  In step S <b> 302, the print server 100 determines whether or not there is at least one column that matches the print job ID in the column 1504 of the print job ID among all the columns of the transmitted print job ID and the latest similar table 1501 to be managed. If there is even one, the corresponding (matching) data string is extracted from the similar table 1501. The extracted data string is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 201 as a similar job information list (a list in which a set of print job ID, similar job ID, and similar reason ID is one column).

  Further, it is determined whether there is at least one column having the same print job ID in the column 1504 of the print job ID among all the columns of the transmitted print job ID and the latest similar table 1501 to be managed. Transmits information indicating that there is no similar job information list to the image forming apparatus 201.

  In step S <b> 202, the image forming apparatus 201 receives any one of the information indicating that there is no similar job information list or no similar job information list from the print server 100.

  In step S203, the image forming apparatus 201 determines whether or not the similar job information list has been received. If it is determined that the similar job information list has been received (there is a similar print job), the process proceeds to step S204. If it is determined that the similar job information list cannot be received and the information indicating that there is no similar job information list is received (no similar print job), the process proceeds to step S214. That is, here, whether another print job whose print data content is similar to the print job ID selected by the user from the job list display screen in step S201 has been accumulated in the spool area at this time without being printed yet. Judging.

  If it is determined in step S204 that there is a similar job in step S203, the image forming apparatus 201 does not immediately instruct the print server 100 to start transmission as in step S214, and the specific image selected by the user is selected. The file name of the print job and the file name of the print job similar to the specific print job ID extracted with reference to the similar table are classified and displayed on the display unit (classification display means).

  In other words, the job list information acquired from the print server 100 and the similar job information list received from the print server in step S202 are analyzed, and as shown in the similarity notification screen (FIG. 10), the selected file on the screen is displayed. The column 1001 displays the output file name “estimated material.pdf” corresponding to the print job ID selected by the user from the job list display screen selected by the user from the job list display screen in step S201 on the display unit 308. doing.

  Furthermore, in the similar file column 1002 on the screen, the output file name corresponding to the print job ID extracted from the analyzed similar job information list “estimated material.pdf, estimated material (for in-house use) .pdf, estimated” “Document (Correction) .pdf” is displayed separately on the display unit 308.

Further, a similarity reason “binary data similarity, output file name match, file creation information match, etc.” extracted from the analyzed similar job information list is displayed in the similarity reason column 1003 in the screen.
In step S <b> 205, the image forming apparatus 201 presses a “designate printing method” button 1004.

  In step S206, the image forming apparatus 201 displays a screen for allowing the user to select whether to change the output destination to another printing apparatus, as shown in the printing method instruction screen (FIG. 11).

  In step S207, if “change output destination” 1102 is selected on the screen, the image forming apparatus 201 proceeds to step S211. If “print without changing the output destination” 1101 is selected on the screen, the process proceeds to step S218.

In step S <b> 208, the image forming apparatus 201 displays a screen that allows the user to specify settings (colors and messages) of the bookmark sheet to be output, as illustrated in a bookmark specification screen (FIG. 12).
In step S209, in the image forming apparatus 201, sheet settings (color and message) are input by the user.

  In step S210, the image forming apparatus 201 requests the print server to start transmission so that the print data corresponding to the specific print job ID determined to have a similar print job in step S203 is transmitted to the printing apparatus ( Transmission request means).

Further, when the image forming apparatus 201 requests the print server 100 to start transmission of print data corresponding to a specific print job ID, the image forming apparatus 201 adds a bookmark sheet together with the print data transmitted from the print server and outputs it ( Bookmark sheet output means).
In step S <b> 211, the image forming apparatus 201 detects a device in the same network.

  In step S212, the image forming apparatus 201 separates the transmission destination of the print data corresponding to the specific print job ID from the image forming apparatus that is separately displayed in FIG. 10, as shown in the output destination change screen (FIG. 13). A screen for allowing the user to select whether or not to change the device is displayed (change screen display means).

In step S213, the image forming apparatus 201 instructs the print server to distribute a print job stored in the spool area so that the image is transmitted to the changed output destination.

  In step S214, the image forming apparatus 201 determines that there is no similar job in step S203, but immediately prints the print data stored in the spool area corresponding to the specific print job ID selected by the user. Instructs the print server to start transmission so as to transmit to the apparatus (transmission instruction means).

  Thereafter, the print server 100 immediately transmits print data corresponding to a specific print job ID instructed to start transmission to the image forming apparatus 201, and the image forming apparatus 201 outputs the received print data.

Step S215 is a user judgment, and it is judged whether or not the user further selects another print job from the job list display screen (FIG. 9), and if so (Yes), the process returns to S201 to select another job. Repeat the process. If not selected (No), the process is terminated.
FIG. 9 will be described.
FIG. 9 is a job list display screen displayed in step S152.
FIG. 10 will be described.
FIG. 10 is a similar notification screen displayed in step S204.
FIG. 11 will be described.
FIG. 11 is a printing method instruction screen displayed in step S206.
FIG. 12 will be described.
FIG. 12 is a bookmark designation screen displayed in step S208.
In 1201, one is selected as the color of the bookmark sheet by the user.
Reference numeral 1202 denotes an input field for a message to be entered in the output bookmark sheet.

  When the print execution button 1212 is pressed, the print server 100 is instructed to start transmitting print data stored in a spool area corresponding to a specific print job ID.

The print server 100 transmits a print job including print data corresponding to the specified specific print job ID to the image forming apparatus 201 that has received the transmission instruction. The image forming apparatus 201 outputs print data (job execution). In that case, a bookmark sheet is added before and after the printed matter to be output.
FIG. 13 will be described.
FIG. 13 is an output destination change screen displayed in step S212.
Reference numeral 1301 denotes list information of image forming apparatuses selected by the user as one transfer destination.
When the print execution button 1302 is pressed, only when there is a similar print job, it can be transferred to another image forming apparatus selected by the user and output.
FIG. 14 will be described.
Reference numeral 1400 represents the contents of print job information transmitted from the client terminal to the print server in the present invention.
The print job information 1400 includes a print job ID 1404, an output file name 1402, and file bibliographic information 1403 as attribute information.
The print job information 1400 includes a character string described in binary format as print data output by the printing apparatus.
FIG. 15 will be described.
Reference numerals 1501, 1502, and 1503 indicate the transition of the update state of the similar table created and stored by the print server 100.
Reference numeral 1501 denotes a case where there is no similar print job because the data string is not filled.
Reference numeral 1502 denotes a case where the data string is filled and there is a similar print job.
Reference numeral 1503 denotes a case where the data string is filled and there are a plurality of similar print jobs.

  The print server 100 manages the print job IDs that are determined to be similar by the similarity determination in a uniquely associated manner. In other words, a similarity table that uniquely associates print jobs determined to be similar to each other by similarity determination is managed.

  In the similarity table, the job ID 1504 and the similar job ID 1505 are uniquely associated, so that it is possible to easily extract what the job ID is similar to the job ID inquired from the image forming apparatus.

  Since the similarity table is uniquely associated with the job ID 1504 and the similarity reason ID 1506, it is possible to easily extract the reason why the job ID is similar to the job ID received from the image forming apparatus.

  1507 shows a master table of similar reasons that the print server 100 stores in advance. A print job comparison condition for each similar reason ID is set. Each comparison condition is also used in the similarity determination (step S102, step S105, step S108).

  The program according to the present invention is a program that allows a computer to execute the control method shown in the flowchart, and the storage medium according to the present invention stores the control method as a program that can be executed by the computer.

  As described above, a recording medium that records a program that implements 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 program stored in the recording medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by executing the reading.

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

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

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

  Furthermore, after the program read from the recording medium is written to the memory provided in the function expansion board inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion board is based on the instructions of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the CPU or the like provided in 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. Needless to say, the present invention can 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 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 a program for achieving the present invention from a server, database, etc. on a network by a communication program, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.
In addition, all the structures which combined each embodiment mentioned above and its modification are also included in this invention.

100 Print server 101 Client terminal 201 Image forming apparatus (printing apparatus)

Claims (9)

A print server having a spool area for sequentially storing and storing print data included in print job information transmitted from a client terminal, and instructing the print server to start transmission, and storing the print data in the spool area A printing system in which a printing apparatus that receives and outputs print data is communicably connected via a network,
The print server
A similarity determination unit that determines whether the print job information newly transmitted from the client terminal is similar by comparing a part of the print job information with the print data already stored in the spool area;
Management means for managing a similarity table that uniquely associates print job information determined to be similar to each other by the similarity determination means;
With
The printing apparatus includes:
List display means for acquiring list information of print job information in which the print data is stored in the spool area from the print server and displaying the list information on a display unit of the printing apparatus;
Job designation means for accepting designation of specific print job information in the acquired list information by being selected by the user;
An execution instruction receiving means for receiving an execution instruction for printing the specified specific print job information on the printing apparatus;
In response to designation of the specific print job information and acceptance of the execution instruction, it is determined whether print job information uniquely associated with the designated specific print job information is managed in the similar table. Therefore, a reference means for referring to the similar table;
If it is determined that it is not managed by the similar table, the print data stored in the spool area corresponding to the specific print job information is transmitted to the print server so as to be transmitted to the printing apparatus. A transmission instruction means for instructing start;
If it is determined that the information is managed in the similar table, the specified specific print job information and the specific print job information extracted by referring to the print server without instructing the print server to start transmission And a display section for displaying the print job information similar to the above in the display section,
A printing system comprising: The printing apparatus includes:
After the classification display means classifies and displays the print data, the print data corresponding to the specific print job information determined to be managed in the similar table is transmitted to the printing apparatus. Transmission request means for requesting the print server to start transmission,
A bookmark sheet output means for adding and outputting a bookmark sheet together with the print data transmitted from the print server when the transmission request means requests transmission start of print data corresponding to the specific print job information;
The printing system according to claim 1, further comprising: The printing apparatus includes:
After the classification display means classifies and displays, the user is asked whether to change the transmission destination of the print data corresponding to the specific print job information to a printing apparatus different from the printing apparatus that displays the classification. The printing system according to claim 1, further comprising change screen display means for displaying a screen to be selected.   The spool area is a spool area that sequentially stores and accumulates print data included in print job information transmitted from a plurality of client terminals and is shared by the plurality of client terminals. Item 4. The printing system according to any one of Items 3 to 4.   The print data included in the print job information is described in a binary format, and it is determined whether or not they are similar by comparing the degree of matching of the described character strings of the print data. The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.   A part of the print job information is an output file name, which is similar by comparing the newly transmitted output file name with the output file name already stored and accumulated in the spool area. The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein it is determined whether or not it is warm.   Part of the print job information is file bibliographic information, which is similar by comparing the newly transmitted file bibliographic information with the file bibliographic information already stored and accumulated in the spool area. The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a determination is made as to whether or not there is any change. A print server having a spool area for sequentially storing and storing print data included in print job information transmitted from a client terminal, and instructing the print server to start transmission, and storing the print data in the spool area A printing system control method in which a printing apparatus that receives and outputs print data is communicably connected via a network.
Whether the similarity determination unit of the print server is similar by comparing a part of the print job information newly transmitted from the client terminal and the print job information in which the print data is already stored in the spool area A similarity determination step for determining whether there is
A management step in which the management means of the print server manages a similarity table that uniquely associates the print job information determined to be similar to each other by the similarity determination step;
Including
A list display step in which the list display means of the printing apparatus acquires list information of print job information in which the print data is stored in the spool area from the print server and displays the list information on the display unit of the printing apparatus;
A job designation step of accepting designation of specific print job information in the acquired list information by the job designation means of the printing apparatus being selected by a user;
An execution instruction accepting step for accepting an execution instruction for printing the specified specific print job information on the printing apparatus;
In response to designation of the specific print job information and acceptance of the execution instruction, the reference unit of the printing apparatus displays print job information uniquely associated with the designated specific print job information in the similarity table. A reference step for referring to the similarity table in order to determine whether or not it is managed;
When the transmission instructing unit of the printing apparatus determines that it is not managed in the similar table, the print data stored in the spool area corresponding to the specific print job information is transmitted to the printing apparatus. A transmission instruction step for instructing the print server to start transmission;
When it is determined that the classification display unit of the printing apparatus is managed in the similar table, the designated specific print job information and the reference are referred to without instructing the print server to start the transmission. A classification display step for displaying the print job information similar to the specific print job information extracted in this manner on the display unit;
The control method characterized by including. A print server having a spool area for sequentially storing and storing print data included in print job information transmitted from a client terminal, and instructing the print server to start transmission, and storing the print data in the spool area A program that can be read and executed by a printing system that is connected to a printing apparatus that receives and outputs print data via a network,
The print server,
A similarity determination unit that determines whether the print job information newly transmitted from the client terminal is similar by comparing a part of the print job information with the print data already stored in the spool area;
Management means for managing a similarity table that uniquely associates print job information determined to be similar to each other by the similarity determination means;
To function,
The printing device;
List display means for acquiring list information of print job information in which the print data is stored in the spool area from the print server and displaying the list information on a display unit of the printing apparatus;
Job designation means for accepting designation of specific print job information in the acquired list information by being selected by the user;
An execution instruction receiving means for receiving an execution instruction for printing the specified specific print job information on the printing apparatus;
In response to designation of the specific print job information and acceptance of the execution instruction, it is determined whether print job information uniquely associated with the designated specific print job information is managed in the similar table. Therefore, a reference means for referring to the similar table;
If it is determined that it is not managed by the similar table, the print data stored in the spool area corresponding to the specific print job information is transmitted to the print server so as to be transmitted to the printing apparatus. A transmission instruction means for instructing start;
If it is determined that the information is managed in the similar table, the specified specific print job information and the specific print job information extracted by referring to the print server without instructing the print server to start transmission And a display section for displaying the print job information similar to the above in the display section,
A program characterized by functioning as

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