JP2015049647A - Print management server, control method of print management server, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To request, when a printer receives an output request, a user in a floor or a room where the printer is present, to collect the output, and transmit a print job to the printer when the collection is expected, so that the output which is to be confidentially managed can be securely collected.SOLUTION: A print management server which receives a print job from a first information processor, and transmits the print job to an image forming apparatus comprises the means of: storing address information of a plurality of information processors; extracting data of a second information processor having address information which is the stored address information of the information processors and identical with address information of the image forming apparatus, as a proxy collection candidate; transmitting a proxy collection request notification to the second information processor of the data extracted; and transmitting the print job to the image forming apparatus when a proxy collection permit notification is received from the second information processor which is notified of the proxy collection request.

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for controlling a print job and controlling timing for transmitting the print job to an image forming apparatus.

  When a user outputs a printed matter from a printer, the printed matter to be managed confidentially is often output in a mixed manner. However, there has conventionally been a problem that a printed matter to be managed confidentially is output in a mixed manner with other printed matter and is not collected and left by the user.

  In order to solve the problem, in Patent Document 1, if there is uncollected print job information corresponding to the confidentiality of the proxy collection requester, the proxy collection person is urged to collect the document of the print job to be collected. Some allow for surrogate collection.

  However, in Patent Document 1, there is a problem that there is a possibility that another person may have a printed matter when it takes time to collect the proxy.

JP 2012-141701 A

  However, in Patent Document 1, there is a problem that there is a possibility that another person may have a printed matter when it takes time to collect the proxy.

  In addition, when the floor or room where the printer is located is different from the floor or room where the user who requested printing is located, it is necessary to perform troublesome work such as requesting by email or telephone when requesting proxy collection.

  In view of the above problems, when an output request is made to a printer, the present invention requests the user of the floor or room where the printer exists to collect the data and prints it to the printer at the stage when the collection is expected. By sending a job, an object is to reliably collect output that should be managed confidentially.

  To achieve the above object, a print management server that receives a print job from a first information processing apparatus and transmits the print job to an image forming apparatus, and stores address information of a plurality of information processing apparatuses Data of the second information processing apparatus having address information that matches the address information stored in the information processing apparatus address storage means, the address information of the image forming apparatus, and the address information stored in the information processing apparatus address storage means is used as a proxy collection candidate. Proxy recovery candidate extraction means for extracting, proxy recovery request notification transmission means for transmitting a proxy recovery request notification to the second information processing apparatus for the data extracted by the proxy recovery candidate extraction means, and the proxy recovery request notification When the proxy collection permission notification is received from the second information processing apparatus notified by the transmission means, the print job is transmitted to the image forming apparatus. And having a print job transmission means.

  According to the present invention, when there is an output request to the printer, a request for collection is made to the user of the floor or room where the printer exists, and a print job is transmitted to the printer at the stage when the collection is expected. Thus, it is possible to reliably collect output that should be managed confidentially.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall flow of a print control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a computer applicable to the information processing apparatus 100 and the print management server 200 in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 300 in FIG. 1. 6 is an example of a flowchart illustrating processing after reception of a print command, which is performed by a CPU 201 of the print management server 200. 4 is an example of a flowchart illustrating processing after a proxy collection request performed by a CPU 201 of the print management server 200. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of print job data transmitted from the information processing apparatus 100 to the print management server 200. FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of apparatus data stored in the print management server 200 in which an information processing apparatus 100 and an image forming apparatus 300 are installed, and an IP address. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of proxy collection candidate data that the print management server 200 has. FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of the proxy collection candidate list produced | generated for every print job (management ID). 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a proxy collection request screen displayed on the display device 210 of the information processing apparatus 100. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a proxy collection recruitment screen displayed on the display device 210 of the information processing apparatus 100. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a proxy collection cancellation screen displayed on the display device 210 of the information processing apparatus 100. FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the proxy collection person notification screen displayed on the display apparatus 210 of information processing apparatus.

  Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall flow of a print control system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system according to the embodiment of the present invention includes an image forming apparatus (PR300) such as a multifunction peripheral, an information processing apparatus (PC100), and a print management server (SV200) that manages printed matter therebetween. It is configured.

  The image forming apparatus 300 is an apparatus that receives a print job transmitted from the information processing apparatus 100 via the print management server 200 and outputs print data.

  The print management server 200 temporarily stores the print job transmitted from the information processing apparatus 100 and recruits a proxy collection person. When the proxy collection person is found, the stored print job is transmitted to the designated image forming apparatus 300.

  The information processing apparatus 100 is a terminal used by a user, and has a function of obtaining a printed matter from the image forming apparatus 300 by generating a print job and transmitting it to the print management server 200.

  For example, in the case of FIG. 1, let us consider a case where Mr. A on the second floor wants to output with the printer (PR) 300 on the seventh floor.

  First, the user A operates the information processing apparatus (PC) 100 to give a document file print instruction in “1. Printer output command”. The information processing apparatus 100 includes a printer driver, and receives a print setting from a user on a UI (User Interface) provided by the printer driver.

  Next, the information processing apparatus 100 transmits the print job to the print management server 200 in “2. Send print job information”. The transmitted print job is temporarily stored in the print management server 200, and printing starts when the proxy collection person is confirmed or when the user A inputs that the printed material is collected by himself / herself.

  Next, the print management server 200 transmits to the information processing apparatus 100 an inquiry as to whether or not the received print job is to be collected by proxy in “3.

  Next, in response to an inquiry about whether to perform proxy collection in “4. Response to perform proxy collection”, the user A inputs that proxy collection and returns it to the print management server 200.

  Next, the print management server 200 determines the information processing apparatus 100 (proxy recovery candidate) at the same position as or near to the image forming apparatus 300 from the position information (described later in FIG. 7) of the apparatus included in the printer management server 200. In “5. proxy collection recruitment”, the proxy collection request screen is displayed on the information processing apparatus (PC) 102 or (PC) 103 at the same position as or close to the image forming apparatus 300.

  Next, the user B who undertakes proxy collection presses down the screen of the information processing apparatus 102 in “6. Proxy collection solicitation response” and sends a reply indicating that proxy collection is undertaken.

  Next, the print management server 200 sends a proxy collection request to another information processing apparatus 103 that has displayed the proxy collection request in “5. Proxy collection request” in “7. Delete the screen and display a screen to the effect that the proxy collector has been confirmed.

  Next, the print management server 200 transmits the temporarily stored print job to the image forming apparatus 300 in “8. Send print job information”. The transmitted print job is printed in “9. Print execution”, and the printed matter is output to the image forming apparatus (PR) 300 on the seventh floor.

  At the same time, the print management server 200 notifies the information processing apparatus 100 that proxy collection of the printed material is performed in “10. This notification is also effective when the user A goes to pick up the printed matter with the proxy collection person.

  On the other hand, the output printed matter is delivered to the user A on the second floor, who is the proxy collection requester, by the user B who has accepted the proxy collection in “11. Delivery of printed matter”. Note that the user A may move to the seventh floor where the user B is present and receive the printed matter.

  With the above processing, even when the distance between the user and the printer is long, it is possible to prevent the printed matter from being left on the abandon tray for a long time, and to reliably collect the output that should be managed confidentially. Has the effect of enabling.

  Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus applicable to the information processing apparatus 100 and the print management server 200 of FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a CPU that comprehensively controls each device and controller connected to the system bus 204. Further, the ROM 203 or the external memory 211 is necessary for realizing a function executed by the information processing apparatus 100 such as a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System), an operating system program (hereinafter referred to as OS), which is a control program of the CPU 201. Various programs to be described later are stored.

  A RAM 202 functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 201. The CPU 201 implements various operations by loading a program necessary for execution of processing from the ROM 203 or the external memory 211 into the RAM 202 and executing the loaded program.

  An input controller 205 controls input from an input device 209 such as a keyboard and a pointing device. A video controller 206 controls display on a display device such as the display device 210. These are used by the operator as needed.

  A memory controller 207 is connected to the 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, etc. via an adapter. The access to the external memory 211 such as a compact flash (registered trademark) memory is controlled.

  A communication I / F (interface) controller 208 is connected to and communicates with an external device via a network (for example, the LAN 103 shown in FIG. 1), and executes communication control processing in the network. For example, communication using TCP / IP is possible.

  Note that the CPU 201 enables display on the display device 210 by executing outline font rasterization processing on a display information area in the RAM 202, for example. Further, the CPU 201 enables a user instruction with a mouse cursor (not shown) on the display device 210.

  The processing of each step shown in the flowchart to be described later for realizing the present invention is executed by a program that can be read and executed by a computer, and the program is recorded in the external memory 211. Then, it is executed by the CPU 201 by being loaded into the RAM 202 as necessary. Furthermore, definition files and various information tables used when executing the program are also stored in the external memory 211, and a detailed description thereof will be described later.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 300 in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 300 of FIG.

  In FIG. 3, reference numeral 316 denotes a controller unit which is connected to a scanner 314 functioning as an image input device and a printer unit 312 functioning as an image output device, while being connected to a LAN (for example, the LAN 103 shown in FIG. 1) or a public line (WAN). ) (For example, PSTN or ISDN) to input / output image data and device information.

  In the controller unit 316, reference numeral 301 denotes a CPU, which is a processor that controls the entire system. A RAM 302 is a system work memory for the CPU 301 to operate, 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. Print data received from the information processing apparatus 100 is also stored in the HDD 304.

  An operation unit interface (operation unit I / F) 307 is an interface unit with the operation unit 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.

  A network interface (network I / F) 305 is connected to a network such as the LAN 103 and inputs / outputs data. A modem 306 is connected to a public line and inputs / outputs data such as FAX transmission / reception.

  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, RS-232C, and the like, and is required when performing user authentication in this embodiment. A card reader 319 for reading a non-contact IC card (storage medium) 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 318, and can acquire information read from the IC card. The above devices are arranged on the system bus 309.

  An image bus interface (image bus I / F) 320 connects the system bus 309 and an image bus 315 that transfers image data at high speed, and is a bus bridge that converts a 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 312 and the controller unit 316, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. A scanner interface (scanner I / F) 313 connects the scanner 314 and the controller unit 316 and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.

  An image processing unit 317 corrects, processes, and edits input image data, and performs printer correction, resolution conversion, and the like on print output image data. In addition to this, the image processing unit 317 performs image data rotation and compression / decompression processing such as JPEG for multi-valued image data and JBIG, MMR, MH for binary image data. Then, the image processing unit 317 drives the scanner 314 to perform image processing on the image data that has been read, converts the image data into a file outputable format (for example, a PDF format file), and cooperates with the CPU 301 to perform network processing. A file of image data can be transmitted to an external device via the I / F 305.

  The scanner 314 illuminates an image on paper as a document and scans it with a CCD line sensor, thereby converting it into an electrical signal as raster image data. 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 314, and the feeder feeds the original paper one by one to read the original image. I do.

  The printer 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 an image is directly printed on paper by ejecting ink from a minute nozzle array. There are inkjet methods for printing, but any method may be used. The activation of the printing operation is started by an instruction from the CPU 301. The printer 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.

  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 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.

  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. Further, 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 or manually performing logout processing of the user. The reset key is used when initializing settings from the operation unit.

  The card reader 319 reads information stored in the non-contact IC card under the control of the CPU 301 and notifies the CPU 301 of the read information via the external I / F 318.

  With the configuration as described above, the image forming apparatus 300 can transmit the image data read from the scanner 314 to the LAN 103, and print out the print data received from the LAN 103 with the printer 312.

  Also, the image data read from the scanner 314 can be faxed to the public line by the modem 306, and the image data received by fax from the public line can be printed out by the printer 312.

  Next, the flow of processing of the print management server according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 4 is an example of a flowchart illustrating processing after receiving a print command, which is performed by the CPU 201 of the print management server 200. Prior to this processing, description of processing for transmitting a print job from the information processing apparatus 100 to the print management server 200 will be omitted.

  A program for causing the print management server 200 to execute the processing shown in FIG. 4 is stored in the external memory 211. When executing this processing, the CPU 201 loads the program into the RAM 202, and follows control by the loaded program. This processing is executed.

  The flowchart in FIG. 4 is processing that is started when a print command is transmitted from the information processing apparatus 100 to the print management server 200.

  First, the CPU 201 of the print management server 200 receives a print job and a print command from the information processing apparatus 100 in step S401. An example of received data will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of print job data transmitted from the information processing apparatus 100 to the print management server 200.

  In FIG. 6, 600 is a list of print jobs, and 601 is a print job ID of the print job. In 602, the ID of the user who requested printing is registered. A file name to be printed is registered in 603, and a printer name to be printed is registered in 605. In 604, the management status of the proxy collection system is registered. The management status will be described later. In 606, the IP address of the user PC (information processing apparatus) 100 that has requested printing is registered. Return to the description of the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S401 in FIG. 4, the print command and print job received by the print management server 200 are items 601 to 603, 605, and 606 in FIG. 6 and print data to be printed.

  In step S <b> 402, the CPU 201 of the print management server 200 acquires IP addresses, installation locations, and the like of the printer (image forming apparatus) 300 and the PCs (information processing apparatuses) 100, 102, and 103 that transmit print commands. . By acquiring the IP address and installation location of the printer or PC, a user who uses a PC at the same installation location as the printer or a user who uses a PC installed nearby is found. Request surrogate collection. An example of the IP address to be acquired will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of device data (address storage unit) stored in the print management server 200 in which the information processing device 100 and the image management device 200 are installed, and IP addresses.

  Reference numeral 700 in FIG. 7 denotes a database that manages the information of each device, in which a device name 701 is registered, a device installation area 702 is registered, and an IP address of the device is registered 703.

  For example, “PRINTER-7S1” in the first line of the database is installed in “seventh floor south”, and the PCs having the same “seventh floor south” installation area are “CLIENT-4” and “CLIENT-”. 5 ". Note that the difference between the PC and the printer is that the first half of the device name is divided by “PRINTER” or “CLIENT”.

  In the device information of FIG. 7, the device installation area is registered, but only the IP address of the device may be used. If only the IP address of the device is used, it may be divided into each segment of the network. For example, it may be recognized that the installation location is the same or close. Return to the description of the flowchart of FIG.

  Next, in step S403 of FIG. 4, the CPU 201 of the print management server 200 generates and transmits a screen for confirming whether the information processing apparatus 100 requests proxy collection. A specific screen image to be generated will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a proxy collection request screen displayed on the display device 210 of the information processing apparatus 100.

  10 in FIG. 10 is an example of a proxy collection request screen displayed on the display device 210 of the information processing apparatus 100 when the print command and print job in the first line in FIG. 9 are received.

  In 1001, the installation location of the printer 300 that requested printing is displayed, and the location of the current print requester (more precisely, the installation location of the PC 100 that requested printing) is also displayed in 1002. These pieces of information are extracted from the device information acquired in step S402. On this screen, click buttons 1003 and 1004 for determining whether or not to request proxy collection are provided, and the subsequent processing is divided in step S405 depending on the button to be clicked. Returning to the flowchart of FIG.

  Next, in step S404 of FIG. 4, the CPU 201 of the print management server 200 receives information input from the user on the proxy collection request screen displayed in step S403 by the information processing apparatus 100. Specifically, in FIG. 10, it is accepted whether the button “1003” for requesting proxy collection has been pressed or the button “1004” for not requesting proxy collection has been pressed.

  Next, in step S405, the CPU 201 of the print management server 200 receives the selection of whether or not to request proxy collection received in step S404, and divides the processing. Specifically, in step S404, if an input indicating that proxy collection is not to be performed (that is, the button “1004” that does not request proxy collection has been pressed) is entered, the process proceeds to step S412 and designated in step S412. Send the print job to the printer immediately or with a time difference, and perform the normal print processing to execute printing, and finish the processing in this flowchart

  On the other hand, in step S404, if an input for proxy collection (that is, the button “1004” for requesting proxy collection is pressed) is entered, the process proceeds to the next step S406 in step S405.

  In step S406, the CPU 201 of the print management server 200 changes the management status 604 of the print job information in FIG. 6 to “proxy collection request”. Other status statuses managed by this management status 604 include “recovery of surrogate collectors”, “confirmation of surrogate collectors”, “confirmation of surrogate collectors”, “cancellation of surrogate collections”, “print execution”, etc. The item of the management status 604 changes depending on the situation. This management status 604 can be confirmed by the user who requested proxy collection by a print management program by a print management server (not shown), and the management status for the user who requested proxy collection to easily confirm the current status of the printed matter. It is.

  In step S <b> 407, the CPU 201 of the print management server 200 acquires proxy collection candidate information included in the print management server 200. A specific example of proxy collection candidate information will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of proxy collection candidate data included in the print management server 200.

  8 is a list of proxy collection candidates that the print management server 200 has, 801 is the ID of the proxy collection candidate, 802 is the name of the proxy collection candidate, and 803 is the area where the proxy collection candidate is located. 804, the IP address of the PC used by the proxy collection candidate is registered. Note that the data in FIG. 8 may be held by the print management server 200, or information managed by another server (for example, a Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) server) may be used. Returning to the flowchart of FIG.

When the proxy collection candidate data as shown in FIG. 8 is acquired in step S407 of FIG. 4, next, in step S408, the CPU 201 of the print management server 200 is located at the same installation location as the image forming apparatus 300 or close to the installation location. A certain information processing device (102, 103, etc. in the example of FIG. 1) is searched, and a user of the information processing device is extracted.
A specific extraction method will be described below.

  An information processing apparatus at the same installation location as or close to the image forming apparatus 300 includes print job information such as 600 in FIG. 6, apparatus information such as 700 in FIG. 7, and proxy such as 800 in FIG. Extracted from the collection candidate information. For example, when the job on the first line in FIG. 6 is received, the name of the print printer that has received the print instruction is “PRINTER-7S1”, and the installation location of “PRINTER-7S1” is “7” from the device information in FIG. It is "south south". “CLIENT-4” and “CLIENT-5” exist as information processing apparatuses in “seventh floor south” where the print printer is installed. The user information using “CLIENT-4” and “CLIENT-5” is acquired from the proxy recoverer candidate information in FIG. 8 and extracted using the IP address as a key.

  In step S409, the CPU 201 of the print management server 200 generates a proxy collection candidate list (proxy collection candidate extraction unit). The generated proxy collection candidate list will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a proxy collection candidate list generated for each print job (management ID).

  900 in FIG. 9 is an example of the proxy collection candidate list generated when the print job in the first line in FIG. 6 is executed, and the management ID of the print job in the first line in FIG. Is entered. The proxy collection candidate ID extracted in step S408 is generated in 902, the name of the proxy collection candidate in 903, and the IP address of the PC (information processing apparatus) used by the proxy collection candidate in 904. . In addition, although the presence information of the candidate is acquired in 905, this information may be determined based on whether the proxy collection candidate's PC is turned on, or in cooperation with the entrance / exit management system. May be. Returning to the flowchart of FIG.

  Next, in step S410, the CPU 201 of the print management server 200 generates a screen to be sent to the proxy collection candidate and transmits it to the proxy collection candidate information processing apparatus (PCs 102 and 103 in the case of FIG. 1) (proxy collection). Request notification sending part). A specific screen image to be generated will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a proxy collection solicitation screen displayed on the display device 210 of the information processing apparatus.

  11 is an example of generation of a proxy collection solicitation screen when the print job in the first line of FIG. 6 is received, and displays what a user who requests proxy collection should do. It is a screen.

  A user who has displayed the screen 1100 and can collect the printed material displayed in 1102 clicks a “Yes” button 1101 to undertake collection of the printed material.

  On the other hand, although the screen 1100 in FIG. 11 is displayed, a user who cannot collect the printed material displays an intention to not collect the printed material by closing the screen itself. Returning to the flowchart of FIG.

  Next, in step S411 in FIG. 4, the CPU 201 of the print management server 200 changes the management status 604 of the print job information in FIG.

  Thereafter, the process is temporarily stopped until there is a response from the proxy recovery candidate to proxy recovery.

  Next, a process after a response for proxy collection from the proxy collection candidate will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5 is an example of a flowchart illustrating processing after the commission collection is performed by the CPU 201 of the print management server 200.

  A program for causing the print management server 200 to execute the processing shown in FIG. 5 is stored in the external memory 211. When executing this processing, the CPU 201 loads the program into the RAM 202, and follows control by the loaded program. This processing is executed.

  The flowchart of FIG. 5 is a process that is started when there is a notification to undertake proxy collection in step S410.

  First, in step S501, the CPU 201 of the print management server 200 receives information indicating that proxy collection is entrusted from the information processing apparatus (PC 102 in the example of FIG. 1) (proxy collection permission receiving unit). Specifically, the information for pressing the “Yes” button 1101 in FIG. 11 is received.

  Next, in step S502, the CPU 201 of the print management server 200 changes the management status 604 of the print job information in FIG.

  Next, in step S503, the CPU 201 of the print management server 200 transmits, in step S410, an instruction to delete the proxy collection recruitment screen (FIG. 11) transmitted to the information processing apparatus (PC 102, 103) in step S410. Send to. Each sent information processing apparatus deletes the proxy collection recruitment screen (FIG. 11) if the proxy collection recruitment screen (FIG. 11) has not yet been erased.

  Next, in step S504, the CPU 201 of the print management server 200 generates a proxy collection cancellation screen, and among the information processing apparatuses transmitted in step S410, the information processing apparatus that transmitted step S501 (in the example of FIG. 1, the PC 102). ) Other than the information processing apparatus (PC 103 in the example of FIG. 1). A specific screen image to be generated will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a proxy collection cancellation screen displayed on the display device 210 of the information processing apparatus.

  When 1200 in FIG. 12 specifically receives the print job in the first line in FIG. 6 and receives a notification from Mr. B's PC 102 to entrust proxy collection as in FIG. It is an example of a proxy collection cancellation screen to be notified to the PC 103.

  As a result of the display of 1200, it is understood that the user who has received 1200 no longer needs to collect the printed matter requested to be collected from the user described in 1201. Returning to the flowchart of FIG.

  Next, in step S505 in FIG. 5, the CPU 201 of the print management server 200 changes the management status 604 of the print job information in FIG. 6 to “substitute collection cancellation”.

  In step S506, the CPU 201 of the print management server 200 transmits the print job itself received in step S401 to the designated image forming apparatus 300 (print job transmission unit).

  In step S507, the CPU 201 of the print management server 200 changes the management status 604 of the print job information in FIG. 6 to “print execution”.

  Next, in step S <b> 508, the CPU 201 of the print management server 200 generates and transmits a screen for notifying the information processing apparatus 100 of the proxy collection requester of the location of the proxy collection requester. A specific screen image to be generated will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a proxy collection person notification screen displayed on the display device 210 of the information processing apparatus.

  13 is an example of generation of the proxy collection person notification screen when the print job in the first line of FIG. 6 is printed, and 1301 is the name of the print file requested by the proxy collection requester. Reference numeral 1302 displays the name and location area of the proxy printer. The information 1302 is a result obtained from the proxy collection candidate information 800 in FIG.

  By displaying a screen image such as 1300, the surrogate collection requester can grasp the location and name of the surrogate collection person, and once he issues a print command, to whom can he get the printed matter? You can easily see if it is good.

  In the invention of the present application, by configuring as described above, even if the proxy collection requester requests printing, and the print material is later retrieved, the printed material is not left unattended, and the proxy collection is performed. Since the printed matter is held by the person, it is possible to reduce the possibility of leaving the printed matter that should be kept confidential.

  The present invention can be implemented as, for example, a system, apparatus, method, program, or storage medium.

Embodiments are also possible. Specifically, the present invention may be applied to a system including a plurality of devices, or may be applied to an apparatus including a single device.

  Note that the present invention includes a software program that implements the functions of the above-described embodiments directly or remotely from a system or apparatus. The present invention also includes a case where the system or the computer of the apparatus is achieved by reading and executing the supplied program code.

  Accordingly, since the functions of the present invention are implemented by computer, the program code installed in the computer also implements the present invention. In other words, the present invention includes a computer program itself for realizing the functional processing of the present invention.

  In that case, as long as it has the function of a program, it may be in the form of object code, a program executed by an interpreter, script data supplied to the OS, or the like.

  Examples of the recording medium for supplying the program include a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, and CD-RW. In addition, there are magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD-R), and the like.

  As another program supply method, a browser on a client computer is used to connect to an Internet home page. The computer program itself of the present invention or a compressed file including an automatic installation function can be downloaded from the homepage by downloading it to a recording medium such as a hard disk.

  It can also be realized by dividing the program code constituting the program of the present invention into a plurality of files and downloading each file from a different homepage. That is, a WWW server that allows a plurality of users to download a program file for realizing the functional processing of the present invention on a computer is also included in the present invention.

  In addition, the program of the present invention is encrypted, stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, distributed to users, and key information for decryption is downloaded from a homepage via the Internet to users who have cleared predetermined conditions. Let It is also possible to execute the encrypted program by using the downloaded key information and install the program on a computer.

  Further, the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the computer executing the read program. In addition, based on the instructions of the program, an OS or the like running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments can also be realized by the processing.

  Further, the program read from the recording medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. Thereafter, the CPU of the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of the program, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  The above-described embodiments are merely examples of implementation in carrying out the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited thereto. That is, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the technical idea or the main features thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Information processing apparatus 102 Information processing apparatus 103 Information processing apparatus 200 Print management server 300 Image forming apparatus 201 CPU
202 RAM
203 ROM
204 System Bus 205 Input Controller 206 Video Controller 207 Memory Controller 208 Communication Interface (I / F) Controller 209 Input Device 210 Display Device 211 External Memory 301 CPU
302 RAM
303 ROM
304 Hard disk drive (HDD)
305 Network interface (I / F)
306 Modem 307 Operation unit interface (I / F)
308 Operation unit 309 System bus 310 RIP
311 Printer interface (I / F)
312 Printer 313 Scanner Interface (I / F)
314 Scanner 315 Image bus 316 Controller unit 317 Image processing unit 318 External interface (I / F)
319 Card Reader 320 Image Bus Interface (I / F)

Claims (9)

A print management server that receives a print job from a first information processing apparatus and transmits the print job to an image forming apparatus;
Information processing device address storage means for storing address information of a plurality of information processing devices;
Proxy recovery candidate extraction means for extracting data of the second information processing apparatus having address information that matches the address information of the image forming apparatus and the address information stored in the information processing apparatus address storage means as a proxy recovery candidate; ,
Proxy collection request notification transmission means for transmitting a proxy collection request notification to the second information processing apparatus of the data extracted by the proxy collection candidate extraction means;
Proxy collection permission receiving means for receiving notification of proxy collection permission from the second information processing apparatus notified by the proxy collection request notification transmission means;
A print job transmitting means for transmitting the print job to the image forming apparatus upon receipt of a proxy collection permission notification by the proxy collection permission receiving means;
A print management server. The address information includes a network IP address,
The print management server according to claim 1, wherein the condition for matching the address information extracted by the proxy collection candidate extraction unit is in the same segment on the network. Proxy collection permission information processing device specifying means for specifying a third information processing device that has received notification of proxy collection permission by the proxy collection permission receiving device from among the second information processing devices;
Proxy collection information processing apparatus notifying means for notifying the first information processing apparatus of the third information processing apparatus specified by the proxy collection permission information processing apparatus specifying means;
The print management server according to claim 1, further comprising: The information processing device address storage means stores a user name of each information processing device,
The print management server according to claim 3, wherein the proxy collection information processing device notifying unit notifies a user name of the third information processing device.   The print management server according to claim 4, wherein the proxy collection request notification transmission unit also notifies a user name of the first information processing apparatus.   It has proxy collection cancellation notification means for notifying proxy collection cancellation to a second information processing apparatus other than the third information processing apparatus specified by the proxy collection permission information processing apparatus specifying means. The print management server according to claim 3. After receiving a print job from the first information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus includes: a proxy collection permission / inhibition determination transmission unit that transmits information prompting the determination of whether to permit proxy collection of the print job to the first information processing apparatus. The print management server according to any one of claims 1 to 6. Control for controlling a print management server, which has an information processing apparatus address storage means for storing address information of a plurality of information processing apparatuses, receives a print job from the first information processing apparatus and transmits the print job to the image forming apparatus A method,
A proxy collection candidate extraction step of extracting, as a proxy collection candidate, data of the second information processing apparatus having address information that matches the address information of the image forming apparatus and the address information stored in the information processing apparatus address storage unit; ,
A proxy collection request notification transmission step of transmitting a proxy collection request notification to the second information processing apparatus of the data extracted by the proxy collection candidate extraction step;
From the second information processing apparatus notified by the proxy collection request notification transmission step, a proxy collection permission receiving step for receiving notification of proxy collection permission;
When a proxy collection permission notification is received by the proxy collection permission reception step, a print job transmission control step for controlling transmission of the print job to the image forming apparatus;
A method for controlling a print management server, comprising: A print management server that has an information processing apparatus address storage unit that stores address information of a plurality of information processing apparatuses, receives a print job from the first information processing apparatus, and transmits the print job to the image forming apparatus;
Proxy recovery candidate extraction means for extracting data of the second information processing apparatus having address information that matches the address information of the image forming apparatus and the address information stored in the information processing apparatus address storage means as a proxy recovery candidate; ,
Proxy collection request notification transmission means for transmitting a proxy collection request notification to the second information processing apparatus of the data extracted by the proxy collection candidate extraction means;
Proxy collection permission receiving means for receiving notification of proxy collection permission from the second information processing apparatus notified by the proxy collection request notification transmission means;
A computer program that, when a proxy collection permission notification is received by the proxy collection permission receiving unit, operates as a print job transmission control unit that controls transmission of the print job to an image forming apparatus.

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