JP2017151851A - Print processing system, print managing device, and print processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a print processing system for efficiently processing a print job with a user interface which is easy to understand, in print processing that uses a hot folder.SOLUTION: When an image file is stored in a data folder 830 of a management server 8, print setting that is associated with the data folder in advance is applied and a print job is processed. When performing printout with an image editing software 611 of PC6, when a user selects any one hot folder as an output device, a virtual printer driver 612 acquires setting information for print setting from a print setting file 831 of the management server, displays a user interface screen including a print parameter of which selection of a value is regulated depending on setting information and a print parameter which can be selected from a plurality of values, and upon receiving setting of a selectable print parameter, stores an image file processed according to the received setting result in the data folder.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to a print processing technique used for printing by storing an image file in a specific data folder.

In a print processing system that executes printing based on an image file, in order to perform the printing process smoothly, printing is executed by storing the image file in a data folder prepared in advance. There is. For example, what is called a hot folder corresponds to this. In this type of technology, a user stores an image file desired to be printed in a specific data folder. The print processing means for executing the print process prints an image corresponding to the image file by applying print settings set in advance in association with the data folder. Therefore, the user only has to put the image file to be printed in the hot folder, and there is no need to make detailed settings for each printing.

On the other hand, Patent Document 1 describes an invention in which print settings in a hot folder can be changed afterwards. In this technique, when setting the print attribute of a hot folder, it is possible to designate a plurality of print parameters that can be changed later. When an image file is inserted into the hot folder, a print parameter setting screen that can be changed is displayed.

JP 2007-011576 A

In the above prior art, when an image file is put into a hot folder, some print parameters that can be set are presented to the user, but other print parameters preset for the hot folder are not shown to the user. . For this reason, there is a problem that it is difficult for the user to predict the finished state of printing to be executed. In particular, in a configuration in which a hot folder can accept a plurality of image files, changing the print settings assigned to the hot folder for each image file is not necessarily from the viewpoint of efficient processing of a print job. It is not preferable.

Some aspects according to the present invention have a configuration capable of solving at least a part of the above-described problems, and a printing process provided for printing by storing an image file in a predetermined data folder Provides a user interface that is easy to understand, and provides a technology that can efficiently process a print job.

One aspect of the present invention is a data storage unit provided with a data folder capable of storing an image file, a setting information holding unit that holds setting information related to a print setting that is predetermined in association with the data folder, One or more image files stored in a data folder and a print processing means for processing a print job based on the print settings associated with the data folder; and a user interface means for receiving an instruction input, the user interface The means acquires the setting information from the setting information holding means, and via a user interface screen that displays print parameters that are restricted in value selection by the setting information and print parameters that can be selected from a plurality of values. Setting the selectable print parameters Accepting a data that associate the results accepted in the image file printing processing system for storing in the data folder.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data storage unit provided with a data folder capable of storing an image file, a setting information holding unit for holding setting information relating to a predetermined print setting in association with the data folder, One or a plurality of image files stored in the data folder and job creating means for creating a print job based on the print settings associated with the data folder; User interface means for storing in a folder, wherein the user interface means obtains the setting information from the setting information holding means, and selects from a plurality of values printing parameters whose value selection is regulated by the setting information A user interface that displays possible printing parameters Via Esu screen, accept the setting of the selectable printing parameters, a printing management apparatus for storing associated configuration results accepted in the image file data in the data folder.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print processing method for processing a print job based on one or more image files stored in a predetermined data folder and print settings associated with the data folder, Accepts an instruction input for storing the image file in the data folder, obtains setting information related to the print settings, and print parameters in which selection of values is regulated by the setting information and print parameters selectable from a plurality of values And accepting the selectable print parameter settings via the user interface screen, and storing data in which the accepted setting results are associated with the image file in the data folder.

According to such a configuration, the print parameters set in advance in association with the data folder are displayed on the user interface screen in the same manner as the print parameters that can be set by the user. For this reason, the user can grasp the entire print parameter setting status from the user interface screen, for example, in the same manner as when using a general printer driver. Therefore, it is easy to predict the finished product obtained by executing printing. In addition, since the change of the print parameter relating to the preset print setting is restricted and inappropriate setting is avoided, the user can obtain a print product with the intended finish. Further, even when a plurality of image files are stored in the data folder, the same print settings can be applied, so that processing can be performed efficiently.

In the above, for example, an image file reflecting the setting result may be stored in the data folder. According to such a configuration, the result of the user setting is reflected in the image file when it is stored in the data folder, and therefore it is not necessary to make any distinction in the processing of the image file after storage. Therefore, for example, a plurality of image files can be processed as one print job, and the processing efficiency in printing can be improved.

Further, for example, an image file and a file containing information on setting results may be stored in the data folder. According to such a configuration, if the process for reflecting the user settings is performed on the image file stored in the data folder, the same process can be applied to each image file thereafter. Therefore, also in this case, it is possible to improve the processing efficiency in printing.

Further, for example, on the user interface screen, a print parameter whose value selection is restricted by setting information and a print parameter that can be selected from a plurality of values may be displayed on the same user interface screen in a manner distinguishable from each other. . According to such a configuration, the user can easily predict the print finish by listing the print parameters already set by the print settings and the print parameters that can be selected from a plurality of values.

Also, for example, in response to an instruction input that specifies the output destination of an image file as a data folder,
The user interface screen may be displayed. According to such a configuration, since the user interface screen is automatically displayed in response to an instruction input, it is possible to prevent the user from performing printing without confirming the settings and performing the necessary settings.

Further, for example, the data storage means may be configured to accept image files from a plurality of user interface means. With the configuration described above, the print settings previously associated with the data folder are not changed. Therefore, even when image files are given from different user interface means as described above, it is possible to execute printing efficiently by executing a process common to them.

For example, a plurality of data folders with different print settings may be provided. According to such a configuration, it is possible for the user to selectively use printing with different print settings by selecting a data folder as an image file storage destination. Since the same processing is applied to the image files stored in the same data folder, the advantage that the processing can be performed efficiently does not change.

In addition, for example, a print management unit that generates a print job based on one or a plurality of image files stored in the data folder and a print setting associated with the data folder and supplies the print job to the print processing unit may be provided. According to such a configuration, it is possible to perform high-speed and advanced processing by generating a print job based on one or a plurality of image files by using a dedicated print management unit.

Note that not all of the plurality of constituent elements included in each aspect of the present invention described above are essential, in order to solve part or all of the above-described problems or a part of the effects described in the present specification. Or, in order to achieve all of them, it is possible to change, delete, replace with another new component, or partially delete the limited content of some components of a plurality of components as appropriate. . In order to solve some or all of the above-described problems or achieve some or all of the effects described in this specification, technical features included in one embodiment of the present invention described above. A part or all of the technical features included in the other aspects of the present invention described above may be combined to form an independent form of the present invention.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a print processing system to which the present invention can be applied. The figure explaining the outline | summary of the printing process using a hot folder. The figure explaining in more detail the printing process using a hot folder. The figure which illustrates an output device selection screen. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of a virtual printer driver. The figure which shows the 1st example of a user interface screen. The figure which shows the 2nd example of a user interface screen. The figure which shows the other aspect regarding storage of an image file. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a print processing system that does not include a management server.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a print processing system to which the present invention can be applied. The print processing system 1 includes a personal computer (hereinafter abbreviated as “PC”) 6, a printer 7, and a management server 8, which are communicably connected to each other (Local Area Network; hereinafter referred to as “LAN”). (Abbreviated). More specifically, information terminal devices such as a PC 6, a printer 7, and a management server 8 are connected to the LAN line 5. Each of these information terminal devices may be included in the print processing system 1. In the example of FIG. 1, a plurality of PCs 6 and printers 7 are provided. Moreover, the connection between each above-mentioned component does not ask | require wired and wireless as long as it can communicate mutually.

The PC 6 provided in the print processing system 1 has a hardware configuration similar to that of a general personal computer. That is, the PC 6 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 61 that controls each part of the PC and a calculation process, a memory 62 that temporarily stores calculation data, and a storage 63 that stores and stores control programs to be executed by the CPU 61 and various data. , An interface (IF) 64 responsible for communication with the outside, an input unit 65 for receiving operation input from the user, a display unit 66 for performing various notifications to the user, etc., which are electrically connected to each other To exchange data.

The printer 7 also has a hardware configuration similar to a general configuration as a network printer. That is, the printer 7 includes a controller 71 that controls each part of the printer and data processing, a printer engine 72 that executes a printing operation on a medium (print medium), a memory 73 that temporarily stores image data, and communication with the outside. Interface (IF) 74, an input unit 75 that receives an operation input from the user, a display unit 76 that performs various notifications to the user, and the like, which are electrically connected to exchange data with each other. . Hereinafter, the printer engine 72 will be described as an inkjet type as an example, but the printing method is not limited to this and is arbitrary.

Note that the printer 7 may have a storage in the same manner as the PC 6 in order to accept large-capacity image data. Further, on the assumption that the user interface is realized on the PC 6, at least one of the input unit 75 and the display unit 76 may be simplified or omitted. Further, the printer 7 may be included in the print processing system 1 as a so-called local printer connected to the PC 6 without going through the LAN line 5 in addition to being included in the system as a so-called network printer.

The management server 8 has a function of managing the print processing system 1 including various terminal devices connected to each other via the LAN line 5. The configuration is the same as that of a general PC. Specifically, the management server 8 includes a CPU 81, a memory 82, and a storage 83.
, An interface (IF) 84, an input unit 85, a display unit 86, and the like.

The print processing system 1 is a system for printing an image having contents designated by a user operating the PC 6 on a designated print medium. As an image to be printed,
There are various types such as a text image created by document creation software, a graphic image formed by drawing software, a photograph taken by a digital camera, and an image read by a scanner. Hereinafter, such a data file representing an image to be printed is referred to as an “image file”. Also, the print media can be a combination of materials (paper, resin film, cloth, etc.), optical properties (color, transparency, glossiness, etc.) and forms (sheet-fed, roll-shaped, three-dimensional molded products, etc.) There are various things.

One method of causing the printer 6 to execute printing from the PC 6 is a method of transmitting an image file to the printer 7 via a printer driver mounted on the PC 6. Since such a method is publicly known, the description thereof is omitted here. Other ways to perform printing include:
There is a printing method via a hot folder.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an outline of printing processing using a hot folder. As shown in FIG. 2, the storage 83 of the management server 8 is provided with a hot folder 830 open to each PC 6 (via the LAN line 5). A plurality of hot folders 830 may be provided. An image file instructed to be printed by the user of the PC 6 is transmitted from each PC 6 to the hot folder 830.

The storage 83 of the management server 8 stores and saves a print setting file 831 in which setting information related to print settings associated with the hot folder 830 is recorded. Examples of print settings include those related to the printer and print medium used when finally executing printing, those related to image quality and print color, and those related to the print direction. When a plurality of hot folders are provided, the print setting file 831 stores setting information regarding each hot folder. Alternatively, a print setting file is created for each hot folder.

The management server 8 executes data processing to which the print settings stored in the print setting file 831 are applied to the image file stored in the hot folder 830 to generate job data, and transmits the job data to the printer 7 as a print job. . The printer 7 processes the print job and executes printing, thereby printing an image corresponding to the image file.

Each PC 6 can execute other processes after storing the image file in the hot folder 830. In addition, since the print settings applied to the image file stored in the hot folder 830 are stored in the print setting file 831 corresponding to the hot folder 830, the user does not need to make a new setting. For this reason, P
The operating rate of C6 can be improved.

The management server 8 adjusts the execution order of the print jobs for the image files stored in the hot folder 830 from each PC 6, and collects a plurality of image files into one print job, thereby operating the printer 7. Can be improved. For example, since the time required for creating job data differs depending on the image file, the operation order of the printer 7 can be improved and the overall processing time can be shortened by appropriately changing the processing order regardless of the order in which the image files are stored. It may be possible to plan. In addition, by collectively processing a plurality of image files having common print settings into one print job, it may be possible to improve the operation rate of the printer 7 by eliminating the non-operation time between print jobs.

For this purpose, job management software 811 is installed in the management server 8.
More specifically, the job management software 811 is realized by the CPU 81 executing a control program stored in the storage 83 in advance. Job management software 8
11 creates job data based on one or more image files stored in the hot folder 830 from the PC 6 and setting information stored in the print setting file. Also,
The job management software 811 can edit the contents of the print setting file 831 and change the print settings associated with the hot folder 830.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining printing processing using a hot folder in more detail. As shown in FIG. 3, the PC 6 includes image editing software 6 for creating and editing an image to be printed.
11 is mounted and executed by the CPU 61. When a user who desires to print an image selects an item corresponding to “print output” from a menu item of the image editing software 611, an output device selection screen shown in FIG. 4 is displayed.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an output device selection screen. In the output device selection screen Ia, P
In C6, an output device registered in advance as a print output target is displayed. If multiple output devices are registered, they are listed. In this example, there are three types of printers (printers 1 to 3) and two types of hot folders (hot folder 1).
, 2) are shown in icon form simulating the appearance of the printer. Instead,
A mode in which a list of output devices is displayed or a mode in which a list of output devices is displayed may be used.

When the user selects one of the printers as an output device, the printer driver corresponding to the printer is activated on the PC 6, and the image file is delivered to the printer driver. A user interface screen unique to the printer driver is displayed on the display unit 66 of the PC 6, and the user can perform various settings for printing and input a print instruction via the user interface screen. The image file is processed by the printer driver as necessary.

On the other hand, when the user selects one of the hot folders as the output device, P
In C6, the virtual printer driver corresponding to the hot folder is activated. This virtual printer driver provides a user interface environment for allowing a user who uses a hot folder to operate the hot folder with an operational feeling similar to that of a printer.

The selection of the hot folder 830 as the output destination of the image file can be selected from the device list as described above, for example, as follows.
That is, an icon representing the hot folder 830 is displayed on the display unit 66 of the PC 6 operated by the user, and the hot folder 830 is used as the output destination of the image file by the user dragging and dropping the image file onto the icon. It can be considered as selected.

Returning to FIG. 3, a more specific description will be given. Hot folder 830 as the output destination device
Is selected, the virtual printer driver 612 is activated on the PC 6, and the image file is transferred from the image editing software 611 to the virtual printer driver 612. The virtual printer driver 612 loads a program stored in advance in the storage 63 to the CPU 6.
1 is realized by executing. The user can make various settings and print instructions via a user interface screen provided by the virtual printer driver 612.
The image file is processed by the virtual printer driver 612 as necessary. These procedures are the same as when a printer is selected as the output destination.

However, the image file processed by the virtual printer driver 612 is transmitted not to the printer but to the management server 8 and stored in the hot folder 830 on the management server 8. The setting information stored in the print setting file 831 on the management server 8 is reflected on the user interface screen provided by the virtual printer driver 612. Specifically, it is as follows.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the virtual printer driver. When the user designates the hot folder 830 as the output destination of the image file, the processing shown in FIG.
61 is executed. That is, the virtual printer driver 612 is activated (step S101), and the virtual printer driver 612 acquires setting information regarding the specified hot folder 830 from the print setting file 831 of the management server 8 (step S102).

Based on the acquired setting information, multiple types of print parameters are divided into items that the user can select from multiple values and items that cannot be selected from multiple values and that cannot be changed by the user. (Step S103). Specifically, the hot folder 830 among the print parameters that can be set in the printer model specified in the setting information.
For items in which it is grasped from the setting information that the setting value has already been determined in association with, the selection of other values is restricted and the setting is prohibited from being allowed to be changed by the user.
On the other hand, a print parameter for which a set value has not been determined, or a provisional value is set and allowed to be changed is set as a setting permission item.

A user interface (UI) screen in which the setting permission item and the setting prohibition item thus determined are distinguished is displayed on the display unit 66 (step S104). As the user interface screen, basically, the same user interface screen as that provided by the printer driver of the printer specified by the setting information can be used. However, the display mode of each print parameter is different between the above-described setting permission item and the setting prohibition item so that it is possible to easily identify whether the change is permitted or not by visually recognizing the screen. .

6 and 7 show examples of user interface screens. FIG. 6 shows an example of the screen Ib when “hot folder 1” is selected as the output destination of the image file. In the setting information acquired from the print setting file 831, it is assumed that “printer 1” is designated as the printer that prints the image file stored in the hot folder 1.
In the printer 1, “Media type”, “Image quality setting”, “Color correction”, “Media size”,
The image Ib shows that print parameters such as “print direction” and “number of copies” are prepared. The user can set these print parameters by operating an input device, for example, a mouse, provided in the input unit 65 of the PC 6.

In addition, the user interface screen Ib includes an operation button for displaying the status of the printer, an operation button for performing special print settings, and “
Buttons that can be operated by the user such as “OK” and “Cancel” buttons are arranged.

Among the print parameters, “media type”, “media size”, and “print direction” are so-called grayed out in a light character color. This indicates that these print parameters are set in advance by setting information, and are setting prohibition items that the user cannot change to other values. In other words, “Hot Folder 1” fixes “Media Type”, “Media Size”, and “Print Direction” to specialize the operation of “Printer 1” to the print processing specified by these setting values. Is. When print jobs having different media types and sizes are mixed, the operation rate of the printer 7 may be lowered. By providing a hot folder specialized for print processing with these conditions fixed, it is possible to increase the operating rate of the printer 7 and efficiently process a print job.

The user is allowed to set print parameters such as “image quality setting” and “color correction”. These are parameters required when creating job data, and do not directly affect the operating rate of a printer that executes a print job based on the created job data. Therefore, setting by the user is allowed.

FIG. 7 shows screen I when “hot folder 2” is selected as the output destination of the image file.
This is an example of c. In the setting information acquired from the print setting file 831, it is assumed that “printer 2” is designated as the printer that prints the image file stored in the hot folder 2. For printer 2, “Media type”, “Image quality setting”, “Color correction”
, Printing parameters such as “media size”, “printing direction”, and “number of copies” are prepared.
Among these, “image quality setting” and “color correction” are grayed out, and these are set prohibition items.

As described above, when a hot folder is selected as the output destination of the image file, the print parameters related to the hot folder include user interface screens Ib and Ic including those for which user settings are permitted and those for which user settings are prohibited. It is displayed on the display unit 66. The user can check the setting values of each print parameter from the display on the user interface screen, and can set the permitted items via the user interface screen. As described above, since the print parameter setting status can be confirmed, the user can make settings by predicting the instructed print finish. In addition, the print parameters whose settings are fixed in association with the hot folder are displayed in a manner distinguishable from the print parameters permitted for user settings. Therefore, the user can also estimate what purpose the hot folder is installed. Therefore, it can be determined whether or not the hot folder is appropriate as an output destination of the image file.

As the user interface screen corresponding to the hot folder, a screen configuration common to the user interface screen provided by the printer driver of the printer corresponding to the hot folder is used. As a result, the user can treat the hot folder as if it is a printer in which some print parameters are set in advance. Therefore, a hot folder can be used with the same operational feeling as when a printer is directly specified as an output destination of an image file. For print parameters whose setting values are fixed in advance, it is not necessary to set them each time printing is performed, so the user can obtain print results more easily than specifying the printer directly, except for printing under special conditions. is there.

For the print processing system 1 and its administrator, a plurality of image files having the same print settings are collected in one hot folder, so that it is possible to efficiently perform printing by sharing the processing for them. . In addition, since user settings that do not match the print settings associated with the hot folder in advance are prohibited, it is possible to prevent printing mistakes due to missing or overlapping data processing in the job data creation process.

Returning to FIG. 5, the description of the operation of the virtual printer driver 612 is continued. Step S104
When the user interface screen is displayed, the system waits until an operation input is received from the user (step S105). When there is an operation input from the user, if it is a setting change for the setting permission item (YES in step S106)
The set value is changed according to the operation (step S107). Operations for prohibited items (
NO in step S106 is not accepted.

Steps S105 to S105 are performed until the “OK” or “Cancel” button displayed on the user interface screen is operated to complete the setting operation (Steps S108 and S109).
S107 is repeatedly executed. When the “OK” button is operated, the setting contents at that time are determined. The virtual printer driver 612 processes the image file if necessary according to the print parameter setting result set on the user interface screen (step S110), and transmits the processed image file to the management server 8 ( Step S
111), the process is terminated. The image file is stored in the hot folder 830. On the other hand, when the “Cancel” button is operated, the setting made on the user interface screen is canceled, the setting value is returned to the original setting value, and the process ends (step S112).
.

In the above processing, image file processing is performed in the virtual printer driver 612 on the PC 6, and the processed image file is stored in the hot folder 830. In this case, the image file stored in the hot folder 830 has been subjected to data processing for reflecting print settings unique to the image file. Therefore, the management server 8 can create job data by performing uniform data processing on the image files in the hot folder 830 by the job management software 811. On the other hand, as will be described below, the management server 8 can execute data processing for reflecting print settings unique to an image file.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another aspect regarding storage of an image file. In this aspect, steps S110 and S111 in the operation of the virtual printer driver 612 shown in FIG. 5 are replaced with steps S110a and S111a shown in FIG. 8, respectively. Except for this point, the operation of the virtual printer driver 612 is common. In this aspect, when the “OK” button is operated on the user interface screen, an additional setting file that records the setting values of the print parameters set on the PC 6 side is created based on the setting contents at that time (step S1).
10a). The file name of the additional setting file is set so that the corresponding image file can be specified.

Then, the image file and the additional setting file are transmitted to the management server 8 (step S
111a) and stored in the hot folder 830. The job management software 811 of the management server 8 creates an image file reflecting the print settings by performing data processing related to the print settings unique to each image file based on the additional setting file. After that,
Similar to the above aspect, job data can be created by uniform data processing.
When the management server 8 has sufficient processing capability, the processing load on the PC 6 can be reduced by adopting this mode.

As described above, in the above embodiment, the storage 83 of the management server 8 functions as the “data storage unit” and the “setting information holding unit” of the present invention. The hot folder 830 installed in the storage 83 corresponds to the “data folder” of the present invention. The management server 8 functions as “print management means” of the present invention. Further, the printer 7 functions as a “print processing unit” of the invention. Further, the PC 6, particularly the input unit 65, the display unit 66, and the virtual printer driver 612 function as a “user interface unit” of the present invention. Further, the job management software 811 and the CPU 81 executing the job management software 811 have a function as “job creation means”.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made to the above-described one without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the print processing system 1 of the above embodiment includes the management server 8 in which the hot folder 830 is installed, but the present invention can be realized as a print processing system that does not include a dedicated management server.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an overview of a print processing system that does not include a management server. In the print processing system 1a, a hot folder is installed in the PC 6 in the system. In FIG. 9, the reference numeral 6 a is attached to the PC in which the hot folder is installed to distinguish it from other PCs 6. In addition, the same components as those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

In addition to the image editing software 611 and the virtual printer driver 612, the PC 6a includes job management software 811 implemented in the management server 8 in the above embodiment.
Equivalent job management software 613 is installed. The storage 63 of the PC 6a
The hot folder 630 and the print setting file 631 are installed so as to be accessible from another PC 6 on the network. The functions of the hot folder 630 and the print setting file 631 are the same as those of the hot folder 830 and the print setting file 831 in the above embodiment, respectively.

When the hot folder 630 is designated as the output destination of the image file in the PC 6a, the setting information recorded in the print setting file 631 is read, and a user interface screen similar to that in the above embodiment is constructed. The image file that has undergone user settings and has undergone necessary processing is stored in the hot folder 630. Even when the hot folder 630 is designated as an image file output destination in another PC 6 on the network, the setting information recorded in the print setting file 631 is read out, and the same user interface screen as in the above embodiment is displayed on the PC 6. Built on top. The image file that has undergone user settings on the PC 6 and has undergone necessary processing is stored in a hot folder 630 on the PC 6a.

The PC 6a executes the job management software 613, thereby realizing the same function as the management server 8 in the above embodiment. That is, job data is created based on the image file stored in the hot folder 630 and the setting information recorded in the print setting file 631, and is transmitted to the printer 7 as a print job. An image is printed when the printer 7 executes a print job.

In this way, it is possible to make a part of the PC 6 in the network have the same function as the management server without providing a dedicated management server. However, in this case, the processing load on the PC 6a in which the hot folder is installed increases. It is possible to reduce the burden by distributing a plurality of hot folders on a plurality of PCs. Further, each PC 6 on the network may have a unique hot folder. In this case, the processing load on each PC 6 is reduced and the operating rate is improved, but a large number of hot folders with different settings function individually on the network, so that print jobs are not aggregated, resulting in the operation of the printer 7. It may not necessarily lead to an increase in rate.

In such an embodiment, in addition to the PC 6a having the function as the “user interface unit” of the present invention, the storage 63 functioning as the “data storage unit” and the “setting information holding unit” of the present invention is also included. Will have. The job management software 613 and the CPU 61 that executes the software function as the “job creation unit” of the present invention. That is, the PC 6a in this aspect functions as the “print management apparatus” of the present invention.

In the above embodiment, the hot folder 830 and the print setting file 831 associated therewith are placed in the storage 83 of the management server 8, but the present invention is not limited to such a mode. For example, the hot folder and the print setting file may be placed at different positions on the network. For example, one of them may be installed in the printer 7. In addition, the print setting file may be stored in a hot folder. Further, the setting information does not exist as an independent file, and may be incorporated in, for example, job management software.

In the above embodiment, when the hot folder 830 is designated as the output destination of the image file, the PC 6 acquires the setting information from the print setting file 831. However, each of the PCs 6 stores the read setting information and when necessary. The mode to be used may be used. In this case, a function for notifying each PC 6 when the setting information is changed on the management server 8 or a function for checking the difference in setting information between the PC 6 and the management server 8 is separately provided. It is desirable to be provided.

The PC 6 of the above embodiment is equipped with image editing software 611 for creating and editing an image file. However, the “user interface means” of the present invention does not have a function of editing an image file. Also good. For example, the image file created by other PC etc. may be received and delivered to the hot folder.

In the above embodiment, the user interface screen displayed when a hot folder is specified as the output destination of the image file is the same as the user interface screen provided by the printer driver of the printer associated with the hot folder. It is said. This is intended to give the user a similar operational feeling when a hot folder is specified and when a printer is directly specified, but the configuration of the user interface screen is not limited to this and is arbitrary. .

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Print processing system, 6 ... PC (user interface means), 6a ... PC
(User interface means, print management device), 7 ... Printer (print processing means)
8, management server (print management means), 63, 83 ... storage (data storage means,
(Setting information holding means), 611 ... image editing software, 612 ... virtual printer driver, 630, 830 ... hot folder (data folder), 831 ... print setting file

Claims (10)

Data storage means provided with a data folder capable of storing image files;
Setting information holding means for holding setting information related to a predetermined print setting in association with the data folder;
Print processing means for processing a print job based on the one or more image files stored in the data folder and the print settings associated with the data folder;
User interface means for receiving instruction inputs,
The user interface means acquires the setting information from the setting information holding means, and displays a print parameter in which selection of values is regulated by the setting information and a print parameter selectable from a plurality of values. The print processing system that accepts the setting of the selectable print parameter via the data, and stores the data in which the accepted setting result is associated with the image file in the data folder. The print processing system according to claim 1, wherein the user interface unit stores the image file reflecting the setting result in the data folder. The print processing system according to claim 1, wherein the user interface unit stores the image file and a file including information on the setting result in the data folder. On the user interface screen, the print parameters whose value selection is restricted by the setting information and the print parameters that can be selected from a plurality of values are displayed on the same user interface screen in a manner distinguishable from each other. The print processing system according to claim 1. The user interface means displays the user interface screen in response to an instruction input for designating an output destination of the image file in the data folder.
5. The printing processing system according to any one of 4 to 4. 6. The print processing system according to claim 1, wherein the data storage unit accepts the image file from a plurality of the user interface units. The print processing system according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the data folders having different print settings are provided. The print management unit according to claim 1, further comprising: a print management unit that generates a print job based on one or a plurality of image files stored in the data folder and the print setting associated with the data folder and supplies the print job to the print processing unit. The print processing system according to any one of the above. Data storage means provided with a data folder capable of storing image files;
Setting information holding means for holding setting information related to a predetermined print setting in association with the data folder;
Job creation means for creating a print job based on one or more image files stored in the data folder and the print settings associated with the data folder;
User interface means for storing the image file in the data folder in response to an instruction input,
The user interface means acquires the setting information from the setting information holding means, and displays a print parameter in which selection of values is regulated by the setting information and a print parameter selectable from a plurality of values. A print management apparatus that accepts the setting of the selectable print parameter via the, and stores data in which the accepted setting result is associated with the image file in the data folder. In a print processing method for processing a print job based on one or more image files stored in a predetermined data folder and print settings associated with the data folder,
Receiving an instruction input for storing the image file in the data folder;
Obtain setting information about the print settings;
Accepting the setting of the selectable print parameter via a user interface screen that displays a print parameter whose value is regulated by the setting information and a print parameter that can be selected from a plurality of values,
A print processing method for storing data in which the received setting result is associated with the image file in the data folder.

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