JP2014149870A - Print control system, image processing apparatus, print control method, print control program, and recording medium having the program recorded therein - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a print control system and the like for achieving print service with high convenience.SOLUTION: In a print control system, a first information processing apparatus that transmits print data, a second information processing apparatus that stores the received print data, and an image processing apparatus that performs printing of the print data are connected with one another via a network. The first information processing apparatus includes: first transmission control means for performing processing related to the transmission of the print data to the second information processing apparatus; and second transmission control means for transmitting the print data to the image processing apparatus on the basis of a processing result of the processing by the first transmission control means. The image processing apparatus includes print control means for controlling print processing to the print data transmitted by the first information processing apparatus by the second transmission control means on the basis of a state of the second information processing apparatus.

Description

  The present invention relates to a pull print technique in which an image processing apparatus acquires and prints print data stored in a print control server.

  There is already known a pull printing system in which a user can store a print job on a server without assuming a printer to print, and can execute the stored print job from a printer installed at the destination. Yes.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a pull print system having a print control server (by a server configuration).

  The pull print system having such a server configuration can be configured so that a print job can be exchanged only between the print control server and the image processing apparatus, and can cooperate with the user authentication function, thereby preventing information leakage. That is, a highly confidential printing service can be provided to the user.

  However, in the conventional method, when the print control server that performs print control to realize pull printing becomes inoperable, the above printing service (pull print function with high information confidentiality) is given to the user. There was a problem that could not be provided. As one method for solving this problem, for example, a system configuration including a plurality of print control servers including spare servers can be considered. However, this method has problems such as the cost (cost) of installing a plurality of servers and securing the installation location, and is not a realistic solution (not a desirable solution).

  The present invention has been proposed in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, and includes a print control system, an image processing apparatus, a print control method, a print control program, and a recording in which the program is recorded that realizes a highly convenient print service. To provide a medium.

In order to achieve the above object, a print control system according to the present invention includes a first information processing apparatus that transmits print data, a second information processing apparatus that stores the received print data, and printing of the print data. A print control system connected to the image processing apparatus that executes the network via a network,
The first information processing apparatus includes:
First transmission control means for performing processing relating to transmission of the print data to the second information processing apparatus;
Second transmission control means for transmitting the print data to the image processing device based on the processing result of the processing by the first transmission control means;
Have
The image processing apparatus includes:
The image processing apparatus includes a print control unit that controls a print process for the print data transmitted from the first information processing apparatus by the second transmission control unit based on a state of the second information processing apparatus.

  With such a configuration, in the print control system according to the present invention, when the print control device becomes inoperable, the job input device transmits print data to the image processing device, and the image processing device Print data transmitted from the input device is received.

  As a result, the print control system according to the present invention can provide the user with a print service using the pull print function with high information confidentiality even when the print control server becomes inoperable.

To achieve the above object, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a second information processing apparatus that stores received print data, and a process that performs processing related to transmission of the print data to the second information processing apparatus. A first information processing apparatus including: a first transmission control unit; and a second transmission control unit configured to transmit the print data to the image processing device based on a processing result of the process performed by the first transmission control unit. An image processing apparatus that is connected and executes printing of the print data,
Based on the state of the second information processing apparatus, the first information processing apparatus has print control means for controlling print processing for the print data transmitted by the second transmission control means.

  With such a configuration, the image processing apparatus according to the present invention receives the print data transmitted from the job input apparatus when the print control apparatus cannot operate.

In order to achieve the above object, a print control method according to the present invention includes a first information processing apparatus that transmits print data, a second information processing apparatus that stores the received print data, and printing of the print data. A print control method in a print control system in which an image processing apparatus that executes the process is connected via a network,
The first information processing apparatus includes:
A first transmission control procedure for performing processing relating to transmission of the print data to the second information processing apparatus;
A second transmission control procedure for transmitting the print data to the image processing device based on a processing result of the processing by the first transmission control procedure;
Have
The image processing apparatus includes:
A print control procedure for controlling a print process for the print data transmitted by the first information processing apparatus according to the second transmission control procedure based on a state of the second information processing apparatus;
have.

  According to such a procedure, in the print control method according to the present invention, when the print control apparatus becomes inoperable, the job input apparatus transmits print data to the image processing apparatus, and the image processing apparatus An operation of receiving print data transmitted from the input device is realized.

  Thus, the image processing apparatus and the print control method according to the present invention can provide an environment in which pull printing with high information confidentiality can be performed even when the print control server becomes inoperable.

  According to the present invention, when the print control apparatus becomes inoperable, the job input apparatus transmits print data to the image processing apparatus, and the image processing apparatus receives the print data transmitted from the job input apparatus. A print control system, an image processing apparatus, a print control method, a print control program, and a print control system capable of performing pull printing with high information confidentiality even when the print control server becomes inoperable by receiving A recording medium on which the program is recorded can be provided.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the printing control system which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of a print control apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the hardware structural example of the image processing apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the printing control function which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a process sequence of the job input apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example (the 1) of the printing control system which concerns on the modification of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example (the 2) of the printing control system which concerns on the modification of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the printing control function which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a process sequence of the image processing apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “embodiments”) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
<System configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a print control system 1 according to the present embodiment.
In FIG. 1, one or a plurality of job input devices 100 _{1 to} 100 _n (hereinafter collectively referred to as “job input device 100”) and one or a plurality of image processing devices 200 ₁ to 200 _n (hereinafter collectively referred to) An example of a system configuration in which an “image processing apparatus 200” and a print control apparatus (print control server) 300 are connected via a data transmission path N (for example, “LAN: Local Area Network”) such as a network is shown. ing.

  The job input device 100 is a device having an information processing function, and is, for example, an information processing device such as a PC (Personal Computer). The image processing device 200 is a device having an image processing function, and is a printing device such as an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) or LP (Laser Printer). The print control apparatus 300 is a device having a print control function, and is an information processing apparatus such as a PC, for example.

  In the print control system 1 according to the present embodiment, the following pull print service is provided to the user when the print control apparatus 300 is operating normally. For example, when print data is transmitted from the job input apparatus 100 to the print control apparatus 300, the print control apparatus 300 stores and accumulates the received print data in a predetermined storage area. On the other hand, upon receiving a print job execution request from the user, the image processing apparatus 200 acquires accumulated print data from the print control apparatus 300 and executes a print job based on the acquired print data. Thereby, the user obtains a print result.

<Hardware configuration>
A hardware configuration of the job input apparatus 100 and the image processing apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment will be described.

<Job submission device>
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the job input apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 2, the job input device 100 includes an input device 101, a display device 102, a drive device 103, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 104, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 105, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 106, an interface. A device 107, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 108, and the like are provided and are connected to each other via a bus B.

  The input device 101 includes a keyboard and a mouse, and is used to input each operation signal to the job input device 100. The display device 102 includes a display and the like, and displays a processing result by the job input device 100.

  The interface device 107 is an interface that connects the job input device 100 to the data transmission path N. Thus, the job input device 100 can perform data communication with the print control device 300 and other job input devices 100 via the interface device 107.

  The HDD 108 is a non-volatile storage device that stores programs and data. The stored program and data include an information processing system that controls the entire apparatus (for example, an OS (Operating System) that is basic software such as “Windows (trademark or registered trademark)” or “UNIX (trademark or registered trademark))” And applications that provide various functions (for example, “printing control function”) on the system. The HDD 108 manages stored programs and data by a predetermined file system and / or DB (Data Base).

  The drive device 103 is an interface with a removable recording medium 103a. As a result, the job input device 100 can read and / or write the recording medium 103 a via the drive device 103. Examples of the recording medium 103a include a floppy (trademark or registered trademark) disk, a CD (Compact Disk), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), an SD memory card (SD Memory Card), and a USB memory (Universal Serial Bus Memory). and so on.

  The ROM 105 is a nonvolatile semiconductor memory (storage device) that can retain internal data even when the power is turned off. The ROM 105 stores programs and data such as a basic input / output system (BIOS), information processing system settings, and network settings that are executed when the job input apparatus 100 is activated. The RAM 104 is a volatile semiconductor memory (storage device) that temporarily stores programs and data. The CPU 106 is a processing device that realizes control and mounting functions of the entire device by reading a program and data from the storage device (for example, “HDD” or “ROM”) onto the RAM and executing the processing.

  As described above, the job input device 100 according to the present embodiment can provide various information processing services (information processing functions) with the above hardware configuration.

<Image processing device>
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the image processing apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 3, the image processing apparatus 200 includes a controller 210, an operation panel 220, a plotter 230, a scanner 240, and the like, which are connected to each other via a bus B.

  The operation panel 220 includes a display unit and an input unit, and provides various types of information such as device information to the user and receives various types of user operations such as operation settings and operation instructions. The plotter 230 includes an image forming unit and forms an output image on a sheet. Examples of a method for forming an output image include an electrophotographic process and an ink jet method. The scanner 240 optically reads a document and generates a read image.

  The controller 210 includes a CPU 211, a storage device 212, a network I / F 213, an external storage I / F 214, and the like, which are connected to each other via a bus B.

  The CPU 211 controls the entire apparatus by executing a program. The storage device 212 stores and holds the program and various data (for example, “image data”). Examples of the storage device 212 include a RAM that is a volatile memory, a ROM that is a nonvolatile memory, and an HDD having a large-capacity storage area. The RAM functions as a work area for the CPU 211 (a storage area from which programs and data are temporarily read). ROM and HDD are used as storage locations for programs and various data. As a result, in the image processing apparatus 200, the CPU 211 reads the program stored in the ROM onto the RAM and executes the program.

  The network I / F 213 is an interface for connecting the image processing apparatus 200 to a predetermined data transmission path N such as a network. As a result, the image processing apparatus 200 can perform data communication with the print control apparatus 300 and other image processing apparatuses 200 via the network I / F 213.

  The external storage I / F 214 is an interface for connecting a recording medium 214a corresponding to an external storage device. Examples of the recording medium 214a include an SD memory card and a USB memory. Accordingly, the image processing apparatus 200 can read and / or write the recording medium 214a via the external storage I / F 214.

  As described above, the image processing apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment can provide various image processing services (image processing functions) with the above hardware configuration.

<Print control function>
A print control function according to the present embodiment will be described.
The print control system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a job input device 100 that transmits print data to the print control device 300 via the print control device 300 that stores and manages print data, and the accumulated print data from the print control device 300. Is acquired and the image processing apparatus 200 that executes printing is connected. In the print control system 1 having such a device configuration, the following print control processing is performed in the present embodiment.

  The job input apparatus 100 and the image processing apparatus 200 monitor the operation state of the print control apparatus 300. As a result, when the print control apparatus 300 becomes inoperable, the job input apparatus 100 transmits print data to the image processing apparatus 200. On the other hand, the image processing apparatus 200 determines whether or not the reception of the print data from the job input apparatus 100 may be permitted, and the apparatus includes only the print data from the job input apparatus 100 that is permitted to receive. Temporarily stored in a predetermined storage area of the storage device 212. Further, when a print job is executed in response to an execution request from the user, the image processing apparatus 200 deletes the print data from a predetermined storage area. The print control system 1 according to the present embodiment has such a print control function.

  Conventionally, when the print control apparatus 300 becomes inoperable, there is a problem that a print service by pull printing cannot be provided to the user.

  Therefore, in the print control system 1 according to the present embodiment, when the print control apparatus 300 becomes inoperable, the job input apparatus 100 transmits print data to the image processing apparatus 200, and the image processing apparatus 200 Thus, the print data transmitted from the job input device 100 is received.

  As a result, the print control system 1 according to the present embodiment can provide a user with a print service using a pull print function with high information confidentiality even when the print control apparatus 300 becomes inoperable.

The configuration and operation of the print control function according to this embodiment will be described below.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the print control function according to the present embodiment.
As illustrated in FIG. 4, each function unit of the print control function according to the present embodiment is divided into a function unit included in the job input apparatus 100 and a function unit included in the image processing apparatus 200.

  The job input device 100 includes a data analysis unit 11, a server monitoring unit 12, a device information acquisition unit 13, an information holding unit 14, a transmission destination determination unit 15, a data transmission unit 16, and the like.

  The image processing apparatus 200 includes a server monitoring unit 21, a data reception permission determination unit 22, a data reception unit 23, an accumulated print data holding unit 24, a processing result notification unit 25, a print control unit 26, and the like.

<Function part of job submission device>
The data analysis unit 11 is a functional unit that analyzes print data. The data analysis unit 11 acquires bibliographic information and print condition setting information included in the print data as an analysis result. The bibliographic information includes, for example, a creator name (user identification information), a created software name (software identification information), and the number of pages. The print condition setting information includes, for example, the number of copies setting, the color / monochrome setting, the duplex / single-sided setting, and the aggregation setting. Such information is included in the data when print data is generated by a printer driver, for example.

  The server monitoring unit 12 is a functional unit that monitors the operation state of the print control apparatus 300. The server monitoring unit 12 monitors the operation state of the print control apparatus 300 before submitting a job (before sending print data). The server monitoring unit 12 monitors the operation state by, for example, a port monitor. Note that the monitoring method using the port monitor is merely an example of a method for remotely monitoring the operation state of the print control apparatus 300. Therefore, the monitoring method according to the present embodiment may be any method that can acquire the operation state value (server state information: server status information) of the print control apparatus 300.

  The server monitoring unit 12 determines whether the print control apparatus 300 is operable based on the server status information acquired in this way (operation availability determination unit). Further, when it is determined that the print control apparatus 300 is operable, the server monitoring unit 12 includes load information (hereinafter referred to as “processing load information”) of the currently executed process from the print control apparatus 300. Get server information. Accordingly, the server monitoring unit 12 may determine whether the operation state of the print control apparatus 300 is in a state where it is difficult to process a print job (transmitted print data). The “difficult state” can be determined based on, for example, whether the average print job processing time, which is processing load information, is equal to or longer than a predetermined time. When the server monitoring unit 12 determines that the operation state of the print control apparatus 300 is difficult to process the print job, the server monitoring unit 12 determines that the operation is impossible.

  The device information acquisition unit 13 is a functional unit that acquires device information from the image processing apparatus 200. Similar to the server monitoring unit 12, the device information acquisition unit 13 acquires device information from the image processing apparatus 200 before submitting a job to the print control apparatus 300 (before print data transmission). The device information includes, for example, a device / model name (device / model identification information), a mounted function specification (mounted software information), a mounted hardware specification (mounted hardware information), and an operation state value (device status information: device status information). )and so on. The device information acquisition unit 13 uses, for example, a command (for example, “Get command”) of a predetermined communication protocol (for example, “SNMP: Simple Network Management Protocol” or “SOAP: Simple Object Access Protocol”). Device information is acquired from 200. The device information acquisition unit 13 acquires network setting information (for example, “IP address: Internet Protocol Address”) of the image processing apparatus 200 by broadcast (or multicast) or the like before acquiring device information. Accordingly, the device information acquisition unit 13 transmits a command for acquiring device information to the image processing apparatus 200 based on the acquired network information.

  The monitoring operation by the server monitoring unit 12 and the acquisition operation by the device information acquisition unit 13 may be performed according to a predetermined schedule set in advance. In the schedule (operation timing), it is desirable to set a time zone and a time interval considering the network load in the system.

  The information holding unit 14 is a functional unit that holds an analysis result of print data, server information, device information, and the like in a predetermined storage area of a storage device included in the apparatus. Data held by the information holding unit 14 is stored by the data analysis unit 11, the server monitoring unit 12, and the device information acquisition unit 13. The data held by the information holding unit 14 is referred to by the processing of the transmission destination determining unit 15. The storage device may be either a nonvolatile storage device (for example, “HDD”) or a volatile storage device (for example, “RAM”). For example, when a lot of data is made permanent, the information holding unit 14 is a storage device such as the HDD 108, and when a small amount of data is temporarily held, the information holding unit 14 is a storage device such as the RAM 104. That's fine. Thus, an appropriate storage device may be used in accordance with the data type to be held.

  The transmission destination determination unit 15 is a functional unit that determines the transmission destination of print data according to the operation state of the print control apparatus 300. The transmission destination determination unit 15 determines the transmission destination based on the monitoring result (operation result / non-operation determination result) of the server monitoring unit 12.

  When the print control apparatus 300 is operable, the transmission destination determination unit 15 determines the print control apparatus 300 as a transmission destination (normal operation for preprinting). On the other hand, when the print control apparatus 300 is in an inoperable state (including a case where the process is difficult), the transmission destination determination unit 15 determines the image processing apparatus 200 that is the transmission destination of the print data. There are the following methods for determining the transmission destination.

Automatic Determination The transmission destination determination unit 15 includes a plurality of image processing apparatuses 200 that are operating normally based on the analysis result (print condition information) of the data analysis unit 11 and the device information acquired by the device information acquisition unit 13. Among them, an image processing apparatus that can process print data according to the printing conditions (a device that is optimal for processing a print job) is determined as a transmission destination.

  First, the transmission destination determination unit 15 refers to a plurality of pieces of acquired device information, and specifies device information of a device that is operating normally (device that can execute a print job) based on the device state information. Subsequently, the transmission destination determination unit 15 refers to the specified device information based on the print condition information that is the analysis result, and specifies device information that includes the installed software information and the installed hardware information corresponding to the print condition. For example, assume that the data analysis unit 11 acquires full-color and double-sided printing condition information. In this case, the transmission destination determination unit 15 specifies device information including “full color printing” in the installed software information and “double-sided device” in the installed hardware information. As a result, the transmission destination determination unit 15 determines the identified device as a transmission destination.

  In addition to the printing condition information, the transmission destination determining unit 15 may specify the device information based on the bibliographic information that is the analysis result and the data amount of the print data. For example, when the device information includes information indicating permission to use the function installed in the image processing apparatus 200 (hereinafter referred to as “use permission information”), the transmission destination determination unit 15 includes the user identification information in the bibliographic information. Based on this, the device information including the corresponding usage permission information is specified. For example, when the device information includes information indicating the free capacity of the storage device included in the image processing apparatus 200 (hereinafter referred to as “free area information”), the transmission destination determination unit 15 print data data Based on the amount, device information including free space information greater than the amount of data is specified.

  As described above, the transmission destination determination unit 15 dynamically determines an optimal device as a transmission destination of print data from the device specifications and device state of the image processing apparatus 200.

User Selection Determination First, the transmission destination determination unit 15 refers to a plurality of acquired device information, and specifies device information of a device that is operating normally (device that can execute a print job) based on the device state information. . Subsequently, the transmission destination determination unit 15 generates a transmission destination candidate list (transmission destination candidate list) based on the specified device information, and displays the display device 102 together with a GUI (Graphical User Interface) that allows the user to select a transmission destination. To display. As a result, the user can select and specify a device that meets the printing conditions as a transmission destination from a plurality of devices that are operating normally. As a result, the transmission destination determination unit 15 determines the device selected and designated by the user as the transmission destination.

  In the case of the above automatic determination method, depending on the configuration of the image processing apparatus 200 connected to the print control system 1, it is conceivable that the device information corresponding to the print condition of the print data cannot be specified (there is no corresponding information). In this case, the transmission destination determination unit 15 executes the determination process based on the user selection described above.

  In the case of the automatic determination method, a plurality of pieces of device information corresponding to the print condition of the print data may be specified. In this case, the transmission destination determination unit 15 determines a final transmission destination in combination with the user selection determination method. The transmission destination determination unit 15 generates a transmission destination candidate list (transmission destination candidate list) based on the specified plurality of pieces of device information, and displays the generated transmission destination candidate list on the display device 102. As a result, the transmission destination determination unit 15 determines the device selected and designated by the user as the final transmission destination.

  The transmission destination determination unit 15 requests the image processing apparatus 200 determined as described above to receive print data.

  The data transmission unit 16 is a functional unit that transmits print data to a transmission destination (print control apparatus or image processing apparatus) determined by the transmission destination determination unit 15. The data transmission unit 16 transmits print data based on the destination network setting information. In addition, when the transmission destination is the image processing apparatus 200, the data transmission unit 16 transmits the print data only when a response indicating that the reception of the print data is permitted from the transmission destination.

  As described above, the job input apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment transmits print data to the image processing apparatus 200 when the print control apparatus 300 becomes inoperable by the function unit.

<< Functional part of image processing apparatus >>
The server monitoring unit 21 is a functional unit that monitors the operation state of the print control apparatus 300. Since this functional unit is the same functional unit as the server monitoring unit 12 included in the job input apparatus 100, description thereof is omitted here.

  The data reception permission determination unit 22 is a functional unit that determines whether or not reception of print data transmitted from the job input device 100 is permitted. When reception permission is requested from the job input device 100, the data reception permission determination unit 22 first checks the operation state of the print control device 300. The data reception permission determination unit 22 confirms the operation state of the print control apparatus 300 based on the monitoring result of the server monitoring unit 21. When it is confirmed that the print control apparatus 300 is not executable, the data reception permission determination unit 22 determines whether the request source job input apparatus 100 is an apparatus that is permitted to receive data. In the data reception permission determination unit 22, for example, the job input device 100 that permits data reception is set, and these setting values are held as permission registration information. The permission registration information includes, for example, network setting information.

  The data reception permission determination unit 22 refers to the permission registration information based on the network setting information of the job submission apparatus 100 that has requested reception, and determines whether or not the job submission apparatus 100 that has requested reception is a registered apparatus. To do. If the data reception permission determination unit 22 determines that the requesting job input device 100 is not registered, the data reception permission determination unit 22 responds to the corresponding device 100 that reception of print data is not permitted. On the other hand, when determining that the request source job input device 100 is a registered device, the data reception permission determination unit 22 responds to the corresponding device 100 that the reception of print data is permitted.

  When the print control apparatus 300 is in an executable state, the data reception permission determination unit 22 does not perform the reception permission determination and responds to the request source job input apparatus 100 that it does not permit reception of print data. To do. This process considers the confidentiality of information. In the print control system 1, the print control apparatus 300 collectively manages print jobs, and when the image processing apparatus 200 receives an execution request from a user, the print control apparatus 300 transmits the corresponding print job. In other words, the print control system 1 normally has a configuration in which direct transmission of print data is not permitted from the job input device 100 to the image processing device 200 to ensure the confidentiality of information. In contrast, in the present embodiment, the direct transmission of print data is permitted only when the print control apparatus 300 is in an inoperable state. Therefore, in the present embodiment, in the case where the image processing apparatus 200 receives print data from the job input apparatus 100, it is a condition that the print control apparatus 300 is in an inoperable state. In other words, the image processing apparatus 200 is configured not to receive print data from the job input apparatus 100 when the print control apparatus 300 is operable, thereby ensuring the confidentiality of information.

  The data receiving unit 23 is a functional unit that receives print data transmitted from the job input device 100 or the print control device 300. When the print job is directly printed, the data receiving unit 23 passes the received data to the print control unit 26. On the other hand, the data receiving unit 23 stores the received data in the stored print data holding unit 24 when the print job is stored and printed.

  The accumulated print data holding unit 24 is a functional unit that holds print data received by the data receiving unit 23 in a predetermined storage area of a storage device included in the apparatus. The data held in the accumulated print data holding unit 24 is referred to in the accumulated printing process of the print control unit 26. The storage device may be either a nonvolatile storage device (for example, “HDD”) or a volatile storage device (for example, “RAM”). For example, when the data amount is large, the information holding unit 14 may be a storage device such as the HDD 108, and when the data amount is small, the information holding unit 14 may be a storage device such as the RAM 104. As described above, an appropriate storage device may be used in accordance with the amount of print data.

  The processing result notification unit 25 is a functional unit that notifies the job input device 100 of the result of the request processing. The processing result notification unit 25 notifies the reception permission determination result based on the determination result of the data reception permission determination unit 22. The processing result notification unit 25 notifies the printing result in the image processing apparatus 200 based on the processing result of the printing control unit 26.

  The print control unit 26 is a functional unit that controls print processing based on print data. The print control unit 26 controls direct printing processing and accumulated printing processing performed on the print data.

  In the case of direct printing (when print data is directly received from the data receiving unit 23), the print control unit 26 performs the following processing. For example, the print control unit 26 passes print data to image conversion software such as a PDL parser (Page Description Language Parser) and instructs execution of a print job. As a result, the image conversion software performs predetermined image processing (for example, “analysis of print data”, “image processing according to printing conditions”, etc.) on the print data, and can be processed by the plotter 230 provided in the apparatus. Data (bitmap data: raster image data) is generated. The image conversion software passes the paper handling value read as the printing condition and the generated data to the plotter 230 and instructs the printing operation.

  The print control unit 26 performs the following processing in the case of accumulated printing (when print data is accumulated from the data receiving unit 23). For example, when the print control unit 26 receives an execution request for storage printing from the user through a screen operation on the operation panel 220, the print control unit 26 acquires print data corresponding to the print job specified at the time of the execution request from the storage print data holding unit 24. To do. The print control unit 26 passes the acquired print data to the image conversion software, and instructs execution of a print job in the same way as during direct printing. When printing is completed, the print control unit 26 erases the corresponding print data (processed data) held in the accumulated print data holding unit 24.

  As described above, the image processing apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment temporarily holds the print data from the permitted job input apparatus 100 after determining the reception permission from the job input apparatus 100 from the above function unit. When the print job is executed, the held print data is erased.

  As described above, the print control function according to the present embodiment is realized by the above-described functional units operating in cooperation.

  Detailed operation of the print control function according to the present embodiment (cooperation operation of the functional unit group) will be described with reference to a flowchart showing a processing procedure.

  As for the print control function, a program (software that implements the print control function) installed (installed) in each device constituting the print control system 1 is stored in a storage device (eg, “HDD”) by a processing device (eg, “CPU”). Or “ROM”) on a memory (RAM), and the following processing is executed in each device.

《Job submission device processing》
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of the job input apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 5A shows a processing example related to print job input (print data transmission).
The job input apparatus 100 analyzes the print data by the data analysis unit 11 (step S101). At this time, the data analysis unit 11 acquires bibliographic information and print condition information included in the print data.

  The job submission apparatus 100 monitors the operation state of the print control apparatus 300 using the server monitoring unit 12, and acquires server state information from the print control apparatus 300 (step S102).

  As a result, the server monitoring unit 12 determines whether or not the print control apparatus 300 is operable based on the server status information (step S103).

  When the server monitoring unit 12 determines that the print control apparatus 300 is operable (step S103: YES), the job input apparatus 100 causes the transmission destination determination unit 15 to send the print control apparatus 300 to the print data transmission destination. The data transmission unit 16 transmits the print data to the print control apparatus 300 (determined transmission destination) (step S104).

  On the other hand, when the server monitoring unit 12 determines that the print control apparatus 300 is in an inoperable state (step S103: NO), the job input apparatus 100 is determined by the device information acquisition unit 13 to be the image processing apparatus 200 in the system. The device information is acquired from (Step S105).

  Subsequently, the job input device 100 allows the transmission destination determination unit 15 to perform image processing that can process a print job according to the printing conditions from the image processing devices 200 in the system based on the acquired device information and printing condition information. The apparatus 200 (apparatus optimal for processing a print job) is determined as a transmission destination (step S106).

  The job submission apparatus 100 transmits the print data to the image processing apparatus 200 (determined transmission destination) by the data transmission unit 16 (step S107).

  As a result, the transmission result notified from the transmission destination (print control apparatus or image processing apparatus) is displayed on the job input apparatus 100 (step S108).

From here, the transmission destination determination process executed in step S106 will be described.
FIG. 5B shows a processing example related to the transmission destination determination.
The transmission destination determination unit 15 refers to the device information corresponding to the image processing apparatus 200 that is operating normally specified based on the device state information, searches the device information using the print condition information that is the analysis result as a key, and print conditions Device information including information (various information of installed software / hardware) corresponding to is identified (step S1061). The device information (applicable device information) specified in this way corresponds to device information (hereinafter simply referred to as “transmission destination candidate information”) of the image processing apparatus 200 that is a transmission destination candidate.

  Subsequently, the transmission destination determination unit 15 determines whether there are a plurality of transmission destination candidates (applicable device information) or whether there is no transmission destination candidate (step S1062).

  When it is determined that there are transmission destination candidates and there are not a plurality of transmission destination candidates (one transmission destination candidate is specified) (step S1062: NO), the transmission destination determination unit 15 includes the specified device information, A confirmation screen for the transmission destination to be finally determined is displayed (step S1063).

  As a result, when receiving the confirmation result [OK] from the user via the confirmation screen (step S1064: YES), the transmission destination determination unit 15 sets the image processing apparatus 200 automatically selected according to the printing conditions as the transmission destination. Determination is made (step S1065).

  Note that when the destination determination unit 15 receives a confirmation result [reselection] from the user via the confirmation screen (step S1064: NO), the transmission destination determination unit 15 proceeds to the process of step S1066.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that there are a plurality of transmission destination candidates, or when it is determined that there is no transmission destination candidate (step S1062: YES), the transmission destination determination unit 15 includes the device information and is operating normally. A screen (selection screen) capable of selecting a transmission destination to be finally determined from 200 is displayed (step S1066). At this time, if it is determined that there are a plurality of transmission destination candidates, a screen that allows selection of a transmission destination to be finally determined from transmission destination candidates that are operating normally is displayed.

  When receiving a transmission destination selection specification from the user via the setting screen (step S1067: YES), the transmission destination determination unit 15 determines the image processing apparatus 200 specified by the user selection as the transmission destination (step S1068). .

<Processing of image processing apparatus>
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure example of the image processing apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 6A shows an example of processing related to direct printing of an input print job (received print data).
In the image processing apparatus 200, when direct printing is performed, the following control processing is performed.

  When the image processing apparatus 200 receives a print data reception request from the job input apparatus 100 (step S2011), the server monitoring unit 21 monitors the operation state of the print control apparatus 300, and the print control apparatus 300 receives server status information. Is acquired (step S2012).

  As a result, the server monitoring unit 21 determines whether the print control apparatus 300 is operable based on the server status information (step S2013).

  In the image processing apparatus 200, when the server monitoring unit 12 determines that the print control apparatus 300 is inoperable (step S2013: NO), the data reception permission determination unit 22 makes a job submission request for reception permission. Based on the network setting information of the apparatus 100 and the permission registration information, the job input apparatus 100 determines whether or not the apparatus is permitted to receive (acceptance target) (step S2014).

  When the data reception permission determination unit 22 determines that the job submission device 100 that is the reception permission request source is a device to be accepted (step S2014: YES), the image processing device 200 uses the data reception unit 23 to perform the job submission device. The print data transmitted from 100 is received (step S2015).

  Subsequently, the image processing apparatus 200 causes the print control unit 26 to execute print processing (direct printing) based on the received print data (step S2016).

  As a result, in the image processing device 200, the processing result notification unit 25 notifies the job input device 100 of the result of the printing process (print success / failure) (step S2017).

  In the image processing apparatus 200, when the server monitoring unit 12 determines that the print control apparatus 300 is operable (step S 2013: YES), the processing result notification unit 25 receives the job input apparatus 100. Notified that it was not done.

  In the image processing apparatus 200, when the data reception permission determination unit 22 determines that the job submission apparatus 100 that is the reception permission request source is not a reception target apparatus (step S2014: NO), the processing result notification unit 25 causes the job to be processed. The input device 100 is notified of the reception permission determination result (not permitted).

FIG. 6B shows an example of processing related to accumulated printing of an input print job (received print data).
In the image processing apparatus 200, the following control processing is performed when accumulating printing is performed.
The difference from the process shown in (A) is the process from step S2026 to S2029 shown in (B). Therefore, only different processing (including pre- and post-processing) will be described below.

  Based on the network setting information and permission registration information of the job submission apparatus 100 that has made a reception permission request by the data reception permission determination unit 22, the image processing apparatus 200 is an apparatus ( It is determined whether it is a reception target (step S2024).

  When the data reception permission determination unit 22 determines that the job submission device 100 that is the reception permission request source is the device to be accepted (step S2024: YES), the image processing device 200 causes the data reception unit 23 to perform the job submission device. The print data transmitted from 100 is received (step S2025).

  The image processing apparatus 200 stores the input print job by storing the print data received by the data receiving unit 23 in the storage print data holding unit 24 (step S2026).

  When the image processing apparatus 200 receives an execution request for storage printing from a user via a screen (storage print instruction screen) on which the stored print job can be selected and specified (step S2027: YES), the print control unit 26 The corresponding print data is acquired from the accumulated print data holding unit 24, and print processing (accumulated print) based on the selected print data (accumulated print data) is executed (step S2028).

  When printing is completed, the image processing apparatus 200 deletes the accumulated print data (processed data) from the accumulated print data holding unit 24 (step S2029).

  As a result, in the image processing apparatus 200, the processing result notification unit 25 notifies the job input apparatus 100 of the result of the printing process (print success / failure) (step S2030).

  As described above, in the print control system 1 according to the present embodiment, when the print control apparatus 300 becomes inoperable, the job input apparatus 100 transmits print data to the image processing apparatus 200. In addition, after the image processing apparatus 200 determines the reception permission from the job input apparatus 100, the image processing apparatus 200 temporarily stores the print data from the permitted job input apparatus 100, and holds it when the print job is executed. Delete the print data.

<Modification>
From here, the modification of the system configuration | structure in this embodiment is demonstrated.
7 and 8 are diagrams showing configuration examples (Nos. 1 and 2) of the print control system 1 according to the present modification.

  FIG. 7 shows a system configuration example to which an authentication management apparatus (authentication management server) 400 that holds authentication information and performs user authentication based on the authentication information is connected.

In the case of the print control system 1, the following processing is possible.
The image processing apparatus 200 displays a screen prompting the user to input user authentication information (for example, “user ID”, “password”, etc.) before accepting a print job execution request based on accumulated print data. The image processing apparatus 200 requests user authentication of the execution requester by transmitting the input user authentication information to the authentication management apparatus 400. As a result, the image processing apparatus 200 permits only the authenticated user to select and specify stored print data belonging to the user (print data stored by the user), and executes the print job. On the other hand, when the execution requester is not authenticated, the image processing apparatus 200 notifies the user that the authentication has failed, and ends the print job execution request reception process.

  As described above, in the print control system 1 according to the present modification, the authentication management apparatus 400 and the image processing apparatus 200 cooperate with each other, so that prevention of information leakage due to accumulated printing can be enhanced (a secure printing service can be realized). .

  FIG. 8 shows a system configuration example in which a device management apparatus (device management server) 500 that holds device information acquired from devices in the system and performs device management based on the device information is connected.

In the case of the print control system 1, the following processing is possible.
In the device management apparatus 500, various types of information are acquired from both apparatuses with the image processing apparatus 200 and the print control apparatus 300 as management targets, and apparatus management is performed based on the acquired information. That is, the device management apparatus 500 can confirm the operation states of the image processing apparatus 200 and the print control apparatus 300. Accordingly, when the print control apparatus 300 becomes inoperable, the device management apparatus 500 notifies the job input apparatus 100 and the image processing apparatus 200 to that effect. Upon receiving the notification, the job input device 100 determines the destination image processing device 200 based on the device information acquired from the device management device 500 and the print condition information of the print data. The job input apparatus 100 transmits the print data to the determined image processing apparatus 200 (switches the transmission destination from the print control apparatus 300 to the image processing apparatus 200). Further, when receiving the notification, the image processing apparatus 200 determines permission to receive from the job input apparatus 100 and temporarily holds the print data from the permitted job input apparatus 100. When the print job is executed, the image processing apparatus 200 deletes the held print data.

  As described above, in the print control system 1 according to the present modification, the device management apparatus 500, the job input device 100, and the image processing device 200 operate in cooperation with each other, based on the detection of the operation state by the device management apparatus 500. The pull print function according to this embodiment can be collectively controlled.

<Summary>
As described above, according to the print control system 1 according to the present embodiment, the job input device 100 and the image processing device 200 monitor the operation state of the print control device 300. As a result, when the print control apparatus 300 becomes inoperable, the job input apparatus 100 transmits print data to the image processing apparatus 200. On the other hand, the image processing apparatus 200 determines whether or not the reception of the print data from the job input apparatus 100 may be permitted, and the apparatus includes only the print data from the job input apparatus 100 that is permitted to receive. Temporarily stored in a predetermined storage area of the storage device 212. Further, when a print job is executed in response to an execution request from the user, the image processing apparatus 200 deletes the print data from a predetermined storage area.

  As a result, the print control system 1 according to the present embodiment can perform pull printing with high information confidentiality even when the print control apparatus 300 becomes inoperable.

[Second Embodiment]
In a pull print system with a server configuration, a user can issue a print job without specifying a printer as a printing destination, and can execute a print job from any device as long as it is an image processing apparatus in the system. There is a merit to say. That is, a location-free printing service can be provided to the user.

  In the present embodiment, a print control system that provides the print service (location-free pull print function) even when the print control apparatus cannot operate will be described. In the following, only differences from the first embodiment will be described (the description of substantially the same items will be omitted).

<Print control function>
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the print control function according to the present embodiment.
9 and 4, the image processing apparatus 200 has a data transmission unit 27, and the print control unit 26 includes an accumulated information acquisition unit 261, a print data specification unit 262, a print data request unit 263, And a print data request receiving unit 264.

  In the present embodiment, in order to realize location free, the above-described functional unit necessary for exchanging accumulated print data between image processing apparatuses is provided. In order to exchange the stored print data between the image processing apparatuses, functions for obtaining necessary data and providing the requested data are mainly required.

<< Function part for data acquisition request >>
The accumulated information acquisition unit 261 is a functional unit that acquires information of accumulated print data (hereinafter referred to as “accumulated information”) of the image processing apparatus 200. The accumulated information acquisition unit 261 refers to the accumulated print data holding unit 24 and acquires accumulated information of accumulated print data belonging to the user. Further, the accumulated information acquisition unit 261 displays accumulated print data belonging to the user with respect to an image processing apparatus 200 (hereinafter referred to as “another apparatus”) other than the own apparatus when displaying an accumulated print instruction screen provided to the user. Requests acquisition of storage information (print data stored by the user). As a result, the storage information acquisition unit 261 is returned with the storage information from the storage information acquisition unit 261 of the other device. As described above, the accumulated information acquisition unit 261 has functions of receiving an acquisition request, acquiring information, and acquiring information response.

  As a result, the image processing apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment can select and designate all print jobs belonging to the user stored in the own apparatus and other apparatuses based on the storage information acquired by the storage information acquisition unit 261 ( Storage print instruction screen) is displayed. The acquired accumulated information is stored in the image processing apparatus 200 in association with, for example, device information (or network setting information) of the image processing apparatus 200 that is the acquisition destination.

  The print data specifying unit 262 is a functional unit that specifies the storage destination (storage destination) of the selected and specified stored print data. The print data specifying unit 262 determines whether the selected and designated accumulated print data is print data accumulated in the own machine or a print accumulated in another machine based on the associated accumulated information and device information. Determine if it is data. The print data specifying unit 262 specifies the storage destination (which image processing apparatus 200 holds) the selected and specified accumulated print data based on the determination result (own device / other device).

  The print data request unit 263 is a functional unit that requests the other machine to provide the stored print data. The print data requesting unit 263, when the selected and designated accumulated print data is print data accumulated in another device (when specified as another device), Request provision of accumulated print data.

《Function part when request data is provided》
The print data request receiving unit 264 is a functional unit that receives a request to provide accumulated print data. The print data request unit 264 receives a request to provide stored print data designated from the print data request unit 263 of another machine.

The data transmission unit 27 is a functional unit that transmits accumulated print data. The data transmission unit 27
Based on the designation at the time of the provision request, the accumulated print data acquired from the accumulated print data holding unit 24 is transmitted to the image processing apparatus 200 that is the provision request source.

  As described above, in the print control function according to the present embodiment, the accumulated print data is exchanged between the image processing apparatuses by the above-described functional units operating in cooperation.

  Detailed operation of the print control function according to the present embodiment (cooperation operation of the functional unit group) will be described with reference to a flowchart showing a processing procedure. Only the processing procedure of the image processing apparatus 200 different from the first embodiment will be described below.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure example (parts 1 and 2) of the image processing apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 10A shows a processing example when a data acquisition request is made. The process shown in FIG. 10A is a process executed during accumulated printing, and corresponds to the processes in steps S2027 and S2028 shown in FIG.

  The image processing apparatus 200 acquires the accumulated information of the print data accumulated in the image processing apparatus 200 in the system including the own machine by the print control unit 26 (accumulated information acquisition unit), and based on the acquired accumulated information, A screen (stored print instruction screen) on which the stored print job can be selected and specified is displayed (step S301).

  When the image processing apparatus 200 receives a storage print execution request from the user via the storage print instruction screen (step S302: YES), the print control unit 26 (print data specifying unit) selects and specifies the stored print data. Is the stored print data of the own device or the stored data of the other device, and the image processing apparatus 200 that is the storage destination is specified based on the determination result (step S303).

  When the storage destination is specified as another device (when the storage destination is not the own device: step S304: NO), the image processing apparatus 200 uses the print control unit 26 (print data request unit) to correspond to the storage destination. 200 (another machine) is requested to provide stored print data (step S305).

  As a result, when the image processing apparatus 200 receives the accumulated print data returned from the image processing apparatus 200 as the provision request destination (storage destination) by the data receiving unit 23 (step S306: YES), the print control unit 26 Then, a printing process (accumulated printing) based on the received data (accumulated print data selected and designated) is executed (step S307). At this time, when printing is completed, the image processing apparatus 200 requests the image processing apparatus 200 that is the storage destination to delete the accumulated print data (processed data) from the accumulated print data holding unit 24.

  As a result, in the image processing apparatus 200, the processing result notification unit 25 notifies the job input apparatus 100 of the result of the printing process (print success / failure) (step S308).

FIG. 10B shows a processing example when request data is provided.
When the print control unit 26 (print data request receiving unit) receives the provision request for the accumulated print data from the other device (print data request unit) (step S401: YES), the image processing apparatus 200 is designated at the time of the provision request. The accumulated print data is acquired from the accumulated print data holding unit 24 (step S402).

  The image processing apparatus 200 uses the data transmission unit 27 to transmit the acquired accumulated print data to the provision request source image processing apparatus 200, and responds to the request (step S403).

<Summary>
As described above, according to the print control system 1 according to the present embodiment, when the print control apparatus 300 becomes inoperable, the job input apparatus 100 transmits print data to the image processing apparatus 200, and After the image processing apparatus 200 determines permission to receive from the job input apparatus 100, the print data from the permitted job input apparatus 100 is temporarily stored, and when the print job is executed, the stored printing is performed. Erase the data.

  In the print control system 1 according to the present embodiment, when the print job selected and specified by the user is not held in the image processing apparatus 200 that has received a print request from the user, the corresponding print data is received from another image processing apparatus 200. And execute the print job.

  As a result, the print control system 1 according to the present embodiment can achieve the same effect as the first embodiment and perform location-free pull printing.

  The above embodiment has been described so far. The “printing control function” according to the above embodiment is a programming language suitable for the operating environment (platform). The coded program is realized by being executed by a control device (for example, “CPU”) of each device (job input device and image processing device) constituting the print control system 1.

  For example, in the case of the image processing apparatus 200, the program can be stored in a computer-readable recording medium 214a. Thereby, for example, the program can be installed in the image processing apparatus 200 via the external storage I / F 214 by being stored in the recording medium 214a. Further, since the image processing apparatus 200 includes the network I / F 213, the program can be downloaded and installed using a telecommunication line.

  In the job input apparatus 100 according to the above-described embodiment, the operation state of the print control apparatus 300 is confirmed before transmitting the print data. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the job input apparatus 100 may transmit print data to the print control apparatus 300 and acquire an error notification returned from the print control apparatus 300 as server status information. However, in this case, detailed status information (for example, information including “processing load information”) of the print control apparatus 300 as described in the above embodiment cannot be obtained.

  Further, in the image processing apparatus 200 according to the above-described embodiment, the point that the print data is received from the job input apparatus 100 permitted to receive after confirming the operation state of the print control apparatus 300 has been described. For example, the image processing apparatus 200 may check the operation state of the print control apparatus 300 after receiving print data from the job input apparatus 100 permitted to receive, and control holding or discarding of the received data.

  Finally, the present invention is not limited to the requirements shown here, such as combinations of other elements with the shapes and configurations described in the above embodiments. With respect to these points, the present invention can be changed within a range that does not detract from the gist of the present invention, and can be appropriately determined according to the application form.

1 Print Control System 11 Data Analysis Unit 12 Server Monitoring Unit (Job Submission Device Side)
13 Device Information Acquisition Unit 14 Information Holding Unit 15 Transmission Destination Determination Unit 16 Data Transmission Unit (Job Submission Device Side)
21 Server monitoring unit (image processing device side)
22 Data reception permission determination unit 23 Data reception unit 24 Accumulated print data holding unit 25 Processing result notification unit 26 Print control unit 261 Accumulated information acquisition unit 262 Print data specification unit 263 Print data request unit 264 Print data request reception unit 27 Data transmission unit (Image processing device side)
100 Job submission device (information processing device)
101 Input Device 102 Display Device 103 Drive Device (a: Recording Medium)
104 RAM (volatile semiconductor memory)
105 ROM (nonvolatile semiconductor memory)
106 CPU (Processor)
107 Interface device 108 HDD (nonvolatile storage device)
200 Image processing device 210 Controller (control board)
211 CPU (processing device)
212 storage devices (volatile and non-volatile semiconductor memory, mass storage devices, etc.)
213 Network I / F (NIC: Network I / F Card)
214 External storage I / F (a: recording medium)
220 Operation panel (display device)
230 Plotter 240 Scanner 300 Print Control Device (Print Control Server)
400 Authentication management device (authentication management server)
500 Device management device (device management server)
B Bus N Data transmission path (network)

JP 2008-107921 A

Claims (19)

Printing in which a first information processing apparatus that transmits print data, a second information processing apparatus that stores the received print data, and an image processing apparatus that executes printing of the print data are connected via a network A control system,
The first information processing apparatus includes:
First transmission control means for performing processing relating to transmission of the print data to the second information processing apparatus;
Second transmission control means for transmitting the print data to the image processing device based on the processing result of the processing by the first transmission control means;
Have
The image processing apparatus includes:
A print control system comprising: a print control unit that controls a print process for the print data transmitted from the first information processing apparatus by the second transmission control unit based on a state of the second information processing apparatus. The first information processing apparatus has first acquisition means for acquiring state information of the second information processing apparatus,
The first transmission control unit transmits the print data to the second information processing apparatus based on the state information acquired by the first acquisition unit as a process related to transmission of the print data. Process to control whether or not
The second transmission control means transmits the print data to the image processing apparatus when the first transmission control means results in processing that does not transmit the print data to the second information processing apparatus. The print control system according to claim 1. The first transmission control means performs a process of transmitting the print data to the second information processing apparatus as a process related to the transmission of the print data,
The second transmission control means uses a response from the second information processing apparatus for the processing performed by the first transmission control means as a processing result, and based on the processing result, sends the print data to the image processing apparatus. The print control system according to claim 1, wherein   The print control according to claim 3, wherein the second transmission control unit transmits the print data to the image processing apparatus when the processing result is an error response from the second information processing apparatus. system. The image processing apparatus includes:
A second acquisition unit configured to acquire state information of the second information processing apparatus;
The print control unit controls a print process for the print data transmitted from the first information processing apparatus by the second transmission control unit based on the state information acquired by the second acquisition unit. The print control system according to any one of 1 to 4.   The print control unit receives the print data transmitted from the first information processing apparatus by the second transmission control unit and performs printing as the print processing based on the state of the second information processing apparatus. The print control system according to claim 1, wherein the print control system controls whether to execute or not to perform printing.   The state of the second information processing apparatus is at least one of a state related to a processing load executed by the second information processing apparatus and a state related to a processing time required for the second information processing apparatus to execute the process. The printing control system according to any one of claims 1 to 6. Printing in which a first information processing apparatus that transmits print data, a second information processing apparatus that stores the received print data, and an image processing apparatus that executes printing of the print data are connected via a network A printing control method in a control system,
The first information processing apparatus includes:
A first transmission control procedure for performing processing relating to transmission of the print data to the second information processing apparatus;
A second transmission control procedure for transmitting the print data to the image processing device based on a processing result of the processing by the first transmission control procedure;
Have
The image processing apparatus includes:
A print control method comprising: a print control procedure for controlling a print process for the print data transmitted by the first information processing apparatus according to the second transmission control procedure based on a state of the second information processing apparatus. A second information processing apparatus for storing the received print data, a first transmission control means for performing processing relating to transmission of the print data to the second information processing apparatus, and a process by the first transmission control means An image processing apparatus connected to a first information processing apparatus having a second transmission control means for transmitting the print data to the image processing apparatus based on the processing result of the print processing. And
An image processing apparatus comprising: a print control unit that controls a print process for the print data transmitted from the first information processing apparatus by the second transmission control unit based on a state of the second information processing apparatus. A second acquisition unit configured to acquire state information of the second information processing apparatus;
The print control unit controls a print process for the print data transmitted from the first information processing apparatus by the second transmission control unit based on the state information acquired by the second acquisition unit. The image processing apparatus according to 9.   The print control unit receives the print data transmitted from the first information processing apparatus by the second transmission control unit and performs printing as the print processing based on the state of the second information processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the image processing apparatus controls whether to execute or not receive and print.   The state of the second information processing apparatus is at least one of a state related to a processing load executed by the second information processing apparatus and a state related to a processing time required for the second information processing apparatus to execute the process. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 11. Another information processing apparatus that stores print data received from the information processing apparatus, and a print control unit that controls print processing for the print data transmitted by the information processing apparatus based on the state of the other information processing apparatus. And an information processing apparatus that transmits the print data via a network to an image processing apparatus that performs printing of the print data,
First transmission control means for performing processing relating to transmission of the print data to the other information processing apparatus;
Based on a processing result of the processing by the first transmission control unit, a second transmission control unit having the image processing apparatus as a transmission destination of the print data;
An information processing apparatus. First acquisition means for acquiring status information of the other information processing apparatus;
Whether the first transmission control unit transmits the print data to the other information processing apparatus based on the status information acquired by the first acquisition unit as a process related to the transmission of the print data. Process to control whether or not
The second transmission control means transmits the print data to the image processing apparatus when the first transmission control means results in processing that does not transmit the print data to the other information processing apparatus. Item 14. The information processing apparatus according to Item 13. The first transmission control means performs a process of transmitting the print data to the other information processing apparatus as a process related to the transmission of the print data,
The second transmission control means uses a response from the other information processing apparatus for the processing performed by the first transmission control means as a processing result, and sends the print data to the image processing apparatus based on the processing result. The information processing apparatus according to claim 13 for transmission.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the second transmission control unit transmits the print data to the image processing apparatus when the processing result is an error response from the other information processing apparatus. .   The state of the other information processing apparatus is at least one of a state related to a processing load executed by the other information processing apparatus and a state related to a processing time required for the other information processing apparatus to execute a process. Item 17. The information processing device according to any one of items 13 to 16. A second information processing apparatus for storing the received print data, a first transmission control means for performing processing relating to transmission of the print data to the second information processing apparatus, and a process by the first transmission control means A program in an image processing apparatus that is connected to a first information processing apparatus having a second transmission control unit that transmits the print data to the image processing apparatus and executes printing of the print data based on the processing result of Because
Computer
A program for causing the first information processing apparatus to function as a print control unit that controls a print process for the print data transmitted by the second transmission control unit based on a state of the second information processing apparatus. Another information processing apparatus that stores print data received from the information processing apparatus, and a print control unit that controls print processing for the print data transmitted by the information processing apparatus based on the state of the other information processing apparatus. And a program in an information processing apparatus that transmits the print data via a network to an image processing apparatus that executes printing of the print data,
Computer
First transmission control means for performing processing relating to transmission of the print data to the other information processing apparatus;
A second transmission control unit that uses the image processing apparatus as a transmission destination of the print data based on a processing result of the process by the first transmission control unit;
Program to function as.

Images